I was awakened by the swooshing sound of a bald eagle flying above my hammock at tree top level about 5:00 am. I was time to get up anyway so I hopped out of my hammock hoping to catch a glimpse of the big bird. The previous evening I had spotted some fish fillets in the water on shore that a previous camper had discarded. The eagle was eating them. I made coffee and had a fast breakfast of granola. I packed up and was on the water by 6:30 am. I was heading home today and I wanted to get an early start to get as paddling done as possible before the wind came up. As it turned out the wind was now at by back for the first time since starting out at the beginning of my trip. I literally flew the 5 miles west across Ensign Lake while encountering a light rain shower. I arrived at the portage to Splash and decided that the water was high enough to run through the small rapids without getting out. I shot right through without touching a singe rock. That was fun. Then I crossed Splash and did the 30 rod portage to Newfound Lake. This portage is like a highway and easy to walk. That was the last portage of the trip. The next 5 miles were easy with wind quartering from my left rear giving me some help, stopping once for a lunch break. I arrived at the entry point where I had put in at around 11:30 am. I packed my gear up the hill and loaded up for the return trip home.

The trip was 55 miles according to the map (although I followed the shoreline most of the time and did some backtracking so it was probably longer) and 15 portages. Was it tough? Yes! Would I do it again? Yes, but I would probably go solo along with another person who was also soloing in his own canoe. I would have all my own gear and food and just travel with another person. I was well prepared, had a satellite phone and in good shape but decided on this trip that it might be a little more prudent for someone of 63 years old to solo along with another person next time. I am not afraid of being alone but would prefer to have someone else along to talk to. I get tired of talking to squirrels! I followed my dream and I am happy I did!