New Trip Report posted by bogwalker

Trip Name: Horse River May7-11.

Entry Point: 23

Click Here to View Trip Report

Sounds like you have a great trip all around.
To be able to get the close to a wolf would be a dream!! I would have just sat there in aw trying to figure out what I just saw. I hate trying to paddle in the wind, I have never done a solo though.

I read the whole trip, and didn't read anything really about fishing. Do you not usually fish on your trips, or just enjoy the scenery and explore?

I think that everytime I go on a trip we are rushing to get to the campsite and don't really sit back and enjoy the paddle in. I think the next trip I take I would like to sit back and enjoy the paddle in and out. We always take time while we are at camp to explore and paddle around slowly looking for things.

The first dip with the paddle into the water is always a great feeling! It is kind of weird, but sometimes I dread the next 8 hours of so of paddling for the first couple of minutes. But after that I learn to pace my self and not paddle myself to death.

Hope I am lucky enough to see a wolf on my next trip! You should post some pictures of your trip that you wrote about. I would really enjoy looking at them.

Although I do fish-I do not fish as often as just enjoy the paddle. The other issue was this was the week prior to fishing opener and there was not as much one could fish for. Walleye, Northern and Bass were not legal to catch yet, and we were more interested in exploring the nature, wildlife and artifacts than the depths for fish.

It is easier to not rush for campsites in Early May as there are fewer people in the park and the campsites are rarely occupied. When you don't have to worry so much about getting a site before they are all occupied it allows you to take your time and smell the roses. When we left Chainsaw Sisters that morning we not only saw no one until late that day-but every camp site we passed was unoccupied. It allowed us to paddle slowly not worrying about getting to the lake and finding all the sites taken.

Actually paddling in the wind was not as bad as it came out in the report. Because it was a tailwind the last day it was more relaxation than work. Only issue was the fact that the gust blew me into shore at the mouth of the river. But in hindsite that was fun also as it made me look at the alternatives, figure out a solution and accomplish my goal. Proved to myself I can handle the situation just fine without panicing or worry.

The wolf sighting did have me in awe, espeically seeing I had my mind made up it was a Moose. Imagine my expression and excitement when the Moose raised his head and I saw a wolf. I am sure I sat there for a few seconds staring with my mouth wide open. I know I did not think to take a picture-even though I had my camera out and ready. Oh well-live and learn. Clue to all-If you come upon an animal chewing with a number of ravens overhead in a tree-it probably is not a Moose. Ravens do not like what Moose eat so they won't be hanging around.

I will try to post some pictures-and I am sure Nibimocs my travelling partner will post some also. I just need to find time to post more. I'll see what can happen this weekend.

hey how were the portages on horse river? Many downed trees along the trail or nothing too bad? im looking at possibly going up to lower basswood falls for a day or two. if the trees are bad i will make sure i bring a long bow saw to clear it up alittle bit...allow for faster portages...let me know how they were

I did not go up Horse river, but my partner did after I left. The river was high enough that there were no additional portages. He was part of a portage clearing crew so any deadfalls and close to being deadfalls on the portages are now gone. Unless of course something blew over since they were there a week ago Tuesday (5/11). It should be clear sailing for you if you go.

Enjoyed your report. Headed in at E50 Mid June 23rd myself, hope to post a report when I return. Can you insert photo's in a trip report?
I am wondering if head nets are needed, nice, a nuisance? My other trips have been in August, with few bugs to speak of.

Thanks for your post

Yes you can post pictures into trip reports. I will probably add some but have to find the time.

Head nets are an option that take up little room and add little weight. Mid-late June is possibly very buggy so you can use your judgement. For me long pants tucked into my socks, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat with some additional chemical (DEET) protection is enough. Others also bring gloves and head nets. The only critters that bug me to a degree are the black flies and those deer flies. If bugs "bug" you-I would invest in a head net-not too expensive, usually tucks into your pocket and could be considered a life saver.

For those interested. I finally started adding pictures to my trip report. I am not done yet but there are a few there now. I will try to post more soon

Wonderful trip report, almost makes me feel like I was there!

I wish I wrote that well, you must take notes, eh?

I am an avid journal writer. Last thing I do each night before bed is write in my journal. It is fun to relive trips from years gone by and remember the campsites, portages, fishing and the good and bad times. The journals make for winter reading and help with trip reports after I return.

I have added another days worth of pictures. Make sure to see the picture of the deer carcass along the waterfalls between Fourtown and Horse Lakes.