Back To The BWCA On Basswood--The Boundary Waters Feels Like Home
by bottomtothetap
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
09/02/2023
Entry & Exit Point:
Fall Lake (EP 24)
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
4
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (3 messages)
Day 4 of 4
Tuesday, September 05, 2023 On our last morning we got up at first light and had a quick instant-oatmeal and coffee breakfast before striking camp and getting packed up for our trip out to the exit. The short paddle over to the portage into Newton and our trip across this trail seemed to be behind us in no time. On our way down Newton Lake, we spotted some otters playing near the shore--a sight that I seem to have encountered on my last day's paddle several times now! Are they saying, "So long 'till next time--we'll look forward to your return 'home'"?
Remembering the shortcut we had seen the other canoes take a few days earlier, on our way out we now aimed for the narrow channel on the east side of Newton's biggest island. This was indeed a bit of a tight squeeze but very navigable and reduced some paddling from what we had done on the way in. One more easy portage and we were on our final stretch across Fall Lake to the public landing. By now we were experiencing the strongest breeze of our entire trip and an occasional white cap was coming toward us. However, we did not have far to go, Fall Lake's Mile Island provided a bit of a windbreak and we able to quarter to the waves as needed so even now the wind and waves were not much of a problem. We were able to cruise onto shore and complete the trip well before noon.
Jim retrieved the vehicle and we then loaded up the gear and canoes in short order before returning to town and getting an eagerly-anticipated hot shower at C.C.O. Burgers and beers at The Boathouse put a nice cap on the experience before we hit the road for home. At The Boathouse, it was our waitress Robin's very first day on the job. If she provides the rest of her customers the same service we received, there's not a way that she won't succeed. Thank you and nice job Robin!
Out of all the trips I've taken, this had been the first that I'd spent most of the time in a motors-allowed area. While we did encounter some motorboats, they were not overwhelming and didn't seem to significantly detract from the experience at all. Fall, Newton, Pipestone Bay and Basswood were all beautiful, the weather was great, the company was good and overall it was another fantastic trip. It all made me eager for my next adventure when I can once again return "home" to the BWCA.
Remembering the shortcut we had seen the other canoes take a few days earlier, on our way out we now aimed for the narrow channel on the east side of Newton's biggest island. This was indeed a bit of a tight squeeze but very navigable and reduced some paddling from what we had done on the way in. One more easy portage and we were on our final stretch across Fall Lake to the public landing. By now we were experiencing the strongest breeze of our entire trip and an occasional white cap was coming toward us. However, we did not have far to go, Fall Lake's Mile Island provided a bit of a windbreak and we able to quarter to the waves as needed so even now the wind and waves were not much of a problem. We were able to cruise onto shore and complete the trip well before noon.
Jim retrieved the vehicle and we then loaded up the gear and canoes in short order before returning to town and getting an eagerly-anticipated hot shower at C.C.O. Burgers and beers at The Boathouse put a nice cap on the experience before we hit the road for home. At The Boathouse, it was our waitress Robin's very first day on the job. If she provides the rest of her customers the same service we received, there's not a way that she won't succeed. Thank you and nice job Robin!
Out of all the trips I've taken, this had been the first that I'd spent most of the time in a motors-allowed area. While we did encounter some motorboats, they were not overwhelming and didn't seem to significantly detract from the experience at all. Fall, Newton, Pipestone Bay and Basswood were all beautiful, the weather was great, the company was good and overall it was another fantastic trip. It all made me eager for my next adventure when I can once again return "home" to the BWCA.
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