Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Fine Wine north of Sawbill
by TuscaroraBorealis

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 05/15/2010
Entry & Exit Point: Sawbill Lake (EP 38)
Number of Days: 5
Group Size: 2
Day 5 of 5
Wednesday, May 19, 2010

We packed up and headed out early. The portage out of Wine to Frederick was considerably tougher going this way. We passed through Frederick and were back on Zenith in no time at all. I don't recall thinking much of Lujenida lake when we passed through the other day. But it sure was a "purdy" site to see today. Seen a huge garter snake on my last trip back. Kinda got my blood pumping again. Had to be pushing 2 feet in length. Not my favorite thing but..... We ran across the first group we had seen since day one. We chatted for awhile with a couple of guys from the Red Wing area who were headed north towards the Gunflint trail. As I mentioned earlier, it appears there is a fork in the Kelso river. Once again we had no problem navigating back to Kelso lake.

For the first time during this trip the wind picked up to the point of being a nuisance. We paddled on, the wind actually felt good and acted to cool us down from the heat of the day.

We made it to the landing on Sawbill. Quickly loaded up and went up to Sawbill outfitters to grab some ice, brats and not least of all a hot shower. Feeling refreshed, we headed off to Baker lake campground to spend the evening.

There were some tough portages along the way, but I don't think I've had a trip where the weather had been consistently ideal throughout. (save for approx. 30-45 minutes while it rained) Abundant wildlife & scenery..... What a great trip!!!

A special thank you to oneportage,fishnfreak,talusman, & dadof6 for some great on the mark info and advice.


Wine Lake, Frederick Lake, Zenith Lake, Lujenida Lake, Kelso Lake, Sawbill Lake

Lakes Traveled:   Wine Lake, Frederick Lake, Zenith Lake, Lujenida Lake, Kelso Lake, Sawbill Lake,