47 degrees this morning at Perkins Clearing. I knew rain from thunderstorms was a possibility this afternoon but really wasn’t expecting it in the morning — especially not pouring rain. But I got the tarp up this morning before the sky opened up, with good drainage and I have the heater on low below my chair so I’m comfortable. If it clears out this afternoon, I’ll head over to Mason Lake and do some fishing from the kayak there. I may end up driving to Speculator this afternoon to buy some firewood if everything continues to get soaked in the woods. I have some dry wood but not a lot.

Started to read William Kennedy’s O Albany. I’m sure I’ve read it years ago, but it’s good to refresh one’s memory. No black flies with the cold wet weather  so that’s nice. The campsite I’m at is steeply sloped so it should drain well.

State game warden drove by last night but didn’t stop by. I know they’re busy and usually don’t stop by except during hunting season – the few times they are scene in the woods at all. They patrol enormous areas, when they’re not stuck in the office doing paperwork. I was hoping to learn more about the Jessup River and maybe some good fishing spots from him. Still they tend to be quite knowledge about the land as many spend years in a specific area.

Last night was nice but cool. Lots of stars and the moon for a while. But chilly. Temperatures dropped to the mid 40s by 11 o’clock. Had a decent fire although burning the existing wood at the campsite was difficult because some of it was still fairly green. I was tired from a long week at work, so I retired to bed a half hour before midnight.