Thursday, February 02, 2012

Woke to a balmy morning with a variety of feathered participants eagerly feeding on the smorgasbord of seeds from the feeder just outside our window.

After feasting on a delicious egg bake prepared by Mark, we packed up, and went snooping around the lodge a little further.

Soon enough we were on our way to the landing on Clearwater lake. There was an excellent plowed road all the way out to the wilderness boundary. We didn't want to offend whoever maintained that road so we parked our vehicles on shore. Shawn & John already had their sleds packed & ready to go. But, it didn't take too long for Mark & I to "saddle up." There was already a decent trail running east past the plowed road. That, coupled with the only 4-6 inches of snow on the lake, made the need to wear snowshoes unnecessary.

It was a foggy morning but the temperature was very mild with only a very light wind. We were targeting the site just before the portage into Mountain lake as our destination for today. Not really sure why? But soon after leaving the plowed road Mark, then John headed off the established trail and took a more southerly route. While Shawn & I stayed on the trail. After we passed the palisades it became apparent that Mark & John were lagging behind. Soon, they merged with us and we all followed that path east.

As we made our waydown the lake I would posthole occasionally. But, it was usually only a couple of inches or so. Also there were a handful of slush pockets to be negotiated. But, once again, they were only 2-4 inches worth and didn't last more than 30-40 yards. Sweat management seemed to be the biggest obstacle we had to overcome. We took our time, taking several short breaks along the way.

Pressing on we find that the established trail leads right to our desired campsite & that it is currently occupied. Our makeshift plan is to now find a suitable spot somewhere along the south shore, perhaps around the large point to offer some protection from a north wind. We break new trail eastward towards the large southern bay. Finding no suitable protected areas, (there is slush on the lake near shore) the decision is made to push for the eastern most campsite near the portage into West Pike.

As Shawn, then I break trail towards that destination we encounter some bad slush just before the opening we presume is the campsite. Fortunately, for me, my boots are just high enough (by an inch or two) so as not to allow the slush/water to run in over the top. Having big feet finally pays off! The rest of the crew end up with wet feet.

Pulling up on shore there is a convenient flat opening perfect for our shelter. Even a couple of nice downed trees very near for firewood. It's a little cramped, and I don't see a firegrate, but it will serve us nicely.[paragraph break]

Mark and I begin gathering than sawing/splitting some firewood while Shawn prepares the ground for our shelter. John clears, then builds up a nice fire ring and has a blaze going in short order to warm up wet feet.

We'd traveled & worked a little harder than expected today. But, this will be home for tonight, and we were happy for it.

After drying out some, John & Mark prepare supper. Brocoli cheddar soup & polish. Mark took note of the fact that Shawn had only taken a spoon or two of his soup and then just set it down. Wondering if there was something wrong, Mark asked why Shawn hadn't eaten his soup yet? Well, Shawn had just had 22 of his teeth ground and capped a couple days prior to this trip and his teeth were still quite sensitive. In fact he was still on pain medication. So his response to Mark was, "That soup is so f@$%ing hot that it lit my mouth up like a Christmas tree! I'm waiting for it to cool down some." Needless to say that became a running joke for the duration of our trip.

Fortunately temperatures were mild so drying out wet boots & socks wasn't as problematic as it might have been otherwise. 3 of us slept under John's canvas shelter while Mark fashioned a lean to out of my CCS tarp. Apparently he didn't want to have to climb out of his bag to answer natures call in the middle of the night? I had some trouble regulating my sleep system. First I actually got too warm, then later, was chilled before finally finding the happy medium. John complained of a similar problem. The occasional distant owl calls resonated throughout the night.

Clearwater Lake