Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Where it all began--my first trip into the BWCA
by BearBrown

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 08/13/2005
Entry & Exit Point: Sawbill Lake (EP 38)
Number of Days: 4
Group Size: 4
Part 5 of 5
Epilogue: (A few remaining thoughts to share)

We paddled out of the boundary waters on August 17, 2005. We had a little wind, but otherwise good weather and a smooth paddle across Sawbill to the exit point. I really remember very little from the drive home; I may have slept. We dropped off the canoes we had borrowed and thanked TJ’s uncle for letting us use them.

After the trip, I had all of my film processed and was very happy with my photographs. I excitedly showed them to my girlfriend who happened to notice a discrepancy between my promise to her and a photo of our tent interior-- which showed four sleeping bags inside of one tent. I was BUSTED. With no other options available, I decided to come clean and explain myself. It didn’t really matter though… she was furious and upset with me no matter what I said. However, we didn’t end up breaking up after this. Another year and a boundary waters trip with her passed before that relationship ended.

I was hooked on canoe tripping in the boundary waters after this trip. We had learned a lot about outfitting ourselves; we really learned what to bring and what not to bring. We also decided the Sea Beasts would never trip with us again. Ever. This first trip was an incredible learning experience for me, and I really soaked all of the lessons in. I found I had a new passion that coincided well with my love of photography, fishing and the outdoors. The canoe trip was just that next step. I am forever grateful to TJ, Katrina, and Melissa for sharing this experience with me and making it enjoyable despite our inexperience.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I really hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to leave me a comment on our story.

Respectfully,

Richard Brown