Monday, October 11, 2010
We got up, had breakfast, packed up and were on the water by 9:00am. There were a few sharp turns and burnt areas that would have made following the 200-rod portage a challenge except for the rocks cairns that Steve made.
Following the Little Indian Sioux was much easier than the Little Pony even though we had a longer distance to cover. The biggest challenge for me was spending so much time in the canoe without the opportunity to stretch my legs.
Steve and Greg pulled out in front of Jim and me. We didn’t see them until the parking lot even though they made the take out maybe 15 minutes ahead of us. An otter popped up on the river to say hello. Later I spotted a goose along shore. He was letting me approach surprisingly close. Then I realized that it was wounded. It must be goose season as well as moose season.
As I was paddling I had an eagle circle me like a vulture. I have to tell ya, I was a bit concerned. Jim was close by but it left him alone. It was definitely interested in me. I hoped that it was anticipating that I would scare up its lunch and not considering me as easy prey. Neither thing happened.
Jim and I got to car at 5:45 – 8 hours and 45 minutes. It took us about 15 minutes longer coming out than going in even though we were heading downstream. So the Little Pony Route is shorter and faster, but the LIS route is definitely easier.
We made our goodbyes to Steve and Greg in the parking lot. Jim and I loaded up and headed to Orr hoping to stop at the Pelican for gas and something to eat. The gas pumps were opened by the store closed at 7:30. So we continued on to Virginia and ate at the Pizza Hut.
It was late. We had worked hard that day, done some driving, and had a lot more driving to do, so we decided we better find somewhere to spend the night. We needed (wanted) something cheap. The people at Pizza Hut recommended the Lakeshor Motel. It fit the bill perfectly. No frills Mom-&-Pop type place.