Rescue in the Wind

Given that yesterday was another big wind day, with a nor'wester blowing at 15-20 mph, it was not surprising when a cabin guest hurriedly escorted some canoeists up to the lodge with an urgent request. One canoe in their party had swamped as they were attempting to cross Gunflint Lake. They had set up a makeshift sail, and it overpowered their craft. All three fellows had gone into the lake, along with their canoe and gear. Greg sprang into action, heading with them immediately to the beach, in order to head out in a motorboat to rescue them.

When he got down there, he surveyed the situation of our outboard state of affairs. Our own motors are still in that limbo world of "water in the gas", and so no motor had been put on the pontoon barge. That would have been the most stable boat to take out into the rough waters. The two 14' Sylvans have 15 hp motors on them right now, but to hold all the people and the gear, he knew these were too small. A neighbor had moored his 40 horse at the dock for the day, but it, too, was a relatively small boat. Then his eyes landed on the boat at the far end of the beach, and he knew that he had what he needed.

We've been storing a boat for our neighbor for several weeks now, and it was pulled high up on the sand. It was the largest, deepest boat that was in working order, and since this was an emergency situation, he knew he had to take it. He took the plastic bag off the prop (while thinking, "Why is this on here?") and then wondered how he was going to get it off the beach and into the water. But of course, there were half-a-dozen fellows standing right there, since two canoes had made it safely to shore. So they heaved and hoed, and were able to push the boat in. In short order, the motor was started, and Greg and one of the leaders were off and running across the lake to the Canadian side.

Greg spotted the trio and their canoe near to the north shore. They had come upon the sand bar, and were standing on it while waiting for the rescue. We were on the docks, watching the situation through our binoculars. They managed to align themselves with the canoe, and started the process of unlatching the packs, loading them into the boat, then picking up the canoe, flipping it over to empty it, and finally putting that across the boat. Once all of the wet fellows were on board, they started to move east. I continued to watch, and when I saw them turn and go west, then turn again to head east, I realized that they must be searching for something. Their partners on our beach decided it must be a lost paddle, and in the end, that indeed was the cause for the search. Finally they gave up on it, and headed across to where we all were waiting.

The traverse was a slow one, due to the hard-hitting waves, and the weight of the people and gear in the boat. In order to see where he was going, Greg stood the whole way while he steered the boat. They made it safely, and soon were unloading at our beach. All was well, with only a few wet guys and a lost paddle, as well as a story to tell.

The gang ate lunch under the canopy of the bread oven, and warmed themselves by the fire that we had burning in the stove out there. We invited them to hang out here until the wind died down, but this fearless and experienced group had a schedule to meet. They were headed to the Height of Land Portage on North Lake, and they couldn't afford to wait. So after refilling their water bottles, and expressing their gratitude, off they paddled , with the wind at their backs. As the afternoon progressed, the wind died down, and I assume that they safely made their destination.

For our part, we feel grateful to our neighbor, for without his boat being available, it would not have gone as smoothly. Thanks, John! You and Greg saved the day for a group of Boy Scouts from St. Paul!