The next morning we agreed to go and loaded up the canoe. For the first time in days we actually got to talk to other campers on the portages, who all had their own tales to trade. Up to Vera, then to Ensign and out through Boot to Snowbank. Getting into the canoe at Snowbank, we were all a bit lazy and spent. With me in front, Greg in back, Anthony standing on the rock landing placed a booted foot into the center of the canoe. The next thing I saw was the water below and the solid rock that was about to brain me. My only thought was "We're going in." Suddenly we lunged away from the rock to the left and after a small but obvious and unneccesary reminder that we don't stand in the canoe, continued out into the lake. I pretty much thought we'd have to turn back if the wind did anything like it did on Kekekabic, and I was super nervous about crossing the big lake, especially after nearly tipping at the portage. It was only moderately wavy near the center and the guys decided that was an excellent time to sing "Old McDonald Had a Farm." My phD candidate brother and teenaged cousin! It made me laugh, it was so sudden and out of context!

Finally we pulled up to the parking lot, got our stuff loaded in a fraction of the time it took us to get it out the first time, and discovered the cache of candy we'd left in the car for the return ride! In a car helplessly steeped in humidity from our wet gear, we headed to the outfitter to return the canoe. An epic shower later and we were off to dinner. The only thing left for me to wear pants wise was a pair of bright pink flannel pants. Yeah that was me if anyone saw that... The guys ordered a huge burger each, both getting an additional patty, and enthusiatically high fived each other every few minutes. With a restuarant meal, an epic shower out of the way, and a warm bed coming you'd think I could forget about our trip. But we were already talking improvements and shooting for an August trip with miraculously good weather. I think the kid will come with us again someday, and that's the yardstick I'm using for this trip.