First Visit to Boundary Waters
by Boppa
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
09/03/2006
Entry Point:
Farm Lake (EP 31)
Exit Point:
Little Gabbro Lake (EP 33)
Number of Days:
7
Group Size:
4
Day 3 of 7
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
We woke early and realized the weather was going to be a carbon copy (dating myself) of the previous day. As we were breaking camp, I realized that I really do prefer setting up rather than breaking down camp. We were on the water by 9:00 AM and had no trouble finding the portage; it was right where the map indicated. It was a relatively easy portage until the very end, as beaver activity had made the final 10 rods wet and mucky. The put in was shallow and we pushed the canoes until we were out deep enough. The river is quite beautiful, with new sights at every turn. We were able to avoid a portage by following our outfitter’s suggestion. John had said to stay right of the islands, which was great advice. We followed a narrow channel, just wide enough for a canoe. I suspect this would be difficult, if even possible, during periods of high water due to strong currents.
From the Kawishiwi River, we took our second portage to Little Gabbro. This portage was more uphill than down, but overall not bad. There was a nice sandy exit. Before exiting, we checked out an old dam from logging days and then continued on to Little Gabbro, looking for the channel to Gabbro Lake. We were greeted with a wonderful view of a nice size lake, but also a stiff breeze. We continued on to a site suggested by John but found it occupied by a good sized group. So we paddled on, looking for another site John had marked. We found the site, it was open and indeed it was a great site – plenty of room for our two tents, plus a tarp, with the fire grate and sitting area overlooking the lake. Also a good tree for hanging the food packs and a boat landing that was a rock slab that slowly rose out of the water.
After settling in, we took a swim to refresh and finally broke out the fishing poles. Fishing was slower that afternoon and the fish were smaller but still big enough to keep our interest.
On a trip to find firewood, we saw evidence of a fire years ago (discovered later the fire occurred 10 years ago) and also the skeletal remains of a monster Northern (over 40”) on the edge of the shore. One can only guess what may have caused its demise. On the way back from our wood gathering, we again dropped our fishing lines. We were convinced that the warm temperatures (still low 80”s) had driven the fish deeper. Just as we were verbalizing that conclusion, a Bald Eagle circled nearby, then swooped down to pluck a large fish right off the surface and fly off with his catch. So much for our theory.
Back at camp, we had a leisurely dinner, then sat around the fire, drinks in hand, noting the many enjoyments of the day. We had previously decided that we would base camp from Gabbro Lake if we were happy with the site. As noted, the site was great so we planned to stay for three nights. The full moon continued to light up the woods and we eventually made our way to the sleeping bags.
We woke early and realized the weather was going to be a carbon copy (dating myself) of the previous day. As we were breaking camp, I realized that I really do prefer setting up rather than breaking down camp. We were on the water by 9:00 AM and had no trouble finding the portage; it was right where the map indicated. It was a relatively easy portage until the very end, as beaver activity had made the final 10 rods wet and mucky. The put in was shallow and we pushed the canoes until we were out deep enough. The river is quite beautiful, with new sights at every turn. We were able to avoid a portage by following our outfitter’s suggestion. John had said to stay right of the islands, which was great advice. We followed a narrow channel, just wide enough for a canoe. I suspect this would be difficult, if even possible, during periods of high water due to strong currents.
From the Kawishiwi River, we took our second portage to Little Gabbro. This portage was more uphill than down, but overall not bad. There was a nice sandy exit. Before exiting, we checked out an old dam from logging days and then continued on to Little Gabbro, looking for the channel to Gabbro Lake. We were greeted with a wonderful view of a nice size lake, but also a stiff breeze. We continued on to a site suggested by John but found it occupied by a good sized group. So we paddled on, looking for another site John had marked. We found the site, it was open and indeed it was a great site – plenty of room for our two tents, plus a tarp, with the fire grate and sitting area overlooking the lake. Also a good tree for hanging the food packs and a boat landing that was a rock slab that slowly rose out of the water.
After settling in, we took a swim to refresh and finally broke out the fishing poles. Fishing was slower that afternoon and the fish were smaller but still big enough to keep our interest.
On a trip to find firewood, we saw evidence of a fire years ago (discovered later the fire occurred 10 years ago) and also the skeletal remains of a monster Northern (over 40”) on the edge of the shore. One can only guess what may have caused its demise. On the way back from our wood gathering, we again dropped our fishing lines. We were convinced that the warm temperatures (still low 80”s) had driven the fish deeper. Just as we were verbalizing that conclusion, a Bald Eagle circled nearby, then swooped down to pluck a large fish right off the surface and fly off with his catch. So much for our theory.
Back at camp, we had a leisurely dinner, then sat around the fire, drinks in hand, noting the many enjoyments of the day. We had previously decided that we would base camp from Gabbro Lake if we were happy with the site. As noted, the site was great so we planned to stay for three nights. The full moon continued to light up the woods and we eventually made our way to the sleeping bags.
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