Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

June 2021 Solo to Adams
by GoBlue

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/28/2021
Entry & Exit Point: Missing Link Lake (EP 51)
Number of Days: 11
Group Size: 1
Trip Introduction:
WARNING! Long trip report! This was my third solo; however, it is the first time I feel capable of writing a trip report worth reading. The first two trips are still a blur of pain and awe; I don’t have anything to offer as I was overwhelmed. This trip's goals were both simple and extraordinary: get deep fast, spend time on Adams, fish, and find the peace I had so struggled to find over the last year. This trip was a celebration and therapy, a chance to find something lost. Starting at Round Lake, I would complete a "lollipop" from Little Saganaga out to Adams and back via Pan, Makwa, Elton. In the end, I found everything I was looking for - just not where I expected.
Day 1 of 11
Monday, June 28, 2021 6/28/21 I managed to escape an evening early, taking advantage of the long summer twilight. My wife knew how eager I was to go, and my tank was empty. With a smile she sent me off. “Remember to check in with the SPOT and don’t get hurt.” The girls were sad; I promised gifts and to take them next time. My oldest had been the summer before; she remembered it as “hard but fun.” My youngest wasn’t ready, and I wanted another crack at the mysterious “solo.”

It was four hours to “the bridge” (The Mackinaw Bridge for any non-Michiganders). I made it to Manistique, an hour past St. Ignace. Nothing like a Subway club on the beach as true darkness falls. I slept in the truck, giddy as a kid that has gotten away with the big prank. I kept waiting for a phone call to drag me home.