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       Forecast is cold and rainy next week - should I still go?
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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 07:14AM
Forecast is cold and rainy next week - should I still go?

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
Guest Wimp 10/13/2018 05:32PM
Oldtown13: "There's no bad weather, only bad gear :-). That said, if I had the means to get a cabin and still get out on the water to fish that's what I'd do. "


I know it was said tongue-in-cheek, but...INCORRECT.


I have camped in a cold tent in worse than -40, and can tell you that there IS such a thing as cold. You cannot change your lung gear.
schweady 10/12/2018 03:10PM
andym: "Glad you enjoyed the Blue Heron. The owners are really good people and we know them through being good friends with his parents."
Yes, great folks. We had stayed there in Sept 2015 and were really bummed that it had been closed for a while prior to the current owners purchasing it this June. Chad is especially enthusiastic about all things Ely/BW, and we kept him away from his chores for long periods with some great discussions. They said that plans are in the works for dogsledding outings this winter with pickup at Blue Heron's door. Very tempting.
housty9 10/12/2018 02:49PM
If I'm taking the girlfriend I'd change our plans, if I'm going solo it's part of the adventure, had snow and rain on many solos, best part you see way less people, but always think before you do something otherwise it can get ugly or dangerous.
andym 10/12/2018 09:17AM
Glad you enjoyed the Blue Heron. The owners are really good people and we know them through being good friends with his parents.


Even if planning to camp (we weren't) going to a cabin instead is an option. It reminds me of when the Monterey Bay aquarium opened. Scuba divers started going there when they showed up to dive and it was too rough to go out. There’s lots of ways to enjoy the north woods.
Driftless 10/11/2018 07:54PM
Awesome photos! I'd say you hit the peak!
schweady 10/11/2018 02:49PM
I watched the stubbornly unwavering weather forecast with a bit of dread, but our worst fears held off well enough to thoroughly enjoy the fall colors during our time in Ely Oct 7-10. And those colors were absolutely perfect. True peak, I'd say. Sunday turned out to be far better than hoped... near 40, slight wind, no precip. Time for a day paddle on Farm Lake and the N Kawishiwi R. Monday and Tuesday provided some cloudy mornings and misty afternoons. Fine for hikes to both Dry Falls and Kawishiwi Falls. A private guided tour of Sigurd Olson's writing shack in town and his cabin on Listening Point capped off our visit. (A bit of sympathy, however, for the folks staying past Wednesday morning... the cold, wet, gale force winds that arrived as we were leaving for home would have meant a lot more time consuming hot beverages by the fire, reading old issues of BWJ...)

Blue Heron B&B was our base, and it was a relaxing spot to warm up and regroup. I will say that it takes some careful planning to hit the various businesses and restaurants in Ely during the more limited days and hours they are open in mid-week October. Even so, during the few days we had available, we were able to spend some quality time -- and coin -- at Winton Roadhouse, Northern Grounds, Gator's, Voyageur North, Ely Steak House, Insula, the Wolf Center, Steger's, the Brandenburg Gallery, Piragis...

Knowing that we weren't camping and had a roof over our heads and a warm bed each night made the trip decision pretty easy, but I know that our ability to adequately (over)prepare and then make the best of the changing conditions meant that we won't hesitate to go back for as many September and October trips in the area as possible.
dex8425 10/09/2018 08:31AM
My wife and I own all our gear and don't fish. We just travel hard. We had planned a 45 mile loop Friday-Sunday and I'm also on the fence.


Highest high of 41 and rain/snow most of the time just won't be that fun. I had my heart set on doing this, but we don't live that far away and could do it another time. It's just the two of us so we haven't made any commitments.


The forecast for Hayward is way better so we might go up to the cabin instead.
TomT 10/07/2018 09:04PM
The forecast for the 9th and 10th look pretty rough. After Thursday it gets better. I think going in Friday would be a great trip but not before. The good news is the winds are forecast around 8-11 mph. But, a low of 24 and high of 33 is no fun for this guy.


egknuti 10/06/2018 07:58PM
I’ve been out the last few days. While the weather hasn’t been ideal, I’m glad I didn’t bail. Fall colors are incredible right now and there are no bugs and I haven’t seen too many people and I love being in the woods......Don’t bail... you’ll regret it.
ForestDuff 10/06/2018 04:31PM
I was planning on going in Wed morning, changing that to Thur morning and coming out Sun instead of Sat. Plan on being in camp in 2.5 hours and then base camping.


Got the gear to stay comfortable. Gotta have the right frame of mind on this type of trip. And being solo, I don't have to worry how others are doing.


Hopefully my time as a tarp dweller will be minimal. Fishing is nearby, so I can get out in between showers if presented with the opportunity.


I witnessed many folks paddling around last Oct, it might be a little different this week.


If the forecast changes towards it being wetter than today's forecast, I'll probably bail on the trip. I'm only bringing one box of wine, that can go pretty fast as a tarp dweller.
:)


Jaywalker 10/06/2018 06:17AM
laurahorner: "Hello all,


Three of us had planned a trip from Poplar Lake to Brule and back from 10.9.18 - 10.13.18.


The weather forecast is cold and rainy most of the week.


I am wondering what you would do in this scenario. Would you reschedule? Book a cabin? Suck it up?


All comments are appreciated :)


Thanks!
Laura"

Whatever you end up doing, be sure to let come back and let everyone know how it turned out.
Wayouttroy 10/05/2018 07:19PM
Planning to enter at EP 1, Trout Lake, on Thursday coming out on Sunday.been delaying due to weather, looks somewhat better. Plan to base camp on Trout and fish / explore Little Trout and Oriniack. Looking forward to this trip rain or shine.
Birdknowsbest 10/05/2018 04:27PM
mapsguy1955: "Just got back from Quetico. I'm sure we had about 7 hours of sunshine in a week. It rained everyday and was windy. Temps for entire trip were around a high of 48 and a low of 35. We left a day early because the forecast was 37 and rain for the high and snow that night. I don't think I would do what we did again, but a single day trip in and a base camp would be ok. As previously noted, the Walleye fishing was on. "


What depths were that at and lure of choice?
mapsguy1955 10/05/2018 04:20PM
Just got back from Quetico. I'm sure we had about 7 hours of sunshine in a week. It rained everyday and was windy. Temps for entire trip were around a high of 48 and a low of 35. We left a day early because the forecast was 37 and rain for the high and snow that night. I don't think I would do what we did again, but a single day trip in and a base camp would be ok. As previously noted, the Walleye fishing was on.
Oldtown13 10/05/2018 03:27PM
There's no bad weather, only bad gear :-). That said, if I had the means to get a cabin and still get out on the water to fish that's what I'd do.
campnfish 10/05/2018 02:50PM
Im with bhouse on this, what do you guys consider not that cold? 40 degrees and raining would be cold for me, especially if the wind is blowing and im fishing.
bhouse46 10/04/2018 07:51AM
In following this thread a key theme is what you are looking for in your trip and what you have gear and are willing to experience (tolerate?). If I am going to sit in a tent or just around a fire a local state park can give me that in any good rain, I go the the BWCA to get out and experience it.
Ultimately it comes down to the trifecta. Cold. Wet. Wind. I can handle cold alone. Add wet and it gets uncertain. Add wind and it is a no go.
TheGreatIndoors 10/03/2018 11:26PM
Go! Cold is a state of mind. Unless you dump. Then it can be deadly.
Birdknowsbest 10/03/2018 11:13PM
I would go if you have the gear and most important the mindset before you go knowing what you may deal with. Four of us are going in 10 days but we are hot tenting in my Snowtrekker, so the weather doesnt really matter as we will warm and toasty in the tent listening to the crackle of fire in the woodstove.
nctry 10/03/2018 01:46PM
It really won't be terrible cold. Wet? Maybe... Windy? Maybe. Cold? Well, a little... But not a trip breaking cold. Just watch the weather before you go. Be ready to toss a warm bottle of water in your bed at night.
nofish 10/03/2018 01:12PM
Call Rockwood and see if they have a cabin open for that stretch of time. Then keep your eye on the weather. If it looks bad as you get closer bail on the trip and rent the Rockwood cabin and paddle Poplar or do day trips into the BWCA.


If the weather looks tolerable then go. If the weather looks bad for half the trip and ok for the other half maybe split your time between a shorter trip and the other half at the cabin at Rockwood.


Personally cold I can deal with, wet I can deal with, windy I can deal with but cold, wet, and windy all at the same time is miserable. Its October so a day or two of that during a weeks trip should be expected and can be dealt with but if the entire week looks like that I'd opt for a plan B.
Pinetree 10/03/2018 11:12AM
If it looks also windy and wet maybe still go and more day trips of some kind. A cold wet October can be miserable. If you have no window to change I would try to do some kind of trip unless it is a super long drive.
Entry points will be empty and it is fun to just get away and do various day trips or maybe paddle and camp a short distance in and just see what happens with the weather.
Jaywalker 10/03/2018 10:27AM
I have a couple of rainy, cold, and windy October trips I look back on with warm memories. For me it paid to bring some extra gear for comfort and warmth, and I altered routes to spend more time stationary rather than picking up and going early every morning like I might do i July. Much more time was spent sitting around the fire drinking coffee, hot cocoa, and wine and reading. It can also be very good moose spotting weather.


Others have mentioned the importance for you to figure out if, for this trip, are you more interested in comfort or the reward of overcoming a challenge. I'll say it's also really important to have a frank discussion with your other two paddling partners to make sure you all of the same mind on this.
Gadfly 10/03/2018 10:16AM
cowdoc: "The toughest trips are the most memorable. It will test your planning and abilities as a tripper."


I agree 100%. My favorite trips to think back on are the ones that left me the most exhausted ready to go home at the end.
cowdoc 10/03/2018 07:32AM
The toughest trips are the most memorable. It will test your planning and abilities as a tripper.
OldTripper 10/03/2018 06:51AM
mastertangler: "I dunno.......depends kind of on your age. When I was younger I thrived in harsh weather and sort of liked it."
This was my thought when I read you questions. How much are you willing to endure?
Also, how easy is it for you to reschedule? I used to live up that way and could pick and choose my dates. Now that I live 1500 miles away it's a different story.
Personally, I'd still go (unless the forecast the day before departure was for storms, not just rain) but just plan accordingly and stay very flexible in your plans and route.
Lastly, it's just a forecast. I've been up there when the forecast was supposed to be good and it rained for several days, and vise versa.
If you go, let us know what your trip was like.
MN_Lindsey 10/02/2018 07:47PM
I would go.


Bring your rain gear.
Bring Wool


Bring a set of "dry clothes" you just wear in the tent so you're always warm and dry there at least.


Bring an extra tarp to keep your wood dry? If you have a "dry day" go hunt for wood, and stock up.


Enjoy.
Northwoodsman 10/02/2018 04:53PM
I would still go but be prepared to alter your route. Is it EP #47? If so go to Horseshoe or Gaskin and basecamp. I was in the area 2 weeks ago and although I didn't see any moose, several people that I spoke to on Horseshoe did see moose. Poplar is a quick paddle then from there you are on smaller lakes with easy portages. I started watching the weather 10 days out and it changed significantly every single day. The weather ended up being an average of the extreme highs and the extreme lows (it was 39°F to 54°F for lows and highs). It was great. Bring warm clothes (warm layers), a warm sleeping bag, a tarp, an insulated pad, hot chocolate, and a positive attitude. I had a 20 hour drive each way to Poplar Lake so backing out wasn't an option. If you have a choice of tents, the one with the least amount of mesh screen will probably be the warmest. I just purchased a BA SlaterSL 2+ last week for this purpose ($202 at REI Outlet). I wouldn't use it in the summer but for spring and fall it looks to be perfect.

And the best part... NO MOSQUITO'S!
tashit 10/02/2018 04:45PM
That’s still a week out. The forecast will most likely change. Maybe not the cold part but I bet the rainy part will. It will probably be beautiful.
mastertangler 10/02/2018 02:58PM
I dunno.......depends kind of on your age. When I was younger I thrived in harsh weather and sort of liked it. Now, as I approach the "golden years" not so much.


Rain and cold is something a paddler could deal with........but throw in a bunch of wind to top it off and I start thinking about other options. Maybe you could "say" your going canoeing but in some strange twilight zone twist of fate you end up in Vegas ;-)


Oh, dont forget to pack some smelly clothes for when you return........and for petes sake wipe that silly grin off your face. Remember, you have just been through a very trying time. You won't get much sympathy if you have a skip in your step.

(OK, gimme a break, I'm kidding! I have never even been to Vegas ;-)
Fox416 10/02/2018 02:40PM
I just spent 4 cold, rainy, windy, beautiful days in that area. I was surprised I was able to stay as comfortable as I did (I'm usually cold). 1- Make sure you have the right layers to keep you warm and dry. 2- You may want to consider a shorter route. That way if it does get too cold you can head out easily. 3- Try to pick a campsite where you can hang a tarp over the fire. This allows you to be warm and dry without having to be confined to the tent. 4- Get some HotHands Hand Warmers- they are great in a pocket or in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night.
mjmkjun 10/02/2018 02:18PM
Cold. Rainy. Windy. Burrr. A no-go in my book. Get a cabin w/fireplace and go out fishing n paddling between the rains. A nice fire and a soft, warm bed in the evenings. Oh, yeah!
I love camping but not in miserable weather conditions.
lindylair 10/02/2018 02:11PM
Obviously it is an individual decision based on everything stated above but if it were me I would give strong consideration to a compromise...bring the canoe and do some car camping at a national forest campground on an entry point lake like Kawishiwi, Baker Lake, Sawbill Lake, Fall Lake, East Bearskin and even consider Flour Lake. Kind of the best of both worlds and flexibility if the whether is at the worse end of the spectrum. When it is reasonably comfortable take the canoe out for a daytrip or fishing and if its crappy well...at least you are still in the woods. Just a thought...these are all pretty darn nice places.
SevenofNine 10/02/2018 01:21PM
I would still go if it were me because I love getting out in the woods. For you, a lot depends on your tolerance for cold. Are you okay spending lots of time outdoors in the cold and rain? If you answer no then I suggest rescheduling.


If the forecast calls for intermittent rain with times of clearing you might reconsider going. Being cold is miserable so your gear and food supply will make all the difference in this case. In the Fall I tend to bring fleece mittens with a water resistant shell to keep my hands warm as no neoprene glove I have used has ever kept my hands warm in October. Keeping dry will make a big difference so plan accordingly to have a change of clothes.


If you decide to go I would make sure you have a nice big tarp or two that all of you can hunker down under.


Bring your firewood underneath to dry/keep dry and you should be able to have a decent fire later weather permitting of course. We did this Labor Day weekend when it was in the 60s with waterlogged wood even and had a fire the same night.
bhouse46 10/02/2018 01:18PM
Anyone who trips regularly will experience rain and appropriate gear and some modifications to the trip can turn it into something special. It really comes down to what you go for. If fishing and they are hitting, go. If star gazing and sunrise/sunsets over a fire make your trip a rainy trip cancels those options. If you like the solitude a cold rain tends to thin the crowds and as Jim mentioned you get your pick of sites. Sitting under a tarp enjoying a good fish dinner followed by medicinal beverages and listening to the rain can be a very nice time.

Cold rain is generally a no go for me as it aggravates my arthritis and as I solo can really restricts activity the activities I enjoy and go to the wilderness to experience. And I do not fish.
AmarilloJim 10/02/2018 01:08PM
I would go without hesitation! You should have your pick of the best campsites.
goatroti 10/02/2018 01:07PM
No.
walllee 10/02/2018 12:17PM
If fishing is a high priority go for it. The walleyes have their feed bag on! It’s been outstanding.
laurahorner 10/02/2018 12:08PM
Hello all,

Three of us had planned a trip from Poplar Lake to Brule and back from 10.9.18 - 10.13.18.

The weather forecast is cold and rainy most of the week.

I am wondering what you would do in this scenario. Would you reschedule? Book a cabin? Suck it up?

All comments are appreciated :)

Thanks!
Laura