O.D.H.A. 2019 Brule River Canoe Float

What do you get when you add a collection of the O.D.H.A. Circle, with the historical insights of long-time Fly by Night Guide, Damian Wilmot, a 1911 Joe Lucius Canoe, and Dan Small of Outdoor Wisconsin? Add a canoe float along the famed President's River, the Bois Brule... and you get a darn good time!

The second annual O.D.H.A. pilgrimage in Barnes was a success. The Barnes Area Historical Association had again put together a great experience for the fans of MacQuarrie, Mr. President, and the entire cast of O.D.H.A. characters. The morning of September 8th, 2019 was about as picture perfect as one could hope for. Clear, cool, and mosquito free! The crew all met for breakfast at Maki's Place, known as "the Coffee Cup" in MacQuarries days. We took nourishment from the good food and direction from Larry Bergeman who emceed. Larry capably introduced Lance Achterburg and myself to the eager canoeists. We loaded up our caravan and made way to Stone's Bridge.

Stone's Bridge is and has been "the" putting-in place for many an adventure on the River Brule. It was a favorite place for Mac and Mr. President to begin many an adventure. It has also been the location of the float we take our O.D.H.A. circle members who wish to explore this beloved stretch of water. We of the O.D.H.A. have had our own adventures. No backache bass episodes that I'm aware of nor bunyon's keeping folk from paddling but we did manage to free a couple of kids from a canoe stuck in a submerged tree. Getting off the water before a deluge descended upon the entire Northern Highland Region from Duluth, Minnesota to Hayward...that kept us on our toes, for sure!

Well as stated earlier, the weather that Sunday morning held the promise of the quintessential picture-perfect day. As Lance negotiated getting people set-up with life-jackets, paddles, and canoes, Damian and I got microphones on for the upcoming segment to be aired on Outdoor Wisconsin. Damian and I welcomed the circle and attempted to describe our route.

Dan Small got to enjoy his float from the captain's chair of Damian Wilmot's beloved Lucius canoe. Lance was running tail-gunner of our convoy and I took the Outdoor Wisconsin camera crew in my craft... neither gentleman had much previous experience with canoes... In fact, Mr. Small received word, as good reporters are known to do, of last year's adventure with the canoe and boys stuck in the river. He advised me to not share that intell with the camera guys. I must say I was tempted to have a little fun but have learned enough about the moods of rivers to respect it. I had no promise what mood the Brule may be in and what help I'd need in negotiating rapids or submerged shrubbery. I kept quiet!

Prior to arriving, I was of the impression that my craft would house three individuals. It did... but not by design. The poor sound tech spent our entire eleven mile float sitting with legs extended on an extra life vest, with his recording equipment set across his lap. A spare paddle near him. The cameraman sat in the bow paddling as he could while filming. Let it be known, these two gentlemen worked hard and were great canoemates. I was hoping to listen-in to more of Damian's experience and knowledge of Brule River history than the previous year (I was tail-gunning). That proved somewhat true but spent a greater amount of time working with this crew to setup shots for the television segment. Those two were open to suggestions and eager to work hard to get the shot. I was thoroughly engaged. I found the entire envoy of a similar mindset.

We made our way about the peaceful first miles of the upper Brule, paddling past old wingdams of the CCC days, springs delivering that crystal-clear icy water so good for the resident brook trout found throughout this stretch. Damian told stories from the Brule's early adventures with French Fur Traders to early American settlement via lumbering.

It did not take long to reach the Pierce Estate. Here the tour was happy to listen to Damian share why this is called the President's River. He had insight to the boat house, estate, brook trout feeding ponds of yesteryear and more. It's spectacular!

The river was in a calm mood. The rapids were paddled without incident. No submerged trees tickled the bottoms of our crafts. Outside of my bowman splashing water into the canoe... thus soaking the lifejacket seat of our fellow sound guy, it was as enjoyable a float I've had on the River Brule.

Shortly after paddling past Big Lake, Damian and BAHA Historian, Ted Eastlund, had negotiated stopping by a local's residence to take lunch. I don't know if it's the fresh air, dip pull of the paddle, the sounds of the river, or just the turkey and cheese but my goodness a sandwich tastes better when you are paddling a canoe. If you don't believe me, join us this August and try it. I dare you! I'll bet you your cookie you will agree with me.

Our float took us out of the open and wild upper Brule to one with far more human settlement. That isn't to say it was any less beautiful. I've yet to come across a prettier set of boathouses, docks, and cabin estates anywhere. The Scandinavian families that took root here did much to maintain the culture when it came to the architecture of their buildings. Again, Damian's knowledge of the local families just added to the peaceful attitude of the river.

As we floated past the Winneboujou camps and made it to the landing, we had no rain to contend with. Photos and handshakes were shared. Canoes were loaded and the O.D.H.A. Circle departed for another year. As it was, Covid put a damper on the 2020 Canoe Float. I hope you can join us this August as we look forward to another float of the Brule.

Here is a link for the 2021 MacQuarrie Pilgrimage and Canoe Trip along the Brule River and below is the Outdoor Wisconsin Show featuring our float.