Last Tuesday I headed up to Round lake to visit with a couple friends up the trail. Round Lake is the home of Tuscarora Outfitters, now owned by former Bearskin mainstay Andy. Andy has more spare time in the winter these days and is making the most of it.
From Round I strapped on the skis and headed a few miles into the BWCA to find Bear from Northstar Canoes. He’s made the BWCA his winter home since the New Year, and it was great catching up and seeing his setup.
It was a beautiful day, and I was blown away by the difference in these lakes in the winter season. Gotter Lake is beautiful? Who knew. Skiing with only a pack on my back, instead of a canoe and gear, made the rapid succession of portages enjoyable. The contrast of dark rock and white snow exposed cliff faces that would go unnoticed in the summer.
I didn’t get any photos of Bear’s camp, because I forgot. And I didn’t get any of Andy, because I didn’t want to risk breaking an expensive camera.
-Quinn