The weather pattern changed this morning, and we awake to a glorious sundrenched blue sky. There’s no big rush as we pack up after breakfast and get headed out. Another bonus is that there is no wind to deal with either. So, our paddle out is at a slow deliberate pace stopping to watch a large merganser family, and Jodi and the kids dare to stop at a small island to then jump into the lake. Lt. Dan didn’t participate in this last endeavor.

Soon we’re winding our way back up Hog Creek to the parking lot. Once there we motor down the road to the Trestle Inn to grab some food & drinks. Of course, Lt. Dan has to try the “Trainwreck - with casulties”. From there we say our goodbyes and part ways.

For those who might be interested. Jodi put together a video trip report of out adventures. She has her own youtube channel and does a great job putting together various trip reports as well as informative "how to" videos about wilderness travel & camping.

Certainly, we had some challenging weather for a mid-August trip, but I feel we managed pretty well. It had been several years since I'd done a trip with Lt. Dan & Jodi and it was nice to reconnect and do one together again. Roxie did awesome for a newbie (especially on the paddle in) and I think she at least enjoyed herself enough so as not to be scarred for life.

For me personally, I marvel at the woman Jodi has become. I never dreamt that the many trips we did together all those years ago would leave such a meaningful, lasting imprint on her and her trajectory in life. She has really taken flight with it, and it warms my heart beyond words to see it firsthand. Not trying to box Aurora in to following the exact same path but, I do hope the trips we've done together (and God willing, continue to do) will have a positive, lasting impact on her as well. I must admit, doing this trip and writing this report has forced me to fondly reminisce about the trips I did with Jodi when she was Aurora's age and have discovered that their demeanors & attitudes about canoeing/camping etc. at those ages were/are quite similar. Still eye has not seen, ear has not heard nor the heart of this man conceived what God has in store for these two beautiful young women. So, going forward I pray we all rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.