There really are no names for the campsites in the Boundary Waters, so I just named this Camp 1 because it's the first camp you come to on the right, just past the portage, but this does not mean it's something you just "settle for" because you are tired. It's because it's truly one of the nicest on this lake. We've taken a peek at most all of them on Lake Kekekabic (sometimes it's just fun when you are tired of taking naps and reading) and this has a great view, a little cliff for fishing (I use the word "cliff" loosely) and a great tent pad. The latrine isn't far, either, making it ideal for nightly visits! And while we were fishing (and didn't catch a darn thing!), I tried out my Eclipse Sun Sleeves in the canoe!
CAMPGROUND REVIEW:
In the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area), you don't lay claim to a campsite until you are in front of it. No reservations needed, just a permit that you obtain, in advance, from the forest service. You have to plan as far in advance as you can, too, because they only allow so many permits/day.
May 1 - Sept 30 is quota season. That means you have to apply for, and get, a permit with the office. You pick them up upon arrival to the area, and you pick which office you want to claim in from depending on your entry point.
October 1 - April 30 is non quota, so you still need a permit, but they are self issued at kiosks.
At ANY TIME, you are only allowed 9 people and 4 canoes on your permit, and no where in the BWCA are you allowed to exceed this. Not in the waterways, not at the campsites, etc. They are trying to keep the wilderness peaceful and this rule helps to eliminate large numbers of people in small spaces. It keeps the noise pollution down too. So keep this in mind when you reserve.
You have to portage from lake to lake, and most lakes have campsites. They are first come first serve, and that's another reason that permits are limited. Because there are only so many campsites, and no dispersed camping. This keeps the wilderness as pristine as possible!
Once we portaged into Lake Kekekabic, we knew where we were going. The first campsite on the right shore is about 1/2 mile from the portage. We'd been here before and love this site! All sites have some sort of area to pull the canoe in, and so we did. Up the little hill, and you have a great flat area for a tent, some rocks that are great for putting up your camp stove, a fire pit that looks out over the lake (although, this time, the wind didn't cooperate and was constantly blowing the smoke back in our faces), a few logs to use as make-shift benches (picnic tables aren't terribly feasible out here) and a latrine just far enough away that you you can't smell it from camp. Bonus!
There were a few trails that led around the campsite to some very peaceful overlooks and water spots. If you are a nature lover and enjoy a good swing in a hammock, you are in luck! The BWCA is full of this kind of luxury, and this campsite was no exception.
PRODUCT REVIEW:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the insanely awesome opportunity to review amazing gear in exchange for honest reviews. This time, I had the chance to test out Eclipse Sun Sleeves!
We went to the BWCA to fish. And fishing means bare skin, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to test out this UPF gear from Eclipse. I love the fact that when I have them on with a short sleeved shirt, it looks like I'm wearing a long sleeved shirt underneath. It looks "normal" and not strange. They don't look like tattoo sleeves, is what I'm saying. They have the option for using the thumb hole, or tucking it under to look like a normal shirt.
The fabric is really unique too...so soft! Here is a quote directly from their website:
The activated particles in Cocona™/37.5™ fabric increase the surface area by up to 800%. The greater surface area results in outstanding evaporative cooling and UV protection. The protection never washes out.
They claim the sleeves provide UPF 50+, and for the weight (which is almost nothing and they fold up to something the size of almost nothing), it's a no brainer to toss them in your pack or bag. Super easy to slide on and off your arms and they are moisture wicking, so they dry really fast if they get wet! Way easier than carrying sunscreen tubes that leak and besides, it's messy and most have icky chemicals in them. The sleeves provide a zippy and "clean" way to go about sun protection.
They come in a myriad of colors that suit any style. From light colors to bright to dark shades. Completely machine washable too, and the UPF doesn't wash out. Also in three sizes, and while they aren't very specific as to how to "size" yourself when choosing, I used common sense (use your t-shirt size to help you decide). If they are too big, they will slide off your bicep. I love the "ruffled" edges that don't cut into your skin!
I have to admit, there wasn't much sun on my trip, and I'm not sure that I would have wanted to "try" and get a sun burn, but these sleeves do completely cover the arm and the weave of the fabric speaks volumes about how it filters out the sun. I can't wait to try them out on a sunny day!
