Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

Brant-Gilis-Tusc Loop Family guys trip
by BigToeDan

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 06/23/2023
Entry Point: Brant Lake (EP 52)
Exit Point: Missing Link Lake (EP 51)  
Number of Days: 3
Group Size: 7
Trip Introduction:
Took a trip to introduce my brothers, dad and another to the BWCA. Figured Brant would be a great start, because I know the area. We paddles to Gilis, and made our rounds to Tuscarora to finish a loop back to Round via Missing Link. Was a great trip overall. Fairly easy for myself, but a challenge for the others.
Day 1 of 3
Friday, June 23, 2023 Weather was a little warm, but great. Smoky haze filled the sky. Left 930am for Gilis. Reached Gilis, but no campsites, moved on to Crooked and camped the night. Noticed a plane on Gilis while we searched for a campsite. Figured it was forest service helping with the snipe fire, but figured out later a young man went missing (Wednesday) right where we were paddling. Was an eery feeling when we learned of the tragedy later on Sunday morning while leaving Tuscaroras long portage. We have a few guys in the group around that age. Beautiful night with a bit of rain. Some thunder rolls, but nothing else. Bunch of male loons fighting in front of our campsite.