Sunday, August 12, 2012

We awoke at 5:45 this morning, knowing we would have about an hour drive from Crooked Lake Resort to Kawishiwi Lake. We arrived at the lake at about 7, unloaded the vehicle, and were off by 7:30.

We paddled Kawishiwi and Square Lakes easily enough, but we took our time- there was an immature eagle at the end of Kawishiwi. The devastation on Square Lake was heart breaking- the blackened trees were a stark backdrop to  the green on the forest floor.

Between Square and Kawasachong Lakes there were two beaver dams. We were able to take the canoes over them, but there were other groups breathing down our necks! After Kawasachong, there was a 189 rod portage. The portage was the most congested I’ve ever seen. We passed at least three other groups, but we were the last ones off of the portage since we weren’t in a huge rush. After the Townline “Puddle” Lake, we approached a really cool portage landing.

We got across and made it down the steep hill at the end. I ended up going back for the canoe this time and did my first kevlar portage. The kevlar was much lighter to portage but I caught wind much more easily than the Alumicrafts do. I made Tacos for dinner while Terry threw the bear hang.   Polly Lake Campsite Review: Site 1072- Campsite had a couple of nice tent pads, good fire grate area, and nice seating area. We swam at the canoe landing (west side of site), but the rocks were slippery, so watch your footing! Bearhang tree wasn’t very good, but protected from mini and micro bears well. Nice site for sunrise and sunset with no other campsites in view. Overall a 3-star site Lakes: Kawishiwi, Square, Kawasachong, Townline, Polly 6.5 mi paddle, 1 mi portage