Knowing I would not need to be at the Burntside side of the portage until 1:00 I slept past sunrise for the first time in the trip. I had a wonderful morning just taking it all in while very slowing breaking down camp. I also found some dead logs and brought them up into camp and sawed them so there was a nice stack of firewood for future visitors. A couple with 5ish year old girl paddled by the site that were enjoy a day trip into the area. 

At one point I started hearing thumps of something hitting the ground. I was able to figure out these were green pinecones that were being thrown down by a red squirrel high up in the canopy of the mature red pines that dominate this site. Once I could see where he was, I engaged in a little game of catch where I would try to catch the pinecones as they Plinko’d through the branches. I’m sure anyone seeing this would have questioned my sanity.

I finished packing up camp and during my walk around found plenty of little pieces of trash. Obviously a 'well loved' campsite. I left camp and made my way quickly over to the lengthy portage to Burntside. This time I would be walking this distance three times as I double portaged across. My timing was very good as the tow boat came into view less than a minute after I brought my final load over. Was happy to see my new friend Andy driving the boat and he was excited to hear all about my trip. He said I definitely made the right call in getting that tow that day, although the lake wasn’t as bad as I had feared.

I was back at the landing before I knew it. Loaded up my gear and strapped the canoe on and started on my drive home. It really was a great trip and it's got me considering an October solo! ~Crab Lake, Burntside Lake

Lakes Traveled:   Crab Lake, Burntside Lake,