It's another unseasonably cool morning and a heavy mist lingers in camp as we crawl out of our tents. Carson & Megan refuse to leave their sleeping bags behind as they pull up for breakfast. Their is no set agenda for the day and the cool air perpetuates a camp wide lethargic attitude.

Restlessness eventually wins out and various small groups of us take time to explore the backside of our campsite and lake shore. In searching for firewood we come across a gurgling little brook just outside of camp. Someone has even taken the time to construct a rock 'bridge' across, where better potential for firewood can be found.

Later, after the air temperature had warmed up, a few of our party decide to go swimming. The landing does provide a nice opening to the lake and there are no weeds or mud. On the downside, there lake bottom is littered with some rocks that are hard on the feet. Water shoes/sandals or something of the like are required. There is also a nice sized mature cedar tree that hangs out over the water, and the kids take turns crawling up it and reclining in the shade. Of course the hammock is a great spot to rest as well but, since we only brought one it is in high demand and is more notable as a cause for consternation.

Ross and I simultaneously lay down for a mid day nap. And while we are able to enjoy a decent amount of shut eye; we both 'nearly stand up straight in bed' are awoken to wild screaming and yelling from familiar voices. After stumbling out of our respective tents and shaking off the cobwebs, we are finally able to decipher the excited, out of breath language. A young bull moose is swimming across the lake a couple hundred yards out in front of camp! We all watch with rapt attention until it finally disappears into the heavily forested shores near the eastern peninsula of Swan lake. A moose sighting is always a special treat but, for Megan, Logan and Carson this is the first time they have seen a moose in the wild so it's an extra special event that I'm sure will be a treasured memory.

This evening it's my turn to take Logan out fishing. Weather wise it's more like a fall day than mid summer but, I certainly prefer that and thoroughly enjoy the cooler temps as we paddle around this very scenic lake. The middle site of the lake is now occupied so, after returning to camp, I need to remind the younger members of our party to keep their voices down. It is another enjoyable cool, bug free evening. Aurora, Carson and Logan play flashlight tag and they also all create a mini village with sticks, rocks and pine cones. Aurora's creativity never ceases to amaze me. I pack away a few items tonight before bed to minimize the time spent tomorrow morning doing so.

~Swan Lake