Bunked at Alder camper cabin on Bearskin Lake campground. Having done the early AM drive for a number of years, we certainly agree the better alternative is arriving the night before and hitting the water early on entry date. A thunderstorm woke us around 4 AM and lasted a few hours. Once it cleared, we headed to Bearskin Lodge to grab and load our canoes. This is the 2nd time we've used their outfitting service and have been very pleased. Once loaded, we headed for the paddle to Alder. The short portage into Alder was dry and quick. Paddled the little rocky stream into the big lake and took our time checking available campsites. Nothing seemed better than 2 stars. The best sites were occupied, so we headed toward Canoe lake portage. Another dry and quick portage as we could easily see the two sites (700 and 701) across the lake. Brandon and I took off to explore the best option. We decided on the west site (700) as James and I base camped on the other a few years back. Immediately, we started setting up camp. Brandon and Laramie had the wonderful task of blowing up the two air mattresses which typically require an inflator. After about an hour and a half, we set out to Paddle Lake for some afternoon fishing. Laramie and James secured supper. Afterward, we established our evening ritual of a competitive game of euchre. Bedtime came early - with the help of mosquitoes and rain potential. Always sleep like a baby in the Boundary Waters!

~Bearskin Lake, Alder Lake, Canoe Lake, Paddle Lake