There's a posting under the Trip Planning forum discussing a trip some of us are taking along the border route this September. I bring it up here in case you don't frequent that forum. If you're interested in participating in a tough paddle trip check out this posting.

Voyageurs' Route Challenge Open Invite

Can't wait! First meet up for team extreme this weekend.

I'll bump this thread:
Out early this morning on a long training day and tried my hand at a video.
As far as we know- no one has ever completed this challenge solo. A couple of us are going to give it a shot.
See you in Grand Portage (i hope).

quote muddyfeet:
As far as we know- no one has ever completed this challenge solo"

I'm seriously thinking about doing this challenge "Solo" in 2018.
I'm retiring from my firefighting job in AK this fall, so that will put me back in the L-48 Duluth/home next year.
I'm sure I will set no speed records, but I might make up for a little time on the Grand Portage since I can disassemble my Ally canoe and throw it on my back, (backpack) and hopefully single portage.

Pic of my folding canoe.

Nice training video, muddyfeet. 0417 hours and time to go! Love it.

LindenTree3- what's the weight of your Ally Canoe? I'm liking your idea.

quote BeaV: "Nice training video, muddyfeet. 0417 hours and time to go! Love it.


LindenTree3- what's the weight of your Ally Canoe? I'm liking your idea."

39#'s The seats are removable and weigh around 3 pounds each. Heavy in my book, I am planning on a removable bench seat/cane type that should shave off a few pounds.

Even though it is called the 15.5 it is 16 feet long. Not sure why, maybe it's a Norway metric thing.

PS, I havn't officially weighed it myself but it feels right in the 35-40 pound range.

I'm looking at finding a canoe portage/pack that is big enough to fit it inside.

Ally Canoe

Cool video Muddyfeet. I'm curious, it seems like you are in the bow. Is this just the camera perspective fooling me?

I'm entering Pickerel Lake the same time you guys are doing this big trip. I will be solo with dog and plan to be on the water at first light so seeing this is inspiring for me. Thanks.

quote TomT: "Cool video Muddyfeet. I'm curious, it seems like you are in the bow. Is this just the camera perspective fooling me?


I'm entering Pickerel Lake the same time you guys are doing this big trip. I will be solo with dog and plan to be on the water at first light so seeing this is inspiring for me. Thanks.
"

It's a great time of year for a solo trip! Being on the water for sunrise is the best!

I was paddling a solo canoe in the center. Camera was at the mid-rear thwart, but with the fisheye lens it does look like I am in the bow.