Trickery on Nelson Lake

[Crash]

Earlier this month, on an early morning, I paddled into Nelson Lake from the Moose River Middle Branch (just south of Old Forge). It was very pretty, paddling through the early morning mist. I paddled along the eastern shore. I was looking for a place to stop off for a while, eat some breakfast, and maybe go for a dip. I noticed at the far end of the lake was a rock ledge that looked like the ideal place for my break. To my chagrin, as I approached, I noticed that this was a campsite and the site was already occupied.

Then something about the tent on that campsite caught my eye – it didn’t look quite right. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the tent was not occupied, and by judging from the dirt and puddles of water on the floor of the "open-doored" tent, was not occupied for at least several days. And the tent, missing some tent poles, was propped up from within to make the “tent shape” by the use of a large stick.

I enjoyed the rock ledge that morning – probably the nicest place on the lake to swim. I felt bad that other paddlers were probably tricked by this tent and unnecessarily avoided this rock.

How often do you think this occurs?

[Lute Hawkins]

My guess is some local kids hang around there and left it up with the intention of going back there.

Back in my boy scout days, we woulda rigged the tent to collapse the next time someone entered it (weakening guy lines, setting tripwires, etc.).

[Wldrns]

... I noticed at the far end of the lake was a rock ledge that looked like the ideal place for my break. To my chagrin, as I approached, I noticed that this was a campsite and the site was already occupied.

Then something about the tent on that campsite caught my eye – it didn’t look quite right. Upon closer inspection, I realized that the tent was not occupied, and by judging from the dirt and puddles of water on the floor of the "open-doored" tent, was not occupied for at least several days. And the tent, missing some tent poles, was propped up from within to make the “tent shape” by the use of a large stick.

Two years ago I paddled in there leading a group of ROTC cadets learning about canoeing and navigating in the "wilderness". That site was a good place to stop for instructioin but we found a real mess with lots of camping debris left by previous visitors. There were old broken chairs, bottles and cans, large sheets of plastic and pieces of at least 2 broken tents complete with poles. They had been there some time, all ripped and broken and not visible from the water. We hauled out at least 2 full bags of trash and a ton of plastic.

Did you notice the gravesite nearby to the north, with a memorial for a pet beagle who loved camping? Not mine, but it was touching to find.

How was the entryway from the Moose? Was there enough water or did you have to claw your way through a channel clogged thick with lillies and mud?

[Crash]

How was the entryway from the Moose? Was there enough water or did you have to claw your way through a channel clogged thick with lillies and mud?

The water level was certainly low - I had a slight problem finding a way in without clawing. On my way out, I chose my path wisely, and had no problems.

Attached is a photo of the outlet looking toward Nelson Lake. The water stains on the rocks were about a foot higher than the current water level.(But I don't know if that higher level is a normal summer water level during a wetter season or the normal winter water level when the Moose is choked with ice).