Tuesday, June 21, 2016 Got out early to try to make up time. Heading to Russel and a campsite at the base of Chatterton falls 5.4 miles away. Made good time paddling down Upper Sturgeon. Stopped at Blueberry island for a break. Trolled as we went along at a nice paddle pace. At the entrance to Russel I got the panic again. That big lake dumps out here through a narrow channel and it can be a lot of water. I had heard horror stories from friends, and I have dumped canoes. So... after a brief rest to secure everything and zip up the life jackets, off we go. Staying in the slacker current, resting after rapids. At one point, we are both kneeling in the canoe paddling all out at the last rapids and I look out to the side - we are literally moving maybe 12" forward with each herculean paddle... but we encouraged each other and didn't give up and suddenly you are past the rapids! Break time on the big island there. At this point our water filter is clogging up pretty good with ... pollen? Something. Required a lot of constant cleaning from here on out. The rest of the lake was uneventful and we had a premier campsite right at the base of Chatterton nestled in among some white cedars - perfect. We caught several walleye and smallies at the base of the falls and up the falls (nice trail there) - kept 2 of each for dinner. There are some nice shallow ledges here for a "bath tub." I am beginning to really love this place, cold baths - bugs - fishing - hard work. Put up the hammocks and call it a day!