Saturday, June 30, 2012

Nina Moose to E.P. 16. Approximately 3.5 miles.

We wake up late this morning since we don't have far to travel today. We have breakfast, and spend most of the morning relaxing around camp. Chris continues to feel bad, but he doesn't complain. I'm proud of him for pushing through, I know he felt like crap. It takes a special person to suck it up and finish the trip without complaining. We are in no hurry today and take our time to break down camp and pack our gear for travel.

Noah and Joel want to have their picture taken on the big rock by the campsite, so I help them climb to the top of the rock. We paddle south shortly after taking this photo. As we paddle and portage towards E.P. 16 we talk about our trip and sadly realize it's quickly coming to an end. There was a 10 rod portage between the 20 and 25 rod portages that wasn't marked on the map. As we paddle into the last portage, a group of 4 is setting out on their adventure. We wish them well and I secretly wish we were just beginning our trek instead of ending it. We portage back to the van, and load our gear. As we finish loading our gear, one of the men from the group of 4 we saw earlier, came up and asked if we had any sunscreen. We gave him what we had left, and I hope it met their needs. We drive back to VNO and the boys and I call mommy on the way to let her know we are all alive and well. Back at VNO, the staff quickly unloads the MN 4, and offer us a hot shower. We talk with John for a while about our trip, and thank him for his services. Off to Ely Steak House for a great meal, and then begin the drive back home. Northwoods, we will miss you until we meet again.