October Camping

Bill and I had been planning a weekend camping trip for several weeks. We went on a hiking trip last fall, and while it was pretty, the colors just weren’t as bold as we’d hoped. So, we decided we’d have to go a bit earlier this year. It seemed perfect as the leaves were really changing last week. We were excited to get out into the quiet woods!

We kept watch on the forecast all week and were certain it was going to change for the better by Friday afternoon. As we drove from our schools to meet in Tower, the temps were cool, but the sun was shining. We dropped Bill’s car off at my grandparents then continued our drive together up to Ely.

We had to make a stop at Piragis to grab a couple of last minute items. The sky got darker, the temperatures colder. We made the decision to stay in Ely for the night, as there wasn’t much daylight left when we were finally ready to head to the Moose Lake entry point. After a night in the comfort of a local hotel, we awoke to a white morning.

We headed out anyway.

The waves were moving quickly and carrying us outward. We decided it’d be a good idea to try paddling back into them before we got too far away. The boat rocked and water splashed over the bow. It wasn’t long before we realized that not only would the trip back in be a difficult paddle if the waves continued, it wouldn’t be a safe decision to keep going. So, we turned around. It wasn’t an easy decision to make (I made Bill make the call), but I do think it was a wise one.

Our spirits were up from time outside and an hour long paddle, so we decided to plan for a different kind of weekend fun. We stopped along the road back to take in all of the fall colors. And we went and had tea at a little place I’ve been wanted to check out in Ely.

We extended our outting with some appetizers in Virginia before heading to a movie. Then it was home for the evening. I curled up in bed early and Bill watched the Wild play. All in all, I’d say we had a pretty good camping trip.