40 years is a good long time, congratulations on that old salt. Nice when you find something you really like.  :)

It's coming close to 20 years since our first time up there, but I don't remember using any canoes that first time  :-? We did take our first canoe trip the next summer... only about canoe 8 trips total so far.

A few things I remember from that first trip to the Ely area are those big pine trees, starting to realize the enormity of the area, the number of lakes and the way they are connected, and all of the other sights, sounds and smells that go with it. We really had no idea where we were until I noticed the map on the wall of the outfitters. Completely floored me. We ditched the cabin and loaded up some extra gas to go camping for a few days on Basswood... never travel without the camping equipment. No bad experiences that I remember, but a lot to try and learn along the way. When we came back from that first canoe trip in Wabakimi, I noticed my hiking boots still contained the sweet pine scent from the duff stuck in the treads.

I wish you another 40 years of tripping old salt, you guys have all set the bar pretty high.