Ran through Goodland this past weekend to pick up an item that Ben was generously able to offer me. First time meeting him, and he is something else. I wish I could have chatted for another hour, but I had my two boys sleeping in the van. He is one genuine person.

While I know he probably wouldn't share this himself, and I only met him for the first time two days ago, he let me know that he ran into a health "hiccup". (I will leave it at that) I believe he will be fine, but wanted to put this out here, because I know he has met (and delivered canoes across the country) to many of you on the forum. Send him some positive energy or prayers his way.

Sorry Ben for making this post, get well soon and enjoy that maple syrup. I'll drop off another bottle in the spring.

I agree, Ben truly is one of those special souls I've been blessed to know.

Ben is really the best. I always wish him well, and will add him to my daily prayer list.

I'm sorry to hear that. Ben has had health struggles for a few years and I hope this one is not too difficult and is short-lived. Take care, Ben.

Get better my friend!

Hey Ben, hang in there! I agree with everyone, you are genuine!!
Larry

I've gotten to meet Ben a couple of times. On the two ends of him taking one of my canoes from California to Minnesota for me. And that's not the only favor he's done for me. Plus, he texts me from time to time just to check in. He is a great person who is always there for others.

Ben, hope you are healing from this health problem.

Best screen name as well. NCTRY! That rocks.

I was going to say something about THE GRAND RAPIDS... then I see my screen name in bold... haha. Yeah, I am losing faith in the medical deal... but it is what it is.
But I just want to say it was refreshing to meet this younger paddler... energetic and what I see as a positive to the future of the places we love to go. I’ve met plenty of great young adventurous people that I really think highly of. And TGR is a prime example. Thanks for your concern... yeah, this kinda sucks, but I have little regrets and well, I can deal with whatever. Thanks for kind words and prayers and such, but I’m ornery enough to make due and still make trouble. Haha!

Paddle on everyone... be safe and I’ll be lurking. TGR (not to be confused with the late TGO) what you brought was amazing stuff... No, it wasn’t drugs... but it was as tasty as it gets! Thanks!

Ben, not sure what is happening but I’ll be praying for a lot.

Ben, not sure what is happening but I’ll be praying for a lot.

Ben prayers are for you and thanks so much for what you have contributed to the canoe world.

Yeah, I’ve never met you. But, I’m glad you were OK. I hope you have better health. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts. I’ve only heard great things about you on this board.

Best to you Ben, though I don't know you.
Prayers

Prayers for you Ben. You're the best . Hope to see you again in 1 1/2 weeks. I'd like to buy you dinner if you can make Grand Portage.

Every time I see the moniker "NCTRY" I think of Bernice! (nctry Trip Report: 40 days in the B'Dub) Happy Trails, Ben.

mjmkjun: "Every time I see the moniker "NCTRY" I think of Bernice! (nctry Trip Report: 40 days in the B'Dub) Happy Trails, Ben. "

Finger Lake

Thanks, Paul. That's a sweet capture.

Prayers sent for your recovery Ben.

mjmkjun: "Thanks, Paul. That's a sweet capture. "

The picture I get a kick outta is the one before where I’m still in the canoe and Bernice is already lovin Aurora. After thirty how many days Bernie needed a kids fix... she loved kids!
Thanks again all... such a kind community here... I saw KevinL last evening and his son Ethan. They just spent a few days in the South to Rose area. Another very good friend I met here on bwca.com.
I really hope Eric the old DF works good for ya.

yes, this board is a place to meet lifelong friends.

Some great pics! All the best from down Iowa way, Ben.

Cannibal Ben-thoughts and prayers with you!

Mocha: "










yes, this board is a place to meet lifelong friends."

Yes, I even met one right outside of a surgery center once. I had to sign him out of the hospital. His name was nicetry, nctry, or something like that.

nctry: "

mjmkjun: "Thanks, Paul. That's a sweet capture. "

The picture I get a kick outta is the one before where I’m still in the canoe and Bernice is already lovin Aurora. After thirty how many days Bernie needed a kids fix... she loved kids!
Thanks again all... such a kind community here... I saw KevinL last evening and his son Ethan. They just spent a few days in the South to Rose area. Another very good friend I met here on bwca.com.
I really hope Eric the old DF works good for ya."

Nice having supper with you the other night Ben. At least I still have a couple days off to work on your spare bedroom down here in north Iowa. Poor Ethan is working remotely back to Connecticut both today and tomorrow before he fly's home Saturday. Poor kid will be back east five nights and then back for a wedding next weekend. But on the return Danielle will becoming with him.

Good kid that can still come home and go on a ten day trip with the old man.

Supper tonight sucks Kev... hospital food? Yep, took an ambulance ride last night. Now they HAVE to get to the bottom of this! Spinal tap come morning!
The Trail ain’t the same without Mocha! Those were the days... thankful for her lining me up with bunks, boats, shuttling gear... you name it. The trail lost a great outfitter when she left.
Mark and Kevin are genuine friends! This website is full of em... Really appreciate everyone here! Fun friends too, like Frenchy19... his wife was afraid if we paddled together I’d eat him... haha! This begs the question... if I trip with you Frenchy19, would I need to hang you at night? Hahaha!
THE GRAND RAPIDS... have a good trip. Hope where you are going is still ok! Stay safe!

You Take Care Ben and get better. Yes Ben you and Mocha are well respected icons in the family of paddlers. Both have contributed so much.

I hope they get to the bottom of it, Ben, and can start doing something to help.

Did you end up in Hibbing or grand Itasca?

I punted a week for the trip, though the way the Greenwood fire is going, I’m assuming a week from now won’t be any better for my entry point.

I’ll keep ya posted and send you a trip report

Ben, that long needle doesn't go all the way in! Just a tiny portion of it. But you likely know that by now.
You have a terrific sense of humor. :)

Hang in there, Ben. I hope they are able to figure out a good way to help you feel better.

THEGrandRapids: "Did you end up in Hibbing or grand Itasca?

I punted a week for the trip, though the way the Greenwood fire is going, I’m assuming a week from now won’t be any better for my entry point.

I’ll keep ya posted and send you a trip report"

Hibbing... Eric, I hope things settle down with fires so you can go...

Hang in there Ben. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
You are as kind as they come. Our world needs a lot more people like you.

Winging some more prayers your way Ben! Hang in there...

Get better soon, Ben. Hope you're getting better.

Prayers sent !

nctry: "Fun friends too, like Frenchy19... his wife was afraid if we paddled together I’d eat him... haha! This begs the question... if I trip with you Frenchy19, would I need to hang you at night? Hahaha!

"

My wife and I both just got a good laugh at this one. You take care of yourself, Ben!

Ben
I remember our WCPP trip fondly. One of my favorite pictures from that trip is of you paddling off to catch breakfast in the early morning light. Remembering better times help me get through the bad ones.

Mocha: "










yes, this board is a place to meet lifelong friends."

there's a rugged group, haha

housty9: "

Mocha: "












yes, this board is a place to meet lifelong friends."

there's a rugged group, haha"

The 3 Amigos Mocha said that morning. Just saw the moose run in front of us on the way to the put in. Started out and the snow started falling.