Awoke about 3:30 am, couldn't sleep. We were on the road and at the entry point by 4:45 am. Jake noticed a couple of turtle nest that had been scavenged through, eggs were all over the place. In the water and paddling by 5:15 am. Very beautiful morning as we headed down the river and into Mudro Lake. Made the portage into Sandpit and by now the sun was beginning to peak through the clouds. Had some issues finding the next portage, but on to TCM. Mosquitoes were a little thick on this portage. Up to this point we hadn't ran into anyone, but that would change on TCM. Most sites were busy with campers getting up for breakfast. Made it to the portage into Horse. Ran into two different groups both leaving Horse. Both groups very courteous and stating the campsites they were leaving, if we wanted them. We were pushing on to Crooked Lake. Down the Horse River we went, having to maneuver around a couple sets of rapids, but nothing to bad. Another group had now caught up to us, I believe someone from Horse Lake. No matter, even though we were double portaging, we kept just enough ahead of them. Three portages later and we were in the Basswood River and running out of gas. We had one last portage around Lower Basswood Falls. As I was heading back for my second trip, Jake stated the site next to the falls was open. So I moved as quick as I could, but unfortunately there was a group right behind us that single portaged and made it to the site just ahead of us. At this time a storm was rolling in and we were both exhausted. We tried to find the second site, but settled on the third site. Set up the tarps in just enough time to not get soaked from the storm and keep our gear dry. Got camp set up after the rain, shore fished some and ate Steaks and Rice for supper. After dinner shore fished more and I caught a 27" walleye (personal best). 10 miles, 8 portages at a total of 551 rods.