Friday, August 05, 2011 We left Minn via the Darky River outlet at the northend of the lake. You can take the portage or make the trip a bit more interesting by lining down 6 or 7 sets of rapids in the 1/4 mile where the river drops to Lac La Croix. Looking back, it would have been more efficient doing the portage but the water was warm and the river route was a challenge. We were wet from walking the canoes down the rapids, but not hot anymore.

The Darky River dumps into the head of Marten Bay on Lac La Croix. Our plan was to take the channel that connects Marten Bay to the Maligne River and camp at either Lou or Bell Island. We got to the channel and climbed the rather substantial beaver dam to scout out the route. The other side of the beaver dam revealed very low water and mud. It was quickly decided we would forego the Maligne River route and stick with Marten bay.

For those of you not familiar with Marten Bay, it is long, straight, and non-descript. There are no campsites along its low shorelines. We did encounter two otters but other than that, it was a long uneventful paddle. We looked for campsites as we entered into the big part of the lake at Eastbend Island but there really are none that are acceptable. We continued on to the NW and resigned ourselves to continue to the ranger station since no acceptable sites were found and the light wind meant the required big water crossing would be easy.

We got to the ranger station a few minutes after 2pm. Remember, our vehicle is locked into a secure area so we bust our butts to get to the station before 4:30 (posted office hours). We arrive to find the place locked and no one around. We assumed the ranger was on an errand and would be back shortly. 4:30 rolls around and still no one. At 5pm I walked the mile and 1/4 to the village to find someone who can find someone who can tell me how to contact the ranger. As it ends up, we spend the night on the station grounds. I did talk to park headquarters about this and they were very understanding regarding my frustration. We departed Saturday morning after 8 nights in the park.