Saturday, September 03, 2016 We had an early breakfast in the hotel then hit the road. Lunchtime found us in Duluth where we ate at the Northern Waters Smokehaus. On the road again with Goose still doing the driving, we made a pitstop at the Grand Marais Ranger Station to pick up our PMA permit. There we met Barb at the counter. Barb was very nice and efficient but one thing she said stuck with us the entire trip. When we asked her some questions about the PMA, she said "WE REALLY DON'T WANT YOU IN THERE"! This comment came up many times in the trip, LOL. Leeches were purchased at the Holiday Gas Station, and Brian bought many local brews from the store across the road. I took over driving the last hour up to Seagull Outfitters. After arranging everything with Brittany in the store and tying the leeches up to the dock, we checked out the Paddlers' lodge where we encountered our first portage. In the store was a nice gentleman who said he liked my BWCA.com shirt. During the short conversation I found out it was Kiporby who proceeded to give me some valuable tips on our trip. I wish we could have talked much longer as I felt his knowledge of this area was great. Feeling hungry we drove to the Trails End Cafe where we met EDDIE, the chef in the kitchen. Our crew hit it off with EDDIE who we thought would be a "Woodstock participant" if he was a lot older. By the way, he does make good pizza and Philly Cheese Steaks. Heading back to the lodge more brews were downed and we hit the bunks. Don't tell Seagull but I slept in the adjoining room for the peace and quiet. This was mostly a favor to the other 3 members.