Shanty Sanctuary 2025: Voyageurs NP (Rainy Lake)

Trip Day 6 - Monday

0515-52F/46F. Clouds in the east, calm.

Golden Sunrise

0715-Bible study, prayer, and reading done. Verse of the day: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Mat 7:21). Time for breakfast.

0815-Preparing to go on the hike. Stripped the dinghy of unnecessary gear since it will be unattended at a public dock and headed to the trailhead.

Trail Head Dock - Cruiser Lake Trail

Lots Of Information

0830-Arrived at the dock and headed up the trail. Just after going by the second Anderson Loop sign near a bridge between a small lake and a marsh I came up on a sleeping Lynx. Initially he did not move, but just stared at me, not even getting on his feet. I had time to set up and take some video.

I couldn't understand his lack of fear. Cats are normally extremely wary of humans. Finally he stood up and kind of stretched then slowly walked off into the marsh. I prayed that I would observe some interesting wildlife on this hike and my prayer was certainly answered!

A Very Relaxed Lynx

I continued up the trail hiking about 1.5 miles to Peary Lake campsite. Unfortunately it was occupied so I could not reach the point where the camp was located. A guy came out of the bushes about 50' away but never saw me. Not very observant!

Along Cruiser Lake Trail

Overlooking Peary Lake

I turned around and back tracked but took some video of a pair of swans first. More critters!

Track To Camp Site On Peary Lake

One Of A Pair Of Swans

On return to the dock two fishing boats were tied up. The occupants were hiking up on the cliff face of the Anderson Loop Trail. I got away without a long conversation about the dinghy and motor.

Back At The Dock - Two Visitors

1100-Back at the boat. I need to make a decision whether to stay, move to a new site, cut more firewood, or not?

1215-I decided to cut more firewood to take with me. Charged the outboard, it was down 7%. Prepping to go. Where? Not sure.

Cutting Firewood

1230-Departed the site and headed east. Sand Island (R25) was occupied but not my choice anyway. I went around the corner to my goal site (R32) but it was occupied as well. I was surprised since I've seen almost no houseboats up until now. There are no sites further east so I was forced to turn back. I intended to anchor near R27 Camp Site then remembered R87 might be available. It was an intended stop a couple of days from now. So I headed there.

Leg 4, Day 6 - Track

Destination Detail

1415-Arrived at Fish Camp Point. (R87) after traveling 7.2 miles. I still need to do dishes! Someone stole the fire ring! May not have a fire hear as a result. I put things away. Dinner soon.