June 17, 2008
BWCA Recap: The Horseshoe-Hensen Loop
Having now lived in Minnesota since 2000, I have developed a motto to describe how I have embraced the local culture -- "Becoming Minnesota, not Minnesotan." One important aspect of becoming Minnesota is to embrace the beauty of the landscape. Another important aspect of becoming Minnesota is to embrace the weather, namely the long, cold winters but also the joy and pleasures of its other three seasons. Perhaps the ultimate Minnesota experience is to travel to the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.
As I previously wrote, a group of seven of us made our way up north to the BWCA last Tuesday and returned on Sunday evening. I am not going to post many photographs but this one picture may say it all.
The photograph was taken on Winchell Lake which was our second campsite during the trip. Here is a full description of the Horseshoe-Hensen Loop. We followed it pretty closely with the exception of staying two nights on Winchell and then our last night on Meeds Lake.
Prior to the trip, we were aware of the high chance of rain and wind during the entire trip and it was indeed the case. But the wind and rain usually came at night and was not a problem. In some ways, it was great because it kept the bug count fairly low. Fortunately, we brought plenty of tarps and rope to create ample shelter and did not have to retreat to our tents. So we were able to enjoy the campfire during most of the stormy weather. Otherwise, we explored the landscape, fished on shore and in canoes, and ate plenty of gourmet camp food.
We saw a momma and baby moose about 100 yards from our campsite, across the water, as well as plenty of eagles. We fished every day but fishing was not great. We caught a grand total of three fish over 5 days (two bass and one walleye). I was fortunate to have caught the largest bass and then learned how to gut and fillet a fish. At first, I was a bit hesitant but then quickly caught on. I'm looking forward to another attempt.
This trip was my first time to take my canoe on a major expedition. I was a bit nervous because the water can get pretty rough, choppy, and difficult to navigate. Plus, I was expected to read the map to find portages and not get us lost. I wisely bought a second map to put in another canoe so others could help out (which they ably did - often). To my relief and happiness, no canoe was tipped and we never got lost...um...really lost.
Otherwise, it was a great relief from the day to day grind of work and busy city life. I was able to enjoy the moment and get to spend time with good friends. Perhaps I will write more about the experience another time.
Posted by richlee at June 17, 2008 01:06 PM