Boundary Waters 2024
Welcome back!
In mid-August, I was fortunate enough to join a group of intrepid souls for a week-long canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. I have to say it was probably one of the most gruelling trips I’ve ever done, but the area is absolutely gorgeous, and the trip was well worth it.
The whole thing was organized by “Franz”, a friend of my friend David, who has appeared in these blogs before. Franz was a most generous host, and an excellent organizer, having run these kinds of excursions many times in the past. He provided a map of our route, outlined in green, which I’ll share here (this being a low-resolution version):
The whole route was over 60 miles, and there were over 30 portages, so it was quite intense. Just to set the stage, the very first portage was over a mile, and within minutes we were hip deep in mud.
All the portaging, paddling, and the camp setup and teardown routines didn’t leave a lot of time for photography. Still, after acclimating a bit I had enough energy to click the shutter a once or twice.
First evening, Andrew (left) is showing Luke and David how to set up these unfamiliar tents:
Eventually setup was done, and I was able to wander off and find Freddy the One-Eyed Frog, who seemed to have attracted a little fly entourage.
On the other side of the campsite were some nice reflections. Given the monochromatic green of the scene, it works better in black and white:
End of the second day, through several portages and many a lift-over of beaver dams, an exhausted David sags in his chair:
So far the skies had been cloudless but hazy, and the wind hardly moved, which gave the lake a glassy look:
Sunrise treated us to a trio of trumpeter swans:
By the end of the third day we had a bit of extra time in the afternoon to swim and wash off. I got to put on my finest duds, and was feeling refreshed and enjoying the sunset:
Courtesy of Franz
The seagull and dragonfly make a fun accidental pair
The next day, Franz and Andrew try for walleye:
Our trio of canoes:
Luke, myself, and David E., enjoying the natural pool at Crystal Falls, dubbed Odin’s Jacuzzi:
Courtesy of Franz
Courtesy of Franz
Day 5 we were treated to a glorious sunrise, before the rain kicked in:
Lunch at Table Rock
David, Daniel, and David E. paddling the Belle Ringer, an impressively light and well-crafted 20’ canoe:
Courtesy of Franz
A soggy crew at Lower Basswood Falls: Andrew, Franz, Luke, Daniel, and David.
Franz tells a riveting story:
The rain and calm winds let me play around with some abstract shots:
Day 6, looking ahead to Horse River across the lake:
One of our many portages that day:
Courtesy of Franz
Last evening, Luke contemplates his future:
The last day was a very nice paddle out. We had cloudy skies, a gentle tail wind which was very refreshing, and only a few small portages…or at least, by now, every portage we encountered was “small”. The final stretch was up a clean sandy creek, a stark contrast to the muck we endured the first two days. Then, faster than we could blink, the clouds lifted, and sadly it was over:
Andrew, Franz, myself, Daniel, David, David E., and Luke
We had a nice quick lunch and beer in Ely, then it was time to head home.
It really was an epic trip, and I’m thankful to everyone who took part, especially Franz for organizing it, arranging all the meals, and providing the bulk of the equipment. Franz, David E., and Andrew were fun companions, and of course Daniel, Luke, and David were great company as usual. It was very nice paddling with a new group, and learning new techniques, and I feel like I learned a ton. Pretty sure I can tie a bowline now without thinking too much about it :)
Photography-wise I am certainly changing up my camera pack. While I like my Lowepro waterproof pack, it is difficult to get into on short notice, so a lot of opportunities slipped past. A Pelican case would still be waterproof, and would be easier to get into. If I can strap it to another pack, that might be the way to go for future trips, especially solo trips where I can make my own agenda.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed. The trees are already turning colour, so likely the next instalment will try to showcase autumn. Until then, take care, and cheers!
