New Trip Report posted by danhawk

Trip Name: Shell Lake Base Camp .

Entry Point: 14

Click Here to View Trip Report

Nice job! Glad you enjoyed it. We did #14 to #16 in Sept. '05 and enjoyed Shell, as well, though we were unable to procure one of the island sites. It was also our last trip with heavy (aluminum) canoes...

Just curious....how do you know site 57 is closed? There were 3 sites on the north end of the island, two have been closed for a while, but I was unaware that the middle site, 57, was closed. I have not been there since 06 so things may have changed.

The online topo map shows it as closed. I was surprised to see this. Pehaps it is a mistake. Nice picture!

Nice reprot...don't forget the camera, We all enjoy the pics and learn a lot from photo's. Sounds like you had a hoot.
SunCatcher

Actually it is site #53 that is closed. #53 is on the adjacent point. We stayed at 57 in July 09 and it was fine although the Loo was nearly full. The BWCA.com map does not show it as closed.

That's my thoughts too.

I stand corrected - we were at site #53 on Shell Lake and it is not closed. I would recommend this camp if you are passing through.

On my BWCA campsite web page I'm trying to keep track of campsites by their latrine numbers, and I use what this map page calls "Internal Lake Number." E.g., site 53 mentioned above is Internal Lake No. 35 (and is closed), and site 57 is Internal Lake No. 39. Which number series matches the latrine numbers?

The data from the FS comes with two numbers. One is a unique number across the bwca which would be the 57 or 53 references in this thread.

The internal lake number is a number within a lake identifying a campsite. It is believed to be what is on the latrines. Does it match every latrine? That I cannot confirm.

Thanks, Adam. So now we have three sets of numbers: the FS "unique" numbers, the latrine numbers, and the 4-digit numbers from Peter Berbee. Is there any consensus around which is best to use?

Since you did the #14 to #16 loop, would you let me know about how far apart the landings are over land? After reading the trip reports, I've been thinking about this area for my wife's first trip. I'd consider a loop if the land distance isn't too far (so I can walk or ride back to our car when we pull out).

Thanks.

In Beymers book, he says its 8 miles.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll try to keep us coming in and out at the same landing.

hikingstick... I am going to plant a bicycle a hundred of so yards into the woods in june. I figure I will leave a note on it asking for it to be left alone and chain it to a tree. Should only be a half hour bike ride.

I was just wondering how much I'll be up to riding when we pull out. I guess it is not that far, but I also don't want to leave my wife feeling abandoned at the landing for 40 minutes (ride and then loading the bike).

I'll talk it over with her, and give it some additional thought.

Thanks for the trip report, I have been thinking
about that area for a solo trip

What is the approximate travel time to Shell from the entry point assuming single portages and pretty swift travel?