Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - I was up about 5:30, struggled with Acid Reflux during the night, and did not sleep well. So much for getting here early to have a great night rest. Got my pack ready for the trip and realized that I had forgotten my Sawyer water bottle with filter. Not only did I forget my Sawyer, but I grabbed the wrong fishing rods! Went to Call of the Wilderness and got two new rod & reel combos (Fenwick w/ phlueger reel & and Zone 13). Really like the phlueger. Still had some time to burn before Peter would get to town, so I checked out the South Kawishiwi Campground. First time I had been south of Ely, really enjoyed the drive and the campground seemed nice enough if I cannot find something closer to put in someday. Met up with Peter at Lake One Entry to drop off my truck for take out and then to Snowbank for put in. We decided to take the single portage to Disappointment. At the end of that first portage, I ate some of the grapes I brought with and proceeded to regurgitate them. Peter thought I was sick and wondered if we should continue. I assured him it was just what it was, and I was fine. No more trouble the rest of the trip. Long paddle across Disappointment (as if there is a short paddle option). We proceeded through the small lakes to Jordan, then through the Jordan narrows to Ima. We had not seen any open campsites to this point. We met a family with younger kids before Jordan, and they were tired and looking for a campsite. There were some open sites on Ima and the family seemed in good spirits. We continued across the big lake and then struggled to find the portage to Hatchet, but found it we did. It is a tough portage, but rather enjoyable, from the narrow opening in the cliffside, to the steep climb and then the stone steps down to Hatchet Creek. It was after 8pm and I was getting tired, but we were so close and Peter convinced me to push on. We made it by the first portage on Hatchet Creek without finding it, and then came to the short one at the bend by the short rapids. Quick pullover and then a few more portages brought my first view of Thomas Lake into sight. It was 9:30 as we started paddling towards our destination campsite. About twenty minutes later we pulled ashore, relieved that the site was open. This would be home for the next 5 nights. After setting up camp, eating a good meal, and cleaning up, it was bedtime. I was exhausted and ready for sleep when peter said he saw lights (UFO?). I said I was too tired to visit with Aliens and to just say hi for me before drifting off to a good night’s sleep. It had been a long day!