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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Canoeing days are over
 
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firemedic5586
11/18/2019 02:28AM
 
Sorry to hear this..
 
nctry
11/10/2019 06:55AM
 
I had to tell the guys today I can’t go out to my deer stand. My hands are so painful I can hardly stand it. I could go out, but if I don’t get this pain under control it only gets worse if that could be possible. I can’t figure out what caused this latest round of pain. To be this bad is usually how I feel after splitting a small truckload of wood. I don’t know if it’s the cold, just carrying gun, my pack or what...
My point is I know how you feel as far as maybe feeling like you are letting people down. Tony (screen name tony) comes up hunting with us. I feel bad I can’t go out. But like you I have had to recognize I can’t do all I used to. But I can facilitate others to do these things. I help people with canoeing items, people come here to hunt or just camp and or fish... there is plenty we can do. Like you I thought you’d be pulling my canoe paddle from a wore out canoe paddler... I can’t even go out paddling more than maybe to catch a quick northern for supper... then even to clean it I struggle with severe pain in my hands. You have to feel value to keep pushing forward. Sounds like you have a great calling and an opportunity to bring people to the Lord. May His blessings be with you and you fill the gap with meaningful ambitions.
 
Marten
11/08/2019 10:35AM
 
GreyOwl: "I had always flippantly said my hope was to die paddling the Quetico/BWCA, but as I lay in my brand new 3.5 lb. sage green Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 with footprint feeling strange sensations wash over me and feeling my pulse slow, unable to raise a drop of blood to test my blood sugar, thinking about the trip I was ruining for my friends who had driven all the way from Tampa, knowing I might not ever see my loved ones again, the idea of dying in the north woods rapidly lost its luster.

My wife was contacted with my Inreach explorer.and we paddled out. The tent was used two nights. Doesn’t even have a mosquito mark on it. I’ll get some photos and post it for sale tomorrow, along with two Exped Mats and a GoPro camera.

For years I served God as a youth pastor. Even though older, I pursued the ordination process. I turned 65 in early May and was ordained an elder on June 6th. I know God has a plan for me, but my hearts desire is to pastor my little country church for another 5-7 years.

Psalms 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”

GreyOwl,
This short post is packed with so many truths. No one knows what tomorrow has in store for us. May you be rewarded as you continue your journey in the time you remain here on earth.
 
GreyOwl
11/07/2019 10:33PM
 
nctry: "I’m basically in the same boat. (No pun intended.) It’s hard to accept, but I’m hanging on to my stuff with the idea that my kids will use it. I have friends that do and it makes me feel good to help people out in that way. Things like stoves and such are useful for other types of camping. Packs strap onto a four wheeler and I can have quite a day in the deer stand.


But sorry to hear of your situation. Lots of other ways to enjoy the canoe country like cabins and campgrounds, hiking or just relaxing.


As jillpine would say... find your hygge!"



I hope to make the shift to base camping weather on a northern lake or Midwest state park. The kayak, solo canoe, tandem canoe, aluminum barge, and Flying Dutchman junior sail boat stay - for now..

 
unshavenman
11/07/2019 12:55PM
 
GreyOwl, I'm sorry to hear that. As has been said, I hope that you will still be able to enjoy the great outdoors in other ways.
 
fadersup
11/07/2019 01:38PM
 
Sad news, I hope you find some relief. I'll echo Jackfish with hope that you can enjoy some time in a cabin. Plenty of other ways to appreciate the woods and water of the north country.
 
GraniteCliffs
11/07/2019 04:18PM
 
Sorry to hear. I hope you will still be able to find a way to enjoy being outside somewhere.
 
Stumpy
11/07/2019 05:20PM
 
So sorry to hear this. My wife too, due to neurological reasons, won't be canoeing anymore. I can't imagine that day coming.

My heart goes out to you.
 
Jackfish
11/07/2019 01:07PM
 
I'll echo the sentiments of the others... canoeing days will eventually come to an end for all of us - it's a fact of life - and it's sad when that day comes. I hope your health allows you to enjoy the outdoors in other ways and maybe even get back to canoe country and enjoy the fringes from a cabin.


Best wishes to you, GreyOwl.
 
Driftless
11/07/2019 01:58PM
 
Sorry to hear that.
 
bwcasolo
11/11/2019 08:43AM
 
may you find your outdoor joy, as you will, and cherish the memories you have made in canoe land. be well :)
 
preacherdave
11/07/2019 07:25PM
 
So sorry to hear. Wishing and praying the best for you
 
GreyOwl
11/07/2019 10:04PM
 
I had always flippantly said my hope was to die paddling the Quetico/BWCA, but as I lay in my brand new 3.5 lb. sage green Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 with footprint feeling strange sensations wash over me and feeling my pulse slow, unable to raise a drop of blood to test my blood sugar, thinking about the trip I was ruining for my friends who had driven all the way from Tampa, knowing I might not ever see my loved ones again, the idea of dying in the north woods rapidly lost its luster.

My wife was contacted with my Inreach explorer.and we paddled out. The tent was used two nights. Doesn’t even have a mosquito mark on it. I’ll get some photos and post it for sale tomorrow, along with two Exped Mats and a GoPro camera.

For years I served God as a youth pastor. Even though older, I pursued the ordination process. I turned 65 in early May and was ordained an elder on June 6th. I know God has a plan for me, but my hearts desire is to pastor my little country church for another 5-7 years.

Psalms 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”
 
boonie
11/08/2019 11:19AM
 
Sorry to hear that, GreyOwl. Best wishes going forward with the rest of your life.
 
missmolly
11/08/2019 01:00PM
 
This might strike some as heresy, but canoeing isn't the only wonderful thing in this big, wide world. Here's hoping you find some sterling substitutes.
 
arm2008
11/10/2019 06:38PM
 
GreyOwl: "I had always flippantly said my hope was to die paddling the Quetico/BWCA, but as I lay in my brand new 3.5 lb. sage green Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 with footprint feeling strange sensations wash over me and feeling my pulse slow, unable to raise a drop of blood to test my blood sugar..."


Time for a constant blood glucose monitor! Amazing improvement.
 
Spartan2
11/10/2019 09:19AM
 
GreyOwl: "I had always flippantly said my hope was to die paddling the Quetico/BWCA,
Psalms 37:4 - Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”"

I can so identify with what you are saying. Never dreamed we would hang it up (wilderness tripping) before we even reached the age of 70. But you have the right attitude, and you will find joy and satisfaction in other pursuits.

We now go to the Gunflint every summer and spend a delightful week in a cabin. If we feel like it, we do day trips in the canoe, we take walks, we have campfires, or (in my case) we float and swim in the lake. We are blessed that our teenage granddaughter likes to go with us, but I suspect we may be doing it long after Anna is busy with college life, and young life in general.

Traveling to other places besides the canoe country can be lots of fun. There is so much to see and do in the world!

But just enjoying your memories, sharing your experiences through the years, and serving the Lord as you do; not much to dislike about that scenario, either.

God bless you. You will find, after a while, that this heartbroken feeling may not go away, but it is tempered by the other joys of life.

 
x2jmorris
11/08/2019 01:36PM
 
Sorry to hear. I hope you find something that can replace this love.
 
BearBurrito
11/08/2019 02:55PM
 
I am very sorry to hear this news. I will keep you in my prayers.
 
GreyOwl
11/07/2019 07:54AM
 
I won’t get into the details now but my days of traveling by canoe in the north woods are drastically altered. Basically for neurological reasons.

Accordingly, I’ve got a lot of stuff I will be needing to sell to address ongoing health care needs. I will post these items in the appropriate forum as able starting today.

Check out what is available and email me with interest or questions.

GreyOwl
 
straighthairedcurly
11/07/2019 08:02AM
 
Sorry to hear. We all fear that day and our hearts are with you during this time of challenge.
 
nctry
11/07/2019 08:59AM
 
I’m basically in the same boat. (No pun intended.) It’s hard to accept, but I’m hanging on to my stuff with the idea that my kids will use it. I have friends that do and it makes me feel good to help people out in that way. Things like stoves and such are useful for other types of camping. Packs strap onto a four wheeler and I can have quite a day in the deer stand.

But sorry to hear of your situation. Lots of other ways to enjoy the canoe country like cabins and campgrounds, hiking or just relaxing.

As jillpine would say... find your hygge!
 
Pinetree
11/07/2019 08:51AM
 
Sorry to hear and let us know if we can help in anyway.
 
andym
11/09/2019 07:21PM
 
I'm sorry that you are having problems that require an adjustment to your activities. That's never easy. But as you and others have noted, life has many facets and there are even many ways to enjoy the Northwoods. There have been years when my health meant no camping and limited our time up north to our cabin. And it has still been great. We hike, day paddle, and have had some great days puttering around on a pontoon. Actually, one of my favorite times is eating breakfast on our deck while watching the lake.


I hope you find what works for you and continue to have lots of happiness in your future.