Nice little piece on Beav (and fellow maniacs!), but my favorite article is on the guy who spends a month in the BW each summer in a kayak and portages barefoot. Hope to run in to him sometime!

Also the piece of the feller who went through the long slow process of getting his wife into the woods, into a canoe with the long term goal of getting her to go on a boundary waters trip....Texas is a long way from the paddling heaven.
way to go guy......
dr bob

I really liked the poem on page 95....haha :)

QueticoMike: "I really liked the poem on page 95....haha :)"

I bet you did!!!

I also found the article on BeaV interesting. Anytime I see his name I have the urge to go back and watch the Alaska trip again.

Anyone have any experience with the Kelly Kettle mentioned in one of the articles?

Frenchy19: "Anyone have any experience with the Kelly Kettle mentioned in one of the articles?"

I am curious too. That might be a nice little investment. I think Mastertangler uses a twig stove.

The barefooted kayaking forager is an incredible story for Stu to publish. Especially eating as much fish as possible. 80 -100 night trips every year! Mind boggling.

TomT: "

Frenchy19: "Anyone have any experience with the Kelly Kettle mentioned in one of the articles?"

I am curious too. That might be a nice little investment. I think Mastertangler uses a twig stove. "

I was thinking the exact same thing. A search of some older posts came up with more mixed reviews than I would have expected.

On a side note, don't some of the newer stoves that are similar have a USB charging port which would be handy for camera and gps charging?

I still haven't gotten mine. It always arrives quite timely within a few days of the change of seasons. Spring came a week ago. Hmmm... maybe the mail carrier is a canoeing non-subscriber. :)

primitiveguy: "The barefooted kayaking forager is an incredible story for Stu to publish. Especially eating as much fish as possible. 80 -100 night trips every year! Mind boggling. "

I agree. I do get a little tired of Stu's never-ending reminders of his own "philosophy," but I also admire when he shares views/trip styles that are so different from his own (which is often).

Yeah, I actually agree on plenty of stuff Stu says... But some of his stuff wouldn't cut it in a lot of places... He's right though, he's way smarter than us. Who else has people paying them to go with and portage their crap? 70# food packs... Yikes!

Still waiting on the arrival of Spring BWJ at my house as well.

nctry: "Yeah, I actually agree on plenty of stuff Stu says... But some of his stuff wouldn't cut it in a lot of places... He's right though, he's way smarter than us. Who else has people paying them to go with and portage their crap? 70# food packs... Yikes!"

There's something about fresh grilled steaks and potatoes in the wilderness that people really like. It makes memories vs. eating bland freeze dried meals every day. Stu wants to make his clients remember the great highlights of the trip and forget about the two or three killer travel days.

I get the feeling he's gonna need to hire a sherpa (young stud) to help with these trips pretty soon. I'd love to experience a week with him in the woods sometime.

As I was talking to one of the gals manning his booth at 'copia' Stu and Cliff J should do a trip together and write up their experiences..

dr bob

I just finished the article on the Kruger Challenge along the border route. Very well written. There's two kinds of people and I'm on the side of those where doing this doesn't appeal to them. Paddling and portaging (lakes not rivers) in the dark might have some appeal but I just don't need that type of exhaustion in my life at this point. (I'm 58)

And seriously, doing the Pigeon River and the Grand Portage in the dark would test me beyond what I'm capable of. But on that note, I can't wait to follow along next years challenge.

TomT: "I just finished the article on the Kruger Challenge along the border route. Very well written. There's two kinds of people and I'm on the side of those where doing this doesn't appeal to them. Paddling and portaging (lakes not rivers) in the dark might have some appeal but I just don't need that type of exhaustion in my life at this point. (I'm 58)


And seriously, doing the Pigeon River and the Grand Portage in the dark would test me beyond what I'm capable of. But on that note, I can't wait to follow along next years challenge.



"

Hey... someone has to set the bar for the rest of us. Way lonely to get yourself in a pickle on a portage in the middle of a portage on a dark night though

dr bob

TomT: "

nctry: "Yeah, I actually agree on plenty of stuff Stu says... But some of his stuff wouldn't cut it in a lot of places... He's right though, he's way smarter than us. Who else has people paying them to go with and portage their crap? 70# food packs... Yikes!"

There's something about fresh grilled steaks and potatoes in the wilderness that people really like. It makes memories vs. eating bland freeze dried meals every day. Stu wants to make his clients remember the great highlights of the trip and forget about the two or three killer travel days.

I get the feeling he's gonna need to hire a sherpa (young stud) to help with these trips pretty soon. I'd love to experience a week with him in the woods sometime.


"

That's kind of a myth that if you don't eat fresh foods your eating bland. Lot's of us spend lots of time in the off season preparing some pretty sweet meals. Freeze dried? No... Spend a little time in the food threads and use a little imagination and your eating meals on par with the heavy fresh. And many of us do bring in a certain amount of fresh. But realistically, when you have to carry everything yourself... Your gonna cut weight and do it with minimal loss of flavor. So have fun carrying jugs of frozen water so you can eat steak vs walleye. Haha.

On another note: Lori did do a great job writing up about the challenge. I'm not able to do that kind of paddling myself. But I think it's pretty neat that BeaV and others do this. And I think GrandmaL is a rock star for supporting the efforts.

I get a kick out of Stu and his "really livin'" fresh food philosophy. Carrying milk for breakfast cereal is not about "really livin,'" it's about rigidity. Now, I don't care one bit what one wishes to carry, and if you want to carry milk into the B'Dub, good for you. Same with beer kegs, lawn chairs and bug tents. But if one can't find a suitable breakfast replacement that doesn't involve carrying in pounds of water...well, I just don't get it. I wouldn't want to carry that pack.

We don't subsist solely on freeze-dried, but many of our meals are. Freeze-dried food has come a long way since I started tripping, when the only choices were chili mac and turkey tetrazzini. I find them very good, filling and easy. Supplemented with some biscuits made over the stove and dessert, I find freeze dried to be a fine dinner. They are quick to make, too and minimal clean up. For someone who always wants to get his clients "on the big fish" all the time, I'll bet a lot of time is spent peeling and boiling potatoes and grilling. But meals can be about camaraderie, so maybe that's baked in to his philosophy (pun kind of intended.)

It's Stu's magazine and Stu can put in it whatever he wants.

Mike

Like someone once said....

'whatever floats your boat'

dr bob

DrBobDg: "Like someone once said....


'whatever floats your boat'


dr bob"

Yep. Folks claim they do not care what Stu does, then attack what he does. Weird.

I have done both types of trips, and both have their pros and cons, just like anything else.

Frenchy19: "

DrBobDg: "Like someone once said....



'whatever floats your boat'



dr bob"

Yep. Folks claim they do not care what Stu does, then attack what he does. Weird.


I have done both types of trips, and both have their pros and cons, just like anything else. "

Sorry, guess I thought it over the top arrogant to say because he spends x number of days out there he's superior to the collective wisdom of many who collectively spend more time out there than one person can in a years time. There is so much more out there besides fresh or freeze dried. So my statement was more of a defence, the article was more the "attack".

I was a BWJ subscriber from the very beginning. After 10 years It started to get redundant for me, plus I got out of paddling for a time so I stopped my subscription.. I got back into paddling 10 years ago and last year I thought I'd give BWJ another try. I love the article about BeaV . With that being said, Stu's very long article Revelations of a Canoe Country Guide lost my interest. unless your new to wilderness tripping you'll learn nothing new other than he really doesn't like wilderness travels who travel light. It's obvious he doesn't understand the benefits of sit and switch paddling technique either.I love the pictures, but with about 20 percent of the magazine being of interest to me I'll probably let my subscription run out.

Ben-I was not not referring to you.

Blatz-Agree with you on pretty much everything you said. I started to read that specific article, and then I stopped. There are still enough other interesting articles to keep me subscribing; in addition to the two I mentioned at the start of this thread, I also enjoyed reading about the dentist and his three teens paddling to Cache lake. I also enjoy the pics.

Yes indeed Stu is a guy with strong convictions. I'm cool with that.......I have some strong convictions myself ;-) Obviously it works extremely well for him and I would like to trip with him some day but I cant justify spending the money to rent him out. I cant imagine being able to do a trip however without getting my feet wet. Seems sort of impractical to me. I just embrace the whole wet foot thing and jump in and wade out. I like lifting packs which are already waist level, call me nutty I guess!

And yes it would be sort of crazy neat to be able to eat like he does..........but eating is not super high on my priority list and I just eat whatever and power up with a powdered nutritional supplement. But a trip where we eat really well might be in the works when I get to be an old base camping codger (with all due respect etc. etc.) and I will probably purchase some of his equipment eventually.

As per twig stoves I am super fond of the solo stove which seems state of the art. I do not know how it compares with the Kettle. There are probably some comparisons on line somewhere (maybe at the site "adventures in stoving"??)

Anyways...........I am enjoying my BWJ issue and think it is one of the better issues as of late. I am envious of Beav being able to push like that. But even if I could, i'm not sure I would. While I lead a purpose driven life, canoe trips included, I am not sure I would risk life and limb. Risk averse? (chicken is more like it LOL) I'm not paddling and portaging in the dark completely exhausted especially if there isnt a 13 lb walleye involved ;-)

For me, I can carry in all the seasoning I need for my week of vacation. I cook at home and find it relaxing to watch water boiling with dinner to be ready in 10 minutes. We do carry in individual sized fruit cups and desserts. My biggest problem with this thread has to do with the fact that my BWJ had not found it's way into the post box.

mastertangler: "As per twig stoves I am super fond of the solo stove which seems state of the art. I do not know how it compares with the Kettle. There are probably some comparisons on line somewhere (maybe at the site "adventures in stoving"??)"

You can get the solo on sale now for $59.49 with free shipping...

primitiveguy: "The barefooted kayaking forager is an incredible story for Stu to publish. Especially eating as much fish as possible. 80 -100 night trips every year! Mind boggling. "

Nice article. I like a little variety.
Time flies,but it must of been 2013 I met Mark the first week of June at Prairie Portage while picking up my permit. I was heading toward North bay of Basswood in Canada doing a solo and he was heading toward U.S. point on Basswood in the U.S..
Well we had a good visit and very enjoyable talk and I could see we both could talk forever about the wilderness area and the BWCA and all it has to offer and his adventures and his Kayak. Well we both had to get going so we paddled together up to Baily Bay(I headed north and he headed west) and had a very good talk and conversation. Hope to visit him someday in the future along the waterway. Keep paddling Mark.

Mark has commented on this forum awhile back about his trips etc.. so he listens in I know sometimes at least.

This issue is pretty reflective of my normal reaction to the BWJ. A lot of good and interesting human interest stories, which I greatly appreciate. Well written and many are captivating, as was GrandmaL's on BeaV. These are the stories and photos that keep my subscribing.
Stu and I have diametrically opposed views on canoeing, each of us wedded to our own way of doing it. I typically don't read his articles as I don't like what I think is a preachy approach he takes to his way being the only right way. On the other hand, it's his magazine so he gets to do what he wants, and it has worked well for him and us as far as sustaining the publication of a magazine that many of us appreciate.
I respect the way Stu trips and enjoys it, even though I would never do it that way. Not so sure Stu is as accepting of a more minimalist approach. In the back of my mind I think he does this on purpose just to get some of us riled up and talking about the magazine, and it works! Perhaps the guy is a PR genius!

I appreciate Stu including my article in this issue of the BWJ! It brings a different perspective to BWCA travel.
I have personally been paddling on BWCA trips for well over 50 years. I have done push travel trips, tripped with infant grandkids, base camped and all thing in between, but being the support person for the BWCA Border (Kruger) Challenge was one of the all-time highs in my BWCA experiences. I was privileged to get to know the paddlers, watch them achieve great things as they struggled against time and the elements. Then, I was able to document their successes! BeaV and all the Challengers each had their personal triumph. I am certainly proud to have been able to "watch over" this highly adventurous group.
Next fall's Challenge is already taking shape. Dates are set and some have already committed to paddling the course again. I am glad to see some of our very own BWCA.com members have already added their names to the roster!

Overall it is a great magazine and better than I could put out. No I don't like some practices or articles but the majority I do. Not to thrilled on pinpoint locations of fishing spots.

Give credit where credit is do. Stu has probably got more people interested in going to the BWCA than anybody recently, by his articles. Thanks Stu.

Yes I think like all magazines a little variety is nice. I like his fall deer hunting around the BWCA each year.

primitiveguy: "The barefooted kayaking forager is an incredible story for Stu to publish. Especially eating as much fish as possible. 80 -100 night trips every year! Mind boggling. "

I wrote the article based on a brief meeting with Mark at Prairie Portage last September but didn't spend much time on it because, like you said, between the bare-footing and the fish-eating I wasn't sure Stu would print it.

Springer2: "

primitiveguy: "The barefooted kayaking forager is an incredible story for Stu to publish. Especially eating as much fish as possible. 80 -100 night trips every year! Mind boggling. "

I wrote the article based on a brief meeting with Mark at Prairie Portage but didn't spend much time on it because, like you said, between the bare-footing and the fish-eating I wasn't sure Stu would print it.


"

Nice write.
It is also nice to hear about different people their BWCA experience and personalities.

I think that is the same Kayak he started out with in 2012. He talked about maybe a different kayak or a solo canoe but must like his present outfit.

I wish I could pull up the discussion and report we had with Mark on this forum before. I tried,but no luck.

I'm still waiting to receive my first issue.

So who's more of a maniac?

1) border route paddlers
2) poetic QueticoMike
3) a barefoot portager

The answer is obviously between #2 and 3. :)

BeaV: "I'm still waiting to receive my first issue.


So who's more of a maniac?


1) border route paddlers
2) poetic QueticoMike
3) a barefoot portager


The answer is obviously between #2 and 3. :)"

did you bounce a bad check on Stu.??? Have had mine for over a week already......

dr bob

Regarding the Border route speed crossing - I'm surprised more young people haven't stepped up. It would be interesting to see how fit twenty somethings fare against BeaV.

I think this takes a lot more than being a fast paddler. And just because BeaV is an alien from another planet shouldn't disqualify him.

BeaV: "I'm still waiting to receive my first issue.


So who's more of a maniac?


1) border route paddlers
2) poetic QueticoMike
3) a barefoot portager


The answer is obviously between #2 and 3. :)"

when we say "maniac" we mean in a most loving way!! ;)

Frenchy19: "Anyone have any experience with the Kelly Kettle mentioned in one of the articles?"

I have the Scout model, it works well and heats water pretty quickly. It's a neat design with the tapered chimney, but I just don't use it much. I tend to basecamp with the kids, so we have a fire going anyway and I bring a regular kettle along for water (whisperlite as backup).

pswith5: "

BeaV: "I'm still waiting to receive my first issue.
So who's more of a maniac?
1) border route paddlers
2) poetic QueticoMike
3) a barefoot portager

The answer is obviously between #2 and 3. :)"

when we say "maniac" we mean in a most loving way!! ;)"

Ahh... so I am an alien maniacal bad check writing paddler. If you could see me, I am smiling. Thanks all.

Even though I haven't received my journal yet, I did get to see the article prior to submission. Sounds like it got edited down a bit. Did they include any photos? Stu lectured me on the need to take high resolution photos. I didn't bring a camera with me on that trip. He said "a camera weighs next to nothing and time lost taking photos is minimal". Hmmm....every ounce and every minute on a trip like that counts.

I still don’t have my Spring BWJ yet. I called BWJ and they said it should be here in Iowa by early next week. Not sure why there is such a delay on its delivery.

The gal said if it doesn’t show by the end of next week ... to give BWJ a call and they will send out the Spring issue to me right away.

I really look forward to receiving BWJ to help pass the time ... especially with this cold crappy weather we have been getting.

Wally13: "I still don’t have my Spring BWJ yet. I called BWJ and they said it should be here in Iowa by early next week. Not sure why there is such a delay on its delivery.


The gal said if it doesn’t show by the end of next week ... to give BWJ a call and they will send out the Spring issue to me right away.


I really look forward to receiving BWJ to help pass the time ... especially with this cold crappy weather we have been getting. "

Wow, I must be living right... got mine here in the Cedar Rapids area about a week and a half ago!

I wonder where they are distributed from-the town site?

They just started with a new printer. That think everything will be delivered within 3 weeks, or a week from yesterday. I just got mine today, so don't despair!

TomT: "I just finished the article on the Kruger Challenge along the border route. Very well written. There's two kinds of people and I'm on the side of those where doing this doesn't appeal to them. Paddling and portaging (lakes not rivers) in the dark might have some appeal but I just don't need that type of exhaustion in my life at this point. (I'm 58)


And seriously, doing the Pigeon River and the Grand Portage in the dark would test me beyond what I'm capable of. But on that note, I can't wait to follow along next years challenge.



"

agreed. doing it in the daylight is an accomplishment enough for this older fart.

Blatz: "I was a BWJ subscriber from the very beginning. After 10 years It started to get redundant for me, plus I got out of paddling for a time so I stopped my subscription.. I got back into paddling 10 years ago and last year I thought I'd give BWJ another try. I love the article about BeaV . With that being said, Stu's very long article Revelations of a Canoe Country Guide lost my interest. unless your new to wilderness tripping you'll learn nothing new other than he really doesn't like wilderness travels who travel light. It's obvious he doesn't understand the benefits of sit and switch paddling technique either.I love the pictures, but with about 20 percent of the magazine being of interest to me I'll probably let my subscription run out."

that was well put, and where i am as well, next summer will be my last issue.

BeaV: "

pswith5: "

BeaV: "I'm still waiting to receive my first issue.
So who's more of a maniac?
1) border route paddlers
2) poetic QueticoMike
3) a barefoot portager


The answer is obviously between #2 and 3. :)"

when we say "maniac" we mean in a most loving way!! ;)"

Ahh... so I am an alien maniacal bad check writing paddler. If you could see me, I am smiling. Thanks all.


Even though I haven't received my journal yet, I did get to see the article prior to submission. Sounds like it got edited down a bit. Did they include any photos? Stu lectured me on the need to take high resolution photos. I didn't bring a camera with me on that trip. He said "a camera weighs next to nothing and time lost taking photos is minimal". Hmmm....every ounce and every minute on a trip like that counts."

Apparently a trip like that is one of those things Stu just doesn't quite "get" . . . :)