I followed my routine on the last morning in the BWCAW. Our breakfast of warm trail mix cereal, coffee, and tea was ready when I woke up Teresa at 6 a.m.

Our site was packed and we were on the water by 7 a.m. As we paddled west on Alder, a bald eagle flew over us and landed on the northern shore. What a great way to end our trip!

We made the portage to East Bearskin quickly and easily. Finally, we knew how to handle that process.

By about 9 a.m., we had landed at the boat access at East Bearskin. I pulled the car up to the access, and we loaded the gear into it. Then we - for the first time in our lives - tied the canoe onto the car. I think we did a nice job of it.

We made it back to HJO by about 10 and quickly headed to the showers. Once we were clean, we chatted with Dave about our experience. He told us it is rare to see a wolf at this time of the season. And when we asked about next year, he said that we were ready for the Ham to Poplar route. So we'll be headed there in a year!

Quite simply, this was the best vacation I have ever had, and I cannot wait until next July.