The wind was still blowing hard the next morning, but we decided to give fishing a go since it would be our last opportunity. It was a battle and the twelve fronts that had moved through seemed to have given the fish a severe case of lock jaw. We fished unsuccessfully for an hour, then headed back to camp. We watched several more groups coming in, riding the southwest wind toward Knife. Our exit route would take us in the opposite direction unfortunately. Now completely packed, we weighed our options. The wind wasn't letting up and we had a date with a tow boat to keep. We loaded up the canoe and pushed off. We hugged the shoreline whenever possible. It got intense. The waves broke over the bow as we bobbed up and down like a cork. At times we made no progress, but kept digging. Eventually, as we entered the more protected bay that ended at the portage to Sucker Lake, the wind lightened and we could relax a little and rest our tired arms. We landed the canoe, crossed the portage and waited for our tow. We were a couple hours early. Several groups crossed the portage as we waited. A friendly tow boat operator out of Canoe Country Outfitters pulled up and waited with us. He was looking for his 11am pickup. When they didn't show, he headed up to Prairie Portage - their other exit option. Our tow boat arrived a half an hour early - at 12:30pm. We loaded up the canoe and our gear, then hung on for the bumpy 40 minute ride back to Williams & Hall. No way would I have wanted to paddle the lengths of Sucker, Newfound and Moose Lakes in this wind. On this day, the tow fee was money well spent. Once back at Williams & Hall, we packed up the truck, then enjoyed a complimentary beer and shower. Good folks at Williams & Hall! Soon we found ourselves at the Ely Steakhouse where we enjoyed a cold beer and a burger, before making the drive home.