I broke camp at about 7:00am and paddled to the Crab Lake portage about 1.5 miles away. This morning was calm and I had an exceptionally peaceful paddle across Crab Lake and was able to reflect on my trip. I tried to drink in all I could before I left and take stock in all the great things I saw over the past few days.

I hit the landing and started down the 420 rod/ 1 mile trail. I met a group of 8 teens coming in who were moving fast down the trail (Ah, youth!). I stopped and chatted with the leader who was probably in his 40s like myself. I watched them load up and take off when I came back for my canoe and food pack then headed back across the trail to the EP. I met up with an interesting group of 4 from the Twin cities area who were coming out and waiting for a tow across Burntside as I was. One of them has been coming for 35 years. It was refreshing to hear from him that not much has changed once you enter the park in the past 35 years (except fees, etc.) I hope I can say that 35 years from now…

My VNO tow showed up right on time and I was greeted with an icy cold beer which hit the spot. He cruised across Burntside I was back at VNO for a shower and regroup my equipment. The staff at VNO are a wealth of info and very entertaining to talk to when you are packing up to leave or coming in for that matter.

Conclusion:

I was very satisfied with my performance on this trip because it has been several years since I have done any major tripping. The solo experience was a real eye opener because you look at things much differently when you are alone. I noticed an amazing amount of wildlife since I was paying more attention and listening to my surroundings more. This was a significant difference I noticed compared to tripping with friends/family. The other major difference is the mental factor. You really have to have your act together when you are alone and I think I faired well though. Moving every day was key because it kept me busy and everything takes a lot more time when you are alone. I will certainly trip with others again but I am glad I joined the solo club!

Equipment summary:

VNO folks were fantastic

VNO Bunkhouse was great and very convenient

Wenonah Prism worked especially well for 1st solo effort (lots of room, stable, and fast)

Rental paddles worked OK but I would bring my own next time

Packed too much food but that is a live and learn thing

Timberline 2 worked well in the storms at night and kept me dry (ground sheet inside)

Campmor 10x10 tarp held up nicely in the excessive wind

My new Vasque lightweight Gore-Tex hikers were awesome

The Coleman Peak stove with the butane/propane mix worked well

LL Bean 20 degree down bag was nice on the 40’s nights. A cotton liner would make it more comfortable thought since you sweat a little next to the nylon

Fishing; I had a spinning outfit and bait caster. The leeches and jigs were the ticket but I used Gitzets (spelling) and tube jigs with much success. I caught a fair number of smallies with floating Fat Raps and jointed perch colored minnows as well

I used a rope and a net to hold a rock and act as my anchor which packed small (this was key in the breeze)