HEAT WAVE in the BWCA pictures

“Hey, everyone, here are my pictures from our trip into the BWCA. Sadly, we came out one day early -- but it was well worth the time and effort!

If you haven't been up there, you have to get there at some point. Amazing defines it best. Rugged terrain. Inspiring beauty. Many opportunities for peaceful contemplation amongst the lakes and forests.

Thank you to everone who traveled north to join me: Clayton, Dan (the Griz), Peggy (Cow Patty), Matt (Shadowhiker) and Steve (the Lorax). I could not have spent my time with better people.

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/559012111YrlpqW”

“Hey Mountainrunner it was great hiking with you again, your pics are great! I am still trying to come to grips with the temps we had. Thanks for setting up the trip a truely great bunch. I am hoping to see a pic of that fire clouud we saw. Thanks again for the comraderie and good time and for helping me with lunch”

“Oh! I forgot about you guys doing this trip...I misread spalpeen's post on the good morning thread from the otherside. Well, I've decided that I prefer pictures in color although there are a couple I found really nice in black and white...but, that's just me...those last shots of the sunrise were beautiful and it looks like a good time was had by all in spite of the heat and ticks...I'm wondering what cowpatty cooked up on this trip? Smell any smoke from the fire?”

“Did some one forget the canoes?”

“Nowslimmer, always the comedian, huh? I love that about you.....

Mata, nice to see you post! Thanks for the critique on the photos. A lot of them would look awesome in color - I happened to be shooting a lot in B&W this trip to get a better feel for it..... Though I really do like the way some of them came out. Hope to see you soon :)

Lorax, thanks for the photos -- love the one of the cloud!”

“mountainrunner - Me? You're the comedians! Going into the BWCA without a canoe is like doing a road trip without a vehicle.

I did enjoy all the pictures. Thanks.
last edited: 5/12/07 5:08:13 PM”

“I am still waiting for someone to post about strike force charlie”

“The best way to see the BWCA is without a canoe, IMO. Not so damn many tourists and campsites without bears.”

“nimble the best way to see the bwca is by canoe but there are hidden joys there bping also”

“Enjoyed your pictures, Lorax...there are some beautiful views to be had...liked your chopsticks, also...LOL...that photo of the steamcloud/smoke was impressive and somewhat frightening...now I guess they've closed off every entrance from 38-83...”

“Mata we watched the tankers flying over during the whole trip and the smell of smoke was in the air. The guys pics were great but a few days there was a haze on the lakes”

“Spalpeen, you may be right about the canoe being the best way to see the BWCA. I may have been stating my preference for hiking over canoeing without realizing it. It is a special place. How were the woodticks?”

“real bad, real bad”

“Oh horsefeathers! Nimblefoot was just trying to counter my statement. He enjoys doing that. He is a good follower. I see the thaw has arrived, Nimblefoot. It appears that you are still attempting to empty your stockpile from out back.

I had been tempted to underline "Canoe Area," but used the letters BWCA. So, actually I was pointing out the same thing. It is a "special place." No canoe in the BWCA is akin to eating "hot dogs" in Germany, when there is plenty of bratwurst available.

mountainrunner - Of course you're right. I was just jesting. Can't you just feel my jealousy? I would love to backpack in the BWCA.`But first things first, I still have to hike or bicycle the "Lake Wobegon Trail."”

“I'd hate to think that we would reduce the BWCA to nothing more than a canoe area. The truth is, there is beauty both on the lakes and inland. I'd like to think we could respect both perspectives.”

“Mountainrunner,

Are you still doing the Glacier trip ?”

“A man could make a good living countering your opinions, Nowslimmer. I have only backpacked the BWCA and it's difficult to imagine it being any nicer by canoe. Spalpeen helped me see that. Rather than following, it just means I'm capable of changing my mind. Something a crotchety old curmudgeon like yourself has difficulty with:)”

“mountainrunner -Canoe and backpacking folks are never alone. In the fall the BWCA is home to many hunters, most of whom have been waiting since the Spring Smelt Season and the Spring Rainbow Trout Season. During the summer the fisherman bring their boats to the unrestricted lakes.

One great experience happened on a Saturday evening. My new wife and I drove a number of miles north on one of those dirt roads. We found our destination. It was an old Community Buiilding. There was no community visible, but people came from miles in every direction. Most of them lived in homes in the forest, hidden from view from any road. It was movie night. They even had candy, pop corn and cold drinks available. In a way it was like something from the distance past, but it was today.(1978) We enjoyed a good movie and some socializing. Then we headed back to our motel along the North Shore..

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Nimblefoot - Sorry for sounding off on you. It just got away from me.

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These days I change my mind often. It's mainly because I can't remember on what I had my mind set!
last edited: 5/13/07 12:39:24 PM”

“Backpacker37, the permit for Glacier did not come through - they were unable to fill the request. I just got the email when I returned from the Boundry Waters. At this time, I do not plan to go out there.”

“is it a popular destination, yes because it is so great,like anyplace else you can always find solitude
I have been paddlin up there since the 70's and this was the first time I hiked.Mountainrunner had a great route and a great trip planned out and I was happy I made the trip
when I grow up I want too be like mountanrunner oh wait I have him by 15 years”

“Ns, I change my mind for probably the same reason:)”

“Spalpeen, are you sure it is only 15 years? Haha!!”

“Nimblefoot, isn't it Boundary Waters Canoe Area??

I did two canoe trips there in the '70s.

I didn't know people backpacked there.

Nice trip, guys!”

“Yup, "C" stands for canoe, but there are lots of great trails and campsites that never get used by the non-pedestrians. The trails are fantastic and the least trashed of any trail I've seen.”

“mountainrunner after watching you cruise thru the woods should it be more”

“Thanks so much to Mountainrunner for setting this one up. I had been on the water before and this was my first hike in the BWCA. Not as many ticks on the water, though. Really enjoyable company in this hike on the human side, and the ticks enjoyed all of us. :)

Nice to see your pics, Mountainrunner and The Lorax. Most of mine are out of focus for whatever reason (I did drop the camera on cement just before this trip...?). Gotcha on the one pic, though, Todd :)

Mata - nothing special in meals this time, I totally failed to meet expectations. Just lots of stuff going on pre-trip for me.

Probably good it worked out to have come back a little earlier. I'm spending the day with my Mom - in the hospital unexpectedly (her, not me) and hoping to avoid major surgery - not the way we had planned to do Mom's Day. She's dozing and there's free Internet in the visitor lounge.”

“Cow Patty, I hope your mom is ok.. please keep in touch, ok? And what picture are you talking about? You've got me baffled on that one!”

“cow patty glad you made it home safe and hope your mom is better, stay in touch”

“Sorry I missed this trip - I would have loved to get out there again with you all. I'm way too busy and poor at this point to get up there - I'm heading to Wyoming tomorrow.

The pictures looked awesome, wish I could have been there.”

“I am still waiting for strike force charlie, should I start it?”