Crossing 100 Miles

June 10, 2024

mile 83.2-105.7 (1.8 miles of portaging)

Isn't it terrible when you wake up after two zeroes and it's still raining outside? It sure was tempting to zero again but we knew if we did we might never leave. We had packed most of our gear last night so it didn't take us long to get on the road and portage through town. I was glad I had some caffeine before we left and was waiting for it to kick in as we put in below the bridge.

The Saranac River flows right through town and was so much fun to paddle through, winding through colorful buildings and under bridges.

Had some unexpected rapids after crossing under the last bridge which really got my adrenaline going. I had my dry bag open and was attempting to put on my neoprene socks when I spotted them so I quickly dropped everything and grabbed my paddle and we zoomed through with no problem.

We put some music on to brighten up the chilly, drizzly day and the miles went quickly. We saw quite a few muskrats dive underwater and two beavers. 11 miles flew by and before we knew it we arrived at our portage- 1.4 miles around Permanent rapids, all wheelable thankfully.

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Back in the water to paddle across Franklin Falls Pond where we both fished awhile, feeling content and in no rush. Another 0.4 mile portage around Franklin Falls before a final paddle across Union Falls Pond to get to the campsite before our long, infamous Casey Road portage tomorrow.

We were within a few hundred yards of the shoreline when we heard music. We both looked at each other and knew there was someone camped there. The site is by a road and was described as "popular" on Guthook but it's Monday and we hoped no one would be there. Our only other camp option was to start our portage, walk 3 miles and descend a steep trail to a campsite which we really didn't want to do. We seriously considered it though, especially since it'd been such an easy day and it was only 6:30 but we found a bigger campsite at the end of the road where the camper's blasting music was more distant and decided to stay.

It's chilly enough that I'm wearing all of my warm layers and we'll be cuddled up in our quilts tonight.