Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Turtle Point
by BigTim

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/05/2023
Entry & Exit Point: Missing Link Lake (EP 51)
Number of Days: 7
Group Size: 2
Trip Introduction:
The bunkhouse at Tuscarora was a perfect way to relax, check the map, and grill before our AM departure. Our 24th year in a row was nothing less than another affirmation how the BWCA is a unique and pristine place that tugs our hearts all year round.
Day 1 of 7
Monday, June 05, 2023

Beach at Tuscarora Lodge on Round Lake to portages to Missing Link and Snipe lakes

After a Tuscarora breakfast, loaded the canoe to begin a short paddle to the Missing Link portage. The portage was moist due to the couple of hours of rain showers the night before. Uphill climb to Missing Link lake was challenging, but not as difficult as anticipated. The portage from Missing Link to Snipe Lake was a slow downhill decent - again, not as difficult as anticipated. Once on Snipe, took the far NW campsite - as it has an open point facing west. We began to set up camp and fill our water containers. Found the best dry spot for the tent and hung the food back using the 2 tree method. James put reels on poles and started casting. We heard fishing on Snipe was limited - but our experience was very pleasant. First cast - a northern. Same with the 2nd cast. Proved to be a sneak peek in our fishing adventures.

We decided to bring a couple of homemade dehydrated meals - beef/bean burrito and chicken, pasta, and zucchini. Burritos made for our 1st evening meal. They were awesome - 1st time dehydrating ground beef for me. Definitely on the menu for next year.

Throughout the evening, we noticed a turtle climbing from the landing to the middle of camp. This is the pattern we noticed every evening for the duration of our trip. She dug a hole - then she left. She returned just before dusk and found a better spot. Completely refilled with no sign the next morning.