Friday, June 14, 2024 We awoke to sunny skies and a foggy mist over over the lake. With calmer winds we planned to head NW back over to Loon Lake and continue on with a goal of camping on the southern tip of the island on Finger Lake. The 220R portage to Loon was long but not too bad and we were rewarded with a beautiful sandy beach beneath two towering White pines at the end. As we made our way towards Little Loon we passed a hillside camp occupied by a larger group with tents pitched on some pretty steep “tent pads”. I’m guessing they chose this site yesterday, desperate to get off the lake after being tossed around in the wind.

We continued north into Slim, a quiet, beautiful lake. As we continued towards Finger Lk we made the climb from South Lk up to Steep Lk via a 120R portage. I dare to say I really enjoy portaging but this one was challenging, mostly because it was pretty steep. Steep Lk was beautiful and we really considered stopping early again and making camp but we pressed on. Next it was on to Eugene, Little Beartrack, and Beartrack. The 200R into Thumb was amazing. It was long but pretty flat and dry. Pink Lady Slipper orchids grew in large bunches all along the portage. A short paddle across Thumb and an even shorter portage brought us to Finger Lk and hopefully an open campsite on the island. The campsite was empty and a very welcome sight. The site is elevated with lots of larger pines and little brush. Best of all, it has seen little use and the forest floor was covered in a dense layer of pine needles. For me, it’s worth the extra effort to travel beyond the higher traffic areas. We enjoyed a quick dip in the lake and a relaxing evening around the campfire.

Lakes Traveled: Heritage, Loon, Little Loon, Slim, Section Pond, South, Steep, Eugene, Little Beartrack, Beartrack, Thumb and Finger. Paddle 10.8 mi Portage 931 rods