12.5 miles 4 portages (454 rods)

Another chilly morning, more mist and cold gray weather. We are up at 6:30, have pancakes and cheese omelet for our breakfast and watch the eagle soar overhead. On the water by 9 A. M., paddling up the Basswood River.

The cliffs and the pictographs on this stretch are really impressive.

Lower Basswood Falls is pretty, there are three places where the water falls, a campsite right at the one side, and a good portage. We see lots of people here. I wonder what “Crooked Lake Cabin” is, but we don’t stop and check it out.

Wheelbarrow Falls comes around the island on two sides and is also scenic.

[Wheelbarrow Falls, Canadian Side]

[Wheelbarrow Falls, U. S. Side]

There is a long portage at [Upper] Basswood Falls, about a mile in length. It isn’t that difficult, just long, and the weather is still cold and unpleasant. These are nice falls, but I liked the lower ones better, I think.

We paddle to Pipestone Bay and check out two campsites again, before stopping at a third. It is still very windy and seems colder tonight. I finally wash my hair out of necessity, but it is a chilling experience.

Our supper of Mountain House Chicken a la King and rice is warming. We sit up awhile with the fire, and go to bed early. I am getting really discouraged about the weather, and would plan to come here in July another time, I think.