This year I would like to winter camp the numbered lakes area, the 3rd week of Feb. Members in our group are concerned about flowage and open water. Any thoughts?

I always do my winter trip over New Years, so I am not sure what you should expect in February. That being said, I would think the ice would be very thick by that point (especially this year). So, even if we get some warm weather in February, most area's should be safe (Disclaimer: Ice is never 100% safe, so always exercise caution).

As always, stay away from any beaver dams, rivers, and inlet/outlets (i.e. right by the portage of Lake One going into lake two is never safe). These places are the most dangerous (as any place with fast moving water or currents).

I always call an outfitter just prior to my trip for ice conditions. Also http://www.sawbill.com has a blog that usually reports lake conditions (not for Lake One..but Sawbill Lake is pretty darn close to the numbered lakes).

Good luck!

George, didn't you mention some short cut to lake three on another post?

There is a short cut going across Lake One. It will take about 15-25 minutes off your trip. I have it in my GPS. I'll post a map this weekend (google map) and mark it for you..might not be till Sunday night though.

cool...

Sorry, I am running out of time to dig up my old computer (which has the map you need on it). But go to this link:

http://www.bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=maps.entrydetail&locid=30&ft=e&zoom=14&size=500&ft=e&locname=Lake%20One

You'll see the yellow circle with the number 30 in it. Just to the right of the yellow circle (east) and directly down (south) is where the short cut is. If you do not take the short cut you have to go North East about .3 miles and then go south west another .3 miles to get to the exit part of the short cut.

The short cut is entry close to the entry point, so I recommend going directly to the shore line across from the entry point and hugging it till you come upon the path (at least the first time). That way you will not miss it.

If you are confussed, let me know ad I'll post my map in a week or so after things settle down.

Oh, by the way I have had a lot of luck seeing wolf tracks in the numbered lakes (and even a dead snapping turtle that was wolf kill. Tow years go we even saw a pack crossing a lake (on one of the smaller lakes by Lake 3).

George-

Would you mine telling me what kind of tent that is? Looks like a rocket engine with coming out the side of it! I take it you have a small woodburner in there? Looks warm :)

Looks like he used a long exposer to get the glow of the stove.

Longer exposure was not needed. The flame was shooting out like that. Wecan (and do) get the inside of our tent over110 degree's evenwhen it is sub zero outside:)

The tent us made by empire canvas works. I use their large wood burning stove.

now I know why you are jumping into the lake.