I was bummed out last year because I had so much heel/Achilles pain I barely made the portages on the trip with daughter & employee and definitely couldn't do a solo.

Found a great foot doctor (John went to 20 years ago) and had surgery. In early May I get my hard cast off & get a walking cast to wear for at least a month.

Not sure where I'll be going, but maybe I'll post the story here.

Yeah, it's hard to accept limits to our mobility!
Aging is another limiting factor that I've had to deal with. At 67 years old, I've settled for base camping more often than not, in particular lakes in the Superior National Forest where I can camp right on the shore. Birch Lake, just south of Ely a favorite, despite the motorboats. I'm just as annoyed at campers with generators. It's a benefit though to be able to access restaurants and such in town!
Last year I cruised way out the Echo Trail to Jeanette Lake, a real beauty with very few motorboats and no development.

Hope you get back to your favorite portages this year...

I'll trade you a foot for a knee.....

Lynn, I hope the foot is as good as new. Time will tell for sure but at a minimum wishing you a speedy recovery to portaging once again!