Tuesday, August 20, 2024 So My first day always starts with my journey East. The usual commute. Red Eye out of SFO. Slept on the plane this time. Though I had to wake up the guy on the center seat a couple of times after he leaned too far into my space. Breakfast in Minneapolis Airport and arrive in Duluth around 10 AM. Collect my luggage and my cousin's plane just landed. I went right to the car rental and secured transportation. Beginning of complications. He doesn't have a fishing pole case in possession. It hit him during his flight that it was still sitting on the rear floor of his car. Okay we can deal with that, lets get the luggage. Uh.. no, not so fast. Got two of the bags but the giant gear pack and food pack weren't there. We eat lots of fresh food and this is a very important part of our trip, more on that later. Phone calls started to Customer service to find out where they were and what's the remedy. Oh well, We might as well take care of the fishing pole with a quick trip to Dicks Sporting Goods. On the way we call the outfitter to delay our 7 AM tow. They say No problem and are able to move it to Noon. So much for an early start! The word from the airline is not until that night so we decide to head to Ely and check in with the outfitter. About half an hour north of Duluth we decide to check in with the airline to see what time that night. SURPRISE they got them on the early afternoon flight and they'll be there in 15 minutes! Instant U-turn and back to the airport. We are complete and ready to go! Except last minute shopping at Zups. We arrive in Ely, check in with the outfitter, check into the hotel and head to the Boathouse for beer and dinner. Then to Zups and back to the hotel to pack. Number of people... ah I'm not doing that again, I'll just let you know the people free days.