Friday, June 05, 2020 Woke up to rain which the tarp kept things dry. Fishing again was slow. Thinking about the canoes last night and all the canoes on Kelly Lake, I knew the best part of the trip was over (Cherokee and North Temperance), now it seemed I was just camping. If I left now, I could get back to Ohio Saturday which would allow me to get things cleaned up before work on Monday morning. I hated to do it but I packed up and headed to Sawbill Lake. Everything going good until I get to the portage out of Smoke. There is a channel about 12' wide up to a wooden platform all in a marshy area with about 4' of water. I tried every way possible to get my body close enough with the 16' Prism so I can get out with no luck. I finally just jumped in. I made it to the entry point and their was 3-4 groups coming and going. Probably 20 people or more scrambling around in no particular order! I unloaded my stuff and carried the bare canoe back to Sawbill, it felt like a feather! Putting stuff away I gave one of my "Death Grips" (sorry Old Scout) to a young man who said he was coming back up here in a couple weeks. I probably made over 100 of these for us and also for the local Boy Scout Troop. Settled up with Sawbill and was going top take the mandatory shower but the showers were closed! :( Drove to the Janesville Il area and crashed for the night. Finished the drive Saturday morning.

Short story long: I'm glad I did it and would do it over again if I could. The trip was harder than expected but going solo is and I packed too much. I loved the solitude of the middle of the week compared to the crowded end lakes. I thought I would catch more fish and see more wildlife, but that is a chance I took. People I have to thank is my paddling core group for getting me trained for this adventure. Most of all is my wife for letting me go on these outings no matter how crazy they are! We've been married for 37 years (i think) and hasn't left me yet! "I think she enjoys the alone time. without me." Now I got to start thinking and packing for our Maine trip! Thanks for reading my chicken scratching nonsense. FISHONFISHOFF