[Home] [Main] [Prev] [Next]

May 17, 2008 - Laurel Lake to Cauchon Lake - 7km paddle, 1 portage (130m)

Kat and I got up early and watched the sun rise. We then rescued the food, and managed to free the rope by throwing it back over the limb and pulling on both sides from the same direction. The food came crashing down when it pulled free, so fortunately we are eating the eggs this morning! Ate breakfast and then packed up as it started raining. We all huddled under the tarp during the worst of it and then once the rain slowed, we launched the boats. A very brief paddle brought us to the first and only portage at the bottom of a small waterfall. The carry was only about 150 meters so was quickly accomplished. We paddled aout onto Little Cauchon Lake into the pouring rain. We saw what looked to be a float plane a few km away, but rapidly approaching us. As it came closer, it was determined to be a motor boat with a motor canoe being carried on top cross ways. They stopped and chatted briefly and then went on their way. At the far end of the lake we stopped under a low bridge out of the rain for a break. Another short paddle, and another bridge duck brought us to Cauchon Lake where we are to spend the night. We set up camp, then ate some lunch before it started raining again. After hiding under a tarp for a while, I threw the rope over a tree, getting it stuck, and rescuing it with a large stick that I cut out of the forest. We retired to the tent for snoozing and relaxing, awoken suddenly by extermly high winds, hail, and thunder crashes. The storm passed over after a few terrifying minutes, and we got out to survey the damage. Other than the camp tarp blowing down, everthing was Ok, and it does not seem like anything blew away. Dinner was Indian boil bags and then Katharina and I went out onto the now completely calm lake in a pair of boats for some solo practice. A small fire kept us warm in the evening as we watched the stars, nearly full moon, and finished off the whiskey.








[Home] [Main] [Prev] [Next]