Wednesday, July 29, 2009.

The old timers woke up around 5:30. Got rest of kids up by seven to go watch the "Leave No Trace" video and got our permits. Started paddling at 9:00. Moved our way up Sawbill lake. CJ, Austie, and Jaron were lighter, so they were always the lead. They came across a cow moose along the west shoreline. As we made our way up the lake the first campsite was full. Then the second and third spots were full. 4,5,6, and 7 were full also. All spots filled and one ended up getting filled by a group that passed us.

Decided to take the bog/river down to Smoke Lake. Started our journey at noon we didn't make it to Smoke Lake until 3:30. I would never suggest this route to anyone unless looking for an adventure. An 18 1/2 foot canoe fully loaded with twists and turns, beaver dams, downed trees, and three feet of mud. Got to one point we had to portage around a bend due to down trees. Broke out the head nets and Chuck decided to walk the bank as best he could. But like they say what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. By the time we got out, CJ had caught the first smallie of the trip and picked up his dad (who made it out on foot faster than we could with the canoe).
All sites were full on Smoke, but we were lucky enough that someone was just leaving. Finally set up camp and made steak and baked potatoes for supper. Needless to say we crashed early this night without fishing.