We woke up around 8am to more rain, but it tapered off and was mostly just windy for the rest of the day. We packed up our camp, had a quick cup of coffee, and chose to split a bag of jerky instead of making something more elaborate for breakfast so we didnt have to do any more dishes. We piled into the canoe and set sail around 10:30am, and the paddle across disappointment lake was easy, and gave me a glimmer of hope that snowbank wouldnt be miserable. Just in case, though, we decided to bypass some of snowbank, and instead do an extra portage into Parent Lake. Im very glad we did. Parent was quick and easy, but once we got to snowbank it was a whole different story. Ive heard about it being difficult. It was hell. A monster wind out of the north allowed waves to build over a the majority of the lake before they smashed into the side of our canoe, as we tried to dart across to the west and find some protection behind an island. That 20 minutes is high up on my list of the most scared Ive ever been in a canoe. But we made it to the island, and after another brutal paddle into that same monster, now headwind, we arrive at the dock and collapsed - see below:

Loaded up, and headed back to town for our post-trip tradition: Many handwashings and then a delicious burger from the Boathouse Brewpub. Then back in the car for the drive back down to the cities, and back to reality.

Overall it was an awesome trip. One of the hardest Ive ever done, but in my mind you need to earn your solitude and isolation, which is why we love the bwca. We saw some amazing sights, and not everything went exactly according to the plan, but it rarely does. It fulfilled our need for a yearly reset, away from technology and our normal day to day lives and responsibilities.

THE END!

1. the pool noodle trick to cover the metal gunwales is genius

2. the book "the singing wilderness" is wonderful

3. 10 miles a day, while doable for my group, is probably a little too long

4. we always bring too much food, and it pains me to carry it back out

5. Early may trips are not good for my anxiety level, probably wont schedule another this early

6. Permethrin might not be as important right after ice out - we only saw 3 mosquitos, and 2 ticks

7. My new favorite adjectives: "Portagey" "Campsitey" "Moosey" For example, "That looks pretty portagey to me over there."