Thursday, July 20

Departure day! Also the day I turned 19. My sweet father last night took us out on the canoe at midnight to get a full view of the stars and to mark the moment I made him and mom parents. We would all miss those stars that reflected and danced on the water.

Taking down our campsite took no time at all. Everything was packed up and ready to put into the canoes to take back to the outfitters. Before leaving, we all sat by the water and spent some time just enjoying the view and the fresh air. We had to go, however, and so we piled in the canoes one last time. Paddling back was an effort due to the wind, but we all had just enough left in us to reach shore.

Do not think for a second we didn't all pay $4.50 each for showers at the outfitters. We'd never felt cleaner in all our lives. Clean, tired and still a little itchy, we were ready to go home.

Quote of the day:

"It was my sleep talking, not me, you have to shake me and punch me in the stomach!" - Davy upon learning that he had refused to wake up when we asked him to stargaze with us at midnight

Things I learned on our BWCA trip:

1. The art of skillful and efficient canoeing does not come to one naturally. I could have easily been considered the worst paddler in BWCA history Monday morning; after 2 days and 15 miles of water covered, I can confidently say that I'm not half bad.

2. Wool is the most beautiful and wonderful fabric on the market. It drys fast, doesn't smell, and regulates your body temperature.

3. From mini pizzas, to roll-up pb&js, to fried over the fire in Parkay and sugar, flour tortillas are perfectly versatile and make everything taste delicious.

4. Chacos are a girl's best friend.

5. Walleye is by far the best tasting fresh water fish around.

6. Bug spray is a gift from the gods. 100% deet may be "federally punishable by law if used incorrectly" according to its label, but it very literally saved our skins.

7. My family is awesome, incredible, wonderful. Okay, I already knew that...