A Little Longer, A Little Farther
by PixiePaddler
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
07/04/2009
Entry Point:
Fall Lake (EP 24)
Exit Point:
Moose/Portage River (north) (EP 16)
Number of Days:
10
Group Size:
2
Trip Introduction:
Well, if you read my Honeymoon Trip report, you know that this is only our second trip into the BWCA. I can’t really say that “it had us at hello” last year. Mark, yes (the fishing convinced him immediately). Me, not so much, but as the days passed, my love grew. So we returned for our second trip and entered at Fall Lake again.
Discuss Trip:
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Day 1 of 10
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Year two of silent Independence…
We were dropped off at a familiar place by our outfitter. Fall Lake was totally different this trip, which was a welcome sight for both of us. Last year our entry day was pure torture (howling winds and whitecaps). This year it was pure bliss. My head was spinning and I was all giddy with excitement as we posed for our traditional launch photo.
Fall Lake was glass smooth. We navigated through with no mishaps. We stopped on the bank in Pipestone Bay for lunch and did a bit of fishing along the way. Not much luck in the fishing area. The wind was actually at our backs and we covered about 13 miles. We settled in at a campsite right above the Horse portage. The campsite wasn’t the best and there were approximately a zillion mosquitoes and black flies. It seemed I would be doomed to wear long clothing, hat and head net while on land. UGHH! I would have to view the beautiful sunsets through netting. Mark took the canoe out to do a little fishing while I sat on the warm rocks to relax and listen to the white throated sparrows and occasional calls of loons.
I was reflecting over the day and was amazed at how much wildlife I had already seen. We saw a deer on the bank, two bald eagles, and loons. I forgot how beautiful this place was. Mark returned to camp and we turned in for the evening.
Funny memory: I never mentioned this on my last trip report, but a funny thing happened. At our first campsite last year, we heard the sparrows singing their unique song. I was mesmerized by their easily recognizable tune. Then, at the next campsite, I heard it again. I can’t believe I am going to admit this out loud, but I made the comment that the bird from the last site must have followed us to the one we were at the second night. It happened again on the third night. I don’t remember how many places we heard that bird before I realized that it wasn’t the same bird following us. They are like a cardinal in Kansas. They are everywhere and I would be hearing them from here on out. (hanging my head with embarrassment). No….I am not blonde.
Year two of silent Independence…
We were dropped off at a familiar place by our outfitter. Fall Lake was totally different this trip, which was a welcome sight for both of us. Last year our entry day was pure torture (howling winds and whitecaps). This year it was pure bliss. My head was spinning and I was all giddy with excitement as we posed for our traditional launch photo.
Fall Lake was glass smooth. We navigated through with no mishaps. We stopped on the bank in Pipestone Bay for lunch and did a bit of fishing along the way. Not much luck in the fishing area. The wind was actually at our backs and we covered about 13 miles. We settled in at a campsite right above the Horse portage. The campsite wasn’t the best and there were approximately a zillion mosquitoes and black flies. It seemed I would be doomed to wear long clothing, hat and head net while on land. UGHH! I would have to view the beautiful sunsets through netting. Mark took the canoe out to do a little fishing while I sat on the warm rocks to relax and listen to the white throated sparrows and occasional calls of loons.
I was reflecting over the day and was amazed at how much wildlife I had already seen. We saw a deer on the bank, two bald eagles, and loons. I forgot how beautiful this place was. Mark returned to camp and we turned in for the evening.
Funny memory: I never mentioned this on my last trip report, but a funny thing happened. At our first campsite last year, we heard the sparrows singing their unique song. I was mesmerized by their easily recognizable tune. Then, at the next campsite, I heard it again. I can’t believe I am going to admit this out loud, but I made the comment that the bird from the last site must have followed us to the one we were at the second night. It happened again on the third night. I don’t remember how many places we heard that bird before I realized that it wasn’t the same bird following us. They are like a cardinal in Kansas. They are everywhere and I would be hearing them from here on out. (hanging my head with embarrassment). No….I am not blonde.
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