It’s a hazy overcast morning, and that condition is predicted to last throughout most of the day. Having caught his share of fish over the last few days, Ben wants to mix it up and see Curtain Falls. A coworker of his, is the granddaughter of the original owner of the old resort that was located there, and she has piqued his interest above and beyond just seeing the famed waterfall. I offer to go with, so we head off shortly after our pancake and sausage breakfast.

Throughout the trip the wind has been really manageable, and today isn’t supposed to produce anything severe either. Since we have been sticking pretty close to camp every day, this is an opportunity to finally get out and see some different areas. Having heard about how busy the BWCA has been this paddling season, I have been surprised by the lack of people I have seen thus far on this trip. Especially considering how popular this area is. As we paddle westward, we don’t see a lot of canoes out and about. As we run ashore to take a break at the sandy beach campsite just prior to the entrance to Saturday Bay, we have only crossed paths with one other canoe, who was out fishing. After quick exploration of this beautiful site, we are back on the water and only start seeing a few other canoes as we near Curtain Falls.

Of course, Curtain Falls (Le Rideau) is a breathtaking wilderness scene and, we agree that this would have been an ideal spot for a resort. Lingering around the base of the falls we snap a few pictures before the obligatory trek down the portage trail to see Iron Lake. As we make the return trip, we curiously poke around in the woods along the trail and in the tiny bay just above the falls. Without too much bushwhacking, we discover an old barrel and several small piles of old garbage and beer cans as we try to imagine what this area might have looked like back then.

Naturally, the wind has picked up some just prior to our departure but, fortuitously it’s doesn’t amount to too much more than a little walleye chop. On the way back to camp, we pull off at an idyllic sandy beach on an island. There are paw prints here and, while relaxing, we try to guess what it might have been. Ben also makes a point to lead us in a prayer of Thanksgiving for how well this trip has gone and for a safe exit tomorrow.

As we cut across Friday Bay the waves require a bit more effort to paddle through and, as we approach the camp, we spot Joe & Sam on the backside of our island camp making an exploratory trek around the perimeter and stop and chat with them for a bit. Apparently, earlier today, Joe brought in a nice 30+” northern (which will prove to be the biggest fish of the trip). It’s good to see that not landing the big one isn’t a genetic flaw in the family (or at least it skips a generation).

Mass is celebrated one last time before half the crew head out to do some more fishing this evening. Sam takes top honors this evening as he has the hot hand. Before the sun sets this evening, everyone starts packing a few things away in hopes of an early departure tomorrow.

As dusk settles over camp, Father Drew realizes he needs some new batteries for his light strings and asks if anyone has brought any extra. The response comes back, "There's had to be at least 3 of everything in Ol' Blue coming up." And, believe it or not, a bottle of Steel Reserve (plastic bottled beer) has survived to this point in the trip. We all agree that says something for the quality (or lack thereof) of this beverage. This brings our final evening to a comical close.