Sunday, August 03, 2014 Day 3 Lakes paddled - Basswood Lake Paddled 3 miles, 3 portages/402 rods.

Today was our portage day. After seeing the four guys yesterday look exhausted after they finished the one mile portage, I was not looking forward to today. We tackled the one mile portage without incident, almost easy. Our bodies must be getting used to the work. We made our way to Wheelbarrow Falls, and noticed a line of boy scout canoes waiting in line for the 50 rod portage. We decided to paddle around the island to Wheelbarrow portage, 32 rods. It was not very long, but elevation change, deep ruts and four foot deep mud holes made this portage the toughest of our entire trip. We camped just south of Lower Basswood Falls. The rigors of this day kept our spirits high the rest of the trip. If we can survive and enjoy the longest portage of the trip and a tough portage, there is nothing we can't conquer.

Dad's Journal
The tide has turned, re-heated sheppards pie for breakfast. Yesterday was a paddling test. Today was the portage test. We each carried the canoe, wow my daughter is strong. 1 mile portage around basswood falls and a small but very muddy portage at wheelbarrow falls. Everything went so well we've decided to not rest tomorrow. Saw lots of people today. We survived all BWCA could throw at us.

Daughter's Journal

Today was so much better. WE DIDN'T GET LOST! Although I never want to do that mile portage again. That took forever (sandlot voice). And the dang Park Rangers that were on the trail said we were half way there on the trail, which was BS. But we made it, double portage. The rest of the day was 2 small portages and not getting lost. Found a campsite pretty quick and relaxed, napped and read.