Boges and I went to familiar territory off the Gunflint Trail. This is my 8th entry from the Gunflint, most through Seagull, a few times to Quetico. Seagull Outfitters has always been reliable and friendly. Now a fine young couple with small children have bought the operation and I hope they make a wonderful life with the business. I plan to use their tows, cabins, and showers until I can’t. Seagull lake is a huge, magical lake, despite being well-visited. She can be angry, but the fishing and views are great. As I begin the limited portaging phase of existence, I can always see coming to Gunflint, Trails end Campground, using both massive lakes for basecamping.
Boges and I got a tow down the north arm of Seagull Lake to the big bay that marks the non-motorized boundary. We portaged 3 times, lined one short stretch into Ogishkemuncie Lake. Linda and I came here the first time 20 years ago, then again two years later to do the rugged Adam’s Knife Loop (Beymer). Our first attempt was curtailed by the Cave Creek Fire of 2005 when we had to divert the route midstream. It It’s disappointing that the Trails end cafe closed down. Gunflint Lodge operates a fancy pants bistro that is ok, but expensive.
This trip was a test, more than anything. I had visions of making it to Little Saganaga on the 2nd day, but my back had other ideas. Beavers were busy…as beavers? Lots of tail slapping, tree felling and motoring by with a sapling in tow. Fish were biting, but I was too sore to enjoy it. That’s alright, got plenty of reading done and paddled/portaged out in one day on water like glass.
I almost went tentless, which would have been a mistake. The only suitable trees were back in the trees on unlevel ground. My tent erects so fast I’d rather be tarpless. With the dual vestibules, there’s plenty of room to keep gear dry without a tarp. With all the good weather, the tarp was just dead weight. I brought a chair zero that fit well in my food pack, but the high back chair would have been worth the extra 2lbs - maybe leave the tarp to make room next time (when it is sure to rain for days).
A good quick trip to a familiar area. Gunflint feels wilder than the west side of BWCA. I didn’t take many photos due to a lack of inspiration. I always liked Grand Marais on the north shore, although it could use a couple good restaurants. The taco place is under new ownership since my last visit, and it was disappointing. No more brisket tacos
.
Well, that’s about it. My car broke down 64 miles from home so that was a drag, and expensive. It may be time for a new vehicle.
Boges and I got a tow down the north arm of Seagull Lake to the big bay that marks the non-motorized boundary. We portaged 3 times, lined one short stretch into Ogishkemuncie Lake. Linda and I came here the first time 20 years ago, then again two years later to do the rugged Adam’s Knife Loop (Beymer). Our first attempt was curtailed by the Cave Creek Fire of 2005 when we had to divert the route midstream. It It’s disappointing that the Trails end cafe closed down. Gunflint Lodge operates a fancy pants bistro that is ok, but expensive.
This trip was a test, more than anything. I had visions of making it to Little Saganaga on the 2nd day, but my back had other ideas. Beavers were busy…as beavers? Lots of tail slapping, tree felling and motoring by with a sapling in tow. Fish were biting, but I was too sore to enjoy it. That’s alright, got plenty of reading done and paddled/portaged out in one day on water like glass.
I almost went tentless, which would have been a mistake. The only suitable trees were back in the trees on unlevel ground. My tent erects so fast I’d rather be tarpless. With the dual vestibules, there’s plenty of room to keep gear dry without a tarp. With all the good weather, the tarp was just dead weight. I brought a chair zero that fit well in my food pack, but the high back chair would have been worth the extra 2lbs - maybe leave the tarp to make room next time (when it is sure to rain for days).
A good quick trip to a familiar area. Gunflint feels wilder than the west side of BWCA. I didn’t take many photos due to a lack of inspiration. I always liked Grand Marais on the north shore, although it could use a couple good restaurants. The taco place is under new ownership since my last visit, and it was disappointing. No more brisket tacos
.Well, that’s about it. My car broke down 64 miles from home so that was a drag, and expensive. It may be time for a new vehicle.
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