We had frost on everything this morning, but at least the sky was clear and the precipitation was gone. After lots of coffee and a good breakfast we packed up and headed north across Lake Agnes. This trip was pretty hairy due to high waves caused by a strong following wind. Cuz especially disliked this part of the trip. We carefully paddled into the bay on the north end and turned out of the wind headed around the point to the east. We were surprised to meet as many groups as we did. This must be a popular route. Those coming out always asked, ‘How was crossing Lake Agnes?’ We told them it was grim. We did the short portage with no problem, met a nice couple from Texas along the way, and I caught the first fish of the trip --a smallmouth of about 3 pounds, at the base of the rapids. We portaged into Boulder Bay, naming the crossing “steep portage” for the tough up-and-down route that it is. We went on into Tiger Bay, checked out the campsite in the west cove above the marsh and decided to look elsewhere. It looked great from the water, but when you got out of the canoe to head up to camp you sank in the mud, not the best of footing to haul 50 pounds of gear. We next looked at a site on the point to the east, and found that it had everything we wanted; nice view, big camp pads and even a fine ‘loo – including a bath area – complete with curtain and solar shower. These we brought with us and they were much appreciated after several days of paddling. The girls made quick use of the shower. We settled in for a base camp there, and it worked out great.

Caught our first Northern on a “Mega-diver” type fly late in the afternoon. Lost a better one that struck a “Crease fly” that didn’t have a wire bite tippet. We found out quickly that a short piece of single-strand wire was essential for the pike. We also found out when we filleted, breaded and fried the first one in olive oil that these Northerns make some fine eating. In this computer age, I’d found out how to filet out the “y” bones by watching a YouTube video on the subject. Nice night, warmer and dry, but still cool enough that the campfire felt great. The warmer weather also brought out the field mice, and we had one very brave little soul that was determined to dine with us. After discovering the little guy about to take a nose-dive into a cup of wine, we kept our eyes on everything – especially the double chocolate dessert that was delicious.

Quote of the day (from Cuz after seeing the muddy, boggy yuck that was at the shore of the west cove marsh campsite): “I’m sorry guys, but I’m going to be whiney. We are not staying here!”