Thursday, July 21, 2022 Thunderstorm again last night, woke to clear blue sky. Made potato pancakes for breakfast, Amelia was very helpful in finishing them off.

Then decided that even though there were a few whitecaps, that I'd go test the Magic Chickadee's tracking and my strength against the wind. I would have had issues in the Prism, but 40 pounds of dog as ballast in the bow of the Magic was enough to let me paddle pretty easily wherever I wanted to go. Paddled up to the portage into Slim, but when we got into shore the horseflies were fierce, so we stayed on the water. It's Amelia's trip too, and if she doesn't have to suffer flies I don't make her. There's plenty of times when we don't have the choice. Took a look at the campsite on the N shore of Little Loon. From the water it looks pretty nice- big pines, decent looking kitchen area, sand beach just down the shore. Rode the wind back to camp....and it is crazy windy now. Made up a song about flies to the tune of "Heartaches by the Number". I noticed while paddling that my right elbow was sore when I paddled on the right. I have an old repetitive motion injury from lab and restaurant work, and it was flaring up...also some rotator cuff soreness. The years are showing, I guess. And really, as long as this old body can haul me out here, it's okay that I'm wrinkled and a little chunky and parts are starting to fail. Someday when I can't do it alone, I hope that I have enough young folks who love me and will help me get back in the boonies like this.

Finally saw a motorboat. I have heard them going up the corridor towards Lac La Croix, but this one just came down the bay, fished for an hour or so, and left.

I'm so very happy here! Gathered more wood and cut it up, then sat in the windy shade watching the sky and the trees and the water. Amelia peeled a twig. It's lovely, 70s, blue sky with big puffy clouds sailing by. Dinner was Chicken Pho from good2go- yum! Oh, I have taken to leaving my spoon in Darrell the Barrel at night, after SOMEONE left some toothmarks in the end (ahem, I'm looking at you mama squirrel).