The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1934-03-30

Three days of my vacation in the North
Woods were shot, and what weather!
I stood at window in the lobby of the
Forest Hotel, and gloomed at the teem-
ing downpour, observing the bubbles
foam as the rain SplaShed in the mud
puddleS. There was no apparent rift
in the overhanging pail to indicate any
immediate let up. I had always en-
tertained the belief that July was a
comparatively dry month in Mime
sofa. The clerk at the desk assured me
this was an unusual spell of rain. The
local supply of magazines had been de-
voured. 1 had played sol" until I was
blue in the face. Late in the afternoon
Scraped acquaintance with a returned
Vayageur. His Sun-bronzed features
and hearty manner indicated whole
some acquaintance with the woods and
the lakes.
What luck?" inquired solicitously
as he sloShed into the lobby, and freed
himself of glistening slicker.
Never better!" he assured me.
1 cheered up at once, though
managed to restrain my curiosity while
he gave directions as to the proper
care and icing of his catch. Reaching
into canvas sack, he drew forth from
its preServative bed of damp moss a
four-pound waneye. My eyes expanded
admiringly.
GOSH" I congratulated. That's a
beauty"
"One of the small Ones" he asserted
Would you like to join me? A whole
lot too much fish for one person, and
I don't like to see anything wasted. y
We sat down and snapped tales OF
our various fishing experiences. He in
formed me he had just returned from
a two-weekS' trip along the Kawishiwi-
Isabella canoe route. I was breathless
with incredulity as he dilated on certain
phases of his success. Digging into his
pockets he found and exhibited a snap
shot.
''AS pretty campsite as ever en-
countered in all my travels" he ex-
planned.
Il certainly agree with you that it's
a beauty" I asserted. st wish knew
just how to reach it," added wistfully
He dug into his pocket again, and
brought out crumpled business card
nd I1n oh
undecipherable. But finally managed
to spell out: ~ r h o S a ] m n n. y
A Finn. He traps in winter and
acts as a guide in the summer. Darn
good cook, too! If you can get hold
of him your success is assured" my
obliging new acquaintance stated. you
might look up Solly."
The fish being served we entered the
dining room, and gave our attention to
the business of devouing several bone
less outlets, which had been prepared
with some home fried potatoes and
SliyerS of Bermuda onion. Seldom have
I enjoyed anything that tasted any
better. As soon as could decently do
so I thanked the gentleman for his
kindness and set forth on a still hunt
for the guide he recommended. BY the
time 1 reached Winton the rain had
stopped. Luck was with me! 1 located
Solly without difficulty, and he i'm
mediately set about getting our supplies
together, after showing me his canoe,
an eighteen-footer.
IT have everything ready, seven
o'clock tomorrow morning" Solly as
sured.
Returning to Ely, the twittering fight
of the bull bats against the rose-gold
after-glow Of the setting sun seemed a
happy augury of better weather. The
desk clerk assured me he thought the
rain was over for a time. I busted
myself oiling up my reels, and assuring
myself that my rods were in order.
Laying in a supply of films, and sorting
out the things to stow in my duffle
bag turned in, after leaving an early
call.
I tossed about, the town clock strik-
ing ten, then eleven before I finally
slept. Bright and early made the
trip to Winton, where I found Solly
awaiting my arrival With the canoe
dashed to the deck of my old Ford we
drove along a narrow, winding gravel
road into Superior National Forest.
Twenty-four miles of this, and we
parked the car near a rangers cabin.
The canoe was soon launched in Lake
One, our luggage transferred, and away
we went on the great adventure.
Old Solly lived up to the promise
given me by my chance acquaintance
of the previous afternoon. The guide
was tireleSs, and cheerful. He juggled
our duffle without murmur, and am
frank in admitting that had with me
a lot of unnecessary impedimenta.
Still, believe in going prepared for
all emergencies No telling when I'll
turn back With camera, rod cases,
fishing tackle box, extra clothes, and
part of the grub, I had my back loaded
and my arms full. Solly handled the
tents, blankets, cooking utensils, canned
supplies, ak and what not, the same
making voluminous as well as a heavy
pack. Swinging his pack to his Shout
ders and settling it into place, without
q grllnt he picked up the canoe leading