Thursday, June 07, 2012. Kett to Moose. 16 miles. I wouldn’t have minded having a little more leisurely morning on my last day, but I want to get across Basswood as early as possible before the afternoon wind comes up. So I’m off early once again. One last glorious morning paddle! The first portage out of Kett is an easy 170 rods to a small unnamed lake. Then the next is my last Quetico portage; 280 rods to Basswood. It turns out to be a cake walk. Not only has it been cleared this spring, the first part goes for a long distance on a low rock ridge, a sidewalk compared to many that I have been over. The toughest part of the trail skirts a beaver pond, twisting and turning to stay on high ground, and the last section is an easy downhill on a firm trail in pleasant popple woods.

I get to Basswood and the wind is barely strong enough to ruffle the surface. I see a few people fishing along American point—the first people I have seen since Monday. Further south near Washington island the wind dies completely and the big lake is like glass. The sun bakes me. I paddle past a campsite with a radio blaring, and I discard any thoughts of lingering on this section. I portage into Wind Lake on a nice firm, gravel path. On the final portage leading to Moose, I am behind a party of several canoes—a family doing an overnight camping trip. They have an unbelievable amount of gear. I politely ask if I can pass through, and they gladly let me. I meet about 8 guys heading to Wind, burdened down with bulging packs with garbage bags containing who knows what, boat cushions, and booze bottles stuffed in the side pockets. Don’t think they’re headed to the interior of the Quetico!