Friday, September 16, 2011 Finally we awaken to no evidence of frost. However, it is still cold and provides us with incentive to move along. Another breakfast of oatmeal and we are paddling by 10:30AM. My partner may be hurting but her mind is still in the trip as she makes two astute observations; First, we haven’t seen a soul in over 24 hours and we are on a very popular route. Where is everyone? I laugh it off as a weather thing and note how freezing temps, sleet and snow cause a lot of people to reconsider tripping plans. Secondly, we have not as of yet seen a large animal and this would be a first as we have had a lot of luck in this regard with multiple moose, bear and one wolf sighting while in the BWCA. We continue on through Lower George, (where is Upper George?) to Rib Lake (that is one tough take out at Lower George in low water). We paddle up the entire way through Rib Lake (very pretty), the wind is there but behaving overall, the sun is out and you can feel it, things just feel better. I then remark to my Partner that it is now odd that we have seen no one coming in, or leaving for that matter, as we are not tough to pass.

Another dock crib.

Resting before getting to Cross Bay Lake.

I know there were a number of permits issued as I had to keep checking permits as our entry date changed due to medical appointments. Where could everyone be? As we got to the end of the portage to Cross Bay Lake we saw that the last site on Cross Bay Lake was most likely available. We paddled over to confirm and yes it was free and open to us. It is a neat site with a number of rock levels and a good tent pad. We claim it for the night. No rain forecast for tonight or tomorrow so no tarp needs to be set up. We have camp set up and then have Richmore’s Stroganoff and Beef for dinner, it a good meal. My Bow Partner takes a walk to one of the rock outcroppings while I busy myself with hanging the food bag. She calls me over as she hears a commotion in the woods to the North. Low and behold doesn’t a big racked bull moose emerge, swims by our camp (75 yards) and promptly gets out and walks very noisily into the woods. We could hear him minutes later; he wasn’t running or sneaking up on anything, it was his home, his backyard. Just awesome. Unfortunately not enough light for a good photograph to be taken and shared. Another warming fire was enjoyed tonight and a special day it has become due to our last minute visitor. We note the clarity and sheer numbers of stars and then are quietly off to bed.

Sunset on Cross Bay Lake.

Stayin warm on Cross Bay Lake