When this Boundary Waters tradition started two decades ago, the founding members had one mission: get way back in there. Lots of paddling. Long portages. Nothing cold to drink. Just astronaut food, peanut butter, and filtered water. Over time the Duluth packs have grown heavier. Potatoes for breakfast, steaks for the last supper. and larger tackle packs.
This year, the leader of the BWCA expeditionary force (aka Matt) floated the idea of applying for a motor permit. These are available in certain lakes on the wilderness periphery. The main idea was to pack like we were leaving for a YMCA summer camp with lots of fishing tackle, steaks, fish tacos, large tents, and unlimited toilet paper or even moist towelettes.
Every guy on the trip is over the hill. With 40 years behind us, the wilderness option is still on the front burner. Maybe a little Advil, but we all can crush it in the back country. That said, we're old enough to start appreciating the easy way. So the idea of hitting the pause button for a year was well received. We could fish without fighting the wind in a canoe, explore a wide territory, carry live bait, and enjoy the benefits of coolers and ice. Come June, we packed my truck to the gills and drove North to the jumping off place on Lake Vermilion. Motors it was.
