Sunday September 20, 2009 8:04 am - I’m blissfully floating on almost mirror like water. The sun is up and I hear people and smell campfire I must be getting closet to landing - more later.

I’m definitely almost back. It’s such a quiet peaceful morning - the chatter of red squirrels, call of robins and fish jumping. There’s not even the slup-slurp of waves against the shore. The only sound is my paddle very now and ten. The campfire smoke is pouring out of the campground and creeping over the calm surface of the water like some eerie poison gas - something out of a movie.

Back at Sawbill campground: I’m finding that I’m not ready to leave yet. There are several groups that are unloading and leaving - men mostly. Unloading didn’t take long and went off without incident. Carried the canoe up to the store and took the van down to get the rest of the gear. Settled up at the office and visited with Bill for a few minutes. Decided that I’m not ready to leave yet - want to finish up this trip journal first.

I woke this morning at about 6:10 am and laid there for a while but not long cuz my body was screaming at me to get up and get moving around. I had to mind or suffer further punishment later.

As I packed (as all weekend) I’ve though about my friend on their various trips wondering how they’re doing, have they found what they were seeking? I know I did. I found peace and serenity beyond words. I found strength and courage in myself that I didn’t realize were there. I found that I can tackle those big waves and wind and that I’ll pull through. I learned that dumping a canoe isn’t so bad. Most of all my passion for canoe camping has turned from a small fire to an inferno - that needs to be fed - whether by trips, reading or new gear it’s going to grow and grow and never be contained.

That being said, I look forward to a winter of planning trips for myself and my family. Farewell BWCA until next time - and Happy Paddling!