This is my trip report from May 1st into Sag.My plan was to loop through Quetico, and follow the border back out, 10days, 100+ miles. I followed close to the same route last year. Of note: I had the first permit issued from Grand Marais. The ice was not out on Sag, ranger said they had flown over the day before and if I could get off Sag I would be okay. I hit the the corridor and the shorelines were closed. I hiked to high ground and was checking for open water with the field glasses and the ice was kind enough to open up and let me in.
I followed shore line and didn't paddle into any
ice channels, I watched a couple of them close up very rapidly. I pulled the yak some accross ice pack. It is a skinboat and ice is brutal on the hull. I made it bout 6-8 miles the first day and never any further.
I was bare chested setting up camp about 1pm the first day, and by 6pm it was snowing and I was building a "keg portager" fire. Keg portager is my fond name for those folks who build giant fires. The name is derived from some acquaintances who actually do portage kegs. I digress.
It snowed better than it did all winter (I'm from MN)I sat under the tarp until late and kept snow off it. ext morning it was 20deg in the tent. Thank god for the 15 deg bag. I had hand warmer packets in the bag with me. I tried to move along shore. Slow, interesting
looking around, but I was not making any distance. I was ice bound. Seen an eagle, always good medicine. And good loon song. My two buffer days were used up, I was'nt getting off the lake, I had paddled ever iota f open water available. I climbed a few of the old burned off rocks there in Sag. Left some offerings and prayers, and came home. Great trip!!
Lesson reinforced: always be flexible.

Posted by ja on June 23, 2002 at 23:08
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