Houghton, MI to Redridge, MI: daily miles 18.9, total miles 18.9
First day went pretty well. Arni from Downwind drove our boats down to the water for us, where we met a few friends, packed our boats, and set off after a few goodbyes. There was a pretty heavy fog over the Portage and the morning was cold but the wind was low and the water was flat, making it an excellent day to embark on our adventure. Matt and I had a nice easy paddle in the morning, stopping at Hancock Beach and the beginning of the seawall to stretch our legs. My boat was hooking to the left a little all morning, but it was just how I packed the weight in my boat which we soon fixed. Ate lunch at the break wall which separates the portage from the big lake. Lunch was a little chilly, but good because Matt’s parents brought us fried chicken, potato salad, chips, juice, and more. The second half of the day was a little more difficult because we were both sore and Matt’s stomach was upset. It was such a relief when we rounded the last point and saw the Redridge Stack because we had seen the Freeda Stack and thought we may have miles left before our day was over. Matt’s parents met us on the beach and made us hotdogs while we set up camp and dried off. I’m tired and it’s a little hard to lift my arms, but all-in-all it was a good day. I have a lot more confidence in myself, Matt, our boats, and our plans now that we have a day under our belts. The sun is breaking out from behind the clouds, foghorns are sounding in the distance and it’s time for me to stretch and get a back rub. Many thanks to everyone who helped get our trip rolling including my parents, Matt’s parents, Belinda for taking pictures, Dan and Andy for seeing us off, Downwind for countless little things and bringing us down to the water, and our sponsors, Aquapac, Badger Balm, Granite Gear, and Headsweats for their contributions.
