Missing Link to Poplar for solo number 2
by Cricket67
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
09/14/2025
Entry Point:
Missing Link Lake (EP 51)
Exit Point:
Meeds Lake (EP 48)
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
1
Trip Introduction:
This will be my second solo trip. Last year I went in on Crab (EP4) and had a great experience. For my trip this year I will be putting in at Missing Link and coming out on Poplar. I have been to both EPs previously but have never explored the area in between. I like to keep going to new areas when I can.
On Friday after working a half day I drove to Grand Marais where my friends J A graciously offered me a place to stay for a couple of nights and to spend time with me in and around Grand Marais. They also were kind enough to follow me up to the Missing Link EP and drop off my car at Poplar on Sunday morning.
The trip up wasnt as uneventful as I would have hoped, as I came across a storm cell in Pine City. Cross winds were bad enough that my Prism on top of the car started shifting. I ended up pulling off on the next exit to wait out the storm things. Then again just past Silver Bay the sky let loose and I had a steady downpour all the way into Grand Marais.
Once in Grand Marais I enjoyed my time with my friends who I had not seen in quite a while. Was great to catch up. Enjoyed a nice supper with a couple of cold ones at Voyageurs Brewing, a walk to see the Brule River and Devils Kettle, wandering around town, and just some quality time with quality people. 
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Day 1 of 4
Sunday, September 14, 2025 I had a fairly long day planned as I hoped to get to Long Island Lake (LIL) early afternoon. Was up and on the way up the trail before first light. I really enjoyed watching the day start while driving, thinking about the adventure ahead. J+A helped unload the canoe and haul my gear down to the landing and wished me a great trip as I set off just after 7am. It was a warm, damp morning after the over 2” of rain the area received the previous day. I set off across Round Lake to light SE winds. I knew I would be facing moderate but increasing headwinds on the way down to LIL.
As I had expected, portages were very muddy with plenty of water to splash through. I wear my shore diving scuba boots, and they proved to be up to the challenge. On the first of my seven portages I passed two groups on their way out. They confirmed that it had been a long day of rain and I think were glad to be on their way to dry clothes and hot showers. I knew the first two portages were going to be the longest two of the day, but both were well maintained with not a lot of elevation.
I was surprised at how busy the area was, which in retrospect I should have expected with how few permits were available. Made it through Missing Link, Snipe and Cross Bay without incident. By the time I made it to Rib Lake I had crossed paths with 8 different groups. As I approached the campsite on Rib and saw it was open I decided to stop for a quick lunch.
My go to lunch has become Sunkist tuna or chicken creations squeezed onto a tortilla with some cheese. On the first day or two of a trip I’ll also add some fresh lettuce or spinach. I think I found my new favorite flavor with the Smart Bowls Rice and Beans Spicy Pepper. While there I checked out the site a bit…not bad but not the best. Could do for a larger group but to closed in for my taste.
After the brief break I was back on the water and quickly made my way through Little George and Karl before taking my last portage of the day into LIL. My hope was to get one of the campsites in the Northwest part of the lake. However, the first 3 sites were all taken and I didn’t find the 4th (#569) which I have since figured out was marked in the wrong location on my (apparently out of date) 2015 Fischer map. I did a quick check ‘around the corner’ to site #570 and found that one also occupied. In the end I settled at the site near the Long Island River (#566) Not a great site but certainly worked for me as a solo.
The site did have a nice little sandy beach/landing and thankfully was situated just right to get the SE breeze coming in, as it had become quite a warm day. I opted on a hammock spot as close to the water as I could find to take advantage of the breeze and got busy setting up camp. I found a decent spot to hang my small food bag and spent some time in my chair on the beach with my feet soaking in the cool water watching the 4 canoes fishing in front of the site.
Dinner was a freeze dried chili mac that was ok. On this trip I went very basic with food – Oatmeal with Power Up Omega trail mix for breakfast, tortilla with cheese and a Starkist tuna or chicken pouch for lunch and then a freeze dried meal for supper. For snacking I had jerky and some dehydrated fruit. I also made a coffee/hot chocolate mix with a bit of cinnamon for a breakfast drink. I really liked how all this turned out. The only dishes I had to wash/rinse off were my collapsible cup for oatmeal and coffee and a homemade spoon which I had to craft when I realized I failed to pack my normal one. Also made for a very light food bag to hang each night.
After dinner I paddled out to try a little fishing but no luck. For what was remaining of daylight I again sit down by the lake so the breeze can keep the mosquitos to a minimum. I’m looking East, so instead of a sunset I watch the sky go through every shade of purple until I start seeing the first stars. It’s been a long day and decide to make my way up to the hammock.
Even with the nice steady breeze all night I struggled I was too warm and did not sleep well. With similar temps expected for most of the trip I realized that a late dip in the lake might be a required part of my nighttime routine. ~Round Lake, Missing Link Lake, Snipe Lake, Cross Bay Lake, Rib Lake, Lower George Lake, Karl Lake, Long Island Lake
As I had expected, portages were very muddy with plenty of water to splash through. I wear my shore diving scuba boots, and they proved to be up to the challenge. On the first of my seven portages I passed two groups on their way out. They confirmed that it had been a long day of rain and I think were glad to be on their way to dry clothes and hot showers. I knew the first two portages were going to be the longest two of the day, but both were well maintained with not a lot of elevation.
I was surprised at how busy the area was, which in retrospect I should have expected with how few permits were available. Made it through Missing Link, Snipe and Cross Bay without incident. By the time I made it to Rib Lake I had crossed paths with 8 different groups. As I approached the campsite on Rib and saw it was open I decided to stop for a quick lunch.
My go to lunch has become Sunkist tuna or chicken creations squeezed onto a tortilla with some cheese. On the first day or two of a trip I’ll also add some fresh lettuce or spinach. I think I found my new favorite flavor with the Smart Bowls Rice and Beans Spicy Pepper. While there I checked out the site a bit…not bad but not the best. Could do for a larger group but to closed in for my taste.
After the brief break I was back on the water and quickly made my way through Little George and Karl before taking my last portage of the day into LIL. My hope was to get one of the campsites in the Northwest part of the lake. However, the first 3 sites were all taken and I didn’t find the 4th (#569) which I have since figured out was marked in the wrong location on my (apparently out of date) 2015 Fischer map. I did a quick check ‘around the corner’ to site #570 and found that one also occupied. In the end I settled at the site near the Long Island River (#566) Not a great site but certainly worked for me as a solo.
The site did have a nice little sandy beach/landing and thankfully was situated just right to get the SE breeze coming in, as it had become quite a warm day. I opted on a hammock spot as close to the water as I could find to take advantage of the breeze and got busy setting up camp. I found a decent spot to hang my small food bag and spent some time in my chair on the beach with my feet soaking in the cool water watching the 4 canoes fishing in front of the site.
Dinner was a freeze dried chili mac that was ok. On this trip I went very basic with food – Oatmeal with Power Up Omega trail mix for breakfast, tortilla with cheese and a Starkist tuna or chicken pouch for lunch and then a freeze dried meal for supper. For snacking I had jerky and some dehydrated fruit. I also made a coffee/hot chocolate mix with a bit of cinnamon for a breakfast drink. I really liked how all this turned out. The only dishes I had to wash/rinse off were my collapsible cup for oatmeal and coffee and a homemade spoon which I had to craft when I realized I failed to pack my normal one. Also made for a very light food bag to hang each night.
After dinner I paddled out to try a little fishing but no luck. For what was remaining of daylight I again sit down by the lake so the breeze can keep the mosquitos to a minimum. I’m looking East, so instead of a sunset I watch the sky go through every shade of purple until I start seeing the first stars. It’s been a long day and decide to make my way up to the hammock.
Even with the nice steady breeze all night I struggled I was too warm and did not sleep well. With similar temps expected for most of the trip I realized that a late dip in the lake might be a required part of my nighttime routine. ~Round Lake, Missing Link Lake, Snipe Lake, Cross Bay Lake, Rib Lake, Lower George Lake, Karl Lake, Long Island Lake
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