Day 2: Embracing the Wilderness

The second day was all about exploration. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to canoe around Pipestone Bay and Basswood Lake. The lakes were alive with wildlife. We spotted bald eagles soaring majestically overhead, common loons gliding on the water, and lake gulls dotting the sky. Each sighting felt like a gift from the wilderness, a reminder of the untouched beauty of the BWCAW.

A short portage and hike brought us to a pristine white lily pond, its still waters reflecting the sky like a mirror. The peace was indescribable, a perfect fusion of nature’s beauty and our own contentment. A light lunch by the pond kept us energized as we returned to our campsite.

The evening brought with it a gourmet dinner, a pleasant surprise given our remote location. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around the campfire once more. Stories were shared and laughter echoed through the trees. The night sky, unpolluted by city lights, revealed a tapestry of stars that seemed within arm’s reach. We were able to spot the arm of the milky way, identify a multitude of constellations with ease.   

Day 3: The Great Paddle

Day three was our most ambitious, a 10-mile canoe journey that took us to Basswood Falls near the Canadian border. The route was challenging but rewarding. The thrill of navigating the waters, combined with the stunning vistas that unfolded around every bend, made the effort worthwhile. At times, we unknowingly crossed into Canada, a testament to how far removed we were from everyday life.

By the time we returned to our campsite, exhaustion had set in. But it was the good kind of tired—the kind that comes from a day well spent in nature. We collapsed into our sleeping bags, the sound of the lake lulling us to sleep.  

Day 3: The Great Paddle

Day three was our most ambitious, a 10-mile canoe journey that took us to Basswood Falls near the Canadian border. The route was challenging but rewarding. The thrill of navigating the waters, combined with the stunning vistas that unfolded around every bend, made the effort worthwhile. At times, we unknowingly crossed into Canada, a testament to how far removed we were from everyday life.

By the time we returned to our campsite, exhaustion had set in. But it was the good kind of tired—the kind that comes from a day well spent in nature. We collapsed into our sleeping bags, the sound of the lake lulling us to sleep.  

Day 4: Farewell to the Wilderness

The final day came too soon. We packed up our campsite early, making sure to leave it cleaner than we found it—a small token of gratitude to the land that had given us so much. As we paddled back through the lakes, we came up against headwinds and rough waters that tested our energy levels, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment mixed with a touch of sadness that our adventure was coming to an end.

Our trip to the BWCAW was magical—its serene landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the simple yet profound joy of disconnecting from the outside world had left an indelible mark on us. The night skies, the clear waters, the camaraderie—it was everything we had hoped for and more. Though our fishing efforts were fruitless, it was a small price to pay for the experiences we gained.

As we drove back to Ely, the town that had been our gateway to this wilderness, we couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. The Boundary Waters had given us not just memories, but a deeper connection to nature. We left with a promise to return someday, to once again paddle through its serene waters and lose ourselves in its tranquil embrace.