Estro Fest
by vaniarose
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
07/31/2011
Entry Point:
Little Gabbro Lake (EP 33)
Exit Point:
Farm Lake (EP 31)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
7
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (13 messages)
Day 4 of 5
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Clearwater Lake, Turtle Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, Gabbro Lake, Little Gabbro Lake, South Kawishiwi River, Clear Lake, North Kawishiwi River
We enjoyed the fresh raspberries from the day before on our pancakes. Then it was time to pack up and head out. Our plan was to get to Clear Lake and camp one night before heading out to the outfitters on the last day.
The day was hazy and the air was heavy with the smell of fire. We wondered where the fire was as we paddled through the day.
Returning through the two long portages to Bald Eagle Lake was so much easier. Packs were lighter and we felt stronger. The sun shone bright through the hazy day and we all got some color to add to the sheen of dust.
At the little portage between Bald Eagle and Gabbro, we tried the west side this time. It was a group challenge to get everything past the rapids without going down them. We ended up tying ropes to the canoes to draw them around the bend one at a time and then lifting the loaded canoes over the short stretch of rocks. With the canoes safely around the rapids, we found a shady spot for lunch.
Continuing through Gabbro, Little Gabbro, the paddling was smooth and clear. The Outfitter had warned us about a set of rapids, that we kept reminding each other about all day. Once we finally reached "the rapids", they were far diminished from what we all had imagined, not a problem at all to float right past.
The day was getting long and campsites were all full. As we got to the last portage to Clear Lake, we all had our fingers crossed for an open site. Unfortuantely, all four campsites were full. The group was tired as we weighed our options. It was decided to press on and hope for an open site after the next portage on the North Kawishiwi River.
As our last portage, the group was a well oiled machine, packs, boats, water bottles and miscellaneous items were quickly snatched up. As the teens headed back for the double portage, the rest of us loaded the boats and fixed a snack to eat before heading out again.
Luck was with us, the first site was open and we split up to set up tents, cook dinner and pump water. Pizzas on tortillas were so amazingly delicious after the long, long day.
Clearwater Lake, Turtle Lake, Bald Eagle Lake, Gabbro Lake, Little Gabbro Lake, South Kawishiwi River, Clear Lake, North Kawishiwi River
We enjoyed the fresh raspberries from the day before on our pancakes. Then it was time to pack up and head out. Our plan was to get to Clear Lake and camp one night before heading out to the outfitters on the last day.
The day was hazy and the air was heavy with the smell of fire. We wondered where the fire was as we paddled through the day.
Returning through the two long portages to Bald Eagle Lake was so much easier. Packs were lighter and we felt stronger. The sun shone bright through the hazy day and we all got some color to add to the sheen of dust.
At the little portage between Bald Eagle and Gabbro, we tried the west side this time. It was a group challenge to get everything past the rapids without going down them. We ended up tying ropes to the canoes to draw them around the bend one at a time and then lifting the loaded canoes over the short stretch of rocks. With the canoes safely around the rapids, we found a shady spot for lunch.
Continuing through Gabbro, Little Gabbro, the paddling was smooth and clear. The Outfitter had warned us about a set of rapids, that we kept reminding each other about all day. Once we finally reached "the rapids", they were far diminished from what we all had imagined, not a problem at all to float right past.
The day was getting long and campsites were all full. As we got to the last portage to Clear Lake, we all had our fingers crossed for an open site. Unfortuantely, all four campsites were full. The group was tired as we weighed our options. It was decided to press on and hope for an open site after the next portage on the North Kawishiwi River.
As our last portage, the group was a well oiled machine, packs, boats, water bottles and miscellaneous items were quickly snatched up. As the teens headed back for the double portage, the rest of us loaded the boats and fixed a snack to eat before heading out again.
Luck was with us, the first site was open and we split up to set up tents, cook dinner and pump water. Pizzas on tortillas were so amazingly delicious after the long, long day.
Donate - BWCA.com