Of Wind, Water, & Wilderness
Bill Kuntze
The strong wind had settled into a steady breeze by nightfall. We chose an exposed piece of ground out on the point to roll out our mats and sleeping bags. A bit of bug spray applied to our hands and faces would keep the remaining wind resistant mosquitoes at bay. The sleeping arrangement felt good. The excitement of our first day in the wilderness now exhausted. A fitful sleep would be interrupted only by the periodic march of the woodticks into my sleeping bag, each being promptly removed.
We arose early to a thin overcast and exchanged Father's Day greetings. Our clothing and wet gear had dried sufficiently, allowing the repack of our outfit after a quick breakfast. We were ready to get going. The whitecaps had already begun their march past the point. A study of the map revealed the southern shoreline might be less exposed to the wind. We determined it best to make the crossing in the lee of an island and then quarter into the wind. Even if it meant reversing our direction of travel, a view of the oncoming breakers would give a sense of security.
Late morning found us rounding the point into Quetico Lake's southeastern bay. Acting on a tip, we found the large open campsite beyond the Conk Lake portage unoccupied. The tall untrampled grass throughout the site indicated little use of it thus far in the season. We had the entire area to ourselves for the remainder of the day. Smallmouth fishing in the bay was rewarding. A nice pike was landed below the outflow from Conk Lake. An evening paddle around the bay north of the campsite brought us once more at ease being in the canoe. A light rain began to fall on the placid water. We turned in before dark for our second night of sleep.
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