We live in the beautiful port town of Ludington!  My Pops earned his PhD from MSU in horticulture and taught at the University of Idaho (where I was born and attended even though I only lived there are short while of my life) and Purdue University.  So, I cheer on the Boilers sometimes...but am a Spartan fan through and through... I actually thought we'd be in a New Year's Day bowl this year....I'm truly an optimist.

My dad (we lost him in December of last year) was the one who introduced me to the Boudary Waters in '74 when he took us boys on a trip in.  I still have the receipts.  As I recall the plane ride in cost him $52 for all of us....

Before he died he told me the one thing in his life he wished he would have continued to do was the wilderness canoeing and camping.  He then handed me my new #4 Duluth Pack and all his old packs.  No promises needed.

He had the opportunity to be introduced to the Quetico by Lou Leopold, a colleague at Purdue and one of Aldo's sons.  I only met Lou when I was a boy, but I have my dad's notes of their trip in.  His daily log is interesting and consisted of a lot of detail in plants, animals and weather.  

The North Country is in my blood.  I sit in the evening and read Sigurd Olson's "Loons of Lac LaCroix" and remember how they cried and laughed for me and my sons in '06 as we stayed on the island across from Warrior Hill.

I'm anxious to go back.  Anxious to share this awesome land with my wife.  

Thanks again for all the thoughts and I look forward to planning this and many more trips with all of your input.

Deano