We woke to a cloudy morning on Ester Lake. It had rained most of the night and really dampened (no pun intended) my spirits. It made me really determined to reach Saganaga Lake and potentially call for a tow pick up. As much as I did not want the trip to end, I realized that despite feeling better at times, my back was not truly getting better. Knowing that the forecast was deteriorating only solidified my desire to get out now. Had I been full strength or on a trip with the guys it would have been a different story. But my young daughter was with me and totally dependent on me making a sound decision now. Despite a wonderful trip, I was mentally and physically beat. It was time to go home. We had a quick breakfast together, explored the camp a bit and then packed up to head out.

We reached the portage to Ottertrack Lake in no time. The portage was downhill and very muddy from the rains. About halfway across the sky let loose and we were drenched. That is what happens when the rain gear is with the packs back at the start! We slogged through the mud back to the other side and got our rain gear on. Figures that the rain would stop now. :)

The trip across Ottertrack Lake to Monument Portage went by fast. This portage is mostly uphill heading towards Swamp Lake. We both did pretty well and completed it in no time. I guess we were on a mission. As you can see from the pictures you can tell why it is almost impossible for your spirits to get too low when you have a sweet smile like that to inspire you. I was very relieved to have the last of the hard portages behind me.

Swamp Lake goes by fast and soon we were at the small stream that connects it to Saganaga Lake. The water was too low, so we had to carry the gear across the 5 rod portage. I called Debbie at Seagull Outfitters on the satellite phone to inquire about a tow out. It was about noon and she had pick-ups already scheduled at 1300 and 1400. There would be room for Lauren and I on one of those if we could make it there in time. Otherwise, she would send another tow out after that. We agreed that I would call when I got closer to American Point and decide from there.

We paddled past the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bays on Saganaga and then my jaw dropped as we caught a glimpse of what lay before us. Huge rollers! 15-20 mph winds! I considered going back to one of the smaller bays we just passed, but then I remembered the wind forecast that my wife had told me from the night before. I guess the weatherman was right and we would have one more challenge to go. Fortunately, the wind was out of the west, so if I could just keep the canoe steered right the wind would push us home. The paddle was a wild ride and the Northwind handled great. Lauren's naivety of the situation made the big waves fun for her. I, on the other hand was just a wee bit stressed. I hardly paddled at all aside from steering and we made it to American Point in less than an hour.

We paddled out of the wind behind an island to call Debbie to check on the tows and she said they had just arrived at Rocky Point right around the corner from our location. Sure enough they were there and we joined another party of two for the tow out. We made it and we were safe.

Back at the outfitter Debbie was amazed that Lauren and I were able to paddle across Saganaga. Apparently, the winds were so gusty that the tows were having a rough time getting out there. Part of our fortune was the wind direction. We were paddling with the wind and the tows were coming out against it.

After sharing our trip stories with the crew at Seagull, Lauren and I got cleaned up and headed to Trail Center for some fries and ketchup. After a week in the wilderness that is what Lauren wanted. She earned it.

Lakes Traveled: Ester, Ottertrack, Swamp and Saganaga. 7 miles.

3 Portages: 90, 78, and 5 rods.