Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Quetico - Kawnipi Fall 2011
by GeoFisher

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 08/31/2011
Entry & Exit Point: Quetico
Number of Days: 10
Group Size: 6
Day 2 of 10
Day 2: Thursday, September 1st, 2011 Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

The last few trips, we’ve started leaving in the evening and driving all night and half of the next day to get to the Boundary Waters.

We have tried every method known to man, including driving all night and putting in at first light and paddling all day. That leads to some serious sleep deprivation. I think leaving around 8:00pm and driving all night, stopping at Perkins in Superior, and taking our time in Duluth is the best method. Mostly because you’re refreshed, and you can rest, stretch and take your time getting to the outfitters.

After taking our time around Duluth and an easy drive up the North Shore, we finally arrived in Grand Marais. We spent about an hour there, purchasing some last minute items and then headed up the Gunflint Trail. On the Gunflint, we stopped at the Gunflint Lodge to pick up fishing licenses. We noticed the wind was howling and it was beginning to rain. I was really concerned that we were going to have poor weather. As usual the weather reports were spotty at best.

By the time we left the Gunflint Lodge, it was fast approaching 6:00pm. I knew VCO closed at 7:00pm and since we definitely wanted to check in and square up with Mike and Sue before our trip, we decided to go check in and then head to the trail center for dinner.

While checking in, Mike informed me that they were pretty full, and gave us the Riverside Cabin instead of bunkhouses. This was a great surprise, and I will definitely be reserving that particular cabin on future trips. I might even reserve it before and after my trips. It was a pretty nice change of pace from the normal bunkhouses that we rent. With a group of 6, the cost would be about double, which is easily doable.