Up around 6:30am to 40 degree weather and the campers decided that it must be Jock that makes them sleep in later on local trips. The campers met the hotelers on Rondaxe Road, at the Moose River crossing, at the agreed upon time of nine. Dan from Tickners Canoe Livery shuttled Larry's car downstream six miles, which was as far as Larry wanted to go the first day, to protect his shoulder. After paddling 1/4 mile upstream to see Rondaxe Lake and falls, the source of the Moose River, they turned downstream and went the full 12 miles to Tickners.
The Moose River is very, very, meandering or more like a snake with water that was clean but discolored from falling leaves. The flow was 2.5 MPH so the canoers made great time. The whole Moose River valley is swampy with mixed trees and shrubs and it did look like good moose habitat, but none was to seen. They saw lots of beaver sign but no big tails were out either. Sophia, our resident bird expert, kept everyone up to date on the birds she saw and heard.
There were sloughs leading off the main channel and Ted and Tony hid back up in one. After the other two canoes paddled past, they snuck up from behind, gliding silently and Tony rammed Harold and Laurie's canoe scaring something out of Harold. Harold did spot quite a few ripe elder berries on the banks of the Moose River which he thought was unusual this late in the season. Larry and Sophia picked up six Moosehead beers to drink after paddling the Moose River; which seemed very appropriate and was much appreciated.
It drizzled early in the day but by noon it cleared up with temperatures rising to the mid 50's. After finishing the 12 mile paddle, everyone went shopping in Old Forge and bought canoeing related merchandise, which was at end of the season prices, making everything closer to normal Ohio retail prices.
Back at camp supper was cooked with the four campers having turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy and mixed vegetables. Thanks Harold and Laurie. Larry and Sophia arrived in camp, ate supper they brought and then all enjoyed an evening campfire while socializing. Firewood is sold by the bundle, based on the honor system and there are little kiosk like holders, where you pick out which load you want and then put your money in a can. It's mostly coniferous wood that snaps crackles and pops but it worked for the cool evenings. It was an early evening as the campers were in the tents by ten.
