The Canadian Canoe Trip returned here on Wednesday, July 28, bringing back stories of events and personalities which will feed the flame of Camp Timberlane Spirit.

The trip left camp on the 19th of July and drove to Duluth, Minnesota. Here the trip split into three groups; one led by Lew Allen and Bob McKay; the second by Bill and Dave Herbies; and the third by Mark Faiwell and Glenn Fisher. Each of these groups would discover the true meaning of the trip during the ten day excursion.

On the 27th the three groups were to meet in the afternoon at Moose Lake. By six-thirty the Allen-Mckay group had not arrived. They were engaged in a struggle. One of the canoes had gone out of control and was on a rock. This meant that the group would be forced to travel in 2 canoes, (one with a leak from the rapids). These canoes would be forced to hold 9 people and 12 packs. This group would take a difficult fourteen hour paddle to overcome these incredible handicaps and arrive at Moose Lake. The boys had also been forced to go three days without fresh food. A mix-up resulted in another group having the fresh food of the Allen and McKay group. Consequently, they went for three days on dehydrated food compounds.

The trip called for a stop at Dorothy’s Isle on Knife Lake. Dorothy was called by various members of the group “amazing,” a “living legend,” and “unbelievable.” By living alone in the wilderness, Dorothy had found a permanent place in these boys’ memories. Of course, the outstanding root beer and food on the isle helped add to her popularity.

The various groups visited many places, some of which were: Knife Lake, Sunday Lake, Washington Isle, and Wind Lake. What was the overwhelming favorite? Sunday Lake. Bob Komisar explains, “The cliffs and lake three gave us a great opportunity to relax and catch some rays. Joey Pierce called the lake “the best campsite anywhere.”

The amazing thing about the trip was the one feeling expressed by every member of the trip interviewed-togetherness. The boys said that it is this spirit of all for one and one for all that has made the Canadian so outstanding. John Hanover remarked on the “closeness” and the “working as a unit.” It is these sentiments and the 40 miles paddled that make the Canadian Canoe Trip an inspiration to all who come to Timberlane.