BWCA Canoe Trip July 2002

Winchell to Henson and Back to Horseshoe

In contrast to the day before, this one started out gray, wet, and windy. We ate breakfast, broke camp, and headed west on the big lake. Fortunately the wind was at our backs. We passed the site of a forest fire that occurred in 1999 with many standing dead trees, but green none the less. As we turned north we could see cliffs on the southern shore coming right down to the lake.

The portage between Winchell and Omega Lake was short but challenging. The trail consisted mostly of large, round, wet, slippery rocks. We feared for our ankles the whole way. There was a nice blue flag iris waiting for us at the other end.

After a short paddle and portage we were in Henson Lake, which is very long and thin. We ate lunch at what might be the only campsite on the entire lake. There was green grass right up to the fire grate, indicating the site was seldom used. It had a buggy look to it. After lunch we had our only substantial rain of the trip. We were wet but warm as we reached the eastern end.

At this point we decided not to attempt the two long portages north into Meeds Lake. Instead we thought we would camp on the western end of Gaskin Lake. This would have been a good idea if there had been a campsite available! We searched for one or two campsites marked on the map that just weren't there. Moving east it was clear that all the available campsites were taken by parties who had set up long term residence to enjoy the fishing. So we took the long portage back to Horseshoe Lake.

Copyright 2002 by Richard Rathe & Family