WOW! WOW! WOW! I can’t believe that I’m really here - that I’m really going to do this! A BWCA solo - never in a million years would I have ever thought I’d do such an adventure. I only hope that it is the first of many.

I was able to bug out of work a little early - thanks Ang! I figured it would take about three hours to get to Sawbill outfitters and I figured correctly. I pulled in at about 6:50 - the shop was still open so I was able to get my canoe, watch the video and get my permit. By the time I got the van situated it was too dark to take the canoe out or try walking with it ~ will just have to wait for morning.

The drive up was uneventful - thank goodness. I stopped in Two Harbors for gas and potty break & that was it - no other stops. As I got closer and closer to Tofte my anxiousness to be here grew - I think I was racing the clock. That made me think of the one statement Mitch said: “A car is not a time machine” and that is so true!

As I drove up Sawbill trail I felt a peace of mind that words just can’t describe. The sun was setting behind the Sawtooth Mountains, reflecting on the early fall colors, red and gold. The sky was a beautiful blue with just a few puffy clouds. In my mind I felt such a release and relaxation come over me ~ something about nature, Gods awesome creation and being one with it is just . . . . I don’t know, Fabulous? Fantastic? Awe Inspiring? And I haven’t even really started my trip yet!

As I was privatizing (is that even a word?!) the van (towels and pillow cases duct-taped over the windows) Mitch came over and introduced himself. It’s so cool that there’s this entire community of people brought together by one common passion - BWCA. Everyone that I’ve met so far has been so awesome. The willingness to accept new-comers, the sharing of knowledge and the trust of the members shows me that all is well with the world.

After I finished in the van I walked down to the boat landing. It was pretty dark so there wasn’t much to see. I’m hoping to capture some photos of those “White Horses” one of these cool mornings. After I was done at the boat landing I found Mitch again at his campsite and we visited for a while. It’s odd to me to feel like you’ve begun a new friendship when you haven’t even met them in person. I think that’s what draws me to BWCA.com. The camaraderie ~ even without having met anyone face to face. We had a nice chat and I enjoyed meeting and getting to know him.

The CCS pack I borrowed from Kyle is FANTASTIC! That will definitely be on my Christmas/Birthday list - I haven’t even hardly used it yet and I already know that I like it.

I wanted to have a fire tonight but after getting things ready for bed and for tomorrow it’s too late and I need to get to sleep. The last couple of days I was like a kid at Christmas ~ so excited and ready to go! Today at work was the worst. Thank goodness I was busy so it made the day go fast.

I’m looking forward to the gorgeous weather that is in the forecast. Each day that it’s been sunny I’ve thought about Jan and GSP on their trips as well. I’ll be back before Jan and can’t wait to hear about his Quetico trip. I’d really like to try that. BUT patience is needed as I get some experience under my belt. If I can make it work I’m hoping to have four long weekend trips next summer. Lottie would like to go and so do Mom and Manda. I’ve got lots of planning to do this winter!

Time to read now before sleep sets in . . . zzzzzzz