The plans for the trip started about a year ago. I believe it was around a campfire while on a trip down the Peace River. Originally, there were four of us to go. However, after the year was up and commitments were to be made, only the group leader: Kevin Jahn and I were able to take the trip. Our destination was a remote area, not often traveled. Until I met Kevin, I had never given this area any consideration. Regardless, we were soon to join ranks with the Voyageurs, fur traders, Ojibwa, and the Chippewa in a beautiful land located in Northern Minnesota known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (BWCWA).
It is now Friday, May 13 and Kevin and I arrive at the Wilderness Outfitters to pick up our 17ft Alumicraft canoe, and food pack. We discuss our itinerary with the outfitter while the television has Weather Channel giving the 5- day outlook for Ely, Minnesota. Tomorrow morning we will be off for eight days in the wilderness.
Saturday morning and we launch our canoe at the Chainsaw Sisters Saloon. The weather today is overcast, drizzly, and a bit windy. Our first lake is Mudro. Once we paddle out of the small creek leaving from the saloon and view the lake in front of us, reality sets in. We are leaving behind everything. The only materials we will have to sustain us are in the canoe. Nevertheless, the gear has been checked, rechecked, if anything was deemed suspect it was replaced, and we feel like we are prepared.
Our first day consisted of paddling across lakes Mudro, Sandpit, and Tin Can Mike. Our plan is to spend our first night on Horse Lake. In between these lakes, the canoe and gear must be portaged. Our first portage of the day is between Mudro and Sandpit Lakes. I found a portage database online and this particular portage is commonly called the goat trail. The goat trail is 84rods (1,386ft) in length and has a vertical rise and fall of approximately 120ft. Considering Kevin and I each have a backpack, there is a food pack and a canoe to portage; we must walk this trail three times. 252 rods (4,158ft). Kevin and I have been in the woods for only a couple hours and have already walked over three quarters of a mile. We will repeat this process for the portages through out the trip for a total of 3,819 rods, or 63,013 feet, or 12 miles.
But it is the end of day one, camp is set, and we are both exhausted. So after a quick meal of backpackers chili (read: gassy stuff) we retire to our respective tents for the evening.
Day 2 and I am awakened by Kevin yelling, “Hey Tom! It’s snowing!â€Â
It is now Friday, May 13 and Kevin and I arrive at the Wilderness Outfitters to pick up our 17ft Alumicraft canoe, and food pack. We discuss our itinerary with the outfitter while the television has Weather Channel giving the 5- day outlook for Ely, Minnesota. Tomorrow morning we will be off for eight days in the wilderness.
Saturday morning and we launch our canoe at the Chainsaw Sisters Saloon. The weather today is overcast, drizzly, and a bit windy. Our first lake is Mudro. Once we paddle out of the small creek leaving from the saloon and view the lake in front of us, reality sets in. We are leaving behind everything. The only materials we will have to sustain us are in the canoe. Nevertheless, the gear has been checked, rechecked, if anything was deemed suspect it was replaced, and we feel like we are prepared.
Our first day consisted of paddling across lakes Mudro, Sandpit, and Tin Can Mike. Our plan is to spend our first night on Horse Lake. In between these lakes, the canoe and gear must be portaged. Our first portage of the day is between Mudro and Sandpit Lakes. I found a portage database online and this particular portage is commonly called the goat trail. The goat trail is 84rods (1,386ft) in length and has a vertical rise and fall of approximately 120ft. Considering Kevin and I each have a backpack, there is a food pack and a canoe to portage; we must walk this trail three times. 252 rods (4,158ft). Kevin and I have been in the woods for only a couple hours and have already walked over three quarters of a mile. We will repeat this process for the portages through out the trip for a total of 3,819 rods, or 63,013 feet, or 12 miles.
But it is the end of day one, camp is set, and we are both exhausted. So after a quick meal of backpackers chili (read: gassy stuff) we retire to our respective tents for the evening.
Day 2 and I am awakened by Kevin yelling, “Hey Tom! It’s snowing!â€Â