We left Minneapolis at 8:30am. Normally we leave earlier but my stupid brother works overnights and couldn't switch. Oh well. We rented a trailer from fellow board member analyzer which worked great and was a good deal. We were able to all ride in one car with my Bell Northshore and Grumman on the boat rack and all of our gear stowed in the storage compartment.

I never met analyzer as my brother made all the arrangements, but the trailer worked out great for us.

The kids dozed in back and we made good time. Our first stop was the country kitchen in Virginia. It was nothing to write home about and the air conditioner kept things so cold I was tempted to get my down sleeping bag out, but everyone was happy to have a break and fill their gullets.

After eating, it was a short drive to the Cook ranger station for the permit and then up the echo trail to our entry point.

Once on the water everyone was excited. The weather was perfect and we were happy. The paddle up the Little Indian Sioux was casual with a few stops along the way. Every year the kids get a little more patient but after 1/2 hour sitting in the boat they become restless. Such is the nature of family camping.

When we reached Upper Pauness lake, we grabbed the second site. The first appeared pretty over grown and unused. The kids went swimming, steaks were grilled and my new katadyn basecamp made water filtering a snap. After dinner, the requisite marshmallows were roasted and everyone piled into the tent before the swarms of mosquitoes devoured us. Some stories were read and everyone drifted to sleep. My brother snoring quite soundly to assure us all he wasn't to be bothered.