Sunday, July 25, 2021 - Our original entry point was going to be Hog Creek. However, only three days before our entry date I received an email from the US Forest Service with a low water alert. What was a 2-hour paddle to Perent Lake was now a full 5 or 6 hours. Plus, prior paddlers were causing damage to vegetation by dragging canoes and we should carry the canoe as we would on a normal portage. I was so deflated... I wanted a fun experience for my girl so she would beg me to come back. If I went through with this entry she would hate me for it. I had already researched all of the 'easy' entry points for this date and hog creek was the best of what was leftover. So, I crossed my fingers and went online to see if someone canceled and a new permit was available at an easy route. Obviously, with the trip title, it's no surprise... but luck would have it there was 1 permit available for Baker Lake. I am so grateful for that email from the USFS. Baker lake was a perfect first trip entry point.

Sunday was our travel day from west-central Minnesota to Sawbill Outfitters / Sawbill campground. After a few stops for lunch and bait, we arrived in just under 6 hours. I reserved a campsite at sawbill campgrounds for the night so we settled in after getting our rental gear and the canoe tied to the truck. The campgrounds were PACKED! There were no less than 5 dodge vans with 8 teenagers each! I was crossing my fingers they weren't entering at Baker.