For the second time this year we had a wonderful relaxing camping trip at Birch Lake Campground, 13 miles out from Ely Minnesota. The campground is right on the edge of the Boundry Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Superior National Forest. Since it is a national forest and we have a national parks pass the sites are only $7 a night! A
solar powered well provides water and the toilets are the modern pit style.
We set up the Clam and never used it! 71 degrees and no mosquitoes!!!
Our 1st night we were awed by a dazzling show of the northern
lights. The following days consisted of great kayaking in and out of the many granite lined coves of the lake, hiking area trails. We did spend a day shopping the outfitter stores and art shops of Ely (Brandberg gallery is a must see).
At one point we did drive an hour and a half to Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior to kayak around its 300 foot granite cliffs and see the three shipwrecks below (the water is unbelievably clear). Surprisingly Superior was warmer than I ever remember it being so I ended up swimming awhile as well.
We are also at the end of our 1st year of owning the Oru folding kayaks and they have truly exceeded our expectations.
Weighing in at 28 pounds and folding up into a 32x13x22 case they are perfect for throwing in the back seat of the Jeep. It has been priceless to be able to have kayaking as an option wherever we travel. These things are stable and fast in the water. They even
light up at night for an evening of stargazing on the lake!