Got this in an email from a customer who just got back from a trip, while having an excellent time, in their email to me after the trip, Matt included the list below. I thought it made some good points for people, what do you think?
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Tips for newbies
1) Pack what you need... then remove half of what you packed and you will be about right.
2) You will be wet up to the thighs getting over beaver dams and in and out at portages. Shoes that will drain and dry are better than water proof boots that fill with water.
3) If you are "older", make sure you are decent fitness. I ride my bike 50 miles a week, but not the strongest upper body. This trip was on the edge of my capabilities with the portages being particularly tough when they were over 70 rods or so.
4) When you are within a day of the exits, get campsite picked early... Many people looking for a place in the afternoons even in mid-Sept.

We had a great time. Thanks to the Vnorth team. Matt Beeson

Agree 100%..... especially dealing with footwear.

I also agree with the list. I'm nearing 70 and those little red portage lines look so easy on the map in January in front of a cozy winter fire.

I just returned from a solo. The campsites were taken at the bottom of Fourtown on my way out and the long portage from Fourtown to Mudro kicked my butt. I will try to be realistic about portages, and plan my exit wisely.

I will also hire a sherpa.

Thanks again to John and Lynn at VNO who always give me sound advice and great service!

Dave

Maybe us retired Dave's should get together. Just did my own 7 day solo in the Kawishiwi Triangle. Opted for this to reduce numbers of portages. The two long ones were still doable. I remember the Mu.fro portage...not planning on doing that again. Likewise there was a bad one on the way from Brandt to Gillis last May. I find though I can pace myself on the long ones carrying my 42 lb Bell..by stopping often when I find a tree I can lean it on.

Sherpas are the answer for me!! My "boys" take good care of me. After multiple orthopedic repair and replace surgeries, it is the only way I can go any more.

quote Oregon Dave: "Maybe us retired Dave's should get together. Just did my own 7 day solo in the Kawishiwi Triangle. Opted for this to reduce numbers of portages. The two long ones were still doable. I remember the Mu.fro portage...not planning on doing that again. Likewise there was a bad one on the way from Brandt to Gillis last May. I find though I can pace myself on the long ones carrying my 42 lb Bell..by stopping often when I find a tree I can lean it on."

Glad to have another retired Dave in the community!

Thanks great advice and as always use the BWCA trips as a incentive to stay in shape. I see so many people in the 60-70 age range that do little to stay in shape. Now that is much different than people whom have a sickness or illness that is slowing them down.

quote Pinetree: "Thanks great advice and as always use the BWCA trips as a incentive to stay in shape. I see so many people in the 60-70 age range that do little to stay in shape. Now that is much different than people whom have a sickness or illness that is slowing them down."

So true. I had to cancel my planned WCPP this past summer and do something which was more suitable to physical capabilities. I had let myself go, put on weight, and even though I was working huge hours the cardio and weight training were absent. The result was hip, back and knee issues which were quite debilitating and I'm only 57.

But I'm "back" and feel better than I have in several years thanks to an emphasis on physical therapy such as stretching, yoga and a less acidic diet. It was either that or a bunch of replacement parts.

I like the advice given except for taking out 1/2 ( well maybe 1/2 the lures should stay home ;-) I advocate for just doing an extra carry. Who says you have to double everything anyway? Tripling is now my goal.

Sometimes slowing down you see much on the portages. Most people and me included hurry thru the portages and sometimes miss much.

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quote Pinetree: "Sometimes slowing down you see much on the portages. Most people and me included hurry thru the portages and sometimes miss much."

I see plenty more last few years. 61. If it is not a short portage I will have checked out at least one area closely! :) oth