Left the cabin in N. Chippewa County, WI @ 4 AM. We always spend the day before packing our two Duluth packs and one gunny sack (for food bag and camp chairs). We brought our breakfast and coffee for the drive and hoped the HWY 61 construction wouldn't slow us down too much, planning to be on the water before 11 AM. Construction crews were on weekend break - so not much delay. Arrived at Bearskin lodge by 10 AM and grabbed our rental - 17' Northwind. All went well as we loaded and off the beach by 11. The wind was not an issue as we paddled east toward Alder. Checking the campsites ahead of time, the original plan was to grab one of the two 5 star sites on Alder. We had no idea how busy this area was - but all the campsite on Alder were taken, so we headed toward Canoe. As luck would have it, the 5 star across the portage was open and we grabbed it. Great bear hanging trees and quite a few excellent tent pads to ponder. First things first, we hung our catadyn filter bag, rehydrated, and ate our ceremonial summer sausage and cheese. All went well as it was dry as a bone. Temps were in the mid 80's - a bit too warm. Set up camp, hung the food pack, and strung the poles for fishing.