{"id":9845,"date":"2023-09-10T20:51:11","date_gmt":"2023-09-11T01:51:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/?p=9845"},"modified":"2023-09-14T17:19:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T22:19:40","slug":"bwca-canoe-hiking-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/2023\/bwca-canoe-hiking-trip","title":{"rendered":"BWCA Canoe &#038; Hiking Trip 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><!-- BWCA Canoe Trip 2023 --><\/p>\n<p><!-- paste the html code below directly into wordpress --><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"> This year&#8217;s trip was a return to a familiar locale\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Duncan and Rose Lakes<\/em>!<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-duncan-rose-lakes-map-2023.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-duncan-rose-lakes-map-2023-sm.jpg\" alt=\"BWCA Route Map, Source USGS\"\/><\/a><figcaption><em>BWCA Route Map, Source USGS (Click to Enlarge<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"BWCA Canoe Trip, September 2023\" width=\"840\" height=\"473\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lHQHLLfRhKY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Video with Loons and Beavers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/travel\/bwca23\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Complete Photo Gallery<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 1 (Portage to Duncan Lake)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> We started at <em>Bearskin Lake<\/em> and paddled across to the <em>Duncan Lake Portage<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-1.jpg\" alt=\"Starting Out\"\/><figcaption><em>Starting Out<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nAfter exploring options on the north shore of Duncan we decided to stay on the campsite closest to the portage on the south shore (conveniently vacated by the prior group as we waited).\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-3.jpg\" alt=\"Duncan Lake Campsite\"\/><figcaption><em>Duncan Lake Campsite<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall this was a great site and not affected by blowdowns like the others we looked at. It had a nice fire area, lots of big trees, adequate tentsites, and a small pebble beach. (4\/5 rating) <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-19.jpg\" alt=\"Hammock Housekeeping\"\/><figcaption><em>Hammock Housekeeping<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I&#8217;ve been a <em>Hammock Camper<\/em> for the past ten years. This was the first trip where I used an <em>Underquilt<\/em> and it performed very well. On the warmer nights (50s) I barely needed a sleeping bag. Going to bed felt like entering a warm bath!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nAfter setting up camp, we had <em>Happy Hour<\/em> and veggie burgers for dinner!\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-5.jpg\" alt=\"Happy Hour\"\/><figcaption><em>Happy Hour<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-6.jpg\" alt=\"Veggie Burgers\"\/><figcaption><em>Veggie Burgers<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nThe smoke haze from the <em>Canadian Forest Fires<\/em> gave us a very red sunset that night.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-7.jpg\" alt=\"Smoky Sunset\"\/><figcaption><em>Smoky Sunset<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 2 (Canoe to Rose Lake)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nThe next morning we were treated to the largest gathering of <em>Loons<\/em> I&#8217;ve ever seen! We counted nine in all. It started with three or four calling and others flying in over about twenty minutes. Then they socialized and fished together for at least an hour. I called it the Loon equivalent of a breakfast club!\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nWe read that at this time of year Loons are after fish called <em>Cisco<\/em> or lake herring. These are very oily and help the birds fatten up before they fly a thousand miles to the ocean for the winter.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-30.jpg\" alt=\"Loons Gathering\"\/><figcaption><em>Loons Gathering<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nWe paddled down the long eastern arm of the lake to the famous &#8220;Staircase Portage&#8221; to Rose Lake.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-10.jpg\" alt=\"Down the Staircase Portage\"\/><figcaption><em>Down the Staircase Portage<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nWe consolidated into one canoe to cruise around Rose. We saw where Ross and I camped during the <em>The Boys 40th Birthday Trip<\/em> back in 1996.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-11.jpg\" alt=\"Group Photo on Rose\"\/><figcaption><em>Group Photo on Rose<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nWe stopped by <em>Rose Falls<\/em> to have lunch before heading up the stairs and back to Duncan.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-8-pano.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-8.jpg\" alt=\"Rose Falls\"\/><\/a><figcaption><em>Rose Falls (Click to Enlarge)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-9.jpg\" alt=\"Swimmers in Rose Falls\"\/><figcaption><em>Swimmers in Rose Falls<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-13.jpg\" alt=\"Up the Staircase Portage\"\/><figcaption><em>Up the Staircase Portage<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-14.jpg\" alt=\"Happy Hour Again\"\/><figcaption><em>Happy Hour Again<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 3 (Caribou Rock Trail, 4.3 Miles)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-15.jpg\" alt=\"Group on the Trail\"\/><figcaption><em>Group on the Trail<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The next day we decided to hike on the nearby <em>Caribou Rock Trail<\/em>. This would ultimately take us to Rose Lake, but we did not go that far. Afterwards we read this is one of the &#8220;most difficult trails in Minnesota!&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-16.jpg\" alt=\"Steep Climb\"\/><figcaption><em>Steep Climb<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-17.jpg\" alt=\"Ross Above Duncan Lake\"\/><figcaption><em>Ross Above Duncan Lake<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nThat night we recovered with an elaborate taco meal prepared by Ross.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-18.jpg\" alt=\"Taco Dinner\"\/><figcaption><em>Taco Dinner<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 4 (Rose Lake Cliffs, 6.5 Miles)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nOur final full day was a mix of canoeing and hiking the <em>Border Route Trail<\/em> to the <em>Cliffs over Rose Lake<\/em>. It was difficult at times, but the view once we got there was worth it!\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-21.jpg\" alt=\"Rose, Rat, and South Lakes\"\/><figcaption><em>Rose, Rat, and South Lakes<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nWay down on the lake we noticed two large white birds. These turned out to be a pair of [Trumpeter?] <em>Swans<\/em>! At the top I was able to take a photo through the binoculars with my phone.\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-22.jpg\" alt=\"Two Swans Thru Binoculars\"\/><figcaption><em>Two Swans Thru Binoculars<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-23.jpg\" alt=\"Top of the World!\"\/><figcaption><em>Top of the World!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-20.jpg\" alt=\"Pileated Woodpecker Holes\"\/><figcaption><em>Pileated Woodpecker Holes<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-25.jpg\" alt=\"Going for an Evening Swim!\"\/><figcaption><em>Going for an Evening Swim!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 5 (Return to Civilization)<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-31.jpg\" alt=\"Leaving Paradise\"\/><figcaption><em>Leaving Paradise<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The next day was pretty simple. We broke camp early because the day was going to be hot (high 80s). When we later drove through Duluth the dash thermometer said it was 101! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Knots of Note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bear Rope Hitch<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-4.jpg\" alt=\"Bear Rope Hitch\"\/><figcaption><em>Bear Rope Hitch<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nWe saw this one on a video about bear ropes. It is somewhat counter-intuitive as you get started and may require two people if the rope is heavily loaded. The first loop eliminates the need to &#8220;wrap the tree&#8221; with a long rope. The second vertical loop locks under the taught working end. As a slip knot it is extremely easy to untie so you can add one or two half-hitches for more security when needed.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soft Shackle<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-2.jpg\" alt=\"Soft Shackle\"\/><figcaption><em>Soft Shackle<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nThese are referred to &#8220;Aussie Bowlines&#8221;. They are specifically used to secure a loaded line to a sail or other object. The cinch cords shown here already have stopper knots on their ends so it is easy to &#8220;shackle&#8221; them to the hammock strap.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treehugger Hitch (or Tree-Hook Knot)<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-28.jpg\" alt=\"Treehugger Hitch\"\/><figcaption><em>Treehugger Hitch<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nThis is an idea I&#8217;ve been incubating for some time as a non-destructive &#8220;place anywhere&#8221; alternative to nails in trees or breaking branches to hang things on. <em>Shown here is my first successful field test!<\/em> It is tied using a <em>short stick<\/em> or similar object found locally.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Starting with the <em>middle<\/em> of the rope, wrap the tree <em>at least twice<\/em> and tie loosely with a reef (square) knot.<\/li><li>Catch the lower loop with the stick and <em>add turns<\/em> to partially tighten the loops.<\/li><li>Tie the upper end of the stick as tightly as possible <em>in front<\/em> of the reef knot.<\/li><li>Adjust everything to use the resulting <em>hook<\/em> to best advantage.<\/li><li>The excess rope will just hang down out of the way.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> It performed well holding about <em>ten pounds<\/em> of equipment and it even let me hang up my hat! The main flaws with this implementation are the <em>stretch in the second reef knot<\/em> and the tendency for the <em>loops to converge<\/em>, allowing the hook to turn sideways. I plan to address these in the <a href=\"https:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/2023\/treehugger-hitch\">next <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/2023\/treehugger-hitch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">version<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\nOnce perfected this bit of knot-craft should help eliminate the need for nails in trees!\n<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/richard.rathe.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bwca-2023-29.jpg\" alt=\"Old Nail in Tree\"\/><figcaption><em>Old Nail in Tree<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This year&#8217;s trip was a return to a familiar locale\u2026 Duncan and Rose Lakes! Complete Photo Gallery Day 1 (Portage to Duncan Lake) We started at Bearskin Lake and paddled across to the Duncan Lake Portage. After exploring options on the north shore of Duncan we decided to stay on the campsite closest to the &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/2023\/bwca-canoe-hiking-trip\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;BWCA Canoe &#038; Hiking Trip 2023&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,31,268,409,14,10,30],"tags":[533,504,485,267,534,532,363],"class_list":["post-9845","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-birds","category-bwca","category-camping","category-how-to","category-photography","category-travel","category-video","tag-beaver","tag-canoe","tag-common-loon","tag-hammock","tag-hiking","tag-knots","tag-panoramas"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9845","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9845"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9845\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9921,"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9845\/revisions\/9921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/redmangrove.org\/rathe.org\/richard\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}