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My Dad and I went on a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in mid-September 2002. It was beautiful, a blast, and a real challenge. In my youth, I worked at Scout Camps and would sometimes canoe all summer-long. So my standard of a "real" trip is one that includes lots of portages because "portaging is fun!" Based on a guidebook that recommended a three day loop starting out of Lake One, we decided to make it five days in order to give us two lay-over days for fishing. At the registration station, we told the Ranger our plans and he said "Ya know, the portages into Clearwater Lake from the north are no-longer maintained." "Oh, we'll figure it out." First day we made it to Clearwater Lake with some TOUGH portages. But Clearwater Lake was worth it! Not a soul seen for two days. The rest of the trip we saw lots of people. It was a great time of year because the bugs were minimal. We were blessed with perfect weather. By September, sometimes one can get a cold, wet front that makes three or four days cold and drizzly. Each night we were able to sit out on the rocks and look at the beautiful moon. I had not fished since age 14 and it was fun. We caught the one big Northern and some walleye. Our layover day on Upper Gabbro was WINDY so the fish were not biting. But probably just as well to be off the water then too. A great trip! We took lots of stuff so we lived in comfort. However, that caused us to have to double the portages which took its toll. I look forward to going back to the BWCA because I can tell there is much more beauty to see.
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