Gray overcast skies rejoin us yet again this morning. Fortunately we are able to get breakfast in and camp packed away dry. As we work our way back to the EP, the sky slowly begins to open up and let some sunshine through. Once back on the Little Isabella River, just as we are finishing the 16 rod portage, we encounter the first people we'd seen in 4 days. There aren't really any surprises on the way back, just had to quickly pull through a couple of the beaver dams we had easily paddled over on our way in. Back at the parking area, we load up and drive to the Ely Steakhouse for burgers & drinks. Afterwards, we stop in Virginia and visit Grandma at the nursing home. Aurora proudly gives her a copy of the latest issue of the 'Boundary Waters Journal' which features a story (w/photos) of her catching her first fish.

Of course Dan needs a new tent, at least if he wants Clay to camp with him again! Thankfully we didn't get heavy, soaking rains or there may have been a mutiny. As it was, they got a little damp and only had one tough night of sleep; it certainly could've been a lot worse. We brought the turtle shell home and varnished it up for a nice keepsake. I know we were a little early but, I was hoping we'd run into some ripe blueberries - unfortunately we didn't find any substantial quantities. While we didn't catch any walleye, fishing was absolutely fantastic for bass & northern. Considering we visited this area on what was essentially a Fourth of July weekend, we were all ecstatic to have a BWCAW lake entirely to ourselves for 4 days. Especially when you consider the relative ease from which Quadga can be accessed via the Little Isabella River EP. While the fire damage is extensive, there was enough foliage & green trees around to give the woodsy feel. And, obviously, that will only improve with time.