Tuesday May 6th

We woke up early, got packed and ate some oatmeal, It was a clear, crisp morning perfect for bushwhack travel. Our goal for the day was to get to Sunday Lake or at least to Sterling Lake. We both felt we would rather stay on Sterling for solitude, but figured no one would be on Sunday either and it would get us closer to the original route and the portage clearing work we were supposed to be doing. We figured once we got out of the PMA we could clear portages that we travelled on as well as a few others that we could access. At least then we would feel our trip had accomplished some of why we were there.

We were both glad we had walked the portage to Nibin on Sunday. We knew what we had in front of us. I will admit there was one deadfall that we cleared as we had to in order to get the canoe through. The portage took a couple of hours and a lot out of us so we took a breather at the entrance to Nibin Lake. Nibin is a nice little lake and we knew we had a short paddle so a breather here was a good idea.

After a few minutes we paddled to the portage between Nibin and Bibon although as we got close it appeared that we could just paddle it. There is a small creek that flows between the two lakes and a small lift over portage when water is normal or low. This spring with the extremely high water paddling through was not a problem. Even though the portage was less than 10 rods we did not have to get out of the canoes. A few more minutes and we were at the easily spotted portage landing from Bibon to Sterling and new territory. The portage landing had a big enough area off to its side for a nice camp if you ever decide to stay on this lake.

We decided to eat lunch here as we used a lot of energy on the portage from Stuart and we knew it would be a while until we were at Sterling Lake. We felt we needed to fill our tanks before the portage.

Sitting here on the granite slab on Bibon Lake had me feeling pretty good. I knew the portage from Stuart was maybe the hardest of the route to Sunday and we had done it. I was very happy to be paddling in ice free water in a place I had tried to access in September of 2005 but could not due to low water levels. I can see why low water in this area is a big problem and I am glad the water levels are extremely high this spring.

Lunch being over we head down the portage to Sterling. Once again we are bushwhacking although somehow it does not seem as bad as the portage from Stuart to Nibin. There are still deadfalls and obstacles but not as many. We get to the landing at Sterling and relax again for a few minutes. There seems to be time to get to Sunday Lake and we only have Sterling creek, some of the Beartrap River and then that last portage to get there. Seems doable and we are determined and maybe a little crazy.

Sterling is a gorgeous lake. We paddle past the opening to the bay to the north where the island is that I know many have camped on. Joe and I briefly discuss going up to see it, but our mind is made up and we paddle on.

Soon enough we come to where Sterling Creek starts its journey east to the Beartrap River. It is a very Moosey looking spot and we hope maybe we will get lucky. Shortly after starting down the portage trail we see tracks. Maybe we will get lucky but we see no moose.

The portage into Sterling Creek is not too bad. The current in the creek should make the section headed to Beartrap River go fairly quickly. The very high water level means that most beaver dams are easily shot over and there are numerous channels to follow. Sometimes we choose the wrong channel and have to back track. There are a few spots where the current is pretty intense making for a fun ride. We quickly make our way to Beartrap, we are really glad we are paddling with the current and not upstream. I bet it takes 1/3 the time going the direction we are going.

It is quite obvious when you approach the Beartrap River for a couple of reasons. First it is very wide at this point. When you are used to creeks and streams this wide river seems huge. Second you start paddling upstream and even though it is not whitewater the work required is a lot more. We know getting to Sunday Lake from here is not too much longer and only one short portage between us and home for the night. Joe and I are proud of getting through the toughest part of the route from Stuart to Sunday and still have some energy left.

Sunday has one spot suitable to camp. The former campsite is close to the portage in from the river just north from there. It is easily seen from the portage landing. We paddle over, unload and relax proud of our accomplishment and of seeing an area we both have wanted to see. Now our decision to go through the PMA sure looks like it was a good one. We did not underestimate the portage difficulty, and because of this reality check we were able to manage through. We are tired and sore but have enough energy to set up camp, get things hung up and dried out and make dinner. It is a truly gorgeous day and it has warmed up quite a bit. We even see some early bugs. Tomorrow we want to try to get to Thunder, Gull or Gun but we don’t need to hurry now. We feel we have plenty of time to get out on time unless the weather turns. From Joe’s weather radio that seems unlikely. The paddle tomorrow will be easy and relaxing and no sense of having to go further than we feel is necessary. In addition we will get the nippers and saws out to do some clearing. We are looking forward to that.

We will be exiting the PMA once we reach Beartrap Lake so we will need to start the clearing work again. That’s ok-it is after all why we came.