Half day Wisconsin paddle with my dog Jake.

[Bob B.]

On Saturday, my dog Jake and I went on a 1/2 day adventure of exploring the timber and as well as a local lake. The day started out around 43 degrees but did warm up a few and the water temp is still about 41, so we have to be a bit careful.

We started out at the boat landing and were the only ones on the water - nice!

We paddled around for a while and then hit the timber for a good walk. Jake loves to be in the timber. We explored a sunny hill side for about a mile or so, then made out way back to the canoe.

We then paddled for a while with Jake doing a good bit of navigating for me. He enjoys being up in the bow checking every thing out.

After a bit we hit another trail for a several mile walk in the timber. We kicked up a few turkeys and a grouse ... boy he wanted to go after that grouse something fierce, but he listened well.

After several hours or hiking and paddling, we loaded up the truck and headed home. It was a nice way to spend Easter Weekend.

Happy Easter everyone.

Bob.

 

[UPpaddler]

Nice post. Like the boat, like the dog. North of you here in the UP, the inland lakes are still solid. Anxious to get out.

 

[sailsman63]

I recognize that lake... Took a hike up around that end last weekend. Kind of sad what happened to the pine cliff trail in the tornado...

 

[Mihun09]

Wow, so that is what open water looks like...

4 foot high by 100 foot by 40 foot snow drift in the backyard still.

 

[MacCamper]

Happy dog, happy day. Looking forward to taking my dog out as soon as my project is complete. At times she looks at the canoe on the rack with a rather pensive stare. Swell looking hound and a great looking canoe too.

 

[Rippy]

Good for you Bob. Glad you got out for a romp in the woods and a paddle. I like your friend. Is the knee pretty good by now? I'm pretty sluggish yet. I've had two short river walks but no paddling yet.
Dave

 

[Bob B.]

Dave,

The knee ... well, it is what it is I guess. I still can not bend it as much as I should - don't think I will ever get that back. I can not paddle like I used to - hurts too much, gotta get out of the boat sooner than I want to . I am hopeful with more canoe time, I will be able to paddle for longer stretches before I have to get out of the boat. I am getting better at paddling both sitting and kneeling, but kneeling has always been the only way I have ever paddled - it is not an easy transition for me. Thanks for asking. Do you have any plans to paddle with your daughter again this year?

Bob.

 

[Jim Dodd]

You are making me want a dog bad !

Great weekend !

Jim

 

[Rippy]

Dave,

The knee ... well, it is what it is I guess. I still can not bend it as much as I should - don't think I will ever get that back. I can not paddle like I used to - hurts too much, gotta get out of the boat sooner than I want to . I am hopeful with more canoe time, I will be able to paddle for longer stretches before I have to get out of the boat. I am getting better at paddling both sitting and kneeling, but kneeling has always been the only way I have ever paddled - it is not an easy transition for me. Thanks for asking. Do you have any plans to paddle with your daughter again this year?

Bob.

Bob, "It is what it is" has become a way of life for me. Hopefully you will gain some more ground. I have fair days and bad days but I think I have spent most of my good days. I will keep making adjustments as I go.
My daughter recently lost her job so I said good, I need a bow paddler in early May. I was planning a solo but I won't pass up this opportunity to trip together. We are planning a easy loop trip in the BWCA. The plan is to put in at Lake One and paddle east to Alice Lake where will will base a couple days and then return. If my body is not cooperating when the time comes we will base camp instead in a camp ground and day trip. One way or another I hope to spend some time in the North Woods this spring before the rush.

 

[Bob B.]

Hey Dave,

It ain't the years it's the miles eh! I am glad we keep on enjoying the back country, even if it is at a different pace than when we were younger with less miles. I am sorry to hear about your daughter, but I sure hope you two get a chance for another trip.

Have a great trip this spring, and post lots of your awesome pics. I hope your back behaves for you this year.

Bob.

 

[Srobocop]

Lucky! Here in the UP the lakes are mainly still frozen. Hoping in a week or two i'll be able to get out, but with the upcoming temps and weather that looks to be iffy. Either way, glad to see someone getting out!

 

[Mama]

Looks familiar. Governor Dodge State Park?

 

[Bob B.]

Yes, that day trip was on Cox Hollow in Gov' D. Things are starting to green up there a bit, but it is still cold with water temps still in the low 40's. At least we are lucky and have open water however.

Bob.

 

[Slippery Pete]

Bob,

I really enjoyed seeing the photos. Jake looks great but then I am very partial to vizslas! Beautiful canoe also. I finally outfitted my canoe with a pad for Sophie (my vizsla) and I hope to take my maiden 2016 day trip tomorrow if the wind is OK. If you don't mind, what is the size and make of his DFD?

Oh, btw... if a picture if giving you that rotation trouble, you can easily fix it in the phone camera by hitting options, then rotate (right or left). If it is already on your computer, you can use MS Paint to rotate it.

Cary

 

[Bob B.]

Cary,

It is not a PFD he is wearing, it is his tripping harness/pack - he loves it. I really like it, it is the Palisades pack from Ruff wear. The size is medium and it is a bit big for him adjusted to the smallest setting. My dog is still a pup basically and figure he will fill out some. He is about 50 pounds right now, but pretty skinny at 14 months. The pack does come off the harness. We use the harness all the time when in the canoe or training in the timber with the leash attached to him and my waist. The bags attach over the top of the harness.

http://www.ruffwear.com/Palisades-Pack_2

I put his gear in the side bags, (in a dry bag first). I try to keep it pretty light. I think the pack is very well made for what it is worth.

Bob.

 

[Srobocop]

Bob,

Good looking canoe, and nice trip report. Are all the lakes open now your way? I just went for a drive and most if not all are still frozen over here. Looks like I'm still a week or two out before I can paddle anywhere.

 

[Bob B.]

We have been spoiled by an early spring. I was paddling with Jake last weekend, the water temp dropped to below 40 degrees, and the ambient temp was a sunny 30 F. This weekend, the temp was in the 70's. Many people were out walking trails in shorts and T-shirts. I saw some kids playing in the water on the beach! ( water is still in the mid 50's at best). You can not swim in it, but I guess one can splash and wade - Brrr! Anyway, no solid water here, rivers and lakes are all open.

I will keep my fingers crosses for you to get out soon.

Bob.