Before and after dinner, we spend quite a bit of time moving back and forth between our tent area and the beach, along the beach, and back. It's so nice we have to experience it multiple times.
There are a couple of firsts with this campsite for us on this trip: (1) there are other campers here: FH1 and FH2 campsites are occupied, and we can see them a ways down the beach, enjoying the evening for themselves. The campsites are quite far away from us, though, and the sense of privacy is still strong. (2) we realize this will be the first night that we'll get to really see the sunset, without obstructions of land or haze, and (3) we realize that we'll actually be able to see stars tonight - potentially really good stars. I propose to the others that, even though it will require staying up late, that star-watching is an option tonight.
Beautiful Bright Campsite
Beautiful Windswept Beach
courtesy JInnes
Caught doin' the Chicken Dance
Andrew enjoying the breezy beach
courtesy JInnes
courtesy BConnell
Gathered 'round the campfire
Eventually sunset time approaches, and we all head down to the beach to watch the show. The alignment of the sun against the islands of the Harbour is such that the sun will set into the Lake for us, exactly between two islands. Very fortuitous.
At 9:25pm, the squashed orange orb of the sun sets below the waters of Lake Superior, and a cool twilight begins.
Descending through clouds
Although the strong afternoon breeze has mostly died down, it is definitely chilly tonight, and we gather around Gino's fire to keep warm and tell tales. I manage to keep Chris and Katie up, but most others elect to skip the allure of the stars and instead opt for the coziness of their tents and sleeping bags. I'm very glad, however, that we are having at least one day of low haze and good sky viewing. The northern shore of Lake Superior is an ideal dark-sky viewing location.
Island Silhouette at Twilight
Interactive trackmap with photo points - Fishermans Cove to Fish Harbour - click map to view
Pukaskwa National Park Day 4 - Fishermans Cove to Fish Harbour - Hike Data
Start Time:
9:34a.m.
End Time:
5:50p.m.
Duration:
8h15m
Distance:
13.74 km
(8.54 mi)
Average Speed:
1.7 km/hr
(1.0 mph)
Start Elevation:
606ft
(185m)
*
Max Elevation:
770ft
(235m)
*
Min Elevation:
538ft
(164m)
*
End Elevation:
559ft
(170m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Total Elevation Gain:
606ft
(185m)
*
Total Elevation Loss:
653ft
(199m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Elevation Graph