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 5 of 5
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Farm Lake, Iron Lake
We started with breakfast of oatmeal and granola. Since we had paddled so far the day before, we had an easy day in front of us, only one possible 10 rod portage. Grandma Sherry announced that she would portage a canoe for her first time over that portage. There was a light sprinkle as we took down camp so tents were packed damp.
As we got to the "possible" portage, it turned out to be no problem to paddle through. Sherry was bummed to not have a chance to carry a canoe but soon got over it.
Paddling along the North Kawishiwi River was nice and smooth. We stopped for a leisurely lunch on an island just before we reached the boundary to leave the BWAC. As we were wrapping up after eating, I looked up and shouted, "Boat! Boat!" One of the canoes had gotten loose and was just starting to drift away. We raced to grab it just in time and tied it to shore with a bungie cord.
As we finished one last group photo, a bald eagle flew within a few yards of the island, a lasting good-bye to the Boundary Waters.
Once we crossed the boundary, it was rough paddling across the north end of Farm Lake, wind and motorboats creating big waves. We passed through the last channel, a little shocked to see all the cabins with loud generators disrupting the peace. Around the turn and under the bridge to Iron Lake, we had one last battle against the wind and waves to the outfitter's dock. They met us with cold beverages and hot showers, heaven!
After loading up the cars, we heading to Ely to check out the International Wolf Center. It was well worth the visit and a nice end to our adventure.
Farm Lake, Iron Lake
We started with breakfast of oatmeal and granola. Since we had paddled so far the day before, we had an easy day in front of us, only one possible 10 rod portage. Grandma Sherry announced that she would portage a canoe for her first time over that portage. There was a light sprinkle as we took down camp so tents were packed damp.
As we got to the "possible" portage, it turned out to be no problem to paddle through. Sherry was bummed to not have a chance to carry a canoe but soon got over it.
Paddling along the North Kawishiwi River was nice and smooth. We stopped for a leisurely lunch on an island just before we reached the boundary to leave the BWAC. As we were wrapping up after eating, I looked up and shouted, "Boat! Boat!" One of the canoes had gotten loose and was just starting to drift away. We raced to grab it just in time and tied it to shore with a bungie cord.
As we finished one last group photo, a bald eagle flew within a few yards of the island, a lasting good-bye to the Boundary Waters.
Once we crossed the boundary, it was rough paddling across the north end of Farm Lake, wind and motorboats creating big waves. We passed through the last channel, a little shocked to see all the cabins with loud generators disrupting the peace. Around the turn and under the bridge to Iron Lake, we had one last battle against the wind and waves to the outfitter's dock. They met us with cold beverages and hot showers, heaven!
After loading up the cars, we heading to Ely to check out the International Wolf Center. It was well worth the visit and a nice end to our adventure.
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