BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
July 26 2024
Entry Point 49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes
Number of Permits per Day: 2
Elevation: 1865 feet
Latitude: 48.0517
Longitude: -90.5366
Stuart River - 19
Last Trip of the Season
Entry Date:
November 05, 2009
Entry Point:
Lake One
Number of Days:
3
Group Size:
1
While slipping through Ross Lake, I wondered why there were no campsites on this lake. It was a stunning little lake with a few nice spots for campsites. Curiosity got me thinking about why some lakes were selected to have campsites and others, not. Deep in thought, we arrived at the third long portage of the day. Krystal was in need of a rest so after unloading our boats, she took some tummy time on the portage to rest her pelvis. She timed three minutes of rest. We already had 10,000 steps in for the day according to her watch. I was in awe of her ability to do all this while she was still healing from the accident. [paragraph break] [paragraph break] This third portage was easier mainly because there were not really any horrible trees down across the trail. We took our time, we were moving slow, but made it to the other side with the glorious thought that we only had one portage left to make it to Long Island Lake. We rested at the edge of Cave Lake working up the energy to make it through this last lake and onto the last portage. [paragraph break] A sole loon accompanied us across Cave Lake and we bid the bird farewell as it cheered us on across this last bit of land. I swear that loon chortled, “You can do it!” And of course, near the beginning of the portage, a pair of downed trees taunted us. Scratchy branches had their last taste of Tina as I went into beast mode and charged across that portage. I made it to the end and settled everything. I started back and met Krystal on the way. There was no rhyme or reason to our motion on this portage, we just went. And of course, Krystal chimed in as I passed, “slow and steady wins the race!”[paragraph break] With my last load over and boat loaded, I waited for Krystal while I stood in the cold water, soaking my sore legs and feet. As soon as I saw her, I was beaming with joy. I kept saying, “I’m so proud of you! You did it.” And I was. I was simply gleeful at how she had conquered this hard day in her own way, defeating the doubts and ending on the picture-perfect Long Island Lake. What a day! [paragraph break]
[paragraph break] Long Island Lake was a sheet of reflective glass as we slipped across its surface. I had a campsite in mind not far from the portage. We had been on this lake one other time and I believed it would be a perfect cool weather site. To my surprise it was available, as was just about every campsite on the lake. Where was everybody? Last time we were here, this lake was crowded![paragraph break]
[paragraph break] Krystal made it to camp shortly after me. We loved the site and were loving the sunshine. Chairs were quickly unpacked, and feet placed in dry socks and Crocks! We poured ourselves a victory cocktail of whiskey, water, and powdered Cherry 7-Up, then relaxed a bit before setting up camp. [paragraph break] After setting up camp, we settled in for a massive bowl of mac n’ cheese, dehydrated broccoli, and hot sauce. We devoured that bowl of cheesiness like a couple of ravenous beasts. Full bellies, and sleepiness all around, we settled in for some relaxation, general excited chatter about conquering this day, and not long after supper, bedtime as soon as the island woods grew dark. [paragraph break]