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<p><b>A Special Trip Up The Beartrap River</b><br>
<font size="-1">By Owen Secoy</font> </p>
<p>Through the years the groups that I have taken canoe camping in Canada and/or
the Boundary Waters have always been groups of four or more. Matthew, my grandson,
began going with me three years ago at the age of twelve. The 2007 trip was
to be his fourth trip and maybe his last. </p>
<p>Over the past year his parents had made a big decision to move the family to
New Zealand. Facing a possible last trip with Matthew called for something special,
some special lasting memories. A trip, just the two of us, up through the Sundial
Primitive Management Area of the Boundary Waters on the Beartrap River was selected.
</p>
<p>We left Texas early Sunday morning, June 10 and drove to Ames, IA and spent
the night. We rose early the next morning and continued north with a brief stop
for a bit of shopping at the Cabela's store in southern Minnesota. We arrived
in Babbitt, MN about 2:00 PM and stopped at the local gas station/bait shop
for our fishing licenses. Then on to Duane's Canoe Outfitting to check in, do
the paper work and gather our gear. We bunked at the outfitters that night.</p>
<p>There were several groups heading out from the outfitters‚ on Tuesday morning
so to ease getting everyone one out in an expeditious manner we volunteered
to get up extra early and get out of the way. We were up at 4:30 am, had a cup
of coffee and sweet role and we were off to entry point. We arrived at EP#23
(Mudro Lake) about 6:00 am and unloaded the gear. It was sad to see the old
Chainsaw Sisters Saloon sitting there abandoned waiting to be demolished. After
a few pictures and a wave to our driver, we were ready to hit the water.</p>
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