It rained a bit early before I got up. The day was totally overcast, windy, and gloomy. I didn’t mind. I am one of those odd ducks that don’t mind a bit of adversity when camping. It adds to the adventure of a BWCA trip. I actually enjoy sitting under a tarp in the rain (so long as the rain stays out and it’s not too cold). IMHO, chairs are a must in these conditions. Sitting on the damp ground (actually soaked this trip) is a sure way to get sick when living outside. Jim, Steve, and I had typical umbrella chairs. Larry had one of those thermarest conversion chairs. Larry mentioned at one point that next October he’s going to consider a chair with legs for the trip.

This was the morning that Steve made breakfast. His specialty is buckwheat pancakes with (real Vermont) maple syrup. Bacon and coco round out the meal. Great stuff.

It was a scheduled layover day. The plan was to have the day to do what we like – perhaps a day trip. I know Larry wanted to take some pictures, but at 11:30 a.m. it was dusk-like, not good for photography. Besides it was rainy, and windy, though not too cold.

It rained off and on until 2:00 p.m. when the wind dropped and rain stopped. We all toured around the lake -- sometimes we’re paired up, sometimes we were alone. Larry and Jim headed to the falls to take pictures; Steve took the portage to Nibin Lake, and I paddled the shoreline of Stuart and checked out the other campsites.

Supper was a noodle side dish with foil chicken added and chocolate chip cake for desert. Very good.

For sleeping arrangements, Steve and I each had a two-man tent, while Larry and Jim shared Larry’s CCS Lean-Two. Steve has an REI half dome and I have a Big Agnes Sunnyside II. All of us were happy with our shelters.