Got up fairly early today but I didn't rush myself. I want to make sure I get things packed properly. Make sure I eat a decent meal so I have fuel for the numerous portages as well.

The lake is dead calm so I'm off to the portage. I was surprised how easy that portage was today. I thought I would be sore from yesterday but things went quick and soon enough I was on S. Temperance again heading back.

Naturally I stayed too far to the east and ended up in a cove where there was no portage into N. Temperance. Paddled around a peninsula and I was on the right course. Things looked a lot different this morning with the overcast and due to the fact I was heading back.

The landing at the portage didn’t look so spectacular on my way out. However, it sure looked good when I knew I was safe and sound at the right place. I took a deep breath when I got going on that 240 rod out of S. Temperance.

Things weren’t much lighter today but somehow with the lower temperatures, lack of sun and the fact I was well rested and fed the portage was easier today. I found my fallen tree at the 1/3 point and I knew what to expect. Moved on and took my time getting over the portage.

I was a little disoriented portaging for some reason, maybe since I hadn’t looked at the trail much on my way in. But I found reminders along the way that reassured me I was going the right way. At last I was at the end of the portage and unnamed lake looked good to me!

09:22

Taking a much need break on the portage from Jack into Kelly Lake (65 rods). Making good time and enjoying the day. Have to fuel up for the portage and paddle on Kelly Lake. The narrow strip before the portage is really low and I got hung up on the rocks in the water just like the first day. Just able to get through.

Finally made it to Baker Lake through the numerous rocks here in the channel. I'm just happy to have had a wonderful paddle back and a nice trip. Of course the wind has really picked up since starting this morning but I really can't complain that I have sunny skies and warm temperatures for this time of year it's awesome. This time I will launch from the official portage point and skip hauling stuff over the downed tree.

Lessons Learned:

Always keep the sunglasses either on a granny cord around your neck or in a protective case. That way you don't step on them at the portage.

Single portaging with a kayak deck bag is a pain. An under the seat canoe bag that is strapped to the canoe would have been much better. Update: I purchased a Granite Gear "Original Stowaway" under seat bag just like my buddy has from years ago. Thwart bags get in the way when portaging. This just sits on the underside of the seat even when portaging. Nothing fancy and relatively cheap. I tried contacting CCS to see if they would make something like this but they never responded to my email. I guess I'm not a big enough fish.

I'm a kayak paddle man and always will be. I really missed not having my paddle and I especially missed it the first day when I had a tailwind and the last day when I had a head wind.

I brought too much food but at least this time I was able to pare it down this time. Real food with a mixture of dehydrated makes a world of difference. I love the Nutrilite bars my wife sells (sorry for the plug) and will bring them again.

Carrying magazines in a bag that gets wet is not the way to bring them to the woods.

Put sunscreen on before you will need it.

Big mosquitoes in the evening can sound just like flies. Never have seen them this big before but at least you can see them unlike the small sneaky ones!