Up at 5 AM to a calm, overcast morning. I underestimated the time it takes to breakdown camp. I was on the water by 6:30 which was perfect timing for the sunrise. A short paddle to the first portage of the day, just a little 327 rod portage. It was not a particularly difficult trail but carrying a 45# pack over a mile is never easy. About 20 yards in I found some large furry scat in the trail followed by multiple large dog prints, could they be wolf prints? The prints were consistent the whole distance of the portage and another big furry scat pile at the end of the portage. I doubled every portage this trip, even the short ones. I just wasn't in a big enough hurry to take on the potential risk of injury. By the time I had the pack and the canoe across my shoulders were on fire. This portage was a bit creepy early in the morning, it was still pretty dark and dense. Seeing the wolf sign made me think about the story of the Ely man who's dog was stalked and attacked by a wolf near Shagawa Lake. Lou would look like an easy meal for a wolf. Wolf or no wolf we made it onto Wagosh Lake. I love this lake, secluded, big trees, steep shorelines. There is one site on this lake but I didn't check it out. It would be a great lake to have all to your self, I think most people just pass through on their way to Friday Bay. I have made a note to try to stay there next time if I do this route again assuming I wanted to take on that portage again at the end of a long day??? Crossed Wagosh and made quick work of the 43 rods into Niki. I was almost into the river out of Niki when I heard it, a lone wolf howl back towards Wagosh lake! What a unique and incredible call. This further confirmed the wolf sign I saw on the portage. Later when telling the story to Nick at the outfitters he said that wolf scat has a ton of fur in it normally so I was convinced. Followed the creek from Niki to Chippewa Lake. Had a small portage around a beaver Dam there. More creek and then into Papoose. Two beautiful White Swans and their gray cygnet were on the far shore. What a safe paradise to raise their young! I saw swans and their cygnets multiple times during the trip. The creek finally ends at a massive beaver dam. 139 rods later I was on Friday Bay of crooked lake. Crooked lake was my primary destination for this trip because I have read such good things about the fishing. There is a nice current area right by the portage that resulted in a pike and a bass on back to back casts. Fishing is easy at crooked lake. I still had a ways to go at this point so I trolled and cast a few choice spots. Caught fish everywhere. Then at the mouth of Friday bay a family of 3 otters came to visit! They were way out in the middle of this huge water which kind of surprised me. Ran the border west to the mouth of Saturday bay. This was my primary fishing destination for the trip. There are no sites in Saturday bay. Found my favorite campsite of the trip, site 1879. 100 foot sand beach, privacy, great kitchen with rock tables. Tons of trees for hammocks and flat spots for tents. Also a great rock out crop for swimming with additional higher cliffs to provide epic views. This would be my home for the next two days. Did some fishing, had a fire and enjoyed another great sunset.

8.8 miles traveled, 513 rods * 3.

~Wagosh Lake, Niki Lake, Chippewa Lake, Papoose Lake, Crooked Lake