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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 04:29PM
Title: Trip Report - Disappointment on Brule
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Author Message Text
eagle93 06/21/2013 09:20AM
Loved your photos, sorry you had to shorten your trip.
AndySG 06/21/2013 08:05AM
Lynda & Neil......Thanks for sharing your lovely photos. You two are "troopers" for sure. I have a feeling there will be more trips in your future.
Spartan2 06/20/2013 06:33PM
New Trip Report posted by Spartan2

Trip Name: Disappointment on Brule.

Entry Point: 41

Click Here to View Trip Report
wildernessfan2 06/20/2013 09:14PM
Thanks for sharing! The Storm and Loons dancing pictures were awesome. Even with the challenges it seems like you made good decisions and a good backup plan.
mvb 06/21/2013 09:50PM
Thank you for the report on the trip and your honest feelings. I feel sad for you and Neil because at age 58 I am counting the opportunities myself. Life is short and time accelerates with time. I made my first trip to 'Quetico at the same time you were on Brule. I appreciate the place, the time, the strength even more because of the perspective you have provided.
God bless you both.,
Thwarted
Ho Ho 06/21/2013 10:31PM
Thanks for the report and excellent pictures, Lynda! As you know, I was solo camping the same time you were on Brule. I have to say, that first afternoon out was kind of rough with the cold misty windy weather. It was the kind of day I would have liked to have had company. I'm glad you and Neil had each other, even if neither of you was feeling great. Camping with the love of your life is life's greatest blessing, and we can count ourselves lucky for having done it so often!


Is was wonderful to see you guys here in Ely too. (Plus, the cobbler was yummy!). Foreshadowing the unwritten report of Robert's stay - I'm glad you liked the Dead River paddle! I paddled down there today - the bog laurel is gone, but the labrador tea is blooming to add more white to the cotton grass, the yellow bull's head water lilies are out, and I found the first pitcher plants I've seen on the Dead (I've always wondered why they aren't on the Dead River when they are on all similar boggy waterways).


Whether you stay in a cabin or campsite, you have many many wonderful trips back to the Boundary Waters ahead of you.


bapabear 06/21/2013 06:36PM
Sorry your trip didn't work as planned but you never know what's around the next corner so you take what you can get. After being diagnosed with blood cancer this winter I was thinking this could be my last trip so I enjoyed every blessed cold, wet, and windy moment of our early June trip. We called it a day early also.


Some awesome photos. That storm rolling in across the big lake was fascinating to see. Your loon pics show some interesting positions from work and play and I particularly liked the "God Light" pics.


Last year we stayed on the campsite nearest the Vernon Lake portage on Brule Bay. Not a 5 star but we were comfortable and saw momma and baby moose swim across the bay from there.


The portage to Vernon was a special tripping moment for me too. When we discovered that waterfall/rapids along the walkway we worked our way back from the first campsite on the lake and I enjoyed a very cathedral-like hour or two. Beautiful spot. I'm still missing my father's passing from cancer - his name was Vernon. I sat in this spot meditated and soaked in the beauty for a long time. Wish you could have seen it also.


Spartan2 06/21/2013 07:12PM
Thanks, bapabear. I, too, wish we could have seen it, but this time it just wasn't going to happen. I believe the campsite you refer to is the one at which we were staying. . .how I would have loved to see a moose mama and baby!


You are correct that we take what we can get. Already I am realizing that the storm coming in off the big lake was perhaps the highlight of our entire trip--and that wasn't even on the canoe trip. Sometimes we have to look at what is happening even when we are just going TO our destination, don't we?


Or afterwards. We saw this eagle on a little paddle last week with our grandson on Fenske Lake. Another really fun moment for all of us.





I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and I will add you to my prayer list. Take good care of yourself and get better if you possibly can. I see your birthday is just two days away from mine (you are two days younger.) It will be easy for me to remember to wish you a happy birthday, as that was my mother's birthday, July 12th.
OneMatch 06/21/2013 11:57PM
Fascinating and wonderful report. Thanks for sharing both the ups and downs. It makes the trip sound more... real, I guess.


I believe that loon was saying "Oh, nooo!, but saying "Not yet" in loon speak.


Mobility, medical and aging issues are certainly considerable, but maybe it just means a little bit better planning, a trip later in the summer when weather factors are not so much of a problem and staying open to whatever comes your way.


I'd be very surprised if that was your last campsite. Anyone that can play cowbell like you do isn't ready to toss in the paddle!


Spartan2 06/22/2013 06:31AM
Thank you, everyone for your kind replies. I debated about whether or not to write a report, given that it wasn't much of a trip, really. But once I saw the loon photos, it seemed like there was something worth sharing. I am glad that some people enjoyed reading about this little trip, even if it wasn't a "large" adventure.


Mocha 06/20/2013 07:18PM
great photos! sorry your trip wasn't everything you hoped it would be, but at least you had a few nights in the woods in a tent. your cabin stay sounded very relaxing, too. sure hope Spartan1 is feeling better. your grandchildren are very lucky to have you and Neil to share outdoorsy experiences with them.
bruleman 06/22/2013 10:27AM
quote Spartan2: "New Trip Report posted by Spartan2


Trip Name: Disappointment on Brule.


Entry Point: 41


Click Here to View Trip Report"



Sorry to hear about your Brule trip. My dad and I began going to Brule in 1957 and nearly every subsequent year following, thru the mid 80's, when the Sky Blue Waters Lodge closed their doors, due to the BWCA rules. We, initially stayed at the Brule Island Camp, a very unique facility, then camped out for a number of years, after the closing of the Brule Island. We then began vacationing at the Sky Blue Water Lodge, until the BWCA rules shut it down in the mid 80's.


Needless to say, we experienced many weather events over the years. I recall it snowing, one year camping on a Brule Lake island, in early June. We talked my wife into going one year and the sun didn't come out the entire week. We drove back to the North Shore and stayed in a Lake Superior cabin, one night, just to get warmed up and dried off. Sharon never returned to Brule, after that bitter experience. Good weather makes a great camping trip, no doubt.


I am a bit older than you, but gave up the camping bit, quite a few years ago. We have continued our trips to the Gunflint Trail. This year, June 6 thru June 10, staying at the Cross River Lodge with 3 days of guided fishing. Our cabin was newly remodeled. The fishing and weather were excellent. The Lodge owners cater to your every need. I suggest that you make your base out of a Gunflint Lodge and make daily trips, based on the weather forecast. There are many interesting opportunities available for vacationers on the Gunflint.


I will try to attach a couple photos taken on our recent trip.
Spartan2 06/22/2013 06:18AM
quote bapabear: "Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! An interesting correlation between our two trips this year is my group stayed at Fenske Lake Campground the night before entering and the night before we left for home. Nice place with a beautiful lake. So the cabin you rented would be one of those we saw across from the floating fishing pier we spent some time fishing from? The bugs were worse there than anywhere on our trip though.



While the destination in life is what it's all about we can't forget to enjoy every moment along the way. Good luck with your upcoming knee surgery.



I'm getting to be more quiet these days and regret I didn't say something to you on Friday night at Copia this year. I sat to your left during Jerry's performance that night. I could listen to him and his group anyday! Oh well, maybe next year?


I took this shot from the shore of that camp on Brule Bay. Look familiar? "










Actually, bapabear, our cabin would be one that you didn't see, as it is tucked back in the woods more than the ones you saw. But we could see the fishing pier from our dock. Our dock was the one that stuck out the farthest, down across from the campsite with the big rock that extended down to the lake.












And yes, I wish you had said something to us at Copia. It would have been fun to talk to you. I have always enjoyed your postings here, and would have liked to get to know you a bit better. We are big fans of Jerry, too. And we played "True and Deep" in the car with our grandson, so now there is another fan. Robert has "Headwind" and "Roots and Rocks" memorized now and sings the refrains even without the CD! :-)


Your photo does, indeed look familiar. That area is very beautiful. We first visited Brule in 1992 on our 22-day trip, and this entire part of the BWCA is our favorite.

Thanks for your comments.



homerun23 06/21/2013 09:40PM
I don't post very often, but just wanted to let you know you are guys are an inspiration! While you may feel that you are becoming limited in what you can do in the "great outdoors", what I see is two wonderful people passing down their passion to the next generations! Cooking hot dogs over a campfire, and canoeing with grandpa, are exactly the types of things that gave me the love I have for nature and experiencing life outside the city limits!!


Spartan2 06/22/2013 08:59PM
quote missmolly: "You're a helluva photographer. Growing old is a damn, dirty deal. That storm was otherworldly."


Thank you. "Otherworldly" is a good description. In just a matter of minutes we saw about twice the number of "formations" that I included in my report--we were standing on the balcony just mesmerized. Never have seen anything quite like it, and I found myself wondering if people who live on the Lake Superior shore see that sort of thing frequently. To us it was just breathtaking.


As for getting old, I think I agree. The compensation, for me at least, is grandchildren. The best, richest blessing to make it worthwhile. We just finished our vacation with one, and we leave on Tuesday for eleven days with the other one.
HighPlainsDrifter 06/22/2013 09:41PM

I am sorry that your trip did not go as planned.


That T-storm that you watched also came ashore in GM. That was about the weirdest, spooky looking thing I ever saw.


I am glad that I finally got to me you folks.


The trip for my son and was very rewarding for both of us. By day 12 we were ready to come out.
missmolly 06/22/2013 08:50PM
You're a helluva photographer. Growing old is a damn, dirty deal. That storm was otherworldly.
Zulu 06/22/2013 10:50PM
Great Report and photos! I like the photo of the Common Mergansers taking off. I have always enjoyed Neil and your posts, photos and Trip Reports so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet and talk to the Spartans in person.


Sorry the trip didn't go as planned in the beginning but I am glad it ended well spending it with your family.
bapabear 06/21/2013 09:29PM
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! An interesting correlation between our two trips this year is my group stayed at Fenske Lake Campground the night before entering and the night before we left for home. Nice place with a beautiful lake. So the cabin you rented would be one of those we saw across from the floating fishing pier we spent some time fishing from? The bugs were worse there than anywhere on our trip though.


While the destination in life is what it's all about we can't forget to enjoy every moment along the way. Good luck with your upcoming knee surgery.


I'm getting to be more quiet these days and regret I didn't say something to you on Friday night at Copia this year. I sat to your left during Jerry's performance that night. I could listen to him and his group anyday! Oh well, maybe next year?

I took this shot from the shore of that camp on Brule Bay. Look familiar?
Spartan2 06/22/2013 06:34AM
quote Ho Ho: "Thanks for the report and excellent pictures, Lynda! As you know, I was solo camping the same time you were on Brule. I have to say, that first afternoon out was kind of rough with the cold misty windy weather. It was the kind of day I would have liked to have had company. I'm glad you and Neil had each other, even if neither of you was feeling great. Camping with the love of your life is life's greatest blessing, and we can count ourselves lucky for having done it so often!



Is was wonderful to see you guys here in Ely too. (Plus, the cobbler was yummy!). Foreshadowing the unwritten report of Robert's stay - I'm glad you liked the Dead River paddle! I paddled down there today - the bog laurel is gone, but the labrador tea is blooming to add more white to the cotton grass, the yellow bull's head water lilies are out, and I found the first pitcher plants I've seen on the Dead (I've always wondered why they aren't on the Dead River when they are on all similar boggy waterways).



Whether you stay in a cabin or campsite, you have many many wonderful trips back to the Boundary Waters ahead of you.



"



Thanks, Bill.


We saw small pitcher plants on our paddle. We didn't get in a good spot for photographing them, but we did point them out to Robert. It was the first time I had seen them in early spring, so I took a bad photo anyway. ;-)


boonie 06/22/2013 07:07AM
Spartan2-


Thanks for the report and the beautiful pictures. I'm sorry it didn't turn out to be a great trip, but this shall pass and you shall have more. Take the best from it for your memories and forget the rest.


Good luck with the knee surgery. Ask what you can do now to make recovery easier and be unrelenting with the rehab.
Spartan2 06/22/2013 07:48PM
Thank you, bruleman, for your interesting information and your encouragement. We have stayed at cabins before (with our granddaughter several times, and now with our grandson), and most of the time it has been on the Gunflint, so we do know how to do that. It would certainly be a pleasant option if we decide not to camp in the BWCA in the future.


We also could decide to go during the warmer seasons; September has worked well for us the past few years, but I missed the spring flowers so much we decided to go back to a spring trip this year. Unfortunately for us, spring came really late to the canoe country in 2013. It isn't always so. Last spring was evidence of that.


At any rate, it's all good. We spent time in canoe country, and returned home safe and sound.


By the way--that's a great FISH!! :-)
Spartan2 06/23/2013 05:51AM
quote Zulu: "Great Report and photos! I like the photo of the Common Mergansers taking off. I have always enjoyed Neil and your posts, photos and Trip Reports so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to meet and talk to the Spartans in person.





Thanks, Zulu. We were pleased to get to meet you, too, and really happy that it worked out that we could come to the get-together at Bill's.
Spartan2 06/23/2013 05:48AM
quote HighPlainsDrifter: "
he trip for my son and was very rewarding for both of us. By day 12 we were ready to come out."


We were so glad to meet you!

I hope you are going to write a trip report, too! :-)
TeamTuna06 06/23/2013 12:24PM
Great report as always Lynda.


I just took my wife on her first trip last week and can only hope we're still tripping 30 years from now.


Thanks again!
Pat
TuscaroraBorealis 06/23/2013 01:52PM
Great report!


As you know, we did a trip back to that area for Aurora's first trip. The trail back to the falls is very challenging. So much so that we didn't bring Aurora back there. Certainly a wise decision on your part not to go, as coming back (climbing)would've been even worse. Coming at them from the Vernon lake campsite is easier (flatter trail) but, of course, you would've had to start at Bower Trout lake. As always, the key is to appreciate what you WERE able to do & see.


I realize this trip didn't go to plan. But, your excellent photographs seem to convey the sense that you were out there for more than 3 days. You always do such an outstanding job of capturing the essential beauty of the wilderness.


Thanks for taking the time to share your story & photos.
Spartan2 06/23/2013 02:54PM
More than coming from most people, I appreciate your comments, TB. We chose this location for our trip mainly because I had read your report of the trip with Aurora and it piqued my interest in Brule Bay. After having a hair-raising experience once trying to paddle across Brule at Jock Mock Bay (in a terrible nor'easter when we shouldn't even have considered it), I had always had this unreasonable fear of Brule Lake, and I thought the calmer section around Brule Bay would be more to my liking.


And, actually, it was. All things being different (weather, health issues, etc.) I think we would have enjoyed base-camping there and taking day trips. But we did underestimate the difficulty of the Vernon portage considerably, and setting ourselves up for a big disappointment by not seeing the waterfall was just sort of silly.


It is always good to hear that someone has seen my photography and gotten a sense of time and place. For, to me, that is what photography is all about: capturing the memories of time and place. The spirit of the place.


dmpaul 06/24/2013 08:39AM
Great report & thanks for sharing! I'm glad you decided to write your report, all trips are good, some just better than others!


It stinks that sickness & health issues can get in the way, but just so you know, you both are an inspiration to me! I would be considered a young pup to you both, I can only hope that in 30 years my wife & I will still be enjoying the bwca, I think you two are some tough cookies! Coming out early is only a smart decision, dehydration combined with the stomach flu isn't any fun for anybody, you toughed it out longer than other people I know & they are half your age, they could learn something from you folks.


I can completely relate to your report as my wife & I were on Brule, actually paddled right past the campsite you were on the morning of June 13th. We took the portage to Vernon & stayed at the falls campsite on Vernon. That portage is something else, my wife & I are in shape and hit the gym often & that portage was a workout. Slow go for sure as a broken ankle on that portage isn't out of the question for anyone, one bad step is all it would take.


Its too bad you couldn't get to the falls, as it is definitely not a fun one to get to from that portage. We did walk around a bit & tried to see the falls from that portage, but the undergrowth was thick & the bugs weren't far behind, & all we could find were rapids. After you do the portage & get to the first campsite, from there is a decent trail that leads you right to the falls.


Thanks again! Looking forward to more reports in the future, no matter where you two end up enjoying the great outdoors.
Wish you the best on your surgery & recovery!
x2jmorris 09/12/2019 07:46PM
Super old report but I read through your recent post on nearing the end and decided I should read. The one after this might get brought up again too :)


Cold and wet, this is terrible at any age. One or the other is fine but combined and god forbid it be windy too can make it unbearable. About the rain stuff. I always pack a poncho just in case. They are bulky and don't breathe but they will keep you dry and warm. Those early trips can be sooo cold too. It's too bad it didn't turn into 70s during the day and high 40s at night. Seems like even with all the struggles you still had good moments from what it looks like from the photos.


x2jmorris 09/12/2019 07:57PM
Just went back to your reports and see that this was the last. I'm sorry it ended on a cold trip and that you weren't able to get out during the summer for a nice hot trip to end it. At least you got back to Brule when it was a calm lake though. It is a pretty lake when calm. I have never had the misfortune of it being windy there thankfully. I try to avoid it because I have had issues in the past on big lakes and not a huge fan of them.
TomT 07/03/2013 09:23PM
I loved the pics, especially that wild storm. And some fine macro closeups too! It's really a shame that both of you are having physical problems. It makes me want to get up there all the more and appreciate every second of it.


Here's to hoping you can give it another go sometime and if not then a cabin with day trips is not a bad alternative. Thanks for all the great shots and the story.


Boppa 06/27/2013 09:43PM
Hi Spartan1 and 2,
As usual the pictures were awesome and continue to capture the essential beauty and uniqueness that canoe tripping often provides. Spartan2 your eye is as keen as ever, you offer more and more composition to your photo's, I am discouraged that getting around continues to be a growing concern. Keep adapting and trying approaches that maybe different. Would have liked to see this trip report with better temps and Neil's illness is an unfortunate reality, at least it should not happen again.
Thank you for the great documentation and as usual great read and pictures.
Take care my friends,
Boppa
Spartan2 06/24/2013 04:34PM
quote Cedarboy: "Spartan1 and Spartan2
Great report as always, you have a good eye for photos.
The Trestle, my favorite northwoods bar, always get a Trainwreck w/casualties.
CB"



I got the "Locomotive" and I though it was just the best burger ever!!
Cedarboy 06/24/2013 04:19PM
Spartan1 and Spartan2
Great report as always, you have a good eye for photos.
The Trestle, my favorite northwoods bar, always get a Trainwreck w/casualties.
CB
Spartan2 06/24/2013 04:20PM
quote dmpaul: I would be considered a young pup to you both, I can only hope that in 30 years my wife & I will still be enjoying the bwca, I think you two are some tough cookies! Coming out early is only a smart decision, dehydration combined with the stomach flu isn't any fun for anybody, you toughed it out longer than other people I know & they are half your age, they could learn something from you folks.



I can completely relate to your report as my wife & I were on Brule, actually paddled right past the campsite you were on the morning of June 13th. We took the portage to Vernon & stayed at the falls campsite on Vernon. That portage is something else, my wife & I are in shape and hit the gym often & that portage was a workout. Slow go for sure as a broken ankle on that portage isn't out of the question for anyone, one bad step is all it would take.


Wish you the best on your surgery & recovery!
"



Thanks so much for all of the kind words. Yes, you are a "young pup". As a matter of fact, you are 2 1/2 years younger than our youngest child (who just happened to be conceived on our first canoe trip). So it is good to know that you read my report and got something out of it. . .and that you found that portage a tough one. I had heard that it was "a climb", but that didn't quite prepare me for the difficulty level we encountered. There was a time I would have done that portage with a pack on my back, to be sure, but even in days when I was a young as you are, I probably would have griped about it. ;-)


From your photos, it is a nice waterfall, but nothing so spectacular as to lose sleep about missing. I have appreciated people posting photos so that I can see what we missed. . .but I guess I am resigned to missing it now and we agree that it was the best decision for us.


I don't accept the role of being anyone's "inspiration" very comfortably. We are just stubborn old folks who don't want to give up a way of vacationing that has always brought us a lot of joy. We never were great role models when we were in our thirties, and we certainly aren't now; but we do love the BWCA. That will never change.
paddlefamily 06/24/2013 03:21PM
I really enjoyed your trip report (well, I've read them all). :) Your photos really tell a story and are beautiful. Sorry to hear it wasn't the trip you'd hoped it to be. I hope you enjoy more in your future, no matter how you accomplish them. I think it's a wonderful thing that you take your grandkids and make such special memories for them.
Spartan2 06/28/2013 09:11PM
Thanks, Boppa. It's always good to hear from you.
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