Day 15 - September 21

Friday and the last leg up the East Arm of Temagami at the end of a two week trip. 

Hustling to beat storm winds by 11 am!  

(Cloudy, rainy, calm initially, breeze up on arrival)

Leg 11 - Day 15
(4.5 miles/1:40)

Woke up at 4 am with thunder, lighting, and rain.  Thankfully, the wind was not yet blowing as forecast, at this early hour.  I tried to get back to sleep and tossed and turned but finally just got up early.

Went through the normal routine, with the goal to depart by 7 am, around first light.  After my study time, I had a quick breakfast and organized the last few items that I could do ahead of time. I finally backed away from the site about 7:15 am. 

The wind was still not up, but there was a light rain from time to time.  I spotted one boat ahead of me entering the narrows just southwest of town.  So someone beat me out this morning! I guess someone else is watching the weather too!  

I projected I would arrive about 8:30 am, since I did not have that far to go.  My deadline was 11 am but with the forecast high winds (up to 55 mph!) there was no way I wanted to be out in the open with this underpowered rig with that kind of wind!

As I approached the narrows, Leisure Island started calling all boats to immediately come in and not wait, due to the storm winds on the way.  Some paid attention, some apparently did not!  I saw no other boats coming behind me as I entered the narrows on approach.

Turns out the boat that was ahead of me just got off the main lake before breakfast then stopped about a half mile away from base, at the closest boat site to have a quick breakfast, then come in.  They came in right after me, so I was first to arrive  

Arrival Leisure Island Houseboat Docks
(click to enlarge)

Another houseboat arrived after I was loaded and ready to depart.  But there were at least 4-6 boats still out!  I was fortunate that it did not rain on me while I loaded, and the winds were just a breeze with occasional gusts. The wind did not get cranked up until about an hour later.  As I was driving down the road they picked up and gave me all kinds of trouble driving.  

Second boat pulls in before wind storm hits. (click to enlarge)

I got soaked when I tried to get out of the car for lunch in Sudbury when a sudden thunder shower poured down rain.  All I had was about 100 yards to run but I was soaked by the time I got in the restaurant and I was even wearing a rain jacket!  My pants and shoes were water-logged!

After lunch the drive to the U.P. of Michigan was a strain because the wind was just beating the car and kayak to death.  I had to stop and tighten lines and at one point the wind ripped the cover off the kayak cockpit, meant to keep the rain out.  I've never had that happen even driving at 70 mph!  It would have been destroyed so I removed it completely.  

I was afraid at several points the gusts would just rip the kayak off the roof or blow me off the road!  Wind was as forecast.  I estimate they were at least 55 mph in gusts, at times.  I guess it was remnants of some tropical storm that was in the midst of blowing itself out?  Since I had no news for the past two weeks I did not know the history of the storm?

There was a long wait at the border, though no problems crossing. Quite the contrast from my crossing into Canada, which was the quickest I've ever had.  Two questions and see ya!  The fact that I had both a passport and a Nexus card probably helped, but he didn’t even ask me if I had liquor, which is almost automatic.  The return questions were maybe three or four and almost as quick.  There were just a lot more vehicles going into the U.S.

I was glad to reach my overnight stop in Newbury, MI at sunset.  I needed some rest after that rough windy drive!  The next day was calm and sunny so the return home went quickly and without incident.  It was a great trip overall.  May have to do it again!  Highly recommended!

Day 14 - September 20

North Side of NE Arm, Lake Temagami 

(high clouds, cool, calm)

Day 14 - September 20 
For Last Night Moved to South Shore Due to Forecast Winds
(click to enlarge)

Followed the morning routine, then I had blueberry pancakes and sausages for breakfast.  I had an excess amount of sausage left, so I may have a lunch today: corn muffin, sausages and OJ. Got all in order and headed out.  Checked out alternative sites along the way but I had my mind set on a small cove well protected from potential strong south winds in the night. This was near Caldwell Island.  

Roomy Galley Area, Generous Windows, Lots of Light
(click to enlarge)

Left about 10 am and arrived around 11 am but got in trouble before I tied up!  The entry to the cove was touch and go with a scattering of reefs on the way in, but I felt with my Navionics charts I should be okay.  I entered slowly and kept clear of charted reefs, however, the second one was not accurately charted, extending much further out than expected, and was close to the surface. I was going extra slow due to the potential risk, but the reef came up so fast I could not stop in time, so I just tried to keep the momentum going to spin me off to the port side.  No go!  I was stuck hard on the starboard pontoon.  I worked it around and around and seemed to be making some progress, but could not get off!

A Tale of Woe! The Track To My Demise!
(click to enlarge)

Drone video of uncharted reef near Caldwell Island entrance to boat site

(Compare with chart shown above)

A cabin was near by and I had spectators almost immediately!  It always happens like that!   You make a fool of yourself and there has to be someone there to document your mistake!  Well that turned out to be a good thing, if a bit humbling!  Two guys came out and offered to help me get off when they could see I was not making measurable progress.  

They asked if they could help and I responded by saying I would welcome their assistance.  Even though it seemed to be working loose, I could have been messing around for hours, which made no sense with help available.  

We hooked up a line to the stern and with me in reverse it came off very easily.  I thanked them profusely and wished them a good day.  Seems like every year I have to end the trip with a rescue or it just isn’t right!

Central Helm Station, When Solo, Restricts Ability
To See Uncharted Reefs With Sun On The Bow, Or Poor Light.
(click to enlarge)

The boat site was close by so I landed and tied up shortly after they pulled me off.  I took all my fire wood ashore for a possible evening fire, if it doesn’t rain?  This site is much nicer than last night and even has a small trail out to a point with a lookout of sorts. 

A Trail To The Point Revealed An Alternate Fire Ring
(click to enlarge)

I set up the drone to go out and take some pics of the reef I went aground on, to document further the error of my ways for posterity!  From the air it was very easy to see what happened.  The main reef was marked well on the chart, but not the rock I hit, which was slightly further out.  I even checked my track and it was clear of the marked reef. The moral of the story is that you can only trust charts so far and they are not perfect!  No substitute for a spotter, which I did not have!  It isn’t that I hadn’t already determined the charting was suspect for this lake.  I have clearly documented it twice now!

Drone video of the last boat site of the two week trip. Great trip!

Though it was by then 1245 pm, I still felt full from breakfast so I didn't know if I would have lunch or not?  Hamburgers, baked beans, chips, and a cold beer are up for dinner. That may be enough? 

I plan to take a shower later, since this is my last night on the boat.  I have to get up early (about 5 AM) to do my normal study and prayer time, eat breakfast, clean up, and get underway at first light to attempt to beat the high winds forecast for tomorrow. 

I finished the Lights in the Sky and Little Green Men book today and my novel last night, since I could not get to sleep and the bright moon was shining through the windows. So far I've finished two novels, and now on my second audio book, and I also finished the "Little Green Men" book. I have one more book I will begin reading today.

Nicely Designed Head & Well Stocked
(click to enlarge)

I will begin packing stuff this afternoon and evening so all is ready for the quick leg to the marina in the morning. My goal is to be away by 7 am (first light).

I picked away at organizing and re-packing everything so I can fit it all in the car.  The car is full when loaded. Including the left front seat right to the dash! I managed to get it all packed and ready, then made dinner, cleaned up the dishes, and put everything away.

Started a fire so it would have some coals when I come ashore after my shower.  It took awhile again to get the water hot enough to shower and I pushed it a bit so it was a little cooler than I like but warmed up by the time I finished. It was steaming in the cold air when I was finishing up!  Afterward I got dressed and went ashore to have evening desert of red wine and chocolate covered almonds.

Sat by the fire for awhile but than it began to drizzle so I packed the BT speakers, my chair, etc. and went back to the boat.  I bundled up the shower gear, moved the propane tank inside so things would not get wet with the forecast rain.  

Tomorrow’s forecast is looking even worse, 70 percent chance of rain and wind gusts up to 70 km/hr (43 mph) by noon!  I plan to be out of here by 7 am to beat the adverse winds and have my car loaded before they hit.  We’ll see how that goes? 

Comfortable But Very Firm Bed, Flannel Sheets, Down Comforter
(click to enlarge)

I sat and listened to music for awhile, but I was a bit antsy with the anticipation of the weather and the last day tomorrow.  So, I read a chapter of the new book and tried to sleep, but to no avail, so I got up to finish this log for the day.  I won’t be able to finish tomorrow’s log until I get back to MI for the overnight stay. 

Wake up is 5 AM tomorrow morning!

Last Night On The Boat
(click to enlarge)

Day 13 September 19

Following by email?  Be sure to click the blog link below to view videos:

Temagami Houseboat Trip - 2018

East Cross Bay to High Rock Landing 

(Cloudy, cool, wisps of fog, a breeze from the NE)

Leg 9a- Day 13
Cross Bay Boat Site to High Rock Landing

(2 miles) (Click to Enlarge)

Got an early start at first light, did the normal routine in the morning and after breakfast and ready to go it was 9 AM an hour earlier than my normal departure time.  I headed directly to the west part of this bay where the trail goes up to High Rock.  I had packed my backpack the last night so I had everything ready to go as soon as I tied up. 

Back Pack With All Drone Flight Gear
(Click to Enlarge)

High Rock Overlook - Lake Temagami
(click to enlarge)

Arrived at 9:30 AM and headed up the trail.  I filmed the full hike (see below), so it is heavily edited.  Got up on the High Rock Overlook and the view was exactly as expected (see pic above).  

Video: Hike to High Rock Overlook

Even though it was cool and cloudy it was a very nice hike and beautiful view.  I took off my down vest to cool down since the hike got my heart beating pretty good and I was heated up too.  Since I was taking a break I set up the drone and took just one flight since I got most of what I wanted.  Took a couple of camera shots too.  Then loaded up and headed down the trail.

DJI Osmo Mobile 2 Handheld Gimbal Laying On
Rain Jacket, Helipad Behind
(Click to Enlarge)

Video: Drone Flight at High Rock Overlook, Lake Temagami

I got off the site about 1100 AM and headed for my goal and last stop for this trip.  Weather stayed cloudy and breezy until around 2 PM and then the wind went light and the sky cleared, though temps are still cool. 

Leg 9b - Day 13
High Rock Landing to Last Boat Site For Trip?
(12 miles) (Click to Enlarge)

I listened to an audio book during the trip and entered the planned site the back way and almost ran aground in one place.  Have to watch it!  As I approached I was able to see that another boat was on the site. I came a day early just to guarantee I got the site, but the boat I saw this morning must have had the same idea since I suspect he checks in the same day I do. 

So I had to back track about a half mile to an alternate site and not near as good, but it is what it is.  I will have to decide whether to check the other site tomorrow or just stay put, or move to another, we’ll see.

Long Fetch to SW, Not Good If Weather Changes!
(Click to Enlarge)

I have everything charged up and now I’m just filling the solar battery even though I don’t think I will need it now.  I had planned to kayak at the other site but this site is not good for that. If so, I might have done some more with the drone.  Now I may be done with it for this trip.

Solar Panel Held Down By Socks Filled With Beans
To Keep It From Blowing Away!
(Click to Enlarge)

Dinner is spaghetti, coleslaw, roll, and red wine.  I snacked not long back with the crackers and cheese routine so I may wait awhile before eating.  The site is not very nice, just adequate and somewhat exposed to wind and waves.  Fortunately, it is only light wind right now.  I may have to put up a guy if the winds increase.  

It is supposed to cloud up and maybe rain tonight, tomorrow, and Friday!  I hope they are off on that forecast.  So far most days have been nice at least for some periods.

Solar Battery Left Center - 2 Six Gallon Water Containers
It Took 3 For The Trip
(Click to Enlarge)

Time for some music and a glass of wine while I just kick back!  However, I didn’t relax very long before beginning to put together dinner.  Tasted great!  

Boat Number 7 = The Perfect and Complete Boat Package!
(Click to Enlarge)

I then had my evening desert and noticed the boat was swinging slightly so I put out a starboard guy to keep the NE breeze from pushing me around.  Thought about using up my collected firewood but I checked the fire pit and view and decided it wasn’t worth the trouble.  I will just used the fire ring and listened to some music. 

I kept getting colder, even with my down vest and the fire going!  I had to put my fleece vest down on the seat to keep my butt from getting cold.  The front was warm and everything else cold, including my arms! Finally I went in and got a heavier jacket but even that got too cool so I just shut down the fire and went inside. 

Sun just about down. I will read awhile and hit the sack.  Forecast shows possible strong south winds tomorrow eve so I will move across to the south side of this arm in the morning after breakfast.  Prefer to be on that side if gusts will get high (gusts to 25 mph).

Day 12 - September 18

Following by email?  Be sure to click the blog link below to view videos:

Temagami Houseboat Trip - 2018


Little Island to Cross Bay 

(Morning Windy, Cloudy, and Cold. Wind Moderated Late Morning, Calm by Evening)

Leg 8 - Day 12
(About 6 miles) (Click to enlarge)

The last thought before nodding off last night was hope for a restful night of sleep.  The anticipation was positive, but it just didn’t happen!  Storm rains went through about midnight and the wind switched, as I hoped it wouldn't!  I didn’t catch it right away, but soon the boat was pounding incessantly on the rocks, so I got up to check conditions.  Sure enough, the night was black as pitch and now the guy line desperately needed to be moved to the port side with a strong wind blowing from the north. 

I didn’t really have any idea why the boat was pounding.  I had difficulty figuring that out in the dark of the night, since I assumed I would be fairly well protected from north winds and waves?  It seemed like I must be getting some reflection of the waves off the shore of the mainland pushing the boat onto the rocks off the boat's bow causing it to pound away, the sound echoing through the hulls. It did not appear to be damaging anything, but it shook the whole boat, making me very uneasy!

I got the guy changed to the other side and checked all the other lines and re-tied each one to make sure they were tight.  I was concerned about the port bow line since it was chafing against a rock. Movement seemed minor so I decided to leave that line alone for now.

I tried to go back to sleep, but it was to no avail!  The pounding shook the boat and seemed worse than it actually was since it echoed badly through the hulls.  At 4:30 am I just couldn’t take the sound and motion anymore, so I got dressed and went out to check all the lines again. All seemed okay except the line that was chafing.  So I dug out my Gorilla Duct Tape and went to work making a chafing sleeve wrapping the line in the place it was chafing on the rocks.  A bit of a challenge since the boat was moving and I did not want to get my hand pinched between the line and the rock.  I used several short chunks of tape to wrap it.  I think it will hold until daylight when I can see what is going on. 

Not much I can do right now!  It has started to drizzle, which will make departure interesting between the wind and the rain! 

Made some hot chocolate accompanied by chocolate covered almonds to warm me up and lift my spirits.  It was too early for coffee and cookies!  I didn’t want to use the lights too much since I draw on the battery a lot when recharging equipment batteries, so I cranked up my Coleman lantern.  Outside temps have dropped so I turned the heat on to warm things up a bit and take the chill out of the air.  

The pounding did not make for the normal relaxing morning study time, nevertheless, I had nothing else to do but wait the storm out!  I warmed up some coffee cake, baked the other day, and had coffee with that. Half way through the study it was light enough for me to evaluate my situation a little better.  I may be stuck here all day with these strong winds (25+ mph)!

I decided that two things may help the movement and noise.  The guy line is three strand poly and has too much elasticity, which makes it act like a rubber band.  When the boat is tensioned by the wind or waves, the guy springs the boat back, causing it to impact the rocks resulting in the hull noise and further chaffing of the bow lines.

Secondarily, I felt if I let out some line and adjusted the line angles a bit I could perhaps back the boat off the rocks further but still get back aboard.  The combination worked measurably better!  I may actually be able to rest later today, if stuck here! I got almost no sleep last night.

After my study, I made breakfast, toast, peanut butter, and cereal.  Cleaned up and did some more tweaking of the lines trying to get the boat to be even quieter.  I succeeded and observed improvement.  The bows still hit the rocks from time to time but less often and I didn’t have the sling shot affect any more!

The other lines are also three strand but heavier (1/2”) and could be a combination of materials, since they don’t appear to be all poly, perhaps a combination of nylon and poly.  If the wind drops I will still move, but for now, I am just twiddling my thumbs trying to stay warm.  Hard to believe I was swimming yesterday. The heat is on today!  

10:45 AM but still a pretty strong wind, yet it seems to be weakening a bit.  We’ll see what happens?

Sat in my chair and read my novel to pass the time hoping the wind would go down. I would read a chapter and then go up on the top of the island to check to see if conditions had changed.  The wind appears to be dropping, but slowly, so I’ll read another chapter and check again.

Sure enough, the wind is down enough I should be able to make progress against the wind.  I will be going directly into it!  It is more NE than North.  

I finally got off around 11 am and headed initially to my old site on the south end of Portage Bay, but changed my mind after looking at my remaining schedule and the plan to hike High Rock Trail tomorrow.

East Cross Bay - A Cloudy And Cool Fall Day
(Click to enlarge)

Arrived at the site on the east end of Cross Bay and was secured by 1 PM.  I made a quick lunch of crackers, cheese, apples, and nuts with wine to hold me until dinner.  I then moved the kayak ashore where it would be easier to dump the rain water it collected during the storm.  I thought I might go kayaking later in the eve and wanted to dry it out.

I went back to the boat, closed up the shades, and hit the sack!  Slept soundly for about 1.5 hours!  Got up and felt much better.  Still cloudy and cold.  Boat is buttoned up tight, but no heat on.  Began to work on dinner: pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw, and a beer in a frozen mug.  Brought my own beer mug along to stick in the freezer.  It gives it that little extra chill!  

I decided that with the current cool weather, clouds in the sky, and some breeze I would not use kayak, so I put the cockpit cover on, because there is a chance of rain again over the next couple of days.  

Then I took a hot shower.  It took surprisingly long to get the water to warm with the colder water in the bucket and the colder air temperature! Felt good after such a rough night!

Quiet Evening But Chill In The Air!
(Click to enlarge)

After I cleaned up I sat in my chair inside, listened to music, and had my evening desert.  I was just going to stay inside and read, but then decided I would go out and set by the fire ring on the fore deck for awhile and listen to music, which I did.  However, it got chilly very fast and with the gray sky and limited view I decided to go back inside and finish this log for the day. 

I hit the sack early and will try to get an earlier start tomorrow, since I want to hike High Rock and still get to my last boat site for the final sprint.  I will go a day early to ensure I get the boat site I want this time around!  It was occupied on the outbound leg.  (Idea was great, but it proved to not work out!)  

Looking west, the sun is trying to peek through the clouds but the sky is a generally gray and temperatures are typical of a cool fall day!  Will close this log out and the day soon after!

Day 11 - September 17

Following by email?  Be sure to click the blog link below to view videos:
Temagami Houseboat Trip - 2018

Location: Little Island - Kabekwabika Island Group - Layover Today
(Some clouds and fog, but broke early, sunny most of the day, warm, up to 80 F)

Did not sleep well last night.  Woke up and stared out the windows at the stars but had a hard time getting back to sleep. So I got up early and went through the normal morning routine, Bible study, prayer, and reading while I had coffee and cookies.  

Later, I made a sausage and cheese omelet, toast and raspberry jam, with OJ. Cleaned up afterward.  Adjusted the solar panel for the solar generator.  Trying to charge it up after  recharging five drone batteries from flights yesterday. With the bright sun it won’t take long. Afterward I added fuel to the main tank of the boat, since the main was getting down to about a ¼ full.  Wanted to be ahead of that.  Should not need the last spare tank given the distances remaining.

On north side there was a nice place with shade to read lakeside
(click to enlarge)

I decided to stay here today since the spot is so nice. I may take a couple more experimental photo flights with the drone and will have another fire tonight.  Most of the day will just be relaxing, maybe a swim sometime, and bringing this log up to date.  A little house cleaning may be in order too.  I need to sweep the floor and the head was beginning to smell!  There is a little breeze today and it is on my starboard beam from the SW.  I hope it is not strong enough in the gusts to break my guy line.  It is pretty light weight (3/8” poly) and the boat has a lot of mass.

Comfortable reading with a great view!
(click to enlarge)

I ended up cleaning the head, sweeping and mopping the floor, and shaking out the rugs.  So pretty much a complete house cleaning.  Looks and smells better! After all the work I went for a swim to cool off. Then went up to read my book.  Found some neat natural baths in the rocks, took some pics but decided not to use the baths.

Around 2 pm I got a little hungry so I made a cheese and cracker snack. Then went back out to read some more.  Took a few pics of the natural baths and found some shade for reading.  The ants were bad though and kept getting into everything.

 A natural bath was formed in the shore side rock. 
(see Day 10 drone video for aerial view)
(click to enlarge)

After finishing my one novel I started on another, John Grisham’s “The Broker”, so far looks better than the previous novel, which was too intricate and far fetched for me.  I’ve finished one paperback  novel and also one audio book so far, now I'm am on my second of both.  Audio books work great to pass the time while underway.

Went down to get dinner ready, not really appropriate for the day, since it is about 80 F!  But, I have chili, fresh baked corn bread muffins, and a cold beer on the menu.  So I set up my stove and oven rig and got everything mixed up and went to work baking.  Ended up to be a great dinner!  Afterward it was dishes and another jump in the lake to cool off and clean up for the evening.  

Once finished with chores it was back up to the hill to fly the drone for three flights taking some shots of a tree, mostly experimental (incorporated into the Day 10-Drone Video).  Then I started a fire, listened to music, and had my evening desert of wine and chocolate covered almonds.  

Storm clouds off to the north are building with lightening flashing from time to time, so possible rain tonight, which was in the forecast.

Enjoying the evening wood fire. Storm clouds building!
(click to enlarge)

Made the precaution earlier of sending the throwing line ashore before dark in case of a wind switch, which the weather channel said may go north later on.  That would mean a shift of the guy support line to the port side and I don’t like throwing that line at night!  It is a rubber ball but should be a proper "monkey fist" that does not bounce. More often than not it bounces right back into the water, which is not what you want a throwing line to do! 

I took a couple of throws and every time it went ashore and just bounced back into the lake! I finally gave up and went ashore to fish it out with my walking stick. Now if I have to switch sides it is quite easy to send the line ashore with my pre-thrown sending line.  Hopefully a switch will not be needed during the dark of night? (Note: It was!)

Will be moving tomorrow, weather permitting. Hopefully I sleep better tonight, in spite of the possible storm.  (Note: A restful night was not to be!)

Day 10 - September 16

Following by email?  Be sure to click the blog link below to view videos:
Temagami Houseboat Trip - 2018

Today: Foggy, Low Clouds - Later Sunny, Warm.

Leg 7 - Day 10
East Arm Cross Lake to West Side of Lake Temagami
(16 miles) (Click to Enlarge)

The day started at 3 am! It sounded like possible rain and there was a heavy mist and the wind had switched to the east.  Reluctantly, I got up to switch the stern guy line from the starboard to port side given the wind change.  I was afraid the wind would build and it would get worse. Better to fix it now and prevent worse problems later!  

After I finished, I read a chapter in my book to try to bet back to sleep, but it was not easy. I slept uneasily the rest of the night.  Got up to a dreary foggy morning.  After study, reading, and breakfast it was almost 10:30 AM before I got away from shore.

Loons loved the early morning fog.
(Click to Enlarge)

Then it seemed like the great houseboat migration! I saw 3 of 4 houseboats from the party I spotted yesterday leave ahead of me, going the same direction.  I followed them then another boat came behind me.  We worked our way out through the narrow channels into the main lake.  

An alternative to Leisure Island Houseboats with a roof top deck. Inbound to Cross Lake.
(Click to Enlarge)

Video: Channel from Cross Lake to Lake Temagami

My goal was one of two sites on the S.E. side of the South Arm of Temagami.  The last boat followed me all the way so I thought he may be trying to beat me to the site since he was slightly faster.  However, it was a false alarm, since he was taking the boat back to its island base nearby. 

A lighted marker for night and day navigation.  I would not recommend night
travel for any visitor to this area.  Too many rocks and reefs!
(Click to Enlarge)

In the end it did not matter!  Both boat sites in this area were a no go, the first was too shallow, the second too bushy and I just could not approach close enough to drop the gang plank.  Two down maybe three times is a charm? 

I'm listening to my second audio book of the trip (Brad Thor’s, Full Black).  Keeps my mind off the failure of finding a satisfactory place to roost for the night!

I headed NW toward an island group that on the lake map indicated a camp site on the west shore bay, however, on Jeff’s maps there was no such site shown.  So, which is it?  While I struck out!  Got there and there was nothing to be found.  So I turned around a third time and by now it is 2:30 pm and I am hungry, so I make myself a snack underway and decide to head to my Portage Bay site that I know is good. 

However, after working through the island group (near Kabekwabika Island) I observed a site off to the west on an island that Jeff’s maps describes as a “very” small site!  I figure, why not, try one more time, it was not far off the track. I get there, and it is a good site, steep enough I don’t need to use the gangway plank and can just step ashore.  As Jeff's Maps described, it is a very small island indeed!  

This is pretty much it!  Looking SE. Very small island with little space for camping.
(Click to Enlarge)

Looking the opposite direction to the NW. 
(Click to Enlarge)

Previous visitors left some firewood so with what I had on board, and the extra here, I plan to have a real fire later on. It was warm, and I felt sticky so I put on my suit and jumped in for a quick swim. I feel much better after the swim!

Tonight will be my first wood fire of the trip.
(Click to Enlarge)

Afterward, I took the drone kit up the hill, along with my chair, and made several flights around the island.  I really have to work with the proper lens filter due to the stark contrast with the sun shining off a lot of objects and over exposing them. It will take some time, but I will get better!  No issues with the flights once I figured out I had left the controller in “Sport Mode” from the flights back at the Cross Lake Dam, which disallows use of the “Intelligent Flight Modes” I was trying to use!

Video: Drone footage of the "Little Island" in west Lake Temagami

After flying for almost an hour, I put the potato on the grill to bake.  Steak tonight with potato, coleslaw, roll and red wine.  Should be great! Water temp is fine and I will likely go again later, like last night. Feels good to get into bed after a quick swim especially when it is this warm.  Close to 80 today.

No gangway necessary, but when a storm hit this proved to be a real problem!
(Click to Enlarge)

After a great grilled tenderloin steak, I washed dishes and went up to get a fire going.  I wanted to get some coals established before it got late.  Then I went back to take a shower instead of a swim since I hadn’t taken a shower in a couple days.  Had to set up the shelter and get the hot water heater rig going, but it did not take long. I felt much better after.  A good shampoo and soaping up was needed!  

Geese heading out with the incoming storm front.
(Click to Enlarge)

I put together my fireside kit, BT speakers, binoculars, camera, gimbal, phone, tripod, wine, and chocolates, put them all in a bag and went ashore.  Stoked the fire, took some motion lapses with the tripod and gimbal, and a few camera shots as well.

Video: Around the fire on Little Island - West Lake Temagami shore

Just a great balmy evening with a half moon in the sky and a very open site to see the stars.  Listened to John Gorka Pandora Channel on my mini BT speakers and stoked the fire until the moon set and nothing but coals were left.  Plenty of wood for another fire!