Friday, May 24, 2019 Today, I am hopeful of reaching Kekekabic Lake. It is a gloomy morning but, I'm optimistic that the weather will improve as the day wears on.

I opt for the portage directly into Fraser towards the northwestern edge of Sagus. It's certainly nothing crazy but, It does provide enough of a workout that I'd recommend coming in from Shepo (even though there are 2 portages required coming in/out that way) for those looking to save some sweat equity. The portage into Gerund is level, though a bit rocky. While standing by the shore I spy an old knot hole washing up on shore. It strikes me that this is exactly the type of thing that Aurora is usually fascinated by, so I snatch it and place it in my pack as a remembrance of this trip and a gift for her. The trail to Ahmakose is short and visually appealing but, does climb steeply when heading north as I am. Beautiful high rolling hills densely populated with soft green pastel of various deciduous trees serve as a breathtaking backdrop on this picturesque lake. The trail to Wisini is the longest of the day and does provide a bit of a challenge, especially since there is a huge pine that has recently fallen across this path. Towering sheer cliffs shadow me as I paddle out onto Wisini. And, I pause to inspect the famed Wisini 'tripod' rock at the narrows of this beautiful lake.

Right across the lake, atop a high - nearly sheer - bluff, sits a neat campsite. The huge drawback to this site is that there is not a convenient landing near the site proper. As it is, I land right under the site and tie the Black Pearl off on a nearby tree, and then proceed to goat climb up to the site. A commanding panoramic view of most of the lake is afforded from this elevated vantage point. There are several flat tent pads and trails for exploration. Undoubtedly, this is the premier campsite in this immediate area and, in my mind, would easily rate 5 star if not for the lack of a decent landing.

As I approach the portage into Strup, the weather is beginning to worsen. The portage is short and drops down to Strup over a pretty decent trail. Strup is a much lower lying lake than Wisini. And, with the gloomy cool weather, I surmise a moose sighting might be in the cards while paddling across this swampy looking lake. At the portage into my destination lake (Kekekabic) A few people emerge just as I'm pulling up to the landing. They confirm what I already suspect. Kek is really getting whipped up by the worsening wind and weather. While I was hoping to try for some lake trout in Kek, it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. I decide to just hike the portage, sans canoe & gear, and at least gaze upon one of the jewels of the BWCA from shore. Perhaps I'll be able try to some fishing later on Ahmakose or Gerund?

Another, more personal, reason for wanting to get to Kekekabic is that it was a lake that Vickie and I had spent 3 wonderfully memorable days back on our very first trip together. With the unfortunate circumstances of our broken relationship I thought getting here and spending some time was paramount and could serve both as our symbolic end, and my new solo beginning; somehow tying them together. And, as mentioned, I do not haul the Black Pearl across. But, I do physically step out into the lake take stock of my situation and reflectively recall our many awesome trips and memories created which all started on a trip to this lake. I further contemplate what the various facets of my future will look like and surmise, that one way or another, I will certainly persevere and "Count it all joy" for having had the years and time together I was afforded. Both the good and the bad. And, regardless whatever else may happen on this trip, I'm most thankful for having made it here to Kekekabic Lake, and this reflective experience will definitely qualify this trip as a success.

Once my hike is over, I begin to work my way back to Sagus. Rain soon accompanies the intensifying winds. By the time I reach Ahmakose, it is readily apparent that fishing anywhere today is not going to be an enjoyable endeavor. Once back on Fraser the wind's full fury is on full display and I buckle up to battle the innumerable whitecaps between here and the portage into Shepo. Mercifully, Shepo & Sagus are not nearly as volatile and my knuckles are able to fully regain their pinkish hue.

Once back in camp the comforts of dry Under Armour & socks are a luxuriant pleasure. For the most part the rain stays away this evening and I'm able to stay up late enjoying a couple of drinks and a comforting, warm campfire.

~Sagus Lake, Fraser Lake, Gerund Lake, Ahmakose Lake, Wisini Lake, Strup Lake, Kekekabic Lake, Shepo Lake