A Little Longer, A Little Farther
by PixiePaddler
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
07/04/2009
Entry Point:
Fall Lake (EP 24)
Exit Point:
Moose/Portage River (north) (EP 16)
Number of Days:
10
Group Size:
2
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (12 messages)
Day 10 of 10
Monday, July 13, 2009
WE FREAKIN’ FROZE LAST NIGHT!
I think the temperature was down in the 40s last night! Now, I know those of you hardcore trippers are snickering under your breath (or “laughing out loud”) right now. But you have to realize…we were not prepared for this! It’s summer for goodness sake! In Kansas, we are lucky if it dips below 80 degrees on summer nights! So, stifle your giggles and feel sorry for us! ? We got up and bundled up for our last morning. That coffee was oh so good and helped warm us up.
The temperature warmed quickly and it became a beautiful day. We piddled around so long that we soon realized it was 11:00! Holy cow! We threw everything together and hopped in the canoe. We headed down Moose River North. It reminded me of last year’s exit with us following a stream through marsh areas with lots of evidence of muskrats, beavers, and other wildlife. We came upon a deer feeding in the stream and waited for her to move on.
The deer flies were very annoying and seemed to really think I looked tasty. Thank God for Off. We had to drag over or pull around numerous beaver dams and dodge a lot of rocks. The water level was low and it was challenging to keep clear. As we portaged out, we came across 4-5 college students repairing one of the landings. They were from the MCC (Minnesota Conservation Corps). These portages probably see a lot of traffic and need maintenance. The last portage of the trip took us out to the parking lot. It was a nice gradual uphill path and a nice ending to a beautiful day. We were picked up only minutes after emerging and taken back to Ely. Year two was under our belt. Overall, it had been very pleasant and uneventful. Our love for the BWCA was growing and our curiosity of Quetico was also growing. Maybe we should start thinking about going farther and longer next year. I couldn’t wait!
Pixie Paddler
WE FREAKIN’ FROZE LAST NIGHT!
I think the temperature was down in the 40s last night! Now, I know those of you hardcore trippers are snickering under your breath (or “laughing out loud”) right now. But you have to realize…we were not prepared for this! It’s summer for goodness sake! In Kansas, we are lucky if it dips below 80 degrees on summer nights! So, stifle your giggles and feel sorry for us! ? We got up and bundled up for our last morning. That coffee was oh so good and helped warm us up.
The temperature warmed quickly and it became a beautiful day. We piddled around so long that we soon realized it was 11:00! Holy cow! We threw everything together and hopped in the canoe. We headed down Moose River North. It reminded me of last year’s exit with us following a stream through marsh areas with lots of evidence of muskrats, beavers, and other wildlife. We came upon a deer feeding in the stream and waited for her to move on.
The deer flies were very annoying and seemed to really think I looked tasty. Thank God for Off. We had to drag over or pull around numerous beaver dams and dodge a lot of rocks. The water level was low and it was challenging to keep clear. As we portaged out, we came across 4-5 college students repairing one of the landings. They were from the MCC (Minnesota Conservation Corps). These portages probably see a lot of traffic and need maintenance. The last portage of the trip took us out to the parking lot. It was a nice gradual uphill path and a nice ending to a beautiful day. We were picked up only minutes after emerging and taken back to Ely. Year two was under our belt. Overall, it had been very pleasant and uneventful. Our love for the BWCA was growing and our curiosity of Quetico was also growing. Maybe we should start thinking about going farther and longer next year. I couldn’t wait!
Thanks for reading!
Pixie Paddler
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