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Entry Point 24 - Fall Lake

Fall 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 7 miles. "Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Several trip options to Newton, Basswood, & Mud Lakes with additionalportages." This area was affected by blowdown in 1999.

Number of Permits per Day: 14
Elevation: 1324 feet
Latitude: 47.9527
Longitude: -91.7213
Author Message Text
HawksEye
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09/09/2010 10:15PM
 
New Trip Report posted by HawksEye

Trip Name: First BWCA trip- Ensign - Solo.

Entry Point: 25

Click Here to View Trip Report
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RT
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09/10/2010 07:22AM
 
Nice report! It reminds me of my first solo camping trip hiking the Superior Trail just outside of Tettegouche State park. Every small noise right after dark seemed magnified. Every small snap (I was sure) was a bear, cougar, hyena, or alien waiting to eat me. Ahhh, good times. :P


"Happiness isn't good enough for me! I demand euphoria!" - Calvin & Hobbes
Dennisal
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09/10/2010 09:36AM
 
Really enjoyed your report. I hope to do my first solo next year (was planning on this year, but health did not allow that).


You gave me some insight on the noise situation during the night hours. Always a concern.


Thanks.

Never lost. All portages and roads go somewhere or they would not be there.
lars54
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09/10/2010 08:38PM
 
very nice report, funny how a little chipmunk can sound like a
huge beast when its dark
TomT
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09/11/2010 09:04AM
 
I really enjoyed this. It took me back to my first solo and the fear I felt after dark. It's universal I'm sure. The best "big animal in camp" for me was when one very early morning while solo a large moose walked right past my tent and into the lake before crossing to the other side. That was pretty magical.


I also have a Blackbird hammock and was wondering how you slept? What insulation did you use? I also sprung for Brandon's (Warbonnet) Superfly Tarp. Very expensive but worth it in the long run.


One thing I would never do though is sleep without a tarp over me. I think stringing it up and then peeling half of it away is what I would do. That way, if it started to rain you could get out and cover yourself in a hurry. Thanks for posting. Loved it.


BTW, no camera?




"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw
HawksEye
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09/11/2010 09:24AM
 
quote TomT: "a large moose walked right past my tent and into the lake before crossing to the other side. That was pretty magical.
"

That is neat!



quote TomT: "I also have a Blackbird hammock and was wondering how you slept? What insulation did you use?"
The first two nights were a bit hard on my back- i didn't follow the advice of hanging the feet end higher than the head. After I lowered the head end, it straightened my back significantly and the last nights were great! The $20 Tyvek tarp met my budget better than the $130 superfly.


I have a coleman (self-inflating + air) sleeping pad that I slipped between the double-layer bottom of the hammock. I had a -20degree bag, so didn't need any extra insulation on this trip. I have an ancient down bag I'm going to try to turn into an underquilt this weekend. Do you have an underquilt? What dimensions is it?
"


quote TomT: "... never... sleep without a tarp over me.... stringing it up and then peeling half of it away is what I would do....BTW, no camera?
"



that is a great idea about the tarp- 1/2 up. I watched the weather and was pretty sure there would be no rain. My camera sucks so I didn't even bother packing it. Oh well... maybe someday when I get a real job, i'll get a real camera.... but then, i might not have as much time to do all the fun things i've done the past 10 years...


thanks, all, for the nice comments. It is also reassuring to know i'm not the only scaredy-cat out there. :-)
TomT
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09/11/2010 10:08AM
 
quote HawksEye: I have an ancient down bag I'm going to try to turn into an underquilt this weekend. Do you have an underquilt? What dimensions is it?



I don't have an underquilt but I like your idea of using an old down bag which I DO have. I use a 1/4 inch extra wide closed cell foam pad I got from Gossamer Gear. If it's gonna be cold I use a 2" thermarest basecamp air pad. Someday I'll get the underquilt.

It took me a couple of nights to really find the sweet spot in the Blackbird too. But now I love it.


BTW, I bet you can get a basic point and shoot digi camera on ebay for way cheap. People are always upgrading to newer stuff and maybe you can find a deal on a used one. It's always nice to reminisce through old pics. I really regret not taking my camera on a week long solo in 1988.

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw
dring
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09/11/2010 06:31PM
 
Nice report. I love the thoughts you had at night. I feel the same way the first couple of nights out when I solo. Thanks for the report.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
HawksEye
senior membersenior membersenior member
 
09/11/2010 08:15PM
 
Thanks for the kind words. I'll head somewhere with less bear activity next trip, but I suspect I'll still have some of that night-time paranoia.
jackpine1
membermember
 
09/15/2010 09:09PM
 
NOTE TO SELF: Black bears are not out to eat the campers. They are out to eat the camper's food.


I love this...always an important thing to remember.
Amok
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09/15/2010 10:51PM
 
quote jackpine1: "NOTE TO SELF: Black bears are not out to eat the campers. They are out to eat the camper's food.



I love this...always an important thing to remember."



You sure they're not out to eat your foot? haha

Trust, but verify. The Lord will provide !!!!
HawksEye
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09/16/2010 09:14AM
 
quote Amok: You sure they're not out to eat your foot? haha"
lol
I'm really glad I didn't know 'bout the bear w/ the foot fetish before I climbed into my hammock!
TuscaroraBorealis
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09/18/2010 11:15AM
 
Very nice, descriptive report. Thanks for sharing your story.


Now that you've got that 1st trip out of the way, your comfort level should increase with each succeeding trip. Thus adding to your enjoyment.


TB
HawksEye
senior membersenior membersenior member
 
09/18/2010 02:56PM
 
I sure hope so! I also hope my fishing skills improve- I missed the triple crown, all I got was one northern and one bass. I want a walleye next time.
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