Shane,
I left you a post on your other thread, but thought you might need some reassurance after reading Fred Bear's bear scare. It used to be true that the south shore of Knife was home to at least one family of well fed bears. I fed them a few times myself, and had it cut my trip short on only one occasion. No food left equals time to go home. The good news is that the last 4 years we have not had the pleasure of seeing our unwelcome dining companion. But don't let that keep you from hanging 'em high-your food packs, that is. Maybe somewhere in the BWCA hanging a pack over a tree limb is effective deterrent. It keeps the not too hungry bear from feasting. But we always hang from a rope stretched between 2 trees and use a pulley or if the group is big, a block and tackle to raise them the suggested 12 feet. Since we've been doing it that way, they have left us alone. I honestly think they were hunted out of there a few years ago, since the bear litter is no longer to be found 30 yards into the woods.

I love going to Knife Lake. It is my favorite place in the canoe country. I haven't been everywhere, but have found what I like and will continue to return.

Taking the tow to Indian Portage is a good plan and will save you a good 1/2 day paddle. Don't forget to get the tow on your way back. Paddling into that SW wind down Moose is miserable. Especially when there are all those motorboats hauling people like us to the portage.

Don't bother to bring your swimsuit. You won't be using it on Knife in June.

Posted by Dwight on March 09, 2002 at 16:36
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