Sunday, August 14, 2016 We were up extra early today to a mostly cloudy sky. After a quick breakfast we hit the water at 7:45 a.m. The sky started clearing and we once again had sunshine. The trip out was uneventful and we greeted a few people entering the area. We were back at the car by 9:30 a.m. We loaded everything and headed to Sawbill Outfitters for a shower. It looked like a small town there with all of the people.

We were on the road at 11:30 a.m. for our 9 ½ - 10 hr. drive home. The drive, however, turned into 12 hours. For several miles prior to Two Harbors the traffic was stop and go. When it was go, it was about 5 mph. We thought there was an accident. Traffic was normal going the other way. After getting to Two Harbors we wondered if the traffic and stop lights in town were what caused the backup. Whatever it was, it added close to an hour to that portion. Then, south of Duluth in the construction zone was another frustrating portion. Keep in mind this was Sunday and there was no work going on, just inept drivers apparently. This was stop and go, mostly stop it seemed. It added at least an hour. I guess if this is my biggest complaint I really don’t have much to complain about.

Last parting thought. This was a good and memorable trip. I’m glad to have been able to take a younger first timer along who loved it and is wanting to go again soon. I have always taken loop trips when in the BWCA and we travel almost every day. I always plan at least one or two layover days though. I may not have mentioned it but, I’m getting old and the portages are getting tougher. I also get tired of setting up camp in the afternoon just to break it down the next morning. I’m ready to try a base camping trip. I’d like to go in a day or two, set up camp and then relax, fish and explore the area. So, if I do take another one with my son and his friends we’ll do it on 2 permits. One for them and one for me. We’ll travel together for a day or so and they can then go on their own and meet back up with me later. Sounds good to me.