We awoke to a very strong west wind. Looking out to the main part of the lake large whitecaps were evident. After a short discussion we decided with the conditions the way they were, a change in plans was probably in order so we could stick to smaller waters. The new plan was for us to proceed with the wind to the Jump Lake portage and from there make our way through Allen into Horseshoe with the goal of getting to Caribou. 

Here is where the decision to get the solo canoe backfired on us, as our one lone dad, not being the most experienced Canoeing, ending up tipping his Canoe as we crossed over to the protection of the island that was in front of our site. Thankfully he was close to shore and was able to grab the canoe and his pack and kick the few feet to shallow water. We helped him back up but from then on everyone was a little more on edge. Thankfully we were able to make it to the Jump portage without further incident. We found that the short portages into Jump and then into Allen were pretty technical, with some pretty steep sections and plenty of tricky spots. I was really intrigued by Allen Lake, made a mental note that I want to get back there sometime. 

Eventually we made it to the Caribou to Horseshoe portage, with the last stretch on Caribou feeling like we were being shot out of a cannon with the wind being funneled down the narrow arm of the Lake. Arriving at Caribou, we quickly noted that 1. There was no way we were going to be able to navigate on the main lake to get to any of the Campsites on the west side of the lake and 2. The campsite directly opposite the portage was taken. At this point after some discussion we decided that we would send one empty Canoe with a couple of the stronger paddlers to scout the campsite to the East of the portage. Thankfully they made it back to report that it was open. It turned out to be another nice site and we all loaded up and proceeded cautiously but without incident to the campsite. 

The wind kept up throughout the rest of the day along with blowing in some off and on showers and cooler temps. One nice thing about the wind is that it kept the bugs away that night, so we enjoyed spending some time around the campfire talking about what everyone liked/didn’t like about the trip.