There were several times during the trip that it was absolutely quiet, no wind, and no sounds of any kind. Contrast that with a spring or early summer trip were the birds would be very vocal.

I did have most of my gear from previous trips but I did have to buy a few more things.

The biggest change was that I bought a newer 25’ wide x full length x 1 ½ “ Therm-a-Rest Prolite 4 sleeping pad to replace my ¾ length x ¾’ Therm-a-Rest pad. This sure made sleeping comfortable.

I replaced my air pillow with one of the new Therm-a-Rest pillows that can be compressed. It was OK but, I may try something different next time. I’ve had neck problems in the past so at home I sleep on the Tempur-pedic pillow. I may cut one of those in half to take next time.

I bought a Nesco American Harvest Gardenmaster dehydrator. I only used it to dry venison burger so I could have some meat/protein with every evening meal.

I took too much food and too much fuel for this 6 day trip. I actually could have been gone for two weeks.

There you go. I hope you like my narrative. I know this type of trip is not for everyone and I know one of these days I won’t be able to continue the pace, but this is what I enjoy for now.


What will be my next trip? I have a couple in mind. I would like to do the first 500 miles of the Mississippi River from the headwaters to Twin Cities. This would be paddling the canoe most of the time. I love to paddle long distances.

The other trip would be Hunters Island in Quetico Provincial Park. I’ve done some portions of the route in the past. This would be about a 14 day trip.

I plan on doing both trips next year.

Well, I will be doing some repairs on the canoe before the next trip.