Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Sylvan Idyll
by dogwoodgirl

Trip Type: Hiking
Entry Date: 08/24/2009
Entry & Exit Point: Other
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 2
Trip Introduction:
This was supposed to be my solo, but hubby decided to come along. My second time in Sylvania, and his first time.
Day 1 of 3
Monday, August 24, 2009

We've been packed and ready to go for a couple of days...this is the only real camping trip hubby gets to go on this year. He's had a couple of trips to bluegrass festivals where camping was involved, but no wilderness. So, we're both pretty stoked! We set off across Wisconsin around 11- check in at the ranger station is anytime after 1. The miles fly by with Stella sleeping in the back seat, and soon we're crossing the border into the UP! We get checked in and park the car at the lot for our entry point.

We left the canoe at home for this trip...our campsite is only 1/2 mile from the parking lot and we've decided to make this a basecamp trip. Sylvania has tons of hiking trails, and I'm excited about exploring a new area. We are camping over on East Bear Lake, at one of the single sites.

The trail is pretty easy, even with the kitchen pack....what a beast it is! I'm real glad that I vetoed hubby's desire to bring fresh potatoes...I shredded and dehydrated them instead. The first time I've tried that, usually I buy dried hashbrowns.

Camp is set up quickly. I organize the kitchen, hubby sets up the tent and goes out for firewood. Stella busies herself patrolling for red squirrels. In no time we have a real nice stack of wood, and a squirrel-free perimeter has been established. Dinner is steaks on the grate, curried rice pilaf, and cornbread. YUM! We sit around the fire as night comes on, drinking tea and relaxing. What a nice day. We finally call it a night, and fall asleep to the sounds of horned owls having a debate in the trees around our tent.