Thursday, 21 August

Start West Lake #2 Lean To – MM 58.1
End West Canada Creek Lean To – MM 57.0

Daily Miles: 1.1
Trip Miles: 17.2

No other hikers joined us last night so we had the shelter to ourselves. There was a little overnight rain but Bob and I awoke to blue skies with a few wispy clouds. Today’s plan was to check out two shelters just a mile or two down the trail. If the sun was out we would dry our gear, check out the tent sites and fishing before deciding to stay or go on.

After our leisurely breakfast we put on wet shoes and socks and were out just after eight. The wet, muddy section of the side trail did not seem as long as yesterday.

Bob and I passed the shelter that was full last night. Shortly after we crossed a foot bridge that had recently been renovated and somehow missed the side trail to the first lean to we were looking for. A short while later we were at West Canada Creek Lean To. Blue skies, not a cloud and plenty of space to spread things out to dry.

While things were drying we checked out the area. Decent tent sites with a fire circle and a bench – always pluses. Easy to get water and accessable fishing. BINGO! At our next stop by 9:30. Dried our tents and moved to the campsite.

From our campsite we saw hikers crossing a bridge just farther down the trail. A trip to the bridge provided views of the creek and lake. Just past the bridge is a junction with the French Louie Trail. A couple of hikers we met are doing the French Louie Loop. Bob and I have not figured out the loop from the map. Lots of hikers passing by today.

After lunch we gathered some firewood and tried a little fishing. I had one strike and teased a little one for a bit. Bob had no luck either.

A young couple is staying in the lean to. They went for a swim in the creek. After dinner Bob did a little more fishing with no luck. The water seems warm for trout. We built a fire to entertain ourselves for a bit before turning in for the night.

What a difference a day makes!