Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

The Ribbon Rock
by TuscaroraBorealis

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe

Entry Date: 05/25/2012

Entry & Exit Point: Moose Lake (EP 25)

Number of Days: 6

Group Size: 7

Trip Introduction:

The genesis of this trip took place last fall. Upon completion of our trip to Big Moose lake we made (at least for us) the obligatory stop at Piragis. I always enjoy perusing their bookstore section. A new book about Dorothy Molter caught my eye. It was titled, "Dorothy Molter ~ The Root Beer Lady" by Sarah Guy-Levar & Terri Schocke. It's story line is quite similar to that of the Bob Cary book of the same title. But, this version includes several documents and intimate interviews & photos that the Cary version is lacking. Of course, there were photos of Ribbon Rock. (Undoubtedly one of the most famous rocks in all of canoe country.) Being the rock hound that she is, upon seeing these photos, Vickie was immediately smitten with the idea of visiting such a wonderous and beautiful rock. So a trip was planned around visiting the Isle of Pines & Ribbon Rock.

Discuss Trip: View Discussion Thread (20 messages)

Day 1 of 6

Friday, May 25, 2012

Got rollin' about 9:00 this morning. An uneventful drive north was only punctuated by a short stop at the Kettle River rest area to change - then feed - Aurora. While the rest of us (Vickie, Hannah, & Hannahs' friend Morgan) took turns getting out to stretch, use the "facilities", & grab a cold drink.

Traffic didn't seem to bad? Considering it was the beginning of a holiday weekend.

Stopped in at my parents before continuing on to Ely. Unfortunately Mom had several errands to run, so Dad was the only one around. After a short visit we pressed on.

I had called ahead and learned that the Dorothy Molter museum would not be open today. As the director would be helping out with graduation in town. An unfortunate circumstance considering the nature of our trip. But, there are plenty of other things to see & do in and around Ely.

We grabbed some last minute items & browsed at some of the local shops. My brother Ross & his daughter Megan were to meet us at LaTourell's Outfitters. They were still aways out. So as we headed out of town we decided to kill a little time on a side trip.

The Kawishiwi Falls Hiking Trail is just off of the Fernberg Trail right before the Fall Lake campground. A easy hike back is rewarded by a breathtaking view of this spectacular drop. Further enhanced by all the recent rains the area has gotten. Hard to believe that a fire was threatening Ely just a week, or so, earlier.

Not being exactly sure how far along Ross & Megan were, we headed to LaTourell's Outfitters without further delay.

Bob & Missy warmly greeted us upon arrival. Ross & Megan pulled in shortly there after as we were finishing up the details of our outfitting package. I feel compelled to divulge an instance of unsolicited generosity. Not only did they waive Auroras' tow fee. But, since one of their heated bunkhouses was unoccupied, they offered that for us to use along with the yurt we had reserved at no extra charge! Also, we really appreciated LaTourell's practice of using a large booklet to quickly cover the LNT ethics. IMHO a much more efficient presentation than having to sit through the video first. Still achieving the same end result. Really an all-around top notch business.

Bob lead us up to our accomodations, showed us where, & how everything worked. After getting settled in, we went over the game plan for tomorrow with everyone then wandered around awhile. Afterwards, everyone came together for a game of Apples to Apples which served as our nightcap.