Day 20
Up early today. Had the last of the oatmeal while packing up. Then did some
exploring and fishing. Nice results. Will have to stop in for a longer visit
sometime. 
I
stalled for awhile, not wanting to do the pair of portages into and out of
Jesse. They're going to be ugly after yesterday's downpour. Packed up the
fishing stuff and went for it. Sloppy. Glad I had my bog log boots on. The
skeeds will be coming out in force when it warms up. 
Made
it over the first and into Jesse with good energy reserves. A light west wind
made the run down Jesse go too fast. Now on to the really wet one. It alternated
between small ponds and streams connecting them. Met some folks from Lansing
coming toward Jesse. Family with father, daughter, son, and friend. The daughters
first camping adventure. They were struggling a bit, so I grabbed a couple
of things, and tried to give their spirits a boost. Tough portage even without
those conditions. When I got back there was a flotilla approaching on Jesse.
I organized my last load a little further away from the landing and took off.
Talked to the son at the other end, and walked back over with the father and
daughter again. Joked and encouraged. The daughter is starting to get into
the swing, and is wading through the water with some gusto now. They're heading
for Sturgeon, so this is the worst they will encounter. This portage took
some extra time, but I enjoyed spending it with them. The flotilla is 2 large
groups of kids from Colo. Springs. They are an adventure group with the boys
and girls traveling separately.
The Lansing group has told them that I am on a 3 week adventure
of my own, and we spoke briefly at the Maria end of things. A moose having
lunch in a bay as I cross Maria is unbothered by my passing. After the rocky
landing, this portage is mostly dry and a cake-walk back to Pickeral. No more
portaging for this day, and the fishing stuff comes back out. The flies are
bad, and I am happy to push off, even though some tag along. The adventure
group has tied their canoes together and is enjoying lunch. I also pause to
clean the filter, replenish the water, and finish off the last of the cashews,
bananas, and jerky. They move on as we come to mosquito point and I stop for
a little smallie action. I am not disappointed. The wind has gone to the northwest
and picked up. I stall for awhile to avoid the push across Batch. Bay, hoping
it will go down. I did some paddling practice at the pinch. After the hard
rain the current is up, and I enjoy doing some side slipping and rock dodging
for awhile. The wind is not retreating, and I power up to make the crossing.
I thought it might be a good section to troll, but no success. I pulled into
the bay just before the turn onto Little Batch. for a break, and put it on
the list to explore another day. I make the turn and a wave of real sadness
and finality hits me. A few tears have dried by the time I get to the next
pinch and start the run through the narrows into Batch Lake. 
I like this area, and have planned to spend my last night here. As I pull
close to the campsite I hear voices, and soon see the tents. Not staying here.
And then, I am ready to be gone. I don't want to paddle back, and don't want
to stay any closer to the exit. The wind has shifted more southerly to aid
me, and I decide to try to make it out before dark. I make the wind sprint
across Batch and soon am at the last portage. Struggled to get the canoe unloaded
and on shore before it took too much of a beating on the rocks in that wind.
Packed the fishing stuff for the last time and hit the trail. It's going to
be close. This is always a tough portage for me. Maybe it's because I am leaving,
and dealing with that. More likely it is the steep climb that wears me out.
No time to be worn out today. And yes, the skeeds are making a strong appearance
on this one. Put bug dope on for one of the few times. The wind is dying down
as I cruise across Nym, and I am treated to one last Quetico sunset as I round
the corner before the parking lot.
A
strong effort this afternoon and early evening. I need to add up the miles.
Hope the pickup will be ok. You never know. The drain holes in the back end
have plugged and it's holding some water, but the tires are up and it starts
easily. I am finished loading, and the canoe is tied down before the last
light has slipped away. On the road again. A quick stop in Atikokan for supplies
and off to the border and vehicle inspection. No problem.
I can't believe it's over........
