Day one? Check!

KAMINISTIQUIA RIVER - Day One

It seems rather fitting to set out on a canoe trip for the entire summer on the summer solstice. What an absolutely perfect note to begin the new season on. And what a day to send us off - blue skies, tail winds, gentle current, and great company.

It was so fun to have folks paddle with us to Neste boat launch for lunch today - joining us for the first 9km of our journey.

These two boys were among the paddlers with us this morning. They hardly reacted when we told them how far we’re heading this summer, but then they heard that we'd be out until they returned to school in the fall. After a morning full of exhausting canoeing (1 hour downstream with a tailwind) they decided that our journey would be much more hard work than fun. We beg to differ.

Many people sent us off with kind words and advice. My sister wrote in a note "don't be a tomato." Sorry Tara, I've already failed in the first 12 hours. In the chaos of getting the boats and gear into the car, cutting a ribbon to open the trail and start the trip, talking to the local paper, and then setting out at last - sunscreen was really a minor detail that slipped our minds. I now am modeling a pair of red tights and Erik has his sunglasses nicely outlined on his face.

It's really cool paddling down the Kam, as we start in what feels like the wilderness and then pass through industrial and urban settings. We paddled right beside big cargo ships, under bridges, by parks and houses and marinas.

Now we've reached superior so send thoughts of calm lakes our way. Fingers crossed for the weather to remain beautiful and for our aloe supply not to run out too soon.