Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

There will be BUGS!,... and a floatplane.
by BigPaul

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 05/24/2023
Entry Point: Little Indian Sioux River (north) (EP 14)
Exit Point: Moose/Portage River (north) (EP 16)  
Number of Days: 10
Group Size: 1
Day 6 of 10
Monday, May 29, 2023    Started early, leaving Oyster for Agnes around 0700. Water like glass and headed straight across the lake to the river's mouth. I didn't see the first portage, but given the slightly increased water levels, didn't think too much about it. I continued on for about 1/1.5 miles and couldn't fine the second portage either. Very frustrating.    I checked my map, following the undulations on the river, and decided where I suspected the second portage to be, landed the canoe and took a due East bearing to Agnes. Figured I'd walk maybe 200rds, adjusted my pace count for the terrain and took off. I was on the wrong river.    I had looked at the map easily a dozen times since being on Oyster. In retrospect, I suppose the obviousness of the Nord had me convinced, "this has got to be it". Anyhow, it wasn't. I trudged though the brush for about an hour, drained my liter of water, lost my bugnet, lost my map. Another hour trying to correct my error found me in the midst of a most unwelcome bog, some may call it a swamp. Another hour compounding my error found me hopelessly lost and having severe if transient cramping of my quadriceps. I pulled the little Garmin, flipped the cap and stabbed the SOS.    Response was in minutes. St. Louis County SAR was organized and dispatched to my location. Couple hours later I've a USFS float plane circling my assumed position. Hour or so after that I was informed via Garmin that the SAR team was within 2500 ft!    I had purchased a new signal whistle as the one previously on my PFD was showing signs of saltwater exposure. As the team drew closer I was blowing that thing like I was auditioning for an orchestra.    The SAR team finally located this hapless pensioner. I reassured them that I was ambulatory and unhurt, though I quickly drained all proffered liquids. They gave me a choice... continue on or be flown out of the backcountry. I chose to continue on my adventure and they were supportive. Great group of folks, all volunteer. I did not get their permission to use their names, but there were three... a gentleman roughly my age, prior US Marine and retired fireman of 30 yrs, a 30ish male with previous firefighting experience and a 20ish female training for certification in SAR. All from Ely.    Once back in my canoe and armed with a borrowed map, I returned to Oyster, taking the first available campsite. I stood on that little sandy beach and gave thanks as I waved to my rescuers as they took off from Oyster.