SUNDAY MAY 29, 2022

Arise to an exceedingly foggy morning. The weather radio informs us there is a good chance of a thunderstorm later today so, I tell Aurora we’ll just stay on Meeds instead of attempting the much more ambitious pre-planned daytrip to the lakes between here and Gaskin. Having heard respected bwca.com member ducks so often speak highly of this area, it’s a bit disappointing to have to scrap this plan. Yet, it’s the prudent thing to do and there are no regrets.

The cozy warmth of our campfire helps take the edge off the cool, crisp morning air as we enjoy Ova-Easy scrambled eggs, fresh bacon and bagels for breakfast. It’s hard to tell if we should put our rain gear on before heading out or, not. (We opt for the latter.) A westerly course is set and our first stop is the other island camp. The landing is quite tight, rocky and a tree top has recently fallen crowding it even further. However, the fire grate area is exceptional and there are several excellent tent pads around the perimeter. Aurora notes that there are trails spider webbing out and immediately is enthralled by the wide variety of unique trees, plants and other woodsy things on display. Firewood is plentiful here and we both quickly agree that we prefer this site to ours. Not that we’re going to move! Trails circle the entire island and we savor the opportunity to be in the woods. Insisting on leading the way, a large garter snake startles Aurora “to high heaven!” Much like her father, she doesn’t mind snakes too much as long as she knows they are there – she doesn't like being surprised by them.

Soon we paddle on down the lake to the western most site. A much nicer landing gives way to a very open fire grate area with some nice rocks that could serve as tables or chairs. There are a few tent pads but, they seem a little lumpy. Mooseplums are scattered all about the immediate area, and their trails are easily followed into the nearby brush. As cool as it has been, plant life is still beginning to sprout and there are some nice sized cedars just outside of camp. We grab a snack and just hang out here for a while, recharging our batteries.

I promise Aurora we won’t do the portage into Swallow Lake but, I think it would still be fun to hike it so, we slowly work our way over there. It somewhat reminds me of a shorter version of the trail into Meeds from Poplar. Immediately after passing the open landing there is a modest hill. The trail rolls along it’s wet, muddy course with an abundance of annoying boulders interspersed along the way. A tiny rivulet crosses the path at about the mid-point and there are some boardwalks that aid in the really soggy sections. Sadly, the large upland cedar Daniel Pauley writes about in his book, “Exploring the Boundary Waters” has toppled over and (after having been sawn) now serves as an ideal spot for a “pose” for weary travelers. There are some nice white pine sentinels near the Swallow end, including 2 which serve as a gateway, which sports a smaller landing full of tree roots.

Back on Meeds, the southern shoreline guides us home. The rain has held off thus far today but, it still looks like it may still let loose. Once back in camp, Aurora retreats to the confines of the hammock while I try and round up some extra firewood and then just take it easy. Eventually Aurora relinquishes the hammock and I take a turn. Afterwards, it appears the skies are beginning to brighten and with the long days of late May there is still plenty of time before the sun sets so, we determine to head out in the Black Pearl yet again.

One of Aurora’s primary trip desires was to catch some walleye. She hasn’t had much luck fishing from shore so, hopefully things improve out on the lake. There are a couple of loons nearby and we slowly troll in their direction. That’s just the ticket, as Aurora pulls in a decent walleye for supper!

Fishing objectives accomplished, we next head for the portage into the river leading to Caribou Lake. It has a very rocky landing and the trail itself sports more than its fair share but, it is a level path. The downstream landing will be a struggle as there are several large, oddly angled boulders crowding the put in area. As we hike back, there is the remains of an old spur trail at about the mid-point of this portage. We follow it to the creek where 3 logs with nails protruding still span the narrow waterway – remnants of a dilapidated bridge. To date I have not been able to determine what this trail is/was - although, I haven’t spent too much time digging either. Still, it was a neat, unexpected surprise to our explorations today.

Once back in camp, we fry up Aurora’s walleye and chop up some potatoes again for supper. Using her beaver stick she found earlier today, Aurora plays some mean air guitar to provide the evening's entertainment. The color packets she tossed into the fire make an appropriate Pink Floyd-esque backdrop. Looking back on the day, it never did rain or become disagreeable weatherwise today. I guess we could have done the full pre-planned daytrip after all? But I prefer to count the blessings of the things we were able to see and do; which were fun and memorable in their own right.