The next day was similar to the second, with a choose-your-own-adventure model allowing people to stretch their wings or stay close to home, whatever suited their adventurous craving. I, of course, was off to see more lakes with another pack lunch in hand. Others would be walking about the lake or going fishing. I went westward; it was a long walk down a nearly bare lake. Winchell is a big, beautiful lake that can be rather busy in the summertime. It was a unique experience seeing it in winter splendor. At the big rock face, I chuckled at the realization that my first glimpse of Winchell Lake was also clad with snow, albeit 7" of wet October slush. I marvelled at that big, beautiful face adorned with snowdrifts for its quieter season. I headed north through the back bay and the portage to Omega. Omega is also quite a lovely lake that's a treasure to behold in winter snow. I jumped on a trail well-packed by the local wolves and followed it all the way to the portage trail towards Phalanx. I stashed my sled there. It was mostly unpacked, but it's a convenient way to carry a camera and a water bottle down the lake ice. I grabbed both and headed for Phalanx. The portage trail climbing out of Omega goes straight up a rocky gulley. In the snow, it required some hands and knees crawling in spots. It obviously doesn't see much traffic. Phalanx is a nice enough small lake. The real destination lies beyond: Finn Lake. The wolves continued straight down on a predictable course to the same destination, a helpful guide in finding the portage. It's a beautiful trail with nice exposed rock. Finn is a gorgeous lake with an important role in the protection of the BWCAW. In the lead-up to the 1978 BWCA Act, an overseeing committee was deciding if the existing legislation properly protected the wilderness area. As Miron Heinselman described it, they were close to determining that they did, until a honeymooning couple discovered a freshly built road grade cutting through the end of Finn Lake - violating the laws of the time. This turned the opinion of the panel and eventually led to the advocacy work and legislative processes that passed in the BWCA Act of 1978. On this quiet winter day, I headed in the opposite direction of the historic site, sticking with my wolf guides. The ice wasn't great heading into Alpha, so I proceeded with caution. It was a very brushy excursion into Beta where I turned around to head for "home." It was a long, long walk back through the portages and back to my sled. I reached Winchell in time for sundown and had a long solo hike back to camp. The group was just beginning to contemplate coming to look for me when I popped through the door in time for dinner. Another lovely day was well and truly completed!