Saturday, May 26, 2012

We awoke at 5:30 am to a chilly but peaceful morning. I put on a coat and climbed out of the tent to an amazing view of the lake.

It didn't take us long to pack up and head across Kawishiwi. Crossing the glass like surface quickly we began our departure down a narrow stream on our way to Square lake. I would say we were about half way there when we noticed a moose up ahead in the water. This time I got a few pictures before it wondered back up the shore and into the woods.

As we approached Square lake the damage to the forest from the pokagami creek fire was everywhere. The shores were scattered with burnt trees and the forest looked bare. Once on Square, the shoreline was burnt almost all the way around.

We stopped a for a few photos and continued our way to Kawaschong lake. The scenery did not change much, burnt forest all over. The water was high, leaving us with one 20 rod portage. The paddling continued across Kawasching to our longest portage of 189 rods. All of the forest along the portage into Townline was burnt as well. I got to be honest, I was looking forward to seeing fire damage but by now it was almost depressing to keep seeing more and more of the forest burnt. As we approached Townline lake it was more and more of the same. Townline is a small lake, maybe a five minute paddle to our last 95 rod portage into lake Polly. Upon reaching the shore of Polly the forest became more green than black. The first campsite we found on the southeast side of the lake was just perfect for us. It had one nice tent pad, a few good trees for the tarp and hammocks, and a great view. We set up camp and relaxed.

That evening we managed to catch some walleye and explore the rest of the lake. The sky began to cloud up and we enjoyed a great sunset.

Later that night I was awaken by the sound of rain and thunder. There was little lightning, but the rain poured down.