We tore down camp and were on the water by 7AM for a nice trip back down the Stuart River. It was an uneventful trip back. We came across a number of moose tracks on portages, and one baby deer that a predator had taken down toward the end of the last portage out of Stuart River. We were off the river by 12:15, quick celebratory beer at the EP, and then headed to Lodge of the Whispering Pines for a quick shower before lunch at the Boathouse. After a late lunch, we headed south and decided to stop in Duluth for the night as we wouldn’t get back to central Iowa until 11 or so and we were all pretty tired. We spent the night exploring Duluth and enjoying one last night of great company.

Overall a fantastic trip. I know that initial portage into the Stuart River might scare some away, but it isn’t terrible and is worth every step. We were fortunate to have pretty good weather and made some memories that we will all carry with us for the rest of our lives. We will be back to the BWCA next year, hopefully with 4 men rather than three.