"Minnnesota and the BWCAW" a Krabi Travel Page by bulldogtwo

Another favorite place of ours whenever we can't get the Asia. The scenic beauty and tranqulity of the BWCAW is unsurpassed in the midwest. You can paddle around for days in certain areas and not see another person, just you, the elements and the wild. The fishing is great. There are different things to see and experience depending on the season that you choose to go. In the spring and fall you have migratory birds going through to and from Canada only a few miles to the north. Summer is blueberry season, where whole hillsides can turn blue with berries. Chance wildlife sightings are not uncommon. Blackbear, northern timber wolf, mink, beaver, moose, and river otters are just an example of what you can run across. Did I mention the great fishing? Trophy class walleye, northern pike, small mouth bass and lake trout are scattered throughout the lakes and rivers. Nothing better than a fresh walleye dinner after a day on the lakes paddleing!

It can be a lot of work going in and out of the BWCAW. You need to initially go with an experienced person and be properly outfitted. And above all be in shape to handle the long paddle in and out as well as portaging your packs and canoe across trails. Not being in shape can lay you up for days and making it less fun and enjoyable because you are too sore to enjoy the experience.

One of the experiences you have is the different weather patterns. Depending on how long you sepnd in the BWCAW you can loose track of time. You don't have access to weather reports so you have to take what Mother Nature dishes out what she wants and when she wants to. This was prior to being stuck in our tent for 17 hours during a good rain storm. Almost like an asian monsoon! Almost. A good book and good company are essential for a trip like this.

A good shot of the view from our campsite. This was an island campsite, approximately 25 acres. Our favorite campsite is about 26 miles in from our start point so it's a good 5-6 hour paddle in. These are islotaed campsites and only one group per campsite so you are assured privacy. The next campsite is about 1/2 mile away. But if you pick your locations carefully your neighbor can be miles away, time of year is also a consideration.