Monday, January 20, 2025 Due to work obligations, I needed to exit by lunch, not the next day, but the day after. To make that commitment, I would have to hike halfway out the next day, camp, and exit early on my final day. Unfortunately, the allure of Winchell meant my group was firmly rooted. If I were to head out this morning, it would be on my own. Sigh, tough decisions. Lil' Grumpy caught a huge lake trout this morning, a highlight. I packed my things shortly thereafter and wished farewell to my friends. It would be another long day alone. I followed what remained of our tracks back into Gaskin, Horseshoe, and into Caribou. This would be where I would spend the night, but the mind and soul weren't willing. I have nothing to prove. I've spent many a night this way, and hot food at Trail Center and my loving, pregnant wife at home were far too alluring compared to a shelterless night in a wilderness snow bank. I pushed on through Lizz and back into Poplar. Now, where is this lodge where my car is parked? It's a small landing, and this is a very different direction of approach than when we pushed off earlier in the week. I walked the northern shoreline. Is that it? No. That? No. On and on and on... until I recognized something. Trail Center? Why am I at Trail Center? Nearly two years living on the Gunflint apparently meant that my heartstrings are so firmly tethered to mouth-watering Swedish meatballs and a tall milkshake that I was simply pulled astray from my intended exit! I stashed my sled and walked the Gunflint back to my car. I drove back, loaded the gear, and enjoyed that hot meal and a milkshake that I had been dreaming of. These Swedish Meatballs became a favorite of mine when I lived nearby. They've since become a sentimental favorite of my wife's since we shared them after our engagement hike on the Gunflint. I ordered a second order in a to-go container to bring home to her. I had a hole in my heat core, rendering my car heater nearly unusable anyway. There would be no concerns about freshness! I finished my meal and thought about my friends out there in the wilderness, about all the trips I have shared with each of them, and about how these winter adventures have grown and molded over time. I thought about how each of these trips is so different from year to year. I also thought about home, about this new adventure of a baby due in August, and how the adventures were about to change in so many radically cool ways. The wilderness is special no matter the season. Another trip is in the books. To another day, another season, another adventure. Till our trails cross. TreeBear. ~Winchell Lake, Gaskin Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Caribou Lake, Lizz Lake, Poplar Lake

Lakes Traveled:   Winchell Lake, Gaskin Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Caribou Lake, Lizz Lake, Poplar Lake,