ADAM TOUCHES GOD (White Otter Wilderness Trip)

June 21

This was the day that was going to determine if we could make a circle trip. The topo map showed a low area where there might be able to traverse to Adele Lake. We broke camp and we paddled to the low area / saddle shown on the map. The bay turned to a stream which turned to a marshy area. We paddled/poled the canoes as far as possible and found an area where we could exit the canoes. Scouting the area revealed no trail and that we would have to head to higher ground. Because of the unknown terrain, we decided to carry the packs on the first pass and then return for the canoes. The coordinates were marked on the GPS and an estimated destination coordinates were entered from the map. The portage was not pleasant...there was no semblance of a trail and in spots the trees were dense. As one would expect from the marshy area, the mosquitos were fierce. We worked our way across consulting the map and GPS frequently. Stops were made for water and we ate lunch on the portage. After what seemed like hours, we caught a glimmer of water and soon were at a place where we could put the canoes in.
One of the crew was not feeling well (probably dehydration). It was decided that five could bring the canoes and remaining gear back and that he and the Old Man (me) should stay with the packs. We marked the coordinates for packs and they headed back to the canoes with GPS and maps in hand. It did not take long for the mosquitoes to discover the fresh meet and we "set up" a couple tents. The slightest breeze would have blown them over, but they provide a welcome relief from the flying predators. Before too long we were catching some sleep. A couple hours passed and they still were not back. Some concern was starting to set in, but the only thing to do was stay put. Soon I hear the faint but very welcome sound of aluminum canoes bouncing off trees! The sound steadily got louder and six hours after we started the portages, we were loading the canoes.
We took the first area that passed for a campsite...it was beautiful!