Lakes: Knife, Amoeber, Topaz, Cherry Portages: 3 Rods: 22r, 17r, 7r Total Distance: 8.5 miles

I awoke early, perhaps 5:45am. I believe I was on the water just after 7am. There was hardly any wind to speak of and passed a gent fishing on a kayak at some distance. Then passed a group of three fishing from the shoreline of their campsite; which looked to be a nice site. Perhaps the kayaker was their 4th. The run through the narrow section of Knife Lake was interesting. The paddle toward the portage to Amoeber was uneventful, though still hot.

The portage into Amoeber wasn't difficult, though I remember some elevation gains. I also recall watching some mergansers play/court on the Knife side and seeing something large swim from land to the closest island. I thought a coyote or perhaps a wolf, but in retrospect it was probably a beaver, maybe a deer. It was to fast to be a loon or bird of some type. It's too bad I wasn't closer. I triple-carried this portage because my back told me to.

Amoeber Lake is certainly pretty. The lake was calm and it was a nice paddle. One group of perhaps a father/son combo was camped on the island site and fishing the western narrows. This was the last group of people I saw this day.

I made the quick triple-carry into Topaz and was delighted by this lake with it's bluffs and islands. The campsite looked deserted and if I was forced to camp there I wouldn't complain. bwca.com has a 1-star rating though.

The next portage was into Cherry Lake and I can see why it's called Cherry Lake. What a cherry! I got an early rise in hopes of getting a site so took the first site, the western-most. A definite 4-star site with a perfectly placed fire grate. I would have liked to check the other site out, but this one suited me fine. I paddled around the larger island just to see what I could see and fought a little wind then set up camp. I intended on exploring this gem of a lake but decided instead for some R&R in the hammock with a book. Some surfacing smallmouth bass caught my attention occasionally and I wet the line. A black spinner yielded two, but I released them.

As the afternoon wore on I gathered firewood and made some dinner of more dehydrated and forgettable. I typically eat two packages and dessert is a handful of M&M's. I meant to check out the east side of Cherry Lake. I know there is a fantastic cliff to see over there. But the mood did not strike me.

I delighted in watching a pair of loons cruise past between the campsite and far shore. I made a fire and really enjoyed the peace and quiet. As dusk fell I took some photos of the fire, stars and opposite island cliffs. Responsible adult beverages enjoyed by all.

I had planned on sailing right through Gabimichigami into Little Sag the next day. My goal was to get into the Boulder/Adams Lake area. My lower back was telling me it would not be a good idea. I listened and made plans for Kekekabic Lake.