Voyageurs National Park lies east of International Falls in Northern Minnesota.
Most of the park is only accessible by boat, so a’boatin we will go!
Stowaway
These fish flies have some crazy eyes
The park gets its name from the French fur trappers who plied their trade in this area. Their route from Grand Portage to Lake Abathasca was so well-traveled that it became the international border at the end of the American Revolutionary War.
The park has four major lakes with all or part within its borders – Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. Rainy, Sand Lake, and Namakan all straddle the US/Canada border and boaters can find themselves straying across the border if they’re not cautious.
Kevin’s new Catalina 26 is much roomier and stable than his Oday 23, and makes for a great cruiser.
With beautiful skies but light winds we set out for Drywood Island, a nice little lunch spot within the park.
The Go Button
When it’s time to go
It’s a tight squeeze navigating the small islands leading into the anchorage, and you have to know the waters well or trust your charts.
A few feet to one side or the other could lead to a really bad day with the jagged rock bottom typical of Rainy Lake.
The National Park Service put a nice small dock and day use area on the island, and we were able to enjoy the entire place to ourselves for a long lunch and relaxing afternoon.
Careful Navigation
You have to know these waters well or trust the charts to navigate through the narrow twists and turns.
Blue Water
All tucked into the dock on Drywood Island.
A Ship In Harbor
… is safe. But that is not what ships are built for.
Drywood Island
The National Park Service has put a very nice little day use site on Drywood Island.
Up North, Eh
Northern Minnesota? You betcha!
Back to Business
A nice look at Drywood Island as we pull out to head home.
The wind picked up on the return trip and the boat spent much of time cruising along nicely at hull speed – much better than the light and variable winds on the eastbound leg.
Smiling Crew
These ladies appear to be having a terrible time.
Happy Place
Now that the wind is picking up Kevin appears to be in his happy place.
Dead Ahead
About time to tack.
Running Rigging
I love sail hardware photos
Oh For Cute
Hamming it up for the camera.
Happy Holiday
Not a bad way to spend the Fourth of July holiday week.
Fill Me Up
Full sails make a good day
Winch Wench
The Admiral gets things moving
Tucked In
Watching the waves go by from the companionway.
