Do you every do something every year, and you feel like if you miss it once it has potential to become a pattern? We agreed back in 2016 that we would go to the Boundary Waters every spring. There are dozens of places we want to go, but given that the BW is an amazing wilderness area right in our State, we would go every spring.

In 2020, despite COVID we managed to sneak away for a trip…..after Brandon’s knee surgery in 2022 he was ready again to get back out…..so naturally….although I tore my ACL in February and had surgery in March, I didn’t want to miss this year. Initially we tossed it out, but when we looked again at our chosen entry point we considered it a possibility.

Typically we like to single portage (carry boat and belongings all in one trip) but knowing that I wouldn’t be able to carry weight, Brandon agreed to double portage all of our gear (make 2 trips) and that we would go for a short trip. We planned for 3 nights, but any amount of nights where we were safe, Sage was healthy and we enjoyed our time would be a win.

In the end we stayed for 2 nights, 3 days and opted to head out on a day of foul weather that lasted on and off into the night. Sleeping on the ground shy of 3 months post-op (even on the best sleeping pad) was only so comfortable and my desire to travel over rugged terrain feeling less that my best had less and less appeal.

We managed to find some relaxation in Duluth and some decent weather back home and enjoy the rest of our Days Off…and make it to my PT appointment.

We had a wonderful time being away….we swam and lounged, fished and ate walleye…Sage tromped around camp like the camp dog he is learning to be and we all enjoyed what the wilderness had to offer. Loons….stars….cools nights….and so many smells (Sage’s favorite). We managed to escape with no GI issues. Considering last year’s trip ended after a night of vomit in the tent and diarrhea so bad for a dog I didn’t even know was possible, we CRUSHED this year. Tent sleeping went mostly smooth-if you overlook that I woke up on the ground with Sage moved into my spot spooning with Brandon (I’m not jealous….I’m not jealous).

The three of us learned a lot about canoeing together-Sage does better in a confined space-and we came away from fishing unscathed….miraculously. Enjoy the video above which turned out to be more of a video about Sage than anything else-and I’m not mad about it.

Those of you that are curious….

Menu Day 1:

Fresh walleye as a pre dinner snack, cooked in butter and Lowrey’s

Mountain House Chili Mac with Cheese and Fritos

Wine and Fudge Stripped Cookies

Day 2:

Toasted bagels with butter, Coffee

Trail Mix, dried Mango, PB&J on Tortillas

Red Beans and Rice with Cheese and Chicken on Tortillas

Wine, Old Fashioneds, Fudge Stripped Cookies

Day 3:

Granola and Milk, Coffee

Sage had kibble with pumpkin, carrots, peas, spinach and chicken (plus a little of everything above) and lots of treats!!

All and all we had an amazing trip, can’t wait for next year hoping we’ll all be healthy and injury free!

Thanks for reading, follow the blog if you want to see more! Hopefully it dries out here in Minnesota soon so we can all get out and enjoy some Days Off!

Planning a trip of your own? I have a 4 part series on BW trip planning-get started HERE!