Trailblazers are ready to start canoe trip.

Lisa, Mike, Rebecca, Felix, Robert.

On September 10th we set off on our canoe trip adventure into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area of northern Minnesota. Our route began at Moose Lake, east of the town of Ely. We launched shortly after noon, and after a paddle of several hours, made our first camp at the northeastern end of Moose Lake.

First camp, Lisa in background, two guides in front.

The weather was beautiful, neither too warm nor too cold. Mosquitos were a bit of a problem; much worse than the other two times I have canoed here. Fortunately, although the mosquitos were always buzzing about, we did not seem to get bit very often.

The next day was equally pleasant. We paddled from Moose Lake, through Newfound Lake, at the end of which we found our first portage. We carried our canoes and gear over an easy trail of 660 feet according to the map (seemed less than that) to the next lake, Splash Lake. A half-hour paddle took us to the next portage. Here, our guides pulled our canoes through a rapids without needing to unload our gear. The rest of us walked a short path to Ensign Lake. Here we searched for some time before we found a vacant campsite with a beautiful view. That afternoon we went fishing and caught two northern pike, which made a delicious dinner.

Norther pike, each about 2 pounds. Yum.

The third day started heavily overcast.

View from campsite.

We paddled further east, but turned back when a hard rain began. Once back at our campsite, the rain came down even harder, so hard that three of our five tents leaked and much of our gear and clothing were thoroughly soaked. The guides strung up a large tarp, but the wind blew hard enough that we all eventually took shelter in our tents.

Mike, John (guide), and Christian (guide).

The fourth morning dawned clear. We packed up our camp and retraced our route back to Newfound Lake where we found a perfect campsite. Some of us paddled up to the Canadian border, other fished, without success.

Last night's campsite.

The last day we paddled back to our starting point on Moose Lake. Total distance traveled was approximately 29 miles.