I just completed my 6th trip into the BWCA/Quetico wilderness area, this time spending a total of 4 weeks divided almost equally between the US and Canadian sides. Previous trips have been during Sept-Oct, but this year I went from the first week in August thru the first week of Sept. An earlier trip meant more mosquitoes and paddlers but offered better fishing and bathing opportunities. This is a paddling paradise anytime the lakes are free of ice.
I will not go into detail on specific routes because without a map the reader would not be able to follow anyway. The combined two areas cover millions of square acres and contain hundreds (thousands?) of lakes and rivers which are inter-connected by streams and/or dry land portages. This particular trip probably covered 60-70 miles of “loops” during which I camped on 20 different lakes and traveled through at least twice as many more. It also required crossing 42 portages for a total of (roughly) 5.5 miles. Sounds like a lot, but when averaged over 28 days it breaks down to less than 2.4 miles of paddling and .2 miles of portage per day - not really that demanding, even for an old geezer like me.
My launch base was once again "Voyaguer Canoe Outpost" located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, 55 miles north of Grande Marais, MN. I have used this outfitter for my past 4 visits and am very happy with the service.
The first launch of the trip is always accompanied by mixed emotions: This canoe feels awful “tipsy” - Did I forget anything? - Let the adventure begin!
My canoe is a Hemlock, Peregrine solo that measures 15’-9” of Kevlar weighing 38 LBS.
Close-up shows adjustable aluminum portage yoke, adjustable fishing rod holders, thwart mounted compass and bungee cords for holding maps in place.
The trip began on the American side, known as the BWCA (boundary water canoe area). Camping is restricted to deignated site, each of which has a cast iron campfire grate.
All of the sites have a spectacular view.
Every site also has a "throne", though some of them are a bit exposed.
All evening meals were prepared on the campfire to conserve fuel, but I used a Coleman, Exponent stove for breakfast. Note the grits
Photos cannot do justice to the natural beauty.
Some areas still show the results of forest fires; Nature's way of replenishing.
The tent is a Bibler, I-tent, a single wall 4-season model that was a bit of overkill in such warm weather.
I also carried a Cooke-sewing tarp that kept me out of the rain on a few occasions.
Camping on the Canadian side, in Quetico, is much less restricted. Camping is permitted anywhere: There are no designated sites and the only "improvement" is a rock campfire ring.
A highlight of the area is the excellent fishing. Main species are, small mouth bass
Pike
Trout
Walleye
In addition to the sport, they provide great campfire meals.
However, some are just a bit too large to fit in the pan. But what fun to catch and release
Many of the lakes are connected by streams.
Some of which are much too shallow to paddle.
Others with rapids too swift
And many that end in spectacular waterfalls
In addition to numerous other wildlife, I saw many American bald eagles.
He was ever watchful for a free fish carcass meal
And was quick to claim the spoils
A fact of life is the much dreaded portage, which is really not that bad if one takes them slowly (as I do)
Some are actually a pleasant walk
While others are quite steep and rocky
They often provide interesting sights, like the remains of an unfortunate moose
And always end at the next lake, the next adventure
And every so often end with that rainbow we all seek
But all good things must come to an end, as must any trip
Until next year :wink:
I will not go into detail on specific routes because without a map the reader would not be able to follow anyway. The combined two areas cover millions of square acres and contain hundreds (thousands?) of lakes and rivers which are inter-connected by streams and/or dry land portages. This particular trip probably covered 60-70 miles of “loops” during which I camped on 20 different lakes and traveled through at least twice as many more. It also required crossing 42 portages for a total of (roughly) 5.5 miles. Sounds like a lot, but when averaged over 28 days it breaks down to less than 2.4 miles of paddling and .2 miles of portage per day - not really that demanding, even for an old geezer like me.
My launch base was once again "Voyaguer Canoe Outpost" located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, 55 miles north of Grande Marais, MN. I have used this outfitter for my past 4 visits and am very happy with the service.
The first launch of the trip is always accompanied by mixed emotions: This canoe feels awful “tipsy” - Did I forget anything? - Let the adventure begin!
My canoe is a Hemlock, Peregrine solo that measures 15’-9” of Kevlar weighing 38 LBS.
Close-up shows adjustable aluminum portage yoke, adjustable fishing rod holders, thwart mounted compass and bungee cords for holding maps in place.
The trip began on the American side, known as the BWCA (boundary water canoe area). Camping is restricted to deignated site, each of which has a cast iron campfire grate.
All of the sites have a spectacular view.
Every site also has a "throne", though some of them are a bit exposed.
All evening meals were prepared on the campfire to conserve fuel, but I used a Coleman, Exponent stove for breakfast. Note the grits
Photos cannot do justice to the natural beauty.
Some areas still show the results of forest fires; Nature's way of replenishing.
The tent is a Bibler, I-tent, a single wall 4-season model that was a bit of overkill in such warm weather.
I also carried a Cooke-sewing tarp that kept me out of the rain on a few occasions.
Camping on the Canadian side, in Quetico, is much less restricted. Camping is permitted anywhere: There are no designated sites and the only "improvement" is a rock campfire ring.
A highlight of the area is the excellent fishing. Main species are, small mouth bass
Pike
Trout
Walleye
In addition to the sport, they provide great campfire meals.
However, some are just a bit too large to fit in the pan. But what fun to catch and release
Many of the lakes are connected by streams.
Some of which are much too shallow to paddle.
Others with rapids too swift
And many that end in spectacular waterfalls
In addition to numerous other wildlife, I saw many American bald eagles.
He was ever watchful for a free fish carcass meal
And was quick to claim the spoils
A fact of life is the much dreaded portage, which is really not that bad if one takes them slowly (as I do)
Some are actually a pleasant walk
While others are quite steep and rocky
They often provide interesting sights, like the remains of an unfortunate moose
And always end at the next lake, the next adventure
And every so often end with that rainbow we all seek
But all good things must come to an end, as must any trip
Until next year :wink: