Wednesday, June 22, 2016 Parting is such sweet sorrow. The warming sun and cheery call of the birds woke us early on exit day. We soaked in the last of the beauty of Tuscarora and packed up swiftly, knowing the work we had in front of us to get back to the car, the long mile to mile and a half long portage to Missing Link. With the lake still shimmering like glass, we set off to conquer our last true test of the trip. And you know what, we did it! We trudged along that portage at a slow but steady snail's pace, and even got some encouragement from a couple of lovely ladies headed the opposite way as us. Their, "You're almost there, ladies!" gave us even more motivation to do the job. Through the muck, the mire, and they mild misery, seeing that expanse of open sky when we got to Missing Link, well, we were smiling like fools!
The rest of the journey was easy. The learning was hard but worth it. Today, as I write this, looking back on this trip I have nothing but fond memories and respect for the work we did and how we did it. We've come a long way since that short foray in the BWCA. Krystal and I, (I'm Tina, by the way) each paddle solo ultralight Northstar kevlar boats and double portage every portage. There's so much to see when you double portage! We take long two week trips and have not stopped returning each year for a trip or two or three since this first challenge. Though it may have been one of the more difficult adventures in our lives, that difficulty etched a deep love and respect for this heart wrenchingly beautiful wilderness.
I hope you enjoyed reminiscing with me on my first ever trip report. I had fun traveling back in time and I hope to share more of our trips with you all. Paddle on!