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  1. #1
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    A Forgotten Lake - Paddling in Michigans Upper Peninsula

    Paddling is my favorite way to explore new places. Whether its seeing whats around the next twist and turn of a river, or discovering a forgotten lake deep in the backcountry, the experience of exploring from a canoe is unparalleled.

    Recently I had an opportunity to spend a weekend paddling and exploring a back corner of Michigans Upper Peninsula with my brother. We each soloed our own canoes and quietly cut our way along the rocky shores, back bays, and creek inlets of a couple forgotten lakes.

    We managed to luck into a pleasant patch of late October weather with temps in the mid 50s during the day and 30s at night. Apart from the off and on sprinkles when we arrived, we were blessed with clear skies. Picturesque fall camping weather.

    Most of the trees had already abandoned their leaves, the tamaracks had turned a golden yellow and the lake water was cold and dark. With no real agenda and nowhere to be, our pace was slow and methodical, drinking in the beauty of our surrounds and enjoying each others company.

    Its always surprising to me how much time we can allow to pass without intentionally connecting with those who matter most to us. Friends, family, children, spouses, they all fall victim to the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. Im ashamed to say that recently Ive lost sight of pursuing some of these relationships with the intentionality they deserve, and this last adventure has caused me to realize how much Ive truly missed my brother. My confidante. My adventure partner. My wingman. My best friend.

    Im looking forward to next our next adventure.

    Hope you enjoy the images.

    A.A.

    https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52507428892_634eec1714_b.jpg
    Taking it all in

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    Moon greeting us as we paddled across our destination lake


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    Paddling in the waning light


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    Warbonnet Blackbird XLC with tarp in half pitch mode to take in the night sky


    https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52508380510_07d6789db6_h.jpg
    Rolled into camp late on night one, so we huddled around the Firebox before turning in


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    Oats for breakfast


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    Pine and rock lined shores


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    Taking a break to wet a line


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    Where will it lead?


    https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52508177779_614d704a8b_h.jpg
    Dinner: Venison Steak, sautéed mushrooms & onions, mashed potatoes, and Hawaiian rolls


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    Tandem paddle


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    Sun-soaked shoreline


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    Found a few fish


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    Morning fire


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    Stroop and coffee


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    Morning fire #2


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    Maple White patiently waiting


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    Glass


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    The long carry out
    Last edited by Adventurous_Angler; 11-18-2022 at 15:43.

  2. #2
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    Beautiful pictures. I miss the UP. Thank you for sharing your trip.

  3. #3
    all secure in sector 7 Shug's Avatar
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    Love it and appreciate the photo captions.
    Sound like the trip really got you thinking about the truly most important things in our lives. Easy to lose site of that with all of today's Clutter. Good on ye'
    Envious of your paddle.
    Shug
    Whooooo Buddy)))) All Secure in Sector Seven

  4. #4
    chromedome's Avatar
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    Nice! Big island lake canoe area?

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by ATPringles View Post
    Beautiful pictures. I miss the UP. Thank you for sharing your trip.
    ATPringles - I certainly think the UP is one of the upper Midwest's treasurers and feel so fortunate to be able to access it a few times each year.

    A.A.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Shug View Post
    Love it and appreciate the photo captions.
    Sound like the trip really got you thinking about the truly most important things in our lives. Easy to lose site of that with all of today's Clutter. Good on ye'
    Envious of your paddle.
    Shug
    Shug - Glad you enjoyed the photos! And yes, this trip was the reset I needed to help refocus on the truly important things... Time in the woods does the soul good, but you know that well.

    Hoping we can take the leap this year and try surviving a night or two winter camping.

    Cheers!
    A.A.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by chromedome View Post
    Nice! Big island lake canoe area?
    Chromedome - It was not, but BILW is an area Ive wanted to visit for some time. Seems like a wonderful place to explore with a canoe. We actually considered BILW but decided to save it for when we had a little more time. Hoping we can get over that way next summer (TR to follow of course).

    A.A.

  8. #8
    New Member 3 Feet High and Rising's Avatar
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    wow what a trip, Place look lovely
    To much chat, not enough hang.

  9. #9
    Senior Member ofuros's Avatar
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    Enjoyable Weekender...thanks for sharing, A_A.
    Mountain views are good for the soul....& getting to them is good for my waistline.

    https://ofuros.exposure.co/

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3 Feet High and Rising View Post
    wow what a trip, Place look lovely
    It was fantastic - Didn't see another soul.

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