Tuscarora's traditional french toast breakfast fills our bellies for the day ahead. We load up and push off right from the outfitters dock. Vickie and Brad paddle our Souris River 18.5 while Aurora and I man the Black Pearl. Its a beautiful calm morning as we head off for the portage into West Round Lake. This landing is littered with boulders but the trail is level, although muddy. I contemplate putting in early, as the little pond at about the 2/3 mark looks tempting but, just decide to finish out the portage. The decision is rewarded as we pass by a couple of pink lady slippers just off the trail. Next were quickly on to the Edith portage where its much the same as the previous trail, although there is some more extensive boardwalks. At the portage into Brant we officially enter into the wilderness on another flat but muddy trail.

Aurora is doing a really great job helping out paddling. Her paddle is still too long for her to really dig in but, she's making an honest effort and repeatedly asks if she's doing it right. It's such a rewarding experience to watch her grow up right in front of our eyes. A green canoe at the landing helps us locate the portage into Gotter Lake. We eventually spend some time conversing with the 4 fellas heading in the other direction. Gotter Lake is quite a bit higher than the last time we were through here, thus negating having to slog through an extensive stretch of muck to get to floatable water. The folks we'd just met on the portage inform us that, due to the higher water levels, we can use the western most landing and save some portaging. This portage sports a run of stairs down to Flying Lake and, since the water runs right up to the bottom step, I tie off the canoes until we can bring the rest of our load.

Our target for today is the eastern most site on Bingshick Lake. I must admit that part of the reason for choosing Bingshick is that it's a bit easier to get to. I consider the Brant EP one of the toughest entry points because of all the portages with only very short paddles in between. In and of themselves none of the portages encountered are extreme but, the sheer frequency eventually takes it toll. Although, a more prominent factor was that we wanted to get back to Paulson Lake on a day trip. So, here on Flying we veer off the popular route and head north towards Bingshick Lake.

There are 2 short portages before reaching Bingshick. The first requires a bit of navigational skill as we need to weave our way through the hummocks before reaching the rock slab landing. The trail almost immediately drops steeply down on a wet & muddy path before leveling off and following a rock wall, garnished with bad footing along the way, to another swampy landing.

The next portage is not much more than a stones throw away but, with the way the creek is situated, the high grasses and weeds conceal the tiny finger leading to the proper landing until you're almost past it. It would be easy to paddle right past and end up portaging into Fay Lake instead. Just remember (if heading north to Bingshick) to, almost immediately, take a hard right. This next portage has a swampy & bouldery landing before climbing slightly up on a potentially slippery rock face to a small rocky landing on Bingshick Lake.

After putting in onto Bingshick, I quickly discover that our desired campsite in occupied. Fortunately, the other site is vacant and we change course and paddle over. It's a bit grassy and sloped for our tastes but, it will have to do. As one might expect, there is still clear evidence of the Cavity Lake fire which gives this site an overly open airy feel. Of course this means there is no shortage of optimal firewood close at hand. Tarp options are limited but, there are a few decent tent pads near the exposed fire grate area; which provides some decent log seating. By no means would this be considered an upper echelon campsite but, one aspect of it was quite extraordinary. While exploring around the perimeter of camp, Brad happens upon an enchanting botanical display, as several large clusters of pink lady slippers are in bloom just back from the fire grate area. Quite the find!

As I mentioned earlier, I consider Brant one of the toughest entry points in the BWCAW. So, after getting camp setup, our seasoned pork tenderloin with potatoes and beans was an especially satisfying meal. It is a pleasant evening, so Aurora & I head out to do some exploring. The Kekekabic Hiking Trail (KEK) runs right through our camp, and we take full advantage as we head east along the path up to the tiny creek tumbling down from Honker Lake. There is a faint spur trail heading north at the creek. We then continue east on the KEK where there is a decent overlook of Bingshick Lake. Although, having spent time at the other campsite on past trips, I must say it doesn't compete with the view provided there. Back in camp, Its s'mores for a late night snack and then a glorious moon rise before we cash in our chips for the evening.