We arrived at Akers just before noon and as we unloaded the canoe there was a noticeable chill in the air. We made the transition from car to canoe at Akers, a quick check-in up the hill at Akers Canoe Rental for the car shuttle and we are ready to get on the water. The day consisted of a constant transition from cool to warm depending on the cloud cover. The mellow afternoon was spent drifting and playing on the water, for the most part we had the river to ourselves.
We found a campsite that met our needs. High enough off the water to feel safe and roomy enough to spread out our camp. As we began unloading the canoe a bald eagle flew overhead, following the river then drifting in a semi circle. The vibrant white of his head and tail feathers almost shimmered with sunlight. Later we were entertained by a mink across the water making his way down to the river, swimming a bit then heading back up the embankment. That evening we gazed at the multitude of stars in the fading warmth of the campfire,a display unfolded before our eyes, I can only guess it was a meteor, it was bright and falling through the sky, then it brightened, formed a tail and faded away. Whatever it was the effect was heightened by the dark night and the magic it brought to our outing.
This outing our daughter, Sophia was really interested in learning some outdoorsy things. As with most kids, she was interested in the most dangerous activity she could participate in, tending to the fire. She and I worked on building the fire, taking tiny sticks, gathering them together to a tent like set up with more fuel of larger twigs escalating in a larger diameter. She paid attention and did well. The next morning when I returned from wetting a line, Sophia was building a fire with her mother overseeing the operation. Sophia used the technique we put to practice the previous evening and to my delight, and hers, she made her first fire!
Later that day as we began the final leg of our journey she took to the bow for the first time. Sophia did so well in the lead role that she took it all the way home. Her mother seemed to enjoy her new found role a little too enjoyable. It was a wonderful trip.