Day 43

2July2008

4am start and on the water by 5am to paddle across Moosehead Lake. We wanted to make sure we paddled in as calm conditions as possible - and the lake was without a riffle. Paddled down the last stretch of the Moose River and out into Moosehead proper just as the sun was rising behind Mt. Kineo - awe-inspiring.

Managed the large crossings to Kineo, Shaw Mountain, and across Big and Little Duck Coves with relative ease. Made it to Camp Palleschi (friends camp on Norcross Point) by 945am - 17 miles!

Of course, this was much quicker (we were expecting to encounter lots of wind and big waves) than we had anticipated and we ended up beating everyone to camp - so we ended up hanging around. Enjoyed a pleasant siesta, had some lunch, and did a little reading.

Folks showed up around 2pm and we helped get camp settled - moved a couch, did a little mowing, and helped unload vehicles. While we were mowing, we found a small rabbit all by itself in the tall grass - we promptly named it Chip-Chop (since thats what it almost was in the mower...) and set it up with a little food and water outside. The little guy fits right in the palm of one hand with room to spare.

Played some cribbage and called it a day. Camp living for the next few days. Life is good.

Weather: sunny and still in the day, thunderstorm at night

Wildlife: Chip-Chop and 3 loons

"What is more peaceable than a canoe at the dock in the sunshine as the waves slip gently under it, swaying its cane seats and their elegant crochet of shadows?" ~Wesley McNair