Photos of the 2007 BWCAW trip
The Necessity of Wilderness
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Benham in lecture-mode at Sawbill
Campground.
Campground.
First day at Sawbill; canoe instruction and
time for a swim.
time for a swim.
Loading up pack before launching.
We rent lightweight kevlar canoes - this
three person canoe only weighs 45 lbs.
three person canoe only weighs 45 lbs.
Loading the packs into the canoe and
launching is sometimes a "team" affair.
launching is sometimes a "team" affair.
A wide variety of waterways exist in the
BWCAW - here the Kawishawi River provides
an intimate setting.
BWCAW - here the Kawishawi River provides
an intimate setting.
Jennifer (in front) appears to be more
concerned than Jenna (in back), eh?
Unfortunately Jenna is "steering".
concerned than Jenna (in back), eh?
Unfortunately Jenna is "steering".
The beautiful morning light on the Louse
River created a surreal atmosphere.
River created a surreal atmosphere.
Winding river ways are a favorite place to
paddle.
paddle.
First the packs are carried....
At the end of a lake, the portage begins. First
the canoes are unloaded and carried ashore.
Then, the several trips across the portage trial
are made.
the canoes are unloaded and carried ashore.
Then, the several trips across the portage trial
are made.
But most of the time,the canoe is flipped
upon your shoulders as Megan
demonstrates.
upon your shoulders as Megan
demonstrates.
Yep.....just that easy! Look at that smile.
Sometimes, it is easier to carry the
canoe across short portages.
canoe across short portages.
Portage paths vary great in "quality"
and in length. Measured in "rods"
(one rod = 16.5'; 320 rods to a mile),
most portages are 100 rods or less
and have good paths.
and in length. Measured in "rods"
(one rod = 16.5'; 320 rods to a mile),
most portages are 100 rods or less
and have good paths.
Other portages are, humm...shall we
say...challenging. Here we spent two hours
on this short portage. The water level was
low which turned a stream into a marsh. It
build character.
say...challenging. Here we spent two hours
on this short portage. The water level was
low which turned a stream into a marsh. It
build character.
Most portages are "over" a hill - some are
steep and rocky. Good foot ware is important.
steep and rocky. Good foot ware is important.
Several reasons NOT to wear sandles -
even good ones like Keens. Boots or
sturdy athletic shoes with two pairs of
socks are highly recommended.
even good ones like Keens. Boots or
sturdy athletic shoes with two pairs of
socks are highly recommended.
Resting on rocks is actually comfortable
after a long day.
after a long day.
After a swim, it is nice to "chill" at
camp and contemplate the day's
events, while admiring another
beautiful sunset, listening to the
loons.
camp and contemplate the day's
events, while admiring another
beautiful sunset, listening to the
loons.
The campsite soon becomes "home". We
have nice tents and tarps for comfort.
have nice tents and tarps for comfort.
Taking time to journal and record
your thoughts is necessary. Here
Heather sneaks in a bit of journal
time on Cherokee Lake.
your thoughts is necessary. Here
Heather sneaks in a bit of journal
time on Cherokee Lake.
Cooking is a community endeavor, done
over small camp stoves.
over small camp stoves.
All in all, I believe that everyone has a
wonderful time camping, canoeing, and
enjoying the wilderness. Even though
students are "strangers" at first, each group
bonds very tightly by trip's end.
wonderful time camping, canoeing, and
enjoying the wilderness. Even though
students are "strangers" at first, each group
bonds very tightly by trip's end.
Here Kelvin is portaging a canoe and pack
over a windy meadow (note how his canoe
is turned due to the wind). Also note the
"bridge" over the stream.
over a windy meadow (note how his canoe
is turned due to the wind). Also note the
"bridge" over the stream.