If any of you have visited exploreminnesota.com, clicked on my favorites camping, you found out that my number one choice of favorite campgrounds in Minnesota is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Last week’s experience confirmed that even more. Steve and Sue Van Kekerix, Paul and Courtney Wannarka and I spent some time in the BWCAW canoeing and camping near Ely.

We started at the Lake One entry point and explored Lake One, Two and Three. I don’t know who named these lakes but they should have given them more unique names. They are definitely not as plain as the names imply. Each lake is dotted with many pine covered islands and the points hold some of the best campsites around. We couldn’t find a bad campsite on any of the three lakes. The first day brought some much needed rain to the tinder dry ground. It came in the early morning hours while we were still in the tents. I always enjoy listening to the raindrops falling on the tent. After the rain stopped the woods took on that pine fresh scent that is so enjoyable. The storm of 1999 that took down so many trees in the BWCAW passed north of this area. The big pines that have stood along the shorelines for centuries are still there for all to see. We canoed along miles of shoreline covered with large pines. Around every corner we were presented something new to experience whether it was the large boulders, rocky cliffs or the wildlife.

We canoed late into the evening listening to the sounds around us as the moon shown overhead. A barred owl called from beyond the island while a second answered from across the bay. Three times a pack of wolves howled in the distance from across the lake. The loons serenaded us to sleep each night. The call of the loon is my favorite sound in the Boundary Waters. I never tire listening to their wail.

Paul Wannarka has been exploring the BWCAW with his daughter Courtney since she was about 5 years old. She has completed college and is heading for California and a new career. They were able to get in one more canoeing trip before she heads out. I could tell by watching them that being apart was going to be hard. I know they are thankful for the memories they have made over the years. It is those memories that stay with you no matter how many miles separate you physically. The attached photos represent just a few of those memories.