We had a tow scheduled for 10:15am at Sag Falls so we were up at 0515 to pack up. After some coffee and oatmeal we hit the water on the first perfectly calm day of the trip. It was only a 2 hour paddle to Sag Falls so leaving at 0700 was going to give us plenty of time to enjoy the paddle and explore along the way. On our last day in the BWCA, we still had not seen a single person for more than 2 days and Maraboeuf was still only ours. The rest of the morning was a beautiful paddle on calm seas. Along the way we saw an eagle having a bass breakfast on a rock that we passed. As we paddled, Andrew kept sayin things like "Well, next year when we come up here...". I was pleased he had found the love of this place too. We have another advocate in keeping this place wild and free from human destruction. THAT is a good thing. We portaged around Horsetail Rapids which I have to admit was one of the prettiest portages I have ever been on. The rock walkway in low water was especially interesting. Finally, we arrived at Sag Falls. We were early so Andrew broke out his fishing rod while I pulled out the MSR to make some shore coffee while we waited for our tow. I couldn't help but reflect on the history of this exact spot with voices of ghosts past echoing in my ears. Speaking of echoing in my ears as I was making coffee two different motorboats came across Sag lake and I was reminded that we were back in civilization. About an hour later our motorboat arrived, we loaded up and 45 minutes later were loading up our car for the trip home. I have another (my 4th permit) coming in 3 more weeks but even knowing that I was still sad as this trip came to an end, yet blessed that I was able to spend it with a friend making once in a lifetime memories. A quick stop for the traditional forgiveness gift of a pie from Betty's Pies to offer my wife upon my return and the trip was in the books. ~Gunflint Lake, Magnetic Lake, Pinch Lake, Clove Lake, Larch Lake, Gneiss Lake, Maraboeuf Lake, Saganaga Lake, Gull Lake

Lakes Traveled:   Gunflint Lake, Magnetic Lake, Pinch Lake, Clove Lake, Larch Lake, Gneiss Lake, Maraboeuf Lake, Saganaga Lake, Gull Lake,