Overnight the wind has picked up. It's nothing serious but, since it coming out of the east, we decide to duck behind the 2 large islands (in the SW corner of the lake) and use them as wind blocks. It get's quite narrow & shallow in the SW corner of the largest island but, we're able to make it through. While this undoubtedly takes us longer than the straight line route would've, it's a more intimate paddling experience and we get to see more of the lakeshore, trees, wildlife, rock formations etc.

The portage into Crooked is fairly easy to spot from out on the lake. The portage has a little bit of everything roots, rocks, tiny hills etc. but, it's not too difficult. What really sets this portage apart from others is the old trappers cabin located near the Crooked Lake end. There is an interesting blog by Carl Eastvold that claims this cabin was part of the 100 mile trapline of Wild Bill Pemble & Tame Tom Parent. http://eastvoldfamily.com/the-morris-family-on-the-northshore-i/I'm always intrigued by things like this in canoe country. On the other hand, Aurora thought this was a neat find for entirely different reasons. There's also a scenic tiny little stream gurgling into Crooked Lake just off the portage trail here as well.

The wind was still blowing out on Crooked Lake but, we just need to follow the narrow finger along the north shore so we're able to avoid having to cross a large expanse of open water......for now. The portage into Owl Lake starts out a little mushy but soon we are playing a form of boulder hopscotch as we near, and then cross over, the little brook gurgling underfoot. A short paddle across Owl Lake leads to our next portage into Tuscarora Lake. There is a natural rock stair step on this end before the trail turns into a boulder filled climb that is occasionally weuddyt & muddy. While both landings are rocky, for the most part I'd say this is a classic 'up & over' portage with nothing too serious to worry about.

Aurora is fascinated with the name 'Tuscarora'. "It's got my name in it!" I was focused more on the waves washing ashore as we recharged a bit with a snack. The Black Pearl is riding a little high up front and we get pushed over to the site just to our north. There's not much different we can do with the packs, so Vickie instructs Aurora to sit as low as she can on the floor. Also, we're now situated directly behind the island to the east which somewhat serves as a wind block. There's a period of some white knuckle paddling but, we are afforded a welcome respite as we near the island. Once again we take the wind & waves head on as we shoot for the next island. The island site is vacant and we get out to stretch out a bit. Knowing that this is about the nicest site on the lake I suggest we just setup camp here. Vickie & Brad quickly agree. There is, however, one vehement veto. Aurora claims she's NOT getting out of the canoe. "I want the beach!" Pre-trip we had talked up the beach site here on Tuscarora and told Aurora that we'd try to get it. She would understand if it was occupied but, we needed to verify that it was indeed occupied. So with her binoculars in hand, we walk around the island and see a vacant campsite to the NE. Back in the canoes we go!

I should say that the wind and waves were not terribly bad. I just didn't want to suddenly lose the edge and get spun around or worse;and traumatize her for life. So we paddle straight into the wind and actually head for the site at the end of the boot shaped peninsula. Once we near land the waves subside and we turn north towards the coveted beach camp. There is a lone merganser there to greet us as we pull in. Fittingly, Aurora gets down on all fours and contentedly begins playing in the sand. The rest of us jokingly quip we should get down on all fours and be giddy to be on land as well.

It is my understanding that this was once the location of a long since removed outpost/bunkhouse for Tuscarora outfitters. Naturally the waters calm shortly after we pull in but, there are some ominous clouds rolling across the sky so we hurriedly get camp setup. For now the rain is light and sporadic, as Aurora revels in our new campsite. Besides the beach, there is a fascinating outcropping of flat table like rocks just west down the shoreline that draws her attention. She even finds a new hideout from the rain. Once camp is up, there's a group of 3 loons who occasionally swing by to check us out. A well deserved ribeye and tater supper tops the day off quite nicely as the nasty weather holds off until after we're asleep.