A beautiful morning greeted us, and we enjoyed a scrambled egg breakfast. The plan today was to head for nearby Johnson Falls.

We stashed our canoes and gear off to the side of the portage landing and began working our way across this monstrous portage. Of course only having to carry our water bottles and some pocket able gear kept the mutinous comments at bay.

The heat of the day intensified as we made our way back to the falls. Upon arriving, we find a group fishing below the falls & having great success catching bass. We chat briefly then, wanting to give them some space, head downstream to check out the colossal cedar tree located there. When you consider how old this cedar is; (having to survive weather, fire, disease, insects etc.) in my estimation this tree is more impressive than the falls. Awestruck, everyone marveled at this age old sentinel of the forest.

Soon we were able to enjoy the falls as well. This was about as high as I’d seen the water here, and the force of the flow was palpable. Still, most everyone took their turn rinsing off the accumulation of grime that a canoe trip can generate. And of course, the usual battery of photos was taken.

We lingered in the area for quite awhile, just enjoying the soothing atmosphere this enchanting spectacle affords. Our timing for leaving must have been just about right, because another group showed up just as we were climbing out of the gorge.

After working our way back across the portage, we decided to head for Crystal Lake to try fishing there. Yet again our efforts were met with stiff resistance. After awhile our bellies told us it was time to start back to camp. Everyone was looking forward to the fresh steaks & chops!

After supper we tried fishing yet again. The results, again, were nil! The only difference was that this time we got chased back to camp by rain showers. The CCS tarp came to our rescue and we were still able to enjoy a pleasurable, dry, evening amid a persistent soaking rain.

Dailt travels, 2 portages totaling 96 rods.

Canoe Lake, Crystal Lake