Chapter 3

Wednesday, August 20th

I woke up with a start.

"Will, Abby, Wake up!" I heard the tent rattle and shake. I opened my eyes. It was daylight. Joe demanded again, "Will, Abby, Wake Up! Are you guys awake?"

"Yes, Joe. I'm awake." I said.

Abby stirred. "I'm awake Joe." She said.

"Good morning Abby." I said.

"Good morning Will." Abby replied.

We dressed and packed our things that we brought in the tent last night. I could hear a gentle rain dripping on our tent. This rain just wouldn't quit. Abby and I stepped out of our tent and headed to the fire circle. Rob, Alex and Cindy were already outside.

I asked, "Rob, Cindy, Abby, come with me. We'll get the bear bags back to camp. Alex, get Terri out to help you. You're the cooks for the day. Let's get moving everybody."

Rob and I led the way as we walked to the sport where we hung our bear bags. I was surprised when we got close to the spot. I couldn't see our bear bags hanging between the two trees. When we got to the spot we found out why. Our bear bags were laying on the ground. Ripped open. The plastic bags containing our food was torn open and scattered all over the ground.

"Rob, go get Joe, right now!" I ordered. Rob took off back to camp. "Let's take stock of what is left." We stacked torn bags of food in one pile and intact bags in a second pile. Our plastic barrel full of bread and staples was intact.

Joe, Barb, Alex and Terri arrived. Joe asked, "What happened?"

"I guess a bear got into our food. What now?"

"Keep sorting. We'll figure out what we have left and then decide what to do after that." Joe answered.

We finished sorting food. Most of the drink mix was destroyed. About half of our dinners were gone. Four bags of breakfast were ruined, leaving us with six four serving bags for the rest of the trip. The bag of raisins was gone. The bag of peanuts, scattered all over the ground. Almost all the trail mix was gone. The deserts for our dinners were all ripped apart. Both jars of peanut butter made it through the night. The stick of salami had a few bites taken out of it, but most of the meat was good.

I asked, "Now what Joe?"

"We have about half our meals left. We could turn around an go back to Opeongo Store for more food or we could go on with half rations and hope we have good luck fishing. What do you guys think?"

I said, "I'd hate to go back now. It'll take us two days to get back to the store. By the time we get more food, we won't be able to get very far into the wilderness. I think we should keep going."

Rob asked, "Do you think we can catch enough fish to feed the group Joe?"

Joe answered, "I think, but I'm not sure. We didn't catch many fish last trip, but we didn't try very hard either. On my first trip twelve years ago, we caught a lot of fish, especially on Burnt Root Lake. That's where we are going today. Abby, what do you think?"

Abby answered, "I guess I want to go ahead. I guess it won't matter if we're a little hungry."

Joe asked, "Alex, what do you think?"

Alex said, "I don't ever want to see the portages we did yesterday again. I say 'Go forward.'"

Joe asked, "Cindy?"

She answered, "Keep going. But don't expect me to do any fishing. I hate it. If you catch them, I'll cook them."

"Rob?"

Rob said, "Fresh fish dinners every night. I can do that."

"Terri?"

"I'll go along with everyone else." she said.

"Will, how about you?"

"I didn't come the whole way here to turn around and go home at the first difficulty. If the voyageurs could do it two hundred years ago, we can do it." I declared emphatically.

Joe went on, "Well, that settles that. Let's get this mess cleaned up. We can't leave food and trash scattered around like this. If we don't clean this up, every bear, raccoon and other critter will flock here today. Get to work."

One pack was slashed open. We loaded the ruined food in it. We had to gather up all the loose noodles, macaroni, powder, scraps and dirt with food clinging to it and put it in the torn pack. Our good food was put in the second pack. Our plastic food barrel went in the third pack. We carried everything back to our campsite.

Barb sewed the torn pack together as best she could. We used duct tape to seal up the gaps. We ate a light breakfast of bagels and jelly. We packed the tents and personal gear and prepared to canoe on. The sky was cloudy and gray. A light drizzle fell on us.

Terri was the navigator for the day. She and Alex led us north from our campsite towards the portage at the northern end of Big Trout Lake. It only took seven minutes to canoe to the portage. It was the only advantage we derived from our long evening of canoeing the previous day.

We blasted through the 300 meter portage that took us to Longer Lake in 30 minutes time. Compared to yesterdays portages, this was a piece of cake. Terri and Alex led us north through Longer Lake. Longer Lake is, well, longer. It is only a quarter mile wide. It is two miles long. It took our crew about forty-five minutes to pass through Longer Lake. The map showed two short portages at the end of the lake. When we had the first one in sight, Joe called everyone together. We pulled our four canoes together so Joe could talk.

"When I was here on my first trip, we ran the rapids ahead instead of doing the portages. We should scout the rapids to see if they are safe and where the best spot is to pass through them." Joe explained.

Joe and Barb canoed close to the rapids and pulled into the shore. After a few minutes of study, Joe and Barb paddled back to our group.

Joe explained, "This rapid should be easy. It has a lot of rocks. If you steer through them, you should be fine. This set of rapids doesn't have much elevation drop. Will, you and Abby lead the way. The rest of us will follow. Leave at least a hundred feet between you and the canoe in front of you. Let's go."

I maneuvered my canoe between the rocks. Joe was right. This wasn't hard to get through. We hit one shallow spot where I had to get out and push the canoe to get to deeper water. The rest of the group followed Abby and I without trouble. When we were through the rapids we paddled downstream for the next rapids. We reached them in ten minutes. Joe and Barb pulled ahead to scout these rapids. Joe observed them for five minutes.

When he and Barb returned to the group he explained, "The first two hundred feet of this rapids should be easy. They are like the ones we did a few minutes ago. At the bottom of these rapids there is a four or five foot drop. The water will push you to the left side of the stream. When you complete the drop, you will need to make a hard right turn to avoid a large rock. Have the bow person do a sweep on the left side while the stern person does a reverse sweep on the right. This should bring your canoe around before you hit the rock. Any questions?"

No one said anything. Joe said, "Will, would you and Abby lead the way?"

"Sure thing Joe." I replied.

Abby and I started through the rapids. Joe was correct. The first two thirds of the rapids were easy. Then we came to the drop. At least I assumed it was the drop. The stream fell so quickly that all I could see was the edge of the water. I couldn't see the stream below. Abby and I took a deep breath and paddled on. Abby held her paddle at the ready while I guided the canoe. The canoe rushed through the rapids. I steered around a couple rocks before we came to the drop. Then it felt like the bottom of the stream dropped out. Our canoe rushed down the steep slope. I saw the big rock Joe was talking about.

I shouted, "Abby get ready to sweep on the left. Right NOW!" Abby did a forward sweep with her paddle while I did a reverse sweep on the right. The bow of the canoe turned abruptly to the right. We missed the rock by a couple feet. We floated calmly in the back water at the bottom of the falls. I turned us so we could see how the rest of the crew did. About twenty seconds later Rob and Cindy came flying down the last section of rapids. Rob and Cindy did the sweep maneuver at the perfect time. Their canoe bow turned in time to miss the rock at the bottom. Rob paddled over to my canoe.

"Man, what an awesome ride. That was fantastic!" Rob enthused.

My canoe had drifted a little further from the bottom of the rapids. Alex and Terri came next. They did well until the got near the bottom. Alex steered a little to far to the left. When he and Terri did there sweep, the canoe didn't turn fast enough. The bow of their canoe rode up the rock. The canoe teetered and then rolled over dumping Alex and Terri into the river.

Terri bobbed to the surface, but I couldn't see Alex. Rob and I paddled furiously to reach the overturned canoe. I saw a hand stick up from the overturned canoe. Then Alex's head popped out from under the canoe. Alex gasped for a breath of air. Rob and Cindy reached the soaked teens first.

Alex and Terri grabbed the side of Rob and Cindy's canoe. Rob said, "Climb in."

"NO! DON'T DO THAT!" I screamed. Too late. Alex and Terri both pulled themselves up on the gunwale of Rob and Cindy's canoe. The inevitable happened. The canoe rolled over dumping all four kids into the water.

I counted four heads bobbing in the stream. Just then Joe and Barb's canoe came flying down the last rapid, turned smartly past the rock and glided out into the scene of disaster.

"Good God Will. What happened?" Joe shouted.

"Alex and Terri missed the turn. Then they flipped Rob and Cindy" I shouted as I paddled to the rescue. I paddled my canoe into the group of swimmers. "Grab onto my canoe and hold on. DON'T GET IN! Wait until Joe and Barb get here too."

Joe and Barb pulled their canoe along side mine. Barb and Joe held onto my canoe to steady it. I directed, "Rob and Cindy, climb in my canoe. Alex and Terri, just wait a minute." Abby and I helped Rob and Cindy climb in. They looked like drowned rats. Dripping and shivering from their dunking the cold river.

Joe pulled his canoe away and went to get Rob's canoe. He brought it back. Alex and Terri continued hanging on the ends of my canoe, waiting for their turn. Joe pulled alongside my canoe again. Abby and I held his canoe steady while Joe turned Rob's canoe perpendicular to his canoe. He turned it upside down and pulled the bow up and slid it across his canoe and my canoe, draining it. We rolled the canoe right side up and dropped it in the water on the side opposite Joe and Barb. Abby and I held the canoe steady while Rob and Cindy climbed back in their canoe.

"Alex, Terri, get in Rob and Cindy's canoe while we hold it steady." I directed. Alex and Terri climbed in. They were pale and shivering. The drizzle was picking up and it turned into a steady rain. It only added to our group's misery.

Joe and I collected Alex and Terri's canoe and righted it. Then we spent the next five minutes rounding up stray paddles, canteens, packs and other gear. We pulled everyone and everything to the shore where we could sort things out.

Alex, Terri, Rob and Cindy were all shivering from the cold water. We returned gear to the proper canoes and prepared to depart. Joe said, "We need to get to a campsite right away. If we don't get the kids dry and warm soon, I think they could get hypothermia. We don't need that. There is a campsite nearby. Let's get there fast."

Joe and Barb led the way. We rounded a peninsula and saw Burnt Root Lake. The main channel led to the north. Joe turned east and paddled into shallow water. We hit ground after a minute. Joe hopped out of his canoe and pushed through the shallow water for about 100 feet. Then the water got deeper again. We followed Joe across the shallows. We paddled south to a campsite located on a peninsula in Redpine Bay of Burnt Root Lake.

We pulled into the rocky area at the entrance to the campsite. Joe, Abby, Barb and I carried our packs and equipment into the site.

Joe ordered, "Alex, Terri, Rob and Cindy. Find dry clothes in your packs while we put up tents."

We set up my tent and Joe's tent for immediate shelter. The four kids didn't have anything dry in their packs. Joe, Barb, Abby and I put our Therm-O-Rests and sleeping bags in the two tents. We handed our towels to the kids.

Joe said, "Rob and Cindy, use my tent. Get inside, strip out of your wet clothes, dry off and wrap up in our sleeping bags. Get warm. Alex and Terri, you do the same thing in Will and Abby's tent. OK?"

The rest of the group set up the other two tents in hope that they would dry during the day. It didn't seem likely, but it was worth a try. We finished setting up camp while the drenched kids warmed up and came back to life.

About half an hour later, when I walked by my tent, Alex called out, "Hey, Will. Did you find any dry clothes in my stuff?"

"Sorry Alex, everything is soaked. You two will have to stay naked. Have you warmed up?"

"Yeah. We're feeling good now."

I asked, "Are you ready for lunch?"

"Hell, yes. Can you bring us some food?"

"No. I'm afraid you'll have to come outside for lunch."

"Shit Will. No way. I'm not coming outside naked."

"Sorry Alex. You can't eat food in the tents. You and Terri will have to get back in your wet clothes during lunch. It's that or go naked."

I added, "I'll call you when lunch is ready to eat."

"Thanks Will."

Abby and I sliced up salami and got pita bread out for lunch. Joe called Rob and Cindy and I called Alex and Terri. The whole crew gathered and ate lunch quickly. Rob, Cindy, Alex and Terri headed back to the tents and stripped and dried off when they finished eating. Joe and I decided to try our luck at fishing while Abby and Barb got a campfire started.

Joe and I headed back to the rapids. Joe remembered from his trip twelve years ago that he had a lot of luck fishing at that spot. Joe was right. We fished for an hour. We caught twelve fish. Supper was set.

When Joe and I returned with the fish fillets, we found that Barb and Abby had been successful getting a fire going. Extra firewood was stacked around the fire drying. Abby and I cooked up the fish fillets in breading and spices from our food barrel. We also prepared a four serving packet of Seafood Mediterranean.

Rob, Cindy, Alex and Terri put on the damp clothes that Abby and Barb had been drying by the fire during the afternoon. They joined us under the dining fly. We ate dinner. The fish were fantastic. Nothing tastes better than fresh fish. Rob, Cindy, Alex and Terri went back to the tents to dry off and warm up again. Abby and I did the dishes after dinner. Joe and Barb packed the bear bags while we finished washing dishes. We hung the bear bags nice and high tonight. We went back to the campsite and put out the fire. Everyone wanted to turn in early tonight.

Abby climbed in our tent first. Then I poked my head in and got ready to climb in the tent. Terri stared at me in disbelief. "Will, I'm naked. You can't come in here." she exclaimed.

"Terri, I need to go to bed. This is my tent."

"Uh, can't you sleep in the other tent?" she asked.

"No. Your tent is still wet. The floor has puddles in it. No one is sleeping in your tent tonight." I explained. "You could cover up with my sleeping bag while I come in and get undressed."

Alex said, "It'll be alright Terri. Will's a good guy. You wear a bikini. It hardly covers anything more. Just relax." Alex gave Terri a kiss.

I finished climbing in and pulled off my T-shirt. Then I started to remove my swim suit.

"Can't you keep that on?" Terri asked.

"No, it's damp from the rain today. I'll freeze if I wear it tonight." I said.

Terri responded, "I'll close my eyes while you put on your pajamas."

"Sorry Terri. I don't have any pajamas. That's extra weight. Abby and I have been sleeping in the buff."

Alex hugged Terri and said, "It'll be alright. You've seen me naked. Will isn't different."

Terri said, "But you're my boyfriend. It's different."

Abby added, "Will is a gentleman. We can't afford modesty tonight. We all need to squeeze in here, so just deal with it!"

Terri said, "I'm sorry I'm being so difficult. I'm just not used to sleeping with strange naked boys."

I laughed and answered, "On that note, I'm going to sleep. I've been suspected of being a voyeur, a pervert and called strange. Good night."

Terri lay down on the left side the tent with Alex beside her towards the center. Abby lay down on the right side of the tent with me between her and Alex. Alex and Terry lay on their sides, cuddled together, covered by my sleeping bag. Abby and I spooned together, covered by her sleeping bag.

I kissed Abby on the back of her neck. Abby said, "Good night lover."

A couple minutes later Terri said quietly, "Alex, your thing is poking me in the back."

He answered, "I'm sorry. I can't help it. I'm cuddled against the most beautiful girl in the world and she is naked. What do you expect?"

Alex's ass bumped into my back when he rearranged himself. Things were quiet for a couple minutes. Then Terri whispered, "Alex is that you dick poking between my legs."

Alex whispered back, "Yes. I'm sorry. I'll try to find someplace for it."

Terri said, "No it's alright. Let it there."

After a few seconds I heard Alex draw in a deep breath and stutter, "Uhh, Terri, oohh... what are yyy... you doing?"

"Does this feel good?" she asked.

"Ooohhh... ahhhh... yyy... yes, it feels good."

Terri cooed, "Your cock feels cool. May I rub it?"

"Ooohh... yesss... ooooohhhh... God I love ooohh... you Terri."

I heard Alex breathing deep and panting for a couple minutes then he grunted, "Unnnh... Unhh... ohhh... shit, I'm sorry Terri."

"Wow, what a mess Alex. It's all over my legs and pussy."

I interrupted, "Alex did you just cum?"

Alex admitted sheepishly, "Uh, yes I did."

This had gone far enough. "Did you two just have sex?"

"NO! We didn't. Really." Terri said, sounding startled.

"You two are flirting with fire. You have cum on the outside of your pussy. Excuse me for a minute. I need to get something. Behave yourselves while I'm gone." I said. I pulled my shorts on, climbed over Abby and stepped out of the tent. I went to Joe and Barb's tent.

"Excuse me. Uh, Joe. Could we talk for a minute." I asked. Joe opened the tent door a little and popped his head out.

"What's up Will?"

"You know those condoms you brought along? I think Alex and Terri might want them. Soon!"

"Hang on a sec. I'll get them."

Joe handed me a Zip-Loc bag full of condoms. I went back to my tent, climbed in and got undressed. When I had the sleeping bag over myself, I turned to Alex and Terri.

"You remember what we talked about the night at the outfitters Alex?"

"Yes." Alex answered. I handed him the baggie full of condoms.

I said, "Don't put your bare cock anywhere near Terri's pussy without wearing one of these! OK?"

"Yes." Alex replied.

"Terri, do you understand? It takes two to be safe."

"Yes, Will."

"Now let's get some sleep."

Thursday, August 21st

I woke up in the dark. I need to piss. Urgently. I glanced at my watch. It was 4:30 in the morning. I felt daring, so I unzipped the tent door and hopped outside naked. I put on my sneakers and walked into the woods. I found a rock and let loose my stream of piss. When I was done, I looked up at the sky. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still cloudy. I walked back to my tent and climbed in. I tried to be careful not to disturb Abby.

When I lay down, Abby quietly asked me, "Is it still raining Will?"

"I'm sorry if I woke you. No, it's not raining anymore. The sky is still cloudy though."

I cuddled up against Abby's back and gave her breast a squeeze. About thirty seconds later Abby ground her ass against my cock. I whispered, "Don't start anything you can't finish."

Abby ground her ass against me again. She whispered back, "What makes you think I won't finish this?"

Abby's grinding had the expected effect on my cock. Seven very erect inches of boner. My cock slipped between Abby's ass cheeks. I rubbed in time with Abby's wiggling. I asked, "Should we be doing this with Alex and Terri here?"

"Are they asleep?"

"I think so."

"You may have lost count on how many times you had sex, but I haven't. I want you now."

"You're sure Abby?"

"Put it in Will. I want to fuck."

"OK Honey."

"What should I do?" Abby asked.

"Put your right leg up." I scooched down a little to get in the right spot. My ass bumped into Alex.

"Careful Will, don't wake him up."

I said "OK" as I positioned my cock at the entrance to Abby's pussy. I rubbed the tip along her lips. Abby was soaking wet. I pressed my cock in. I pushed in slowly until I reached bottom.

Abby purred, "Mmmmm... that feels wonderful Will. Go slow, I want this time to last."

I pulled back and thrust in. Slow and steady. In and out. Abby's pussy felt so slippery and warm as I slid in and pulled out. Cuddling was a wonderful position for sex. I played with Abby's breast. I knew she was playing with her clit. Sometimes her finger rubbed down my cock while she diddled herself.

Abby moaned quietly as we fucked. I kissed her on the back of her neck. Abby was starting to breathe heavy. I pumped faster. Abby pushed back as I humped her. then she stifled a scream.

I said, "Sshhh! We need to be quiet Abby."

Abby answered, "oooohhh sorry Willl... ohhh... i'll try to be... ooohhh... quiet..."

I thurst a few more times when Abby jerked and came. Her juices poured out onto our crotches. Her pussy spasmed. My cock jerked inside her pussy, coating her with my sperm.

I relaxed back on our bed. I kissed Abby's neck and asked, "Was that satisfactory?"

"Ummm... Yes Will. I'm very satisfied."

I pulled my limp cock out, wrapped my arms around Abby and cuddled up to her. Sleep claimed me within in a couple minutes.

I woke up with a start. My back hurt. It was still dark. Then I heard, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I want to." That sounded like Terri. Then I felt it again. A knee to my back.

Alex said, "A few hours ago you were embarrassed to be seen naked. Now you don't mind having sex with Will and Abby in the tent. You're positive?"

"I've been horny for the last forty-five minutes, since we heard them doing it. I've waited long enough. I want to fuck."

'Oh shit. They heard us.' Should I be a gentleman or a voyeur? I decided to give them as much privacy as I could. I said nothing.

I heard someone tear open a wrapper. Alex asked, "Could you put this on me Terri?"

"How does this go?"

"I'm not sure. I think you put it on the tip and unroll it." After a pause, I heard Alex whisper, "Oh, yes. That feels good. It's the whole way on now."

Terri asked, "How should we do this?"

"Why don't you get on the bottom." Alex suggested.

I heard them shuffling around a little. Then I got another knee in the back.

"Careful, don't wake Will up."

Alex answered, "Sorry" I heard more shuffling.

Alex asked, "Are you ready Terri?"

"Yes." After a few seconds pause, "No not there."

"Damn" Alex swore.

"Try again."

"Too low." Alex said.

"Let me help you Alex."

"Ohh wow. You're so tight Terri. My cock hardly fits."

"Push gently Alex. Ohhh... that's it."

"It won't go in any more Terri."

"Push hard. That's my hymen. Go on." After a few seconds pause, "Owww!"

Alex shushed Terri. "Please be quiet. I'll try again."

"Unnhh" Alex grunted.

"OOWWW!" Terri moaned, her voice muffled by Alex's kiss.

"That really hurts. Don't move Alex. Let me get used to this." I could hear them kiss as they waited for the pain to subside.

After a couple minutes, Alex asked, "Do you feel OK now Terri?"

"I think so. Let's try it. Be gentle, please be gentle."

I could hear the slurp and squish as Alex withdrew his cock and rammed it back into Terri's pussy. Every once in a while, Alex's weight would push Terri's thighs further apart, bumping one of them into my back.

Terri whispered, "Wow! This is great. I wish I hadn't made us wait so long to do this. I love you Alex."

Alex was thrusting harder. I could hear their pubic areas slap together each time. Both Terri and Alex were moaning and panting now.

Alex grunted, "Unnh... I'mmmm ooohh... almost... thhh... there. Oooohhh... Unh... unh... UnhUNhUnh... Oooohh... oooooohhhhhh..."

Terri asked, "Did you cum?"

"Ummm... yes I did." Alex sighed.

"Careful when you pull out lover. Make sure the condom stays on, please."

"I'm out. I'll wrap the condom in some toilet paper. Did it feel good for you Terri?"

"Yes, it was wonderful."

I could hear Alex and Terri kissing for a few minutes. I drifted off to sleep since the show was done.

"KA-BOOM" I sat up and opened my eyes. It wasn't dark anymore. Rain was pounding on our tent. Lightening flashed in the sky. Thunder rumbled steadily. I looked around. Alex and Terri were cuddled together, half covered by my sleeping bag. Abby was stirring. I checked my watch. It was 7:30 am. Time to get the crew moving, no matter the weather.

"Abby, wake up. Alex, Terri, let's go." I shook Abby's shoulder. I elbowed Alex's butt. "Let's go. Out of bed."

The sleepy teens started to rouse themselves. I pulled on my shorts and T-shirt. Abby dressed. Alex and Terri were slow getting moving. I swatted Alex on the butt. "Get up."

Alex finally sat up. He rubbed his eyes. "Good morning Will. Good morning Abby."

Abby and I returned his greeting. Alex pulled his shorts on. He nudged Terri and whispered in her ear. Terri finally sat up. Terri seemed to have gotten over her shyness. Her breasts were exposed and she seemed like it didn't matter.

Terri grabbed her clothes and slid the sleeping bag off. She looked down as she started to put her shorts on. She gasped and screamed. "Oh my God. I'm bleeding. What am I going to do? Abby help me." Alex and I slid out of the way so Abby could get to Terri.

"What's wrong Terri?"

"Down here. I'm bleeding. What's wrong?" she whimpered.

Abby looked at Terri's crotch and laughed. Terri started to cry. Abby looked at Terri's face and realized her mistake. "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have laughed. It's all right Terri. You and Alex lost your virginity last night didn't you?"

Terri answered, "Yes." with a tremor in her voice.

"This is normal. Don't worry Terri." Abby explained.

"I know I'm supposed to bleed a little when I lose my cherry, but this is too much. Something must be wrong."

I added, "Some girls only bleed a little. Some girls bleed a lot. Clean yourself up. If it keeps bleeding, talk to Barb. She can help you out."

Abby asked, "Will, how do you know how much a girl bleeds when she loses her cherry?"

"You didn't know me two years ago. I took more than a few cherries when I was in ninth grade. I have more experience than I want." I explained.

Abby asked Terri, "Did you enjoy your first experience?"

Terri relied, "Yes, Alex was wonderful. I'll never forget last night."

I added, "I'm glad you remembered to use the condoms."

Alex looked at me and asked, "How do you know we used a condom?"

I laughed and smiled, "You two weren't the only ones pretending to sleep while the other couple had sex. I took three or four knees in the back while you two had fun."

Abby asked, "They heard us?"

I answered, "Afraid so honey." Looking around the tent, I added, "We need to get going."

The storm receded into the distance as we packed our belongings. By the time we got out of the tent, the rain had stopped. I shook Joe and Barb's tent. "Come on guys. It's time to get moving."

Rob answered, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're getting up. See you in a few minutes Will.

Alex, Terri and I went up the hill to get our bear bags while Abby sorted out crew gear at the campsite. When we returned to camp, Joe, Barb, Rob and Cindy were out of the tent and were folding it up.

Joe pointed to the northwest and said, "I think we might have good weather later today. The storm clouds seem to be breaking." We looked and could see a few patches of blue sky on the horizon. The wind was blowing across the bay and through our campsite. Fortunately, the wind was blowing with us today. We ate a breakfast of peanut butter and jelly on pita bread.

The crew had camp dismantled and packed soon after breakfast. By nine in the morning we had the canoes loaded and were ready to paddle on towards Hogan Lake.

Before we got in our canoes, I asked Abby, "Do you know the route for today honey?"

"I think so, southeast to the portage in Redpine Bay, do the portage to Lake La Muir, paddle across La Muir, follow the Madawaska River down to Hogan Lake. Is that right?" Abby explained.

"Exactly right." Abby and I climbed in our canoe. I called out to everyone, "Abby's navigating. Follow us." I paddled out around the end of our peninsula and headed across the bay.