Camp comes down quickly and I'm on my way early this gray, gloomy morning. The Jordan Lake narrows provide a picturesque, and historic, backdrop for some early exploration. I also take time to contemplate the faint pictographs on the rock walls before pulling up to the short portage into Ima. It's a relatively easy gradual uphill to Ima. Once out on Ima I see an occupied campsite along the north shore but, other than that, Ima is pretty quiet. I overshoot the portage into Hatchet as this landing is quite literally a hole in the wall and easily missed. While this is certainly not an overly difficult trail it does surmount a decent hill over an exceedingly bouldery path. The reason I mention it is because this portage becomes a bit of a watershed moment for me. While I struggled portaging on day one; here today, I can tell I've got my steps and breathing back in sync which really helps to boost my confidence.

I decide to detour into Hatchet Lake for a brief rest stop and to see some new country. The northern site is occupied so I pull into the southern site. It's small and constricted but it serves its purpose and soon I'm back on the water. Upon reentering the creek I begin to cross paths with the first people (3 different groups) of the trip. The first portage on Hatchet Creek is very easy and I could foresee being able to walk up/down this one if water levels allow. As it is, I take the portage trail. The next offers a scenic little waterfall to contemplate and then intersects the Kekekabic hiking trail. The portage is short enough that erroneously heading down the wrong path isn't a problem. Finally, the last portage is a short little wilderness highway up to Thomas lake.

Before heading out on Thomas Lake I decide to pull out my fishing rod and do some trolling while I paddle across the lake to the Fraser narrows. I reel in before the narrows and enjoy this intimate setting this area affords. The winds have picked up a bit as I enter Fraser Lake, contributing mightily to the noodle like status of my arms. While here I was hoping to check out the location and remains of the Fraser Lake Cabin but, having to do battle with ever increasing waves helps convince me that isn't my best course of action. Eventually, I pull up to the short portage into Shepo Lake which proves to be an easy up and over. Shepo is a beautiful little lake and I decide to take a circuitous route counterclockwise to the Sagus portage. The lone campsite is occupied so, not wanting to intrude; I cut off, re-route and head straight for the portage. The landing on this end is quite mushy but, otherwise unremarkable. The trail itself is level and shows signs of past improvements before reaching the tight, rocky landing on Sagus.

I paddle off for the site in the SE corner of the lake and am happy to find it available. While this is a nice site I think it has gotten a lot more praise than it deserves on various internet sites. The landing is full of mature cedar trees which makes pulling the canoe up (and storing) very cumbersome. It's a tough climb up to the site and the view provided across the lake is quickly disappearing as the ever growing trees are filling in the vista. However, there is an excellent firegrate area and the large pines provide ample duff for a couple of ideal tent pads.

Yet again, I'm exhausted and sore but, much more satisfied with my performance on this travel day. Of concern, I notice the Black Pearl has some damage. She hadn't even seen the water last year so my usual maintenance checks had been neglected. As I pulled her up for nightly storage, I notice the wood of the yoke was beginning to rot and pull away from one of the bolts. Fortunately it is still pretty solid everywhere else so I gave her my best Han Solo pep talk. "She'll hold together! (and then whispering) Did ya hear me? Hold together baby." This potential dilemma not with standing - sleep comes easy, yet again.

~Jordan Lake, Ima Lake, Hatchet Lake, Thomas Lake, Fraser Lake, Shepo Lake, Sagus Lake