Ice Skating On Frozen Lakes

Our winter season is ending abruptly, and we're making the most of it. Ice skating is a great way to be out on the lakes now at the end of the season. On a warm and sunny late-winter day, the snow on top of the ice melts into water. Then, over the course of a couple of days, that water drains down through natural cracks and holes back into the lake. This happened several days ago, and now we've got a whole surface of relatively smooth ice upon which to skate.

We are using "nordic" skates, which are long skates into which you can clip your own boot. The high, smooth curve at the front end means that you can skate easily over natural lake ice that hasn't been smoothed out by a Zamboni. A great idea, and a fun way to make some miles!

Looks like with the weather at hand, it won't last long. Soon we'll have those canoes out once again! If you haven't started planning your summer Boundary Waters canoe trip, give us a call and we'll help you plan a great adventure.

Autumn Arriving in the Boundary Waters

Autumn is on its way. Several nights ago, our nights saw freezing temperatures, as low as 22 degrees. "Good sleeping weather" as Minnesotans call it. Good thing for down coats and hot water bottles! Every morning we watched the mist gently swirl on the lake's surface as it started to lose some of its heat to the colder air.


On a hike during the day, we experienced a little hail blow over. Everything looked a little more wintry shortly afterwards.


The leaves are starting to change, but are not at peak yet. Some much needed rain the last couple days is dampening the Pagami Creek fire, and will cause the leaf color to last a bit longer.

Pagami Creek Fire USFS Update - Sept. 16

TODAY’S MESSAGE: Doug Turman’s Northern Rockies Type 1 National Incident Management Team assumed management of the Pagami Creek Fire yesterday. The fire is still under the unified command of the Lake and Cook County sheriff’s offices and the Superior National Forest. Moderated fire behavior continued yesterday with the cooler temperatures, higher humidities, and lighter winds. Operations personnel made significant progress on both the northern and southern perimeters. Firefighters attacked the northwestern corner and pushed east along the northern perimeter. On the western flank, a crew began constructing line starting at Clearwater Lake and working toward the northwest. Sprinkler systems were installed on two portages. The southern divisions mopped up a small spot fire south of Bog Lake. Outside the wilderness, bulldozers were used to clear line and engine crews supported hand crews. A large spike camp has been established near Isabella. Additional fire restrictions go into effect today (see below).

ACTIVITIES TODAY:

·         Continue to provide for the safety of the public and firefighters.

·         Extend hose lays further east along the northern perimeter.

·         Continue to construct line along the southern perimeter outside the wilderness before attacking the flanks within the wilderness.

·         Complete water-safety training and other orientation with newly arrived crews.

·         Host a community meeting at the Isabella Community Center at 11:00 a.m.

·         Staff a Joint Information Center from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kawishiwi Ranger District Office in Ely.

BWCAW CLOSURES: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closures remain the same. The following entry points are open: entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro); #25 Moose Lake (travel allowed only up the chain and to the west); #26 Wood Lake; #24 Fall Lake; the whole Trout Lake section (separate section south of the Echo Trail); #42 Brule ONLY; #54A Seagull ONLY; #55A Saganaga ONLY; and the small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail from #58 South Lake on the west to #70 North Fowl on the east.

ROAD CLOSURES: Road closures remain the same. Highway 1 is still open. Closed roads include

·         All roads north of Highway 1 from Forest Road (FR) 1468 east to Isabella

·         Wanless Road (FR 172) east to Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7

·         Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7 north to FR 354

·         FR 354 north to BWCAW boundary at Kawishiwi Lake

·         Wanless Road (FR172)

Staffed road blocks within Lake County will be at

·         intersection of Wanless and Cramer Road/Lake County Road 7

·         Highway 1 and Wanless Road

·         Highway 1 and Tomahawk Trail

The road block within Cook County will be Highway 3 just west of Sawbill Road. Additional closures may occur.

SAFETY: As of today, September 16, building, maintaining, or using a fire or campfire, including charcoal fires, wood-burning campstoves, and charcoal grills, is prohibited anywhere on national forest lands within the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Use of pressurized liquid gas stoves is allowed.

DATE OF DETECTION: August 18, 2011

CAUSE: Lightning

CURRENT SIZE: 100,000 acres

LOCATION: The fire started at Township 63 N, Range 9 W, approximately 14 miles east of Ely (within the BWCAW) in the Pagami Creek area between the South Kawishiwi River, Clearwater Lake, and Lake One. The fire perimeter from the north is Lake One, Lake Two, Lake Four, and Lake Insula. The perimeter on the east is the southern edge of Lake Polly and east of Kawasachong Lake, the northwest and southern shores of Square Lake, the western shore of Perent Lake, and the northwestern shore of Silver Island Lake, where the fire exited the BWCAW. The southern perimeter crosses the intersection of Island River Road and Lake Twenty-Nine Road, Twenty-Nine Lake, and the Isabella River to just inside the BWCAW at Bog Lake.

AGENCIES: Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and Superior National Forest

SMOKE CONDITIONS: Smoke may be heavy and widespread depending on wind direction and speed.

RESOURCES: One hundred firefighters from Arizona were added yesterday, bringing personnel up to 436. Five Type 1 crews and eight Type 2 crews are on the incident. Seven helicopters, including four National Guard Black Hawks, are assigned to the incident. Eight fixed-wing aircraft are assigned, including three float planes, two air tankers, and three air-attack planes.

BWCA Fire Ban Effective Now

We just received a call from the Forest Service stating that a total fire ban is now in effect for the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  No campfires are allowed in the Boundary Waters until further notice. 

Official USFS Closure Notice for Areas in the BWCAW and Superior National Forest

Under authority of the Act of Congress of June 4, 1897, 16 USC 551, and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture’s Regulations set forth at 36 CFR 261.50(a) and 261.50(b), and 261.50(f), the following acts or omissions are prohibited on portions of Superior National Forest System lands, roads and trails, Lake County, Cook County. Minnesota, effective September 13, 2011:

1.    BWCAW CAMPSITE CLOSURE: It is prohibited to be upon BWCAW campsites and areas which are posted closed.  Closed areas are marked with a closure notice visible at the site.  36 CFR 261.53(e) Special Closures, Public Health or Safety.

2.    AFFECTED AREA: All campsites/areas/entry points of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:

a.    Entry points along the Echo Trail (including Mudro)

b.    #25 Moose Lake Chain (Travel allowed only up the chain and to the west)

c.    #26 Wood Lake.

d.    #24 Fall Lake.

e.    The whole Trout Lake Section.

f.     #42 Brule-Only.

g.    #54A Seagull Only.

h.    #55A Saganaga Only>

i.      Vento section(the small separate section northeast of the Gunflint Trail)  

3.   AFFECTED AREA:  The following roads are closed.

a.    County Highway 7 North at the intersection of 4 mile Grade Rd.

All ROADS AND TRAILS NORTH OF 4 MILE GRADE RD/170/The Grade Rd.

b.    Wilson Lake Rd.

c.    Forest Road 355

d.    Forest Road 348

e.    Forest Road 1226

f.     Forest Road 347

g.    Forest Road 1238

h.    Sawbill Road Cook Co.2

All of Forest Road 339/Rice Lake Rd starting at the intersection of The Grade Rd/170 ending at Forest Road 340/Rice Lake Rd.

All of Forest Road 340/Clara Lake Rd starting at Forest Road 339/Rice Lake Rd and ending at the Grade Rd/170                    

4.    Closure signs will be used at normal points of access to delineate the closure area.  See vicinity map, Exhibit A.

Map of Massive BWCAW Closures Due to Pagami Creek Fire

We just received this from the USFS at about 5PM.  Brown is the closure area.  The red outline shows the burned area as of yesterday at 7PM.

Pagami Creek Fire in BWCA Prompts Temporary Closures

Unseasonably dry, warm conditions and low relative humidities yesterday allowed the Pagami Creek Fire to burn actively south of the Lakes One and Two area. The burn out operation conducted last weekend was successful in reducing the threat of the fire escaping the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and threatening the Fernberg corridor to the north.

To provide for public safety the Superior National Forest is temporarily closing the following:

- As a precautionary measure Lakes Two and Three will be closed. [Note the Forest Service has clarified that travel will be allowed through Lakes Two and Three, but no overnight camping will be allowed there.] Visitors currently in that area will be contacted by public safety crews. Alternatives include returning to Lake One for those leaving the area before Monday. Visitors who will be in the Wilderness beyond Monday are asked to head east into Lake Four or beyond. People intending to visit Lake One are encouraged to find other plans or paddle on the Kawishiwi River.

- All campsites on Clearwater Lake

- The portage between Lake Two and Clearwater Lake

- The portage between Turtle Lake and Clearwater Lake - The portage between Camdre Lake and Clearwater Lake

- The Powwow Trail Public Safety crews will be contacting BWCAW visitors in affected areas to alert them of any safety concerns.

As the Pagami Creek Fire moves south it is continuing to provide resource management benefits such as preparing seed beds for pine regeneration and decreasing fuels for future wildfires. As the fire burns to the south it is reaching older burned areas. These earlier burns may function like fuel breaks and decrease the likelihood of the fire moving further south.

Paddlers are asked to avoid the fire area. People throughout northeastern Minnesota have been experiencing smoke from the Pagami Creek Fire. The increase in fire activity means an increase in smoke as well. The location of the smoke will be dependent on wind direction. Anyone with a history of cardiac or respiratory disease should be aware that visitors to the Lakes One, Two and Three area are likely to experience heavy smoke at times.

Persistent warm, dry conditions have raised the fire danger throughout the area. Visitors are reminded to be careful with all fire use and ensure that their campfires doused thoroughly until cool to the touch.

For additional information please call (218) 365-3177 or visit www.inciweb.org/incident/2534

Another Successful Women's Guided Canoe Trip in the Boundary Waters

I just finished guiding a great group of three ladies in the Boundary Waters. These women have known each other for years. They were always a little jealous of their husbands' canoeing trips, and thought this could be their chance. We were out for three days, and enjoyed excellent, sunny weather. We were surprised to see a handful of other women's groups. It appears that more women are getting turned on to what the wilderness can offer. Some of those young women were part of a youth group out for eleven days (you go, girls!).

My three ladies proved themselves to be very quick learners, taking to the paddling and steering well. We portaged the couple of trails to our destination lake without too much trouble.

Roxanne and Jean had heard stories from their husbands, and put forth a great effort. Jean paddled like a rock star, and Roxanne kept us laughing. Sunn, originally from China, was a champ at carrying packs or the canoe. She kept us engaged with stories of her interesting childhood.

These ladies expressed feelings before the trip like many of our guided trip folks, feeling a little less than confident upon starting but inspired nonetheless. With a great attitude and plenty of teamwork, our group of four succeeded! These women had in mind taking it easy (can't beat a hammock in the shade!) and seeing what this wilderness area is all about.

This baby loon with its parents put a smile on all of our faces on our afternoon trip...


... as did this late-blooming wild iris we found hiding on a shady shoreline.


Women's Trips are a great way to get out there, be part of nature, get to know your friends better, meet new people, and find yourself in a new light. We are offering a Women's Group Trip this September 7-11. This trip is a perfect way to experience the Boundary Waters as comfortably as possible and meet other adventurous women. Cost is a very reasonable $620. More information can be found on our website here. We'd love to have you and your friends come along with us!

Kids and Watercolor in the Boundary Waters

Josie (age 10, from Wisconsin), painted these pictures while on a BWCA canoe trip this week with her younger brother and parents. Her savvy mom packed along a backpacking style watercolor kit for her kids.

Sure enough, they found plenty of subjects to paint.  The above Bald Eagle perched contently at the top of a tree right in their campsite.  The loon painted below also approached them.  It came within about a paddle's length of their canoe - close enough to see the loon's deep red eyes and how big the birds really are.

Thanks to Josie for sharing her watercolors!  And thanks to her whole family for joining Ely Outfitting Company for an outfitted canoe trip.

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Dragonflies Emerging From Fourtown Lake in the BWCAW

One of the great things about late spring and early summer in the Boundary Waters is the overwhelming sign of new life.  It seems everywhere you look there are birds on nests or with young in tow, flowers cover the forest floor, and insects such as these dragonflies are emerging to a new life of flight. 

We spotted a mass of hundreds of these dragonflies at the north end of Fourtown Lake in and around the reeds where the stream flows into the main lake.  These dragonflies spent possibly several years underwater in a nymph stage.  Then they crawled out of the water to a vertical surface - reads and blades of grass here.  Although they are difficult to positively ID at this stage, this dragonfly may be a member of the Baskettails genus that are known for mass emergences, a brown abdomen, and yellowish spots on their sides.  The below photo shows one of them back lit in the reads.  

The larval case that the above dragonfly is clinging to contained all of the much larger adult dragonfly body and wings earlier in the day.  It emerged from a break in the skin at the back of the head of the larval case, then pulled itself out, pumped blood into its wings to expand them, and waited for its wings to dry and its body to complete the metamorphosis.   

Although this dragonfly didn't take flight during our lunch stop, we watched a similar dragonfly emerge in our earlier campsite on Lake Agnes, and luckily caught a glimpse of its first flight.  The flight pattern looked erratic and dizzyingly loop-d-loop for the first twenty feet, and then it seemed to get the feel of flying and buzzed back into the woods. 

After dragonflies take flight, the empty larval shell, such as the one below, clings to the plant, rock or occasional camp utensil bag until the wind or rain knocks them loose.

Turtles are Venturing into BWCA Campsites to Lay Eggs Now

We found this snapping turtle in a BWCAW campsite on the Kawishiwi River recently.  The snapping turtles and painted turtles are venturing onto land right now to dig holes and lay their eggs.  We were surprised to see that this turtle had selected the area immediately adjacent to the campfire grate for its place to lay eggs.  The same campsite had a painted turtle digging about fifteen feet on the other side of the fire grate.  Snapping turtle eggs will hatch after two to three months.

Father and Son Boundary Waters Canoe Trip

I spent a week in the BWCAW with Gary and his 18-year-old son, Blake, this month.  As a young Boy Scout in 1970, Gary traveled the Boundary Waters.  His youthful canoe trip experience really left a life-long impression on him.  He wanted his son to have a similar opportunity to explore the wilderness as a young man.



We planned a significant travel route for the trip - one that would challenge them physically and include travel on a variety of small, medium, and large lakes.  The trip launched at the Moose River North (Entry Point 16) landing, and ended six days, and fifty miles, later at the Mudro Lake entry point.  One of the highlights of the route is spectacular Curtain Falls (below) on the international border.

June is a glorious time to be in the Boundary Waters.  It is a time of much new growth and change.  The symbol of change is similar to that of a young man transitioning from life at home to moving away for college.

One of the intriguing things about traveling at this time of year is that you see plants at all stages of development.  Gary and Blake enjoyed learning about the various plants of the area.  Depending on soil types and locations, we saw many plants at different stages of development.  For example, we passed many Clintonia plants (below).  We saw them just poking through the ground, at a stage of larger leaves, and also with their yellowish-green flowers.  Later this summer the flower will be replaced by a blue berry.

Although the berry is not edible, the young leaves are edible and taste a lot like cucumber.  Blake is a fan of the Survivor Man television show and enjoyed learning about edible wilderness plants, and eating them.

Another one of the interesting plants we saw at various stages of growth is the sarsaparilla plant.  This is the "not poison ivy" plant.  It is often confused with poison ivy because it has three leaves at the end of its stems.  When it is young, the leaves have a reddish hue, and then they become green, and grow interesting spheres of flowers (below).







And the ferns ranged from the stage of youthful, unfurling fiddleheads to showing as fully opened.


We also saw a variety of spectacular wildflowers, including these bunchberry plants, now showing their white flowers....














...and these pink ladyslippers...



...and this columbine.


The trip involved a significant amount of portaging, and the related time for looking at the plants along the trail.  But, we also spent a significant amount of time ramping up North Woods fishing skills, and wetting lines.  Gary didn't catch a fish on the 1970 trip, and we were determined to improve on that this time around.  We did.  Blake pulled in this 18.5" lunker smallmouth bass on Iron Lake with a number 8 Rapala Shad Rap in perch color, and a trophy 27.5" walleye on Crooked Lake trolling another Rapala.


These deeper, larger lakes still held cold water temps of only about 54-55 degrees.  The shallow bays and smaller lakes held warmer temps up to about 64 degrees.  On the larger lakes, the smallmouth were deeper and not close to shore on their beds.  The cold temps made for refreshing swims. Here are Gary and Blake at the north end of Friday Bay on Crooked Lake.  The swim didn't last long.


In addition to the fish, we met some interesting critters.  For example, we watched a muskrat swim under our canoe, and Blake went toe to toe with a grouse on a portage trail.  Blake first thought the bird was going to attack him.  She was in defender mode - defending her nest of eggs laid only a few feet off the portage trail between Bullet and Moosecamp Lakes.



We also paddled past this Canada Goose laying on her eggs atop an old beaver lodge.

A trip in the Boundary Waters is a special thing for parents to share with their children.  A father-son experience, such as this one I had the privilege of guiding, can be a powerful and life-changing event.  It can develop confidence and trust in one another, and provide a platform for continued sharing.  It is certainly a life event that will be relived and retold at family events over the years to come.

"Northern Exposure" in Real Life: Moose in Ely

Many might remember television's Northern Exposure, with its wandering moose in the opening credits. Ely has its own moose, seen earlier this week walking the streets of downtown.  The yellowish sign in the background with the arched lettering is Britton's Cafe on Chapman Street in downtown.  Photo by Amy Kireta.

"Paddle North: Canoeing the Boundary Waters-Quetico Wilderness" Wins Top Honors

Congratulations to photographer Layne Kennedy and author Greg Breining.  Their new book on our beautiful region received top honors in the General Nonfiction category at the NE Minnesota Book Awards last night.

We are exceptionally pleased to sponsor a Boundary Waters Photo Workshop with photographer Layne Kennedy on August 16-21, 2011.  Space is still available.  Click here for more information. 

In addition to his award-winning photography skills, Layne is a gifted teacher, kind person, and fun companion on trail.   Point and shoot newbies to professionals learn to take better photos while immersed in our special wilderness on the Photo Workshop. 

We have copies of "Paddle North" at Ely Outfitting Company in Ely, MN.  Feel free to stop in and browse through or buy a copy.  They make great gifts for people who love the Boundary Waters.

What lure caught lake trout in the Boundary Waters this week?

We sell only guide-recommended fishing tackle, such as this Dardevle Five of Diamonds shown above, at Ely Outfitting Company in Ely, MN.  The lakers were hanging out in the transition from deeper water to about 17 feet deep.