We had pop tarts for breakfast before leaving Sawbill campground. We had to watch part three of the BWCA video. The video discusses how to be a good steward in the wilderness. After that, the outfitter issued our permit. We rented the canoe, two portage packs and the mat for Annabelle.
The outfitter showed me how to pick up the canoe for portaging. We loaded our packs and headed to EP 38 on Sawbill Lake. I carried the canoe. We looked at the map and oriented ourselves with our compass. We canoed from Sawbill to the portage to Alton. We weren’t sure what we were looking for the first time we stumbled upon a portage. But you can figure it out once you find one. Once we got to Alton we headed to the northeastern most camp site which the outfitter had marked.
Unfortunately we found someone was setting up camp. We felt pretty good about our chances at our next option on Kelso. The portage wasn’t too bad and we were up for another one. Our first attempt at a portage took two trips. From there we figured we could get everything in one trip.
I take a pack on my back and the canoe on my shoulders. Linda takes a pack and the water bottles. Annabelle takes the paddles and life jackets. We were a well oiled machine. Kelso is a much smaller lake than Alton. It’s also fairly narrow. Our preferred campsite is the first one on the eastern shore after the portage. We lucked out – it was available.
The campfire is surrounded by logs you can sit on. The seating overlooks the lake from atop a hill. And you’re facing west, which was perfect for catching a sunset. We had potatoes and teriyaki noodles with chicken for dinner.