Temperance River, MN to Lutsen, MN: Daily miles 10.3, Total miles 336.9
I couldn’t take the sitting around anymore. The forecast was for 3-5 foot waves and 25 MPH winds but when I woke and the lake was calm, I talked to Hannah and we decided to disregard the small craft advisory and hazard the 10 miles to Lutsen for some fresh scenery and camping that doesn’t cost us 20 dollars a night. We hiked back to our boats and launched into some light surf. After two days out of the boat I expected to be well rested but rather I felt out of rhythm and tippy. We cruised the half mile back to the park with the wind at our backs. It was easier to paddle back and load up there than haul our gear the half mile to the boats. We met a few people on the beach and after talking for a couple of minutes we hesitantly launched into the wind. For the next three hours, with the exception of one quick bathroom and snack break, we struggled North into the teeth of a cold wind. We found the kayak site at Lutsen and were happy to find this one more agreeable than the previous one we stopped at. We spent the rest of the day walking around the resort, eating big burgers at the restaurant and hanging out at the tent to get away from the rain and wind. It feels good to be moving again, I don’t really like the stagnant feeling sitting around gives me. I have a drive to move around the lake and I get frustrated when things interrupt that. It has been tough to go from hiking, where I can move regardless of the weather, to kayaking where the lake is the boss. I am learning to be patient.
