On our last trip we had four 50-somethings (one of the guys may have been 60), a 40-something and an early 20-something who looked to be strong and in decent shape.

At end of the first (long travel) day, the college kid -- even though he'd been one of the ones who got to single portage -- ate a quick supper, took a handful of Ibuprofen and went to bed really early.

At end of the trip, he sighed and said something along the lines of "it's embarrassing to be half everybody's ages and barely be able to keep up. That first day kicked my *&^$#."

Sounds like most others on this forum have had similar experiences, or rather live them every day.

I hope to emulate you fellows. If I'm wandering the woods at 83 like rmb's grandfather, I will die a contented man.

-- kypaddler