Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Reports :: Trip Report - Big Slim
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paddlefamily |
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Zulu |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
Since fishing really isn't your thing - I kinda figured this area might be of particular interest to you. |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
quote Ho Ho: " Looking west from the trail. Looking north from where the trail crosses. Same pond as second picture. This was taken in September 2011 when we crossed. Creek was nearly bone dry. |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
Aurora's cousin Logan would be joining us on this adventure. It would be his first canoe trip and first time away from Mom & Dad. Consequently the first night was a bit tough but, I'm happy to say things got progressively better and he was closer to the happy go lucky kid we've come to know by the last evening. Both Aurora & Logan had a blast exploring, fishing, canoeing, swinging in the hammock etc. They even found a salamander they named "Johnny". Going in, we had some concern about campsite availability (as there are only four official sites on the lake. Those worries were for naught as there were several unofficial sites around the lake. All had fire rings and some had makeshift latrines. We were fortunate to be able to claim the southern site on the large island which I'd rate a 5 star. Great peninsula site with a canopy of nicely spaced pines peppered throughout the site. Several spacious (and flat) tent pads, and trails for exploration. Great views as well. Of course it wasn't a true wilderness getaway; as there were motor boats about and there are 2 resorts/outfitters on the lake. Still, it offers a satisfactory experience when other options are not available. |
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mcsweem |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
Trip Name: Big Slim. Entry Point: 7 Click Here to View Trip Report |
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dicecupmaker |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
quote dicecupmaker: "Another great trip report. Always enjoy your reads!" Thanks Mitch. |
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Ho Ho |
Thanks for the excellent report, TB. You were in my backyard on this trip - BUT, I have never paddled several of those lakes, namely Laplond, Big Rice, and Duck. Now I want to camp on Big Rice - though probably not until next spring because I think you guys probably picked the perfect time of year for that area. Several years ago, at the beginning of May, David and I camped on Slim (the northern site, which you rightly said was only so-so) and did a day trip to Hook and then hiked the portage round-trip to Big Rice. That was a memorable experience and I agree it's a really interesting portage. You are one of the very few people I've heard of who have actually portaged it. BTW, as you hiked through, did you notice the old blazes on the trees marking the way? We found them very helpful, as we did lose the path a few times on our hike, and the blazes helped reassure us when we were going the right way. I've been on Big Moose Lake a bunch of times this year, both camping and day trips, because I'm doing a breeding bird survey there. On my two overnight trips, both in May, I hiked (and birded) part of the portage to Duck, but both times I turned around at Duck Creek because the amount of water pouring through there made it look dangerous to cross the creek. This was not long after ice out, and you could tell there were big boulders in the rushing bog-stained water, but the bog stain made it hard to assess the footing. By the time you guys got there, I think water levels were more moderate (believe it or not, they were higher in May) and also the water was warmer. I'm curious, though, did you have any problem crossing the creek? Maybe I'll finally get across it when I head back to Big Moose for another overnight trip in July. Thanks again for the report. Ho Ho |
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AndySG |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
The duck creek crossing was a little tricky. There was more water flowing than the last time, but there were enough exposed rocks to hopscotch across. I'll try to upload the photo when I get back home next week. |
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Ho Ho |
Thanks, I'd love to see the pic. |
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boonie |
quote dicecupmaker: "Another great trip report. Always enjoy your reads!" +1 |
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muddy |
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SevenofNine |
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Ho Ho |
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