08/17/2026
Just returned from 4 days in the Wilderness. 🌲🛶🏕️ Five of us in total with two canoes.
Our Entry on the 13th was Snowbank. Imagine the JOY 🤩 running into Doris K. and current Girl Scout Northern Lakes Canoe Base co-director Eleanor at the landing as they were picking up the last Girl Scout group of the season to come in. 🤗 Learned it was a tough year for them with many cancellations due to the fires.
Finally underway after that happy unexpected reunion, Snowbank was blissfully calm on the paddle in and a little choppy on the paddle out with a NW wind. Dissappointment Lake finally lived up to its name as we found no campsites available there. A short portage into Ahsub and we found the camp on the hill open. Last time I stayed there was 10 years ago, right after experiencing a derecho in July 2016 which tore through the forest and I have vivid memories of the helicopter that circled that site the following afternoon, making sure we were okay. Imagine that sound in the wilderness, the rotors right above us.
Day 2 was a pleasant day for a swim, relaxing, settling into camp with a good book in a hammock and getting in some fishing time. We watched the USFS Beaver flying in and out monitoring the ongoing fires and searching for new ones.
Day 3 we settled on a day trip through what we thought would be light rain that would end; but instead turned steady and sometimes heavy as the day went on. We paddled and portaged to Ima, set up the rainfly and stove and had a little lunch on the Ima campsite I survived that storm on 10 years ago, and told a good story. The large white pine trees that toppled are still visible. On our return paddle we visited Cattyman falls. The teens were troopers, even having to drink warm cocoa from Portage Bar wrappers as we forgot the cups. An 8 hour day trip in unexpected rain is good for the Spirit. A positive mindset will take you far. To be a little uncomfortable helps us realize how much we take a warm sweatshirt and dry, clean pair of socks for granted. We have so much to be grateful for.
Sunday was a light rain off and on until late afternoon the sun ☀️ peeked out amid puffy clouds when we paddled out slowly, savoring the sun and last of the wilderness time.
Can’t wait to get back out there in a few days. Stay tuned for the next story. If you’d love to join a Journey, there is room on a September 15-19, 2026 trip offering. Send me a message if you’re interested.
🫶🏽 Melissa
