The wind died a little during the night and changed directions. The plan was to get up at first light and be on the water by 7:00 a.m. I woke at 6:00 and it was totally black out. I guess none of us realized how late first light was. I got dressed and woke the others. We began breaking camp in the dark. I don’t know when we got on the water, but it was light and definitely later than 7:00.

The wind was still blowing, though not nearly as hard as the day before. It was out of the west, and we were on the eastern shore, so the plan was to dash across the lake to the protection of the west shore and hug the shore till we reached the Nina Moose River. The plan worked well. I had only one iffy moment and that was when the wind was at my back and I began surfing.

We paddled upstream to Nina Moose Lake. As soon as we entered the lake the seat on my canoe broke. I pulled over at a campsite to rig it with Jim’s help. Wouldn’t ya know it! I got wet getting back into the canoe. Darn! Why do I always do that? It is always at shore either getting in or out. Geesh! Well, it’s better than out on the lake, so I should be grateful.

We continued to, and up, the Moose River. That was quite a work out. I mean, who paddles upstream during high water? Not only that, but there was a lot of maneuvering involved. It was an interesting stretch of water but no real problems. I was tired when we finally reached our final portage.

Jim had Budweiser waiting for us in his car. It was yummy. Another good tradition is to always, ALWAYS, have cold beer in the car for the take out! The car shuttle was made and the cars loaded. We said our goodbyes and were on the road at 3:00 p.m. Steve and Larry went back to Ely to check in at VNO and take showers. Jim and I started back home going the other direction on the Echo Trail through Buyck.

The drive home was uneventful but enjoyable. Time went fast. Jim had me home about 11:00 p.m. He probably made it home about midnight.

It was a great trip!!