Friday September 23, 2022
Our planned early getaway was stalled by cold weather and wet gear. I was out of the tent before sunrise waiting to see what the sky was going to show us, the old red sky at morn sailor take warn adage. The sky was pink. By 9:30 we were heading into a cold wind. Searching for the best approach to the open water among the reeds of the Little Sioux. The sky vacillated between clouds angry and sad. Variously the sun popped out to lighten our way and our moods. But mostly we felt a bone chilling cold seep into our laced and jacketed bodies. Our first day’s portage was Elm 65 with its beautiful falls. it seemed shorter than we remembered. Then we headed toward the end, beating into the wind.
Three canoes passed by, just beginning their trips. The wind at their backs made everything happy for them. However, the weather predictions were sad. Each smiled brightly. Even the weather can’t mar beginning enthusiasm.
The ending for us is lightened by three playful river otters swimming gracefully. The baby poked its head high out of the water to watch us. Its parents moved it along. We didn’t remember our beginning portage at all. But now it seemed longer than 40 rods.
The trip back to the outfitters on the gravel road was slowed by the ill-fit of the canoe on our car. We couldn’t secure it quite right as the Prius has no attachment points. The front strap was holding to the under body tray, and the rear was grabbing the muffler hangar. So we drove slowly and stopped for many small adjustments.
After we showered, we headed for Aurora MN. Neither of us had been there. I was curious because the author William Kent Krueger set his detective series there. I’ve listened to a couple of his novels on audiobooks while I run. The town didn’t seem as interesting without Cork O’Conner the protagonists working on a case.
So we headed over to the next town, Hoyt Lakes. Their Country Inn had a Jacuzzi suite. One small kindness for our well-used bodies.
Mountain Peace 