Here we are, just over 6 months removed from the adventure that started this whole journal. What's changed?
Not much.
The people I realized I needed to talk to; one of them suddenly dissappeared without a word a week after my return. Virtually no contact or communication for the better part of three months, and sporadic after that. Just this last weekend did I actually see her face-to-face for the first time. A large dilemna at the time of the trip was to continue persuing her, or move on to a new (old) girl that had come back into my life. When she disappeared, it made the choice a lot easier. Here we are, six months later, spending a lot of time with the 'new' girl but not really in a relationship, and the original girl waltzes back into the picture. Talking with her, I really get the feeling she has realized she made a mistake and would like a chance at something she missed the first time. Which puts me right back where I started, six months ago. One thing is for certain; I am going to figure things out with the current girl before I even consider going back to the first one.
Does that make sense?
John and I haven't really talked about the trip much since we got back; he has been notably absent from barbershop rehearsals. But I can't really say anything, I've missed my share this year as well. I should catch up with him again; I imagine this holiday season was rough on him. I didn't mention it before, because we tried not to think about it on the trip, but his daughter had passed away about a month before we left. Should go hang out with him some weekend again.
My resolve to return North has not diminished; I sincerely hope to make a return trip this summer but I should be farther along planning it than I am now. The first step is to find people to go along. I've heard rumor that my uncle wants to take my cousins up there, and that would be a fantastic trip. Don't know if we can pull it off this year though.
It really is good to get away from it all; we should all do it more often.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Summary
The trip is over, and life has returned to normal. Sort of.
The last day of the trip, I was awake and had my gear packed and ready to go by 4:30 AM. We loaded the canoes and shoved off by 6:30, and by 7:30 had crossed the only portage of the trip. That's when things turned ugly. The next mile or so of the paddle, we were able to stay behind islands for shelter from the wind, but we then had to make an open-water crossing. Didn't start off bad, but while we were exposed, the wind kicked up. Was throwing 3-4' waves at us, and completely removed any ability we had to steer. Oh, we could turn, but it took the collective effort of all three of us in the canoe, and as soon as we tried to go forward again, the wind turned us broadside to the waves. We took on water several times, and decided to go with 'any port in a storm' and seek shelter from the wind & waves on the back side of a small island a short distance ahead of us. We were about 50 feet away from the sheltered water when the biggest wave I had seen all day hit us broadside and capsized the canoe. At this point, we learned that John can't swim, so I threw all the gear I could catch into the canoe and swam that to shore while Mike grabbed John and swam him in. Luckily, all souls survived, but gear losses between Mike and myself easily eclipsed $1,000. I'm filing my insurance claim tomorrow.
The drive home was relatively uneventful; stopped in Grand Marais at Sven & Ole's Pizza - have never seen 3 large pizzas dissapear that quickly. It was good, but it certainly wasn't worth what we paid for it--almost $20 for a large! Stopped again in Duluth, where John and I switched places and I drove 6 hours non-stop to Clear Lake, IA. Ended up rolling into my driveway at 1:30 AM.
The last day of the trip, I was awake and had my gear packed and ready to go by 4:30 AM. We loaded the canoes and shoved off by 6:30, and by 7:30 had crossed the only portage of the trip. That's when things turned ugly. The next mile or so of the paddle, we were able to stay behind islands for shelter from the wind, but we then had to make an open-water crossing. Didn't start off bad, but while we were exposed, the wind kicked up. Was throwing 3-4' waves at us, and completely removed any ability we had to steer. Oh, we could turn, but it took the collective effort of all three of us in the canoe, and as soon as we tried to go forward again, the wind turned us broadside to the waves. We took on water several times, and decided to go with 'any port in a storm' and seek shelter from the wind & waves on the back side of a small island a short distance ahead of us. We were about 50 feet away from the sheltered water when the biggest wave I had seen all day hit us broadside and capsized the canoe. At this point, we learned that John can't swim, so I threw all the gear I could catch into the canoe and swam that to shore while Mike grabbed John and swam him in. Luckily, all souls survived, but gear losses between Mike and myself easily eclipsed $1,000. I'm filing my insurance claim tomorrow.
The drive home was relatively uneventful; stopped in Grand Marais at Sven & Ole's Pizza - have never seen 3 large pizzas dissapear that quickly. It was good, but it certainly wasn't worth what we paid for it--almost $20 for a large! Stopped again in Duluth, where John and I switched places and I drove 6 hours non-stop to Clear Lake, IA. Ended up rolling into my driveway at 1:30 AM.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Day 4
Afternoon
For the first time this trip, I wasn't the first person up. I think last night was much tamer than we expected - no rain and not that cold. Some clouds building off to the west though. I think if the kids go off on their own today, I'm going to suggest to John we be ready to leave tomorrow, even if it is a day early. I think the boys are ready to get back to the real world, and I'm concerned about the weather.
Had a good breakfast this morning, but took so long to cook everything (54 pancakes, 2 @ a time) it stretched into lunch. Which is good, because they're out of snack food and they complain about being hungry often. John's right - they're spoiled. Had a glimmer of hope they would change a bit on this trip.
Oddly enough, the ones I thought would be the best out here - the boy scouts/eagle scouts are the selfish & lazy ones, and the worst stewards of the land. The ones I thought would be bad, seem to get it the most. Maybe it's an appreciation for something they've never had a chance to experience before. There's a large rock protruding from the water about 20-30 ft from our island campsite, and 3 of us sat out on the back side of that for an hour or so last night just enjoying the evening.
Later Afternoon
The boys got up this morning, sat around until breakfast/lunch was ready, and have pretty much been asleep since then. I just talked a bit with one when he woke up, and confirmed what I suspected. He's ready to go. I know if I mention to John the idea of packing out a day early he'll say something to the effect of "The boys are still having fun". I believe it's more important to get back to the van while they're still enjoying the trip. If we endure storms tonight (which I think is highly possible) or if it's raining when we get up tomorrow, I am going to openly encourage the concept of Get Home. The trip has been good so far, and I would rather not see it turn downhill at the end because we pushed too hard and stayed too long. Maybe it's a sign that all of our entry permits had us coming back on the 2nd instead of the 3rd?
Later Afternoon
The decision has been made. We were visited by the Forest Service this afternoon. Turns out this campsite is still closed. The only signs here said closed for 2006 season. We wrongly assumed that meant it was open this year, and were never told otherwise by the Voyageurs staff. They reviewed our permit (which said leaving tomorrow) and let us go on with the day. Given they mentioned coming back tomorrow to do some work on the site, we decided to head out early. I think most, if not all, of the guys are glad for the decision. They have had fun, but more than one have privately told me they're ready to be home.
Doug is dissapointed that we're leaving, but at the same time, he's upset that the scenery isn't what he remembers. Forest fires will do that - that's also why it's not a good idea to return to a wild place you remember fondly and expect it to be the same. Time to take some pictures and start packing up.
Bedtime
This will be my final entry for this trip. We'll be getting up at 5:30 tomorrow and loading up gear for the trip back to Voyageurs. Talk of Sven & Ole's Pizza is becoming laden with excitement, as is thoughts of a hot shower. Rain is falling on the tent as I write th is. I don't know if I am ready to sleep yet, but I'm sure I will soon. I think everyone is ready to go. This has been a good trip, a much needed break. I know I have people to talk to when I get home, my time here has allowed me to see that. As for what's next, the future is uncertain. The coming weeks will shape that. My only certainty now is I am coming back here.
Life is good.
For the first time this trip, I wasn't the first person up. I think last night was much tamer than we expected - no rain and not that cold. Some clouds building off to the west though. I think if the kids go off on their own today, I'm going to suggest to John we be ready to leave tomorrow, even if it is a day early. I think the boys are ready to get back to the real world, and I'm concerned about the weather.
Had a good breakfast this morning, but took so long to cook everything (54 pancakes, 2 @ a time) it stretched into lunch. Which is good, because they're out of snack food and they complain about being hungry often. John's right - they're spoiled. Had a glimmer of hope they would change a bit on this trip.
Oddly enough, the ones I thought would be the best out here - the boy scouts/eagle scouts are the selfish & lazy ones, and the worst stewards of the land. The ones I thought would be bad, seem to get it the most. Maybe it's an appreciation for something they've never had a chance to experience before. There's a large rock protruding from the water about 20-30 ft from our island campsite, and 3 of us sat out on the back side of that for an hour or so last night just enjoying the evening.
Later Afternoon
The boys got up this morning, sat around until breakfast/lunch was ready, and have pretty much been asleep since then. I just talked a bit with one when he woke up, and confirmed what I suspected. He's ready to go. I know if I mention to John the idea of packing out a day early he'll say something to the effect of "The boys are still having fun". I believe it's more important to get back to the van while they're still enjoying the trip. If we endure storms tonight (which I think is highly possible) or if it's raining when we get up tomorrow, I am going to openly encourage the concept of Get Home. The trip has been good so far, and I would rather not see it turn downhill at the end because we pushed too hard and stayed too long. Maybe it's a sign that all of our entry permits had us coming back on the 2nd instead of the 3rd?
Later Afternoon
The decision has been made. We were visited by the Forest Service this afternoon. Turns out this campsite is still closed. The only signs here said closed for 2006 season. We wrongly assumed that meant it was open this year, and were never told otherwise by the Voyageurs staff. They reviewed our permit (which said leaving tomorrow) and let us go on with the day. Given they mentioned coming back tomorrow to do some work on the site, we decided to head out early. I think most, if not all, of the guys are glad for the decision. They have had fun, but more than one have privately told me they're ready to be home.
Doug is dissapointed that we're leaving, but at the same time, he's upset that the scenery isn't what he remembers. Forest fires will do that - that's also why it's not a good idea to return to a wild place you remember fondly and expect it to be the same. Time to take some pictures and start packing up.
Bedtime
This will be my final entry for this trip. We'll be getting up at 5:30 tomorrow and loading up gear for the trip back to Voyageurs. Talk of Sven & Ole's Pizza is becoming laden with excitement, as is thoughts of a hot shower. Rain is falling on the tent as I write th is. I don't know if I am ready to sleep yet, but I'm sure I will soon. I think everyone is ready to go. This has been a good trip, a much needed break. I know I have people to talk to when I get home, my time here has allowed me to see that. As for what's next, the future is uncertain. The coming weeks will shape that. My only certainty now is I am coming back here.
Life is good.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Day 3
Morning
Cooler this morning - it rained last night, probably around 4:00 or so. My sleeping pad is defective - I didn't open the valve yesterday morning and when it warmed up, it delaminated a bit. Going to have to call Cabela's about that when I get back.
Tried a couple casts this morning. Nothing yet. Today might be a good day to venture to another lake for a while
Afternoon
The boys all managed to crawl out of bed somewhat early today. I rolled out about 8:15, and the last kid was up by 9:30. They're off swimming at Jasper Lake again, maybe in a little while I'll go for a paddle. We've hit a crucial point in the trip; save for a few bags of animal crackers, the snack food is gone. With two more good days to go. Luckily, I have some GORP and Jerky stashed in my pack that only John and I know about. I may toss the jerky into the food tent - that'll last about 20 minutes at best, but the GORP is mine.
Today has been beautiful so far, not nearly as hot as yesterday, and a fairly constant breeze. Cloud cover is starting to build again so shade is more abundant as well. We've really had good weather so far, witha strong breeze being the worst wind we've had to contend with.
It's a good sign that there is already discussion about what needs to be done when we get back. Not that anyone wants to leave, but we're going to want to be on the water early that morning. We had a group camping on the next island over from us last night; they paddled by us around 9:30 or so this morning. One of the boys remarked after they had passed, "Why would you want to pack up and move every day?" They don't quite get it. I've seen more in one day on previous trips here than these boys have this entire trip so far. Staying in one camp does have it's merits though.
Most of the boys have figured out that they need to pitch in and help rather than be waited on all the time, but a couple have a little ways to go yet. And what the heck do Scouts teach kids these days if they can't make a decent cooking fire?
Bedtime
Turning in early tonight. Weather has shifted, turned colder. Little concerned about a storm tonight, so we're buttoned down pretty good. Hurt my back this evening, so we'll see how this goes. Going to be a cold night.
Cooler this morning - it rained last night, probably around 4:00 or so. My sleeping pad is defective - I didn't open the valve yesterday morning and when it warmed up, it delaminated a bit. Going to have to call Cabela's about that when I get back.
Tried a couple casts this morning. Nothing yet. Today might be a good day to venture to another lake for a while
Afternoon
The boys all managed to crawl out of bed somewhat early today. I rolled out about 8:15, and the last kid was up by 9:30. They're off swimming at Jasper Lake again, maybe in a little while I'll go for a paddle. We've hit a crucial point in the trip; save for a few bags of animal crackers, the snack food is gone. With two more good days to go. Luckily, I have some GORP and Jerky stashed in my pack that only John and I know about. I may toss the jerky into the food tent - that'll last about 20 minutes at best, but the GORP is mine.
Today has been beautiful so far, not nearly as hot as yesterday, and a fairly constant breeze. Cloud cover is starting to build again so shade is more abundant as well. We've really had good weather so far, witha strong breeze being the worst wind we've had to contend with.
It's a good sign that there is already discussion about what needs to be done when we get back. Not that anyone wants to leave, but we're going to want to be on the water early that morning. We had a group camping on the next island over from us last night; they paddled by us around 9:30 or so this morning. One of the boys remarked after they had passed, "Why would you want to pack up and move every day?" They don't quite get it. I've seen more in one day on previous trips here than these boys have this entire trip so far. Staying in one camp does have it's merits though.
Most of the boys have figured out that they need to pitch in and help rather than be waited on all the time, but a couple have a little ways to go yet. And what the heck do Scouts teach kids these days if they can't make a decent cooking fire?
Bedtime
Turning in early tonight. Weather has shifted, turned colder. Little concerned about a storm tonight, so we're buttoned down pretty good. Hurt my back this evening, so we'll see how this goes. Going to be a cold night.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Day 2
Morning
Slept fairly good last night. Serenaded to sleep by an elk bugling in the distance. Not long after the tents zipped up, I heard a small mouse run through the campsite, scampering across my ground tarp. Not sure what time it is (don't care) but it's already fairly warm - at least the sun is. Breeze off the lake is still cool. Don't know what the plans are for today yet, but it should be a Good Day.
Suppertime
Been a good day so far. Went fishing this afternoon, caught a couple bass - have never caught a bass before. Don't think we're going to have a walleye meal this trip. Can't seem to find them. They boys paddled up to Jasper Lake today, and I took a dip in the lake while they were gone. Water's a little cool in spots, but not bad. Felt good to clean off. I'm enjoying the trip so far, but I'll be glad to get back home. Tonight's dinner was excellent - beef stew and raspberry crumble. Pretty darn good.
Bedtime
Lake is glass smooth tonight. Still no walleye, but had a fantastic evening of stargazing. Gonna sleep good tonight.
Slept fairly good last night. Serenaded to sleep by an elk bugling in the distance. Not long after the tents zipped up, I heard a small mouse run through the campsite, scampering across my ground tarp. Not sure what time it is (don't care) but it's already fairly warm - at least the sun is. Breeze off the lake is still cool. Don't know what the plans are for today yet, but it should be a Good Day.
Suppertime
Been a good day so far. Went fishing this afternoon, caught a couple bass - have never caught a bass before. Don't think we're going to have a walleye meal this trip. Can't seem to find them. They boys paddled up to Jasper Lake today, and I took a dip in the lake while they were gone. Water's a little cool in spots, but not bad. Felt good to clean off. I'm enjoying the trip so far, but I'll be glad to get back home. Tonight's dinner was excellent - beef stew and raspberry crumble. Pretty darn good.
Bedtime
Lake is glass smooth tonight. Still no walleye, but had a fantastic evening of stargazing. Gonna sleep good tonight.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Day 1
Evening
Beautiful day! On water early, by probably 9:30-10:00 AM. Was interesting being in the back of a 3-man kevlar canoe. John isn't much of a paddler, and so far seems to be in over his head. But it's his trip. Burned myself with hot water making lunch. Freeze dried meals aren't bad--so far.
The area is a little charred yet. I think remnants of a wildfire here in 2005 or 2006, but there's a lot of dead trees around. Not sure if it's drought or what caused it. From what John says, it was green two years ago, so it wasn't the '99 blowdown.
Made about 4.5-5 miles on the water today, think we're going to stay here for a while.
Bedtime
Not sure what time it is, but it has been a beautiful night. I think it's sinking in to a few of the boys what a special place this is.
This is God's Country.
Beautiful day! On water early, by probably 9:30-10:00 AM. Was interesting being in the back of a 3-man kevlar canoe. John isn't much of a paddler, and so far seems to be in over his head. But it's his trip. Burned myself with hot water making lunch. Freeze dried meals aren't bad--so far.
The area is a little charred yet. I think remnants of a wildfire here in 2005 or 2006, but there's a lot of dead trees around. Not sure if it's drought or what caused it. From what John says, it was green two years ago, so it wasn't the '99 blowdown.
Made about 4.5-5 miles on the water today, think we're going to stay here for a while.
Bedtime
Not sure what time it is, but it has been a beautiful night. I think it's sinking in to a few of the boys what a special place this is.
This is God's Country.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Welcome!
Well, here we go... trying out this whole blog thing. My main purpose in starting this is to have a place to share my journal from my recent Boundary Waters trip with friends and family. Once it serves that purpose, who knows... Guess only time will tell.
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