Day Two started early on Abinodji Lake, under gray skies and a damp chill in the air. The forecast hadn’t lied. Sprinkles drifted in and out all morning, and a steady, cool breeze followed us like a shadow. It wasn’t a full-on downpour, but it was enough to keep our rain jackets close and everything just a little damp. Still, spirits were decent. We packed up camp and made the short paddle to the portage into Swing Lake, then another quick crossing brought us into Gibson. Even with the weather, our morning was moving along smoothly. There was a rhythm to it now: paddle, portage, repeat. Wet boots, slick rocks, and the kind of chilled fingers you just learn to live with were what the day beheld.

The highlight of the day by far was our stop at Cattyman Falls.

Even in the dreary weather, the falls were breathtaking. Maybe even more so in the gray mist, as if nature itself was wrapped in mystery. The sound of rushing water echoed through the trees with a force that felt ancient and alive, a reminder of the wild beauty of creation. We paused longer than usual to take it in. Some of us even braved the freezing pool beneath the falls for a quick, shockingly cold dip Equal parts adrenaline and baptism, like being briefly swept into something bigger than ourselves.

With clothes a little wetter and hearts a little fuller, we continued on with the goal of reaching Disappointment Lake before the day wore us down. The wind stayed against us, the air stayed cool, and the occasional light rain kept us humble, but the team was clicking by trading off portage duties, keeping pace, and moving forward.

As we entered Disappointment, we were hit with a familiar feeling... Crowds. Several boats in view and campsites already claimed. The anxiety crept in again.

We broke into teams: -Ryan and John took off at full paddle speed toward our top-choice sites. -Matt and Kevin were assigned to scout any available sites and radio back if they found anything open. -I stayed behind in one of the bays, tasked with catching dinner.

While casting, I crossed paths with a group heading north who said, “No campsites open.” My stomach sank. I started to feel… well… Disappointed.

And then, the radio crackled to life: “We got the last site. Over.” – John

Not just any site either. Our goal site. The one we’d hoped for all along.

The relief was overwhelming, just like the day before. That mix of exhaustion and victory you only get in the wilderness.

Dinner didn’t come from the lake despite my best efforts The fish just weren’t biting. So once again, it was sipping whiskey and dehydrated meals as the sun dipped behind the clouds we never quite escaped.

Still, there was a silver lining. We were staying put now, and setting up camp felt different when you knew you didn’t have to break it down in the morning. I set up my new hammock and rain fly for the first time, and after one night in it, I was sold. I’m never going back to a tent. Slept warmer and better than I ever have on the ground.

Matt and John were clearly happier here, too. After the squeeze on Abinodji, this site felt like a reward: better views, more space, and a much-needed morale boost after a long, cold, soggy push.

We ended the day huddled around the fire, the smoke fighting off the chill, laughing just enough to forget the weather and knowing the next few days would be spent right here, in the heart of the wilderness.

~Abinodji Lake, Swing Lake, Gibson Lake, Cattyman Lake, Adventure Lake, Jitterbug Lake, Ahsub Lake, Disappointment Lake