It's 1950, and Ben and Harry, two young men from Wisconsin, know their fun is about to come to an end. Ben will soon depart for the war in Korea while Harry will hit the books as a college freshman. They decide to end the summer on a high note with what will certainly be an adventurous canoe trip to Lake Superior, known to the Chippewa as Gitche Gumee. On the way to Gitche Gumee, they row through terrifying rapids, fend off a ferocious black bear, and catch some of the biggest trout they've ever seen in their lives. Encounters with a group of thieves, a few rambunctious girls from a local university, and intimidating businessmen also help them pass the time as they paddle down the Firesteel River. Fifty years later, Ben and Harry decide to recreate their trip to Gitche Gumee. Once again, they pack their bags, ready their canoe, and set out for what they're sure will be another unforgettable adventure. This time, however, the two men experience a completely different trip. They fish, hunt, and explore as they did when they were younger, but soon realize that their friendship--and the river--is not as they remember it.