I wake to clouds but....no rain! Yay! Toady I have to hike out.....this trip was way too short. I'm thinking that a week hiking across the park sounds good. I've heard of folks hiking cabin to cabin, but I've never done it- maybe next year. I'm really not hungry, so I just make enough of a fire to make coffee, and pack up my gear. I'd like to do some hiking around Lake of the Clouds, and I need to be back in Duluth by 6, so it's time to go. Soon the cabin is clean and swept, and we're on our way.

The hike back down to the car feels pretty easy. Wet, so technically has some challenges, but the weight of my pack isn't one of them. I slip on the clay and go down to my knees once, but I'm fine. The sun starts to come out while I'm hiking- it's going to be a gorgeous day! I return the cabin key, and drive up to Lake of the Clouds. There's a ton of cars in the parking lot..at the overlook have to be 10 people with tripods and fancy cameras trying for the perfect shot. I snap a couple shots of my own, and head down the Big Carp River trail, hoping for some less crowded areas. Sure enough, 100 ft from the overlook there is absolutely no-one. The colors are outstanding, and Stella and I putz around hiking and taking a few photos.

All too soon we're back in the car, and driving home....another wonderful trip receding into the past.