My used Tarptent served me well. The size was fine for me and it was super easy to pitch and take down.

I loved the ease of using the Fancy Feast can alcohol stove I had made. The majority of my dinners (and some breakfasts) just required boiling water and adding it the food.

I loved my food jar method for rehydrating my meals. I knew from past experience that I absolutely detest eating out of a plastic baggie. Too much food gets stuck in the corners, they are awkward and floppy, and it just feels wrong. But my Talenti ice cream jar, with homemade cozy made eating feel more normal. Cleaning was a dream, because I just add some water when done eating, shake, and drink.

My CCS rucksack and 8x10 tarp are beautifully designed and are great additions to my gear collection.

My in-camp footwear choice was really bad. I am going back to my Crocs.

I need better containers for carrying my stove alcohol. The supposed alcohol fuel bottles I bought leaked!

My canoe set up was excellent for paddle stowage at portages. I still need to add a bungie cord along the length of the front thwart so I can easily secure my map when I don't want to have it in the map case. I need to shorten my bow and stern lines. They were much too long which made them annoying to keep neat.

I carried the right amount of gear, except too many clothes for this incredibly hot weather. I did a good job on the food quantity, except somehow I packed 2 extra breakfasts instead of just one emergency meal. And I packed too many soup snacks. It was just too hot to want soup. I left the trip with the 2 extra oatmeals, my last lunch (because I had camped so much closer to the exit than expected), 2 leftover instant soups, and 1 of my desserts.

I loved my breakfast smoothies. They allowed me to get out of camp fast in the morning and then drink a breakfast whenever I needed my 1st break.

This route was much more isolated than I expected. That had its good and bad moments. I was definitely challenged physically and mentally.

Notes from return: As I mentioned in the beginning, I had been torn about taking this trip with my dad so ill. Happily, he was still alive when I returned. I was able to spend the next 2 days caring for him and being with him before he passed away on July 7th with me by his side. I can't thank him and my mom enough for everything they gave me as a child. The best gift of all was giving me the skills and confidence to travel the world and try new outdoor experiences. I am forever blessed. And as a mother, I am so proud of my son as he gets out into the world and tackles the challenges that come from life. I am looking forward to our family trip next week and feel fortunate that he still wants to travel with his parents even after his new found independence.