BWCA Trip Report - Snowbank to Spider Lake PMA Loop Boundary Waters Trip Reports
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backpackingZombie
senior member (92)senior membersenior member
  
08/16/2021 10:25PM  
New Trip Report posted by backpackingZombie

Trip Name: Snowbank --> Spider Lake PMA - .

Entry Point: 27

Click Here to View Trip Report
 
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08/16/2021 10:42PM  
Thanks for posting this. I’m trying to pick a route and was just looking in that area.
thistlekicker
distinguished member (471)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
08/17/2021 07:35AM  
The Wilbert Cafe is great.

Sucks that nobody at the lodge would help you out. Times are strange.
backpackingZombie
senior member (92)senior membersenior member
  
08/17/2021 07:43AM  
thistlekicker: "The Wilbert Cafe is great.


Sucks that nobody at the lodge would help you out. Times are strange."


Their taco omelet was awesome.

I don't think it's the times. It was a very Minnesota Nice thing where folks will give you directions to anywhere but to their front door. Everyone there was hanging out and having a good time but we were outsiders and nobody wanted to help an outsider.
aquatik
member (7)member
  
08/18/2021 11:08AM  
BPZombie, I appreciate your trip report. With all due respect I must say that you've posted some negative comments about Wilderness Bay Lodge that are not reflective of the lodge and its staff, in my humble opinion. The folks at WBL epitomize "MN Nice"! In your own words this was "your jam", not theirs; they have a resort to run. Please do not needlessly disparage them in public, especially when your own planning shortcomings contributed significantly to the situation. (btw, "water taxis" at your beck and call?! Times are strange, indeed...)
backpackingZombie
senior member (92)senior membersenior member
  
08/18/2021 01:06PM  
aquatik: "BPZombie, I appreciate your trip report. With all due respect I must say that you've posted some negative comments about Wilderness Bay Lodge that are not reflective of the lodge and its staff, in my humble opinion. The folks at WBL epitomize "MN Nice"! In your own words this was "your jam", not theirs; they have a resort to run. Please do not needlessly disparage them in public, especially when your own planning shortcomings contributed significantly to the situation. (btw, "water taxis" at your beck and call?! Times are strange, indeed...)
"


You are right, I did post a negative comment about them. I did not say I expected a ride free or for pay, but if my only interaction with them was one where we didn't feel welcome, after being told we could come sit down (my friend called them from the portage while we were waiting), and then lied to when we asked a direct question then my impression is one of an unwelcoming group that does not want to be truthful or help others. You can't make a second first impression, right?

I'll leave it at that and won't respond to the rest. I don't feel like getting into it.
08/19/2021 01:30PM  
Sounds like a challenge. Not sure I'd want to cross Snowbank solo in a 2 person canoe in a heavy wind. Gotta give you credit for that. Way to keep pushing and I'm glad it worked out.
Strange the WB people wouldn't shuttle you for a fee. That is how their guests get there, by a pontoon boat shuttle from their landing. Esp if someone else made the trip over soon after. Huh.
backpackingZombie
senior member (92)senior membersenior member
  
08/19/2021 05:09PM  
scat: "Sounds like a challenge. Not sure I'd want to cross Snowbank solo in a 2 person canoe in a heavy wind. Gotta give you credit for that. Way to keep pushing and I'm glad it worked out.
Strange the WB people wouldn't shuttle you for a fee. That is how their guests get there, by a pontoon boat shuttle from their landing. Esp if someone else made the trip over soon after. Huh."


Thanks, yeah, it was fun and I had to be on the ball with my paddling for that last lake :). I wished the outfitter would have had a solo, but I totally understand switching out your canoe a day before you leave isn't exactly going to go as you want it to. oh well. I was just happy to get back and pick up my friends in time so they didn't have to walk :) and so I could get some fish and chips

Not sure about what to say about WB besides what we experienced *shrug*. One of my buddies ran into someone else with experience and stories from years back and it sounds like the current owner is just different than who their dad was.
08/26/2021 06:43AM  
It sounds like an epic ordeal. The first time I day tripped on Snowbank, I remember getting a bit disoriented when trying to just find the EP landing after I paddled over towards the portage to Parent. There are a few areas on that western shoreline that look like the takeout for canoes but they are actually docks or private trails---at least that was my impression at the time. After a lot of paddling around in the wind, I finally made it to where I wanted to take out. I'm glad you were able to have a fairly successful trip despite having to change your plans!
 
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