Bike, Raft, Tent

every camp-out starts like this...in a messy baesment

 For several years ArcFlash has been talking about an abandoned power plant  he's been wanting check out with some camping and paddling thrown in to the mix.

Lanesboro

Found this little spot to launch

underway

spooky

 Things finally came together when Thor was pushing for a packraft, bike-pack adventure. I ran it by AF, got a kitchen pass for the weekend and the three of us were headed out.  Friday night, after a 10-12 mile ride, a couple miles of rafting we were just below the large concrete structure. In the dark we ascended the steep bank to take our place in the power plant and set camp

breakfast time

  Camping inside proved a little troublesome with the damp floor, vegetation, and open holes but was well worth the inconvenience. The next morning we paddled onward to town for breakfast a few miles downstream. From there, we spent most of the day paddling, and dodging the rain under overhanging trees. By a pure stroke of luck, it started down pouring immediately following tent set-up. It only lasted about 30 minutes, just enough time to take a nap and recharge for the rest of the evening.

dodging rain under the forest canopy 

 Dinner time was closing, the sun was shinning as if it had not rained in days, so we hopped on the bikes beelined it to the closest road and pedaled into town. Night time was typical for camping, large fire, bullshiting and adventure stories late into evening. Our final day consisted of a 25ish mile ride back to the vehicles interrupted by breakfast in Lanesboro. I'm not sure how the other guys felt, but the weekend was perfect and as I look back, I wish I was there now!

moments before rain

it's sunny aagain

there is a reason the bridge is closed

the end

D Rider........................out       

Extended Season

 The fall weather around here has been fantastic and has carried on for quite a while, aside from it being dark at 5pm it feels more like late September. .

  Last weekend I was on a kick to spend couple nights outside with friends, and my kids, on two separate over-nighters. The first camp-out was Friday night with ArcFlash and Best in Schow down at a little spot we've nicknamed #$@^&*. ArcFlash and myself re-coned this spot a couple years ago and were excited to finally camp on this location.

had the roof all to myself 

  It was a warm night sitting by the fire cooking dinner and telling stories. Since all the bugs are dead and it wasn't going to rain I slept without a tent or bivy....on the roof, under the stars. The next morning we got going right away and were all off to other commitments and adventures.

AF's digs

New stove....chained and locked to the bell housing...that ought to slow them down a little

 As soon as I got home I was preparing gear for the boys and I to at The Wreck. They helped me build it two years ago and have not spent much time in it another than a couple lunch breaks. The Thursday before, Big D and I headed out to give it a check up and resupply some fire wood. To our disgust and anger, some fucking asshole stole the wood stove. Friday, an hour and a half before leaving work, I quickly assembled a new and improved one, and installed it Saturday morning before we would need it that evening. I also did a little painting of the interior and added some more expanding foam to tighten up the air gaps

Dinty Moore beef stew...it's what's for dinner

can I get a .....hells yeah 

  The boys and I made our way to the Wreck after dark loaded down with dinner,treats, pop, and breakfast. I stayed inside most of the night cooking their dinner and getting things settled, they stayed outside and built forts. They finally came in around 10pm and got ready for bed. Due to the small area inside I slept outside again, sans tent or bivy. It was little creepy leaving the warm safety of the steel walls to sleep out in the open. However, I fell asleep right away and didn't wake until the sky started to brighten in the early morning hours.

With the angle of the car...they all ended up toward the dash board ....still no room for me

I may add a new piece of fabric for the door

       In the morning there wasn't much to do but eat a little snack and pack up, we were rolling out by about 9am. We all had a great time both nights, it's always good to get out, even if it's not some far away exotic location, the effect is still the same.

D Rider .....out