Episode Nine: Summer Storms Bring BWCA Community Together

Paddle and Portage Podcast

Rain. It’s marked the start to the paddling season this year across the Boundary Waters. There was so much rain, in fact, that many portages and waterways across the BWCA flooded in late June. Roads near the Boundary Waters, from the Echo Trail to Highway 61, also flooded and were damaged by the heavy rain. In one area of the BWCA, a community formed at the Mudro Entry Point. A tent village, as it goes in the Boundary Waters. The flooding destroyed the nearly 6-mile road leading from the Mudro Entry Point to the Echo Trail. A total of 28 cars were blocked off from the Echo Trail when the road washed out. Among the people were stranded were Kaethe and Josh Boutelle, from Rochester, Minn. They share their story with us on this episode, along with Mark Kaesmeyer, his son Jared, his friend Tony, and Tony’s son Sam. Five groups ended up at the entry point the night of June 19 and through most of the following day, they explained. A total of 14 people (and one dog) stayed the night in the parking lot. They shared food, told stories, played cards, and did what people do in a community: They rallied together. We also hear from Ely resident Eric Glasson, who was fishing in the Boundary Waters when the storms rolled in. Sponsors for this episode include: Voyageur Canoe Outfitters Sawtooth Outfitters MNZ Gear Friends of the Boundary Waters Bent Paddle Brewing Company Ely Outfitting Company