Loaded up the Rav 4 in Savage and headed up to Grand Marais/Trail Center.

This year my brother John and his fiance' Angie joined us on our annual trip to Quetico. My wife Sara and I are excited that we will have good company on our trip, but nervous as the Falls Chain was not the route we had planned for 2 people that have never paddled canoes before. I had booked the trip in May, and out of the blue my brother wanted to come in late June. I had invited him many times over the years and he always politely declined so I was shocked when he asked to come along. I excitedly said yes and switched up my planning. Typically Sara and I plan to head in quick the first day, get in deep, then relax. But with new people and possible dangerous waters for newbies, I wrapped my head around the idea of taking things in stride and slowing down.

On the way up to Grand Marais we stopped at Gooseberry falls for a look around.

We stayed the night before our trip at Trail Center's hotel and enjoyed a great meal at Trail Center.