BWCA

Late last week we finally heard from Mayo.  Andy's tumor genetics did not match with the National Cancer Institute trial we were hoping to get into.  That doesn't mean we won't find another trial, but it does mean we are back to the drawing board searching out new treatment(s).  Mayo wants us back for another scan, blood work and consultation about what next.  And we'll go.  But first we'll take 6 days and head north to do some paddling in the Boundary Waters (BWCA).  A last minute decision but after all, the time is now.

Andy and I did a couple BWCA trips before kids, and Andy did lots in his teens and twenties but we've never taken our kids before.  The last time we did a "wilderness" canoe trip was five (!) years ago in the Sylvania Wilderness Area.  It was gorgeous, but tiny (and we chose a route with only one portage).  The kids were so little then!

Now we'll be a little more ambitious.  The route we plan for this week has 6 (short!) portages but it looks like we'll have enough gear that we'll have to trek each one twice.   We tried all the gear in the canoe in the lawn and it fit!  I figure the kids are bigger now, but the dog is smaller so it's a trade off, with weight anyway!

Everyone is excited and a little exhausted from all the rushed packing, but I'm hoping a few days on those beautiful quiet lakes of the north will be just what we need to recharge and be ready for what lies ahead. 

Right now the gear is packed, the canoe is on the car, and I'm working at settling back into being fully present.  Feeling grateful for these moments now.