Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

EP 4 3 day trip
by farmerz05

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 05/25/2012
Entry & Exit Point: Crab Lake and Cummings from Burntside Lake (EP 4)
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 6
Day 3 of 3
Sunday, May 27, 2012

What had started as not much more than a sprinkle the night before had become a straight, hard rain by morning. A sparse clap of thunder accentuated the wetness. A small break in the rainfall gave just enough time to break down camp and make a quick breakfast of sandwiches. No time for cooking and dishes this morning. As we said goodbye to our site and pushed off into the water the wind drove a heavy mist into our faces.

Our sextuplet made its way back to the meandering Korb, into Little Crab, and back onto the larger main Crab Lake. We were, so far, making good time. Stopping for a quick snack after the quick portage from little Crab.

We had decided from the outset that we only wanted to do the long portage from Burntside once, so we were going to try exiting via Crab Creek. We knew it would be longer in terms of time, but we just didn't want to haul everything on our backs for a mile.

The first leg of Crab creek starts wide, then tapers quickly after going over a submerged bridge. The ease of the route quickly ceases at the carry/push over for the first beaver dam. While Korb can be meandering at times, Crab Creek bends fully back on itself in quick succession. Two boats 10 feet from each other pointed in opposite directions, separated by a thick blanket of sedge and bog.

Not long after the beaver dam the group finds itself at the first portage around a long rapid/shallow water fall. The path is slick and tree strewn, the bodies are tired. The end of this portage is the only point in the trip in which it seems people are at their limit. We've been spent before, this was flirting with exhaustion. As we plop down on the soft mound of grass and pine stover the food bag comes out; PB&J and some cookies once again rescue our spirits.

We continue our twisting route through calm water surrounding by bog and beaver artifacts. After much practice at about face turns we find ourselves at the last real portage of the trip. There is a sense of tired goofiness about the group now. The fatigue doesn't matter anymore, the wet is long from our minds, its just about covering the distance. This strange sense of eagerness brings about some overzealous acts as well. Coming out of the water Water Buffalo finds its self with a water logged stern; a quick haul out with the rear person still in place can have this effect. Good natured, its good for a hearty laugh from all.

A couple trees cleared and gear hauled we make the last few turns on Crab Creek and reach the open expanse of Burntside Lake. Its definitely taken longer than the portage, but we are happy with our choice.

A handful of trail mix for each of us and we set out across the wavy water. Facing a headwind the landmarks on the far eastern shore seem to take forever to grow in size. At last we clear Waters Island, hug the shoreline and make it to the take out. We've covered 25 miles of paddling and portage in 2.5 days.

There is a sense of accomplishment and bashful relief from everyone. This is nothing like high level competitive running, this is nothing like white water. This is something completely different for all of us. In the grand scheme of things our trip was a pittance compared to what other people do every day on the Boundary Waters, but for us it was a rare glimpse into a different world, far from home and our normal conventions.

A hot shower and soft bed at VNO, a full meal at the Ely Steakhouse, and 18 hours of driving await.

Left to Right: Brittany, Kyle, Alex, Jon, Aaron, Erika