September 21, Day 9: 2.5 miles, 4 portages, 285 r of portage trail (+1 mile walk to get the truck). Lakes: Little Trout, Rum, Kroft, and Ram. Longest portage was 90r. We were on the water at about 9:30 and out of the BWCA at Ram Lake at about 1 PM.

We rolled out of the tents at our usual hour and went through camp chores for a final time. These are bitter sweet moments. We know the trip is done. On one hand we are ready to come out, but on the other we did not want to let it go. Our last breakfast was a Mexican omelet and mucho coffee. Camp was picked up, and we left our campfire ring with a neat little pile of kindling. It was picture perfect, and we only hope that the next visitors will find this spot as special as we found it.

Pictures show our last breakfast on the trail and a departing shot of the camp

The portage into Rum was a good kick start to the day. Up, abruptly and down just as fast. Great view from up here, huh? The Rum to Kroft trail was mostly flat, and the hand of fall hand had painted the leaves beautiful shades of orange and gold just for us. At Ram we paused at the portage for a father-son picture, a bit of meditation, a sip of cognac, and a smoke. The last lake. The portage out of Ram Lake is a little bit up and mostly all down. There was one car in the parking lot (Entry #44) and it likely belonged to the campers that we passed on the west end of Ram.
Pictures show Rum-Kroft portage and climbing out of Ram

We only have one more thing to do and that is to retrieve our truck form the entry at Bower-Trout (#43). With that, we turn our backs on our equipment and head off for the mile walk to entry 43. Hunting season has started, and several pickups passed us as we walked along. They were hell bent on finding their game. I know we didn’t present a picture of someone that you would offer a ride to. But, at least you guys could have slowed down as you passed. I know we needed a bath, but I did not appreciate the dust bath. Thank you.

Finally, there is the truck and the tires are on it. Good sign. The glass is intact. No trees have fallen on it and I hear the reassuring click as the locks open. We climb inside. Damn these seats feel real comfy don’t they? Now, back up the road to collect our gear, pack, and salute again with a Heineken, salami and cheese.

We had told Amy and Peter at Wedgewood Motel that we might drop by after the trip. We did not want to get locked into reservations, so it was a crap shoot if there was room at the Inn. At highway 61 we headed north out of GM to Wedgewood. Maybe we will be lucky. The No Vacancy light was on, but we pulled in. Again, Amy was delighted to see us. She explained about not having time to clean up the rooms (except for reserved guests) and thus, the No Vacancy sign. She had one room clean, smiled, gave us the key, and we talked up the trip.

After showers, we headed into GM to find a steak and beer. In the morning we stopped into SOB cafe and fueled up our bodies for the drive back to South Dakota. I think it was easier leaving GM this day than is was leaving Little Trout yesterday.

Pictures show 1) Ram Lake, 2) Matt (PitchStump) and Joe (HighPlainsDrifter) getting ready to paddle our last lake (Ram), 3) The last portage and all down hill to the entry