Friday, February 03, 2012

There was some concern last night about the condition of the lake with regards to slush the remainder of the distance to the West Pike portage trail. No one wanted to try it if it was anything like the last 100 yards or so before we got to this spot. So while breakfast was being prepared I went to scout out and hopefully break trail to the portage.

I was happy to report back that, while there was some slush, it was nothing terribly bad & that we would be able to make it without getting wet feet. Also, I discovered the actual official campsite was just down the shoreline to the east. Ah well? Our site had served it's purpose. Meanwhile, there was a bit of drama unfolding back in camp as Mark was stressing about his wifes' camera battery that he had apparently lost or just misplaced.

About this time a lone skier was approaching our camp and stopped to chat. He was the fella who was staying at the site we had wanted yesterday. He was on his way to Gogebic to try and do some fishing. After he pushed on we couldn't help but comment on the fact of what were the chances that first someone would be occupying our desired site, second, be heading for Gogebic just as we hoped to do. While I must admit everyone was a bit dejected about "sharing" Gogebic. It was tempered by the fact that HE would be breaking trail.

After we broke camp I went on ahead following the path provided. It was shaping up to be a glorious day as the sun was trying to and finally succeeded in popping out. At a tricky section of the portage trail I noticed the lone skier we'd met earlier coming back across the trail. We both stopped and chatted for quite awhile. His name was Chad & he had made it part way to Gogebic before surmising it would take him too long to get there. (He was only on a day trip) So he determined to head back to his camp on Clearwater. He informed me that the trail was quite rocky and climbed considerably. I wondered aloud where the rest of my crew was. Apparently they had unsuccessfully spent some time combing the campsite for Marks' camera battery and were also having some difficulty as Shawns' sled was not tracking properly. But, eventually they caught up to where Chad & I were and joined the conversation. With the intel Chad had given us we then unamimously determined that we would change our plans and head for West Pike to look for a campsite. Leaving Gogebic for a possible daytrip later.

The trail across to West Pike was mostly level and generally in pretty good shape. But, there was one downed tree that we cleared off the trail.

After the intersection of the Border Route Trail we were breaking trail anew. It was interesting to see the various animal tracks. Presumeably it was a wolf, or bobcat tracks that lead down to West Pike. They were old tracks and had melted considerably so it was difficult to say for certain. Also we passed very near where the small creek that flowed between Clearwater and West Pike opened up a bit. To say the least it was an enchanting walk through the woods. Going where the ground was untrammeled by man, at least since the last significant snowfall, only added to the excitement & adventure.

Finally, the trail had a prolonged gradual decline down to the lake shore. The snow was over knee deep here & initially I thought that the snowshoes would have to be unlashed from the sled. But, the depth quickly tapered off and there was actually tracks from an otter running along the northern shoreline. Complete with an open hole where he apparently had lunch not so very long ago.

Travel across West Pike proved to be very similar to that of Clearwater. A few small pockets of slush but, mostly just 4-5 inches of crusty snow. We knew the first campsite would be open so we walked along the shoreline, only cutting across the small bay, until we reached it. It looked very accomodating situated up in a nice grove of mature red pines. There was plenty of room for our shelter and the firegrate area was also layed out nicely.

John & Shawn set about clearing and leveling the snow for the shelter while Mark & I wandered down the shoreline looking for suitable firewood.

The day was glorious! I couldn't imagine a more perfect setting. The rich blue sky contrasting against the untrodden powdered snoe stretching across the lake made for a magical wilderness scene. For me, this scene alone was justification enough for enduring the rigors of getting here.

To the total surprise of everyone, Shawn had packed in his homemade Snowtrekker style tent complete with wood stove! This would be the christening first use and he was understandably excited to see how it performed. To his credit, Shawn never complained of having to haul this obvious extra weight.

Our sleep systems were setup for cold camping so we didn't stoke the fire up at nights before going to bed. But, it was handy and more convenient for drying out wet boots & clothes. As an added bonus, Shawn fired it up early in the morning before anyone had gotten up. In that way everyone had hot coffee or water for hot chocolate without ever having to crawl out of their sleeping bags. Plus it was a bit warmer getting dressed in the morning.

While the Forest Service recommends camping anywhere but designated sites, there is one overwhelming undeniable advantage of camping at or very near the established sites.

Upon arrival I had piled up some snow near the firegrate area. After it had sintered for awhile, Mark fashioned it into a very nice food prep & cooking area. It was also a nice area to store and keep things somewhat organized.

As evening fell, Shawn was manning his stove drying out wet or damp items and John donned his handmade wool jacket while Mark searched in vain for his missing camera battery. And later regaled us with further misadventures. As, apparently, this (not finding the battery) would not be this first time he would return from an outing with "the boys" where his wife would be less than pleased with him?

Clearwater Lake, West Pike Lake