Kekekabic Trail - Logistics

“Ok, I have the trip link posted.

Shadowhiker, Lorax, Mountainrunner.... attending the trip. Hopefully Tarabull and Non-Comformist will attend as well!!

I am planning on driving up on Friday, May 2nd. Will stay over in Ely that night. I am open to camping, getting a room at Smitty's etc. Lets discuss.... Trip will start May 3rd once we have been shuttled to the east end of trail. I plan on exiting at Snow Bank on Tuesday but if we do not come out until Wednesday, I am fine with that also.”

“be ready for some serious black flies.”

“Black Flies in May? Nah.


Tempting. I'll get back to you on this one mountainrunner, I won't know my schedule until closer to the date. The entire Kek is one of the trails that I would love to do, logistics in the shuttle usually evades me.”

“Matt, if you can work it out, please come along. As of right now Matt and Steve plan on coming up as well. We'd have all the guys from our trip a few years back. Would be nice to catch up. I haven't seen you since the Black River Forest trip.”

“Say "Kekekabic" ten times fast.

Might be a bit early for the big swarms of black flies but I wouldn't be surprised if they're around.”

“Finally remembered my account info! I saw Lorax at Canoecopia and we talked about the trip. It sounds like he is pretty excited to go.”

“Shadowhiker - awesome. I'm ready.”

“I'm ready and the way my schedule works out, if we need an extra day, that's no problem.

I've heard that the trail is a general mess in places due to the blowdowns from a few years ago and the Ham Lake fire.”

“Hey, Guys. I talked to Matt on the phone this afternoon. Steve - I left ya a couple of messages, when you have time give me a shout.

I'll hit Ely Friday night. Not sure where I am staying - probably just pop my tent up somewhere for the night. Shuttle from Smitty's is arranged. He said we can plan to leave Saturday morning by 7:00am. I think Matt is going to pick up the permit Friday, if not Friday then Saturday but it is reserved. I think we'll be hiking by around noon. Denis told me the ride over to the gunflint trailhead will be about 4-5 hours. Cost for the shuttle is $175 with one of our vehicles, $250 with one of theirs.

I will be bringing steaks for dinner the first night on the trail. Matt is bringing veggies and stuff.....

That is all I can think of right now!!!! Can't wait for the trip!”

“I know I won't be able to make this one, MR. It's my only free weekend for the entire turkey hunting season and my Canada trip is the following week. Sorry dude. Not sure if the is doable for T-bull either---her shoulder rehab is a little behind schedule.”

“If you want, I'll bring garlic bread and desert for that first night dinner.”

“That sounds great! I was checking out some webcams today and it looks like there is a lot of ice on the lakes yet, but the trail should be clear of snow.

Should be a good spring hike.”

“Lorax - sounds great on the bread and dessert!!

Matt - looks like it will be a great trip!!”

“Lorax -- where did you see that GPS file on the kek? I've looked and cannot find it”

“Guys - I sent an email off to simer hoping it is his actual email address. I encouraged him to join us if he has the time - I'll let you know if I hear anything back.”

“Yeah, I got the e-mail. Don't worry, I am still keeping tabs on this thread, and it looks like I should be able to make it, I'll get back to you for sure soon.”

“Simer -great to hear!!!!! Let us know :)

Steve - Are you planning to drive up from here or do want to take my car? I'm not sure what you are driving/gas mileage. Its not a problem if we take my car.... or your truck, or car.

Also, Steve, what day were you thinking we'd come out?? I cannot remember what you said yesterday.”

“Gentlemen -

I am officially packed. Will be leaving Friday early afternoon. As an informational note, so there are no surprises for anyone, I had an MRI this week that revealed a disc extrusion in my back. I've been struggling with back pain and some pain in my right leg since last fall. Now I know why. Anyway, I am still going. Though my pace will likely not be what it normally is - hopefully that is ok with everyone. I have to have an extended discussion with the doctor - but plan on asking him for something to relieve pain/swelling if that is at all possible.

Either way, I'll be there.

It sounds like Steve may not be able to make the trip - something came up at work. He and I exchanged emails this week.... Steve, if you check the page. let us know. I sure hope you can make it.

Todd”