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Rs130754
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01/31/2018 07:50PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I have been considering a BWCA trip for a while now. I have thought I had a couple people who would accompany me but it looks like I am paddling solo if it is going to happen. I am a novice paddler but have made several river trips on the Upper Iowa though it has been about 15 years. So I have a few questions for all of you paddling experts. I am thinking sometime in June but as a 1st grade teacher my summers are pretty open.

1.) Would a solo canoe be the way to go? I am a "hefty" guy at 6'2", pushing 375 (you just re-read that I was a first grade teacher didn't you) and am broad shouldered. A neck injury which kept me down and out for over a year didn't do me any justice but I still enjoy deer, coyote, and turkey hunting here in Iowa as well as my jaunts to the trout streams in NE Iowa. I thought a smaller tandem paddled in reverse from the bow might be an option but I just am not sure and I am sure a solo would be lighter.

2.) Is going alone for a first trip even advisable? Again I am an outdoorsy kind of guy so things like setting up camp, making fire, and other such tasks would not be foreign to me. I will admit I never had to purify water, but think I could manage a gravity and bladder system. I am most worried about locating correct portages and finding campsites.

3.) Thoughts on this route for a first timer. I was thinking of entering at EP#32 South Kawishiwi River (124 rods) to,
Eskwagama (78 rods) to,
Clear (94 rods) to,
Kawisiwi River (62 rods) to,
Little Gabro (120 rods) and then come out at EP#33 Little Gabro Lake.
I am hoping to pick up some maps this weekend so I have a sense of scale to know how many miles this would be. I could also make Eskwagama a day trip or one for next time if time wouldn't allow.

4.) As a teacher I believe in reflection and learning from others. I am open to brutal honesty, remember I teach first grade and there are no filters at that age. If you have a route or suggestion that would help let me know. I am not set in my ways. I just don't want to look back in another 10 years at 50 and say "I should have...." Thanks and I am sorry about the length of the post, just not many overnight paddles in my part of the world to bounce questions off of.
 
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cyclones30
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01/31/2018 09:16PM  
You've got a fair amount of people on here from that area, my favorite in IA. I'm sure someone would be willing to compare notes over a beer or something.

As for your questions....the main map providers (Fisher, MacKenzie, Voyageur, etc) have fairly accurate maps. I've never had much issue finding the right portages or campsites, especially if on a well traveled route or near an entry point which it sounds like you will be.

Your suggested route sounds good, I've never been in that area. The interactive map on this site, or others, is a good place to start. Shows all the portages and sites, also gives reviews on some of them. Voyageur maps shows their full maps on the web so you can zoom in and pan around to see exactly what you'd see on paper.

I do not own, nor have I paddled a solo canoe, but with your size and with gear I'd say paddling a smaller kevlar tandem flipped around would be the way to go. (again, personal opinion)
01/31/2018 09:23PM  
Hi, Ross-

I made my first solo trip for the same reason - I was either going alone or it was probably never going to happen was the conclusion I came to after 3 years of trying. I can't say anything about June - I always go in Sept. One thing I did learn was that paddling in the BW wasn't the same as floating down a river, but I did survive. You will too.

If there's anything I say that you don't understand, just ask.

I don't know how many days/nights you plan to be in the BW, but your route is not overly ambitious so I wouldn't worry about that. I'm going to assume you'll "double" portage, meaning you'll carry half your stuff across, then walk back for the rest, which means you'll walk each portage 3X.

Voyageur Maps has online maps (zoomable and scrollable) that you can look at. Map 7 is the one with your route.

Assuming you "double portage" your route will be about 16 miles, more if you triple portage, less if you single portage. Some people would do that in a day, some 2 days, so if you're going for that long or more, very doable. I usually aim for 8-10 miles a day, which takes me around 4 hours, depending on number and distance of portages, which are usually a little slower going for me.

(1) I can't answer your question about the canoe; you make 2 1/2 of me ;) A kevlar tandem will weigh about 10 pounds more than a kevlar solo.

(2) Yes, you can do this trip solo. I wouldn't worry too much about finding portages and campsites as long as you can orient the map and stay found. Most are fairly obvious and you're constrained by the rivers/lakes, so not as difficult as overland travel. If you're supposed to be taking the portage/stream SE out of Clear Lake, just make sure the compass doesn't say NW.

Keep reading and asking questions. Filtering water is not a big problem, especially solo - all you really need is a Sawyer Squeeze/Sawyer Mini and maybe a Sawyer Water Filter Bottle or some similar setup.
cyclones30
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01/31/2018 09:23PM  
Also, talk about solo canoes and heavy loads are being discussed in the Gear forum currently.

http://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=1062318&forumID=15&confID=1
billconner
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02/01/2018 07:16AM  
I'm 66, 6-2, 225-230. You'll do fine. I'd suggest a Souris River Q16 set up solo would seem ideal for you. Working with a good (most are) outfitter would be a good idea. And I aim for 10-12 miles a day - straight line as if single portage but I double - so maybe think about route options. Once in, you can go wherever you want.
02/01/2018 07:51AM  
-- Your route is imminently doable, but especially since you express worry about the portages, and you haven't done it before, I think a loop or out-and-back route is better than a point-to-point. The thing about a point-to-point is that you *have to* make it to the other end, even if you realize you'd rather not. If you plan to go out at the same place you go in, you can cut it short without introducing big issues - or if you discover you're easily covering ground, you can cover more than you'd planned.

-- IMO solo canoes are more tippy than tandems. While a big solo is more fun than a small tandem, I bet you'll have an easier go of it with a small tandem. I like your idea of using a 16' tandem and paddling it reverse, just make sure your outfitter knows that's what you're doing so they can help you choose a boat that's amenable to that. I really doubt you'll find the weight of a kevlar tandem to be any issue.

Have fun planning and then doing it!
NoisyWetHermit
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02/01/2018 07:55AM  
Hi Ross,
I think your plan sounds great. Have fun and be careful. Take it easy and enjoy the BW. I went for the first time in 2016 and now I plan to go every year.
02/01/2018 09:45AM  
billconner: "I'm 66, 6-2, 225-230. You'll do fine. I'd suggest a Souris River Q16 set up solo would seem ideal for you. Working with a good (most are) outfitter would be a good idea. And I aim for 10-12 miles a day - straight line as if single portage but I double - so maybe think about route options. Once in, you can go wherever you want."


I was thinking this same canoe. I think some of the outfitters in Ely rent the Quetico 16.
The problem with two different entry and exit points is arrainging for a shuttle for your vehicle or a pick up from an outfitter. I find a loop much better when I go on my solos

Also take a look at the solo forum there is alot of info there. special interest groups Go down to solo tripping and click on add me to the group.
02/01/2018 09:51AM  
Bill's suggestion of the Souris River Q16 solo may be a good one. I have used one and it was way too big for me, but I'm 145-150 lbs., maybe 200 with gear and food for 10 days.

Tom also brings up a good point, although I don't know what your plan was with the entry being different from the exit. Did you plan for an outfitter shuttle or just to walk back to your car at the entry? As near as I can tell from Voyageur/Google, it's about a 1.6 mile walk.

With your route, you could loop back to your entry by taking the 280-rod portage to Little Bruin and the short one back to the River vs. taking the 200-rod portage out of Little Gabbro to the entry. BTW, you may have looked this up, but if you haven't, 320 rods = 1 mile.
Rs130754
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02/01/2018 12:07PM  
WOW! Thanks for all the great suggestions. I was reading some more and it sounds like the current on the river is a non issue. That was my reason for a different take out point. It does make much more sense to do an out and back kind of trip for a first time, especially going solo.

I also though about going out of Snowbank or Moose and then base camping a couple nights on Wind and doing day trips to get some miles under me without having to hump all my gear on a daily basis. Would that be a better option? I think I will paddle a tandem in reverse as I plan on fishing. I also think I can get everything into on pack. My 3 person Mountain Hardware Tent (5.4 pounds) is the bulkiest item. Since I am going solo I can scale down my cookware to a stove, fuel, and my bush pot with skillet which all nests nicely.

Again I applaud you all for sharing your experiences. Some forums make you feel stupid or incompetent if you ask a question, not here. I hope after my trip to do a write up that may also help someone in similar circumstances.

-Ross
02/01/2018 12:34PM  
When I think about lugging that 5+ pound tent and gear over many portages my body parts cry out in resistance. But other parts point out how going over even a couple portages will give me much more privacy and the wilderness experience I can not quite get on day trips. Check the partial outfitting rates at outfitters in the area. You might find getting a smaller tent and other gear will make the trip much more enjoyable.
Even if you have a bigger load and are not in such good shape making an extra trip at each portage is still something to consider. Most of us shoot for double portaging with more minimalist folks going over in one trip. Part of the beauty of the BWCA is found on the portages. The forest and things growing there provide multiple photo ops so that extra trip back can actually add to the overall experience.
02/01/2018 12:53PM  
I think you will be fine with doing the original plan. You will learn a lot doing a little paddling and portaging as well as setting up and breaking down camp, and will probably make a lot of changes before a second trip. I have done a lot of solos and have simplified things a lot since the first ones. Keep reading, asking questions.
BlackSwanAdventures
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02/01/2018 01:25PM  
using the search feature is a great time. each time my wife or I are on here, we use search for something, or another!
also i would very strongly consider "training" for the BWCA with cardio/ functional lifting.. it would help to chisel u down i little bit. save those knees!
we are doing the same. its not fun getting ur butt whooped by some of these portages!
tomke17
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02/01/2018 03:45PM  
Starting on bwca.com is a great way to get good advice from experienced people. This forum is unlike any other I know in terms of actual help and members with high levels of experience. I may not have the most advice to offer, but I have a few suggestions. EP 32 (S. Kawishiwi River) is a nice way to go in. It's an easy portage and the river is scenic with some great campsites. I have spent some time in this area and the fishing is good as well. Consider taking the first trip slow. Bruin is any easy portage and has some fast pike action, from there you could make it to Little Gabbro. Your trip idea sounds great as well. Have options incase it is harder or easier than you think, the weather gets bad, etc. Enjoy it and don't be disappointed if you end up on your "plan b". Work with an outfitter to get any of the proper gear you need. There are many reviews of gear on this website if you use the search. Walk on a treadmill for 30-60 minutes at a time as often as you can. Start slow if you need to and work your way up. Don't cheat yourself on this, it really helps when the day finally comes to carry the canoe and packs. Add ankle weights or a backpack with some weight when you start feeling comfortable. My dad and I will be entering EP 33 (Little Gabbro) June 21. Email with any questions about the area, portages, fishing etc.

Tom
billconner
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02/01/2018 06:37PM  
"I think I will paddle a tandem in reverse as I plan on fishing."

The Q16 is a little smaller and lighter than a tandem but enough narrower that's it's easier to paddle and of course the center seat helps. I know CCO has had them - preferred solo of one of the owners. Give it a look.
gopher2307
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02/01/2018 06:50PM  
Portages and campsites are pretty easy to find. While paddling, just get in the habit of paying attention to the nooks and crannies of the lake to keep yourself positioned on the map. Event though I know this, I'm not sure experience has helped me. Lakes with lots of islands can still goof you up from time to time, but it just means a little more paddling to get back on track. Getting substantially lost would actually be a bit tough on the water. Do not stress about missing portages or campsites - they were clear to me at 16 on my first trip.

If you asked me during my first 10 years going to the BWCA, I would have said going solo for a first trip is a bad idea. I learned most of what I know from other people during that time.

More recently though, I've realized the boundary waters is actually a lot less intimidating than I built it up to be . I've seen so many people in/out on portages bringing ridiculous stuff (at least, to me) and being extremely inefficient. I always used to assume they are going to be miserable. The reality is though, they are all having a great time so who cares if they don't have the right stuff or do it quite right? PMA - Positive mental attitude - if you have that you will do just fine solo, and probably learn faster than I did. No doubt though, you will assuredly regret not bringing something and regret carrying other things in unnecessarily.

My biggest preparation tips for newbs:
1. Waterproof everything for transport. Everything in your canoe will be wet, probably not from dumping your canoe in a lake but from paddles dripping over the canoe back/forth and from loading/unloading. If it shouldn't get wet and you don't a waterproof pack, wrap it in a garbage bag and squeeze the air out before shoving in a pack.
2. Everything you bring needs to be in a pack, nothing loose for portages - ok, your paddle and maybe your life vest can be loose. Poles get strapped into the canoe, reels are packed. Plan on double portaging, including the canoe, but not triple. Those requirements should guide you to determine how much stuff to bring.
3. Dry foot vs wet foot approach - Give it some thought. I'm sure you can find debates elsewhere on this site via the search feature. Wet foot is the way to go if you ask me...you do not need to carefully balance on uneven rocks at portages, you won't care about your foot going in the water at portages which is much trickier than you think.
4. Pack fewer clothes than you think, particularly in mid-summer.
5. I'd recommend you basecamp and go in/out at the same location. Your first trip will be a packing and portaging gong show. I think you should aim for 3-5 portages with cumulative portage length of 200 - 450 rods to get a feel for it but not go too far. Paddling is the easy part. I go to EP 16 Moose River North all the time. For reference, newbs I've brought do not want to go past Agnes.
6. Boundary waters trips are pretty hard work. Bring your PMA.
7. Plan for a way to keep the food away from critters.
8. I've never seen a bear up there, you probably won't either. I've seen a lot of bear crap up there, you probably will too.
9. Sounds like you're a paddler so may know this, but you should consider using a kayak paddle rather than a canoe paddle. Saves much energy.
10. YouTube is an excellent resource if you want to see what anything looks like - portages, campsites, etc. There lots of videos of people touring their campsites and even several of people walking full portages.

Don't be intimidated - you should do it.
02/01/2018 07:45PM  
billconner: ""I think I will paddle a tandem in reverse as I plan on fishing."

The Q16 is a little smaller and lighter than a tandem but enough narrower that's it's easier to paddle and of course the center seat helps. I know CCO has had them - preferred solo of one of the owners. Give it a look."

I'm going to agree strongly with Bill here for all the reasons stated and then some. It was originally a small tandem that they replaced the bow and stern seats with a center seat. As such it's plenty big enough for you and 50 lbs. of gear. As a novice paddler, you'll be much better off with the SR Q16 solo than trying to paddle a larger tandem from the bow.

Canoes

Fried Fish
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02/01/2018 10:06PM  
Fill a pack with gear and walk around a few blocks to get a feel for it and then find a trail with roots, rocks and mud and walk that with your pack. No loose items, everything in packs is great advice. It's amazing.
andym
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02/01/2018 11:19PM  
I'm going to second the Q16 set up as a solo and not a tandem paddled backwards. Here's why. When I solo my Q17 backwards, I have to put a big drybag filled with water (about 40 lbs) in the other end. Otherwise the bow pops up and it is hard to control the boat, especially if it gets windy. You are double my weight and so you are talking about needing double that weight in the other end. That's a lot of weight to deal with. If your camping gear is going to weigh 80 lbs then maybe it will work. Or you could carry 40 lbs of camping gear and use the drybag trick to provide the extra weight. But I think the Q16 solo is a good way to go. The seat in the center gets rid of the need to balance the weight fore and aft. Also, that is a good stable hull at a variety of weights and so should do well for you.

I might try to find a route where you start out with some shorter portages. I've found that for newcomers, it is nice to break them in with shorter portages and more paddling. But that doesn't mean you can't do it the other way.
Bumstead
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02/02/2018 07:46AM  
andym: "I'm going to second the Q16 set up as a solo and not a tandem paddled backwards. Here's why. When I solo my Q17 backwards, I have to put a big drybag filled with water (about 40 lbs) in the other end. Otherwise the bow pops up and it is hard to control the boat, especially if it gets windy. You are double my weight and so you are talking about needing double that weight in the other end. That's a lot of weight to deal with. If your camping gear is going to weigh 80 lbs then maybe it will work. Or you could carry 40 lbs of camping gear and use the drybag trick to provide the extra weight. But I think the Q16 solo is a good way to go. The seat in the center gets rid of the need to balance the weight fore and aft. Also, that is a good stable hull at a variety of weights and so should do well for you.


I might try to find a route where you start out with some shorter portages. I've found that for newcomers, it is nice to break them in with shorter portages and more paddling. But that doesn't mean you can't do it the other way."


I agree with this idea of either solo setup or else trim weight. If you didn't use water bags in front for trim weight, you would find paddling into the wind to be a MAJOR ordeal. With the front end light, it will wind vane around easily when into a head or cross wind.

Going solo.....Where your PFD no matter what.....Stick close to shores when paddling lakes that are wind blown.......Don't rush on portages and be intentional about your footing, as a bad ankle twist or worse would be more of an issue when solo.

I hope you go for it and have a great trip!
02/02/2018 09:02AM  
Ross-

A lot of good points in Gopher's post to think about.

The line about regretting not bringing something and regret carrying others is so true . . .
It reminded of . . . packing lists. A good thing to have so you don't forget the TP! :)

I carry a lot fewer things now and I have gradually lightened and simplified what I do. I'll email you some information some guys on the solo forum wanted to see.

Other good thoughts are waterproofing, packing (no loose items), wet foot approach and portaging, food protection, YouTube, etc.
02/02/2018 09:20AM  
andym: "I'm going to second the Q16 set up as a solo and not a tandem paddled backwards. Here's why. When I solo my Q17 backwards, I have to put a big drybag filled with water (about 40 lbs) in the other end. Otherwise the bow pops up and it is hard to control the boat, especially if it gets windy. "


This is great advice. At your weight make sure you are paddling from a center seat. My other advice is to go light and don't be in a rush. Stay off the water if the wind is up. Get a very early start in the day to paddle to beat the winds. Bring a tarp. Keep a journal to not only track how it's going but also to keep notes on ways to improve for next time. Bring something to read. Enjoy!

Rs130754
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02/02/2018 09:52AM  
I am hoping to get all of my gear together and weigh each individually for a total combined with, minus the pack which I will rent. In college I backpacked for 12 days and carried right at 70 pounds. But, I was younger somewhat smaller and had a three pack a day habit, which I kicked 17 years ago.

I weighed my coyote hunting set up and with rifle, heavier boots, clothes, my whites and electronic call I am right at 65 pounds and I walk this no problem through snow about 1 to 1 1/2 miles in depending on wind direction with no problem.

Most of my gear is pretty light weight except for my tent and sleeping bag. The bag is a 15 degree bag but I will probably get something not as warm, perhaps a quilt for added weight savings. I will have to post a gear list.

Would anyone consider just a tarp and bag set up or is that asking for misery? I have done this before at State Parks in Iowa overnight and it wasn't too bad, but I didn't get rain either. My main goal is to not get bogged down by "stuff", I want to experience the surroundings and not worry about setting up solar panels to charge an iPhone.

Also, I learned in Iowa City there is a retailer that carries Wenonah canoes and they have a place you can demo them, at ice out I plan on making a trip to see what might work for me. With my gear it will be a good litmus test.

Seriously, you ladies and gents have been great and I feel like I owe you all a beer, but hopefully you will settle for some pics of my trip upon my return.
02/02/2018 12:26PM  
Good idea to weigh everything - include everything since a lot of little stuff can add up to more than you think.

I wouldn't exchange the tent for a tarp - and not just because of rain and wind; there's the bugs ;). Seriously, I did a lot of trips with a 5-lb tent and you're not going to save enough there to make the trade-offs worth it.

Don't go too light on the sleep system since it can get colder at night sometimes than you might think - check the historical averages, but especially the record low for the dates of your trip. You may save a little there depending on how much it weighs. I take a 20-degree bag in Sept, although it's a fairly light one.
billconner
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02/02/2018 12:46PM  
I try to travel light but probably with two packs I have 80 pounds solo plus 35 pound solo canoe. Going with my son we have three packs and total gear weight - with food at beginning - is in the 150 pound range. Three paddles and a canoe bring that to around 200. We double. First trip we had a lot more but I cut a lot and geared up for Philmont and now use that gear canoeing. 5 nights or less - no change of clothes other than socks and underwear. I plan menus to not use much and only take pots and utensils and such I need - not a whole cook kit. If I increase solo trips I'll probably get a jet boil or similar and do less "cooking" that I enjoy with my son and more dehydrated and freeze dried meals. I envy those that can single portage in some ways, but no aspiration to do that.

I think the biggest hazard is trying to stick to a plan and doing things that - if it went bad - on retrospect you'd know you should have stayed put or gone a different direction or whatever. I try not to plan much more than a an entry point and date, and a general direction and take enough maps to cover wherever I might go. It is vacation and leisure time after all.

If you did want a true solo, the Souris River Tranquility - Piragis has had one for rental past few years - might work. It gets little respect among the canoe gurus here but I love mine. I easily cruise at 5 mph with a yak paddle and did fine on a snotty day on LLC with big rollers and white caps. I'd say higher capacity than many solos of similar weight - under 35 pounds - and very stable initially and later.
02/02/2018 01:23PM  
My first trip was solo for the same reasons.

I kayak fish and camp a lot, so I was used to some of it and other things, not so much. I'd never paddled a solo canoe or portaged before that first trip. It's not rocket science. Keep your shoulders above over your hips and get in and out slowly without leaning. Portaging is just backpacking with some loading and unloading at each end.

Good advice above. Just decide you're going to have fun and don't make it a death march. You'll love it.
Northwoodsman
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02/02/2018 03:37PM  
Your tent at 5.4 lbs. is already pretty lean. Don't cut by taking that out of the pack.
andym
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02/02/2018 05:05PM  
Great to hear comments about the SR Tranquility. I've always been curious.

If you are carrying that much gear through the woods you are a strong human being. You will do great in the BW.
02/03/2018 12:30AM  
MY advice on going solo to the BWCA....don't do it man, my reasoning is your going to have to fight two great forces, #1 going solo [rather addictive]. #2 going to the BWCA, what can I say, there's about 30000 {I think} members to this BWCA board and we all have something in common we all either do or used to go canoeing. Myself, I solo and tandem with family and try to get to the BWCA at least 2-3 trips a year, plus going to Ontario 2-3 trips a year. I like the Idea of the SR 16 but if you can try out some true solos, they are a hoot to paddle. For your first trip I would suggest an out and back route vs the loop, but either way you can return from a loop the way you went in, just not make the whole loop. Hey this is your trip, do it anyway you want. I realize planning a first trip can be somewhat overwhelming but sounds like you have trod some miles so you know gear, and with a canoe you don't need to carry it ALL the time. This is a great site with great members who will try to give you good advice, so don't afraid to ask some seemingly "dumb" questions, they will be answered with respect, may be some teasing but it's in fun. Under our handles there's a little envelope which is our email, I,m pretty sure you can ask most anyone questions using that too. Bye the way WELCOME to the board. FRED
02/03/2018 07:07AM  
The primary reason a bag and tarp is not enough is the Minnesota state air squadron. Those killer mosquitoes can make life miserable. And if you can manage 65 pounds while hiking in snow you will be just fine in the BWCA. Carry your tent, but do look for upgrades and I will toss in a pitch for hammocks.
You mentioned the Iowa City outlet. A great store with long history of good gear and great service. Indianola, just south of Des Moines, also has a great outlet and will be hosting a paddle expo Feb 9-11 including some good deals on boats. I plan to go and have input others might show up. And if you can make the Indian Creek event (see related posts) you could also get some face time with several Iowa paddlers.
02/05/2018 11:28AM  
From a route perspective, especially if you're worried about portages, you would be better off trying to get one of the 3 or 4 campsites located just before the portage over to Little Gabbro and then daytrip into Eskwagama and Clear without the burden of carrying all your gear. Also note that if you came out at EP #33, not only is that a pretty long portage to the parking lot, but then you'd have about a 2 mile hike back to the car you left at EP #32. If I were doing that, I would probably drop my gear at #32, park at #33, and hike back to #32 on day 1 so your car is waiting for you when you come out.

JD
Rs130754
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02/05/2018 02:24PM  
Well, my permit is purchased, June 19th out of South Kawishiwi River EP#32. Now I just need to contact an outfitter and determine my trip length. I also may have a friend who will be able to join me. I am thinking 4-5 nights and based on the sound advice from all of you an out and back trip will work best. That way I don't have to worry about making it to a different take out point.

I ordered a Mckenzie and Voyager map for the area. Only think I am not sure of is how long it will take me to get from the EP to Clear or Gabbro. I thought about two nights on Gabbro or Bald Eagle with day trips to Clearwater or Turtle. Then a couple on my way back on the river with trips further north or other lakes.

I have lots of emails from members and I appreciate all of your help in making this become a reality. Now off to post in the gear section, I need thoughts on a camp skillet... and the addiction continues.
Mad_Angler
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02/05/2018 02:38PM  
Rs130754: "...
My 3 person Mountain Hardware Tent (5.4 pounds) is the bulkiest item. Since I am going solo I can scale down my cookware to a stove, fuel, and my bush pot with skillet which all nests nicely.
...

"


5.4 lbs is very light. There are definitely lighter tents. But I suspect that nearly everyone on this forum uses a heavier tent.

The REI Taj3 had a cult following on this forum. It came it about 7-8 lbs.

Taj3
02/05/2018 03:04PM  
I'll be a little conservative since it's your first trip and say it'll take you about 4 - 5 hours travel from the EP, assuming you're double portaging. I'm faster now than when I first went due to knowing what to do at the portage landings and being more organized. I'm also a better paddler. Get on the water early and you'll be there for lunch. Have fun!
BobDobbs
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02/05/2018 03:25PM  
1) - your neck injury could be a cause for concern. Lifting a big awkward thing (your canoe) overhead, setting it on your shoulders, and balancing it while walking over unstable footing, and THEN having to life it off your shoulders and set it down could aggravate a pre-existing injury. That's just the canoe part..then you gotta go back and make another trip for your gear!

Practice lifting a 1/2 sheet of plywood overhead from the ground. See how that feels. Its a similar motion and load. Your going to have to perform that motion several times a day while fatigued.

2) going alone - probably not ideal, but more ideal than not going at all. You pays your money and takes your chances. You admit to being a big dude, but didn't indicate how much exercise you get. Now would be the time to get serious about getting more.

3) consider an out and back trip, rather than a point A to B. If your struggling, you can turn around early, and go back the way you came in. If your crushing it, you can do side trips, keep going an extra day, whatever. Having that kind of flexibility is why I love the BW. If you commit to an A to B, or a loop trip, you may find yourself in trouble and alone.

4) This is not mean to be brutal, but it is meant to be honest. Your doing a great thing for yourself and your health. Having said that, in the condition you are in (weight, previous injury, being alone, inexperienced), there is an elevated level of risk that you should address. Start exercising now. Try and find a partner to share the experience and load. Consider an EPIRB. But whatever you do, don't NOT go, just realize its going to take some doing.

hope that helps
billconner
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02/05/2018 06:07PM  
Rs130754: "Well, my permit is purchased, June 19th out of South Kawishiwi River EP#32. Now I just need to contact an outfitter and determine my trip length. I also may have a friend who will be able to join me. I am thinking 4-5 nights and based on the sound advice from all of you an out and back trip will work best. That way I don't have to worry about making it to a different take out point.


I ordered a Mckenzie and Voyager map for the area. Only think I am not sure of is how long it will take me to get from the EP to Clear or Gabbro. I thought about two nights on Gabbro or Bald Eagle with day trips to Clearwater or Turtle. Then a couple on my way back on the river with trips further north or other lakes.


I have lots of emails from members and I appreciate all of your help in making this become a reality. Now off to post in the gear section, I need thoughts on a camp skillet... and the addiction continues."


The loop from Bald Eagle through Gull, Pietro, Camdre, Clearwater, and Turtle is a great but longish day trip. I've done it twice. Lunch on Clearwater. The Portage to Gull is the hardest one so I suggest do that first.
Mashuga
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02/05/2018 09:02PM  
Just in case you are not aware, there is a Paddle Day event being held at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids near the end of February. There will be some local members from this forum there.


Paddle Day Thread
02/06/2018 04:59PM  
Mu son in law weighed some 450 lbs when he went with me on a trip to the Bdub. I was concerned about the impact on the SR 18.5 and called the manufacturer to get info. They said anything up to 500 pounds should not be a problem and it was not. He sat in center and wife in front. The boat handled well and all canoes mentioned here should also.
mgraber
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02/10/2018 12:48AM  
Totally agree on the Quetico 16 backwards. Should be about ideal for you.
02/10/2018 06:19AM  
Just to reiterate, the SR Quetico 16 is also set up as a solo (see Voyageur North Outfitters website and Souris River website) with the tandem seats removed and a center seat installed; this will be more ideal than paddling the tandem version backwards.
 
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