Okay Bog... since you beat the rest of us into the BWCA... Let's hear about it... Okay?

Bruce

A couple highlights.

Saturday-Mudro-Sandpit-Tin Can Mike-Horse Lake. My partner Nibimocs and I took our time and got to the island campsite north side of Horse at about 2:30. We hit the water at 9:30. Saw no other paddlers on any lakes or portages or coming across Horse that day. Did see some snow still back in recesses of north facing cliffs. Sandpit had about a dozen turtles sunning themselves and they allowed us to get up within a foot or so before diving back into the frigid water. I assume if the water was warmer they would have dove off their logs sooner. Saw a deer, loons, eagles, ducks of many species. A great day. We spent the afternnon setting up camp and then exploring the north half of Horse Lake.

Sunday-Explore the east shore of Horse down to the portage and the old resort and logging camp sites. It was a little windy and was overcast. Brief rain showers came and went especially in the afternoon. Saw one pair of tandem canoes with 4 on board pass through on the way to Horse River and probably Lower Basswood Falls. Saw a Wolf back in the bay at the entrance to Horse River. He was eating something, but could not see what it was as it was back in the reeds near shore. Went to the old resort site across from the portage from TCM for lunch and artifact exploring. Stopped by the old logging camp site and searched and found artifacts here also. Went up to the portage over to Fourtown to see the falls. Saw three eagles who were eating a deer carcass which was almost all gone. Saw redhorse suckers spawning in the current. Headed back aided by the strong wind out of the south which had made our morning a little tougher paddle. The way home was fast. Started raining harder when we arrived back and we ate under the fly. Did not look like a sunset would be had tonight but at 8:00 the clouds started to break and we were rewarded with an unbelievable sunset. I will try to post a couple pics soon.

Monday-NW wind at 25 mph+ greet us in the morning. The plan to head to Fourtown is put on hold until the wind dies down. We head to the SE shore of our island to get out of the wind and relax. At least 25 degrees warmer over here out of the wind. We move our food and gear over for the day. Lunch time and dinner time come with no change. Finally after dinner the wind starts to die down and we go for a paddle but stay near camp. I stay out paddling until after 9:00. A magical evening.

Tuesday-Get up at 7:30 pack up to head out. Slight wind out of the east as I leave the site at 8:45. Head down east shore of Horse and make good time to the portage into TCM. The wind is starting to pick up now. TCM is passed quickly and I feel the wind whenever I pass a bay or area that opens toward the east. I expect the wind now is E-SE at 20 mph. By the time I get to Sandpit the wind is starting to really blow. Glad I am heading west so the wind is behind me. On the 160 rod portage into Sandpit I run into some guys who are doing portage clearing work. I know a couple of them so we discuss my trip, their trip, the conditions, where they will connect with my friend Nibimocs who is joining them etc. They are not looking forward to paddling in the wind anymore then I am. Got across Sandpit in no time and managed the landing fine. I little tricky but thankfully it is a good landing with few rocks and plenty of sand. Across that killer portage into Mudro just fine. On Mudro I run into a solo and tandem headed for Range Lake for some day fishing for crappies and bluegills. The tandem canoe almost capsizes as they get sideways to a wave. Glad they did not-I am not sure I could have been much help in these conditions without putting myself at risk. Again the wind is getting stronger-In Ely they said the wind was 25 mph with gusts to 30+ when I turn on WELY after the trip. I again stay close to the south shore this time as the wind is now more SE. I make it across quickly, spending more time correcting the direction of travel then helping with propulsion. I start the slide north to the river entrance and see I have a problem. The wind out from shore is stronger than expected and I am not sure I will make the river entrance. I dare not go sideways into a trough so the plan changes to land at the musk keg and portage across hoping it is firm enough. I have my Chotas on so testing with a paddle I find a path. Portage the 20 rods across the muskkeg put everything back in the canoe-line it up river to a spot I can get in safely and off we go. The river travel is still windy and meneuvering and seeing the rocks is a challenge. We make it without mishap and get back to Chainsaw Sisters. It is now just before noon. I pack up and head out. I stop at VNO and see Lynn after taking my shower. She is excited to have won the photo contest and looks forward to receiving her BWCA.com hat. I head home after stopping and chatting with my Father-in-law in Embarrass for a couple hours. I arrive home at 8:30 pm after fighting those strong E-SE winds all the way home to Minneapolis.

Good trip all-in-all. Closest I have ever seen a wolf besides at the Wolf Center. The call of the wild is still there and I wish I could have stayed. For all of you who have yet to go I can assure you the BWCA is still safe and sound. The campsites and portages I visited are cleaner then before I came and the next trip for me is looked upon with excitement. I just wish I was still there. More information and pictures to follow in the near future.

Thanks Bog... for letting us be there with you through your words...
I needed this!!!
Bruce

Ditto...

I am going to move this to Trip Reports as it quickly became that.

I will post a more detailed Trip Report in a couple of days.

Here is a sunset from Sunday night (May 9) from Horse lake-enjoy.

It is taken from the island campsite at the north end of Horse Lake