After waking to a still and quiet morning deep in the French River backcountry, I set out determined to find a new way out of the lake—anything but returning through the brutal creek I’d fought my way up. After some searching, I discovered an unmarked portage that led me back toward the French River itself. From there, I paddled to the final carry of the trip and officially closed an unexpected 18 km loop I hadn’t even known existed when I began. Part 4 reflects on the struggle, doubt, small victories, and the powerful sense of accomplishment that only comes from pushing through the unknown and finishing something harder—and more meaningful—than planned.