Thursday, August 11, 2016 We were up early to an overcast day that looked like rain. We had breakfast and packed up camp. Just as we were getting on the water at 8:30 a.m. the rain started. Not a down pour but steady. I started out wearing my rain jacket but after the first portage I was way too warm and my glasses fogged over so I packed it away. It didn’t matter as the portages today were pretty overgrown and you got soaked just walking them. The rain lasted for about 3 hours but the trees and brush stayed wet all day. To add to the challenges the portages had mud holes and, at regular intervals, downed trees. The trees were mostly pines and previous folks had trimmed the upward pointing branches off to about 2” stubs. Chris, with his long legs had a much easier time crossing these trees as he could step over and always have one leg on the ground. I, being much shorter, always bottomed out and had to be careful that Rod and the boys didn’t get snagged or worse. All 7 of today’s portages were on the tough, rugged side and had quite a few trees down. We made camp on Pan Lake about 4 p.m. In spite of the challenges today, we enjoyed paddling through the smaller lakes and the scenery, as usual, was fantastic. We were very tired so decided to have freeze dried. We had Mtn House chicken breasts and mashed potatoes which was very good. We also had Backpacker Pantry Shepherd stew which was terrible. We forced it down for the calories but will never buy it again. We also popped some corn over the fire which was a nice treat. The day stayed overcast as well as when we turned in for the night. We saw no one today. I’m getting old. To help me sleep I have been regularly drinking my medicine each night. I prefer to call it medicine rather than Jack Black. Saw no one today.

Ledge L - 180R - Vee L - 80R - Fee L - 40R - Hoe L - 100R - Makwa L - 60R - Pond - 85R - Pond - 55R - Pan L.