Layover day.

In the morning I hit the water fishing with the 8 year old and 11 year old. Not much action but we did hit a walleye on the east end of the lake, in the deeper water. Too much bother to keep so we released it. The boys had a couple strikes that they couldn't set or land.

After a breakfast of pancakes we packed up some backpacks and headed for a trip to Johnson Falls. This is a trip that you don't want to miss. We landed the canoes at the far west end of pine, right next to where the creek that the falls are on spill into the lake. From there its a pretty straight forward trail to the lower falls, with a brief mucky section. The trail is a bit less worn than a portage but easy to follow. Near the falls there are several branching trails that connect to the upper falls. Just keep the roaring water to your right and you won't have any problems.

The falls are a great place for a dip. You can slide under the lower falls from the east side and get quite a pummeling massage. And the upper falls can be fun as you try to get situated just right the foamy flow without your feet getting knocked off the submerged rocks and your body pushed downstream. Again, don't miss this side trip.

Before taking the Pine-Little Caribou portage we tried some mid day fishing on Pine and were skunked. It clouded over and lightly sprinkled so we cut the effort short.

Once back at camp it was time for another swim (of course) followed by some serious book reading and hammock lounging. The turtles finally finished their nest digging and egg laying and took off for less crowded areas of the shore.

Little Caribou, Pine Lake, Johnson Falls