Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

First Timers from Birch to Knife - Lessons Learned
by longblueveil

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 08/26/2019
Entry & Exit Point: Moose Lake (EP 25)
Number of Days: 5
Group Size: 4
Day 2 of 5
Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Campsite 1460 was a great peninsula site with landings from the north and south. The site consisted of an elevated field with room for 5+ tents and multiple Hammock possibilities. The cooking area overlooked a bay to the south. Both the site and southern bay were protected from the wind, which mostly came from the west. The hike to the latrine was steep and difficult. There was also no way to put up a tarp close to the fire grate.

We were land-locked by wind and rain for the majority of the day. The bay to the south did remain calm, even through the roughest winds, which allowed us to break the monotony with some trips for firewood collecting, fishing, and recreational paddling. We investigated our peninsula on foot, including a trail that continued past the latrine. This trail ultimately led to a rocky point with views east down Knife, including Thunder Point.

Originally, I had hopes of doing long day trips, including trips to Ottertrack, Cherry, and Eddy Falls. However, the lost day made it clear that some things were not going to happen.

Lesson learned: Have flexible goals.

Lesson learned: Even under a tarp, things won't necessarily dry quickly in certain conditions.

~Knife Lake