Voyageurs National Park Trip - September 2009

Beginning at Ash River Visitor Center, we paddled north and east to the Kettle Falls area on Day 1 (Thursday), then south and east to the Wolf Pack Islands area on Day 2. On Day 3 we paddled east toward Blind Pig Island before heading south.

After driving 5-6 hours from the Twin Cities, the group double checks provisions before setting off.

Packing boats before launch from the Ash River Visitors Center

After travelling for 5-6 hours from the Twin Cities, the group is eager to paddle off from the Ash River Visitor Center on Thursday afternoon.

Our group pauses for a break on the way to Kettle Falls.

Jeff Christensen cools off with a few rolls.

Dave & Deb pause at the campsite near Kettle Falls.

After breaking camp at the Kettle Falls area, our group heads south toward Wolf Pack Islands.

Deb Strike and Mike O'Neill

Stretch break near Canadian Channel. l-r: Doug R, Mike O, Deb S, Mark D, Jeff C, Dave S (facing away), Dave C, John M, Larry S

We encountered shallow water and the beginnings of a beaver dam on the passage from Paddy Bay to Canadian Channel

Deb Strike and Larry Stephenson pass a rock face on the northwest side of Moose Island.

l-r: Mike O, Mark D, John M, Jeff C

Jeff Christensen, Dave Campbell and Dave Strike enter the Canadian Channel on their way to Wolf Pack Islands

Dave Campbell presents lunch with confident assurance.

Deb Strike, Dave Strike, Dave Campbell & Doug Ritzinger pause for a photo after lunch on Wolf Pack Island East

Weather and water were both inviting on Friday afternoon. Can you identify the owners of these legs?

Now that they've dried off after their swim, Larry, Mark, Deb and Dave chat late in the afternoon at Wolf Pack Island East.

Calm waters around the Wolf Pack Islands

On the shore of Wolf Pack Island East campsite, the vibrant color's of Mike O'Neill's boat are set off by a Union Jack, and framed by a new custom storm paddle from Ron Steinwall.

Dave Campbell secures a permanent spot on any future ISK outing with his steak and potatoes dinner on Day 2.

East campsite

Dinner at Wolf Pack Island East on Day 2. l-r: Mark Daniels, Mike O'Neill, Doug Ritzinger, Dave Strike, Deb Strike, Larry Stephenson. (Behind the lens: Dave Campbell)

Deb Strike pauses to take in the sunset from the north side of Wolf Pack Island East campsite

The sun sets to the west above the boats and calm waters of Wolf Pack Island's east campsite

Dave Strike, Larry Stephenson and Mike O'Neill pass the Whiskey Point milestone

Jeff Christensen shows off his trolling rig while paddling toward Blind Pig Island on Day 3. (He caught and released a 20" northern pike along the way.)

Peggy paddles east

Route south from Blind Pig Island through Namakan Narrows toward Crane Lake.

Jeff Christensen studies his maps to identify campsites for the evening.

Peggy O'Neal pauses to survey the route on the way to Blind Pig Island area.

We found a campsite on an island in Sand Point Lake south of Namakan Narrows. l-r: Larry S, John M, Dave C, Deb S, Doug R, Mark D, Mike O

Waiting for the lightning strikes to subside before taking the water for the final 12 miles back to Crane Lake.

Path to final destination at Crane Lake

Paddling toward Crane Lake through the rain. l-r: John M, Jeff C, Doug R, Mike O

Larry Stephenson sets his course across Crane Lake

Half way to Crane Lake on the final day. l-r: Larry S, Mark D, Dave S, John M, Mike O, Jeff C

Pausing for a break on the way to Crane Lake. l-r: Doug R, Mike O, Dave C, Deb S, Mark D, Dave S, John M, Peggy O, Larry S

After breaking camp and paddling through the rain for 12 miles, the group arrives at Crane Lake.