Just over forty years ago this month, my BIL and I had to abandon a westbound Kek traverse when temperatures soared into the low 50s. As we sat by our fire bemoaning our fate, a guy came into camp from the west on snowshoes with only a t-shirt under his pack straps. When he left Ely the overnight low was -47.

What is the weather typically like in the BWCA in winter? Damned if I know, and neither do you:









Add the possibility of deep snow, blizzards and freezing rain and it can be a challenge out there at times.

Did I mention that we had a bear in camp on that trip?