My Journal, 16 June 2020
“Day 3, morning
Waking up to a scolding squirrel…I’m still on Loughrin Creek.
I’m going to look at this as a failed attempt…too much gear. I need to get down to minimum weight. This is not it; this is expedition gear. In the future, I need to go as light as possible with a waterproof bag to hang my food in. One pack and a canoe – two trips on each portage.
Today’s theme is commitment, as in losing it, rethinking it. I’ll get to Calm Lake and reassess this trip…”
After eating supper and drinking another liter of water, I had felt rejuvenated. The sun had already set, but it was still light. I decided to go back and get my canoe.
It was not a long walk to bring the boat to the top of the hill behind my campsite, but the hill itself was very steep. Carrying a canoe on my shoulders down that slope was to risk a sprained ankle. Even a minor accident while I was alone could have serious consequences. I had already got into the hyper-risk-adverse state I was told would happen on a solo trip by those who had done them.
I tied my throw-rope to the stern of the canoe and gave it a push. It slid down the trail over rocks and tree roots as I played out the line. When the bow came to a stop at the bottom of the hill, I finally had everything in one place again. I was done for the day.
I climbed into my tent, turned on my headlamp and wrote in my journal until I began to nod off. Despite all the water I had consumed, once I lay down, I slept the whole night.
The chattering of that annoyed squirrel confused me at first. I had been sleeping so soundly, I did not know where I was when I opened my eyes.
Is this working? 