Our trip this year became more interesting than most. Last Tuesday, we picked up a hitch hiker (on Bell Lake) on our way out of Other Man Lake.

Seems this young lady had a falling out with her party over portaging duties. Her foster mother then left her on the big camp site on the south side of the lake.

Angie had in her posession: 1). her windbreaker; 2). her t-shirt and shorts; 3). her water shoes; 4). her mess kit and cup; 5). 1 small can of Repel (which is worthless - I had the same stuff).

She was left without food or shelter. This lake has beavers, so the lack of clean water could have become a problem.

She completed our trip with us (a real asset in camp and on portages - she carried MY pack as well as other packs. Didn't get out of breath, either, which really ticked me off).

We took her from the Gunflint to Ely only to find that foster mother had left her behind again. So, we took her to a friend's house in Minneapolis. Don't know the outcome as yet (hope she lets us know), but at least she's safe (I hope).

Guess the state's foster care money ran out.