was going about some internet surfing, and happened accros this destination.  Looked it up on the map, and appears to be right near the Boundry Waters (my map has the Q on it, but no BW :-/).

WHat is this place like?  From the reports I read, sounds quite good...  just thought maybe some round here had paddled both of these and could offer some comparisons...

thanks again as always! :)

Well, that depends on the season.

Winter...it's a snowmobilers paradise.  I was there for two days last week before the MN melt-off this week.  There was three ft of snow on the ice and 4-6" water under that.

Stayed at Thunderbird Lodge outside of I-Falls.  There were literaly HUNDREDS of snowmobilers in the area.  The lakes are groomed with trails.  We rode the woods from I-Falls to Kabetogama on day one.  Kabetogama had at least 5 pubs open serving the masses.  Stopped for a brew at Kec's Kove.  Then we rode the lakes back...N Kabetogama, Rainey.

Day two we drove down to Ash River...the place was a complete zoo.  There were at least 7-8 places open on the river and sleds galore.  We drove the woods for 30 miles to Crane Lake.  I got a pic of Voyagaire's lodge with at least thirty sleds parked out front.  We then rode the lakes back to Ash river....Crane...Moose....Sandpoint....Namakan for near 40 miles.  Was a complete hoot.

Very little in the way of ice fishing going on.

Summer...many lodges/resorts and great fishing.  Tons of people, BUT, the lakes are sooo large, you can find a place to get away if you try.  Many houseboat rentals on the big lakes.  It definatly does not have the aire of solitude that the BWCA has.

thanks, that answers my questions!