I Pick Today

     One look at the forecast for the week and my decision has been made.  If I could choose a day to start my canoe trip into the Boundary Waters then I would pick today.  This is the best forecast for paddling I have seen all summer long.

     I’m a fair weather paddler.  I’ve paddled the BWCA in the wind, waves, sleet and snow and I don’t really like it.  I don’t mind camping in those conditions I just don’t like to paddle.  If we’ve set up a base camp and there’s no need to move then I’m fine.  But if someone says it’s a travel day then that doesn’t go over real well with me.  

     I really don’t mind paddling the wilderness waters in the rain if it is calm.  It’s a very calming experience to glide across a smooth lake watching the raindrops make ripples on the surface of the water.  It’s even neat to see heavy drops of rain pelt and melt into the lake as you paddle your canoe.  But add the wind to the equation and it no longer is a fun experience for me.

     So, when I see a forecast that says 5-10 mile per hour winds or the words "calm" or "becoming calm" then I get excited.  And guess what?  Not only does the forecast for this week say those very words but it also says it’s going to be sunny and in the 70’s during the daytime.  If you have a choice to go canoeing this week then pick today, it’s going to be a great week for paddling and camping in the BWCA.

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. West wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming west between 5 and 10 mph. Winds could gust as high as 15 mph.

Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. West wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 47.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.