Day 2 - September 8th

Day 2 - Leg 2
Trapped in Portage Bay!
(Distance 7.8 miles)

Video: Underway On Portage Bay - Kayak in Tow

The night's boat site was unplanned! I did not check carefully enough for outlets and there appeared to be one.  But, no there wasn’t!  The chart was a little deceptive. I entered the bay and passed close by High Rock Island boat site thinking I might stop there and hike the trail to the overlook but decided to stop on the return instead.  

I proceeded on to Cross Lake which connects to Temagami from the east.  When I approached the end of Portage Bay it became clear I would have to back track a mile or more to get back out of the bay! There was a portage you could throw a rock across, but not the boat! 

I had already traveled about 6 miles and did not want to go further, but there was a problem!  Though there was a portage there was no co-located boat site on this side!  I did not want to go back so I considered an alternative, a small rocky peninsula nearby that appeared it would work (see pics).  I approached from the portage side (west), but it was clear that was not going to work because it was to shallow! So, I tried to approach from the east and was able to nudge in and tie up.  Actually, a very nice site since I don’t require any shore side accouterments. Ended up being just fine for me.  

Portage Bay - Self Made Houseboat Site

Video of Portage Bay Houseboat Site

A Sliver of Rock!

Home Built Pontoons
Foam Sheathed With Wood Supported With Angle Iron

Short Video of Boat Interior

Flew the drone with floats attached, but I'm not happy with performance.  It was a little windy but it seemed erratic in response to the controls.  I made two or three flights but was not pleased with overall performance.  I may have to fly without the safety of the floats? See video clip below. Had to edit pretty drastically, but they should get better!

Drone Video - Portage Bay Site

Spent part of the afternoon rigging up the fire ring on the fore deck putting down some protective tile first.  The ring fit just fine.  Rigged up the shower and and tried to use it without the shelter but it was just too breezy and cool!  So, I put the shelter up but did not have it positioned well.  It worked okay but I need to work on the location a bit.  The hot shower felt great!  

Brought Along Chair and Fire Ring For Evening Enjoyment

Had grilled salmon, potato salad, coleslaw, fresh hot roll, and white wine for dinner.  Sat out by the fire for a while but I was just too tired at the end of the day to stay out and wait for the stars.  I even had trouble trying to read! I was just too tired with the fresh cool air and more activity than I am used to!

Enjoying the Fire Ring

(Motion Lapse)