It is funny how one jumps out of bed to make a long drive at the start of a trip, but then reluctantly rolls out to make the drive home. This is definelty the case for me. After hitting the snooze button a few times, we are out of bed by 0700 and start getting ready to leave. We pack the car and head over to the outfitters one last time to say goodbye to Debbie and staff and purchase some last minute gifts and t-shirts. We take one last look at Seagull Lake, resist the temptation to take a quick paddle, and finally start the car to head home. I'm already looking forward to the next trip as we drive away.

The drive home takes about 10 hours and in a way my therapist might say that is a good thing, since after being in the wilderness for 4 days slow immersion back into the real world is all I can take. Every mile closer to home brings increased traffic and reminders of exactly why we escape to the North. I actually think about work for the first time in a week. Sad.

I don't even listen to the radio the whole way home. It did not even occur to me to turn it on. Guess my mind wasn't ready to hear about the outside world yet. And besides I had plenty of fond memories to keep my mind busy. People will surely ask me if it was worth bringing a four year old to the Boundary Waters and I will emphatically tell them, "Yes!" I saw my little girl grow up in so many ways on this trip. It was an amazing experience and we did it. Seeing the Boundary Waters through a child's eyes changes the way you see it. I found myself enjoying the slower pace and noticing the flowers, the rocks, the toads.

What suggestions would I give others who might consider bringing a young son or daughter to the Boundary Waters? Plan the trip around your child's abilities and not yours. Be smart, be safe. Slow and steady is OK. They will not care if you paddle in 1 mile or 20 miles. To them it is all new and exciting. Include them. Buy a small backpack and have them be responsible for carrying a few of their own personal items. Lauren brought a couple books, a box of crayons, a coloring book, a deck of cards and her stuffed bunny in her pack. It worked great. Let them help set up the tent, cook dinner, and build the campfire. Who cares if it takes longer? They will enjoy just being with you. Talk to them. They are dying to learn from you. Listen to them. You would be suprised what might learn from them.

So yes, bring your son or daughter to the boundary waters. Teach them to enjoy the simple things in life and to love the great outdoors. Just maybe you will find a paddling partner for life. I think I have.