I was hoping to do my first solo last weekend but it ended up being a tandem trip instead. Kind of bummed but it turned out to be a great trip. We had some unexpected expenses come up like a refrigerator dying and ortho work for our daughter so going tandem (using my own canoe) saved me $170 by splitting the gas cost and not renting a solo. Also, the coworker that went with me was bummed that his annual trip w/ his old college buddies wasn't happening this year. He was floating off the ground when I asked him if he wanted to go with me. So it was a win/win for both of us.

We did have Pillsbury Lake to ourselves for our 2 nights, ate walleye dinners, caught some big smallies, and watched a cow and her calf on Horseshoe for over an hour and a half. We entered at Meeds and exited at Lizz.

Still looking forward to my first solo! Maybe this fall :) Thanks for all of the information and motivation I get from reading this forum.

any trip is a great trip and it sounds like you guys had one. hope you can get that first solo in this fall.

No matter what, any time in the wilderness beats even the best day at the office. You'll get your solo in someday.

Sounds like a great alternative to a solo! Glad it all worked out, family is priority, the solo's will come...

I'm glad it worked out well for you and your co-worker, ducks. Fall is a great time for a solo.