New Trip Report posted by JackStraw

Trip Name: Clearwater, West Pike and Pine, with a side of Gogebic.

Entry Point: 62

Click Here to View Trip Report

JackStraw - Great report, welcome to the club!!!!

(And single portaging is over rated IMHO)

Gogebic is a sweet little lake. A tricky little portage to get ther to be sure, but a nice spot all the same.

jackstraw, what a wonderful experience for you and your son (and the other dads and sons). i was thoroughly engrossed with your story- telling, thinking this would make a great short play, or a black and white movie that is sped up a bit so everyone is moving faster, so much humor and crazy antics!

Mocha, glad you enjoyed it. I read in another trip report that this time of year longer trip reports are OK, but I agree, double speed in a black and white silent movie style would solve my wordiness. :)

Maybe leave the script as just this:

Hero: (putting down 25lb tent 2 packs a Coleman Briefcase Stove, and oddly a bundle of pine boughs) "OK, is that everything for you?"

Man at portage: (Wheezing, collapsed with aluminum canoe across body) "Everything... but... the... cooler."

Hero: (Incredulous) "Cooler?"

spotlight extra large red enameled steel cooler beside tree far-down-stage right.

(laugh track) (end of scene)

it wasn't too long! actually, i'm sure there was a bunch of stories you left out!

Great perspective. Thanks for sharing.

T

Nice report!

That is such a beautiful area.....and, I felt your pain when you spoke of the West Pike ~ Gogebic portage. I've done that portage a number of times the past few years. The word "unforgiving" comes to mind.

Thanks for taking the time to share your story & photos.

I loved this trip report! I really appreciate the honesty about the portaging and bugs. A lot of people never mention how hard a trip can be. It was very funny also.

Reading your report confirms for me that I made the right decision to only go in September. Fighting swarms of flying biting bugs after a day of grueling hard labor portaging in the heat is not my idea of a good time anymore. I've had many experiences like that when I was younger and yes - it does pay off with things like great comraderie, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and out of this world fishing, but for me headnets are in the past.

It's also pretty great that your son has taken a liking to it all. Congrats and many more trips in yours and his future.