#2 Trip this season starts on Sunday. It is a shorter one where I bring my Dad and Uncle. (Both mid to upper 70 year olds). We try and keep the trips with the older fellas a little less risky and strenuous than my others. We are heading into Little Gabbro. (I have been in the Bald Eagle area and the Kawishiwi before). This trip is just different than a balls-to-the wall trip knowing our various ages. We really are not picky on finding 5* campsites as we don't spend enough time in them to sample most amenities.

We are hitting the water fairly early on Sunday morning, after a Britton's breakfast and picking up our permit. So I am looking for a little "what would you do" input.

I know that area is a busy pass-through, but I am still hoping to find a spot to camp in Little Gabbro or right at the west side of Big Gabbro by the narrows. It looks like there are about 5 sites. But if all 5 sites are taken would you recommend heading to the east side of Gabbro and looking, or would you hit the portage and try to find a sight on the Kawishiwi?

Most of my trips are in May, September, October, rather than busy July. So that coupled with my lack of knowledge of that bit of area leads me to my question and your opinions. Would love to get your thoughts.

I'd keep going east. There are a lot of campsites on Gabbro. You can move into Bald Eagle or Turtle Lake if they're all taken.

I know you want an early start, but too early and you might miss groups that are heading out that day, but haven't cleared camp yet. From the end of the portage into Little Gabbro to the narrows into Gabbro is about 15 minutes of paddling. Also, don't be afraid to ask if a group is leaving that day. I do it all the time if I'm early.

Mike

I wouldn't be afraid take a left and portage into Kawishiwi. I took a trip with elderly grandparents using this entry point. The river offers smaller water with less wind. You will see other groups everyday, However it is a beautiful area with several nice campsites and it takes a hard wind to get you wind bound.

I would keep heading east. There should be open sites on Bald Eagle. But, I just was on a section of the river and did notice a number of open sites.

Maybe it is more crowded now that the campfire ban has been lifted, but when I went through that area near the end of June, Gabbro and Bald Eagle had plenty of spots open early morning...but so did Kawishiwi. I would base it more on where you want to hang out to fish than concern over getting a site.