Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Well, the last day was pretty short. We had 5 miles, maybe 6 to go. I think we hiked for 3 hours. Could have made better time - but why would we? It was our last day. We ran into some clear cutting i had not expected. Needed to use the GPS a little bit to get through it. Went through a low area that had water over the tops of our boots to mid-ankle. I was prepared for that one - had been through it before during spring time. I made it to the cars first and quickly made myself comfortable with a beer. Matt wasn't too far behind me. He quickly retrieved the camp chair from his car and grabbed a beer..... the hike was done.

Reflections on the hike: I'm fortunate to have someone like Matt to hike with. He's a great guy. Wish we lived closer together, would love to hike more with him and maybe even meet his family.... being that we both have young kids and such. To be honest, I think both of us is lucky that we are able to get away like this - many thanks go to our supportive families. I would love to hike the Kek again. This hike was one of the best hikes I have been on in a long time. The BWCA in my opinion presents hikers with some of the finest and most challenging hiking people are willing to do. I think the hikes in the BWCA are far more difficult than hiking through Glacier (which I have done) and requires one to be more self sufficient in the back country. Matt MUST get new boots. Lets not make it 5 years in a row of terrible blisters!!! A necessity in the BWCA = Hiking poles. Write that down. When I hike the Kek again, I might incorporate the Snow Bank trail into the trip - hike up around the northern end of the lake. Would make for a fantastic addition. Don't go on a hike like this with boots you cannot trust - or have been hiking in already. Eat breakfast at Smitty's before leaving for the trailhead. Make sure to have cold beer in cooler on ice waiting for you when you finish.

May 25th, 2009 --- Reflecting a bit more on the hike. I had noticed there was an issue with not being able to enlarge some of the pictures. Being my first post to the forum I learning as I went along through this first trip report. I took some time and figured out the problem, all pictures can be enlarged now!

Thanks for all the feedback on the trip report. I do appreciate the fact that other people take the time to read and enjoy some of the stories we all share.

We've been back now just under three weeks. I'm still feeling some pain in my right ankle where those damn boots were creating pressure points..... knee pain has cleared up. Wish I could shoulder the pack and head back out right now - it's tough knowing I won't be able to get back up there till next spring. i guess that leaves me a lot of time to plan the next trip with Matt. I've also got Glacier to look forward to in September and whatever little hikes I can sneak in before and after that :)