Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

A first of many???
by WhiteWolf

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 08/03/2012
Entry & Exit Point: Larch Creek (EP 80)
Number of Days: 5
Group Size: 2
Trip Introduction:
This was kinda of a last minute trip only planned less then 3 weeks before entry day. My son has been wanting to become a big boy rather then the same old forest service campgrounds or cabins etc. he has experienced the past several summers. I had taken my week long BW trip in May over fishing opener like I have since 1999 and also had a week long trip with my family in June at a cabin in the Arrowhead,, so getting another trip out of the better half was going to take some convincing-- as well as gas $$ from Iowa. At first, she vehemently said no,, but then gave in as she could tell my son really wanted to go and would be a great send off for 1st grade which starts ridiculously early at August 15th. The trip was on!!!! (Not only was this Joel's first trip-- but this is my first determined effort to produce a trip report. Wish we luck!! )
Part 1 of 5
Wednesday, Aug 1st- 2012 I got off work at 8am and didn't have to run back home as I had packed the night before including the coolers. Luckily, we have a full kitchen at my work which allowed me to keep stuff frozen. I picked up Joel at his daycare and we off to my mothers' house in the North Suburbs of ST Paul. A boring drive every time,, but I have learned to zone it out after a couple hundred drives. I had just changed oil and the air filter in my truck and got a respectable 21.4 MPG on the way N. Not bad for a full size truck. Safe travels. Once I arrived the mad dash of finding gear,, buying extra food, sorting the gear and then understanding that Joel was more concerned about going out in the paddle boat with Grandma!!! Oh well. Went over to my buddies house later that PM to borrow a weather radio and a hammock. Been up 24 hours... need to get some rest.