BWCA Entry Point, Route, and Trip Report Blog
May 11 2024
Entry Point 29 - North Kawishiwi River
Number of Permits per Day: 1
Elevation: 1249 feet
Latitude: 47.9543
Longitude: -91.5641
North Kawishiwi River - 29
Snowbank to Lake One
Entry Date:
May 21, 2005
Entry Point:
Snowbank Lake
Exit Point:
Lake One (30)
Number of Days:
8
Group Size:
6
Sunny Strong winds low 70’s
Sunrise: 5:14
Total Miles traveled: 4.7
Lakes Traveled: Horseshoe, Caribou, Lizz, and Poplar
We broke camp around 7am and headed back into Caribou fighting the NE winds until we rounded the point. We hit the 73 rod portage by rather quickly and I once again quickly single portaged it. We moved up Lizz Lake and past EP 47(Lizz and Swamp Lakes). I think it was at that point that I realized I hadn’t seen 1 eagle the whole trip. I always saw loads of them on the western side.
We Hit Poplar Lake and fight the white caps slowly making our way over to Rockwood. We averaged 2.5 mph fighting that NE wind. At this point I am glad we didn’t decide to do a 2 man and a solo. We hit Rockwood and unload and hit the showers. I run into Mike and ask him how his week was, to which his reply was something to the effect (Jokingly) “Great once I got rid of you 3 jinxes” I had to laugh. We talked for a bit, told him about our poor fishing skills. But felt better when he told us the cold weather had affected everyone fishing, no one was catching anything.
I have to say that my experience with Mike and Lynn from Rockwood was outstanding, their knowledge and helpfulness, and genuine hospitality was beyond my expectations. Mike will keep you entertained. Granted we had the lost canoe incident, but that created a memory I will laugh about for years to come.
We loaded up I grabbed a pop tart and headed out to the Trail center for breakfast. I order the flapjacks and am shocked to get two flapjacks that are over a foot across and 1” thick each. Wish I had brought the camera in for that picture. I tried but I just couldn’t do it. 10 years ago no problem, I left about ¼. Maybe if I hadn’t eaten that pop tart but oh well.
We walked outside of the trail-center and talked with the Gunflint Volunteer Fire Dept. who was raffling a roylex MN II from We-No-Nah. I planned on donating anyway, but they said they would deliver it to Chicago if I won, so I entered. Didn’t win, but It was a good cause.
We then headed out to Minneapolis to see an excellent baseball game between the White Sox and Twins. Went back and forth but the Sox won the day in the end! Then we wandered downtown Minneapolis ending up at a sidewalk bar drinking and enjoying the wonderful sights. The next day we headed home thinking about the trip in 2010.
Wrap up: In total we traveled 45.05 miles across 29 lakes/rivers. I think I am going to look at buying a CSS pack to replace my internal frame. The ability to single portage can’t be beat.
The steak and corn on the cob is a definite item to bring next year. I need to bring a small grill top that I can strap under the seat to cook the steaks on so they don’t fall through. Also try a dry rub. And maybe a plastic bottle of beer!
Need to encourage the others to try something else than pasta, while good, having that all week was a bit much. Need to get that saw from REI (or swipe Brian’s) if he doesn’t come. My “New Beginning” this year won’t be an end that’s for sure. I will also be going in at Grand Marais again next year!