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May 18, 2008 - Cauchon Lake to Carl Wilson Lake - 10km paddle, 1 portage (1070m)

Katharina got up just as the sun was rising and was joined shortly after by Mathew. We made coffee and watched the mist roll off the lake. As the sun came up a light breeze picked up which fortunately looks like it will be beneficial during today's travels. It was fairly cool so we huddled for warmth as we ate a simple breakfast of oatmeal and granola. As we packed camp the brilliant sunshine turned cloudy. Hopefully it will not turn to rain. Marion and Remi, Kat and I, paddled out slowly onto the lake, as Matt and Brian continued to pack. The sun playfully came out on occasion, causing us to shed layers in the warmth. Finally Matt and Brian caught up and we all paddled off back the way we had come yesterday. The breeze helped a little, and at times we just coasted along. After about an hour and a half we reached the portage which was just slightly over one km long. A quick carry ensued, during which time it started to rain. A snack was consumed at the far end, and then we shoved off into a wide meandering stream. Around the first corner we saw a small female moose, which did not at first notice us. We observed for a while, and then tried to paddle quietly by, at which point she noticed us and wandered away into the woods. We paddled for a couple of km onto Carl Wilson Lake and found a really nice campsite on a point. We had lunch in the rain and then made some hot tea to warm up. Brian built up a fire, then went for a very brief swim in the cold water, then spent the rest of the afternoon trying to dry his trunks around the fire. After a brief nap, I got up to everyone asleep or gone. The fire was out and it was pouring rain so I decided to take a boat out for something to do and to keep myself warm. I paddled solo across to the cliffs and then looped around the tiny island by our campsite. When I got back, Brian and Matt had the fire going again so I warmed up around that. The rain stopped in time for cooking supper, but then started up again while eating. I picked up an old bucket that was lying around to use as a table and found inside a tarp, which was quickly errected to create some shelter. We have found a tarp now at every site this trip. The first one we thought was just accidently left behind. Now I am wondering if the park is planting them. They sure were handy on this rip, since it has rained every day. The booze was finished yesterday, and it is getting quite cold, so we went to bed early.
















































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