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Day 7 Time: 8 hrs 5 min Distance: 26 km (71.8) Woke at 8:30 but slept a bit more before tea. We intended to leave early today so at 9:30 I started some serious packing; we were loading the boats just before 11:00 and on the water shortly thereafter. The skies were clear, the temperature comfortable and very calm. The lake was glassy smooth as it was most of the day. No trouble finding our way North on Trout Lake, there was a possible campsite on the right just at the exit from Morris Bay, we saw a fishing boat and some other stuff on shore but did not stop, not a great spot but better than what we found back at the portage especially if more than one tent space was needed. The next two main bays on the right shore looked like possible beach sites especially at lower water. We entered Trout Creek not knowing what to expect, for the most part it was 20+ metres wide and lined with a wide band of alders. The lack of adjacent trees meant no logjams or sweepers, the current was always present but a modest 2 - 3 kmph except for a few short sections where the creek narrowed slightly. Nearing the end the creek widened into an alder swamp, something like I imagine one might find in Florida.
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A sharp right at Loon Lake and then another long paddle to where we "officially" joined the South Seal. Loon Lake did not look good at all for campsites; perhaps something could be found which is more than you can say for Trout Creek; not a place I'd want to be forced to camp. One possible spot on the left at the base of a small point, we did not cross to check. As I felt we would find something on the river proper. We paddled another 4+ km scanning the shoreline, at a bend to the right a small river enters from the left, a small island at the mouth looked possible from a distance but not so good upon closer inspection. About a km further on the left I spotted something, stopping to look it proved to be good, the access not the best but at least it was not choked with shrubbery. A selection of "flat" spots in the trees offered a floor of lumpy moss, moss that to an extent would flatten with use. I suspect this spot may have been used before. We pitched the hut for the first time in 3 days, nice to have space to create chaos again!
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We munched on nuts, Pringles and chocolate then moved on to "breakfast for dinner", Denver Omelet (Backpackers Pantry) and a whole package of pre-cooked bacon. A relatively early night, Steve is in his bivy before midnight. It's been a great day, the weather and water perfect, we have finally covered a reasonable distance, such a dramatic change from the previous days frustration and hard work. It's cooled off a bit, no wind and the bugs are buzzing outside the hut. It's too dark to write without a light but for sitting around there is enough even at Midnight. I need to organize a few things before retiring for the night.
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