The sun makes an appearance today! I had aspirations of making it to Tuscarora Lake but, considering how tempestuous the weather has been, decided to keep it simple and forego the long portages and just check out Snipe Lake. While larger bodies of water hold their own special appeal, in my humble opinion, Snipe Lake is one of those rare boundary waters jewels much like Agamok, Cherry or Gogebic. With several narrow fingers, rock walls and tinyislands; its beauty and mystery are configured in such a way as to make intimate knowledge of these wonderful facets easily attainable and discerned - and always close at hand no matter where you are on the lake.

The portage in from Cross Bay isn’t too long (43 rods) but, requires a significant climb up a boulder laden path. Of course the current moisture levels also add slippery mud and water to the equation. While the full throated roar of the nearby rapids beckons, we opt to paddle out onto the lake without investigating.

After exploring much of the lake, we paddle to the unoccupied campsite at the entrance to the NE bay. There is a couple eating lunch at the nearby tiny island, so we follow suit and grab some grub and stretch out for awhile too. Afterwards, we paddle over to hike the portage trail to Missing Link Lake.

This is a fairly tough trail but, without the burden of our packs, it isn’t too bad. We all enjoy these forays into the woods, always eagerly anticipating what we might find. Of course spring is always a good time to see flowers and we are treated to a few pink lady slippers as well as several other colorful varieties in bloom.

Both Vickie & I are impressed by the relative ease with which Aurora scales the 5 foot rock wall in this trail. A break is in order as we reach the other end, and many a rock are thrown/skipped out into the lake. We are even temporarily joined by a large bullfrog. The breeze off the lake is invigorating and we linger here soaking it in (while finally not getting soaked ourselves) before retracing our route back to camp.

Once back on Cross Bay, we paddle over to the shoreline just across from our camp to gather some prime firewood. This side of the lake was hit by fire not too long ago so, consequently, there is an abundance of excellent dead firewood. It also appears there may be a decent crop of blueberries in this area. We load up our canoe with several logs and paddle back to camp to finish processing it - getting distracted by a mallard along the way.

Back in camp, putting our firewood to meritorious use, Vickie once again bakes up tasty treats for us. Par for the course - gray clouds move in before nightfall but, by this time, we've grown so accustomed to them that we scarcely notice. This will be our last evening in canoe country (for this trip) whichs helps us to enjoy the quiet relaxation afforded here all the more.

Cross Bay Lake, Snipe Lake, Missing Link Lake