2003 Participants

Joe Sr. - Big
Kelly - Cook
Joe - Jeepin
Tony - Dude
Jim - Pappy
Mike - Wet Feet

2003 Trip Summary

This is the story of six adventurers.

These hardened men have performed wilderness treks countless times; still, the vast unknown lies ahead. Specialized equipment lists have been created, modified and refined. The strained packs are cinched tight with the tools of the trade in their usual locations. The wear is obvious on many items that have proved useful and lightweight over the years. The anxious men are ready, with a year of preparation; this journey cannot begin soon enough.

'Dude', the younger son (Tony), works his way through the skies, hopping from airport to airport.

'Pappy', the cousin (Jim), pounds the Ohio roads.

Both with a single goal, arriving at the designated meeting point in Cincinnati, the home of 'Big'; the father (Joe). A larger gathering appears that evening at the local outfitter merchant. Ah yes, a canoe is now splitting the wind upon Big's vehicle. It is obvious to all; the expedition is near. Sleep will not come easy tonight.

Pre-dawn on day one. 'Jeepin', the older son (Joe), is underway from Columbus, navigating the empty early morning freeway. Somber farewells weigh heavily in his memory. The droning sound of the tires in the open vehicle, monotonous as it is, could not possibly put this adventurer back to slumber. There is simply too much on his mind, for today is The Day! Ninety minutes pass quickly, and he greets Big as he pulls in the drive.

Soon after hello's have been exchanged in Big's home with Pappy and Dude, another vehicle pulls in the drive. 'Cook', the son in law (Kelly), greets the anxious adventurers with a wide smile. Jeepin can't find his wallet with his necessary ID that customs will require! This will award him the Hat for sure! Ah, it's in his front pocket, he sighs in relief. The packs are arranged in the bed of Cook's pickup, and soon the five men are underway.

At the final stop, 'Wet Feet' the good friend (Mike, second from left), joins the group. He nods approvingly at his canoe strapped on top of Big's vehicle, and soon the six drive off in their two cars into the early morning.

Time passes well on the road-trip. Big, Pappy, and Wet Feet enjoy reminiscing with the sounds of Elvis. Cook, Dude, and Jeepin cannot get enough of the Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics CD. Soon, everyone will memorize the lyrics of Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel; Dead, Dead, Dead; and of course the timeless favorite, Merry F***ing Christmas!

Just outside of Eau Claire, the six take a break from the driving. They happily meet a past adventurer, Sparky (cousin Dave), at the local restaurant. It doesn't take long for designated drivers to be selected, and soon the meals are delivered. Sufficient as it was, the group agreed it was far better sustenance than the previous attempt at the 'Dam Restaurant' last year. Lures and goodbyes are exchanged, as this year Sparky is sadly not going to be in attendance. The six continue their drive on, reaching further northward. One of the last phone calls before the cell phones lose signal, goes out to another usual explorer, Ultra (Dwayne, Jeepin's in-law).

At last! The weathered sign overhead reads clearly 'End of the Road', and the Voyagaire Lodge is in plain view. This is the final destination for the weary travelers this night. The overnight bags are placed within the log-built bed and breakfast, and everyone anxiously bellies up to the bar. The perpetually cheerful bartender adds to the excitement as she explains that the local authorities have ordered a Fire Ban! Cook and others begin wondering, will the fuel last? Their boots are not yet on, and already thoughts of running out of supplies race through their heads. It may be tight, but the supplies will have to last. After one or two rounds, the 16-hour drive catches up with them, and all head to the rooms in two by two fashion.

The slowly sun creeps over the lake, and our travelers are already finishing with their last warm showers. Everyone meets outside nearly simultaneously, even though no wake-up calls were made. The carry bottles are topped off with fuel as full as possible at the bed of Cook's pickup truck. The packs get one final look to make sure everything is included.

While impressive breakfasts are being served, nervous laughter erupts over Ultra's near miss with the water flavoring last year. Everyone wonders quietly, 'what have I forgotten?' Just then, Dude silently thinks of the dead batteries in his equipment to himself.

The six adventurers quickly finish their meals, race to the docks, and hop on their puddle-jumpers. First stop, Canadian customs. The pilot, who is transporting Big and Jeepin, sighs unhappily as he notices an unfamiliar face wearing the uniform. No matter, after two or three questions, they are soon released to the air once more.

The planes carrying the travelers land at Campbells, where the owner greets them heartily near the office. Arrangements are made for their safe return in one week, licenses and permits are sorted out, and final purchases are made at the wilderness store. Soon, everyone is on board the towboat. The 200hp engine race the men through the lakes, weaving perilously close to jutting rocks and low water areas. Our driver, confident, this path has been worn well.

At last, Bottle Portage! The boat is relieved of the gear and three canoes, and a generous tip given to the driver. More than one adventurer hopes our driver will remember this token, and bear gifts upon their return.

Not long into their journey, it becomes obvious this will not be a cool day. Long pants become short, and shirts come off. Jeepin shares his sun lotion with Dude, both relieved that this item made it on the short list of equipment.

As they paddle the lakes and come to a portage, a moose grunts and snorts his disapproval of the trespassers. This is no ordinary moose, but quite a large bull moose who makes a second charge towards the group! It then reluctantly retreats into the deep woods. Finally the men arrive at Curtain Falls, and prepare their lunch of peanut butter and jelly on pita bread.

The group continues on. One short paddle, and they arrive at a rather large portage. This one has been remembered from last year as 'Son of Elvis' due to the rugged nature and length.

The final portage behind them, the group of exhausted and dehydrated men make a slow paddle to what will become their home for two nights. Camp is set up, and several jump into the cool water to relax their muscles. Soon after, the hammocks find their place, and their owners comfortably relax.

That evening, two canoes head out to test the fishing while one remains beached. This campsite, high atop an island comprised of a single large hill in Argo Lake, is home to large amount of small squirrels. Practically infested, the friendly rodents think nothing of the campers' equipment, scurrying about without regard to the six campers. The food pack will most definitely need to be hung tonight! A quick look at the memorizing stars, and the adventurers pass out in their tents.

The next morning, everyone awakes to a curious noise. The squirrels proceed to drop pinecones from the trees, many landing on the tents. Later in the afternoon, they will scurry about nibbling on them from the ground. The six fishermen have a wonderful day fishing with low winds, they will have a great meal (or two) tonight! The sky becomes hazy and stargazing will have to be canceled.

The adventurers wake to a new day, and the fishing seems to get even better if it could be possible. Camp is packed up after a large fish lunch, and the group paddles off into the unknown. Now the wind is really blowing hard, so hard that the canoes are barely upright in the crashing waves.

Jeepin and Wet Feet take the lead in the lightweight canoe. They do not realize they are heading into an incorrect bay until it is too late. The others attempt to beach their canoes while waiting for them to realize their mistake. Tragedy occurs as they are blown into the rocks, nearly capsizing one of the canoes. Dude leaps into the water. Everyone recovers, and heads towards another portage.

The wind blows so hard that a tree crashes down just off the portage that they are taking at that moment! They come to Elk lake, Wet Feet and Jeepin gallantly brave the final lake withstanding crashing waves in attempt to find a more suitable site. The location will not suffice, and they return to the previous to set up camp. That night, the wind dies down, and the heavens shine brightly all of the wondrous stars. Mars appears larger and brighter than ever, what a view these men have.

The next morning, it appears a small wolf or bobcat has visited the group and has left a gift near camp. Wet Feet agrees, and describes hearing the patter of four small feet that morning. The fishing becomes incredible. Smallmouth, Largemouth, Walleye, Pike, Trout, and now Bluegill? Lunch becomes entertaining as Pappy tries his hand at making bread . literally. The campers plan their trip for tomorrow afternoon to head back to Argo Lake. More than one would like to fish in the early morning, and plan to exclaim, "Fish are biting!" as soon as one of them wakes the next morning. They would like to head into an even more remote lake in the morning. Tonight however, the clouds roll in. Big and Cook compare their barometer watches, both signal trouble.

Rain! Jeepin clambers out of the tent in the early morning to survey the damage. Soon after, Cook and Dude join him in the pounding rain. Everything is soaked to the core. The deck of cards is disintegrating in a green bin filled with water. Dude's camera is soaked. Cook's tent feels as if it is perched atop a waterbed. The three laugh at their predicament, joking out loud, "Fish are biting!" to wake the elders. Of course, they do not acknowledge. Although they cannot clearly make out their words, still, they are not going to venture out of the dry tents into the storm by any means.

The rain subdues enough so that the group can pack up camp yet again, and they head towards the Roland lakes. Their plans are changed, as travel will be difficult today, and their desire to fish would just make this more difficult. The rain and waves crash and spray over their canoes. Regardless of the raingear, no man would be dry today! The wind always at their face as they cross Argo Lake, the rain feels like needles piercing their skin.

Finally they come to their third camp location on Roland Lake. Again, the rain slows to a mist, allowing enough time to set up camp. Ultra's rain tarp is installed at the usual location. What a journey so far! Everyone retreats to the comforts of the dry tents, and finally gets some rest.

A new day, and this one appears to be very promising. All of the adventurers spread out shoes, clothing, gear, almost everything, in order to dry them out. Storm clouds appear everywhere throughout the day, yet the rain luckily stays far enough away. Roland Lake again proves to be a fantastic fishing area. The group is re-energized. Great fishing, dry gear, and the fire ban MUST be lifted by now! Everyone takes in the excitement, for this is the last full day in the wilderness. Breakfast is made for the next morning. There will be no time to make it in the morning; so all preparations are made tonight.

The adventurers wake up in their tents for the last time. Cook breaks out the cold pancakes and 'pepperoni' bread, made the night before. Of course, it's not really pepperoni bread; just pizza crust dough sprinkled with bacon bits. No matter, this is quite a treat for the weary bunch. Camp is quickly picked up, one last look around, and the six are back in their canoes on this cool morning. The light fog is slowly lifting, giving way to the rising sun.

The canoeists paddle on, passing the area where the forest fire was burning last year due to a lightning storm. Not too much damage, but a long stretch of scorched trees along the river. They continue on past Curtain Falls, drifting underneath a majestic eagle in the tallest tree. This is a beautiful day to be out in the wilderness, but everyone's mind is on loved ones back at home.

Finally, Bottle Portage has come up. There is another small group of awkward travelers passing in as our adventurers come out of the wilderness. This new group is obviously very inexperienced. A seemingly infinite number of loose items are scattered throughout the portage, and arguments are already abounding. Our adventurers gape in wonder, almost too dumbfounded to laugh. almost. The blundering travelers declare that they are not going far into the wilderness, and this is their first (and only) portage they will attempt. The six adventurers sigh in relief, shaking their heads.

Our group unloads the burden from the canoes, drops their packs, and finally allows themselves to relax. They have finally arrived at the very same rock that they were dropped off at several days ago. Now is the time for the Hat Award! Wet Feet and Jeepin are put through the ringer for their navigation error earlier in the week. But when the votes come out, Dude takes the Hat, primarily due to his dead batteries and lost fish pliers.

In the distance, the whine of a boat is heard coming closer. Ah yes, the adventurers' ride has arrived! The towboat captain assists in loading the packs and canoes, and soon they are speeding back to Campbells. The captain then kicks back a cooler to the group; he has brought Canadian beers for everyone! What a way to complete the trip.

Soon after, they arrive at Campbells. The group balances the accounts, purchases gifts, and discusses next year's plans with the owner and pilots. The adventurers are back in the air, past customs, and eating their first restaurant cooked meal at Voyagaire's.

Back in the cars, our group continues on the long ride home. Many are discussing alternative ways to reach Crane Lake next year, and none of them involve driving 16 hours.

Look out! A deer suddenly crosses the desolate highway and Big's vehicle narrowly misses the spirited creature. The accident was missed by such a small margin, and Big believes that he actually hit the tail of the animal as it managed to clear itself from the oncoming adventurers.

The group makes a final gas stop, and discusses the near miss. Cook and Dude race off to a nearby grocery store to pick up provisions (consisting entirely of six and twelve packs). Not before long, they all make it to the Antler Inn. They relax in one of the rooms. Taking turns with the shower, reclining with the flavorful beers, and watching the end of an OSU football game. Eventually, they all turn in for the night.

Another driving day arrives, and the group slowly parts as Dude is left at the Chicago Airport, and Wet Feet and his canoe are dropped off at his home. Eventually, the remainder arrives at the source of the trip, Big's Home.

Final estimation is over 800 fish. Another incredible journey ended.