Welcome to tahoe's BWCAW '96 Route.
1996 August Trip
Well...I don't know where to start here! We began by going through Gander Mountain headquarters, then to Duluth and up to Ely. Our traditional set-up is to get to Ely, stay the night in town, then put out early the next day. We also like to get back to Ely and spend the night, then get up early to go home at the end. That way a person's fresh for the trip! This was the first year to go through Duluth and it was well worth the drive.
We decided to take a few river routes this year to avoid hill-laden portages. What we failed to realize was the little marsh symbols on the maps. This was mosquito hell, even in August. We went up the Little Isabella to the Isabella as you can see on the map. The last portage into Bald Eagle was the absolute worst. The mosquitos were so thick, you could honestly wipe them off your face and your face would be covered before your hand left your chin. I've never seen them that bad ever, not even in South Dakota! This was my wife's first trip, needless to say she wasn't impressed.
Once we got to the campsite, things weren't so bad. It rained on us for a while, the first time in a couple of years. Things did clear up and we were able to get some great pictures.
We went out through the Snake river (upriver!) which was narrow and difficult to maneuver through. The last portage out was an old logging trail that crosses the river about half way. It's a good path, but very long.
**Map curtesy of Superior National Forest Map Server, available through the links page.
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