This was something of a last-minute trip, so my planning and packing was not up to snuff. However, just sort of winging it on these leisure trips is more my style, and adds a sense of adventure and joy.

So, I left La Crosse at about 8am, stopping in Eau Claire for foodstuffs and last minutes, Two Harbors for gas, Tofte for permit, Lutsen for bait. I didn't arrive to the entry point until after 5 pm, but was greeted with a calm, sun speckled Homer lake. I missed my last summer's BW trip, so seeing the pine studded hills cradling that tiny water was a true balm and blessing for me.

I intended to park at the first available site, as I was in no hurry and am never fussy. However, all three sites on Homer were occupied, so I portaged through Whack and onto Vern. Easy little portages but not pullovers. Interestingly, at the end of my trip, a group shared with me they had camped on Whack. From what I understand, there are no campsites there, so she may have meant Vern--who knows.

I ended up staying on Vern, which is a lovely little waterway. What was not lovely was the group camped near the portage to Whack, who seemed wholly unaware of how voices carry across water. I could hear every minute detail of their fireside chat, and most of it didn't fit well in that environment. I am a full supporter of letting people live and let live, but not when it impinges on others. I wonder now if that was the same group who shared later they were camped on Whack. I guess it matters not at this point. Really if there is fault it is mine for arriving late on a Friday and hoping for full solitude. If you can't find that in the BW, the responsibility is on oneself.

The Louds finally quieted down or passed out around 11, at which time the near full moon emerged and washed away any resentment. The mosquitoes had also departed, so I was able to watch its ascent in peace. Off to bed.