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      Trip Report - Ensign to Thomas and back
 
  Last Visit: 10/31/2024 07:01PM

Entry Point 27 - Snowbank Lake

Snowbank Lake entry point allows overnight paddle or motor (25 HP max). This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 24 miles. Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Many trip options for paddlers. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 8
Elevation: 1191 feet
Latitude: 47.9716
Longitude: -91.4326
Author Message Text
Freeleo1
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07/17/2021 11:18PM
 
New Trip Report posted by Freeleo1

Trip Name: Ensign to Thomas and back.

Entry Point: 25

Click Here to View Trip Report

"Geography is just physics slowed down, with a couple of trees stuck in it." Terry Pratchett
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Northwoodsman
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07/18/2021 06:58PM
 
Nice report. It's always a tough decision to drive or fly. My son and I are driving up to MN later this week. We're just north of Dallas and it's about 14 1/2 hours to Minneapolis. 4 - 8 lanes all the way.
Freeleo1
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07/18/2021 07:28PM
 
We have driven up there through Houston and Dallas on the interstate so many times since my husband has relatives in Dallas. We decided to try the east Texas route. Also, I'd never been to Arkansas. The mapping programs made it seem about the same time wise. It would be better if Interstate 69 wasn't so broken up. We had to keep exiting just to stay on the same road. You're right, the interstate is more relaxing, just really boring.

"Geography is just physics slowed down, with a couple of trees stuck in it." Terry Pratchett
Freeleo1
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07/18/2021 07:28PM
 
Duplicate post.

"Geography is just physics slowed down, with a couple of trees stuck in it." Terry Pratchett
OldTripper
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07/21/2021 07:41PM
 
I really enjoyed your trip report.
Thanks for sharing.
TechnoScout
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07/21/2021 08:28PM
 
Northwoodsman: "Nice report. It's always a tough decision to drive or fly. My son and I are driving up to MN later this week. We're just north of Dallas and it's about 14 1/2 hours to Minneapolis. 4 - 8 lanes all the way."


My buddy and I are driving in early Sep. Up from Austin. I have driven it three times and flown seven. While it is a very boring drive, it saves a lot of $$ and relieves a lot of stress.
straighthairedcurly
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08/01/2021 01:14AM
 
Nice trip report. I love your description of realizing that you were not where you thought. Easy to have happen. I have thought about a trekking pole as my balance gets iffier each year. So far I have been okay with using a paddle for big step downs or slippery spots but next year my husband wants to bungie the paddles into the canoe on portages. What trekking pole do you use? Foldable?


We just returned from a trip out of Moose Lake and the number of Scout groups was staggering, though we had some good experiences with a couple of the groups (an intense bull moose encounter and helping a group get through a shallow, muddy stream) and every Scout group we met was incredibly polite. Once we got past Knife and SAK area it was much improved. We passed through Thomas and it looked like a lake we want to return to so it was fun to read your report.
Freeleo1
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08/01/2021 05:34PM
 
It's a Leki pole with a rubber tip. One of a pair I use regularly on day hikes. It telescopes down to about 24 inches and fit in the side of the guide pack until we got to the 1st real portages. I didn't turtle once this time.


Thomas was better than I thought it would be. It might be a problem if there was more wind since it has a lot of open area. I had planned to go to the smaller lakes nearby if it was a problem, but it wasn't necessary.

"Geography is just physics slowed down, with a couple of trees stuck in it." Terry Pratchett
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