Well, we all knew we were in for some dicey weather just by glancing at the sky. By 6:00 AM we were completely packed up and on the water headed for the portage back to Bailey Bay on Basswood Lake. The sky was grey and threatening but we shoved off with only a slight drizzle falling on our raingear. The portage had become pretty sloppy and slippery since we traversed it last, but by 7:30 we were back on Basswood and it looked just like it did when we paddled it 10 days earlier, ANGRY. The wind was blowing hard out of the west, which meant broadsiding our canoes for the first half of the paddle anyway, until we could turn the corner and head slightly back easterly. After about 30 minutes of paddling , the thunder and lightning are closing in on us and after our little lightning experience on Kawnipi, we decided to beach the canoes at a site and wait for the worst of the storm cell to pass. It rained pretty hard for only about 15 minutes, and then we decided to make a break for it. Our canoes outraced any more weather coming from the west and we reached the ranger station with plenty of time to spare before our scheduled tow.

The ride back to the outfitters was on time and the driver of the boat told us what we already knew, that we should be lucky to be getting out in the morning today. We arrived back at LaTourells not a moment too soon. We were still getting stuff packed up when the first of the severe weather started rolling in. I remembered seeing a group of 4 Dads and 4 sons at Prairie Portage and hoped they made good decisions that day. What a crappy way to start a trip into one of the most beautiful places on earth.

All in all it was a great trip. Finally got to get my Dad back to Quetico one more time which we had waited for years to do. We took a canoe camping rookie with NO fishing experience into the heart of an amazing place and he performed excellently, caught lots of fish, and was an awesome asset to the team. My brother and I got to spend time together which we dont get to do often enough. We avoided any injuries or problems, had a fun time and, BOY OH BOY did we catch some fish!!!!

Til next time Quetico, and there will be a next time!!!