Thursday, Aug 2nd- 2012 I didn't load the canoe up the night before because I was too lazy and tired. OF course loading a shorter 16' 2" canoe compared to a 17' 10" proved to be a little more time consuming then I cared for,, but it was done around 8am. Then loading the coolers from the freezer and checking all the last minute items and we were off around 9:15. Stopped in Harris for leeches and then figured the next stop would be Grand Marais for the permit. Joel had ridden very well for the past two days and had put on about 450 miles without much of the typical,, "What time will it be when we get there,, Dad?" or every ones' favorite "ARE WE THERE YET!!!??" So I decided that a treat was in order and that treat was Palisade Head. Had been about 12 years since I had been to the top,, but I got lucky and found the turnoff the first time. We left Palisade Head around 1:15 and made the GM permit station around 3:00. There were the typical amount of people at the FS office, but GM in general was hopping with Fishermens' Picnic,, something I knew about beforehand. Dang it,, I should have a stopped in Lutsen or Tofte for last minute items,, the gas station lots' were a JOKE. Around 3:45 we left for the end of the Gunflint. I had not been to the end of it since it was gravel or just recently fully paved since 7/99 (right after the big blow). Man is the road beautiful!!,, and very rugged especially the last 5-7 miles as the results of the fire have a surreal effect. We found are site #21 at Trails End and then found out that #22 was empty for the evening. We had a large chunk of the campground to ourselves. Joel went for a swim I set up camp and then we went about to explore the adjacent area and collect firewood. Joel looking for wood. Joel over the scenic overlook off #22. We then headed back to camp and started a fire for the frozen salmon and Joel wanted to hunt for crayfish which was fine except that it was kind of dangerous as you were too high above the water. I gave him a head lamp and he was as happy as could be as I prepared gear for the AM. Joel facing the falls (Upper part) Waiting for dinner!! Joel went to bed around 9:15pm. I stayed up until around 11:30 and enjoyed some adult beverages around the fire and such.