We don’t get the earliest of starts today. Our first portage is just SE almost directly across the lake, still the tall shoreline grasses kept the landing well concealed until we were right on top of it. While the trail looks like a straight shot on our Voyageur map, there are more than a few twists & turns as the path follows the profile of the nearby swamp. It also felt like it was longer than the stated 80 rods. Perhaps the spooky feeling and all the boulders along the way contributed to that assessment?

On across Western Lake we paddled. There were some large boulders to avoid as we neared the landing to the Glenmore portage. This trail was slightly overgrown and chock full of hazardous boulders throughout much of its length. When the boulders did give way, the trail turned muddy & there was even a fairly long boardwalk that proved to be incredibly slick. As a consolation, there were a few impressive old growth pines along the way.

Unfortunately, Vickie tweaked her ankle on this portage. Our optimistic goal for the day was to make it all the way to Crab Lake. We still had several portages in front of us, including a 205 rod trail into Schlamn Lake. Concerned, I questioned Vickie about the wisdom of proceeding. She felt confident that she would be able to continue. Still I told her not to push it & force a worse situation; there were campsites on each of these lakes that almost certainly would be open. She quipped, “I’m not camping on this glorified beaver pond!” The point was well taken.

Providentially, after the initial climb out of Glenmore, our next portage was along a very user friendly trail. Only a short rocky area near the Schlamn end was the only cause for concern. And, finally, a spacious landing greeted us at the end.

With this portage now behind us, Aurora declared it was time for a potty break; so we paddled over to the lone Schlamn Lake site to take a brief reprieve from our travels.

It wasn’t much of a site but, it did serve our purpose and provided a panoramic perch from which to appreciate the tamarack bog across the lake as we enjoyed a snack.

Onward we pushed until we entered the creek. Our Voyageur maps show a portage here at the start of the creek but, we were able to paddle through without the slightest hindrance; and seen neither evidence nor reason for the portage.

A short while later, just after pulling over a small beaver dam, we did pull up to the 60 rod portage. It had a nice landing and the first leg of the trail was an excellent path. However, the trail then crosses the creek before continuing on. As I approached this obstacle (carrying our canoe), I instructed Aurora to wait for mommy before crossing.

I proceeded down the progressively worsening trail, finally reaching the weedy, mushy landing. Returning for my next load, I was mildly surprised that I didn’t cross paths with Vickie & Aurora. I brought this load across, and again didn’t see them. I figured they must’ve walked off in the woods to go potty. Going back across for my last load, I began calling their names as I went. No response! I brought this load to the other end doing the same (just yelling louder) and still got no response. At this point I became really concerned. It was a relatively short portage that essentially followed a creek its entire distance. My immediate thought was, “there’s no way they could’ve gotten lost.” So where were they?!?! I grabbed the whistle out of my PFD as I anxiously started back across the trail, looking for any evidence as to their whereabouts. I blew the whistle as loud as I could only stopping to listen for a reply. I made it all the back across, and still no sign of them! My mind was racing with indecorous thoughts now! I figured since I was here, I’d grab Vickie’s second load and go back across scanning the woods ever closer for anything unusual. Shortly after crossing the creek, I noticed a faint trail (with a couple of small boulders ominously stacked at the start) to the right, away from the creek. The trail soon opened up a bit. I dropped Vickie’s pack and began running down this trail, blowing my whistle. After awhile, the trail began to become excessively overgrown with large branches stretching across it, considerably slowing my progress. While initially excited about the discovery of this trail, I thought to myself, “There’s no way Vickie would have gone this far down the trail.” It was only a 60 rod portage, and I dare say I came at least that far since the fork. Besides, why would she stray away from the creek? They weren’t here either. In total disbelief, I started back anxiously pondering what to do next. By this time I had the portage trail committed to memory, and this fork of the trail was the only rational explanation of where they could’ve gone. So I did an about face and began blowing my whistle again. As I listened for a response, this time I heard a faint, though familiar voice call back. THANK GOD!

Indeed they’d taken this fork of the trail! Upon our reunion, Aurora was moved to tears and, it’s safe to say I certainly ran the gamut along the emotional roller coaster as well. I asked Vickie why she didn’t turn around when she started seeing all the branches across the trail. “Because I’ve seen you make it across trails like this before!” I suppose I could’ve taken her response as a compliment but, I began to interrogate her further. Then I stopped and realized all that really matters is - that they’re both here and both safe. While Vickie headed back to grab her pack, I took a moment to say a brief prayer of thanksgiving.

This trail must’ve been an old logging road that grouse hunters still use. While grateful for the joyous outcome, needless to say, this little escapade set us back. There was still one more portage to negotiate before reaching the next campsite on Lunetta Lake. Both of us readily agreed that if that site was open we’d claim it. We’d had enough adventure for one day! The last trail of the day was mostly flat but, a bit on the rocky side. Considering how long of a day it had been, it touched my heart with unspeakable gratitude when Aurora insisted on accompanying me back across the portage when she had no reason to do so other than to keep me company. Even though reaching the 5 star Little Crab Lake site would require no further portaging, we contentedly claimed the vacant 3 star site here on Lunetta Lake. A well deserved hearty beef stew supper was devoured after getting camp setup. And, for the first time in the last few nights, we were able to sit up and watch the stars light up the sky.

Daily travels – 5 portages totaling 600 rods.

Buck Lake, Western Lake, Glenmore Lake, Schlamn Lake, Lunetta Lake