Father's Day

In my continuing efforts to up the ante on the annual Father's Day trip, this year I decided to take Stella up to the edge of the Boundary Waters. Some friends of mine were going to be in the area so we met them for a night of wilderness camping. Lucy opted to stay home this year, and might be inclined to do so next year too, but rest assured, she will be indoctrinated into the Father's Day festivities once she is capable.

Stella and I drove up to Ely on Friday night. We were supposed to meet our friends that night, but we got in a little late. With daylight waning and the wind howling, I opted for a bed at the fishing resort we were setting out from rather than a frantic paddle. After a good night's rest we set off in the morning drizzle, made our rendezvous, and then paddled to a campsite a little ways away.

Stella was somewhat disappointed that none of her "girlfriends" could come, but she got along well with the 3 McFerrin boys. She did great on the trip and seems to enjoy canoeing and camping with the exception of the pooping in the woods component. She's a sit and read the newspaper kind of gal and that sort of pace doesn't work out too well when the mosquitoes are preparing to carry you away. All in all a good trip. Enjoy the pictures.

Enjoying a giant S'more.

Self portrait in the tent.

Her new favorite hobby. She didn't catch anything this time, but we bought $25 worth of mostly pink lures on the way home.

Helping with the dishes

Lucy's reaction when I asked if she wanted to come along. Despite "talking" quite a lot lately, she was speechless.