wrote on Jun 25^th, 2005 at 8:00pm:

Since no one else seems inclined to admit it I will. I'm bummed! After all the hype I expected more would make it. Lots of us who once considered it but eventually thought "I don't think so" sat here hoping we could enjoy the rendezvous vicariously... This is just plain disappointing. It's just not the same.

My first reaction, experiencing the BWJ vicariously from Our Nation's Capital, was similar to db's.  But then I also had the reaction, which someone else refered to earlier:  it's also nice to know that Quetico is a true wilderness and can defeat the most valiant voyageurs among us sometimes.

Stumpy, from the story you tell, I would be disappointed too, but it sure doesn't sound like you should be beating yourself up (no comment about others).  If I were hexnymph, pghportager et al. I would also be a tiny bit disappointed not to find others at the bushwhack lake (but also -- they have to admit it -- kinda happy to be the only ones to make it).  As for everyone else, it sounds like the pink phlamingoes sang their siren song and made them happy to forgo a real effort to get there -- who can say that wasn't for the best.  (The Jimboree looked like a blast).

Anyway, if there is another BWJ sooner than 5 years I would like to take a stab at it.  That would give me a chance before I turn 50.  I'm sure Stumpy will be there to shake my hand if I get there this time.