On Trail With Nibi Mocs

Completing my second trip across the 65 rod portage from Kelly Lake to Jack Lake, I set down some of my gear and was just reaching for the canoe, ready to put her in the water and start loading. Glancing up, I noticed a Ranger approaching from the direction of Kelly Lake. “Are you Larry?” he asked. In response to my affirmation he continued; “I have something to discuss with you but”, referring to another group in the vicinity, “I’d like to do it in private”.

My mind raced. Had I done something wrong? Wait, he knew my name. Was someone playing a prank on me? No, the Forest Service wouldn’t get involved with that. Must be a family emergency, but who, and what? “I guess I’m going to have to turn around and go back”. Grim faced he confirmed that I would.

Sam, my 18 month old Schnoodle, and I had arrived at the Baker Lake campground the day before after an uneventful drive north. It was to be his first Boundary Waters trip, my 50th. Other than being tormented by the mosquitoes, which were much worse than anticipated for a late July trip, Sam settled into camp life quite readily, as I knew he would. Even tempered, quiet, faithful, Sam is an ideal dog for taking along on wilderness trips. He doesn’t even bark when he chases squirrels!

The mosquitoes were really bothering him however, raising huge welts and obviously making him itch. I considered canceling the trip for his sake. But, over all, he seemed to be enjoying himself.

The overnight thunderstorm didn’t phase Sam at all, even with strikes quite close and the torrential downpour. He was just as comfortable with the couple of layers of thin nylon as he would have been in our living room at home. Gradually disipating, the rain stopped by the time we got up at about 5:30 AM. Everything was soaked but the sun was burning through the clouds, promising a nice day ahead.

Packing up camp, a sharp pain shot across my back for no apparent reason. Again, I had thoughts about canceling. After all, the Boundary Waters is no place to venture with a bad back. Working out the kinks, the pain gradually subsided. OK, we can do this afterall.

It seemed to take forever to get packed up and ready to go. Finally, about 7:45, with the sun burning off the last vestiges of mist on the lake, the canoe was loaded and ready to go. Without hesitation, Sam jumped into the canoe and posed for a couple of quick photos.

Shoving off on the clear lake, our adventure finally began. It took very little time to get to the rapids entering Baker Lake. Failing to find a good place to line the canoe up the rapids, I landed at the very rocky portage landing and unloaded my gear. As usual at the first portage of a trip, it wasn’t a very efficient process. It’d been almost a year since my last trip, it would take a portage or two to get my rhythm back again.

Any fears I may have had about Sam wandering off on a portage were quelled as I felt his nose bump my calves on almost every step on the trail. Jangling as we walked, his dog tags were further proof that he was staying close to me. No way he was getting left behind! If he was at all curious as to why we walked back down the trail, he showed no sign. Bump, bump, bump went his nose on my calves. Yep, a very good dog indeed to have in the Boundary Waters.

Loading up the canoe again, we pushed off from the landing and made our way through the rock garden into Peterson Lake. Roughing up the surface of the lake slightly, a light south breeze helped propel us northwards. It seemed that we had the wilderness to ourselves. Reveling in the quietness, the ideal weather, the perfect companion, the cares of civilization began to melt away. I was slowly but surely transitioning into wilderness mode.

Reaching the north end of Peterson, I once again failed to find a good place to line the canoe and opted for the short lift over. Finding several good photo ops, I quickly realized that the liftover was actually a good thing.

Back in the canoe once again, I paddled steadily northwards. Approaching the first campsite on the lake, I saw the flash of a paddle. We weren’t alone. As we drew up level with the campsite, a large party of nine people in 4 canoes set out from it, also heading northwards. Kelly Lake narrows into a river on the north end. I quickly realized I had 2 choices to avoid breaking the 9 person, 4 canoe rule as we funneled into the river. Either pick up my pace to get ahead of them or slow down to lag behind. I noticed that 2 of the canoes were struggling a bit. Not real excited to wait for such a large group to get across the next portage, I settled on option 1. Picking up the pace a little and pushing a bit harder, I managed to get ahead of the lead canoes. Paddling north on the river, I could still hear them a little behind me. I couldn’t ease up.

Landing at the portage to Kelly, I emptied my canoe as quickly as I could, being careful to keep all my gear tightly together on the landing. I soon set off down the portage trail, again pushing my pace a little, not to the danger point but moving a little faster than I normally would. Approaching the Jack Lake side of the portage, I came across another large party heading the other direction! The portage was getting crowded. I set my canoe and pack down, well off the trail, and back a ways from the water, again, being as careful as possible to keep my things out of other people’s way.

Sam continued to stay right by me, not paying much attention to the other people at all. I did find one thing we need to work on though. When I moved off the trail to let other people through, he just stood in the middle of the trail, looking from them to me, forcing them to go around him. He is a small dog but still… I need to train him to let other people past!

Returning to the other end as quickly but safely as I could, I noticed that the party of 9 had started landing. I quickly picked up my gear and set off down the trail again trying to be as efficient as I possibly could. The Ranger caught up to me after I reached the Jack Lake end.

Having established that it was probably a family emergency, I wondered if something had happened to one of my parents! After all, they are both in their 80’s and, while in decent health, they are still a concern. As soon as the other party was out of earshot he informed me that my wife was in the hospital. I probably looked relieved!

I always leave an itinerary wih my wife when I go into the Boundary Waters. I detail which entry point I’m using, where I plan to travel each day, where I plan to camp each night. I do warn her that those plans can and do change but its enough to give a rough idea of where to find me at any given time. Of course, the closest I am to the beginning of a trip, the more accurate that itinerary will be. I had not, however, given the itinerary to anyone else. Therefore, the fact that he knew me by name and knew where to find me was a good indication that, although in the hospital, it was my wife who had contacted them to look for me. Hence, the relative relief to the news. She was at least well enough to make that call.

Still, they didn’t have any further information as to why she was in the hospital. The Ranger (he probably gave me his name but, in all that transpired, it didn’t stick) told me that he and his partner would help me get out. That meant mostly that they’d accompany me across the lakes and help me get my gear across the portages. With that, he and I gathered up my gear and headed back to Kelly. At least it was only one trip this time!

As quickly as possible, we paddled the length of Kelly. Another large group was just negotiating the liftover from Peterson. The Rangers forged ahead to ask the group to move aside and let me through. All that was missing were the lights and sirens! Peterson was quickly crossed as thunder rumbled ominously in the distance. Clouds were moving in as we landed back at Baker Lake. Retrieving my car from the parking lot, they helped me throw my gear in and my canoe on top. We were just starting to tie down the canoe when the thundershower hit. It quickly turned into a soaker and I was soon drenched. I didn’t bother to tie the bow and stern lines, knowing the belly straps would hold the canoe securely in place. I was soon on the road in the pelting rain.

I stopped in at the Tofte Ranger station as instructed to see if they had any more information. Again, all they knew was that my wife was in the hospital. It had quit raining so I took time out to tie the bow and stern lines and to get changed. Then, it was on down the road to find a place I could get cell coverage and find out what was really going on. On the way, I noticed a line of traffic northward bound, rounding a sweeping curve. It looked like someone was passing them. I slowed down and paid closer attention. Sure enough, there was an oncoming car, in my lane, just coming around the nearest vehicle! Although passing in a legal spot, he hadn’t been able to see me around the curve. I slowed down, almost stopping, and headed onto the shoulder as far as possible as he shot quickly in front of the car he was passing. I blew my horn as he roared past. Definitely a close call but all was safe.

Finally, my phone beeped, indicating that I had coverage. I pulled over, called Pat. She had an obstructed bowel, due to scar tissue from her recent surgeries. The doctors had things under control and expected her to be in the hospital for a couple of days. Thankfully, the rest of my trip home was uneventful and Pat is now doing well. Time to start planning a make up trip!

OK, didn’t get back to this by the end of the weekend as promised — close though.

Here are some of the Showy Ladyslipper photos I took along the Bog Walk at Lake Bemidji State Park:

Walking back to the car, I spotted some of these flowers. I don’t have a clue what they are.

There was an abundance of wild roses.

And, I finally found a Columbine that sat still long enough for me to get a decent photo.

A friend had told me to check out nearby County Road 22. I’m glad I did! I wouldn’t have found this Yellow Moccassin otherwise.

or, this large, colorful patch of Indian Paintbrush, thistles, and other flowers.

I headed back south again and visited Itasca State Park. Here’s a scene along the wildnerness drive.

I did some hiking and found some beautiful gems, such as Coffee Break Lake.

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Back at the resort, the water was calm so I went out for an evening paddle. Here’s a couple of views of the resort from Stocking Lake.

While paddling, I found more loons and herons. I was content to watch and move on, satisfied with the photos I’d already captured.

On Friday morning, I went out paddling again. I didn’t even bother taking a camera along. I just enjoyed the feel of the canoe gliding across the nearly still water. Then, I packed up, checked out and headed home. It had been a very pleasant and fruitful stay. Thanks Joe!

Another wonderful day of photography in north central Minnesota. I took the bog walk at Lake Bimidji State Park, where I photographed more Showy Lady Slippers and a few other flowers; traveled the roads in the area looking for more flowers to photograph and found a Yellow Mocassin, some Indian Paintbrushes and more; took a quick tour of Itasca State Park, and ended up back at the resort. Very quiet evening so I went for a long paddle on Stocking Lake. The surface was smooth as glass most of the time. Perfect paddling!

I need to get to bed “early” tonight to rest up for the long trip home tomorrow. No time to process and post any photos. I promise to update the blog with the “rest of the story” and more photos over the weekend. My apologies for the delay.

Had a nice nap, ate supper, then headed out in the canoe once more. Gloria and Dave, neighbors of the resort, were kind enough to let me photograph some more Showy Lady Slippers on their property.

After several shots, I headed back out on the lake in the canoe. I came across 2 very laid back loons in a sheltered bay. Another reason to stop and take photos.

One of the loons actually slept most of the time I was there.

I managed to get among my best loon shots ever.

I then quietly paddled away, leaving them to hang out in their protected bay.

Not far away, I spotted a Great Blue Heron. He was obscured by some grass but I could see that he was carrying something, presumably a fish, in his beak. I observed and photographed from a distance, not wanting to disturb his meal. Photos were tough to get thanks to the grass. It wasn’t until I was processing this photo that I found out he didn’t have a fish! It was some kind of rodent in his mouth. I did watch as he swallowed it whole.

Once again, I find myself up way too late blogging. I want to get an early start in the morning. My plans include a trip to Lake Bimidji State Park where, a friend assures me, I’ll find plenty of Lady Slippers and oher flowers to photograph. I’m also going to try to find time to visit Itasca State Park.

The 5:00 alarm was just too early — I’d been up way too late blogging the night before. I nestled down in the covers, John Shaw’s mantra running through my head… “Don’t be late for work!”. Well, John, this nature photographer was going to be late this morning. Finally managing to roll out of bed, I had a quick breakfast and got my gear down to the beach. No mist, no clouds, still quite a breeze and a chop on the lake. It was shortly after 6 when I pushed my canoe from shore. Later than I’d planned but I was still the only person in sight.

Several loons dotted the surface of the lake, most staying top-side, only occasionally diving. A couple let me get within photographic range, one even sitting up on tail, flapping wings.

While another bobbed in the water close by.

After taking several photos, I left the loons in peace and cruised the shoreline of the narrow lake. I saw several deer, including this spike buck.

Irises growing on shore were beautifully reflected in the lake, among the lily pads.

An old, photogenic boat was pulled up in the weeds.

I also spotted more herons including this one who was more interested in fishing than in what I was doing.

I missed the lunge for the fish. But caught the ruffled feathers after he shook the water off.

So-so pose, great background.

Nicer, more active pose, not so good background.

Another loon popped up very close to my canoe — with the sun behind him though! I moved the canoe around to get better lighting but he was further away

A couple of views of the resort from the lake.

It’s mid-day now so the lighting’s not very good (and the wind is stronger). I’m going to nap for awhile. I’ll be doing more shooting towards evening, when the light is better. Sure hope the wind dies then too.