Got a little chilly last night but that’s the risk you take with a super light 30 degree sleeping bag in the fall. Once bladder emptied and resituated I was good. Had cold granola with freeze dried berries and reconstituted milk for breakfast and took my time breaking camp. By the time I hit the water the wind had shifted from the NW and was now out of the S making for a little more taxing paddle back to the EP.

By the middle of Upper Pauness I could make out another boat on the horizon heading south into the river. I was curious about my pace given that this was my first trip in the Wildfire. I didn’t make up much ground on the other boat until the portage where I singled and caught him. As it turns out I was following BigPaddle who was soloing out from a hunting trip with his brother and dad. Ryan was the first person I had talked to in 48 hours and got an earful from me:). We paddled the last couple miles of river back to the entry point shooting the breeze. Further evidence of our small world-Ryan (BigPaddle) grew up playing basketball with one of my best friends and colleagues. Too cool!

Overall a great-albeit too brief-trip! I had plenty of time to kill before the Vikes game so I took the scenic and touristy route back to Duluth stopping in Ely for some gear perusing and lunch. Checked into my beautiful room at Fitgers and made my way down to the brewhouse for a tasty beverage just in time for the game!

New gear Bell Wildfire canoe-smaller and more rocker than a traditional tripping boat but a lot of fun to paddle. Keeps you on your toes-always making small correction strokes. I had a single portage pack along for this trip-repositioned fore or aft depending on the wind. In spite of being smaller I am confident that I could find enough room for my dog and all the gear we need for any type of trip in this boat.

Katadyn Mybottle water filter-used for on the water hydration. Super convenient! Way better tasting than chemicaly treated water and gets all the usual BWCA suspects. If you need viral protection get the purifier not the filter.

Irwin Marathon saw-my buddy portage keeper turned me onto this saw and it is awesome. You want coarse cut. I fashioned a sheath out of 1/32” high density polyethylene much like the plastic used to make the old Orikaso foldup camping dinnerware. Works splendidly.

GB Small Forest Axe-never buy another axe. This thing fits nicely alongside a standard portage pack. Long enough handle to swing with two hands. Will get the nod for winter camping wood splitting duty as well. Another example of enlightenment from PK.

CCS 8x10’ tarp-1.1 oz fabric-white and yellow-sick. What took me so long? First thing out of the pack and setup-last thing put away. Erect your tent beneath in rain (as I did the first night). Cook and relax around camp while staying dry. Bring lots of rope. Ridgeline, prussiks and truckers hitches.

MSR Hubba tent-perfect 1 man tent. Side entry. Relatively large vestibule. Sit up inside without hitting your head. Long enough to accomodate 6'3" me. Dry. Plenty of room for full length pad, extra clothes, rain gear, stuff sacks and restless sleeper.