About June 10th I decided I just had to have a Boundary Waters trip soon, much sooner than my scheduled July 31st trip. I checked my calendar, talked to my boss (both at home and at work) and decided I could take off work June 26, 27, & 28. With the weekend before, I’d have 5 days.

Jim Balow and I work for the same company. I see him pretty often and we have gotten to know each other through canoe activities like the CCBB Upper Iowa Rendezvous. We even have done a trip together in the BW with others from the CCBB. We have never done one with just the two of us.

I figured I’d mention my plans to him without much hope that he’d be able to go. It was less than two weeks away and I did not have a permit and had done no planning. He jumped at it!! In fact he immediately pushed back, “But let’s go for the entire week!” I was able to beg off the additional two days.

Jim wanted to do the Sawbill area, which was fine with me. I hadn’t been there in 13 years. We checked on permit availability and wound up getting a Bakers Lake permit for Sunday, June 25th.

We agreed that we would each paddle our own canoe but would travel and camp together. We would be double portaging. We agreed we were not trying to set any records and would take our time, both paddling and portaging. We would check out campsites, explore bays, drift sometimes, etc. A relaxing trip was the goal.

Jim did the food – planned, bought and prepared. He did a great job. Breakfast was always brown sugar and maple oatmeal; and hot chocolate for Jim and Folgers Coffee bag for me. Lunch was always GORP-type stuff and granola bars. Supper a one-pot meal – chili one night, two nights of burger-based side dish and two of chicken-based side dish (foil packed chicken and dehydrated hamburger).

That was about it for the planning.

I took a few cryptic notes during the trip and wrote this report from it. I also went to the “Sawbill Weather History” from the Sawbill Outfitters website and added that info to this report. I’m not too sure how accurate it is. Temperatures sure seemed hotter than what they have recorded and I’m sure we got more rain than what they had.

A beautiful, quiet, crisp morning greeted us as we emerged from the cozy confines of our Hilleberg tent. Ova-easy eggs, supplemented by rehydrated onions & peppers, provide our breakfast fare. We are in no hurry but, eventually we load up and head out for some relaxing exploration.

Over the years I’d repeatedly heard/read about the splendid attributes of the camp just across the way from our island home. So the first order of business was to paddle over and check and see what all the fuss was about.

There’s a decent landing that leads up to a sprawling expansive site that also offers a top notch kitchen area. Literally, there would be room for 20 people! (If that were legal) It was an absolutely gorgeous site; yet we remained thankful for having claimed ours yesterday, as this one was slightly exposed and wouldn’t have offered the degree of protection we received from yesterday’s strong winds. After our cursory evaluation, we proceeded northwards up the bay to hike the portage trail to Big Moose Lake.

This trail was perhaps the dominate reason why we chose this area for our fall trip. Our last foray across this path led to the creation of many indelible memories that served to draw us back for another look see. Not the least of which was the iconic (at least for us) photo Vickie took of Aurora & I while taking a break along the way.

This time Aurora would be getting herself across the trail. In fact, she insisted on leading the way much of the time. I was also able to better appreciate the surrounding beauty, since this time I was able to leave my canoe helmet behind. Once again there was several rock cairns & unique fungi garnishing the path, and the deciduous trees were beginning to sport their colorful seasonal plumage as we hiked our way across this mammoth portage. I even noted a nice stand of impressive red pines at about the half way point.

In due course, we did make it all the way to Big Moose Lake. While enjoying a snack, we sat on the shores fondly reminiscing and telling Aurora stories of our visit here 4 years ago.

Alas, all good things must end. So, after kicking back and restfully lounging awhile here at the landing, we retraced our route back, once again taking time to fully enjoy and appreciate the wondrous wilderness environment we were passing through. Vickie hoped to capture another unforgettable photo of Aurora & me. I don’t know if it measures up to the picture from 4 years ago? But, I thought it was still a nice picture and certainly provokes warmhearted memories of yet another great day in canoe country.

Paddling back to camp, we noticed a bald eagle was perched atop a tree just north across the narrow channel from our site. That must have been its’ favorite spot, since we would see it there again on a few other occasions. It was reassuring to know we had someone watching over us during our stay here.

While Vickie baked some banana nut (Aurora’s favorite) muffins, Aurora kept herself occupied playing near the tarp; so, since the winds were considerably calmer tonight, I retreated to the hammock for a short siesta. Afterwards, we enjoyed the warmth of a quaint crackling campfire and the indulgence of fresh muffins before retiring for the evening.

Daily travels – 1 portage totaling 620 rods.

Cummings Lake, Big Moose Lake

As forecasted - a gray gloomy morning; that threatened rain, greeted us as we crawled out of the tent. Fortunately, the rain held off during breakfast and while we packed up. We donned our rain gear as we pushed off, heading west towards the Buck Lake portage.

The wind wasn’t a problem this morning but, none the less, we decided to stick close to the northern shoreline of Cummings Lake. Along the way there was an interesting large pointed rock out in the middle of the lake that drew our attention. Things went pretty well and as we approached our portage, I let Aurora take the helm for a short while. Of course she was just lily dipping but, she was very proud of her contribution and Vickie & I were equally proud of her as she begins to acquire the necessary skills to (one day) make a more significant contribution.

We had no trouble locating our portage, and there was an adequate landing from which to embark upon this lengthy 470 rod portage. As we trudged our way across, a large swamp was always in close proximity. The trail even crosses a few wet swampy areas along the way; which will likely create an additional challenge in wetter conditions. There were a few very minor ups and downs but, after factoring in the considerable length, quite honestly this trail couldn’t have realistically been much more level & free of troublesome rocks & roots. Although I will say there were an inordinately high number of downed trees across the path near the (very tall) grassy Buck Lake end, which could pose a more serious problem earlier in the year if the grass doesn’t get sufficiently trampled down.

Our strategy for this portage was to leap frog it. And, as with all portages on the trip, I would triple this one; so I had my work cut out for me. As I was wearily bringing our blue barrel (in a CCS barrel pack) ahead through the largest swampy section just past the mid-point on the trail, I heard what sounded like a tank moving through the woods in very close proximity to my present location . Instantly, I froze! While I have always considered gazing upon a moose in canoe country as a rarified blessing; encountering one (especially a rutting bull) here, up close and personal, in a swamp with nothing but glorified saplings for cover and our heaviest pack strapped to my back wasn’t an enviable situation. A thousand fuel injected scenarios raced through my mind as, mercifully, the sounds of snapping twigs & branches slowly faded. This was one time that I was thankful for NOT seeing a moose that I knew was there.

Needless to say, fueled by 100% pure adrenaline, I was able to catch up with Vickie & Aurora at the sandy beach landing on Buck Lake where Aurora was having a blast playing in the sand. I regaled them with the story of my recent escapades, telling Vickie I would go back and get her second pack on the other side of that swamp. So I actually wound up nearly quadrupling this portage! Later, as I jadedly sauntered back to the beach landing with the last load, I was told, in no uncertain terms, that it was time for my spanking. Some reward!!!

Actually, it was my birthday; and apparently, she was giving me my just deserves. Afterwards, as we loaded up, a light rain started up but, quit for good a short time later. We’d heard good things about the campsite down towards the SW end of the lake, so we paddled off in that direction with hopes of claiming it as our new home.

If there was going to be one lake along our route that I felt we’d most likely have completely to ourselves, I would’ve bet the farm that it was going to be Buck Lake. So, ironically, it was here where we would encounter the first other people we’d see on this trip - at our desired campsite. Having just paddled past the other vacant site on the lake, it wasn’t a totally disheartening discovery; so, I took the opportunity to throw a line out and let Aurora fish a little while we paddled back.

In short order she pulled in a smallish northern, then a decent eater sized walleye. While not quite the same as catching them all in one trip; these fish completed the canoe country grand slam (for this season) for our little fisher woman. Not bad for a 4 year old!

Of course Aurora now wanted to stay out and fish but, as it had all day, it looked like it could rain at any time and Vickie & I wanted to get camp setup before it did; so we pulled into the nearby mid lake site on the northern shore to do just that.

This campsite isn’t marked on many maps but, thanks to pre-trip research, we had known that it was there. There was a decent landing with a nice spot to stash the canoe. A short climb leads to a totally exposed fire grate that was out on an elevated rock knob. There was decent seating and good views in both directions down the lake. Of concern, the lone discernible tent pad was rather lumpy and (if used) left nowhere nearby for a respectable tarp setup. Although, after some further exploration, I found an exquisite tent pad; the problem was that it required a very steep climb up a fairly lengthy path. Subsequently after some short deliberation, we did use it; setting our tarp up over the other tent pad. Later, we discovered the trail to the latrine also entailed climbing a steep trail too. Still, this quaint site would ably serve us as our humble home for the next couple of nights.

Daily travels – 1 portage totaling 470 rods.

Cummings Lake, Buck Lake

High Temperature: 71

Low Temperature: 55

Barometric Pressure: 30.10

Relative Humidity 7AM: 90%

9 AM Temperature: 55

Moisture: .18"

Route: Layover Daytrips

Cherokee Lake

Portage 13 rods

Gordon Lake

Portage 28 rods

Long Island River

Portage 5 rods

Long Island River

Long Island Lake

Long Island River

Portage 5 rods

Long Island River

Portage 28 rods

Gordon Lake

Portage 140 rods

Unload lake

Portage (?) rods

Frost Lake

Portage (?) rods

Unload lake

Portage 140 rods

Gordon Lake

Portage 13 rods

Cherokee Lake

I slept in today until 7:30. It is a layover day. When I got up, the day was overcast and it was a little cool. We had breakfast and putzed around camp.

I set up the tarp differently at this camp. I now like my tarp again. The key is to set one end of the ridgeline high and the other low. The wings then make sense and add a lot of protection.

My tent is doing well, though dressing in it is a challenge.

At 10:00 a.m. we headed out for our daytrip. We were to Long Island Lake by noon. Single portaging is nice. We had lunch there and checked out some of the campsites. One looks like it hasn’t been used in quite awhile. It has an old-time fire grate – welded instead of cast. There is also an old coffee pot at the spot. Sand beach. Vegetation is in the camp very high. The site is very overgrown. There is a latrine so it appears to be a legal site. Poison Ivy? It doesn’t look like it to me, but maybe.

Old Fire Grate on Long Island Lake

We left Long Island Lake at 2:00 p.m. At 3:15 we were on the portage to Frost Lake. That is a tough portage. It is also buggy, the buggiest since the Baker Lake portage.

We explored Frost Lake and checked out some of the campsites. We stopped at the one by the long sand beach on the NE shore. The site has couches around the fire grate area. They are the typical log benches except with an additional layer creating a back. Benches you can lounge on.

Frost Lake Couches

We started back and it began to rain. By the time we reached the Gordon Lake end, about 5:30 p.m., it was a downpour complete with thunder and lightning.  Jim and I stood in the storm waiting it out. It is during this that I discover my raincoat isn’t waterproof. It is a Red Ledge that I bought as a raincoat but apparently it is something else. It looks like a raincoat but it is not waterproof. I was soaked.

By 6:30 the rain was only sprinkling and, so, we continued on. We made it to camp about 7:30. It was still raining. 

Jim doesn’t wear a watch. I do. He said, “Tell me when it’s 6:00 and I’ll start supper.” I responded, “It’s 8:00 now.”

We had chicken and noodle casserole. As always, it was great.

It sprinkled and dripped all night. We had a heck of a time getting a fire going. All the wood was soggy. I found myself wishing several times on this trip that I had brought my hatchet. Either big wood was left from previous campers that needed to be split, or, like today, we needed dry, inner wood. We finally got it going after Jim and I whittle away the outer wet wood of several pieces of firewood.

I went to bed about 11:30. Everything in my tent was dry. Ahhhh…. 

About midnight it started to rain again.

Sawbill must have had different weather than us. We certainly had much more (much, much more) than .18” of rain today.

We don’t get the earliest of starts today. Our first portage is just SE almost directly across the lake, still the tall shoreline grasses kept the landing well concealed until we were right on top of it. While the trail looks like a straight shot on our Voyageur map, there are more than a few twists & turns as the path follows the profile of the nearby swamp. It also felt like it was longer than the stated 80 rods. Perhaps the spooky feeling and all the boulders along the way contributed to that assessment?

On across Western Lake we paddled. There were some large boulders to avoid as we neared the landing to the Glenmore portage. This trail was slightly overgrown and chock full of hazardous boulders throughout much of its length. When the boulders did give way, the trail turned muddy & there was even a fairly long boardwalk that proved to be incredibly slick. As a consolation, there were a few impressive old growth pines along the way.

Unfortunately, Vickie tweaked her ankle on this portage. Our optimistic goal for the day was to make it all the way to Crab Lake. We still had several portages in front of us, including a 205 rod trail into Schlamn Lake. Concerned, I questioned Vickie about the wisdom of proceeding. She felt confident that she would be able to continue. Still I told her not to push it & force a worse situation; there were campsites on each of these lakes that almost certainly would be open. She quipped, “I’m not camping on this glorified beaver pond!” The point was well taken.

Providentially, after the initial climb out of Glenmore, our next portage was along a very user friendly trail. Only a short rocky area near the Schlamn end was the only cause for concern. And, finally, a spacious landing greeted us at the end.

With this portage now behind us, Aurora declared it was time for a potty break; so we paddled over to the lone Schlamn Lake site to take a brief reprieve from our travels.

It wasn’t much of a site but, it did serve our purpose and provided a panoramic perch from which to appreciate the tamarack bog across the lake as we enjoyed a snack.

Onward we pushed until we entered the creek. Our Voyageur maps show a portage here at the start of the creek but, we were able to paddle through without the slightest hindrance; and seen neither evidence nor reason for the portage.

A short while later, just after pulling over a small beaver dam, we did pull up to the 60 rod portage. It had a nice landing and the first leg of the trail was an excellent path. However, the trail then crosses the creek before continuing on. As I approached this obstacle (carrying our canoe), I instructed Aurora to wait for mommy before crossing.

I proceeded down the progressively worsening trail, finally reaching the weedy, mushy landing. Returning for my next load, I was mildly surprised that I didn’t cross paths with Vickie & Aurora. I brought this load across, and again didn’t see them. I figured they must’ve walked off in the woods to go potty. Going back across for my last load, I began calling their names as I went. No response! I brought this load to the other end doing the same (just yelling louder) and still got no response. At this point I became really concerned. It was a relatively short portage that essentially followed a creek its entire distance. My immediate thought was, “there’s no way they could’ve gotten lost.” So where were they?!?! I grabbed the whistle out of my PFD as I anxiously started back across the trail, looking for any evidence as to their whereabouts. I blew the whistle as loud as I could only stopping to listen for a reply. I made it all the back across, and still no sign of them! My mind was racing with indecorous thoughts now! I figured since I was here, I’d grab Vickie’s second load and go back across scanning the woods ever closer for anything unusual. Shortly after crossing the creek, I noticed a faint trail (with a couple of small boulders ominously stacked at the start) to the right, away from the creek. The trail soon opened up a bit. I dropped Vickie’s pack and began running down this trail, blowing my whistle. After awhile, the trail began to become excessively overgrown with large branches stretching across it, considerably slowing my progress. While initially excited about the discovery of this trail, I thought to myself, “There’s no way Vickie would have gone this far down the trail.” It was only a 60 rod portage, and I dare say I came at least that far since the fork. Besides, why would she stray away from the creek? They weren’t here either. In total disbelief, I started back anxiously pondering what to do next. By this time I had the portage trail committed to memory, and this fork of the trail was the only rational explanation of where they could’ve gone. So I did an about face and began blowing my whistle again. As I listened for a response, this time I heard a faint, though familiar voice call back. THANK GOD!

Indeed they’d taken this fork of the trail! Upon our reunion, Aurora was moved to tears and, it’s safe to say I certainly ran the gamut along the emotional roller coaster as well. I asked Vickie why she didn’t turn around when she started seeing all the branches across the trail. “Because I’ve seen you make it across trails like this before!” I suppose I could’ve taken her response as a compliment but, I began to interrogate her further. Then I stopped and realized all that really matters is - that they’re both here and both safe. While Vickie headed back to grab her pack, I took a moment to say a brief prayer of thanksgiving.

This trail must’ve been an old logging road that grouse hunters still use. While grateful for the joyous outcome, needless to say, this little escapade set us back. There was still one more portage to negotiate before reaching the next campsite on Lunetta Lake. Both of us readily agreed that if that site was open we’d claim it. We’d had enough adventure for one day! The last trail of the day was mostly flat but, a bit on the rocky side. Considering how long of a day it had been, it touched my heart with unspeakable gratitude when Aurora insisted on accompanying me back across the portage when she had no reason to do so other than to keep me company. Even though reaching the 5 star Little Crab Lake site would require no further portaging, we contentedly claimed the vacant 3 star site here on Lunetta Lake. A well deserved hearty beef stew supper was devoured after getting camp setup. And, for the first time in the last few nights, we were able to sit up and watch the stars light up the sky.

Daily travels – 5 portages totaling 600 rods.

Buck Lake, Western Lake, Glenmore Lake, Schlamn Lake, Lunetta Lake

While Vickie & Aurora tried their luck shore fishing, I cooked up some cinnamon fry bread (another Camp Chow entrée) for breakfast on this foggy morning. Once again, Vickie & I thought it was “OK” but, Aurora really liked it; continually munching on the leftovers throughout the morning.

After breakfast, Aurora volunteered to help me gather firewood. She insisted on bringing the dead logs back to camp once I cut them up. It was an incredibly rewarding experience for me to watch her eagerly take part in these traditional camp chores.

After we put up some wood, we decided to hit the water. In our pre-trip planning we had hoped to visit the chain of smaller lakes just to our south. But now, considering Vickie’s tender ankle and how portage rich & paddle deficient that area was, we decided to keep it simple and head for Little Crab Lake. Since we would be coming this way (fully loaded) tomorrow, this day trip also served as a reconnaissance mission. The bay leading to the creek was exceptionally weedy, and this condition persisted throughout the winding course of said creek. However, there were no beaver dams or any other serious impediments to contend with. Today, after a 3 day hiatus, the sun finally replaced the gray clouds. And as it rose into the late morning sky, the intensifying warmth enticed us to shed a few layers before we reached Little Crab Lake.

As we exited the creek, the lone campsite on Little Crab was located almost a directly straight east across the lake. We paddled over to check out the site we had hoped to reach last night before fate had stepped in. A reasonably decent landing led us up to an excellent fire grate area that had several large premium tent pads within eyeshot. All this was majestically canopied under a cathedral of large red pines, which naturally also offered a plush carpet of duff. This truly was a five star site.

According to Miron Heinselmans excellent book, “The Boundary Waters wilderness ecosystem”, the reason we have these excellent stands of red pines in this area of the BWCA is because of progressive logging practices used by Samuel A. Grahams (of the Oliver mining company) logging camps in the Crab Lake area approximately 100 years ago. Heinselman argues that if these practices had been employed in other areas that were logged (back then) in the current day BWCA, the second growth forests might also look very different than the vast areas of nearly pure aspen & birch.

We split up as we further explored this awesome site. Vickie soon happened upon a disturbing scene. Curious as to why someone would spackle the latrine with ‘mud’, she investigated further by peering down the hole. She let out a shriek and called me over. Apparently a pine marten had fallen down the opening and wasn’t able to extricate itself. Not sure how or why this happened but, the poor creature had very recently died down there. Vickie felt our delay yesterday was Gods way of keeping us from reaching this site and its horrific latrine. Needless to say, no one used the latrine during our stop.

After leaving this bazaar scene, we returned to our canoe and headed out to the lake to continue our exploration of this picturesque little lake. Of course Aurora wanted to try some fishing, so I got her line rigged up & out in the water. Fishing was slow & she only managed some tiny smallmouth bass. So, after a single exploratory circuit around the lake, we paddled back towards our camp on Lunetta Lake.

Once back on our home waters, we continued paddling around the lake to see what there was to see. The fall foliage displays were not yet in full explosion but, there was still the occasional radiant burst of color here and there. After our relaxing paddle we returned to camp to leisurely enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

Back in camp I retreated to the hammock to try and do some reading. Alas, there was a busy mouse that kept distracting me with its incessant to and fro, so eventually I decided to go pick away at the pile of unprocessed firewood that Aurora had hauled into camp earlier today.

Much like the Little Crab Lake site, our home here on Lunetta Lake was also blessed with a nice grove of mature red pines. These were located back away from the main kitchen area but, they still served to give this site that particular north woods feel. Another less enviable similarity was a less than stellar latrine. Thankfully this one couldn’t boast an animal carcass in the hole, but it was negatively affected by a fallen tree. When we arrived, it appeared someone had tried to resituate the seat. But this led to a severely slanted condition, which still resulted in an extremely uncomfortable condition. I ripped up the entire setup and reset the seat. I was able to get it level but, it was so high, even my long legs dangled when sitting. Still, it was significantly better than it was and, we made the best of this circumstance.

We had one last Camp Chow dessert to try tonight - it was their cheesecake. We even threw in some of our own rehydrated blueberries. All of us thought this one was off the charts, and will definitely be bringing this one along on future trips.

It was nice to finally have another evening where we could sit up and watch the stars pop out. Vickie had bought one of those packets that make a fire change colors. Don’t know how legal this was up here in canoe country? But, it proved to be an agreeable evening activity before Aurora went to bed.

Lunetta Lake, Little Crab Lake

Today was something of a staging effort, as we would travel across familiar territory to (hopefully) claim a campsite on Crab Lake near the portage to Burntside.

Our lone portage of the day was across the 20 rod Little Crab to Crab portage. Of course this one is virtually a wilderness highway. Still, it was inspiring to watch Aurora insist on doing what she could to help get all our gear across. It was a beautiful morning for a paddle, and good fortune was on our side today; as the campsite nearest the portage was open. Someone had put a fair amount of effort in creating a sizable rock dock as a landing here. As with many of the sites in this area, this one also boasted several nice red pines and the luxurious pine duff carpet that is usually associated with such trees. There’s was a great view, several top notch tent pads & even a nice pile of welcome wood.

Having had a short travel day afforded us the luxury of getting camp moved & re-setup very early. Crab Lake was bordering on mirror like conditions, so we took full advantage of these enviable paddling conditions. Initially, we were just going to stay in our arm of the lake and do some fishing. Fishing proved to be totally unproductive, so we ventured further out onto the lake. Rounding the western point, we paddled to the campsite located back in that arm of the lake.

I’d read that this was the best site on the lake but, I must admit, as we first pulled up I didn’t think it looked like much. My opinion changed dramatically as we began exploring this sprawling site. There were multiple large level tent pads, trails running in all directions & a nice little channel of shallow water with a sandy bottom separating it from the main land. And, as we had been doing all throughout this trip (regardless where we were), we scared up some grouse.

As we paddled back to camp, fishing was still dreadfully slow; but Aurora had already caught enough fish to make that aspect of the trip exceedingly memorable, so we took it with a grain of salt. Instead we took this opportunity to appreciate the ever increasing colors of autumn that were on display.

Once back in camp, we got a nice fire going before it got dark. Light rain showers intermittently interrupted us a few times but, eventually stopped for good. It was a peaceful evening and we sat up listening to the sounds of the forest & enjoying some more of Vickie’s freshly baked muffins. As we had each night of the trip, Aurora got a wilderness themed bedtime story read to her before she retired to the tent.

Daily travels – 1 portage totaling 20 rods.

Lunetta Lake, Little Crab Lake, Crab Lake

After a quick oatmeal breakfast, we loaded up and paddled the short distance over to our last portage of the trip.

We had scheduled to be picked up and towed back across Burntside Lake. So while we didn’t necessarily need to be in a hurry, we did have a definitive goal to achieve. Save for a large toad that Aurora & I watched hop across the trail, there were no surprises today. We even had our pickup timed about right, as Troy pulled up about 15 minutes before I brought our last load across. The clouds of early morning had moved on as we enjoyed a sunny ride across the big lake.

After getting everything transferred into our van, I erroneously took a right turn on the Van Vac road. Little did we know that this navigational faux pas would lead us to a momentous wildlife sighting? As we slowly rounded a curve in the road, a timber wolf casually trotted across the road right in front of us! It lingered in the brush on the other side of the road for a few moments. But, it slowly vanished into the woods before Vickie could dig her camera out. This was only the second time I’d ever seen a timber wolf in the wild, and the first time for Vickie & Aurora. So, even though this detour caused us delay, we all felt it was well worth it.

Once we got back on track, we eventually did make it back to Ely and grabbed drinks & burgers at the Ely Steakhouse. From there, it was just a matter of putting miles behind us until we got home.

This was certainly a portage rich adventure. A few days after we gotten back home, Vickie sat down with the Voyageur map & a calculator. Of course it would be impossible to get an exact number for the entire trip; but, in just calculating the portage lengths and multiple trips across, Vickie figured she had walked about 24 miles, and, I had trekked about 35.5! While there were certainly moments of fatigued exhaustion, it certainly didn’t seem like we’d covered that much ground. I guess when a person’s doing what they love, it easy to lose oneself in the moment.

Personally, I derive varying degrees of pleasure from virtually all aspects of canoe country travel; fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking etc. But, what keeps me coming back year after year is the unfailing attainment of an evocative spiritual connection due to the reasonably easily attainable solitude that splendidly enhances each and every experience.

All our traveling paid off handsomely in the way of achieving the solitude we were seeking. Besides the aforementioned occupied site on Buck Lake, the only other people (or evidence thereof) we’d seen were 2 separate soloists on Lunetta Lake on Saturday. So, it should go without saying, this adventure provided an idyllic backdrop for attainment of those spiritual treasures. Having a spouse and child along to share these wonderful experiences, instantly catapults a trip like this into the stratosphere of heavenly memories.

Daily travels - 1 portage totaling 340 rods.

Crab Lake, Burntside Lake