Another late night shower insures we wake to a soggy camp again this morning. I'm up extra early to start packing things away while I let Aurora sleep in. I set aside a few Clif bars for breakfast, and proceed to get the tarp, hammock, gravity water filter etc. taken down and pack them away. Everything that can be packed away is, and Aurora is still sleeping so I am treated to some quiet time alone before she finally crawls out of the tent.

Aurora refuses to eat any breakfast saying she’s saving her appetite for Trail Center’s chicken strips and fries. So, I quickly get her sleep system and the Hilleberg tent packed away, and we are ready to go. One last check of the swans, (the egg still has not hatched) and then we paddle over to the landing where we share the portage with another group also exiting today.

A family of 4 are just putting in as we pull up to the West Bearskin landing, and we let them get loaded and, on their way, before we pull in. The parking lot is already bustling with prospective adventurers and some people ask us about the portages, waterfall etc.

After loading up, we are off to Hungry Jack Outfitters and grab an invigorating shower. And then, it’s a relatively short drive to Trail Center for the aforementioned chicken strips. I realize they are just trying to follow the mandated guidelines but, the mask wearing (at least for the customers) at a restaurant seems puzzling since the primary reason anyone is there is to use their mouths to eat & drink. I guess it’s a strange new world we’re trying to live in?

Aurora wants to see one last waterfall before we go home so, after putting some miles behind us, I pull into the Caribou Falls hiking trail parking lot and we walk back to this beautiful area. I sit in the shade while Aurora wades in the shallow water just below the drop and occasionally throws rocks while enjoying the cooling effects. Soon, we are back on the road and finish the drive home bringing this trip to an official end.

The quiet reflection time I had this last morning helps quickly bring me to the realization that this was really an extraordinary trip for a lot of reasons. First off, while the area did get some significant, and much needed, rain during our trip; most of it came in the overnight hours. I believe we were able to maximize this entry point for our daytrips; as I don’t think there’s an area, or attraction, that we didn’t at least pass through? Swimming was a primary objective and we certainly spent a good percentage of our time in the water versus on the water; and I believe Aurora was more than satisfied with that aspect of the trip. While we didn’t see a moose, we were treated to a wide array of wildlife siting’s – most very near our camp. And, I’m sure the local frog and toad populations breathed a collective sigh of relief when Aurora left. For being on such a popular lake/area, our campsite provided us with a sense of being away from it all. While there certainly were some minor struggles (mainly bugs) - overall, Aurora did an exemplary job handling the portages and challenges this trip provided. And, I think some seeds have been planted that will likely help her spawn some ideas for future trips? For me, spending time with such a beautiful, energetic, helpful, curious, adventurous young girl in this type of setting was truly a magical experience. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of our adventure was when she politely reminded me that we needed to say ‘Grace’ (I’d forgotten) before one of our meals. God willing, I look forward to having many more adventures with her.