This was intended to be a late season trip and it some ways it was very different from a midsummer trip but the weather was decidedly warm. We snagged a Mudro entry permit right when they posted for the year and set about planning for a shoulder season trip. When it actually came time to roll out, temps were averaging 80degF daily with 60degF at night. That meant no need for cool, much less cold, weather gear. It was also exceptionally dry - clear skies day and night with only a couple instances of partially cloudy weather and some very light rain on the last morning. I only We did have two of our four arrive late afternoon on our travel day to MSP. This meant a late arrival in Ely and no opportunity to pack and sort gear the night prior to departure. So, late start on Tuesday! Hardest truth so far was learning that leeches are non existent in Ely that late in the season. Oh well. We hit Mudro mid morning and found a fairly full parking lot but nobody in overflow. Entry at the shorter portage from the bridge was still possible so we dropped in there. By the time we made it into Tin Can Mike, we were seeing lots of traffic and full campsites so we snagged the last campsite before the portage to Horse (#1120). As others have reported, it has GREAT largemouth and bluegill fishing albeit not very scenic. As a night 1 waypoint, it was fine considering we intended to be through Horse by then. Day 2 we rolled out headed north still seeing lots of traffic and entered Horse River. It was probably near it's lowest passable point so we didnt have too much trouble with haul-overs and portages......but it was evident that without rain, the return was going to be tougher. The mouth of Horse near the lower falls was down to inches with lots of grass......however, the area around all 3 falls was not only beautiful that time of year, the smallies were congregated at the basin of each one and provided fun fishing all week long. Campsite #1547 provides great views and easy access from the east or west side as well as an excellent view of the northern sky. Bugs? Nearly none existent all week long. Never set up a bug net on my hammock much less donned a head net. In fact, I didnt set up a tarp the whole time we were up there. On the way out, we reversed the route and Horse was indeed more difficult even with slightly lighter foodpacks and stopped at the most southerly campsite (#1118) on Horse rather than push and play the lottery on remaining campsites towards the entry. It is some kind of old logging camp with several pieces of machinery and the remains of a cabin actually in the water near the landings. We got SUSTAINED rolling thunder the next morning but only a light sprinkle which made it interesting but not difficult. Also, nearly zero bugs here as well even though it is a swampy area (season matters!). The last leg to Mudro was VERY low and made for some muddy drags back up to the parking lot. The crews heading out on the same route were likely even more challenged on their return. Overall, an early morning departure on day 1 is super important if you want to get up to the "day bays" on Crooked for the week. A midday start really set us back but the consolation prize was well worth it and we had a blast.