Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Bummer in the BW
by Hawk777

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/19/2019
Entry & Exit Point: Fall Lake (EP 24)
Number of Days: 2
Group Size: 2
Day 2 of 2
Thursday, June 20, 2019

I had a 5 day camping/fishing trip planned but had to leave 2 days in. I cut my hand pretty bad with an axe. It was my fault and I wasn’t careful as I should have been. It was pretty deep and required medical attention right away. I didn’t bring a first aid kit which I regret. My buddy wrapped it with cloth to stop the bleeding. My muscle was showing due to how deep wound was but was able to stop the bleeding with a tight wrapped cloth. Unfortunately, the accident happened at about 6 pm so I had no choice but to wait over night until daylight. My hand was useless but we still had to portage out a few miles in which 2 portages were to be done. I had no choice but to carry canoe over head with one good hand. Plus all my gear. It was challenging but after 6 hrs I made it back. I’ll definitely bring a first aid kit on my next trip.