Only 7.5 miles, you say? Well…let me tell you our story. Violent thunderstorms with heavy rain had continued off and on for hours in the night, turning the difficult portage trail into a treacherous one. Hardest was the rushing stream that now crossed the trail at a point with no boardwalk. Ominous rumbling continued as I carried both boats (very carefully) and Dad the rest of the boat gear. His stamina has been impressive. Left camp about 10 a.m., already having done quite a bit!
We called home and Mom reported that the escaped convicts were far away, riding the rails in PA, a huge relief. (Also ultimately not true, but we had peace of mind for a day or two).
The wind had picked up more and on we sailed, torn between hugging the shore for safety or flying free down the middle. Then there was that delicate point where fun becomes a bit scary. Was it a blessing of prayer that there was a lean-to exactly there? The waves carried us in and deposited us firmly on shore for an early camp.
An afternoon in camp is always a gift, for drying, washing, and relaxing. Just remember to put a large rock on anything you set down or it will blow away! And when you are done washing yourself and the laundry, you will need to pick little leaf bits out of all the crevices. This was some serious wind and stirring up of an already- flooded shore. Hot dogs and beans for supper on the campfire and Dad’s new twig stove.
TOTAL MILES: 47.0
Laurie Apgar Chandler 
You two are really impressing me. But, I know this is a goal and you are hard at work getting to it. Tricia
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Sounds like a good trip so far–the mud sounds a bit overwhelming! Glad to know they got the convicts this weekend–I have wondered about you being in that locale for this adventure. Great way to meet some nice people!! Pat
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It’s not hard to remember the conditions. As Laurie said, the wind and waves were past the point of safe navigation. In camp, the trees swayed with each new gust of wind. I’d estimated that some gusts were over 30 mph. The lake started out flooded probably 2-3 feet, then the wind drove the surface water to the lee shore, forcing it still higher. The edge of the lake was invisible due to a coating of vegetative debris for several feet out from the edge. I had no choice where to land. The wind decided, and there I went.
Anyway, it was an exciting ride, and a fun evening in camp.
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