Gaskin Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Caribou Lake, Lizz Lake, Poplar Lake. 6.0 miles.

4 portages. 97 rods, 22 rods, 67 rods, 50 rods.

We awoke to a grey day with the look of rain. My intent was to move to Caribou Lake today to make for an easy out on the last day. Camp was broken down quickly and we made fast work on the portage to Horseshoe Lake. Most of the camps on Horseshoe were taken. I'm told the walleye fishing is pretty good here, but Lauren and I were content to just keep paddling. I find that as a trip wears on that I rather just keep moving on the later days. The fishing had been slow most of this trip and with the look of rain today, we didn't want to stop.

When we arrived on Caribou Lake, the winds started picking up. The lake was very busy and just about every campsite was taken. The camp just across from the portage to Jump Lake was open, but by then the skies looked even darker to the west. The weather had been great this trip and I didn't really want to deal with a wet camp in the morning, so we decided to keep moving and exit today.

Lizz Lake went by fast and very soon, we were on Poplar Lake. I figured we could either land near Trail Center or head to Rockwood Outfitters and call Debbie at Seagull Outfitters from either place. Ultimately, we decided to head to Rockwood, just because Mike there is an interesting character. The paddle across Poplar Lake was pleasant, even as the skies darkened.

Shortly after noon, we arrived at the rocky beach at Rockwood Outfitters and made the phone call up the trail for a shuttle ride. We had a nice talk about our trip with Mike and about 30 minutes later the van arrived.

After a hot shower, we made arrangements to stay in the bunkhouse at Seagull tonight. The rain that loomed never happened, but it was nice to enjoy a good meal at Trail Center.

Overall, this was a great trip with almost zero issues. The fishing was slow, but we didn't really care. The small lakes on this route were a really nice change of pace for us. Although it meant more portaging than we were used to, none of the portages on this route were really that hard. I guess the portages before and after Kiskadinna Lakes were more difficult than the rest, but even those were not terrible. Looking back, I wish we would have basecamped a little bit more and taken the time to explore the area. However, each travel day ended by early in the afternoon and we had plenty of time for relaxing and hanging out.

For Lauren, I would say her fourth canoe trip with me was probably her best in terms of her paddling, portaging and helping in camp. She has become a "seasoned" canoe tripper at the age of 6. :) Gotta love that.

This trip would be our 3rd trip to the Gunflint Trail in 2010. A surprise trip in the Fall would be a bonus trip. Blessed!

Our previous episodes....