Before leaving, I made sure to set the blue barrel out on our deck so fellow BWCA.com'er "paddlefamily" could pick it up on her way through Clearwater this weekend. As we likely wouldn't be back until late Sunday evening.[paragraph break]

My brother Joel made it to Clearwater around 8:30ish. After a little small talk and transferring his gear to our van we were on the road. I told Vickie I would follow her up to Tofte. Thus ensuring that I would be immediately aware when she needed to pull off and attend to Aurora. Beat having to maintain a constant vigil on the rear view mirror the whole way up.[paragraph break]

We decided to drive right through Duluth and the road construction. As Vickie wasn't 100% sure on the precise back road route. And, more importantly, there would be more opportunities to pull off if needed going through Duluth using the main highways. And we actually made it to Thompson's Hill rest area in Duluth before Aurora deemed a break necessary.[paragraph break]

Traffic wasn't bad at all. Soon enough we were at the Tofte ranger station watching the video and picking up our permit. The ranger informed us that there were no burning restrictions currently in effect. But, to be extra cautious as there had been a handful of small fires recently. All caused by careless campers. Including one in Brule bay, our hopeful destination.[paragraph break]

We stopped at the Holiday station to fuel up and grab some last second supplies. Aluminum foil being tantamount among these. Aurora had been very well disposed for most of the trip so far. Since Vickie wasn't familiar with the Sawbill Trail.... I decided to lead the way up to our overnight home, Crescent lake campground.[paragraph break]

As one would expect? Once clearing the blacktop the road morphs into a veritable washboard. This actually didn't seem to bother Aurora at first. But, Vickie wound up pulling over on the road to Toohey lake for a short while. Eventually we made it to our destination just ahead of the impending rain clouds on the horizon. [paragraph break]

In short order we had our tents up and pertinent gear safe inside. With this task accomplished Joel & I set out for Sawbill Outfitters to rent a canoe. Vickie and the kids stayed behind and put the finishing touches on setting up camp. Since there was only 6 of us? We had briefly contemplated just using the 2 canoes we brought. But, since we planned on bringing the kitchen sink, we felt it was prudent to have another canoe along principally for obvious storage & comfort it would provide on the paddle out. [paragraph break]

After some deliberation with Cindy, Joel decided on a Wenonah Prism. A solo canoe. He had never paddled a solo before so there was a certain degree of trepidation on his part. Ultimately the extra $6/day for a larger canoe was the deciding factor. Had LT. Dan & his kids come up Joel would be splitting the cost of renting a tandem with one of them. Now he was paying for the whole smear on top of going solo. [paragraph break]

Despite sporadic outbursts of light rain we hastily endeavored to cook up the hamburgers we had along for tonights meal. A faux pas of leaving the spatula buried in the barrel (and not wanting to dig it out) was remedied by using the cardboard from the box the hamburgers came in as that implement. They achieved the desired result by quieting the rumbling in our bellies.[paragraph break]

After supper the rain relented and the sky began to open up. Some minimal exploration of the nearby lakeshore was in order for the newest crew member of the Black Pearl. This would be her first foray at camping in the out of doors and, needless to say, there was a measure of anxiety on our part as to how she would respond. [paragraph break]

In another move prompted by LT. Dan backing out Vickie & I opted to spend this night in Joels' 4 man tent. Saving us from having to setup another tent. (At least for tonight.) It was a bit cramped, but we made it work. Stars were visible as we retired for the evening. Giving us encouragement that tomorrow will indeed be a picture perfect day. This is one forecast we sure hope is right on.[paragraph break] Crescent Lake

Before leaving, I made sure to set the blue barrel out on our deck so fellow BWCA.com'er "paddlefamily" could pick it up on her way through Clearwater this weekend. As we likely wouldn't be back until late Sunday evening.[paragraph break]

My brother Joel made it to Clearwater around 8:30ish. After a little small talk and transferring his gear to our van we were on the road. I told Vickie I would follow her up to Tofte. Thus ensuring that I would be immediately aware when she needed to pull off and attend to Aurora. Beat having to maintain a constant vigil on the rear view mirror the whole way up.[paragraph break]

We decided to drive right through Duluth and the road construction. As Vickie wasn't 100% sure on the precise back road route. And, more importantly, there would be more opportunities to pull off if needed going through Duluth using the main highways. And we actually made it to Thompson's Hill rest area in Duluth before Aurora deemed a break necessary.[paragraph break]

Traffic wasn't bad at all. Soon enough we were at the Tofte ranger station watching the video and picking up our permit. The ranger informed us that there were no burning restrictions currently in effect. But, to be extra cautious as there had been a handful of small fires recently. All caused by careless campers. Including one in Brule bay, our hopeful destination.[paragraph break]

We stopped at the Holiday station to fuel up and grab some last second supplies. Aluminum foil being tantamount among these. Aurora had been very well disposed for most of the trip so far. Since Vickie wasn't familiar with the Sawbill Trail.... I decided to lead the way up to our overnight home, Crescent lake campground.[paragraph break]

As one would expect? Once clearing the blacktop the road morphs into a veritable washboard. This actually didn't seem to bother Aurora at first. But, Vickie wound up pulling over on the road to Toohey lake for a short while. Eventually we made it to our destination just ahead of the impending rain clouds on the horizon. [paragraph break]

In short order we had our tents up and pertinent gear safe inside. With this task accomplished Joel & I set out for Sawbill Outfitters to rent a canoe. Vickie and the kids stayed behind and put the finishing touches on setting up camp. Since there was only 6 of us? We had briefly contemplated just using the 2 canoes we brought. But, since we planned on bringing the kitchen sink, we felt it was prudent to have another canoe along principally for obvious storage & comfort it would provide on the paddle out. [paragraph break]

After some deliberation with Cindy, Joel decided on a Wenonah Prism. A solo canoe. He had never paddled a solo before so there was a certain degree of trepidation on his part. Ultimately the extra $6/day for a larger canoe was the deciding factor. Had LT. Dan & his kids come up Joel would be splitting the cost of renting a tandem with one of them. Now he was paying for the whole smear on top of going solo. [paragraph break]

Despite sporadic outbursts of light rain we hastily endeavored to cook up the hamburgers we had along for tonights meal. A faux pas of leaving the spatula buried in the barrel (and not wanting to dig it out) was remedied by using the cardboard from the box the hamburgers came in as that implement. They achieved the desired result by quieting the rumbling in our bellies.[paragraph break]

After supper the rain relented and the sky began to open up. Some minimal exploration of the nearby lakeshore was in order for the newest crew member of the Black Pearl. This would be her first foray at camping in the out of doors and, needless to say, there was a measure of anxiety on our part as to how she would respond. [paragraph break]

In another move prompted by LT. Dan backing out Vickie & I opted to spend this night in Joels' 4 man tent. Saving us from having to setup another tent. (At least for tonight.) It was a bit cramped, but we made it work. Stars were visible as we retired for the evening. Giving us encouragement that tomorrow will indeed be a picture perfect day. This is one forecast we sure hope is right on.[paragraph break] Crescent Lake

[paragraph break]

Awoke to another beautiful misty morning. We also found that we had a bear in camp. But going against conventional wisdom; Vickie decided to feed this one saying, it keeps "growling" if I don't feed it. We thought it was so cute we brought her home with us. :) Accompanying our little bear throughout our stay was a pretty little butterfly who fluttered about the site on a regular basis. [paragraph break]

Hannah & Colton kept themselves entertained after breakfast by catching a few crayfish and having races with them. Meanwhile Joel & I head for Vernon lake with the Black Pearl to try some fishing and do some sight seeing. [paragraph break]

We passed by the burnt campsite the the ranger at the Tofte station had mentioned. It appears it started right in camp and spread out for a few hundred feet leaving behind orange pine needles and charred black tree trunks. All the underbrush is what must have fueled the fire? An unfortunate set of circumstances to be sure. We paddled on to the portage to Vernon lake. [paragraph break]

This portage is only listed as 55 rods on my Voyageur map. But, I'd say it's something of a maneater. Especially if you're coming from the Vernon lake side. There is a very steep hill with a minimum of quality footholds. I was glad this was just a daytrip. [paragraph break]

There is an impressive stand of large white pines on the peninsula directly south of the portage landing. There were also a few other nice trees peppered around the lakeshore as we paddled around. We left the leeches behing so we just trolled various rapalas and spoons. I hooked into an incredibly small bass just out from the landing. Joel later caught one as well, but overall fishing was quite slow. We stopped at the 5 star site yet again to get out and relax before tackling the portage back into Brule bay. [paragraph break]

We had heard various loon calls during our stay. But, to this point none of us had seen one or any waterfowl for that matter. Once back on Brule bay there was a lone loon that was repeatedly flipping over and putting it'sfeet in the air. While it didn't disappear when we paddled over it abruptly quit it's silly shananigans. Still we were able to observe it from a close vantage point, which is always cool beans. [paragraph break]

It was chicken fajitas for lunch. Afterwards we ALL canoed over to the Vernon lake portage yet again. Aurora was at her first portage trail! To be sure, a seminal moment. Or so I hoped? It was determined that I would stay back with Aurora at the landing. That way Vickie could go and actually see the waterfall for her ownself too. I was amazed, throughout, how the bugs & flies really seemed to leave Aurora alone; even while the rest of us were getting the occasional bite. It must've been providence?[paragraph break]

[paragraph break]

After supper; once again we were treated to a brilliant star filled evening. While we did persist about the fire a bit later than usual. I'm sorry to report that Auroras' namesake never did reveal itself to any of us. Maybe next time??? [paragraph break] Brule Lake, Vernon Lake

Joel was up quite early this morning. He could be heard packing up his things. Wanting to get on the water before the wind had any chance of whipping up. His opinion on the handling prowess of the Prism pretty well etched in stone. While waiting for the rest of us to get our things packed up; some last second fishing was in order. [paragraph break]

Everyone had a quick breakfast of Clif bars or pop tarts. We had 2 of the canoes loaded up ready to go. With only the Pearl sitting empty waiting for Aurora to finish her breakfast so we could pack her things away. Hannah & Colton were about to shove off when Hannah looked off towards the narrows and exclaimed, "Hey! There's a moose swimming over there!"[paragraph break]

Through the morning mist the immense "paddles" of a bull moose could be perceived swimming just across the bay from us. Joel & I hopped into the Black Pearl and paddled over to get a closer look. My camera was still a bit fogged up so the pictures quality wasn't as good as I had hoped for but, you get the idea. Hannah & Colton paddled over as well to take a better look before starting their trek back to the EP landing. We later surmised; that it was a good thing we had to wait an extra 10-15 minutes for Aurora or we likely would've met that bull face to face in the narrows? As it was; it ended up being an awesome climatic send off.[paragraph break]

One problem we'd had with Aurora in the canoe was that her feet were getting wet. Our wet footing entry/exiting transferred enough water onto the floor of the canoe to get her feet wet as they hung over the edge the the foam pad we had for her. Colton suggested we put a ziplock baggy over her legs. And that's just what we did. Worked like a charm.[paragraph break]

Yet again we were blessed with idyllic paddling weather. The good fortune we enjoyed on this trip in regards to this was not lost on me. I was very thankful. We caught up with Hannah & Colton about half way back. We paddled with them the rest of the way. Apparently it was a popular time to leave the lake? There were no fewer than 4 seperate groups funneling toward the bay of the EP landing. We all managed to stay out of each others way. It probaby helped that after unloading our gear & setting everything off to the side; Joel & I took the Prism back to Sawbill Outfitters while Vickie and the kids waited.[paragraph break]

To pass time while waiting Hannah & Colton set about catching several frogs that were there in the weedy shallows. Not sure if Hannah tried to find out if one of them were her prince charming? :) [paragraph break]

We returned with cold sodas and loaded everything into the vehicles. We stopped in Tofte to fuel up, then in Schroeder for pizza and ice cream. And since it was within walking distance............we headed over to the bridge that ran over the Cross river to burn off some of the pizza while enjoying the sights. [paragraph break]

This was definitely a trip full of new learning experiences. There were some bumps in the road. But at the end of the day it was still a very good trip. Beyond just having a safe trip we achieved 3 of our primary objectives; 1.) Vickie got her walleye supper. 2.) Hannah got to see her waterfall. 3.) Colton got to see some wildlife up close & personal. And, looking forward, I think we've gained enough confidence to try more ambitious trips with Aurora in the future? Hopefully this was the beginning of many more? Brule lake

Joel was up quite early this morning. He could be heard packing up his things. Wanting to get on the water before the wind had any chance of whipping up. His opinion on the handling prowess of the Prism pretty well etched in stone. While waiting for the rest of us to get our things packed up; some last second fishing was in order. [paragraph break]

Everyone had a quick breakfast of Clif bars or pop tarts. We had 2 of the canoes loaded up ready to go. With only the Pearl sitting empty waiting for Aurora to finish her breakfast so we could pack her things away. Hannah & Colton were about to shove off when Hannah looked off towards the narrows and exclaimed, "Hey! There's a moose swimming over there!"[paragraph break]

Through the morning mist the immense "paddles" of a bull moose could be perceived swimming just across the bay from us. Joel & I hopped into the Black Pearl and paddled over to get a closer look. My camera was still a bit fogged up so the pictures quality wasn't as good as I had hoped for but, you get the idea. Hannah & Colton paddled over as well to take a better look before starting their trek back to the EP landing. We later surmised; that it was a good thing we had to wait an extra 10-15 minutes for Aurora or we likely would've met that bull face to face in the narrows? As it was; it ended up being an awesome climatic send off.[paragraph break]

One problem we'd had with Aurora in the canoe was that her feet were getting wet. Our wet footing entry/exiting transferred enough water onto the floor of the canoe to get her feet wet as they hung over the edge the the foam pad we had for her. Colton suggested we put a ziplock baggy over her legs. And that's just what we did. Worked like a charm.[paragraph break]

Yet again we were blessed with idyllic paddling weather. The good fortune we enjoyed on this trip in regards to this was not lost on me. I was very thankful. We caught up with Hannah & Colton about half way back. We paddled with them the rest of the way. Apparently it was a popular time to leave the lake? There were no fewer than 4 seperate groups funneling toward the bay of the EP landing. We all managed to stay out of each others way. It probaby helped that after unloading our gear & setting everything off to the side; Joel & I took the Prism back to Sawbill Outfitters while Vickie and the kids waited.[paragraph break]

To pass time while waiting Hannah & Colton set about catching several frogs that were there in the weedy shallows. Not sure if Hannah tried to find out if one of them were her prince charming? :) [paragraph break]

We returned with cold sodas and loaded everything into the vehicles. We stopped in Tofte to fuel up, then in Schroeder for pizza and ice cream. And since it was within walking distance............we headed over to the bridge that ran over the Cross river to burn off some of the pizza while enjoying the sights. [paragraph break]

This was definitely a trip full of new learning experiences. There were some bumps in the road. But at the end of the day it was still a very good trip. Beyond just having a safe trip we achieved 3 of our primary objectives; 1.) Vickie got her walleye supper. 2.) Hannah got to see her waterfall. 3.) Colton got to see some wildlife up close & personal. And, looking forward, I think we've gained enough confidence to try more ambitious trips with Aurora in the future? Hopefully this was the beginning of many more? Brule lake