Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (Minnesota) - June 2021

The still pictures from all my trips can be viewed and purchased at davidcgray.smugmug.com.
My fourth 'hike' of the 2021 season didn't involve much hiking, but it sure required a lot of paddling!
When I was growing up in Michigan my family took a number of multi-day canoe trips on the Au Sable River, and they were great times. Fast forward to my early days of backpacking when I would talk with Bob about all things 'backcountry' - I knew Bob was a veteran of multiple Boundary Waters canoe trips and I took every opportunity I could to pick his brain for tips and techniques. He also had a huge Boundary Waters map on his office wall and we would talk about his routes and various lakes that he had explored. Ever since then a trip to the Boundary Waters has always been high on my 'bucket list'.
The opportunity to go presented itself in 2020 when Rick, a co-worker of mine from the old Delphi days, asked me if I'd be interested in going with him on a Boundary Waters trip in the fall of 2020. I was interested, but unfortunately the torn meniscus in my knee from the 2020 Adirondack trip forced a delay in our plans. But as soon as the snow melted in early 2021 we got right back on the planning for a 2021 trip.
We settled on a 6-day, 5-night trip starting at the Seagull Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail, 55-miles inland from Grand Marais, Minnesota. Our plan was to start on Saganaga Lake, head down through Ottertrack and Knife Lakes to the South Arm of Knife Lake, and then head back northeast to the outfitter through Ogishkemuncie and Seagull Lakes (as well as a ton of smaller lakes, all involving portages). In all we paddled for approximately 60 miles, including our travel time as well as many side trips and fishing excursions (according to the app on my Apple Watch).
Despite my canoe trips on the Au Sable river long ago (45+ years ago!) I started the trip as a complete canoeing 'newb' and, frankly, I was more than a bit intimidated by what I had gotten myself in to. I likened it to taking a person who had never backpacked before on a 6-day trip in the Rocky Mountains - probably not a great plan! But I was game to give it a shot, hoping that my comfort level would increase quickly, and, fortunately, it did. By the end of the trip I was quite comfortable during our long days in the canoe, and my paddling muscles had come into their own.
It was certainly a different sort of experience from a backpacking trip, but I (eventually!) loved it. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is incredibly beautiful, and the fishing is fantastic. We caught multiple Walleye, Bass, and Northern Pike, and they were all big (tasty too!). For anyone planning to take a trip to the Boundary Waters I think this video will give you a great start, and a good idea of what to expect.
For those who have watched my other videos this one is done in the same style - a little over an hour in length, intended to bring the audience along for the 'ride', and with a still picture slide show with music at the end. If you just have a few minutes skip to the end and enjoy the pictures.
Equipment / Gear List:
Still and Video Camera: Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3dHJvni
Lens: Nikkor 24mm f1.8 Z-mount lens amzn.to/2QZqNOo
Tripod: Sirui T-025X carbon fiber tripod amzn.to/3bH3Rvg
Camera shoulder clip: Peak Designs Capture clip system amzn.to/2wRdusp
Video Editing Software: Vegas Pro 16 amzn.to/2X5dKyu
Pack: Zpacks Arc Blast 55L
Tent: Zpacks Triplex
Sleeping Bag: Zpacks 20degF Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir X-Therm amzn.to/2yjrUlj
Sleeping Pad: Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite amzn.to/39zju6v
Pillow: Exped Air Pillow UL amzn.to/2WYE5hZ
Stove: JetBoil Flash amzn.to/3azKRi7
Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2 amzn.to/3dPtOL5
Pot: MSR Titan titanium 0.9L kettle amzn.to/3bF1RDB
Headlamp: Black Diamond Spot amzn.to/2R0JvoW
Buff: Merino wool Buff amzn.to/3dCYHSC
Recharging Battery: Anker 3500mAH ‘lipstick’ charger amzn.to/2URI7G3
Camp Chair: Helonix Chair Zero amzn.to/2xzbwgh
Camp Shoes: Xero Shoes Z-Trek amzn.to/3bA3X7I
Wet Wipes: Survivorware Wet Wipes amzn.to/2JwbQ2e

[@Paddle-On]

Amazing video. Yes 2 engines are better than one, we need you! lol, I like your guy's style. BWCA! 😎

[@johnthomsen6368]

One of my favorite KZbinrs going to one of my favorite wilderness areas? Dream come true!

[@psychdonbaseballcards5137]

I don't usually comment but wanted to let you know this was an awesome video. You, Joey and Jarl are my go to videos for backpacking. I'm 75 and backpacked for 40 years. Now I collect baseball cards. Prefer backpacking so much more.

[@davidderks1341]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. You would never imagine how much influence you have had in my life just from watching your videos.

[@John-ho5ri]

Beautiful Country, Nice and relaxing video. Enjoyed it, Thanks!

[@michellemariemullen9681]

Question… did Dunkin doughnuts coffee Sponsor you trip? I really enjoyed the filming of your beautiful adventure. Well done 👍👍👍😁

[@mattg2935]

Nice Job David! As an experienced BWCAW traveler I’m impressed with your abilities in the backcountry! Catching walleye, single portaging, paddling into a headwind, cooking on an open fire and surviving the skeeters. Well done sir! Keep coming back!!! Millions of acres more to explore.

[@lucasmechtel1206]

Thank you for bringing us along!

[@GettingToHeaven]

Some really beautiful footage. Loved your video!

[@nancycronin601]

Interesting change in your travels. Beautiful scenery. Thanks as always. Loved it.

[@apbutterfield]

Wow, what a great adventure. Thanks for sharing, David!

[@kimchaffey9827]

Loved it! Beautiful video and pics. On your last breakfast I had to laugh. Dunkin donut coffee ☕was said many times. Such an epic trip. You must be proud of your accomplishment. I am!

[@davewilliams3514]

Great video. Our group has been going to BWCA and Quetico for over 40 years. There is nothing like it in the world. We used to have problems with our eggs breaking. I started putting bubble wrap strips in the carton. That has ended our broken egg issue. I'm sure you all will be back in the Boundary Waters soon.

[@dawnhocutt5537]

Great video, my best friend is going to be doing this in couple of months!

[@flipchick1014]

Something so feel good about your videos. Thank you for sharing. Wishing you many more trips for you , your dogs and family

[@cottonballs2776]

What a 4th of July treat. Thanks David

[@lj-eden]

thank you for uploading!! Will be watching while I get through a slow work day !

[@tughoward]

Looked like a fun trip, thanks for sharing!

[@mikewanders]

Amazing David. You get spectacular shots. LOVE your videos.

[@susangunn5866]

Absolutely awesome trip and video. I love your videos.

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks again Dave great video and insight really cool

[@justinperry9754]

Thanks for the video! Looked like an awesome trip!

[@dianemarley955]

Thanks for taking us along. Wow, you scored on the food and skills of your trip bud. And as usually, you spoil us with your video skills.

[@ifonlyseethrumyeyes8957]

I enjoyed your trip very much...thx for your hard work

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

Definitely like that you went over your usual hour. Keep that up.

[@davekoch4335]

Very different from some of the other vids,for sure enjoyed the portage and paddling thanx for taking us along on the adventure.

[@mikeodonovan7325]

great adventure to follow really enjoyed it thanks for putting this up classsssss

[@ronniecockburn3761]

Looks amazing 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@karenabel6218]

Wow, what a great adventure.

[@710denverterp4]

THANK YOU SO MUCH DAVID !!!!!!!! AMAZING VIDEOGRAPHY

[@ozarklife9996]

Wow. The packing and logistics look daunting. Great video, you should be proud of yourself!!

[@tennesseenana4838]

Totally different video from your other ones - it's very enjoyable to watch. Thank you for sharing this trip!

[@brenanjohnson828]

That’s kind of crazy I was there at the same time as you guys at the same outfitter. I seen my car in the video. Lol

[@Battlerattler]

As always Great video David !!! Slappin’ the bag !!!

[@somewhereinsweden3636]

This is just so lovely to watch! Greetings from Sweden!

[@whowantsachannel1983]

Enjoyed your video! We’ve been doing annual BWCA trips for over 40 years and carried usually 3 big packs running 50 pounds each. This year (summer 22) we finally wised up. Two packs were 25 pounds and the third was 40 pounds. Didn’t miss anything because we basically found lighter weight versions of what we had been carrying. I strongly recommend it! Portages are not so bad this way.

[@charlesduncan6529]

Finally your making it up to my old stomping grounds, the place I love more than just about anywhere else! OH the stories I could tell!! I did get married up there with my first wife, we both loved it there! Hope you both enjoy it, it is stunningly beautiful!!

[@nickrambles]

Always love your videos!

[@FlyingSquirrelOutdoors]

Kinda fun to see you out of your comfort zone (on water) and pushing your boundaries. Great trip! Backpacking is definitely my first love, but canoe-trekking is a close second.

[@franpike1]

Dave, Great video as always! Glad to see you get up to my home state Minney. Come back and backpack the SHT so many things to do and see. Way to go catching a couple Walleygaters! Love everything you do!

[@KatWoman_]

Epic trip. Stunning filming of the sunrise and sunsets. You may want to check out Shugemery’s solo Boundary Waters canoe trip that recently came out when you have time. He usually backpacks, too, and canoeing is newish to him, as well. Lot’s of good humor. Also, Joe Robinet has consistently brilliant canoe and fishing trips as well as other outdoor adventures. Rick took good care of you!

[@dawilkman]

Great video!

[@KyleOfTheNorth]

My favorite place to be. The weather is so bipolar tho, lol. Great vid!

[@garrybrown2529]

Great canoe trip! 🇺🇸👍🏻

[@19stoney64]

Nice time! I met you at Hoosier Outdoor gathering near Bloomington IN at Blackwell Camp.

[@jasonmears4393]

Great video...those lake photos are awesome. Thanks for sharing. Man, you guys ate good🤣

[@SamuelJohnHodgett]

We took "almost" the same trip... the second half was the same from South Arm - Ogish - Seagull. Eddy falls were breathtaking for sure! And we stayed in "the narrows" campsite also!! Wow, what a beautiful site. No privacy, but those cedar trees are so beautiful. So cool to see it on here!

[@naturallyadriftphotoadvent123]

I think I foresee some more paddling videos in your future! Those sunsets and sunrises were spectacular! I can hardly wait for our tent to get sent back all repaired so we can get back out there! Or maybe get grandma and grandpa to babysit so we can paddle out somewhere in the Adirondacks for night with the two man tent. If you can't tell this video has reignited my wanderlust! Hope your next adventure is just as wonderful and maybe a bit less buggy!

[@bbrown6057]

First trip I took was on Saganaga and that is one huge lake! Loved the video and hope to see more BWCA videos from you on the channel.

[@KarlBAndersen]

Great video. I've done that trip numerous times.

[@jeffmatlock2916]

Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee, steaks, pizza, bacon and a guy that makes your food, makes your fires, hauls the canoe and 80 lbs . Man… that’s roughing it 🤣

[@TheWayOutdoors]

Its Matthew Posa meets David Gray! Love the canoeing adventure. I just finished night 3 with Billy the Bass. Great video as always David.

[@marythamm7424]

Loved the video. You guys did a great job for the first time. I live in Minnesota and have been there and more for years. Too old now but I still fish the area.

[@trailsnail2892]

Boy I do enjoy your videos.

[@mindywong3839]

I look forward to the day when you offer nature tours to us.

[@mikehuber2480]

I’m a mountain type guy, but this video gave me a good appreciation of areas in the “north woods”!

[@kitbirskovich1838]

I had 3 BWCA trips in my life, and they were all memorable! Appreciated your video. Hope you know what a great partner you had on this adventure, who was strong, a great cook, and knew how to fillet a fish. Did not appreciate hearing the repeated plug for Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Next time I hope you keep endorsements to a minimum unless they bankroll you. Anyway, thanks! Good job!

[@robertmontgomery9602]

I've done a lot of backpacking in the Sierras, but the most memorable trip I've ever taken was my 5 day trip into the BWCA. The beauty, peacefulness and, oh yeah, carrying 2 sacks (front & back) AND a canoe on the portages was unforgettable. You really captured it David! Wonderful video!

[@waynemoureau5154]

I agree Robert with everything you said about David’s trip but carrying a pack in front. I want to see where I plant my feet while portaging. I prefer to double stack on my back.

[@Chris.Young.]

Awesome trip! The Boundary Waters are on my bucket list for sure! If you've never been there, you should consider adding the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho to your list. Gorgeous scenery, but a lot fewer crowds than you see a lot of other places.

[@AdventuresintheHeartland]

Welcome to the north woods. We are hoping to get up that way to the boundary waters this year.

[@tktktk47]

This is really cool! I actually just got back from an organized month long trip up there. I did it through a program out of Sartell, MN called Les Voyageurs. Usually we would go to Canada, but the border is closed. We got started 2 days after you got back and I just got back on the 17th. The area is beautiful!

[@RxRidgerunner]

Interestingly I was out on a solo when you arrived at the outfitters. The dark SUV at the bottom of the stairs in your video was my rental car. My trip was June 9th - 15th. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@cgriggsiv]

I will be watching this when I get home and I'm at work at the moment

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

BREATHTAKING BEAUTY VIEWS COLORS SCENERY VIDEO WEATHER LANDSCAPE WILDLIFE / EVEN IF YOU COULD ONLY HEAR THEM / WHEN CALM THE LAKES WERE GORGEOUS ! BET YOU BOTH WERE GLAD THE CANOES WERE MADE OUT OF KEVLAR / WEIGHT WISE . YOU HAD NICE MEALS THIS TRIP ! HOPE YOU BOTH MADE IT BACK HOME SAFE & SOUND ! THANK YOU 🙏 BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ON 🙏 YOUR JOURNEYS / TRAVELS ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨

[@mcspin50]

My kids (all in their 30's) and I are heading into the BWCAW later this month. This will be our ninth year. We absolutely love it up there. The three oldest come from CO and UT, so we've never gone out off the Gunflint Trail...just too far for them to drive. We'd rather be paddling. ;-) Our meals are a lot closer to backpacking (i.e. dehydrated) than yours were as our primary goal is to single portage. FYI OvaEasy Eggs (available from REI/Amazon) are as good as real scrambled eggs and less trash to pack in and pack out. I've also read where some people duct tape fresh eggs in a carton to the bottom of one of the canoe seats. Less chance of breakage. Glad you could make it up to our neck of the woods (and water). I always enjoy your vlogs.

[@getyourfitonproductions]

When I go trekking, I like to make banic in the bacon grease after I cook up the bacon. You get that great bacon flavor and then I like to pour a little syrup on it.

[@davidallen6970]

i have missed you

[@NickandRachel]

Nice video!

[@kublai7123]

Whooo buddy!

[@danroga]

Que guapo ese pequeño, como ha remado, pescado, cocinado, armado y desarmado campamento, mientras el grandote se la pasaba filmando. Vida outdoor con Valet jajajja.

[@jailen461]

If I had to paddle in that wind and do it alone I'd be hot. Your partner is a heck of a good friend. That's all I can say. You said your shoulders and arms were burning after the first day. Your friends had to be falling off.

[@michaelowens4075]

I have to say it looks like Rick got stuck doing most of the work lol.

[@shcmoly]

Newbie aside, you made it look easy David.

[@Chad_1975]

Nice video! I was born and raised in Ely. Made yearly trips to the bwca. Its a great place. The only question I have is why does the video say Ely Mn, in the intro? Oh and I wouldn't advise anyone to cook directly on the forest service grate. Just think of how some people put out fires.

[@mindywong3839]

David is an extremely warm person. I think it's not far fetched to say I would easily fall for him during the first trip with him if I was a guy.

[@CIS_9]

Hi The video isn’t playing now, it says, “No stream,” but I’m hoping that will get fixed and I can watch it at some point. Meanwhile, thanks so much for your videos, you are at the top of our list of creators. Excellent quality, scenery and commentary. Love your work.

[@conniejohnson9511]

Won’t play for me either. ☹️. Was looking forward to this too as he actually came to my state!!

[@clc41297]

Won’t stream for me also. Always look forward to these videos.

[@thebowieman621]

awsome grear

[@adamr9513]

For a good time take a shot everytime he says dunkin donuts ;) Seriously though thanks for the vid. My wife and I were supposed to head up Friday but our entry point got closed due to the fires.

[@mbikesrulee]

Oh wow!! My boyscout troop had 3 crews there. We left out of Ely. We were on the water June 8 thru 13th. The mosquitos were unreal. I'm from Oklahoma.

[@davidgrayin]

Crazy coincidence. Were you in the Knife Lake / South Arm area on the 12th or 13th? We saw a number of scout groups - mainly traveling in groups of 9 with three canoes (maximum group size for the Boundary Waters).

[@mbikesrulee]

@@davidgrayin Looks like you were further east of us. We spent 6 days. We had a crew of 9. We were bussed to fall lake from Moose Lake to start. Fall lake Newton lake Pipestone Bay Basswood falls Indiana lake. Basswood Lake(which is really long) Prarie portage at Quentico. Us/Canada portage Sucker Lake Newfound lake Moose lake

[@jessicalaurie9072]

I’m heading there in two weeks. The video never played for me but I’m sure it was good

[@dougtaylor7724]

Take one for the team Wally!

[@allenwilson5235]

I do the T Day meal, but add some Craisins.

[@ClaireOSullivanAuthor]

just five nights?! ;) this was my 'go to' spot when I lived in MN. 10 days was still too short of a stay.

[@CLCox-ur9ux]

I was in the BWCA the week of June 7 2021 with a group of Scouts....entered the BWCA on Moose lake and paddled Knife Lake, South arm of Knife, Eddy, Jenny, Annie, Camped on Muller (camped on Muller right near the portage landing) then to Ogish, and Agamok Lake. Then back to Moose LAke via the Kekakobic Ponds, Kekakobic, Pickle, Spoon and Bonnie lakes. The area is outstanding an wild. I loved it. The campsites can be an issue, apparently the usage of the BWCA has increased about 40% in the last two years. It was still awesome, the wind can be savage on the lakes, especially the big ones and even on the small ones as you round the peninsulas. I recommend the BWCA to anyone that wants a true wilderness experience....IT is Defineately type 2 fun!!!

[@davidgrayin]

That sounds like quite a trip, and a lifelong experience for all the Scouts I'm sure. We may have actually seen you since we did see a number of Scout groups during the time we were there - primarily on the South Arm of Knife (groups of 9 with three canoes). I totally agree with your thoughts on the campsites - it became clear right away that finding an empty one could really be a problem, especially later in the day, and depending on the wind and how much time you had already been paddling that could make it anything from an unpleasant experience to downright miserable and dangerous. I felt we were extraordinarily lucky finding the spots we did, when we did. I also agree with your thoughts on the wind - it can totally dominate your entire experience. But I also agree that it is an incredible wilderness experience, and I am sure glad I was able to experience it.

[@cathycochrane1699]

This is your best video. FINALLY some variety!

[@cgriggsiv]

Did you happen to see Shugg up there he was just doing a 5-day trip he put up both of his videos already excellent beautiful beautiful waterways

[@thesuperioraffection4502]

Two of my favorites! That would've been cool if they met. I haven't watched David's or Shug's latest two yet, looking forward to viewing them this long weekend.

[@cgriggsiv]

Dave this was definitely worth the wait of getting home to watch this spectacular video beautiful views a lot of rain a lot of wind but it was well worth it you even caught some fish

[@andreabritz4572]

Unfortunately, I cannot watch the video. It says “no stream”. It worked today and what a great trip. Beautiful video and photography, as always

[@KatWoman_]

Mine did, too, for a spell. Also, hard time commenting. Gremlins?

[@seeksolitude9048]

Watching you right now. Good Walleye fishing right from your site and both sides of you. Alpine lake is really nice too.

[@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287]

One of your best. Did you ever introduce us to your new costar?

[@leabethcampbell381]

South of the Border Cafe!! OMG.....my love! Even after 172 miles of SHT from Canada down...we drove back up to eat there!

[@Drewski2023]

Love it, very nice video. What kind of coffee were you drinking?😜

[@mindywong3839]

Your videos instill hope into a mundane city lifestyle that I can run away to somewhere prestine to enjoy natural beauty. I was directed to your wind river range videos when I was browsing Wyoming mountains.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

Nice

[@jimbohler6684]

This Video brought to you by Dunkin Donuts. They owe you some money! Hahah Good video fellas.

[@davidgrayin]

I would even take some free coffee from DD! (But not a single free cup to date - but still love their coffee, especially in the backcountry).

[@leabethcampbell381]

BEST. PLACE. EVER.

[@rjjerge]

Great video!! BWCA is one of my favorite places in the world, glad you were able to enjoy it. Myself and a few friends are lucky enough to go once a year, were headed through Clearwater mid August. Out of curiosity, which app were you using to list off all the campsites & portages?? I hope you are able to do another trip to BWCA again, there are a lot of lakes to visit.

[@chuckoutdoors5611]

The video is not streaming for me. Is anyone else having issues?

[@nibimocs]

Welcome to my world :D . Wonderful video and congratulations on completing your first Boundary Waters trip. Hopefully, not your last. Just a couple of things: 1) A rod is 16.5 ft (not 20). 320 rods = 1mile. 2) That first lake you camped on was OtterTRack. Across the lake from the Bernie Ambrose plaque (located on the Canadian side of the lake since USFS/BW rules prohibit such things), is the place where his homestead used to be. You can still see the areas where his gardens were planted. Quite a view from up there. It's no wonder he chose that spot to live and resisted all attempts to move him. If you're interested, check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaiQiWeObNSjj7M . Again, great video. Thanks for sharing! - Larry (veteran of 75 BW trips ... and counting).

[@jayheinrich5207]

Good catch, good to see beginners who bring real eggs in the carton😳. I believe I heard other campers with a ravens nest near their campsite. Never seen it so busy!

[@ScottValler]

The struggle to find a campsite is so real. It can be frustrating to packup, portage several times, and then not find a campsite and have to figure out what to do.

[@davidgrayin]

Yes, it really is. That was pretty eye-opening to me as a first-timer. If we hadn't gotten VERY lucky and found the campsite we did on that first night it would have gotten really ugly (at least one more portage, and a couple hours+ more paddling straight into that 30MPH wind... when I was already completely worn out after 7 hours of paddling). I realize that we were there during a very popular period (entry permits were 100% taken in that area for the entire time plus many days on each side of our trip) plus we were paddling on very popular lakes so campsites were in short supply, but not being able to find a campsite sure adds to the stress level. It sure would be nice if there was some way to know which sites were open in real-time or perhaps some sort of permit system that reserved a specific site for you (Rick and I discussed that topic often), but I also understand that probably isn't feasible at all in a place like the Boundary Waters. The system they have - first-come, first-served and hope/pray for an open campsite - has 'worked' for a long time now, and anyone going there just has to understand what they're getting themselves into.

[@ScottValler]

@@davidgrayin Our Scout Troop had two crews just finish up their BW trips yesterday and they decided to find a campsite half-way in and stay there the entire time. The last day was rough with four portages and a lot of paddling to get back to the outfitter. I think that is how I will do it next time I go as long as I'm able to get a good starting campsite.