While removing his pack for a break, Pat popped his knee out of joint in an awkward move. Heard him say the f-word (he’s 17) for the first time outloud. I’ve popped out both my knees many times over the years and could easily feel his pain. I sat him down for about a half hour, got him an 800 mg whack of ibuprophen, lightened his pack, and kept and eye on him. He was a bit gimpy from there on, but the knee posed no further problems.
We were denied a shelter for the first and only time on this trip at Chippewa. With stay limits lifted after Labor Day, 3 of the 4 shelters were taken by campers dropped off by boat and staying….if you can believe it….for 9 days. Oy. The tent sites were empty and we took #1 for the night. Bushwhacked to the top of the hill for some great views. Then down to the big water shoreline. Saw the old schoolhouse on the way.
Pat caught the first fish of the trip off the Chippewa dock. A northern, about 24”. He was allllll smiles! Caught it on a classic red & white daredevil.
Talked with a very tired hiker who came in later. Said he came from Todd Harbor (I think)…and had hiked 19 miles that day with a 50 pound pack. Made me feel rather wimpy. Or smart.
We took the rare opportunity to have a campfire, but felt nervous because the fire danger was so high and the dry grass so close to the fire ring. We stoked it once at the start, then let it die. The night was very windy but again too warm for sleeping comfort. We slept with the rain fly off for better air circulation, but I kept waking up thinking the wind was bringing in rain. Didn’t sleep very much that night at all.
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