Monday, July 24, 2026 I drive up the day before to spend a little time in Ely, get my permit, final shopping and last meal at a table. I was able to get to the CCO lake site and secure a campsite for the night, get gear ready and canoe unloaded. Stiff from the drive I took a walk along Moose Road finding the trailhead to Secret/Blackstone trail. By the time I got back I was tired and asleep just as the moon was showing up. Up just before 6, I secured gear at the dock and parked my vehicle in the designated site. Having wilderness experience I did enjoy that last sit down before heading down to the dock. Ben, my tow driver, arrived as I did and he loaded the boat and we were on the water by 7. It was cool but the sun warm and the lake calm with a lifting fog along shoreline. No traffic all the way to Birch and Indian Portage. I sent my keys back with Ben and scheduled a tow out for Friday at 3. Pulled off the windbreaker and I was pushing off. The weather was ideal for travelling with calm turning in to light breezes as it warmed up and a light wind at my back picked up once on Knife. I met my first loons and an eagle soared around. Started seeing people still in campsites or out fishing but noted several open sites. People at portages were very friendly and I met some of the same folks on the way out. Once home I did a close review of gear and eliminated enough the problems I experienced would not have happened. The CCS Pioneer was too heavy and as many of you know it is getting the pack from canoe to shore and back and up on your back that is the most strenuous. My right shoulder said ouch on one of the portages. I am familiar with this old injury and worked it out, but it was a nag the rest of the trip. I made it to campsite 1460 by 2:30 having passed sites both occupied and open. I was tired and 1460 had good reviews so I took it. The landing is fabulous with great shelter canoe storage. The hike up to the campsite is a bit steep and putting on the pack is better than just lugging it up as it is a bit of a walk. The site is large and open with some large pine tucked off to one side. Excellent for one hammock, more would require sharing a tree. Tent sites were multiple, but some that look good are in low spots that fill with water in a heavy rain. The fire grate is level and in good shape. Earlier visitors erected a stone table. The bivy was not a bad walk and unremarkable. Ok, I will stay. I set up hammock and tarp and located short pieces of wood to build a lattice stand to elevate packs and gear under the tarp. Camp was set and time to just sit and take a break. So, I did. The campsite sits on a mostly flat and elevated spot with the lake to the west and a large bay to the east. I took many breaks to read and write in my journal and just experience. The site offers many small areas ideal for this pursuit. Watching the sun set I remembered I had dinner to prepare. Another adjustment in tripping is food. Hunger and appetite change. Going solo eliminates the social elements. Fixing a hot meal and clean up and just being tired are issues, too. But I like to eat well and the rotisserie chicken with garlic parmesan noodles was worth the effort. There was just enough light left to put gear away and hang the food pack followed by time in the chair watching the moon as clouds moved in. Tired in the bones, a little stiff, and so glad to be here. Move final gear into the tarp/hammock and soon fast asleep.