Alec and a frosty roll out
This past year my world has been tipped sideways, upside down. It seems a cycle of crisis, recover, crisis, recover. I will say that I have been reaching for every tool I know of to keep my equilibrium. I know that I am not alone in this pattern. It’s been a tough one for many friends and colleagues.
The opportunity to head out for two nights with Avesa’s brother, Alec, was perfectly timed. A brief window in time off from work, a few days of good health with a close family member and perfect November weather forecast.
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to reset my mind is to cycle, sleep on the ground, start a fire and cook with the Whisperlite. Thankfully, Alec, Farrow and Reed also had that same plan.
We headed out from my favorite starting point on the North Shore. November is such a quiet and rather somber time of the year up North. But that peace is OK with me. It’s a time when the natural world, including me, is getting ready for Winter.
We had the Northwoods almost to ourselves save a few grouse and deer hunters. The campgrounds we chose were completely ours.
If you are feeling in need of a reset, consider bikepacking. It does not have to be far away. It can be a mashup of gear. Just get out and build a fire, make morning coffee and oatmeal, and spin some miles of gravel. It will do you good.
Wolves on the move
I always carry a hatchet or axe on trips like this
Ready for a warm evening
Definitely off the beaten path on this trip
Trail lunch is my favorite. Avesa’s homemade sourdough brot and Yker’s finest
Home in the woods
Ok, so I bring two stoves. I like stoves.
Loaded but rolling
Some peace
