The portages were a challenge - one was over a mile long, and others were very steep and rocky. The Canadian one was full of wet clay. Campsites were very good, water was clean - we just drank it straight out of the lakes. No twisted ankles, though I'm not sure how.
I'm not sure how I missed this but glad that things worked out for you.
I haven't been on as many trips as some of the guys here but enough that I barely need the maps where I go.(But I do take them!).
I now exclusively paddle out of Gunflint Trail, starting off at American Point and work my way in as deep as I want. Then I turn around and end back at American Point.
I used to do loops and come out on Seagull, but so much of that is still barren from the fire that came through years ago.
My son and I go. He even did a 10 day solo trip when he graduated from high school. I used to take care of him in the early years. He now takes care of me.