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Gonna miss you guys...

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Last Visit: 06/20/2013 05:22AM
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nctry

08/17/2012 07:11AM

Two more days and I'm gone... Wow! now the idea of forty days is settling in. The logistics of resupplies and all is crazy. The amount of food is... Wow! The idea of not being able to check in on bwca.com is hard to take. I'm looking forward to meeting up with a few people out there and breaking up the being alone. The best thing is Bernice seems to be 100% now. Sunday I'll get to meet Mocha in person. I've stopped in before and she was on vacation. :) Monday I start my travels and look forward to seeing quite a bit of the BW. So I hope you all have a good 6 weeks and hope to see ya all at Wing Night... Saturday anyways, as I come out that Friday. And yes, I'll shower before I come down. :) Might not shave though. :) Take care...

Nctry Ben

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AndySG

08/17/2012 07:44AM

Wow Ben! Quite the challenge man. Enjoy and stay safe. Good to hear Bernice will be along to keep you company.

Sincerely yours, Andy

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billconner

08/17/2012 07:45AM

You'll have to schedule several days to catch up!

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fitgers1

08/17/2012 07:52AM

Congratulations on this great undertaking Ben. Have an outstanding trip! I for one wish I could do it. Do you have one of those Spot things so we can track your progress?
So what do you mean "The amount of food is...Wow!" Aren't you just taking a backpack full of instant oatmeal and Bisquick?

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson...and...“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".

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sleepnbag

08/17/2012 08:00AM

Have fun Ben!

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

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boonie

08/17/2012 08:10AM

It's going to be an adventure. The amount of food for a 10-day trip is considerable. I'll bet you'll still lose weight though :).

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karola

08/17/2012 08:15AM

Sounds like a great time! Have fun and be safe

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mooseplums

08/17/2012 09:32AM

Enjoy Ben....sheese that's a loooong time. Boy, are you gonna stink.
Safe travels!!!!!

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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apugarcia

08/17/2012 09:35AM

Godspeed!

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kanoes

08/17/2012 09:40AM

have a great one ben! 40 days...think of the weather swings you will encounter.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg...youtube it))

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serenityseeker

08/17/2012 10:13AM

Have an absolutely fabulous and safe trip Ben!!! See you on the other side!!

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ozarkpaddler

08/17/2012 10:24AM

I have to say I'm envious! Have a good and safe trip!

"Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." Mark Twain

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OneMatch

08/17/2012 10:38AM

What an amazing adventure you are embarking upon. Be safe and happy. Can't wait to hear all about it.

We all have to believe in something. I believe I'll go paddle.

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RainGearRight

08/17/2012 10:46AM

Have a great trip Ben. That will be one lengthy trip report. I'm jealous.

There's always money in the banana stand.

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SevenofNine

08/17/2012 10:48AM

Have a great trip Ben!

The amount of satisfaction you get from life depends largely on your own ingenuity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People who wait around for life to supply their satisfaction usually find boredom instead.

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Savage Voyageur

08/17/2012 10:59AM

Wow that is cool Ben. You could get snow on this trip! Have fun and see you at wing weekend.

"So many lakes, so little time."

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drought

08/17/2012 11:07AM

Where are going to be? What is your route? Do you have one?

That long of a time, I'm sure you could run into a third of BWCA.comer's! I will be in the Gaskin, Winchell area the second week of September (9/7 to 9/12 or 9/13).

Man, that is crazy cool!

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Frenchy19

08/17/2012 01:18PM

Be safe and enjoy!

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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Seliga17

08/17/2012 01:26PM

"May the wind be at your back"

Have a safe and a most wonderful trip!

Leave it better than you found it

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Trix

08/17/2012 01:44PM

Awesome trip planned Ben! Have a Wonderful Time! Can't wait to hear all bout your big adventure when you get back and make it to wingnight!

Safe Travels!

C-H-A-L-L-E-N-G-E: Do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do.

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Goby

08/17/2012 02:44PM

That sounds likes an AWESOME trip. Have a great time!! I'm very jealous about how long you'll be out there! This one is BW only or Quetico too? I head up in 5 days, maybe I'll see you.

Tight Lines

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nctry

08/17/2012 03:18PM

Dumb Mouse button clicked twice... Double post... Sorry!

Nctry Ben

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nctry

08/17/2012 03:18PM

quote drought: "Where are going to be? What is your route? Do you have one?

That long of a time, I'm sure you could run into a third of BWCA.comer's! I will be in the Gaskin, Winchell area the second week of September (9/7 to 9/12 or 9/13).

Man, that is crazy cool!"
Kind of flying by my seat pants... But I start out on Gunflint Lake and do a 7 day loop to the east end and back to Gunflint. I'll have a resupply there... with a second permit to be legal. Then head up on the 27th thru the Granite River up to Sag. Then I plan to dip down thru Ogish and down thru Little Sag and down all the way to Fishdance Lake. Might hit up Alice Lake for some walleye and I plan to be up in the Prairie Portage area around the 11th of September for a resupply. I'll hang around that area a few days and then head down thru Jackfish Bay and take the Range River way over to Sandpit and Tin Can and over to Horse. Then thru fourtown to Beartrap Lake and up the Beartrap River to Iron Lake. Depending on when I get to Lac La Croix I'll either go down to Agnes over to Oyster or just buzz over to Pocket Creek and thru the Pocket, Finger, Thumb chain to Fat and to Slim and eventually out Little Indian Sioux.

It's a once in a lifetime chance I figure to do this so I'm doing it. I may take on more work after this year and get back to being more productive. Also I need to build a house as the old shack has about had it. Lot's of memories here. Then like my nieghbor said, I'll be married to the place for a couple years. I'll still do some trips. But nothing like I am doing this year. I've put in my time to get to this point, but I'll need to put in a little more to get the things I need, like a house. :) I may not be able to put on the miles I would like to or once did because of health issues. But the time I'll spend out there will be golden. Long trips are not for everyone and not sure if I didn't bite off a little much. But like any trip, I anticipate them so long I'll be looking forward to the next days travels and not worrying about going home. Winter is coming and I'll be home feeding the fire soon enough... I hope I have my equipment failure problems solved. And I hope it doesn't get extremely cold. It got down in the 20's in May one night and I was fine. I just don't think I'd be up for like single digit type weather. The other thing is, I'll never have a dog like Bernice again and she's in a prime age and I'd like to take advantage of having a great canoe dog like her. So thanks for the well wishes as I better get back to organizing my stuff. Time is growing short... Real short!

Nctry Ben

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pswith5

08/17/2012 05:09PM

Praying for a safe and grand trip, Ben.I am pretty sure I don't have the mental strength to do that trip! Maybe if it was a case of survival!? Wow, I am envious, scared for you, jealous... Boy, just imagine the emotions if I were going...

without the bad times: the good times wouldn't seem so good

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TuscaroraBorealis

08/17/2012 05:19PM

Have a great (safe) trip. Maybe if it all works out we'll cross paths in the Pocket/Oyster area???? Take lots of pictures & enjoy!

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mjmkjun

08/17/2012 05:25PM

Have you told Bernice about this?

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butthead

08/17/2012 05:28PM

Have a wonderful trip, and come back in one ass kickin' piece!

butthead

“There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life.” ? Frank Zappa

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dentondoc

08/17/2012 05:29PM

Have a great trip. Indeed, it sounds like a trip of a lifetime.

Sent you an e-mail very early this AM. Don't worry about it until after you get back.

Stay safe!

dd

May the warm winds of Heaven blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there. May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows, and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder. (Cherokee Prayer)

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nctry

08/17/2012 06:05PM

quote mjmkjun: "Have you told Bernice about this? "
I don't think I got through to her on the 40 day part. Ha ha!

Nctry Ben

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Basspro69

08/17/2012 06:13PM

Trip of a lifetime, stay safe and enjoy nature .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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sunnybear09

08/17/2012 07:18PM

"Gonna miss you guys.."--the first paddle stroke should ease the pain! Have a great trip and take lots of Bernice pictures--they'll be the most satisfying of all this winter when you and her are sitting by a fire reviewing the trip. Bring her some treats!

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Beaverjack

08/17/2012 07:43PM

Good luck and bon voyage!

I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Smells like victory.

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bruceye

08/17/2012 07:49PM

Hey Ben: I'll be pulling into GFL around 2 PM on Monday. Will you be around?

Bruceye

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chesapeakes

08/17/2012 08:06PM

quote Basspro69: "Trip of a lifetime, stay safe and enjoy nature ."

+1
Have a great trip!

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nctry

08/17/2012 08:14PM

quote bruceye: "Hey Ben: I'll be pulling into GFL around 2 PM on Monday. Will you be around?"

I'll be at least to South Lake by then... Bummer! Have fun!

Nctry Ben

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Weezer

08/17/2012 08:53PM

quote chesapeakes: "quote Basspro69: "Trip of a lifetime, stay safe and enjoy nature ."

+1
Have a great trip!"

+2
I can only dream of someday making a trip like yours!

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grampgramp

08/17/2012 09:11PM

wow, that is just crazy cool, have a great, safe, trip

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lundojam

08/17/2012 09:33PM

I'm glad you have Bernice. I'll bet she'll turn out to be a good listener. Keep yourself and that dog safe, and don't be a hero.

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SunCatcher

08/18/2012 06:29PM

Have a Very Blessed trip Ben and Bernice... I will be thinking about your journey, while you are living it!!!

SunCatcher

Dad Always said "We don't Always catch fish...but we ALWAYS have a good time"

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Kendra

08/18/2012 07:16PM

Ben- Have a great trip! Wear your PFD! See you at Wingnight!

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chesapeakes

08/18/2012 07:53PM

How much TP do you pack for a trip like that?

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wildernessfan2

08/18/2012 08:05PM

Envious! Have a great trip!

Freshwater is delicious! Saltwater not so much..

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PlumberDave

08/18/2012 09:10PM

Have a great trip Ben. I will be thinking of you and praying for a safe trip.

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kanoes

08/18/2012 09:23PM

quote chesapeakes: "How much TP do you pack for a trip like that? "
valid question! i want to read an answer.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg...youtube it))

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nctry

08/18/2012 10:55PM

quote kanoes: "quote chesapeakes: "How much TP do you pack for a trip like that? "
valid question! i want to read an answer."

Between Ziplocks, Food Saver bags and TP I think I've helped out the economy pretty well. I've got enough for two rolls a week and have the ability to downsize it a bit when I resupply. Especially when you vaccum seal it it doesn't take up a lot of space and is sure nice to have when you need it. :) So goodbye and yes Kendra I'll be wearing my PFD... I'll take no chances and I'll see everyone at Wing Night. I won't be there til saturday cause Friday night I'll be soaking in some nice hot bath water... well maybe a nice long shower and one night in my bed. I won't have time to make anything for food so I'll try and pick up something. Also I may still have a load of canoes to play with. I might not shave before I come so you might mistake me for BelloLake... Ha ha... I hope tomorrow (Sunday) I'll finally meet our good friend Mocha. And early Monday I plan to hit the water and have a good day of paddling. Labor Day weekend I could be in the Fishdance Lake area... (Maybe I'll get to see the Spirit of Fishdance Lake)I plan to explore some of those lakes back in there and will meet Zulu hopefully around Sept 11th. We'll have a mini Wing Night up by Prairie Portage. Ha ha... I'm thinking a nice steak on day 23 sounds pretty good. :) So it's off to bed and off to the Gunflint tomorrow... Goodnight!

Nctry Ben

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Merganser

08/18/2012 11:20PM

After a couple days you won't even think about your computer or posting. Though you may think of some of your friends here. Have a good trip. Make smart decisions and come back with may tales to tell.

"That sort of thing is my bag baby."

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TomT

08/19/2012 07:58PM

Awesome! Can't wait for the stories and pics. Godspeed!

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Basspro69

08/19/2012 08:01PM

"Once again into the Fray "

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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OneMatch

08/19/2012 10:37PM

quote nctry: " Maybe I'll get to see the Spirit of Fishdance Lake"

Say "Hello" for me!

We all have to believe in something. I believe I'll go paddle.

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BWPaddler

08/23/2012 12:26PM

I cannot wait to hear about the whole adventure. I'm GLAD you're taking the chance and making it happen. You won't regret that EVER.

Happy paddling friend.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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brerud

08/24/2012 10:45AM

Thanks for doing your part to keep that adventurer spirit alive in all of us. Everytime I read about someone doing a long cool trip it makes me think about doing something myself.
Have fun and best wishes!

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mocha

08/26/2012 07:08PM

Yay! Ben has completed the first leg of the trip, has safely returned to gunflint outfitters for the night.

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kanoes

08/26/2012 07:14PM

amazing trip...so jealous.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg...youtube it))

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Beaverjack

08/26/2012 07:32PM

quote nctry: "quote kanoes: "quote chesapeakes: "How much TP do you pack for a trip like that? "
valid question! i want to read an answer."

Between Ziplocks, Food Saver bags and TP I think I've helped out the economy pretty well. I've got enough for two rolls a week and have the ability to downsize it a bit when I resupply. Especially when you vaccum seal it it doesn't take up a lot of space and is sure nice to have when you need it. :) So goodbye and yes Kendra I'll be wearing my PFD... I'll take no chances and I'll see everyone at Wing Night. I won't be there til saturday cause Friday night I'll be soaking in some nice hot bath water... well maybe a nice long shower and one night in my bed. I won't have time to make anything for food so I'll try and pick up something. Also I may still have a load of canoes to play with. I might not shave before I come so you might mistake me for BelloLake... Ha ha... I hope tomorrow (Sunday) I'll finally meet our good friend Mocha. And early Monday I plan to hit the water and have a good day of paddling. Labor Day weekend I could be in the Fishdance Lake area... (Maybe I'll get to see the Spirit of Fishdance Lake)I plan to explore some of those lakes back in there and will meet Zulu hopefully around Sept 11th. We'll have a mini Wing Night up by Prairie Portage. Ha ha... I'm thinking a nice steak on day 23 sounds pretty good. :) So it's off to bed and off to the Gunflint tomorrow... Goodnight!"

By a few bandanas. Go a week without TP, and you'll wonder why you ever packed and polluted with that stuff. A damp bandana and a quick rinse and you're good to go, and cleaner to boot. I wouldn't steer you wrong. A million backpackers couldn't be wrong.

Have a good trip, and keep a journal so we can see what we missed.

I love the smell of napalm in the morning. Smells like victory.

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Zulu

08/26/2012 07:33PM

Great news that Ben is bunked down for the night. I hope Bernice is well too.

Thanks for letting us know.

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kanoes

08/26/2012 07:41PM

the last thing id want to do on a trip is hand rinse my own shit out of a bandana. backpackers are gram weenies, dont need to ride that track for a canoe trip.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg...youtube it))

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mocha

08/27/2012 05:56PM

Ben and Bernice taking advantage of a tow across gunflint lake this morning, 8/27. he plans to meet his next food dropper at prairie portage september 12... wow, seems like a long time from now.

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bfurlow

08/28/2012 12:24PM

This is an awesome sounding trip. Completely jealous. Nice to hear that things are going well so far.

Enjoy!!

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mooseplums

08/28/2012 12:51PM

quote kanoes: "the last thing id want to do on a trip is hand rinse my own shit out of a bandana. backpackers are gram weenies, dont need to ride that track for a canoe trip."

+1

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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Ragged

08/28/2012 01:05PM

quote kanoes: "the last thing id want to do on a trip is hand rinse my own shit out of a bandana. backpackers are gram weenies, dont need to ride that track for a canoe trip."

+2

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Turkeytaker

09/09/2012 07:33PM

Hi All,

I just got home today and I wanted to let all concerned know that I ran into Ben and Bernice on a portage from Trapline Lake to the Kawishiwi River. I believe this was 9/4 but may have been 9/5. They both seemed in good spirits and it was a please meeting them. Ben relayed that he was in good shape to make his next resupply and should have easy travels getting there in time.

I hope the rest of your trip goes as well, Ben.

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kanoes

09/09/2012 07:44PM

quote Turkeytaker: "Hi All,

I just got home today and I wanted to let all concerned know that I ran into Ben and Bernice on a portage from Trapline Lake to the Kawishiwi River. I believe this was 9/4 but may have been 9/5. They both seemed in good spirits and it was a please meeting them. Ben relayed that he was in good shape to make his next resupply and should have easy travels getting there in time.

I hope the rest of your trip goes as well, Ben."
nice update. thanks!

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg...youtube it))

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mocha

09/09/2012 07:56PM

thanks turkeytaker! what a beautiful area this time of year. at least he cut south before the closed area.

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jb in the wild

09/09/2012 08:00PM

Alright, I was wondering how he was doing. Good to know he's ok.

JB

You can't explain the obvious to the ignorant.

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Ragged

09/09/2012 08:03PM

So very cool

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Zulu

09/10/2012 02:22PM

Ben just called me from Smitty's on Snowbank. The USFS kicked him out because of the fire. I am going over to the Snowbank Entry Point to get him and Bernice now.

I was really concerned about meeting up with him for a resupply on Moose lake tomorrow because of this situation so I am glad he called.

He is going to regroup outside the wilderness tonight and go back in tomorrow or the next day.

He will be able to tell you more this evening.

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Frenchy19

09/10/2012 03:02PM

Zulu, thanks for the update, and please keep us posted. Also, say howdy to Ben for us all!

"He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious." Yogi Berra

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Basspro69

09/10/2012 04:08PM

quote Frenchy19: "Zulu, thanks for the update, and please keep us posted. Also, say howdy to Ben for us all!" +1

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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mooseplums

09/10/2012 04:16PM

Wish Ben all our best

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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mocha

09/10/2012 07:06PM

sorry ben and bernice had to change the plan but at least they are safe and ready to keep moving. hope all is well.

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