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 7 of 7
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Another beautiful morning, with fog and mist rising from the water. It was cold but we kept warm working at breaking down camp and ensuring we left no visible evidence of our stay. The day before, after returning from our excursion to Bald Eagle Lake, Jeff and I had secured fire wood for the next fortunate group to choose that location.
We loaded the canoes and set off for Little Gabbro Lake and our exit portage at entry point 33. Once on Little Gabbro, a canoe with a couple and a dog were 5 minutes ahead of us. As they reached the shore, the young lady stepped out of the canoe and found herself up to her knees in mud. The low water had left us yards short of good footing. Her partner turned the canoe to a small weed infested channel and was able to maneuver to more solid footing. It was easy to wait for them to unload and follow the drier way ashore.
The portage from Little Gabbro to EP33 was listed at 200 rods but seemed longer, maybe because we really didn’t want to leave. We reached the parking lot at the predetermined time and our pick up was right on schedule. As we took seats in the van, our driver pointed to a small cooler, packed with cold beer and soda. Now that was completely unexpected and much enjoyed!
Back at North Country Canoe Outfitters, we showered and changed into regular clothes before heading into Ely for some sightseeing and dinner. We enjoyed the friendly people and interesting shops, as well as dinner at the Grand Ely Lodge. We had drinks on the deck, overlooking a pretty lake, before moving inside for dinner.
Conclusion: As we have had time to reflect upon our Boundary Waters trip, we realize it was indeed a special experience. The weather was great, the scenery fantastic, and the wildlife so enjoyable. Although we did not see any of the larger mammals, we enjoyed the eagles, ospreys, cranes, turtles and the boisterous loons. Even the little critters - garter snakes, chipmunks and squirrels - were entertaining.
We feel we saw a great deal during our first visit and know there is still so much more to discover.
The four of us each had a wonderful experience and we are closer for our time together. Visiting this website has more meaning and always helps to bring us back to "our time in the Boundary Waters".
We are already planning a return trip, but this time it will be just Bette and me. Sara was fourteen weeks pregnant when we went on this trip so next summer they will be busy being first time parents, and their canoe tripping in the BWCA is on hold for a few years.
Our late August 2007 trip will definitely include a return to Ely, the North Country Canoe Outfitters and most definitely another visit to “Brittons” for breakfast after our 6 day BWCA trip. You can all expect to be asked for information and suggestions once I have my entry point permit secured. I am indebted to this site where so many have given helpful information, both directly and indirectly. Thanks to all who have given information and made suggestions for our first trip – you and this site are tremendous supporters of the Boundary Waters. I hope to return the favor.
Boppa
Another beautiful morning, with fog and mist rising from the water. It was cold but we kept warm working at breaking down camp and ensuring we left no visible evidence of our stay. The day before, after returning from our excursion to Bald Eagle Lake, Jeff and I had secured fire wood for the next fortunate group to choose that location.
We loaded the canoes and set off for Little Gabbro Lake and our exit portage at entry point 33. Once on Little Gabbro, a canoe with a couple and a dog were 5 minutes ahead of us. As they reached the shore, the young lady stepped out of the canoe and found herself up to her knees in mud. The low water had left us yards short of good footing. Her partner turned the canoe to a small weed infested channel and was able to maneuver to more solid footing. It was easy to wait for them to unload and follow the drier way ashore.
The portage from Little Gabbro to EP33 was listed at 200 rods but seemed longer, maybe because we really didn’t want to leave. We reached the parking lot at the predetermined time and our pick up was right on schedule. As we took seats in the van, our driver pointed to a small cooler, packed with cold beer and soda. Now that was completely unexpected and much enjoyed!
Back at North Country Canoe Outfitters, we showered and changed into regular clothes before heading into Ely for some sightseeing and dinner. We enjoyed the friendly people and interesting shops, as well as dinner at the Grand Ely Lodge. We had drinks on the deck, overlooking a pretty lake, before moving inside for dinner.
Conclusion: As we have had time to reflect upon our Boundary Waters trip, we realize it was indeed a special experience. The weather was great, the scenery fantastic, and the wildlife so enjoyable. Although we did not see any of the larger mammals, we enjoyed the eagles, ospreys, cranes, turtles and the boisterous loons. Even the little critters - garter snakes, chipmunks and squirrels - were entertaining.
We feel we saw a great deal during our first visit and know there is still so much more to discover.
The four of us each had a wonderful experience and we are closer for our time together. Visiting this website has more meaning and always helps to bring us back to "our time in the Boundary Waters".
We are already planning a return trip, but this time it will be just Bette and me. Sara was fourteen weeks pregnant when we went on this trip so next summer they will be busy being first time parents, and their canoe tripping in the BWCA is on hold for a few years.
Our late August 2007 trip will definitely include a return to Ely, the North Country Canoe Outfitters and most definitely another visit to “Brittons” for breakfast after our 6 day BWCA trip. You can all expect to be asked for information and suggestions once I have my entry point permit secured. I am indebted to this site where so many have given helpful information, both directly and indirectly. Thanks to all who have given information and made suggestions for our first trip – you and this site are tremendous supporters of the Boundary Waters. I hope to return the favor.
Boppa
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