The Last couple of days have been very hot. It was a record-breaking 93 degrees yesterday in La Crosse (WI).

I’m taking my Wenonah Argosy this time because I’ve wanted to try it in the BWCA, but also because it is registered and I haven’t renewed the registration on the Sawyer Autumn Mist yet. The Argosy is a 14’6” solo canoe intended mainly for moving water. I’ll see how it does in the BWCA.

I had a meeting back home at 3:30, so that dictated my departure time, but I went with the car fully packed and the canoe on the roof. I left La Crescent at 4:30pm and had supper at Hardees at 6:30 somewhere south of Rice Lake, WI. At 9:15pm I was getting gas in Hermantown (Duluth).

I traveled from La Crosse to Virginia straight up HWY 53 including the stretch between Osseo and Eau Claire. I’m sure that it is longer than picking up I90 at Osseo but it certainly was a pretty drive. Then I drove on to on to Virginia and up to Ely, arriving at 11:15pm. Six hours and forty-five minutes, including breaks, excellent time!

I stopped at the BP in Ely for a couple items – fishing lure, sunscreen, a soda pop, and a bag of pretzels. Now, I am in the back of my Toyota Corolla station wagon parked at the Kawishiwi Ranger’s Station. This is where I plan to sleep tonight. Another vehicle is parked here as well. Looks like they have the same idea as me.