The plan for this day was not a 25 mile day. I retraced my path along the Beartrap River and back into Iron Lake headed south to Curtain Falls. I had the wind at my back and things were looking good. I caught a few fish on the way and was excited to see the falls with such high water volume. I considered stopping at Rebecca Falls (seen it before) as well but was a little concerned at how dangerous that area may be with the water pulling on both sides of the island. I figure I could be sucked into the Quetico and never seen again so I settled for Curtain falls which is more impressive in my opinion and on my route. Curtain Falls did not disappoint. This was my second time to see it and I was impressed even in low water but today this fall was thundering! I spent a lot of time taking pictures here and had to take the extended portage to safely exit without getting sucked back down the fall! It was at this time that the wind really started pushing and I was glad it was at my back but it was causing some issues with by kicking the rear of my Northwind Solo sideways and putting me in a vulnerable position. I hugged the shore and put my rod away. After one snag I decided it wasn’t worth it with this much wind. I skirted over and got to see the small Picto Panel in Sunday bay. Even though you cannot make out the pictures anymore it is still clearly there and very cool. I was hoping to see the plane wreck as well but couldn’t see any clear indication of where to go to find it. I walked around the campsite there but didn’t see any promising trails either. This was the last open campsite I saw on crooked lake until I got to the Basswood River. I planned to stay on Crooked that night and spend a lot of time fishing one of my favorite lakes but everyone appeared to be hunkered down for the wind. It was getting to the point that I was feeling unsafe and have the Day bays to make it across still. Sunday bay is very wide open with few islands to hide behind. I timed it out and made a break for it. Someone must have been looking out for me because the consistent gusts subside for the short time it took me to get into safer water. I was literally surfing down crooked lake! Sunday, Saturday, Friday, Thursday all flew by and every sight was taken! I made it into the river as the wind turned full north. Perfect timing because I was headed south from here but I had over 20 miles under my belt that day and was ready to find a spot. I finally found one past Table Rock. Pretty average site but I was getting a little desperate and figured the sites closer to lower basswood falls would be full. I also didn’t want to rush the river portion of the trip with its awesome picto panel and falls. Had a quick meal and fire and debating what I should do. I was scheduled to be out til Saturday late but I was only 23 miles away from my Fall lake exit. I don’t like staying on Basswood lake due to the motors so I figured if the weather permitted I may make the run all the way in and hopefully grab a hotel and a good meal.