A couple of trumpeter swans greet me at the landing back into Gull Lake this morning. Since the water is still above normal levels I decide to see if I can skip the portage into the creek and just paddle through. High cliffs rise off the shorelines here and I can also see the last beaver dam just before the portage landing. It's pretty much free sailing until just before the dam I need to half hop out and give the Black Pearl one little push to get through. Easy peazey!

Of course, I’ve had a chance to get my portage legs back in shape and my pack is noticeably lighter but, the portage back to Bald Eagle Lake certainly seem easier when traveling in this direction even with the ruffed grouse still on high alert. There is some ‘walleye chop’ out on the lake that is fortuitously mostly blowing in the direction I need to go. Providentially the occupied campsites from my entry day are now vacant and & I briefly stop to check them out on my paddle back to the entry point. #1726 at the end of the Isabella River/beginning of Bald Eagle Lake; was where my brother & I ended up after completing the infamous portage so, it was neat to reminisce one last time. Ironically, I think the site is more accommodating than I remember!

The floodplain at the confluence makes it a little confusing to find the true channel back into the Snake River but, I don’t have any serious delay. I need to use the one and only short portage back up stream on my return trip. And, In short order I’m back at the entry point landing.

As I’m bringing my first load back, I run across a friendly group of 4 just entering. We all pass by each other again as I head back for my last load and we stop and chat as I give them some current info etc. Soon after we part ways, curiously there is another loaded down traveler headed in my direction and then another! They did not come from the river landing I was at so I ask them where they are coming from. Apparently, there is an extension just past the old logging camp that runs all the way past where the 2nd portage should be. They tell me they heard this was put in illegally by someone but, it’s kind of a what's done is done scenario so.... Under the current conditions I don’t think this would save any time/sweat equity but, I suppose later in the summer with lower water it might? Anyways we have an enjoyable further conversation before finally parting ways.

At the junction of Highway 1 and the Tomahawk Road, in remembrance of this trip, I take a quick shot of the bottle cooler Mitch made for me. After that, I head to The Boathouse for a burger & beer.

This was a short though challenging trip that, once I pushed past Bald Eagle Lake, provided almost complete solitude even on an unofficial state holiday weekend. I don't think the Snake River sees a lot of usage and I'm sure it would be a tougher paddle come summer - probably why that trail extension was cut. Still it's a viable alternative route to this poplar area and I looked at the narrow waterway as adding to the adventure. I hope I was able to show Mitch a good trip as I carried his memory with me throughout my travels. As mentioned, seeing that bald eagle when & where I did clued me in that Mitch was indeed watching over me. Essentially this was a good warmup for the paddling season ahead as I was able to add the first 2023 lake/river names to the list in the Black Pearl. And, more importantly, a spiritually rich adventure.

~Pietro Lake, Gull Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, Isabella River, Snake River