I’m guessing my mind this week is occupied with thoughts similar to many other paddle participants: planning meals, buying food, packing gear, wrapping up work, dreaming of river days. And bugs.

A loon researcher in Wisconsin reports that he’s never seen so many loons abandon their nests as this year, all thanks to a bumper crop of biting flies. A friend at Canoeing.com generously supplied an Original Bug Shirt™, which I’m hoping I won’t need but I won’t be too proud to wear.

Unlike the Namekagon, fewer of our stops will be in any sort of settlement this year. That means more meals will be on our own, like a “real” camping trip. I’m looking forward to the age-old traditions of camp cooking and eating.

To help with my planning and grocery shopping, I put together a simple spreadsheet including what meals are provided, and what is not. You can see it here, or get a glance below.