I hadn't planned to go to the BW this year, but when my favorite nephew David and his friend Eric invited me along - how could I say no? So, the 1500 mile drive was on.
Some wildlife in the rest stops on the way...
Reason for the snakes...
Unusually large ungulates...
I intentionally arrived in Ely a day early, so I could rest and play the tourist. Of course I had to walk around and inspect all the pretty canoes. And I discovered that Redfeather has a showroom there. More on that later.
Yes, in the morning, I had breakfast at Brittons. OMG! Thanks for the tip, @Boatman53 . Met up with David and Eric later and spent the night at the cabin.
There were supposed to be four of us, so I hadn't bothered to bring a canoe since there are two tandems at the cabin. That was a big mistake because after I had left home our #4 had to back out suddenly. So Eric arranged for me to be in a Prism. That'll do.
Next morning, we were on the water early.
Between my last time here and this time, I have discovered that I actually like portages. Something we lack in Idaho.
This would be our campsite. Doing day trips from here.
While cutting firewood, I spotted some new-to-me wildlife. Anyone have the identification of this arachnid? Its camouflage is amazing.
This photo explained in this thread.
We had frequent armored vehicle traffic through our camp. Apparently, there is a popular nesting site in the thicket above.
Ah yes, first night dinner.
Our view from camp. Priceless.
The resident swans gave us their approval.
Rush hour.
According to the map, this is a rapids. In Idaho, we call it a nothing.
Fun to have some rocks to maneuver around, just the same.
More camp wildlife. Somebody's been feeding this guy.
No reason. It just looks beautiful.
We had one big afternoon storm that drove us into our tents. Some folks got caught out in it on the water in whitecaps. Bet that was intense.
Obligatory beauty shot.
After five days, we're headed out.
If you zoom in on the right bank, you'll see the fawn that swam across right behind David and Eric, just climbing out of the water.
Had some big headwind with long fetch waves on the way out, but the Prism did fine.
Back at Ely, I had a room reserved for another night while David and Eric drove home. Next morning, I visited the Ely Folk School store, where I got a first close look at a genuine birch bark canoe. Thanks again, @Boatman53 .
Paid homage to Bill.
And took a little test paddle in this.
Any guesses?
Stopped at Piragis before leaving and picked up a book....Last Entry Point , by Joe Friedrichs. OMG.
Trip home was uneventful. I did have to visit an old friend....the Beaverhead River. I spent the night of July 4 next to it. No fireworks, just peace and quiet.
Some wildlife in the rest stops on the way...
Reason for the snakes...
Unusually large ungulates...
I intentionally arrived in Ely a day early, so I could rest and play the tourist. Of course I had to walk around and inspect all the pretty canoes. And I discovered that Redfeather has a showroom there. More on that later.
Yes, in the morning, I had breakfast at Brittons. OMG! Thanks for the tip, @Boatman53 . Met up with David and Eric later and spent the night at the cabin.
There were supposed to be four of us, so I hadn't bothered to bring a canoe since there are two tandems at the cabin. That was a big mistake because after I had left home our #4 had to back out suddenly. So Eric arranged for me to be in a Prism. That'll do.
Next morning, we were on the water early.
Between my last time here and this time, I have discovered that I actually like portages. Something we lack in Idaho.
This would be our campsite. Doing day trips from here.
While cutting firewood, I spotted some new-to-me wildlife. Anyone have the identification of this arachnid? Its camouflage is amazing.
This photo explained in this thread.
We had frequent armored vehicle traffic through our camp. Apparently, there is a popular nesting site in the thicket above.
Ah yes, first night dinner.
Our view from camp. Priceless.
The resident swans gave us their approval.
Rush hour.
According to the map, this is a rapids. In Idaho, we call it a nothing.
Fun to have some rocks to maneuver around, just the same.More camp wildlife. Somebody's been feeding this guy.
No reason. It just looks beautiful.
We had one big afternoon storm that drove us into our tents. Some folks got caught out in it on the water in whitecaps. Bet that was intense.
Obligatory beauty shot.
After five days, we're headed out.
If you zoom in on the right bank, you'll see the fawn that swam across right behind David and Eric, just climbing out of the water.
Had some big headwind with long fetch waves on the way out, but the Prism did fine.
Back at Ely, I had a room reserved for another night while David and Eric drove home. Next morning, I visited the Ely Folk School store, where I got a first close look at a genuine birch bark canoe. Thanks again, @Boatman53 .
Paid homage to Bill.
And took a little test paddle in this.
Any guesses?
Stopped at Piragis before leaving and picked up a book....Last Entry Point , by Joe Friedrichs. OMG.
Trip home was uneventful. I did have to visit an old friend....the Beaverhead River. I spent the night of July 4 next to it. No fireworks, just peace and quiet.
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