Monday, April 27, 2009

2009 BWCA Trip Planning: pre-entry options

Some thoughts about the trip: from Yahoo maps and Google maps it looks like it's about one hour from Tofte to Sawbill Outfitters and another hour to Brule Lake. Sawbill Trail must be a dirt road, each of the legs is about 25 miles.

I would like to summarize a couple of options for the beginning of the trip:

We decided on option 1:

1. Tofte Lodging option:

  • Pick up canoes at Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte. Jim made reservations
  • Pick up permit at Tofte Ranger Station Before 5PM on 8/18 or after 7AM on 8/19
  • Spend night in Tofte (AmericInn has openings and pool!). Dave made reservations
  • Head for #41 as early as possible
  • Pros: a little more flexibility, comfortable digs, especially if it rains; dinner at restaurant
  • Cons: about 30-45 minutes longer approach to entry point

2. Spend night at Sawbill Lake, Superior National Forest Campground option

  • Pick up Permit at Tofte Ranger Station before 5PM on 8/18
  • Pick up canoes at Sawbill Canoe Outfitters
  • Sleep at SNF Campground next to outfitters. Wide open availability as of April 27)
  • Head for #41 as early as possible
  • Pros: less time to entry point (15-30 minutes time savings)
  • Cons: break camp, need packed dinner, slight detour to get to entry point, if it rains, wet gear before taking off.

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