Author |
Message Text |
Wendigo41
|
On the Ely side good skating on Tofte and the south shore of Burntside. Some of the lakes the ice is a little rough from refreezing and snow melt.
|
Banksiana
|
On the Ely side- good skate skiing and classic skiing on most lakes.
|
WIMike
|
Going up tomorrow to look around. Anyone know a good drive-to spot to see the glass ice? Also, a recommendation on a section or two of SHT to hike? Thanks
|
Banksiana
|
A year or two ago I had friends that skied (skate skied) from Moose Lake to the Gunflint, stayed two nights in a cabin and skis back. It was spring skiing. I had to work.
|
Pinetree
|
Banksiana: "A year or two ago I had friends that skied (skate skied) from Moose Lake to the Gunflint, stayed two nights in a cabin and skis back. It was spring skiing. I had to work."
Thanks
|
Pinetree
|
glass
|
TrailZen
|
We had 'glass ice' locally (western North Carolina) a couple years ago. We didn't know what it was called then, but were impressed with the clarity... TZ
|
WaveRunner
|
Rare glass ice on BWCA lakes
|
WaveRunner
|
The link to the video shows the current ice conditions. It looks beautiful, if it wasn’t so far, I’d consider making the drive just for the once in a lifetime skating opportunity!
|
IronRangeMike
|
Isabella wasn't quite glass like but I had fun.... If only the walleyes had cooperated hahaha.
|
WaveRunner
|
Not sure about pulling a sled, but I have had the opportunity to skate on frozen lakes and rivers, but not in the Boundary Waters. It’s quite amazing, and with the right skates, not hard to maintain 15 mph if the ice is good. To see expansive areas of the Boundary Waters, it would probably be best to get blades that attach to cross country skate ski boots. Then when you want to cross portage, just take the blades off and walk to the next lake. You could cover a lot of territory!
|
Wendigo41
|
Skating Burntside.
Would be a great year to own an ice boat.
|
Stumpy
|
IronRangeMike: "Isabella wasn't quite glass like but I had fun.... If only the walleyes had cooperated hahaha.
"
Amazing..... Good for you !
|
Pinetree
|
Some been skating all the way to Basswood rom Moose lake and back the same day.
|
Banksiana
|
Pinetree: "Some been skating all the way to Basswood rom Moose lake and back the same day."
A nice skate ski is Moose to Prairie Portage and back through Basswood and Wind Bay/Wind Lake.
|
Pinetree
|
Banksiana: "Pinetree: "Some been skating all the way to Basswood rom Moose lake and back the same day."
A nice skate ski is Moose to Prairie Portage and back through Basswood and Wind Bay/Wind Lake."
When I was a little younger and had a lot of energy I was always going to do that loop.
I did ski Up to Prairie Portage and past like 3 miles and ski back the same way.
I wonder how long it would take to go from Moose lake landing and come out via Saganaga. maybe too much with short days. I know I have went from Dorothy Moulters to Moose lake landing pulling a sled before in decent time.
|
BendingBranchesPaddler
|
Seeing these conditions have added a bucket list item for me - it won't work this year, but hopefully the next time this happens I'd love to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the BWCA - I would be able to cover a lot more ground faster on skates than in my canoe!
Definitely would make trip planning a bit different though.
|
Duckman
|
I wonder how easy it is to pull a sled on skates?
|
Duckman
|
I think it would be a blast to skate up Sawbill, portage, and then skate and explore Cherokee.
|
THEGrandRapids
|
We parachute skate around Grand Rapids when the conditions hit just right. 6' parachute- no elaborate harness and kite. Might be the most joy you ever have. I figure this happens about once every 7-8 years, and the window is never open long.
|
Parnell
|
Duckman: "I think it would be a blast to skate up Sawbill, portage, and then skate and explore Cherokee I agree
|