The trip began like all the best ones do: with a loaded truck, a late afternoon departure, and the kind of excitement that only builds as the city fades in the rearview.

Kev, John, and I rolled out of the Twin Cities around 3:30 p.m., a canoe and a kayak strapped tight up top, already looking like we meant business. The highway carried us north to Duluth, where we pulled in around 6:00 p.m., greeted by lake air and a familiar friend.

We met up with Ryan, who graciously hosted us for the night, and kicked things off the right way with dinner at OMC Smokehouse. A pre-wilderness feast of smoked meats and comfort food, already dreaming of freeze-dried meals and trail mix. Afterward, we made our way to Bent Paddle Brewing for a few cold beers and that’s where we met the final member of our crew: Matt. With the team officially assembled, the excitement really started to build.

Back at Ryan’s place, the night wrapped with maps spread out and route talk flowing we finalized our plans for our first day in the Boundary Waters, talking portages, campsites, and early-morning logistics. With alarms set for 4:00 a.m., we tried (with varying success) to catch a few hours of sleep before the real adventure began.

Next stop: Ely and Snowbank Lake and the beginning of our route into the quiet.