I learned more about what the girls expect in a vacation, this was too much work. The bugs also added a lot to their being uncomfortable. I was not that bothered.

Thursday June 2nd, 2005
Boot Lake, 40 Rod, Fourtown, 15 rod, 104 rod, 40 rod, Mudro, Mudro entry.
Breakfast – Eggs, bacon, tortillas
Lunch – Lunchmeat, cheese, tortillas, candy bars
Dinner – The best pizza we ever had

I was up at the crack of dawn to do some fishing but my heart was not in it. I was thinking about all the things I would do differently if we were to go again. I started to make breakfast and heard splashing in the back of the bay we were on. I got up and peaked around the tent and there was a moose! I tried to wake up the girls as quietly as I could. After retrieving my cameras I finally got their attention. Then Ellen said to Emily ‘it will probably be gone by the time we get up so why bother.’ I had to use my stern voice to get them out of the tent. We spent the next several minutes watching the moose eat and then trot away. I managed to get a few pictures of them and the moose. For the rest of the day everyone we met heard about the moose.
Breakfast was good and we were packed up and on our way. The wind was in our face and paddling was more work but they did a great job helping. I made a deal with the girls; all they had to do was 2 trips over portages. Each trip was a backpack and a paddle or life vest. That meant I had 3 trips over with very heavy items. But that gave them time to relax each time and dip their feet in the water. Just changing things a bit really improved how they remember the portages out. Giving them more time to rest and explore broke up the work into manageable chunks.
At noon we were about ¾ mile from the river on Fourtown but the wind was taking its toll. We broke for lunch and rested for about an hour. The last ½ mile of paddling was rough, one time we came around a point and got hit by a gust. We went around and we headed back out of the wind. While we waited it was suggested we could camp here for the night, but it was still pretty early and I wanted to make it to a hot shower and bed. We found a lull in the wind and took off in a dash and made it to the river without too much trouble. Then the work began.
The first take-out is tough for anyone, let alone 2 girls and an out of shape dad. But we pulled together and I even caught them working as a team to get the packs up the rocks. It is about 8’ to the top and very few places to stand in-between. However, we made it and then went to the next portage the 104-rod monster. They rested while I made my first trip over. When I got back we discovered that we had left a fishing pole back at the last landing. I went back to retrieve it while they started on their first trip. I found the pole and had a time getting back with the light canoe and the wind coming down the gorge we were in. I made the next trip with the canoe and I might add, I made it all the way with out stopping. I really wanted to make it out! The rest of the portages were a blur but we made it in 2 ½ hours again and started on the trip to Mudro. Along the way we scared a bald eagle out of a tree just in front of us, they are a large bird. Emily was keeping score of the wildlife seen and the tally was; bald eagle, moose, beaver, turtles, fish various hawks, all quite close. When we had navigated the river we bypassed the normal take-out and opted to run the rapids to save the last portaging. The girls enjoyed going from rock to rock to move the canoe up the quick current. We made a soft landing on the sand and loaded the canoe quickly. While I was finishing up with securing the canoe they went in and ordered cold drinks, root beer and water, I joined them and had a beer. I returned a pair of holders for my sunglasses one of the Sisters had graciously loaned me and we headed back to Ely. The outfitters did not have any rooms for the night and we made due with an excellent room at Adventure Pines.
The girls requested dinner in the room they were tired and just wanted to sit. I took a quick shower and then headed out to retrieve pizza and milk for everyone. When I returned Ellen was still in the shower taking her time. We watched some TV and relaxed and planned the next day.

I learned hard work is good but sometimes you just need to relax.
It is amazing how one thing can make you forget so much. The moose sighting was a real treat. Emily had been told moose are not seen very often and to not expect it. It was very ironic the last day she got to see one pretty close. I think the wilderness and remoteness started to sink in.