Family Fun - Day 4

 Misty loves Grandpa.

 You may be in the wilderness but some individuals still need certain necessities, like technology and a stuffed animal (oh, I must not forget, we did have ample amounts of alcohol, of course).

The sign of a really good day - zonked out!

Family Fun - Day 2.3

 

It may have been the middle of the day, but a campfire can be good anytime. Especially when it helps to keep the insects away.

The boat driver and the "back seat driver"

 Mom and Dad enjoying the ride.

 Back at the cabin and Misty "the hunter" was after a squirrel.

Family Fun - Day 2.2

It was a gorgeous day! 

Matt trying his luck at fishing; Pancho looking on. 

Todd relaxing and fishing. 

A cool looking fungus. 

 Didn't think it could happen but after running around, non-stop for over an hour, Pancho finally took a rest.

Misty knows the beach towel wasn't for Josie and Gretchen, it was put out for her to sun bathe.

Family Fun - Day 2.1

 Lunch time.

 Sandwiches just taste better outside, on a rock, near the lake with family.

 Our family is so lucky, we have great cooks. Here's one of them, Matt.

 Ann and Gretchen (Misty in the background).

It's always fun playing with Aunty Ann.

Family Fun - Day 2

We rented a pontoon boat for half a day and decided to have a picnic on a very small island. 

 Dad checking out the driver's seat and mom looking on.

 Pancho's first boat ride.

 Ann looking oh-so-cool in her shades and ready to take some photos.

It's a lot of effort getting on the boat so as soon as we embarked, Gretchen and Josie needed a snack.  Matt, of course, was prepared.

Family Fun - Day 1

 We had our summer gathering of the Wellnitz clan. We rented two cabins on Big Lake in northern MN, not far from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). I look forward to this annual event because it's the only time I get to see my wonderful nephew who lives abroad. Guillermo will be a senior in high school.

Tried to fish, but didn't catch anything. No surprise there because we went out in the middle of the day. Regardless, I think someone had fun steering the boat.

 Tried our luck in the evening. This is looking back at one of the cabins; the picture doesn't do it justice but it reminded us of a classic Thomas Kincaid picture.

Sunset, we learned rather quickly this meant the skeeters would soon come out in force. Those dang insects bit me through my thick, wool socks.

GNP - Day 5

 Last day and happy July 4.  Today = 7.9 miles, 445 ft. up, 1300 ft. down in elevation.  Made it to the first trail  sign and I'm thinking, "YES! only 3.3 miles to go."

 Saw lots of tent caterpillars.

 Saw several grouse along the trail, each of them had 2 -3 little ones with them.

Made it, 7.9 miles to the road. Little did I know, we still had about a mile more to go.  Had a great lunch along the Swiftcurrent Lake then onto a modern campsite where most people had huge RVs.  Paid $2.50 for an 8 minute hot shower (didn't even use the 8 mins.) and it felt so good. For dinner we ate at the restaurant next to the campsite and I had a vegetarian wrap that sure hit the spot. Thanks GNP for an awesome trip - we'll be back again because Todd still needs to see a bear.

GNP - Day 4.3

Although we got an early start, by the time we made it down the other side it was about 1:00 pm and HOT.  Of course, the last mile seemed endless. Along the trail, on the east side of Poia Lake, we saw an area that looked as if it was plundered under by a rototiller.  That's what a bear did digging around for stuff to eat; hence the worried look on my face.  

At the top right of this photo you can see the cool bridge we crossed to get over to the camp site. We hung out at the water's edge that afternoon, enjoying the breeze, the view of the lake and no skeeters. After dinner we hiked up the hill to look at the falls.  

Looking northward, where we were hiking from earlier in the day; this would be our last night in the backcountry.

GNP - Day 4.2

Resting on the other side of the pass. Successfully climbed the 2718 feet up, now to do the 1815 feet down. It's simply amazing where your own two feet can take you.

More alpine flowers next to a red rock. 

Got to cross this waterfall on the way down. 

Looking up......

.... looking down.

GNP - Day 4.1

 Beautiful alpine flowers. The photo doesn't do it justice; the colors are so rich and darker than what you see here.

 Gettin' closer to the top and it's blustery.

 Up, up, up.... can you see the switchbacks behind me? It was so windy I wasn't sure if the heavy pack was helping to weigh me down or causing me to sway with the wind. Whichever it was, I leaned into the mountainside so I wouldn't tumble down.

 Check it out..... mountain goats.

 They were oh-so-cute, especially the babies because they were curious and came closer to see us. It may have also been because I started talking and singing to them.

11:00 am and we made it to the top of Red Gap Pass. It was so windy we continued down the other side and saw this beautiful mountain lake. I'm certain the water in that lake must have been extremely cold.