For our third annual Boundary Waters trip, we decided to do a more ambitious trip than our previous years and found ourselves rewarding with a challenging and beautiful trip. We took the LISN loop counterclockwise through Shell, Hustler, Gebeonequet, Little Beartrap and Loon lakes, adding up to more than 60 miles including the double portaging. We didn’t see much impressive wildlife, but we encountered some needed solitude and no obtrusive weather. I came back feeling recharged and still in love with the Northwoods, so I don’t think I could ask for much more.