Sunday, May 24, 2015

Eggs are one of Aurora’s favorite breakfast meals. Since we didn’t want to carry fresh eggs across the long portage (and beyond), we had searched extensively for a viable dehydrated option. After trying them at home, we found that Ova-Easy egg crystals proved to be about as close to the real thing as one could hope for. So much so, that they instantly became a staple for all future trips! As the trip wore on, we experimented - adding dehydrated peppers, onions and mushrooms as tasty supplements.

We had been out canoeing with Aurora prior to this trip, and we had brought the poles along on those occasions. Admittedly those forays were more about shaking some of the rust off our paddling muscles than catching fish. But, I kind of figured she’d at least hook into a perch or bluegill along the way. All the while, secretly I was hoping that she wouldn’t catch anything so she could honestly claim her first fish was caught in canoe country. (Like that would somehow grant her some sort of special privileges or prestige.) Anyhow, she never did catch a fish on these outings so my secret desire was intact heading into this trip.

Our plan for today was to head for Bingshick Lake. But, first we wanted to give Paulson Lake a closer look and do some fishing. Not much more than a stone’s throw from camp, Vickie hooked into a small lake trout. Shortly thereafter I had one myself. We continued paddling our way around our island fishing & exploring. As we started working our way south towards the Glossy Lake portage, another fish hit my line. This time I told Aurora to grab the pole. I kept a hand on the rod while she did most of the reeling. Her first fish! And, it was a lake trout to boot!

I think it was safe to say I was more excited than she was. There were a couple of loons hanging out near our canoe & she quickly lost interest in fishing, more intent on guessing where they might pop up next. And while she didn’t seem to place any great significance on the moment, for me it was a special checkpoint in her outdoor life that had gone almost as perfectly as I had envisioned it could.

After the loons retreated, we headed over to the short (16 rod) Glossy Lake portage. We were greeted with a small landing to a trail that climbed for most of its length. Next, the 36 rod trail to Elusion Lake was more of an up & down with a large spruce tree recently fallen across the path that we had to hack through. The 83 rod out of Elusion had a decent landing but, then climbed very steeply up a makeshift staircase. The gradient then decreased; but still rose until it crested at a nice overlook of Glee Lake before dropping down on a rocky path that became wet & muddy before terminating at a mosquito infested landing, where we then had to navigate a small narrow creek before reaching the lake.

Our final portage before reaching Bingshick Lake also had a tough hill to surmount before the trail leveled off near the junction with the Kekekabic Hiking Trail, becoming wetter and more marsh like the closer we got to the lake.

We trolled the length of the lake until we reached the campsite at the far eastern end. Then we pulled off to have lunch & relax a bit. I had stayed here several years back & had it rated as a 2 star back then, but now would give it all of a 3 star rating. Thus, indicating to me that it is recovering quite nicely. Or, perhaps, I’m becoming a softy in my old age?

While Vickie got lunch started, Aurora & I headed off to explore some of the Kekekabic Hiking Trail (which was easily accessible from this site). A short ways from camp, in the creek that enters from the east, we were treated to an up close intimate viewing of 3 loons frolicking in the water. Aurora has really taken a fancy to loons, so this was an extra special treat for her.[paragraph break]

While this area is showing significant signs of recovery from the fire, the charred stumps and dead trees scattered about were a stark reminder of the devastation the fire left behind.

Back in camp, Vickie informed us that she forgot to pack the minestrone soup mix. So it was just rehydrated hamburger & vegetables for lunch. I told Vickie if that’s the worst thing that happens, I’ll call it a great day. It’s all part of tripping in canoe country. Being able to roll with the punches and satisfactorily play the cards you’re dealt.

I’d heard there used to be a cabin on the lake near the creek. As we paddled over to investigate, an armada of 4 canoes was paddling in and claimed the other campsite on the lake. We found no evidence of a cabin. Perhaps the fire burned what was left? Or, maybe we weren’t even looking in the right area? With that, we left Bingshick Lake to the group that just arrived and began our journey back to our camp on Paulson Lake.

Of course we knew what to expect portage wise as we started back. We marveled at how Aurora negotiated some of the steep sections. We’re not sure exactly where or when but, at some point this morning (or perhaps last night) in camp, Aurora had discovered an old chewed up beaver stick that functioned perfectly for her as a walking stick. And watching her put it to estimable use on the tough sections of portages, was as cute as it was inspiring. She would remain loyal to it for the rest of the trip.

There was a red moss covered rock just out from the southern shore on Glossy Lake that caught our eye.

If today had been all about fishing; we would have done well to stay on Paulson Lake. While Bingshick Lake was essentially a dead sea, Paulson more than made up for it. Once back on our home waters, we scarcely had time to paddle. Literally it was one right after the other. Aurora even reeled in a few more fish. I’d rarely caught any game fish like this, much less lake trout. It got to the point where Vickie sarcastically quipped, “This almost isn’t even fun anymore!”

The fishing had been so fast & furious that we hadn’t been paying close of attention to our course. When we finally got a chance to regain our bearings, we were nearing the other campsite – so we decided to give it a look see while taking an opportunity to stretch out as well.

A steep landing led up to an expansive site that didn’t provide much in the way of shelter (trees) or tarp options. There were a few decent tent pads, nice views of the lake and there was lots of room to hike & explore. We lingered awhile on the long sloping rock face, relaxing in the luxuriant warm spring air of the late afternoon.

Later, back in camp, Aurora & I sat by the lakeshore enjoying tossing rocks into the water while waiting for some cooking coals to form under the fire grate to grill the rib eyes & potatoes for supper.

Once again it was s’mores for dessert. The bugs were more of a nuisance tonight, and chased us to the tent a bit earlier than we would’ve liked. We all had to come out a short while later, to enjoy the spectacle of a splendid color drenched sunset before officially calling it a night.

Paulson Lake, Glossy Lake, Elusion Lake, Glee Lake, Bingshick Lake

Daily travel, 8 portages totaling 250 rods.