Gray gloomy clouds once again dominated the morning skies, and did little to motivate us as we lazily ate our blueberry pancake breakfast. (We’d dehydrated some blueberries that we had picked on our July trip to Saganaga Lake). For the second day in a row it looked like it wanted to rain throughout the afternoon. Fortunately no discernible precipitation ever materialized, although everything was saturated from the heavy morning dew. Eventually we would get our act together and got loaded up for our daytrip to Pine Lake.

The portage to Chad Lake was located on the north shore running along the SW side of a large rock outcropping. This trail wasn’t nearly as long as yesterdays trek but, was certainly more technically difficult. While there were no big hills, troublesome rocks & roots plagued this twisting path for the duration of its length. However – they paled in comparison to the boulders located in the charming dried out creek bed that paralleled the mid section.

Chad Lake offered a more expansive feel than Buck Lake and the islands on the western end splendidly enhanced an already eye-catching body of water. As we approached the portage to Pine Creek, a lone snow goose patrolling the shoreline waters provided an unusual (though up close) wildlife sighting. No sooner did we get started portaging, when we ran into a beaver pond that we needed to paddle across. It was quite muddy on the other side but, the trail soon climbs up to firmer footholds. This trail was much the same as our previous portage, with the addition of several muddy sections. Near the Pine creek end there is a nice overlook before the trail drops down to a mushy landing.

Shortly after beginning our paddle to Pine Lake, I decided to take a picture. While verifying the image was acceptable, I also took note of the time. Coupling that information with how long it took us to get here & how far we had yet to go (then multiplying it by 2 for the trip back), I conservatively deduced that we wouldn’t make it back to camp on Buck Lake until nearly sunset tonight. Knowing tomorrow would likely be a long day of portaging, we made the on the fly decision to cut our day trip short and return to Chad Lake to try some fishing and eat our trail dinner there. A reasonably early return to camp; as well as affording us the opportunity to further enjoy the picturesque amenities that Chad Lake offered, was thus insured.

As we paddled through the islands (in route to the campsite near the portage to Buck Lake), I got Aurora setup to fish. Soon she gleefully informed me that she had one! It was a decent sized bass that treated her to a classic battle that they are famous for. To date, it was the largest bass she’d ever caught. The reason I mention it is because, in the future, I don’t know how often she will be able to honestly claim to have caught her personal bests of 3 separate species of fish on the same trip. Beyond the self serving facet of catching these fish, in my opinion, the most important aspect was that she was totally enjoying herself while doing so. I think it’s safe to say she’s now ‘hooked’ on this outdoor activity. The seeds we planted this spring had taken root and really began to sprout here on this trip.

She merrily continued fishing until we pulled up to the campsite. This was a slightly exposed site with a couple decent tent pads and a great view of the lake. There was even a nice point that looked like a promising pier from which to do some shore fishing. Vickie got dinner going while I brought Aurora back to the potty train.

After finishing our chicken alfredo dinner, we loaded up and proceeded back to Buck Lake. Once there, much to Auroras delight, we resumed fishing. As we paddled back to camp, she caught & released a few eater sized walleyes. With a hint of arrogance, she informed Vickie & me that she had caught more fish than either of us. This, of course, signaled her completion of the final prerequisite; having now graduated into a truly savvy angler. Once back at camp we dried out a bit & enjoyed the quiet peacefulness this evening provided. We also tried out the dehydrated rice pudding (Camp Chow from Trail Center) dessert we’d brought along. Aurora didn’t care for it and Vickie & I thought it was just OK. Never the less, we all enjoyed the glowing ambiance and warmth of a nice fire before calling it a night.

Dailey travels – 2 portages totaling 510 rods.

Buck Lake, Chad Lake