The next day started with clouds, so we got an early start to make the best of a dry morning. Along the way, we explored Cedar Rapids, and spotted a Kingfisher hunting the Petawawa above Perley Lake.

By 10:00 AM there was a steady drizzle. We paused at the end of the short portage between Perley and Burntroot Lakes, attempting to start a fire to keep warm. However, the rain was persistent, and we finally decided tough it out. Following the same course in 1994, we also endured rain on Burntroot; we suspect that a perpetual cloud must hang over that lake!

It took most of the afternoon to reach the south end of Burntroot because of the wind and rain. Needless to say, there was not much opportunity for photography. By the time we reached Redpine Bay, the rain had dissipated to a sprinkle. Redpine is a serene, glassy bay flanked by the pine and cedar forests. Both times I have visited there, I have been struck by its solitude and serenity.

We reached La Muir by 5:00 and headed for the first campsite facing the west so we would have an opportunity to dry our damp clothes and equipment. We found a beautiful clearing atop a high hill. After setting up camp and a brief respite in the hammock, we set out for some evening fishing, but again, no luck.

Lake La Muir has some of the clearest water I've seen in the park. Most Algonquin water is stained by the spruce and cedar, but La Muir is crystal clear with several wonderful sandy beaches for swimming and bathing. It remains one of my favorite areas of the park, and it treated us to a glorious sunset and warm evening breeze to dry our gear. We lingered in the warmth of our campfire that night, audience to the eerie serenade of a choir of loons.