Canoe Trip: Part III

A mirrored lake greets us as we cook a hearty morning breakfast. A pile of dri-ki (drift wood) is stacked near the waterfront - a potential bonfire in waiting. Blue skies indicate a beautiful afternoon of paddling.

Coffee breaks are always built into the schedule. Something needs to provide the fuel to propel me forward. Today, a muddy beach and a makeshift wind block of rocks will be the platform for my caffeine fix.

After reviewing the atlas and planning out a few potential fishing holes, we trek back to the canoe, on a caffeine-high and continue along on our way.

Relics from the river drives (when lumber would make it's way down water systems to mills) still remain throughout this land. The above contraptions are abundant along our trip. At best, it appears to be a weight, made of concrete and re-bar, that would serve as an anchor point for booms or boats.

Wading into the ripples, downstream from a dam, we test our luck on salmon. Water levels are extremely low and if my polarized sunglasses serve me correctly - fish are lacking in this river outlet today.

After 40 minutes of casting the decision is made to break down the rods and head to a remote lean-to.

As the clouds settle into the evening sky, the crisp fall air begins to whip across the lake. Our location tonight is fairly exposed and our jackets are pulled quickly from our packs. I haul the canoe onto the rocky beach and we begin dinner.

Our home for tonight. Lying flat on your back, across the hardwood shelter floor, actually feels like heaven after sitting in a canoe all day. However, I shouldn't complain. 

Dinner duties are the responsibility of my cousin this evening. I take full advantage of the opportunity to relax - taking in the smell of pine, and the beauty of another Maine evening. Cheers!