What a very lucky man that Corey Mohan is. Not only does he get to take this historical and beauteous voyage, spending days and weeks swirling through some of the best scenery to be had, but when he needs a little help from his friends, they show up.
Dan C. and Jim M. after running the portage
When Corey put out a call for a portage party Dan and Jim responded by driving to Solon Springs Wisconsin, pulling Mr. Mohan off the water trail, feeding him a great supper and letting him sleep in a real, live bed. The next morning the three men and two dogs accomplished the St. Croix/Brule portage in near record time (that’s the truth, that is) and reinserted Corey into the next stage of his trip.
A shot taken two winters ago of the marker for the St. Croix/Brule Portage
Dan leads the way
Jim, not far behind
I’m sorry to say I have no photographic evidence that Corey carried anything. But surely he did – a small bag of crackers perhaps?
Grass Paddling
After realizing the beginning of the Brule was too teeny to paddle or pole, Corey got out and began to walk his way to Gitchgumee. As the river widened and he was able to paddle, Pad2Mad soon encountered the classic and peaceful Brule scenery.
Pointing tree
Big Snapper
Cedar Island
And then the not-so-peaceful Lenroot and Mays class three rapids.
This map shows the section of the Brule with the most whitewater
Looking back upstream during the portage around the rapids
More rapids
Here is a great guide to the Brule and other paddling rivers in Wisconsin.
After the rapids and some pretty heavy weather Corey thought he might be a few more miles from Superior – but as he rounded the next bend the great lake hove into sight. (I’ve always wanted to say something hove into sight. A lake can hove, can’t it?)
Pelagie at the mouth of the Brule
Corey after his hardest day of paddling, early morning, May 23
Corey tooled along the big lake, had lunch in Port Wing and continued on to Herbster. Look at these lovely photos of his evening there.
Pelagie just outside of Herbster, Wisconsin
Evening view, May 23rd, Herbster
Keep your fingers crossed for safe passage tomorrow, past the ice caves near Cornucopia.
Ice hanging on into May, this is just shy of Herbster
Thanks for listening,
Jingles for Corey
Paddlin' Madeline 