This trip, especially as my first, was a huge learning curve for me. I have so many lessons that I could elaborate on:

-Know what you are getting into. A canoe trip in the Boundary Waters can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it is no picnic. Know that you are at the mercy of the land and lakes. You cannot control the wind, the rain, or the elevation of a portage. You simply have to take it as it comes. That being said, don't fall to the other extreme and pass on going. Time in canoe country can be refreshing to the human soul. It is one of the most wonderful places on earth. Have fun, but be aware that it is hard. A good attitude and a good philosophy of "unexpected difficulties" is essential.

-Appreciate the beauty that is all around you. Many a tough portage and paddle can be made better by simply taking time to breathe the fresh air and admire the forest. Buy The Singing Wilderness by Sigurd Olson and read it. Toss it in your pack. You will forever look at the wilderness through new eyes. The Boundary Waters is a challenge to be overcome, but that cannot be all that it is. It is a beautiful wilderness. See it as such.

-Take a layover day or two. One of our mistakes was that we did a great route in five days with no layovers. Stay in camp. Go swimming or fishing. Listen to the singing wilderness all around you. Cook that super high-maintenance meal and enjoy it. Have a campfire. This is what the wilderness is all about.

-Buy a good raincoat and water-repellent pants. I highly recommend Dri Ducks or Frogg Toggs (although Dri Ducks are better....smirk). The bugs are never as bad if you have a long sleeve shirt and long pants on. Then you just have to spray your feet and your face, and you won't need sunscreen except on those areas either. I tried a bug net but hate it. I came to be in the wilderness not to be screened from it. The bugs are only as bad as you want them to be, at the end of the day.

-I would do this route again, but never with nine people and four canoes. Large groups are best on shorter trips. For long trips like this, keep things simple. Set yourself up for success on the portages by minimizing the amount of loose things you have in the canoe. Pack away as much as you can. I walked the Knife Lake portage EIGHT times, four times each way, because of the amount of gear necessary for nine people.

-Mealtimes can make and break your trip depending on what you have gotten yourself into. If you are on the move every day, meals should be simple. Bagels for breakfast, summer sausage sandwiches for lunch. By the time you get to camp, you will be smoked. Stick to things that portage easily and that you can cook within a half hour or so. Buy or rent yourself a good stove. For your layover days or base camps, you can bring in more difficult things or pack as heavy as you want.

-Know your gear. Know how to set up your tent, stoves, saw, etc. before you go if at all possible. Don't be afraid to take your first evening or layover day and figure everything out. It will save you time and stress later on.

-Plan carefully, but DON'T be afraid to take a challenging route if you have the ability to do so. You can set yourself up for success.

-Take time to enjoy the wilderness! Even my grandpa tends to view the wilderness as something to be conquered. He's right, but the wilderness is first and foremost something to be appreciated and enjoyed, not just conquered. Take advantage of the silence. This is what it is all about. I had a reasonable and proper "wilderness moment" every evening.