Our group consists of the full 9 with 4 BW rookies. Me, my son Christian (16) plus friends Scott, Becky, Rich, Gina and their kids Zach (14), Elise (12) and Nicole (10). After breakfast we listen to The Video, get permit, park my vehicle at the Baker Lake entry point..., then put in before noon.

Our destination is Burnt Lake. 100 rod Portage to Sawbill>Smoke is easy to find; we portage across smoothly; now we all know what portaging is like. I learn something; portaging my not-made-for-the-BWCA 16' Mad River Adventure is even harder than I anticipated. With middle seat on my shoulders, stern is heavier than bow, and keeping bow down tires my arms more than I anticipated. After carrying it alone for a while, I give up... and choose to portage by handles, 2 people.

Entry shoreline on Smoke is a bog; walk planks to get to water; neat experience.

Smoke>Burnt portage is 90 rods; no problems... though Burnt side is awfully rocky; no dry footing here.

We check out a few campsites on Burnt; some are occupied; some are nice, but not meant for large group. We settle on peninsula site centrally located on NW side of Burnt. It is a great site for this group, with private tent pads and nice triangle of trees to hang hammocks from. Rocky mini peninsulas are kid bait. Weather is great, kids are happy and the evening weather is beautiful. We fish. Elise catches a large Smallie! Christian hooks a keeper Walleye. It is a beautiful dusk; day ends at campfire with clear sky and stars. ***Breakfast was breakfast tacos. ***Supper was red beans n rice with chicken… with instant pudding.