RAVENS OF THE RIVER: A Fall Day Trip, Pictures and Story by Drew Brockett:
Piragis Northwoods Company Outfitting

We have been lucky enough to have mild weather up here in Ely so one can still get out there and enjoy the waters before they freeze up. On Saturday, November 1st, I decided to head out and do a solo paddle. The weather looked like it would be fine so I set my sights on starting at entry point #32 - the South Kawishiwi River. My goal was to travel the river to Clear Lake, then to Eskwagama and then portage back to the Kawishiwi River where I would paddle back to the entry point.

It’s important to take advantage of this kind of day as we wait for the arctic cold to blanket our region. Although I started the day below freezing, the forecast said it was going to get into the upper 40’s with calm winds. It is quiet in the Boundary Waters these days, although I did see two campers at a site on the river, but the rest of the day it was just me and the sky. There is a special feeling that comes over you when you are alone in the wilderness. It’s hard to describe. It’s just something you have to experience and feel for yourself. There are plenty of things going on around you that help make that feeling come alive.

One thing that got me excited was to see four bald eagles hanging around a small bay off the river. At the same time, I saw a few ravens flying and calling out in the back of the bay. I knew something was going on. So I slowly approached, but was detected. The eagles took off and a large number of ravens then flew out of a small cedar grove and into the forest. That was quite a sight to see so many at one time. I got to shore and walked the 20 feet to the cedars and there it was -- a fresh wolf kill. It’s exciting for me because that is what happens out here in the wilderness. It’s part of the cycle, even if we only get to see it once and a while. After all, we are just guests in this wonderful forest.

As I got to the portage that would take me to the next lake, the water was skimmed with ice. It wasn’t a problem, but could be very soon. At Clear Lake, I enjoyed the canoeing all around the lake, checked out some campsites and even fished a little bit. It was really quiet here. What a difference from when most of the BWCA trippers are enjoying this lake.

Next was the portage to Eskwagama Lake. Once you arrive at the lake, it is a great view, and the bog section that you have to walk on to get to the shore is great fun. It was all so beautiful. The single campsite on this lake is where I stopped for lunch and enjoyed the surroundings. As I paddled to the south end of the lake toward the next portage, an otter decided to check me out. What a great animal of the northwoods. They sure are fun to watch.

The portage back to the Kawishiwi River was wonderful. It skirts the edge of the trees and then heads through a relatively dry, grassy meadow. This is the kind of portage I like; one that hasn’t had much Forest Service work done to it. It feels as though you are “out there” a bit more. I’ll bet that both of these portages in and out of this lake can be a bit messy if the water is at a higher level.

I took my time getting back to the final portage. The campers had left their site so I had the river to myself. It was a special day. Will I be able to get out again this November? We’ll see. But if I do, I’ll share more pictures and take you along for the ride. So remember that even if you only have a day, taking a canoe out is well worth it. You never know what you will see and I guarantee you will not regret it.

Drew Brockett - Outfitting

Please keep in mind that we rent canoes for just a day and can give you some wonderful suggestions of where to paddle. Call or email Bert or Drew to plan your own memorable day! 1-800-223-6565