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The planning stage for this years trip started around early April with 4 guys making up the group. Yup, the same 4 that went in 2000 so something a little challenging should be in order. Sometime in early May the group size increased to 8. So we were looking at 4 canoes but a challenging trip was still our main focus. By the time school was out we added another day (now 6 days) so we would have extra time to fish.
Mid June and almost everyone had their Canadian entry permits but Chad dropped out so now we were down to 7. To late to have another person apply for a Canadian entry permit. So now we have 7 guys and 3 canoes. I'm eyeing that 'restfull' center spot!!! Travel Day. We leave Virginia and head for Soudan. The underground mine tour is great but we arrived at a poor time. The only tour available was about someone shooting neutrons at the equipment located at the bottom of the Soudan mine. We decided to try and make the mine tour after the canoe trip. Check in at Cliff's, head downtown to 'shop around' then out to Cliff's bunkhouses to go over our equipment and pack the packs. Day 1 Up the Moose, a quick left then a right and into New Foundland. Look, a bald eagle is feeding the baby eagle a snake. Still heading NorthEast, we do a quick right, then left into Sucker Lake. A very short portage into Birch Lake. So short that it is easier to just lift the canoes and haul them over the portage. (6.2mg viedo hauling canoe) (Wish they were all this easy - but that's what they get for insulting their fearless leader). 6.2 mg video showing portage. Ah, now here is a problem. Think we can paddle up this one Johnny!! Should we portage or try haul the canoes up the stream. Walking the rapids seems easier. Just drag the canoe up the river - what could be hard about that? Some guys think they can just float down the river. All of this work is hard on the feet and a few other parts tho. Camp on theUS side of the Knife River. Chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy for supper. Day 2 We find a nice spot to set camp. Set up the tents, cut wood, create a fireplace, soap the pots and start supper. Oh, did I mention that the flys are bad!!!! Time to try the fishing after supper. Also a time to just contemplate life. This is what it is all about. Johnny and Nick see a beaver swim under their canoe. A couple small bass are caught and released and Landon reels in his first Lake Trout. Cleaned and onto the fire. A little time left before dark to take care of little aches and pains (I wonder if Kevin has enough tape for this trip?). Day 3 Down the river to the first portage over a small waterfalls. Over to a rock landing and launch the canoe again. Not to far to the next portage. Looks like we will have to portage this one. Nick takes his turn portaging a canoe and Kevin grabs a light pack. Down the river a short way and another falls - Koko Falls. Major decision time. Keep heading Northwest to Kawnipi or turn Southwest. McEwen and Louisa are noted for fishing so let us turn South. After entering McEwen, we hit a strong headwind so we pulled up for the night on a small island. The wind let up long enough for us to have a comfortable supper, a swim, and even a little time to ponder life.. Ahhhh, life is good. But!!!! The wind came up again and blew hard all night. Did anyone get any sleep - Johhny! Day 4 What a nice island for a campsite. Each camper has a task for setting up camp. Johnny takes on the task of cutting wood. Some set up the tents, other start organizing the camp and start supper. Others take a time to clean up a bit. Fishing was ok. We had several bass to eat and the guys baked brownies. Day 5 Nothing like a good breakfast of scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh fish. Break camp (but not to quickly), hit the water and paddle down Louisa and find the top of Louisa Falls. I took some good eyes to find the top of the falls but as always, the fearless leader spotted it right away. Louisa Falls portage is a very steep portage and needs to be taken carefully. BUT, once the canoes and packs are portaged, it's time to try out the whirlpool halfway down the falls. The guys thought the water felt fine. The water drops from a ways up so you get a lot of pressure. It looks like Johnny lost his ride. Ok, enough fun. It's time to head down Lake Agnes, have a quick lunch and make the 2 long portages into Sunday Lake. Why do we do this!!! Guess the view may be worth it. An hours paddle to Singing Brook portage which leads into Burke Lake. Time to take a break, then find a campsite. A casual supper of beaf stew - man does that stuff swell up or what!!. Then a little fishing. Cole shows off his bass. Some of the other guys try their luck also. They think they are pretty hot fisherman and can even walk on water. Time to watch the sun set and head for a much needed rest. Day 6 After a good shower and some cold drinks, we head for Soudan to catch the underground mine tour. The head-end stand over the 'hole' where the miners car drops down into the earth. Once at the bottom, (they really clean up nicely don't they!!!) we catch a bench on the small train and head deep into the mine to learn about underground iron mining. Trip Home The old Fart Outdoes the young bucks. Click to view 1.4 mgs Downloads then plays. Landon (The Fly) and Nick. Downloads and plays. |
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