I was the first out of my hammock in the morning and was treated to some of the thickest fog I’ve seen anywhere. The loons were plentiful and their calls created quite the scene coupled with the fog that entirely blocked the cliffs and neighboring shores across from our site. I enjoyed a warm cup of coffee watching the fog dissipate with Ruby at my side while the family slept in. It was the type of scene I daydream about often while at the office.

With a morning fire going to warm up the family and get breakfast going, the coffee, hot chocolate and bacon came first. I’ve really come to enjoy using the banks fry bake pan over the fire and have dialed in the baking. Cinnamon rolls followed and are naturally a favorite for the kids. The hardy breakfast was intentional as we had planned to spend the day exploring and fishing East Pike Lake.

The forecast called for a sunny 70-degree day with light winds and we got just that. It’s hard to beat those bluebird days out on the water. Packing light for a day trip the mile and change across John Lake to the portage was a breeze. The landing on the John Lake side is tight but shallow enough to wet foot and navigate the rocks along the shore. From here the trail is largely uphill towards East Pike Lake at approximately 210 rods outside of a short steep descent before the end. This direction felt like 210 rods and then some. My youngest had been practicing his portaging and eagerly decided to take the Greyduck solo canoe this time across while I took the Northwind 17. We made it to the staging area on the East Pike side without incident but the family was happy to get back to the water.

We trolled our way around the lake scoping out the camp sites as we went noticing they were all occupied. After catching very little and needing a break from the sun we pulled ashore on a rocky point adjacent to the small island towards the west end of the lake. Between the trails, left behind fishing tackle, rope and wrappers it appeared as though this could have been a camp site at one time. At the very least, we could tell it was a spot used often by folks like us pulling over for lunch or a break.

Once a lunch of venison summer sausage and trail mix was finished, we got back to the fishing. Despite our best efforts of targeting large pike or that elusive BW musky East Pike Lake is said to have, we only came away with a handful of smallmouth that were quickly returned to the water. While we fished, the Mrs. enjoyed cruising around in my solo that quickly became evident she had claimed for the trip.

The return portage to John Lake heading south is noticeably easier in this direction. The boys decided to swap gear this go around. My oldest, not to be outdone by his younger brother, took the canoe claiming he would make it across without needing a break. His younger brother was more than happy to carry the fishing gear and lead Ruby through the forest.

The rest of the evening was enjoyed relaxing around camp while having soup with toasted bread and smores of course. Before calling it a night we were treated to an incredible sunset and another bug free evening.

~John Lake, East Pike Lake