We both were up at 5:15 wearing headlamps while making breakfast. While tearing down camp Bob says to listen. Not too far away we hear a wolf pack howling. It didn't go on for very long but it was very cool! It sounds like they are right across the lake but we know how that can be deceiving. I mix some oatmeal in luna's food to try to get her to eat. We all have a big day today. Pic by Bob.

We are packed and on the water at 8:05. Luckily the breeze is quartering us from behind as we cross the large main body of Cummings Lake. It's about a 3 mile paddle to the portage.

This is the big one. It's 480 rods to Buck Lake. There's not much elevation change but it's overgrown is parts and doesn't get a lot of traffic. It took us 3 and half hours to complete and I am wiped out. I think I pushed too hard with the big pack and strained my hip. Bob, at 6'4" takes very long strides and I don't think it was a good idea to try to keep up.

Once on Buck we paddle another 2 and a half miles into a decent headwind to check out a site on the south shore. The landing is bad and I can barely walk once on the site. I'm spent but I don't like it here. Neither does Bob. So back in the boats to double back to a site on the north side.

Yes, much better. The tent options aren't good and there's only one decent place to hang my hammock but it has 2 separate very nice landings and a great high rock face with fireplace overlooking the lake. Bob ends up in a clearing way in back up on a hill. I know I would never have the energy to haul everything up there but he does.

The wind is in the trees here but by the open fireplace it's not bad. After setting up we eat dinner and chat for a bit before trudging off to a blissful, well earned sleep.