Day 11, Leg 9

Monday, September 16th

0600-57F/50F. Up before sunrise preparing coffee cake to have with coffee for my study and prayer time. Got a few things ready for the kayak trip over to the portage and the hike up Napoleon Mt. for some drone flights.  I put the solar panel on shore to charge the battery pack while I'm gone.

Early Morning Fog
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Peaceful Morning
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0930-Finished breakfast and was ashore for one last alignment of the solar panel before leaving.  As I was coming back aboard the boat I stepped on the end of the gangplank and it gave way, sliding down the rock face and into the water!  I went down on my back and up to my hips in the water!

Site of My Demise! Plank Slid Down Rock Face Into The Drink, With Me On It!
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First Aid & Emergency Kits

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Unfortunately, while falling I threw my hands back to fend off the rock face and took off a big patch of skin from the back of my hand, which bled profusely!  I had to do first aid on myself before I could go anywhere!  Fortunately, I carry a fully stocked first aid kit of my own and was able to fix myself up well enough to continue with the kayak and hiking plan for the day.

First Aid Kit
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First Aid Kit Contents
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Day 11
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Day 11 - Kayak Trip & Hike, Boat Move In Afternoon
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Google Earth Shot Of Area
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1000-I finally finished the first aid and got into the kayak!  However, in trying to hurry along, after the forced delay, I rushed too much!  As I sat in the seat of the kayak ready to push off, I noticed I was not wearing my life jacket!  Getting into the kayak while carrying a full pack is like putting on a tight glove and doing this from the stern of the boat, instead of shallow water, makes it precarious at best!  Conditions were sunny and calm so I almost said forget it!  Then I came to my senses and said that's stupid!  So I got back out of the kayak and went to retrieve the life vest and started the glove fit all over again.  After two delays, I finally got away in the kayak.  Not sure the time I actually departed.

Backpack Emergency Kit
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In Addition to Drone & Photography Gear
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1030-Arrived at Napoleon Portage.  Two guys arrived from the other end of the portage and were getting ready to load their canoe and head west into Sharp Rock Inlet.  They assisted me in pulling my boat into shore, since it was very shallow.  It kept me from getting wet feet!  After a nice talk they departed and I pulled up the kayak, high and dry.  Put on the back pack with all my drone gear and was off!  The portage was rocky in places but well used and easy to follow.

Rocky In Places! But Well Used
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I had no trouble finding where the mountain trail left the main portage, though it was another steep rock climb, not as well maintained, and I lost the mountain trail a couple of times.  Like Devil's Mt., I used roots, rocks, and trees for hand holds as I worked my way up the steep mountain.  I finally made it but I was huffing and puffing when I got there!  Beautiful day to be on the overlook!

Rock Wall To Climb!
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Trail Hard To Find In Places!
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I set up the drone and other photo equipment.  Yea! I finally got the Litchi program to work!  I had to program it on site.  The pre-planned flight would not work!  So, the good news is I figured it out, the bad news is it makes the program less useful!  I also lost the map cache and have no idea why?  Litchi needs to do some work with their program!  Works great with an internet connection but loses a lot of functionality in the wilds!

Napoleon Mountain Overlooking Sandy Inlet
Ferguson Mt. In Distance
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Drone Flight -  Napoleon Mt Overlook

Played around for 45 minutes to an hour flying the drone and taking other photos.  I drank some cold water but was not hungry enough to eat with the warm temperatures (around 70F). Finally packed up the gear and headed back down the mountain.  I noticed my bandage was coming off while using the strap on the walking stick so I stopped using the strap, which seemed to be pulling too much on the bandage.  I slowed down and took my time going down.

On Top Trail Was Well Worn
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Difficult In Places Coming Down
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1300-Returned to the boat at about the time I anticipated.  Had some white wine with my mountain lunch of cashews and chocolates, after rebandaging my hand. Got everything ready to depart.  Retrieved the solar panel from shore, pulled the gangplank, and departed the site for the channel over to Sharp Rock Inlet.  It was touch and go with the shallow water, but thankfully, no bumps! I did not have far to go to the boat site I had in mind.

Departing Channel Boat Site - Heading To Sharp Rock Inlet
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Day 11, Leg 9
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1500-Arrived at the new site on the far end of Sharp Rock Inlet.  Distance 2.3 nm, time 1:47, average speed 2.3 kts.  The slower average was due to the slow passage through the shallow channel into the Inlet.

Sharp Rock Inlet - Shallow Channel, Enroute, & Landing

View From Sharp Rock Inlet Boat Site
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Boat Site - West End Of Spark Rock Inlet (See Map)
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A couple of canoeists passed soon after I tied up.  I offered them some cold beers but they declined!  Must not drink?  They said thanks, but they had a long way to go.  I thought that was weak!  The day was warm and drinking a cold beer takes a couple of minutes and something I know I would enjoy when working up a sweat on a hot day!  This boat site is nice, though not as nice as the last.  There are a few fishing boats around.

1650-A Leisure Island Houseboat (#4) came by my site, obviously looking to come in here!  They kept going up lake to look for an alternative.  There are some on the far end, but they were either too shallow, or they didn't like them, so they came back and took the site just east of me, around the corner and out of sight.

I was going to start dinner, but decided to go swimming first. 78F/72F.  Water was cool but not bad at all.  Cleaned up then put the chicken on the grill.

Prepared for a fire tonight by cutting some wood with the ax and saw, and also took up what I had left on the boat.

1821-Dinner was grilled chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, hot ciabatta roll, and white wine. Nice evening, so I will go up and read ashore, while I enjoy my evening libation with chocolates.  I later followed that up with a fire. 78F/72F.

2153-61F/61F. Sat by the fire and listened to music until now. Took a few sunset pictures.  Will read some more in bed and then hit the sack.  Beautiful starlit night! 

Peaceful Evening Sunset By The Fire
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Day 10, Leg 8

Sunday, September 15th

0650-56F/50F. Got up to catch a photo of the sunrise.  Went out in my skivvies so I wouldn't lose the shot this time!  A bit brisk for being only in skivvies! Later I baked fresh cookies to have with coffee, while I study.

Early Morning
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In the book of Job today: Job's friends want to put God in a box! While Job just wants to understand and be encouraged to remain steadfast in his faith, in the midst of severe suffering.  Not too different from dilemmas we face today. 

In I Kings 13, God uses a prophet to tell King Jeroboam a future king named Josiah will be his agent for bringing judgment on the illicit worship of other gods Jeroboam had instituted in Israel. God first withers his arm to get his attention, then subsequently heals him, after the king asks the prophet to pray for healing.  God gives him three signs for emphasis.  The third sign ends up being the dramatic death of the prophet who brought the message in the first place, after he disobeys God's instructions.

The prophecy given to Jeroboam is fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15-20, 300 years later!  God was simply trying to get Jeroboam to repent and lead his nation in a return to God.  He uses dramatic circumstances to try to get the king's attention, unfortunately he did not respond!  Not unlike many of us today when we do not respond to attention getting circumstances, God brings into our lives, to encourage us to turn around and trust God, instead of ourselves!

0818-73F/51F. Just finished reading "Humans 2.0" by Rana and Samples on the subject of transhumanism, a heavy topic.  Last night I also finished the "Poacher's Son".  So, I'm starting two new books today. For my post Bible study and prayer time I will read "Experiencing the Father's Embrace" by Jack Frost.  For fiction I'm starting "The Teeth of the Tiger" by Clancy.  I plan to make an egg McMuffin for breakfast.

Egg McMuffin  For Breakfast
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1246-I was busy on departure, flying the drone to document the departure procedure.  Got distracted with that exercise and forgot to select "Start Track" on my marine nav program, thus the leg is a little short!  It was only .6 nm, 19 minutes, for an average of 1.9 kts.

Video: Drone Flight Showing Departure Procedures

Actually, I was simply moving a mile down the lake to a better boat site right across from the Napoleon portage and adjacent to the channel into Sharp Rock Inlet.  Average speed is low since I stopped to hand catch the drone.

DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Mounted On Floats For Overwater Safety
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Short Move Down to Boat Site at Sharp Rock Inlet Channel
(.6 nm, 19 minutes)
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Underway
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Jeff's Map - Indicating Boat Sites & Napoleon Trail and Lookout
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Video: Drone Footage of The Channel Between Temagami North Arm and Sharp Rock Inlet

The new site is better, but tree tie downs were still lacking. So you make do! (see photos below)

Port Guy - Nice Broad Angle
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Starboard Guy-Rock Tie
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Starboard Bow-Root Tie
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Root Tie Close Up
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I did a couple of drone flights of the site and a recon of the channel over to the inlet looking for shoals and obstructions. It is very shallow, but I think there are satisfactory depths. Several boats passed through, a good sign.

Much Better Boat Site
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Large Open Boat Site
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Typical Boat Lunch
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Set up the solar battery and panel on shore for better exposure to the sun.  I moved my firewood ashore and laid it out on the table to dry out for a fire tonight.  I will swim or shower later.  Tomorrow I plan to hike the Napoleon Portage (755 m) to the trail up to the lookout.  I hope to fly the drone, weather permitting! 68F/63F.

Video: Boat Site, Solar Generator, Shower Equipment, etc.

Solar Panel On Rooftop
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Solar Generator On Land
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Drying Firewood For Evening Fire
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1602-Timed the canoeists going over the portage.  They take approximately 30 minutes each way.  Which gives me an idea how much time I need to plan for my hike.  I went up to explore the boat site further, took some photos, while charging up batteries.  Will put the potato on the grill for dinner.

Canoists Heading To Napoleon Portage In Background
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2130-Had a great evening after steak dinner of tenderloin, baked potato, coleslaw, hot roll, and red wine. I made a fire then spent several hours playing with it while listening to music.  I watched the moon rise and took some photos.  Finally went to bed, read for a while, then dozed off.

Video: Fireside Evening

Beautiful Moon
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Day 9, Leg 7

Saturday, September 14th

0534-63F/58F. Still dark.  Turned on the heat.

0615-Studying while drinking coffee with some Pecan Sandies.  Although still dark, there is some light in the east.

0656-Now good morning light.  Low cloud scud but no rain.  Waves are not big, but are coming around Devil's Mtn. rocking the boat causing hull noise as it slams into the rocks.  Annoying but not serious.  I will make breakfast early and try to beat the higher winds forecast for later today (SW 18-30 mph).

0733-Departed the boat site at Devil's Mountain. 71F/57F. Wind 15 mph.

Today's Travel Was In The Black Box
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Marine Chart Indicating Today's Track
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                                                Jeff's Map Indicating My Boat Site Search

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Blustery Fall Day!
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1033-Arrived at boat site in Whitefish Bay of the North Arm.  72F/59F. Wind is not as forecast! NW at 10 kts with breaks in the clouds, some isolated showers, and sun at times. Had to check three potential boat sites before I finally found one that was suitable.  Even so, this one is marginal for tie points and rock bottom obstructions.  Had to try approaching twice before I found suitable depths and reasonable tie points.  Solar battery is up from 0% to 27% using the engine 12 volt adapter enroute, rather than the sun.  Distance traveled was 9.6 nm (11 sm), it took 3:00 hours, and I averaged 3.2 kts (3.7 mph).

Video: Whitefish Bay Boat Site - Unique Tie Up

Port Tie Points-Bow Line and Guy
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Starboard Tie Points-Using Rocks, No Trees Within Reach!
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1055-Put out the solar panel with sun showing through the clouds, but 10 minutes later had to put it back inside the cabin due to a gusty rain squall moving through. Blew the panel off the portable table on the foredeck even with weights holding it down.

Solar Panel Blew Off The Portable Table So I Put It On Deck
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Very fitful weather and not quite as forecast, at least for the winds. If weather turns for the better it's only about a mile to kayak down to the Napoleon Mountain portage.  I could scout the pass over to Sharp Rock Inlet with kayak at the same time.  Or, I could use the drone to scout the passage into the Inlet to check for shoals.  We'll see?

Push Pole (12-14') Carried On Side Deck In Case Of Grounding
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1129-A float plane flew over in the rain and low cloud scud, not wise, but lots of water around to land on, I guess, if he got into trouble.  Wind is NW at 10-15 kts (not as forecast!).  I picked this site because the forecast said there would be a SW wind, but now the boat is somewhat exposed if the wind gets much stronger!

1146-Plane dropped his passengers and went by returning to base, but I couldn't see it?

1200-Sky is clearing. 71F/58F.

1307-A minor crisis, my 6 gallon paint pail (shower pail) took a hike in a strong gust of wind, though it had some water in it!  The NW Wind is supposed to be SW and it would not have happened in that event since it would have been protected by the cabin.  It must have drifted off since I did not see it on the bottom or floating anywhere around the boat.  I even looked downwind with the binocs!

I can use the original tank, which has about half the capacity, but on cold days it would be difficult to circulate enough hot water to heat up two of the smaller containers in a timely fashion.  Second half of the shower would be cool!  We'll do what we have to do!  Frustrated with this contrary gusting wind.  Had to retie the lines twice already!  May need to just take a nap?

1426-Read some, slept a bit, now up again.

1613-Sun in and out, rain comes and goes, and the wind gusts! 70F/63F.  Had dinner of grilled salmon, coleslaw, potato salad, hot roll, and white wine.   Will skip doing dishes again due to my water shortage.  I'm trying to conserve my remaining water.

1629-Solar came up from 27% to 36%, with sun in and out.  Enjoyed dessert.  Getting shower ready to use.

1823-Listened to audio book for a while, then switched to paperback.  Too windy to use shower.  Fridge pilot blew out earlier today, maybe even yesterday? Freezer foods had thawed out!  Not happy about that but but got pilot going again.  The pilot is very difficult to see; a poor design!  Though the fridge works great, otherwise.

1844-Went outside to take a photo or two and ended up finding my shower pail!  That's a relief since it is so much more efficient, thank you Lord!  However, I put away my clean clothes because it is just too windy to take a shower when it is only 58F!  The shelter helps but it is still pretty chilly when wet with that air temperature and a stiff breeze!  If winds are favorable tomorrow, I will paddle over to the portage, hike over to Napoleon Mountain (754 m), and climb to the overlook to do some more drone videography.

Shower Bucket Rescued! Blew Off The Stern. Not Sure How It Got Here?
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Video: Walking Back To Boat, Found Shower Bucket!

Skies Still Threatening After Dark!
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Day 8, Leg 6

Friday, September 13th

0645-Up at sunrise. Was going to get another pic of the beautiful sunrise, but used the head first, and when I came out it was gone!  Heat is on! 62F/48F.

Sunrise
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0727-Studying Job while I eat my coffee cake and drink coffee. 

Job wrangles with the severe suffering he is going through and questions what God is doing. His friends think he has done something wrong, but Job knows he hasn't.  He doesn't understand why he is suffering so much. His wife and friends are used by Satan to further test him.  What I call Job's third test. They do not lend support or encouragement, rather they add to his suffering by presuming to know what God is doing and judging him.  Job desperately needed encouragement and hope to stand firm in his faith and trust in God.  We all need that in times of trial!

Today's Track Is In Black Box
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Day 8, Leg 6 Track - Return to Devil's Mt.
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Jeff's Map Showing Boat Sites & Trail to Overlook at Devil's Mt.
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0827-Decided to go back to Devil's Mt. to see if I can hike the trail there.  I will do Napoleon Mt. later, when I go up the North Arm.  I'll have to hike the long portage (755m/2477 ft.) to get there, but based on weather it seems the best alternative.  The strong south breeze would not work for the boat site in the NW corner of Sandy Inlet, too exposed!  Getting ready to depart to beat higher SW wind arriving by noon. Temps 67F/50F. Solar battery at 27%, trying to charge but it will be overcast soon.

0900-Underway.  South breeze 8-10 kts, sun dimming, clouds moving in.

1009-Arrived back at Devils Mt boat site. Returned with the hope of making the climb and making some drone flights here before weather hits. First time visited this trip, I got weathered out!  I will make the climb immediately in hopes of being able to fly before the winds and rain hit.

Steep Going Up!
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Rugged!
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Looking North Up The South End Of Ferguson Bay
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Looking West From Devil's Mt Overlook
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Video: Drone Flight in Devil's Mt. Area

Backpack with drone, batteries, float gear, binoculars, camera,
emergency PLB, compass, emergency flares, matches,
flash light, knife, snack, water, etc.
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Going Down Just As Bad! Roots Make Good Hand Holds!
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1236-Just returned from the "climb," it was not a hike, more climbing than hiking!  Very tough and slow going but worth it! Still no luck flying Litchi missions!  

62F/57F.  Eight canoeists camped across the bay, within sight. However, they did not come over to hike the mountain.  I thought they might.  Probably hunkering down and getting ready for the forecast rain? Turned the heat up; will make a boat lunch, I'm hungry and bushed!  Even with clouds the solar came up from 27% to 30% so I will leave the panel out until it rains.

1414-Rain showers now steady, temps 68F/56F.  Finished lunch.  Will take a nap and read.  I sympathize with the canoeists in this weather.  I'm sitting in a dry heated cabin and very comfortable with all the conveniences.  Whoops! I just noticed they got up and left!  I guess they do what I do, move when the weather is bad? By myself again in this small bay.

Rain Coming Down - Got Hike Done Just In Time!
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I Sympathize With The Canoeists!
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Video: Commentary on Devil's Mt. Trail, etc.

1630-Read a little then fell asleep.  Took a lengthy nap, got up and read some more. 67F/55F.  Rain increasing.  Forecast after tomorrow is looking better with more sun.  Will go early again tomorrow because winds will pick up with gusts to 30 mph later in the day!  I plan to go to the far north of the North Arm, weather permitting.

1939-Dinner of grilled chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, hot ciabatta roll, and white wine.  Very satisfying! Had a hard time getting the grill hot even with all 3 burners going due to the gusty wind conditions.  74F/57F.

2130-I've been reading and sipping some red wine with chocolates for evening dessert. But, now it's time to hit the sack! 67F/59F.  Need to get started early tomorrow.