Escape

Clearwater Lake, BWCAW

Day One

Leaving at dawn, the eldest son and I hit the road, ending up on highway 61, the highway of legend- from Dylan's lament to Robert Johnson's crossroads, to New Orleans. We go nearly to the other end, turning off at Grand Marais, going WNW up the Gunflint Trail and entering the chilly pure water of Clearwater Lake, with some scenic bluffs overlooking our sleek Kevlar canoe, loaded with the gear for a week away from the world of everyday existence. The "real world" or is this the real one? Take your pick. The eldest explains the geology that is laid out like a textbook illustration for us. We portage 211 rods to West Pike Lake, find a campsite, and have a meal of Moroccan lamb bratwurst. My thoughts haven't quite cleared, sleep is fitful that night, the next day will take us further...