Trip summary
This was a memorable trip in beautiful country. The loop was “portage heavy”, but worth every rod. Portions of the trip presented a remote feel. The country from Little Loon to Pocket was basically ours. The lakes were small and the shorelines presented unique scenery. The only distraction from the solitude and remoteness of the area was the noise from the Seaplane anchorage on the Canadian side of Lac La Croix. I am glad we elected to do the loop clockwise rather than counter clockwise. On a clockwise loop, the motorized section was behind us on Day 1.
Water levels were high and this made some portages unnecessary. Slim lake was the winner in terms of her beauty. Bugs were non existent, and we only had 3 encounters with ticks. We did not do well with fishing, and we blame that on unsettled weather and not on our “superb” fishing abilities. There were several nice rapids on the Little Indian Sioux and they provide great photo opportunities.
Our most picturesque camps were on Ge-be-on-e-quet and Emerald Lakes. Portage trails were well maintained, and it is difficult to say which trail caused the most pain. Portages are relative to the day, the state of mind, the weather, and a host of other vagaries. But, if I had to name one portage that caused a burn, then it would be the portage into Steep Lake. As the name implies, it is on the steep side.