I awake at 6:00 and peek out to a crystal clear blue sky. Just a slight breeze and it’s cool. It’s such a shock to see this as the whole week has been overcast, windy and rainy for the most part. Now, there are literally zero clouds in the sky. I’m thrilled!

I eat my cold breakfast, pack up and say goodbye to Boot Lake. On the water it’s breathtakingly beautiful. The sun is in my face and warm as I paddle into a gentle breeze. I portage into fourtown then make the right hand turn where I meet a woman on the beach of her campsite. She tells me it’s her first day in. We exchange well wishes and I move on.

I come out of Fourtown and look for the portage. Where is it? All I see is a raging rapid coming through the creek where the portage trail should be. Nothing looks the same to me. Was I here just 4 days ago?

Well, we had a lot of rain since then and it’s obvious the portaging will be different on the way out. At this particular one I have to climb a steep rock incline before finding a trail that then goes along the side of the now overflowing creek. High water portage

** This video is the same portage from 4 days before. It's shot from the opposite bank. What a difference a little rain makes. Low Water Portage

I carry my packs in knee deep water and at one point slip on a rock and keel over into the river. I gotta say it was damn refreshing! I hadn’t swam all week and I sure needed the bath.

I meet a lot of apprehensive people coming in that day and I tell them about the portages. “You’re gonna be wet footing it today!” I tell them. My packs are light and I’m looking forward to getting out. At the mudro creek where I had to push and pull myself 4 days ago is now a strong creek and I fight to make the turns against the current. I’m exhausted but very happy when I finally reach the parking lot.

I meet a father and son who came out with me today and they happened to park right next to me. They’re from Michigan and have been doing these trips for years together. We talk and I mention that next year I’ll be taking my 15 year old son for the first time. The Father is very happy to tell me about great fishing spots near Crooked Lake where they go most of the time. He pulls out his map and shows me a shortcut and his favorite campsites over the years. This is what I love about the BWCA. The bond that we all instantly have when you meet complete strangers on the trail. It’s a fraternity that I’m glad I’m a part of.

I load up and drive into town. The day is beautiful and the town is alive on this Saturday. I shower at Canoe Country Outfitters then grab lunch at Vertins Café (I think… or was it that Cranberry place….) I call my wife and find out we now have TWO new kittens instead of one. Turns out the breeder threw in a free bee. All is good as I head to Superior Wisconsin to stay with my sister for the night, then it’s back home to Chicago in the morning.

This was my 4th solo among 10 or so trips and I gotta think that this might be my last solo for a while. I really enjoy the freedom that one has when you get to call all the shots but I really miss having someone there to share everything with (including the camp chores). If only my wife and son could’ve seen that bull moose swim along the shore… If only my brothers or nephews could’ve fished with me…. If only my Dad was there to tell old stories around the campfire…

Ah well, I’m already looking at maps and planning my route for next year. And I won’t go it alone, that’s for sure.

Here's something extra but be warned, don't open if you're squeamish! :)

Bonus Video