Killarney Continued next few days

 We arrived in the rain, but once we landed there was hardly anything but sunshine!

 Some of us tried a bit of fishing.

 Some of us paddled to a lone little island and walked around on it, and came home again.

 Camp for three nights, when we're all settled in.

 Swimming is a highlight that we all enjoyed! 

 "Over deya!" says Evelyn

 And here return the early morning fishermen.

 Ladies at the fire.

 Relaxing.

 Checkin' out the park map.

 We went off for an afternoon, some of us saw deer on the shore from the lake. We landed in a friendly spot and explored.

 Of course we couldn't leave food laying around even for a half hour!

 Pretty cool!

 Daniel went and climbed a hill so I could take a picture of him over there.

 Evelyn wanted to too but had real trouble with the steepness!

 It's hot out!

 Jennifer wanted to pose too!

 Back at the site again

Killarney Tues Aug 11

 We left Bell lake and had good weather...and lots of paddling to do!  This is where we rested for a bite to eat

 and some rocks to throw before we moved on to our last portage.

 I attempted to get a shot of our gear and selves in the canoes, while sitting in.

We had a long paddle through marsh.  It started fairly deep and full of lily pads

 (which the girls collected and arranged nicely)

 Then there were shallow places where great floating lumps of mud and weeds

 We got stuck on a few and had to back up...but then would find a way around.  On our return trip we stuck to the south side of the marsh and the going was much easier than the north side!

 Last portage of the day.  Keep moving guys, we still have to paddle and find our site!

 Jennifer didn't want to carry her pack, so Evelyn eagerly took it.  Then when we caught up with Daniel (who was rather traumatized and left behind by the others) she consoled him and held his hand sweetly all the way to the end, telling him it was ok.

Daddy always has to do an extra trip, so we have time to recover before it's launch time.

 The clouds are looking a bit dark here.  We paddled off, and after 15 minutes or so, we heard what sounded like a waterfall.  We looked behind us and saw the rain coming towards us across the lake, and very loud because the drops were so large.  We tried to race it, but couldn't manage.  Most of the kids thought it was so funny!  Then it let up again, and we had another "chase" and then we had to paddle in the rain the rest of the way 'til we found our site.  Daniel didn't appreciate getting wet, and Evelyn complained too because he was upset...but by the time we were ready to set up the tents the rain was done and things weren't too soaking, and we weren't really that cold.

Killarney Aug 10

 We set up camp on Bell Lake for the first night.  It was raining when we arrived at the access point, and by the time we ate a late lunch and loaded up the canoes, it was pretty much a drizzle left.

 There is always lots of eager help for setting up tents and things (on the first day ;) from all the kids.

 Gorp!  Peanuts, raisins and candy were finally eaten-they were packed so long ago and drooled over for quite some time. ;)

 Nathan deterred any helpers and did "his" tent on his own. 

With camp set up, the next thing to do was to raise the level of water in the lake...by throwing all the loose rocks on site into the water.  I am always surprised when there still are some rocks laying around when we leave!

 This kept the kids busy for some time-the younger ones for almost an hour!

 And the older ones not quite as long...'cause they noticed Dad missing and had to check out what he was up to.

Melanie caught this little critter on camera.  She had to wait quietly for a few minutes 'til he showed himself.