We paddled past rock lined shores and through narrow bays to start our journey through Little Gabbro and into Gabbro. Between the lakes we had to line our canoes through a small rapids and up a riffle. We found our route without any problems and it was a beautiful journey, which took less than an hour. Our island campsite was empty and as gorgeous as I remember it. All the students went canoing and Rich and Jake and I had an organizational meeting to plan the next two days and drink some coffee. Alex helped prepare a supper of grilled steak, baked potatoes and salad. Gerrit helped clean up. All during supper we watched a awesome clear-sky sunset. After supper the guys wrote in my journal, Alex noted the following: This morning when I woke up I was ready to start the trip. We had some cereal and eggs with a good cup of coffee. Once we got to the Boundary Waters I was so excited. This place is so beautiful. I like standing on a big rock and looking over the whole lake. It makes me feel so free. I hope there are some really cool things that I learn while I'm here. I know one thing, that I will always remember this trip. So far it is the best trip that I have ever been on. Thank-you Mr. Griffin for letting us in your house and coming out here with us. It would not be the same without you. Also thanks Mr. Kincaid, you're the coolest guy ever. Nick journaled the following: So far today has been great. We got up bright and early and ate our breakfast. It went well as soon as we got to portage. We did have to get another life jacket which was put in the hands of Jake. We knew he could do it and he did in time to carry a couple packs down to the lake.After he got back we all hopped into our canoes and went on our way to our camping spot and we got our lunch quick and in a hurry. Then we explored the island and made it easily back around the island by the time it was to get firewood. Later on we ended up swimming for a while, which was fun but a terrible idea because it was so cold. After a while Alex and G made supper while Gerrit and I looked for wood. We had supper and filled up on water and made s'mores. Now we are writing in the book and talking about our canoe issues, and looking at the lake, a perfect day. Gerrit entered the following notes in my journal: This is our first day in the Boundary Waters as a class. I am having lot of fun. I like to think that the rest of our class is too. I enjoy being outside and in nature. I love being able to look at the stars. It is one of my favorite things to do. It is better here where there is no light to disturb the natural light of the stars. Today we canoed for a long distance. It was a first time for a lot of people, but they got better as the day went on. The weather is beautiful. It is supposed to be beautiful for the rest of the trip. I am hoping that it continues. Moral is high. Bill continues to write the following: Unbelievably we slept late and got done with Sturdiwheat pancakes with walnut and chocolate chips just before Gemima and Victor paddled over. They were joining our group for the days activities. I shared Jim Brandenburg's "Chasing the Light" and had a discussion about composition in photography. We headed for the swamp in hopes of seeing a moose. We sat quietly in the swamp for half an hour hoping that the huge creatures might appear. We did see bugs, dragon flies, birds and lots of muck but no moose. We traveled back to the main part of the bay and stopped for lunch and to search for images to capture in our cameras. The sun was shining and there was a perfect breeze to keep us cool on this very warm October day. Helicopters and airplanes flew over several times an hour on their way to fight the fire East of our position. Upon returning to camp everyone took personal time to swim, journal, climb rocks and bask in the sun. Supper was bean and rice burritos. All was devoured while watching a classic BWCA sunset. The evening was super, we made s'mores around the campfire while the half moon shone down on us. The next morning we switched groups. I introduced the photography lesson again and headed for the swamp. We made many stops coming and going and the student's recorded many fine images at each location. The granite rocks in this area are works of art using shape, line, texture and color. Rich and Jake were waiting at my camp when we returned. The kids went to gather firewood and journal. The adults discussed the departure schedule for the next morning. Afterwards Alex and I had a good cup of coffee too. Early in the evening Alex and I paddled over to see Rich. Alex had a couple important items to discuss with him. Rich gave us cookies which we devoured as soon as we returned to our camp. That evening around the fire Gerrit told me that the BWCA is beautiful, serene, relaxing and maximizes your emotional well being. Gerrit also liked the stars and moon. Nick concluded that the BWCA is reality and that it is a Paradise that relieves stress. For me these 3 days have been wonderful because of the enthusiastic students, the perfect clear skies, warm temperatures, great campfires, s'mores, steaks and friendship.
