Familiar waters-strange circumstances
by fairmatt
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
07/16/2021
Entry Point:
Little Indian Sioux River (north) (EP 14)
Exit Point:
Moose/Portage River (north) (EP 16)
Number of Days:
5
Group Size:
4
Trip Introduction:
As I attempt to put this trip report together, I can’t help but reflect on past trips. This is now my son’s 4th trip and Brody’s 3rd. I’m both giddy and a bit saddened at how much both have grown in such a short time. They are both stronger, more mature, and continue to want to learn more about BWCA travel. It never takes long before they speak of the next trip. It’s clear that these boys get busier and busier with sports and school which makes scheduling these trips harder to do.
This year the only time we could make work was Mid July so July 17th entry at EP 14 was picked. Goal was to go up to Lynx then Oyster to LLC and down through boulder river/Agnes and out EP16. Plans changed in a BIG way!
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Day 1 of 5
Friday, July 16, 2021 We drive up to Ely arriving around 3pm and watch the LNT video at the Ranger Station. We get the permit and are advised of the burn ban and the fires in Canada. We knew of ban, the fires and the fact that the weather was supposed to be hot and dry...like it had been all summer already. 
After the Wolf Center we went to the Boathouse for a drink and burgers. We ate too much and headed out of town on the Echo to Fenske Lake Cabins and Resort. We wanted to be closer to the entry point and figured we would give this place a go. First impression was that it is a very quaint and well taken care of resort on what seems to be a quiet lake other than a public campground right across the lake. The bunkhouse is nice and simple with bunkbeds complete with a plastic mattress protector It did not have AC. Have you ever had to peel you face off of a mattress like it’s a dead mouse on a sticky trap??? I have…
After looking at the displays we loaded up and went to the Wolf Center. After going on trips the last 15 years or so I hadn't visited either the ranger station or the wolf center so check and check. The wolf center was pretty interesting but the two white wolves they had in the enclosure where more comfortable in the den avoiding the sun and heat and were not real active. I don’t blame them its too hot out! Probably at least 85-90F. They did eventually walk around, and we got a good look at them. Pretty cool!
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