15 Day Solo Trip LIS North
by egknuti
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
07/05/2014
Entry Point:
Little Indian Sioux River (north) (EP 14)
Exit Point:
Moose/Portage River (north) (EP 16)
Number of Days:
15
Group Size:
1
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (13 messages)
Day 15 of 15
Saturday, July 19, 2014
The first portage out in a 160 rod to Lamb Lake. It's relatively flat with a nice Poison Ivy patch at the end. The only prints I see on the portage are moose prints but I see no moose. Lamb Lake too is up higher than in previous years. I paddle across lamb noticing how the forest has recovered after a fire of nearly 40 years ago. Some dead trees still stand. My least favorite portage awaits. The 228 rod into Nina Moose. It's rocky with poor footing, up and down and usually infested with ticks and mosquitoes. This time around I only have the mosquitoes.
As I enter the Nina Moose River I see something I have not seen in four days: people. I can smell their clean fresh clothes well before they pass me. I wonder how I smell to them? I must pass 4 groups as I paddle up the river. I'm surprised to see a new portage on the river. A fallen Cedar has blocked the river. The Forest Service must have thought it easier to make a portage than clear the tree. With reluctance, I beach my canoe at the final portage. And with the rhythm of traveling alone, I put on my food pack and canoe and head up the last portage.
It's sometimes difficult to reconcile high expectations of a trip and the reality of your trip. Everyone wants perfect weather, no bugs, see moose and other wildlife, and have the fish biting all day, but that rarely happens. The chance to be out here whether in the rain and cold or sun and heat, I try to cherish each moment.
Last night the wind really picked up and I noticed lightening when I woke up during the night. I thought I may have to get out and take shelter. But whatever storm was brewing, it must have headed east of me. It's raining early, so I decide to sleep for a little while longer. I'm not in a hurry to get out. Plus, I want to avoid the crowds of canoes coming and going on the Moose River. I take my time packing up and savor my final morning.
The first portage out in a 160 rod to Lamb Lake. It's relatively flat with a nice Poison Ivy patch at the end. The only prints I see on the portage are moose prints but I see no moose. Lamb Lake too is up higher than in previous years. I paddle across lamb noticing how the forest has recovered after a fire of nearly 40 years ago. Some dead trees still stand. My least favorite portage awaits. The 228 rod into Nina Moose. It's rocky with poor footing, up and down and usually infested with ticks and mosquitoes. This time around I only have the mosquitoes.
As I enter the Nina Moose River I see something I have not seen in four days: people. I can smell their clean fresh clothes well before they pass me. I wonder how I smell to them? I must pass 4 groups as I paddle up the river. I'm surprised to see a new portage on the river. A fallen Cedar has blocked the river. The Forest Service must have thought it easier to make a portage than clear the tree. With reluctance, I beach my canoe at the final portage. And with the rhythm of traveling alone, I put on my food pack and canoe and head up the last portage.
It's sometimes difficult to reconcile high expectations of a trip and the reality of your trip. Everyone wants perfect weather, no bugs, see moose and other wildlife, and have the fish biting all day, but that rarely happens. The chance to be out here whether in the rain and cold or sun and heat, I try to cherish each moment.
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