Snipe Lake, Missing Link Lake, Tuscarora Lake

We woke up at 7am to a beautiful sunny morning. The water was like glass. A strange calm before the storm of what would be today's events on the Tusky Portage. We had poptarts and oatmeal for breakfast as we broke down camp. We hit the water at 9am and headed over to the portage to Missing Link Lake. The 180 rod portage was not too bad in my opinion except for the two challenging spots--a steep rock face near the start and a ravine with steep rocks on both sides near the end.

We hit Missing Link Lake around 11am and the weather was still great. We paddled quickly to the long, 428 rod "Tusky Portage". This would be the longest portage I had done before and with Lauren along I was honestly a bit apprehensive, but ultimately I said to Lauren, "why not?" and she agreed as she happily began skipping down the portage. Given yesterday's rain, the portage was very muddy in spots. It also had many rocky spots, 4 board walks, uphills, downhills, and plenty of length! The first trip across took about 45 minutes and Lauren did great. I agree to carry her back on my shoulders to retrieve the canoe. I think she really enjoys the better view from that vantage point. :)

The 2nd trip over with the canoe was going fine, but became harder on the shoulders even with the cushy Bourquin Pads I had just purchased. About 2/3 of the way across DISASTER strikes as the portage yoke snaps! #$%&!! I had never heard of this happening before. I had just taken a big step down off of a rock and snap! Now what?! Well, since I was closer to Tuscarora Lake, I decided to continue that way. I dropped the canoe and finished the trip with the food pack. At the landing, I grabbed a repair kit (duct tape and plastic ties) and headed back for the canoe. Using the plastic ties, a stick, and the duct tape, I managed to rig the yoke, so that I could carry the canoe again. I was very skeptical of my field repair and near the end of the portage, my repair failed. Well, at least I was on Tuscarora Lake now. It was now 2pm. I don't think Lauren understood the situation, so on the outside I tried to keep a positive outlook. Inside, I had no idea at the time how we'd get back home with a bad yoke. I decided to focus on finding a campsite for now and get that set up while I contemplated what to do.

The first camp on the left past the portage landing was thankfully open and it was a very nice site. Not wanting to take any chances, we take this site and have a late lunch. Reflecting on the portage (aside from the portage yoke deal), Lauren did a great job except for that part when she fell up to her waist in mud. At first that was rather upsetting to her, but soon enough she forgot about that and continued her happy skippy jaunt down the trail. What a trooper!

After lunch, I mananged to set up camp (tarp, tent and fire wood) in a bit of a daze while I fretted about the yoke. While Lauren enjoyed exploring the camp, I rigged up a "better" repair to the yoke with 2 sticks, more duct tape and rope. I fashioned the sticks to just the right size using my axe and saw. Hopefully it works!

Dinner would be brats and hot dogs again at Lauren's request. We fished from shore after dinner and enjoyed another great sunset before heading to bed.