Wonderful Weather for a Boundary Waters Trip

Is sunshine and 70 degree temperatures the ideal weather to have for a Boundary Waters canoe trip? I was pondering this question as I slugged across a water swollen portage in a downpour on my last BWCA canoe trip.

It is wonderful to be at a Boundary Waters campsite relaxing on a rock underneath a sun-filled sky. Paddling a wilderness lake as the sunlight reflects off of the water’s surface is also a beautiful thing. But are there disadvantages to having perfectly warm, dry weather on a wilderness canoe trip? I determined there to be some benefits of experiencing not so wonderful weather during a BWCA trip.

• Portages without mud puddles are boring. It’s much more exciting to not know what your foot will encounter when sloshing into the water.
• Portages are just portages and not waterfalls if there hasn’t been any rain.
• When it’s windy and raining there are no bugs to bother you.
• Watching rain come from across the lake in sheets looks really cool.
• Hearing thunder in the distance can make for good conversation as to what exactly the noise was.
• Rain keeps your body cool and clean.
• It gives you something to talk about during the day.

And of course, “bad” weather on your canoe trip makes you appreciate the wonderful weather even more.