A first of many???
by WhiteWolf
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
08/03/2012
Entry & Exit Point:
Larch Creek (EP 80)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
2
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (9 messages)
Part 5 of 5
Awoke to a few fair weather cumulus clouds ,, otherwise mostly sunny and NW winds. Breakfast was had and I begun tearing down camp for departure. The winds were in the 10-15mph range,, and I wouldn't have wanted to be on a much bigger lake and have to paddle into it with a young child but that's another point that makes this entry point child friendly.
Campsite overall is quite spread out with one really good tent pad and at least 2 other marginal ones. Straight, rather long path to the thunderbox through some thick vegetation (raspberry bushes). Plenty of firewood,, though for the arm sized stuff and smaller you have to go a little further back. Fire pit area is avg to slightly above. Biggest drawback is the landing and water quality.
We were paddling by 10:15 (even with about 1" of rain,, the water seemed a tad lower on the way back) and the truck was loaded up and ready to go by Noon. Joel really improved in paddling technique on the way back and actually figured out how to paddle in the front to aid my steering efforts in the stern. He even was pushing off the banks in the narrow section of the creek to steer the bow!! Very proud of him!! Joel after his first BW trip-
I usually like to make at least Two Harbors before stopping for something to eat, but with Fishermens' Picnic and possible traffic I decided the Trail Center would suffice. Wonderful food. ON the way down I saw Lake Superior actually before the lumber mill, I never recall seeing it that far away except for a few times on top of Eagle Mountain years ago. This would be great day for Pincushion overlook. 
Summary- A great short but sweet trip for a young child. Best piece of gear for the trip was Sierra Designs Orion 3 AST tent (shed storm like it was nothing). Exped downmat once again makes the list also. I also used my first "innie". After years of being an "outtie" fan,, I believe the "innie" offers better water protection if it gets to that point. Next piece of gear I want to purchase is CCS Tundra Tarp. P.s Didn't even make it to my mothers' place and Joel was asking , "When are we going again, Dad?" I think I did my job!!!
Campsite overall is quite spread out with one really good tent pad and at least 2 other marginal ones. Straight, rather long path to the thunderbox through some thick vegetation (raspberry bushes). Plenty of firewood,, though for the arm sized stuff and smaller you have to go a little further back. Fire pit area is avg to slightly above. Biggest drawback is the landing and water quality.
We were paddling by 10:15 (even with about 1" of rain,, the water seemed a tad lower on the way back) and the truck was loaded up and ready to go by Noon. Joel really improved in paddling technique on the way back and actually figured out how to paddle in the front to aid my steering efforts in the stern. He even was pushing off the banks in the narrow section of the creek to steer the bow!! Very proud of him!! Joel after his first BW trip-
Summary- A great short but sweet trip for a young child. Best piece of gear for the trip was Sierra Designs Orion 3 AST tent (shed storm like it was nothing). Exped downmat once again makes the list also. I also used my first "innie". After years of being an "outtie" fan,, I believe the "innie" offers better water protection if it gets to that point. Next piece of gear I want to purchase is CCS Tundra Tarp. P.s Didn't even make it to my mothers' place and Joel was asking , "When are we going again, Dad?" I think I did my job!!!
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