Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

First Time to the BWCA
by Kingoftreno

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 05/28/2016
Entry & Exit Point: Fall Lake and Beyond (EP D)
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 2
Trip Introduction:
Two BWCA novices tackle our first trip.
Report
Started early in the morning of May 28th, weather was forecast for rain but remained mostly clear. We made good time across Fall Lake, through Newton, and on to Pipestone Bay. Being first timers we definitely overpacked for the trip, and opted for double portages for each of the two portages of the day. We made camp on the northern end of Pipestone Bay around Noon and attempted to get fire going. Had a hell of a time with it and then it started raining, cooked our food on the stove instead. Second day was pretty lazy, took a nice nap in the hammock and tried to fish a bit, no luck with the fish but did manage to hook a beaver who was less than thrilled about it. After a few minutes of fight he managed to throw the Rapala off and save me from cutting my line. Got fire going in the evening and cooked some food, thunderstorm rolled in and back to shelter for sleep. Used a large tarp over the tent which allowed us to stay dry even with only the screen door closed on the tent. Although we weren't getting bit up too much by mosquitoes they were definitely present, and the buzzing in the trees sounded almost like we were near a Nascar race. Broke up camp after breakfast on day three and cut our trip short to avoid more rain, made great time on the way back out and we had lunch in Ely!

Can't wait for the next one! Fall Lake, Newton Lake, Basswood Lake

Lakes Traveled:   Fall Lake, Newton Lake, Basswood Lake,