Day 5 began with another drizzly rainfall, and as we got out of our tents the rain was ending. We would have to pack a wet tarp and tents this time. I packed everything in my pack after I got dressed, then took down and packed my tent. More of Lesley's famous oatmeal mix was on the stove in a few minutes. We cleaned the kitchen for the last time, and George began working on his packing and the gear packing while I worked on taking down the tarp and packing it. Our hope was to be fully packed and shove off by 10:00, and we were 15 minutes early. Once again we would double portage, and it was slightly easier without that full 30 liter food barrel of food. However, we filled it with some clothes and gear, making our big packs each a couple pounds lighter. A 9:45 start and quick portage put us on Alder for a long paddle. We both were not as energetic as the first day, but we did have a slight east wind for the fourth straight day, so we just paddled a little slower and the wind helped us some. When we got to the portage to East Bearskin, I had my last chance to enjoy those big pines on the trail - a very nice site after spending so many years looking at Ensign rebuild it's hillsides after the blowdown. One more paddle to enjoy, and we didn't mind a bit slowing down and enjoying that last hour of strokes. When we hit the beach at Bearskin Lodge, George went up to move his truck while I began carrying everything up to the spot where we would load. I finally got to carry George's canoe - that 38 lb Kevlar was sooooo nice! We were both smiling as we finished packing the truck and tying down the canoe. George and I went into the Lodge to look around a little and talked with Paul, who runs Bearskin Lodge. That young man is very nice and we talked about a number of things. I noticed a chipmunk running around inside the Lodge, and Paul said he's tried 3 times now to figure out how that guy is getting into the Lodge. I think they have a new pet!
Most trips are uneventful after getting out of the BWCA, but my stay was still loaded with adventure!