Pics to come later, not enough data speed to upload.
Day 7: Lake Winnibigoshish to Crazy James Point 22 mi
I awoke at 4 to the crashing of surf and sound of wind in the trees. Not good. I emerged from my tent and examined the eastern horizon across the lake. Waves danced white and the pounding of rollers were nearly as bad as when we landed last afternoon. Back to sleep. About an hour and a half later, the wind had died down and I quickly repacked the boat and headed out into this great lake. Some people choose to paddle the 12 MI across open water to save time. The risk of doing this solo was too great on a day where afternoon wind gusts and passing storms were possible. Sticking to the southern shore, I kept my eye to the sky as dark bands of low flying clouds passed overhead. Confused winds buffeted the boat and were quickly gone. The south Shore of "Lake Windybygosh" is rather shallow at 5-10 ft and I could often see grasses or reeds below. The weather and eater conditions continued to improve and I cut the corner on a few of the capes and bays, taking aim at a distant point and sticking out for it. I passed the small reaervation town of Bena and started up the eastern shore toward Tamarack Point. Many floating docks, pontoon boats, cabins and wildlife. Aside from the many eagles and herons frequenting the shore, I floated within 20 feet of a doe and her speckled fawn. Everyone kept still and it was a joyous moment. The sun shone bright as the afternoon carried on and the miles ticked away. The wind happened to haul around from the west and gave me a pleasant push to the dam at Lake Winnie. The portage left wasn't too bad after I reorganized my gear and adjusted my portage cart for a better balance point. Resupplied on water, I continued past the $20/night campsite and pushed downstream. Saw my first Fisher of the trip but no pic. About a mile from camp, I turned around to see Zach round the bend. We both made it to Crazy James Pt, so named for the 13 steps to the campsite built by a guy named James, and set up the gear. I offered to cook and we had a can of beans and some fried onions, garlic and potatoes, a dish I've made La Cuisine de Terre. The sun sets on another glorious day on the water. I didn't expect to make it across the whole lake in a day but am surprisingly comfortable considering the endurance test.
I awoke at 4 to the crashing of surf and sound of wind in the trees. Not good. I emerged from my tent and examined the eastern horizon across the lake. Waves danced white and the pounding of rollers were nearly as bad as when we landed last afternoon. Back to sleep. About an hour and a half later, the wind had died down and I quickly repacked the boat and headed out into this great lake. Some people choose to paddle the 12 MI across open water to save time. The risk of doing this solo was too great on a day where afternoon wind gusts and passing storms were possible. Sticking to the southern shore, I kept my eye to the sky as dark bands of low flying clouds passed overhead. Confused winds buffeted the boat and were quickly gone. The south Shore of "Lake Windybygosh" is rather shallow at 5-10 ft and I could often see grasses or reeds below. The weather and eater conditions continued to improve and I cut the corner on a few of the capes and bays, taking aim at a distant point and sticking out for it. I passed the small reaervation town of Bena and started up the eastern shore toward Tamarack Point. Many floating docks, pontoon boats, cabins and wildlife. Aside from the many eagles and herons frequenting the shore, I floated within 20 feet of a doe and her speckled fawn. Everyone kept still and it was a joyous moment. The sun shone bright as the afternoon carried on and the miles ticked away. The wind happened to haul around from the west and gave me a pleasant push to the dam at Lake Winnie. The portage left wasn't too bad after I reorganized my gear and adjusted my portage cart for a better balance point. Resupplied on water, I continued past the $20/night campsite and pushed downstream. Saw my first Fisher of the trip but no pic. About a mile from camp, I turned around to see Zach round the bend. We both made it to Crazy James Pt, so named for the 13 steps to the campsite built by a guy named James, and set up the gear. I offered to cook and we had a can of beans and some fried onions, garlic and potatoes, a dish I've made La Cuisine de Terre. The sun sets on another glorious day on the water. I didn't expect to make it across the whole lake in a day but am surprisingly comfortable considering the endurance test.