I was awake before 530, made coffee in the room and headed down the Echo Trail. At the entry point I was greeted by a group of teen girls just ending their trip. They were sunburned, laughing and filthy- what fun! No idea how early they must have left their campsite to be there at 7am. On the river by 730 or so....I sure love river travel. Clear blue sky, almost no wind. Saw a family of otters almost right away, also mergansers, herons, and a hubcap sized snapper. I had forgotten how lovely the 60r portage on LIS is! Pine needles, giant cedars, waterfalls....my kinda place. Finally hit Upper Pauness after passing a group of teen boys heading back. They seemed very young to be out alone.....under 15 for sure....but looked happy and healthy.

The wind picked up and I decided to take a site if one was open. Avoided the Poison Ivy Grove, the next one up was taken, but the one after that was open (#37). There is a gorgeous open pine glade up the hill for sitting or exploring, and an acceptable firepit, though the grate is cracked. There is a big anthill behind the nicest tentpad, but they didn't invade my tent so all was good there. Not much sign of heavy use.....no trash and tons of wood along the shore. Some heehaws had cut a bunch of live branches though...sheesh.

There are swans across the bay, and I found loads of blueberries- enough to make me think about spending 2 nights and having pancakes in the morning. Saw a grouse and heard the little grouselets peeping in the underbrush. Skeeters came out and after dinner of Packit Gourmet Beef Stew with Polenta we headed to the tent.