Solo - I've seen that floating around about the portage being on the south side. Was the condition typical of  low-maintenance portages?

Swedish - Good Idea about calling the lodge.

Thanks to both.

We found the paddle washed up on the Spit.

 

I'm with you Methye, skeptic through and through.

I think we've all had that experience where in less familiar situations the mind can get creative and highly suggestive. On a trip with a couple of rookies we were sitting around the campfire when the loons started to call to each other. We had the rookies convinced it was the cry of baby wolves and we should remain quiet and block the light from the fire before the adult wolves came to check things out. We spooked them pretty good.

The world is a crazy place with crazy sounds but it's more likely to be an angry pee soaked moose than a sasquatch.
 

When I worked in the park we ran a portage to a single lake so we could easily get away from the corridor crowds. It didn't have a grow op tho, so I'll trade you places.

Where are you headed in the park? (I have no answer but I am curious to try googling coverage areas for specific stations)

I rarely get to such dark skies so I like the idea of bringing my binocs for the stars as well. Of course, the type of trip makes a difference.

Shayne74 - in the past, I have asked the permit office to print my permit and leave it taped to the door in an envelope so i could pick it up outside office hours. I was going up late one day and camping at the launch spot.

I usually just use the yellow clam-shell style carton. I have many times in the past, cracked my eggs into a nalgene for transport. As long as you don't leave room, they cushion each other and stay together pretty well. I would be careful with food handling if you choose the latter.

Those cinnamon buns look amazing!