We both woke up early on day five and ate a hearty breakfast of peanut butter bagels. The water was calm, so we quickly loaded the canoe and headed for the Saganaga Channel. I was feeling confident with my navigational abilities at this point. We headed for the far shoreline and followed it closely. We managed to only get sucked into one bay, but with all the high water we found a spot and were able to ease the canoe over a gravel bar – it was pretty awesome. The wind picked up as we hit the mouth of the channel, and by the time we reached 81 Landing we were both pretty winded. We loaded up the car and headed back down the Gunflint Trail, stopping at Don and Carole’s again on the way out to say goodbye.

This was a wonderful trip in so many ways. It was the perfect way for me to unwind after a long and busy spring finishing high school and working very hard in the yard. The bass fishing was awesome. And I felt that I could approach my college journey knowing that Grandpa and I had fully covered it in prayer. I am so grateful that I can still travel up north with my greatest spiritual mentor and best friend. I love you Grandpa!

I also continue to love Saganaga. It remains my favorite BWCA lake so far. I don’t call myself Saganaga Joe for nothing!