Up early and on my way. The fog is quite dense in places as I paddle westward across Lake Two; occasionally making navigation difficult. As I approach the landing to the Lake One portage there is nothing more than white horses about. I'm hoping that I'm early enough this morning so as to not encounter traffic on these portages. The Kawishiwi River is one (as is Pickett Creek, Little Indian Sioux, Moose, Horse and Basswood rivers) of what I call 'golf course rivers'. I call them that because it inevitably seems that when paddling/portaging along these routes that there is almost always either someone right behind me that wants to 'play through' or someone right in front of me that I would want to 'play through'. Which, in my opinion, seems to detract from the wilderness experience. Just my 2 cents.

As it is, I make it across the first portage without running across anyone. However, shortly after beginning the second, and last, portage into Lake One I meet another group coming across with a second group pulling into the Lake One landing and a third group just out on the lake waiting their turn. In the back and forth, I converse with the Father of a family group and give him updated campsite and fishing information as they plan to stay somewhere between Lake Two and Three.

Once out on Lake One I do escape the 'crowds' but do continue to see others out 'n' about as I paddle on towards the landing. I was hopeful that once the fog burns off that it would be another sunny day but, it appears that it's gonna be gray and gloomy for the foreseeable future.

My van is back at the Snowbank landing, which is a few miles from the Lake One landing. Not wanting to have to hoof it; I pull into the Kawishiwi Lodge dock and ask if they could shuttle me over? After some friendly conversation; Frank finds someone to do just that. My front tire is low but, I am able to make it back to Ely to fill it up and then head to the Kawishiwi Ranger Station to report the mess on Alice before finally stopping at the Boathouse for some hot food and a cold blueberry blonde ale. An indulgent end to another memorable adventure.

This was my first true solo in a decade and, at least at the time, I'm not sure I adequately prepared myself for the challenge as it took awhile for me to realize the fruits of this trip. (Evidenced by the fact that it took me this long to put the trip report together). This was supposed to be a head clearing trip after our divorce was final. Unfortunately that hadn't played out (and as of this writing still hasn't!) yet. After taking some time to look back on this trip; I think that fact was kind of a downer on this trip as I envisioned this trip being a time to contemplate my new reality and what the future may hold but, I think I was mired down more so in the past and the here and now. Also, I've certainly endured my share of inclement weather over the years but, the long stretch of consecutive days of cold rainy weather really began to wear down my resolve. More so being solo. Still, it happened that way for a reason and I persevered and was able to find joy in both the beautiful weather at the beginning and end of the trip, as well as the struggles encountered along the way. And, I think that is also one of the life lessons to be taken away from this adventure. While I may be going through some disagreeable times now but, if I stay the course, better days will be coming. The Black Pearl holding together throughout also provided a spiritual message of being broken but still holding it all together to make it through. Ultimately I consider the unfortunate circumstances and sufferings of this trip and my in my life in general brought me to a greater understanding of my utter dependence in Jesus Christ; which is a realization of inestimable value. With that said, this trip did provide an exciting adventure through some of the most remote maintained regions of the BWCA and I was able to enjoy it all at my own pace. And there is something to be said for that. And, I look forward to implementing the lessons learned on (and after) this adventure on future trips; both solo and with Aurora and others.

~Three, Lake Two, Lake One, Lake