Friday, June 16, 2006

Homeward Bound

Had a great night sleep. We were packed and on the water by 8:00 AM. Temperature was 70 degrees and humid. The weather had been very comfortable other than the first day with the passing storms. The camp behind us was very noisy last night and as we paddled by I really wanted to make some kind of loud noise but I didn’t. We paddled through a channel between two rock cliffs that were once joined together. The portage to Cross Bay Creek had fresh moose tracks, momma and calf. Told the Warden that if we were quiet we could run into them. No such luck. Cross Bay Creek had a beaver dam we had to lift over. A couple of canoes full of guys were leaving the Cross Bay Waterfalls

as we were pulling in to take some pictures. My wife became very excited because she thought the one guy was the goofy actor Russell Crow. I told her she better hope not. I don’t believe he would want to meet her after 4 days in the bush.

We took pictures then turned and tried to chase Russell down. We finally caught up after many sightings at portages ahead, when we finally made it back to the parking lot. After some debate she decided it wasn’t him. Russell and his buddies had been fishing on Long Lake and had not done real well.

I went for a quick swim to wash off and had a beer as we packed the truck. We made Grand Marais by 1:00 PM and were eating at the Two Harbors Pizza Hut by 3:00 PM. Traffic going north was incredible. We were back to our house by 5:30 PM.

Conclusion

Looking back it was a successful trip. I learned a lot and will do many things differently. First thing is I would slow down instead of pushing on so quick. My wife would have liked a little more relaxation and less work. She would also like to paddle more, actually float while I paddle, and she would like the water to be warmer. I know I will be taking better bug dope no matter when I go. I need more practice at setting up tarps. I used bungee cords to help pull tarps. This gives them a little give if the trees start moving or I need to stretch it somewhere. The solar showers stay home. We didn’t just take one we took two. As for food it worked out great. We had oatmeal in the AM and many times salami and cheese, or peanut butter wrapped with tortilla shells. Rye Crisps, trail mix, granola bars, string cheese, beef sticks, hot cocoa, hot apple cider mix, Tang, and green tea were some of the other foods and drink we brought. The rice and noodles are the generic Fallapart brand but spice them up and they taste good. We did not go hungry. I used the 2’x2’ Zip Lock bags for food, and clothes. We lined the Mason packs with contractor bags from Menards. The Zip Lock bag with food went in an Army rucksack liner I bought at the Surplus Store. We hung the food, and that is a pain. I did use Fisher Maps I guess for the only reason is that is what our PE teacher uses. I will relax more the next time I bring my wife. I’ll save the challenging stuff for solos or for my son when he gets old enough.