Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Jigsaw Lake

7 miles 3 portages 1450 meters

I wake up to a light rain so sleep in a little. Once it stops I am up and on the way. The 575 meter portage out of Cyclops was not an easy one, at least at the start. The steep rocks were slippery to get up on without a load, with a load it was dangerous. I had to drop the canoe and pull it up over the steepest parts. Haven Lake is beautiful Lake, lots of islands, the east side burned in 2009. It looks like a good lake to lay over on and fish walleyes. My plan is to head to Jigsaw Lake and spend some time there. It burned in 2009 as well, part of a very large fire and the Jack Pines were coming back strong. The portages into Gulch and Jigsaw were over the rocks and through the Jack Pines. It was like walking through a Christmas tree farm with some scenic vistas. I really enjoy these portages. Some shy away for burn areas but I like seeing the regeneration. Jigsaw Lake is a puzzle of islands. It is a real maze to work your way through it. It had one useable campsite and it is a nice one. It looks like the cold air is battling the warm air today and there are some tall Cumulonimbus clouds brewing. I take advantage of a light shower to get a nap in. When I wake up the sun is out and a nice breeze is blowing. I fish a little from shore and catch a small walleye but I am not able to catch another one. There is lots of good wood so I have a nice fire along with supper and an enjoyable evening. The loons are very vocal and there is a Bluebill chasing a hen around in some every acrobatic moves. They fly within feet of me as if I was not there. Solitude at its best.

The portage between Gulch and Jigsaw
Portaging the rocks
Jacks sprouting everywhere
Jigsaw Lake cliffs
Jigsaw Lake Campsite
Jigsaw Lake Walleye
Evening Campfire, listening to the Loons