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      Trip Report - From City Streets to Canoe Seats: Far From Disappointed
 
  Last Visit: 03/12/2026 12:22AM

Entry Point 26 - Wood Lake

Wood Lake entry point allows overnight paddle only. This entry point is supported by Kawishiwi Ranger Station near the city of Ely, MN. The distance from ranger station to entry point is 13 miles. Access to Wood Lake is a 180-rod portage. This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1361 feet
Latitude: 47.9691
Longitude: -91.6001
Author Message Text
KayakosaurusMike
new member
 
09/24/2025 12:30PM
 
New Trip Report posted by KayakosaurusMike

Trip Name: From City Streets to Canoe Seats: Far From Disappointed.

Entry Point: 27

Click Here to View Trip Report
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dogwoodgirl
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
09/24/2025 01:49PM
 
Nice report....felt like I was right there.


About that kayak.....you monster! Next time rent a solo canoe, maybe.

~On to Fort Chipewyan before the snow flies!
YardstickAngler
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
09/25/2025 02:21PM
 
This is a beautifully written trip report! Bravo! So much of your writing cuts through the noise to find the answer to “Why do I love the Boundary Waters?” Your crew obviously has a tight bond, shown in the beaming smiles, teamwork, and your clear descriptions of each person’s role. Lifelong friends for sure. I also love the conveyed sense of how whatever happens out there…you earn it. And the great satisfaction that comes from doing so.

Also…Good for you (and your wife!) for making the effort to make this trip happen with an infant in the house. When a new baby enters the picture, life gets difficult, and the responsibilities at home pile up fast. But maintaining friendships and seeking out adventure in the wilderness is NOT a frivolous thing…it’s maintaining your health. As a father of five, it feels more and more difficult to get to the BWCA each year, but especially now that I’m bringing my kids…more important than ever. Keep on keeping on!

I’ll be re-reading this one more than once! Very well done.
KayakosaurusMike
new member
 
09/26/2025 11:57AM
 
Solo Canoe, would have been much better. For budget purposes, I did already own the Kayak, so that was a benefit. Other than the portaging, the Kayak was AMAZING to have on the water. Super comfortable, stable, and made it really easy to fish, but I think it will be the only time I bring it.


Thank you for your kind words!
KayakosaurusMike
new member
 
09/26/2025 12:01PM
 
YardstickAngler,


Thank you for your kind words! I had a blast writing it. This is my first time posting a trip report and I anticipate it will be a tradition from now on. It's such a good way to document and share the trip in fuller detail than any phone call or general conversation will cover.


Yes, my wife is an angel. So blessed to have such a supportive partner. We live in a big city and she knows how stir crazy I can get here so her willingness to let me go into the wilderness to reset has been such a special thing.
bnics
senior membersenior membersenior member
 
12/30/2025 08:36AM
 
Great report. I love when a report makes me feel like I was along for the trip and yours succeeded in that. The groove you got into of everyone falling into their roles is a great feeling. You never know how it will go for the new people and seeing them find their role without being told is a blessing.


It's one thing to bring a kayak into the BW. Once I saw it was a sit-on (rather than sit-in) one, I could only imagine how hard those portages would be. For reference, this year I also had a group of 5 and we opted for a 3-person canoe. This worked out well for the most part, I'll have a trip report up within the week.


I'm also glad to see you're writing up trip reports now. After writing my first one up last year, I'm finding it a very enjoyable way to relive the trip. I typically write mine up months after I've gone up there and it makes me more excited for the next one. Looking forward to reading about your future trips!


Curious:
What radios do you guys use? It's been on my list to get some for future BW trips for the same situation you used them in on Disappointment Lake.
BWfishingfanatic12
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
01/04/2026 10:08PM
 
Nice report. Been to that area a couple times. Brings back some good memories. very vivid writing and imagery. I enjoyed reading through your recount of your trip.
Jefflynn06
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
01/10/2026 10:23AM
 
Amazing report! This might be the most well written I've ever read! I am a lifelong educator who taught middle school Language Arts for several years and your writing style brings me right INTO the experience!


Thank you for sharing this as I truly felt the emotions of your trip and made me reminisce about many of my own trips. You brought out the magic, the hardships, and the soulfulness that the BWCA provides.
Thank you again and I hope to read more reports on the future!


Btw - A 27# solo canoe sounds waaayyy better than your heavy kayak!!!

Two Paddle
TrailZen
distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
 
01/26/2026 03:07PM
 
Nice report, K-Mike! It's great when each member of a paddling crew finds purpose and contributes to the common goals. Hope the crew is already planning its 2026 trip.


TZ

If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. African Proverb
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