Was able to get away for 6 days of Hammocking and Canoeing in the BWCA Wilderness
Gear:
Dream Hammocks Raven - love this and swear its comfier than my bed
Zpacks 20 Degree Bag
HammockGear 20 Degree underquilt 3/4 length. I've decided I'm bagging the 3/4 when temps drop. Just tired of trying to keep feet and legs warm. Called HG and put in big order for new gear
HAMMOCK HEXAGON TARP from MountainLaurel Designs
Here's a quick youtube vid I put together
https://youtu.be/xkaRpCkP0y4
Day 1 started in Pittsburgh and I drove 19 hours non-stop up to Kawishiwi Lake - EP37. I decided to take the route up through Upper Peninsula and glad that I went that route. Maybe a little longer but the scenery is much better.
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Got a good sleep in the back of the Xterra and was ready for my trip the next morning. The weather outlook for the week was lows in the 30s and highs in the 60s, perfect weather!
Got up the next morning and totally forgot that there was a time change. I thought that I was getting on the water a little late 0740hrs but as I put in the packboat someone who was going the same way said "getting out pretty early". Note to self: make sure to sync all devices!
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I was on a mission for the day and that consisted of getting to the campsite I had scoped out and wanted. Contrary to all the hoopla on the paddling forums of labor day weekend and permits I found that I was pretty much alone for the next few days. After 6 hours I finally made it to Malberg Lake, my home for the next two days.
Malberg is one the more unique lakes in that it has a sandy beach. There are others in the area.
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Last few hundred yards and I'm at home
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Large Glacial erratics deposited in the last ice age on the portage
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Sunset on Malberg
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After setting up my hammock and other gear it was time for dinner. Packit Gourmet! These are my go to mealso other than my own dehydrated ones. They are great and their customer service is awesome. I combine two meals for a kickass burrito.
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Combined and ready to eat.
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Bedroom with a view for the next two days
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That night all hell broke loose and I wish I would of had a video. Winds were gustin upwards of 50mph enough to actually move my packboat a few feet. I checked the weather forecast but as in Pittsburgh, just wait 30 mins and the weather will change. I stayed dry and warm in my hammock. I should of known by the sunset that the beauty wouldn't last.
Next morning was pretty windy and I cleaned up the firepit and gathered wood for the upcoming night. Did a little exploring and fishing. Landed a baby pike.
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French Pressed Coffee - gotta have it
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Cheese is a must on all my trip. I've never run into an issue even after 5 days. Goes great with my Chili and Homemade Spaghetti. If I'm out for more than 3 days I'm eating well. The spaghetti and chili I make for my trips taste as if it just came off the stove. They are simple to make, lightweight, and are delicious.
Gouda
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Spaghetti
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Chili
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