Wind and tons of sights today. Wind was blowing steady first thing in the morning and I knew it would only build. Traveling the Basswood River all day. My plan was to get past the big water and into the river in anticipation of the wind today. The plan was great but I did not know that the river would basically act as a wind tunnel! I started out trolling and the fish were biting but every time I hooked up I back tracked at least 100 yds. I had to put the rod away. This day wore me out more than the 300+ portage for sure. This is where the kayak paddle really shined. I was able to keep the nose of the canoe straight into the wind and even when I couldn't move forward I could at least hold my ground until the gusts subsided. Made it to table rock which happened to be the calmest water I saw all day. I wasn't really that excited about this site but did the obligatory stop. I'm glad I did! The rocks and area truly are impressive! Back to paddling into the wind... Made it to the pictographs and they didn't disappoint! I'm not sure what was cooler, the pictos or the cliffs they were drawn on? A great combo that I will never forget. Though the wind didn't allow me as much time to really study them as I would have liked. I pulled over on the Canadian side out of the wind, there is a little beach with a great view of the picto cliffs. I look down and there were some fresh moose prints in the sand. So cool! At this point I am close to lower basswood falls and spent. Each site I pass is taken and I get all the way to the falls and both sites on the falls are taken as well. I really didn't want to move on and portage further. I looked to my right and wait a minute, there is an open site! I thought I had already passed this site and it was occupied but turns out I was looking at the wrong one. Site 1549 is on a 20 foot rock ledge, it has a very steep landing and no real flat tent spots but the views of the falls make up for any short comings. I love this site almost as much as the beach site! The wind slowed a bit in the evening and I was able to hide out behind the falls. A family of otters came walking down the side of the falls and dove straight into the white water. The were having a blast playing in the current. They appear to always be having a good time! No luck fishing the falls, trolling was impossible due to all the pine needles floating on the surface of the water due to the winds. Threw top water for a bit and caught a really nice 21" bass! I also enjoyed seeing the old ranger cabin near the falls. Made a short lived fire and soaked in the view till dark.

8 miles traveled. 0 portages.