| Home -> September 1997 -> Ely, MN |
We planned our trip through Canadian Border Outfitters, who have secured themselves the domain name of canoetrip.com and run a very nice shop in the real world as well. They set us up with a canoe, maps, lunch, and advice on our route. Yes, Mom, they also gave us life-jackets.
For those not familiar with northern Minnesota, there is an extensive set of lakes that line the border of the United States with Canada. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a section of this wilderness closed off to motorized vehicles. It is pristeen, and attracts campers and outdoors types from across North America and beyond.
Our trip was marked by strong headwinds and even a mild current working against us for most of the morning. We started in Lake One, and paddled to the Kawishiwi river. We were looking for an eagle's nest there, but the foliage had hidden it from view. We did see two osprey, though, as well as a red pine squirrel. Earlier at the outfitters we saw two eagles and a weasel, so we had our share of critters.
After lunch, we turned around, this time with the wind at our backs. Some of the portages were tough, but Dad was a real trooper. He lugged that canoe by himself after I had hurt my arm on the way out, and I have to thank him for that.
Dinner at the Chocolate Moose was great that night. Walleye pike and wild rice, of course. Plus some damn fine blackberry pie. After that, we stopped on the road so a city-boy like me could look up at the stars. They were spectacular.
In the morning, we visited the International Wolf Center, then the Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls outside Duluth. It's a good thing Dad comes to visit me, that's how I get to see the area.
But the canoes are rough, and even now my butt is still a little sore from the hard seats. So go north, but bring cushions along.
Last Updated: 25 September 1997
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