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07/16/2018 10:22AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hey All!

My wife has agreed to come along on a BWCA trip in two weeks. This will only be her second trip. We are entering through Little Indian Sioux North on the 28th for 4 days.

A few years back when we were dating, she tagged along with me for a short weekend trip up to Basswood through Fall Lake. These were my earlier years of tripping, and I packed mostly dehydrated meals, we rented a canoe, slept with flimsy sleeping pads, no camp chairs/hammock etc. She didn’t hate the trip, but I could tell she wasn’t loving it either.

Fast forward to today, I have my own canoe with comfy canoe seat backs, nice inflatable sleeping pads, I’ve started perfecting my meal planning (fresh meals, no dehydrated packs), camp stoves, hammocks, better water system etc.

I want this trip to be much more comfortable and enjoyable for her, and I’m wondering if anyone here has some additional ideas/input for improving comfort that I may not be considering?

Any comfort items that I should consider?
Any items female-specific that I need to remember?
 
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07/16/2018 11:31AM  
Sounds like you got most of the big things for comfort.

Being able to sit comfortably in the canoe and around the fire is big.

Being able to sleep comfortably is of course huge.

Enjoying a good meal as well as perhaps some surprise treats can really lift morale.

A glass of wine or her beverage of choice can also add to an evening of relaxation.

In terms of gear the only thing else I might suggest is some sort of bug shelter if the bugs really irritate her. Most pack up pretty small and can be added to a tarp to give your ceiling some walls.

If you've got the gear covered my only other suggestion would be to tailor the trip more toward her desires. My wife values relaxation and the ability to chill while in the BWCA, she also loves swimming. So I plan trips without big travel that allow plenty of down time. I also pick campsites with an eye toward swimming. I also need to temper my desire to spend all day fishing. I do some fishing but its a secondary activity when its just the 2 of us.

Also if you didn't do it on your first trip make sure to prioritize time for sunset paddles. A quiet paddle on dead calm water as the sun is setting is a good way of making people fall in love with the BWCA.
 
07/16/2018 11:41AM  
Skarc75: "Hey All!

Any comfort items that I should consider?
Any items female-specific that I need to remember?
"


For female-specific, see if she's interested in a p-style. This is the best of the female urination devices, IMO. I used it a lot when I went on a longer trip last year; on a shorter trip this year with hardly any portages I didn't use it at all. (It was nicest to use when I needed to go when we weren't near a latrine, and on this last trip latrines were plentiful and portages were short.) I was able to use a p-style in the woods near a portage (just like a guy) and no one was the wiser.

For comfort: a camp chair, and you do most of the work. LOL. However, there is something about the satisfaction of doing hard work and getting it done, but I think that really only comes from surviving a hard paddle or a tough portage: not cooking and doing the dishes. ;) Maybe bring a treat to pull out for after a difficult situation is over?

It might also be a good idea to make sure she knows how to use equipment so she's not dependent on you entirely.
 
mastertangler
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07/16/2018 11:54AM  
Geez pretty hard to improve on what No-fish has stated.

I would suggest some pre trip homework......the book the 5 love languages wouldn't hurt to understand. If your wife's primary love language is "words of affirmation" then I would be lavish with praise......"I'm so glad your here","your doing great" etc.

If her primary love language is touch then I would be giving her lots of hugs and little pats continually throughout the day.

If it is gifts then I would have some rather special surprises etc.

The other thing that I would be very careful not to do is to react to any negative comments she puts forth. You may have gone to great lengths, expense and high hopes and when it still isn't satisfactory the natural reaction is to get offended. DO NOT go there. Ask her what else you can do for her.......this might be like turning a large ship, it may take a while and near the very end she may start liking it provided no unpleasant interactions poison the well beforehand.
 
allfish
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07/16/2018 12:33PM  
Send her to Aruba every time you go to the BW!!!
 
07/16/2018 12:56PM  
Nofish, I'm going to incorporate a few of your ideas into my itinerary. I like the idea of a special treat/wine, she'd definitely go for that. I also like the idea of sunset paddles, down time at camp (she likes to read), and find a few good swimming sites.
As far as a bug shelter, without sending this into the gear forum, what would you recommend? I have a CCS 10X14. Can an enclosure be added to something like this?

Nojobro, thank you, I need to ask her about the p-style. I bet she'd like that. I hadn't even thought about this.

MT, your last paragraph is wonderful advice. I'll be thinking about that.

 
07/16/2018 01:17PM  
I've seen a variety of different bug shelter options. Everything from shelters designed specifically for certain tarps down to shelters people made themselves out of readily available mosquito netting.

I don't have a suggestion that I know would work with the exact tarp you are using but I suspect with a bit of looking you can find something that could be hung in conjunction with your existing tarp and ropes.

One idea I've tossed around is I've seen netting for hanging over a queen sized bed. I've seen it for $10-15 for a fairly large net that could be modified to work under many tarp set ups.
 
HayRiverDrifter
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07/16/2018 03:09PM  
Make sure she is setup properly for portaging. Keep her pack weight very manageable. Help her put on her pack.

Make sure she has a head net and remind her to put it on before you are on shore. Bring some rubber gloves that she can put on in case they are biting her hands. Does she have bug proof clothing? I have pants and shirt that bugs cannot bite through. In short, bug proof her.

Consider some sort of sun shower so she can freshen up away from the lake.

MT suggestion on love languages is great. We tend to show love the way we like to be loved. Maybe ask her if there is another marriage type book that the two of you can read while on the trip.

When camping, I cook. My wife does not. I also do dishes.
 
07/16/2018 04:51PM  
allfish: "Send her to Aruba every time you go to the BW!!!"


Plus 1. My wife goes on a cruise every year. She does take me, so that is the best of both worlds for me.

Do take a battery powered bug whacker for the tent. Come up under them as that seems to be where they do not see you coming until it too late. Looks like a sawed off tennis racket.
 
Swampturtle
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07/16/2018 07:05PM  
 
brantlars
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07/16/2018 07:51PM  
Viagra
 
Northwoodsman
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07/16/2018 08:43PM  
Nemo Bugout 9 x 9.
 
heypaddler
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07/16/2018 09:02PM  
My advice:

Keep the trip short. Be prepared to leave suddenly if the weather is bad or if she just doesn't want to do it anymore.

Stay in one place. Don't change sites every night. Keep the portages minimal. I would probably do 2 portages at most. The goal is to get her hooked and then amp up the challenge.

Good luck! Have fun!
 
mjmkjun
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07/17/2018 03:57AM  
allfish: "Send her to Aruba every time you go to the BW!!!"

ha ha! had a similar response in mind.
she's either going to take to it or not. You've made it much more a comfy zone than trip before. Those items you mentioned do make a difference compared to the 'roughing it' method of no creature comforts.
air mat, chair w/back support & permethrin applied to clothes are game changers. oh! add a seat cushion to canoe seat to avoid sore butt. That's all I've got.
Enjoy!
 
heavylunch
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07/17/2018 07:16AM  
Read the Love Language book if you haven't. Other than figuring out those simple languages and adjusting accordingly, I would just talk with her about what she enjoys and doesn't enjoy about the trips and tailor things to her preferences if she has them and you don't. Here are some examples:

Likes clear lakes, wants to see waterfalls, doesn't want to do dishes but doesn't mind cooking over camp stove, wants to spend more time bird watching or day tripping rather than fishing, can't sleep with people who snore so pick campsites where you can setup tents far apart. Would like to do a couple day trips centered around hiking. The list could go on and on and all are easily possible.

 
arm2008
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07/17/2018 08:44AM  
Swampturtle: "This shower...
Sea to summit pocket shower "


2nd this. Heat some water for her to use in it so she can wash up. Wash up a little yourself - how much depends on what she finds attractive :-)
 
arm2008
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07/17/2018 08:47AM  
Can you take a paddle or two before going so she doesn't feel incompetent when it comes to the boat? Make sure to communicate expectations and plans in advance, and be prepared to change them if needed.

If she's the type that wants to help, make sure she knows the ropes. Show her in advance how to set up the stove, or pitch the tent, or pack the bags. Nobody enjoys feeling like an idiot, so set her up for success.

If she loads the bag a little different than you, doesn't get the tent quite taut, draws instead of pries - don't criticize, don't critique, don't fix it (unless it's a big safety issue), don't instruct unless she wants instruction. Share some stories about dumb things you've done on trips, before she does something dumb.

Let her know you're excited about sharing this with her, and that your current equipment is much more advanced than the first time :-)
 
arm2008
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07/17/2018 08:58AM  
Skarc75: "
Any items female-specific that I need to remember?
"

Oh, yeh, some women stuff. So, if she's still having a period/menstruating some things to consider.
- Research shows that bears are not super attracted to menstrual blood, nor do they attack menstruating women more than anyone else. If she has concerns about this let her know it's a non-issue. Do Women On Their Period Attract Bears? New Study Busts This Myth
- Used sanitary products like pads and tampons need to be carried out. Learn a little about it, then get her input, and help get the supplies around. Don't just put it all on her to take care of - this can be a big stumbling block for women to get outdoors, and you want her there with you so you don't want this to stop her. Here's a starting point, do a google search on camping with your period for more: Backpacking With Your Period
- Make sure she has enough opportunities to stop and change her pad/tampon if she's menstruating on your trip. It's a big downer to overflow.
 
07/17/2018 06:36PM  
You guys and gals are awesome!

That love language book is getting a ton of praise. I'll hit my library tomorrow and look for it.
For those of you who suggested it, I will be hitting a local lake this weekend to get her out in the canoe. We've done some kayak paddling this summer, and only 1 short canoe paddle last year together.
I also greatly appreciate the help with the female specific items. I'm oblivious to those sorts of things!

 
07/17/2018 09:43PM  
+2 on the shower or at least a way for her to wash up and wash her hair. You might offer to help her by pouring water to rinse, etc.
Get good tp - multiple rolls. Also hand sanitizer.
Also ask her what she wants to bring.
 
allfish
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07/18/2018 07:20AM  
Seriously, one of my BW/Q buds would make a second trip up there with his GF, we would always go in June for the hot fishing, he would always make the second trip up there after Labor Day into Quetico, Bugs not so much of a deal then...
 
newguy
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07/18/2018 08:59AM  
Ask your wife what would make the trip better.
 
mastertangler
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07/18/2018 02:11PM  
allfish: "Seriously, one of my BW/Q buds would make a second trip up there with his GF, we would always go in June for the hot fishing, he would always make the second trip up there after Labor Day into Quetico, Bugs not so much of a deal then..."


That is very much the case. It was a bit of a learning curve to get on the fish but sitting in camp with few if any bugs is sort of nice. I have learned to embrace August tripping.........weather is typically rather stable and the bugs are mostly gone, nice!
 
07/18/2018 03:05PM  
mastertangler: "
allfish: "Seriously, one of my BW/Q buds would make a second trip up there with his GF, we would always go in June for the hot fishing, he would always make the second trip up there after Labor Day into Quetico, Bugs not so much of a deal then..."



That is very much the case. It was a bit of a learning curve to get on the fish but sitting in camp with few if any bugs is sort of nice. I have learned to embrace August tripping.........weather is typically rather stable and the bugs are mostly gone, nice! "


The bugs are very much a concern for me on this trip. Ive been dropping gentle hints about best clothing and preparations for the flies during the day and mosquitoes at dusk.
I really like the idea of Nemo bugout, but I just invested in my CCS tarp this season, and I'm reluctant to spend the additional money. I will be bringing an inexpensive bug net that's approximately 6x6. I'm thinking I'll be able to rig this up under my tarp if necessary.

Update -
I purchased the P-Style and shower system, appreciate the recommendations!
 
Twins87
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07/18/2018 04:20PM  
If you are concerned about bugs...here's something that you might want to look in to. We started bringing one two years ago and have loved the results. Impulse buy at the store and we've never regretted it.

Thermacell


I am far more willing to take long trips... move camp... deal with the bugs... sleep on the ground... etc than my husband is. We both like canoe country tripping but I am much more the driver of our canoe trips. We rented a cabin for a week this year because he wanted to sleep in a bed at night and have more shelter than a tent. So then I planned two canoe trips as well ;-)

Ask her what matters most to her. Don't presume that there are a lot of things that will be needed because of her gender. I could care less about a shower. Brought one once... and never used it. I thought I would but it just sat there on the rock warming up and then we had a windy day and I decided it didn't matter much. I use wipes to take a sponge bath if i feel gross.

Let us know how the trip goes!
 
07/18/2018 04:30PM  
It looks to me like your gear improvements will help a lot. My wife and I permethrin our cloths and packs and it works very well. You can buy it almost anywhere. Make sure you follow directions and apply liberally, you will need a few cans to cover everything. We also bring a Thermacell unit for camp. They work great if low/no wind. At sunset we just get in the tent. You can come back out in an hour or so and 9 out of 10 times the bug are almost all gone. I must be honest with you, my wife is one tough Czech, I am usually the only one to give in and use the Deet. If your wife really doesn't like bugs you shouldn't be going in the summer, try the fall. It has the advantage of less people too.
Some people just aren't into the roughing it, nature thing. I hope she get hooked on the BW, but you might find Allfish is on to something.
 
giddyup
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07/18/2018 09:55PM  
Maybe your wife would like to join the site if she hasn't already, and then join the women's only forum to ask questions or discuss things she might be uncomfortable with or need more information about.
 
Fried Fish
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07/18/2018 10:02PM  
A hammock to lounge, read, nap.
 
carmike
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07/19/2018 12:07AM  
One option that's not gender-specific is a closed-cell foam pad -- Thermarest makes one (z-rest, I think?) and Big Agnes just came out with a new one. The Wally World blue mats work great, too. Cut it to, I dunno, 2 or 3 feet and use it for sitting on the rocks by the lake, or the logs around the fire, or as a pad to stand on while taking boots/socks off outside tent, or as a pad in the backpack to make it easier to carry, or as a supplement to a sleeping pad...I'm sure there are more uses, but that's my suggestion. :)
 
mjmkjun
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07/19/2018 03:48AM  
giddyup: "Maybe your wife would like to join the site if she hasn't already, and then join the women's only forum to ask questions or discuss things she might be uncomfortable with or need more information about. "

Great idea! One can learn so much from just browsing those previous postings, too.
 
mastertangler
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07/19/2018 05:30AM  
carmike: "One option that's not gender-specific is a closed-cell foam pad -- Thermarest makes one (z-rest, I think?) and Big Agnes just came out with a new one. The Wally World blue mats work great, too. Cut it to, I dunno, 2 or 3 feet and use it for sitting on the rocks by the lake, or the logs around the fire, or as a pad to stand on while taking boots/socks off outside tent, or as a pad in the backpack to make it easier to carry, or as a supplement to a sleeping pad...I'm sure there are more uses, but that's my suggestion. :) "


Not a bad idea. I cut my Z rest into strips and bolt atop my gunnels to quiet my paddle when I set it down to cast. Z rest is a very versatile product and basically indestructible.

The other thing which might be nifty, and is alongside with Carmikes idea, is what Stu uses when cooking. A large plastic groundsheet of sorts. I know that would be something my wife would think is a great idea (me, not so much).
 
07/19/2018 08:25AM  
Another thing that really helps some people is enough light. Area lamps and hat lights do a great job of making you not feel surrounded by the darkness. At night that can be an issue for some people. The dark can even make them feel a little claustrophobic because it feels line their world has shrunk down around them. Shutting the lights off can help with this too. Let her eyes adjust to the night and see the stars.

A citronella candle or two can help with bug repellant. I tried one last trip and setting it near the tent door 10 min before we went in helped keep the bugs out of the tent. Mosquitoes in the tent drives some people nuts. If you can cut down on the ones that get in then fully light up the tent and make sure any that did get in are killed then she might sleep better.

Get her opinion on things. Some people don't like tripping all that much because they are going with someone else that is controlling the whole trip. You need to make it her trip too, instead of her along for your trip. Involve her in the planning, refuse to make some decisions so she is calling some of the shots. Give her a copy of the maps, the better copy, and try to get her to navigate without putting all the pressure on her. If you just have her go along for the ride then it can feel like all she is there for is the work while you have your fun. Get her invested in making it a fun trip, that is when it becomes a rewarding experience.

Plan your activities together. You aren't going to be in the canoe the whole time. What sorts of things are you going to do at the campsite? What games does she like? Are you sitting in the sun reading a book or fishing from shore while she is bored or goes to take a nap? Little things like card games and small pleasures make a big difference. For my buddy and me, it was sipping wine/brandy while smoking cigars and playing cribbage in our chairs under the tarp with a great view of the lake. We used a pack as a wind break and a butt pad as a table. Something as simple as that was a real high point of the trip. It let us recharge our batteries, mentally and physically. The year before it was exploring a waterfall and rapids then just sitting there with our feet in the water taking pictures, eating snacks, and passing a sipping drink. How you take in the moment matters, figure out how you can do that with her.
 
07/19/2018 09:02AM  
And never get " Too tired to start a fire"...
 
carmike
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07/19/2018 12:49PM  
mastertangler: "


Not a bad idea. I cut my Z rest into strips and bolt atop my gunnels to quiet my paddle when I set it down to cast. Z rest is a very versatile product and basically indestructible.


The other thing which might be nifty, and is alongside with Carmikes idea, is what Stu uses when cooking. A large plastic groundsheet of sorts. I know that would be something my wife would think is a great idea (me, not so much). "


Ah, another use I've never thought of. I can't think of another piece of gear that gets used as much as it does.
 
2NDpaddlers
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07/19/2018 02:25PM  
Nemo Bugout 9x9 shelter -- $199
 
07/19/2018 03:17PM  
nctry: "And never get " Too tired to start a fire"..."


How about too gross from the portages and bug spray?
 
mastertangler
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07/19/2018 03:51PM  
carmike: "
mastertangler: "



Not a bad idea. I cut my Z rest into strips and bolt atop my gunnels to quiet my paddle when I set it down to cast. Z rest is a very versatile product and basically indestructible.



The other thing which might be nifty, and is alongside with Carmikes idea, is what Stu uses when cooking. A large plastic groundsheet of sorts. I know that would be something my wife would think is a great idea (me, not so much). "



Ah, another use I've never thought of. I can't think of another piece of gear that gets used as much as it does. "


I cannot advocate for the Z-rest however as a sleeping pad. I backpacked around Mt Rainier (Wonderland trail) and unfortunately used the z-rest as my sleeping pad. Longest nights of my life (lol). We made peace about 7 or 8 days into the trip and slept OK after that.

I believe winter campers utilize this piece of gear as the first layer in a sleep system and it seems like it would be well suited for that purpose.
 
lundojam
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07/19/2018 08:07PM  
Get lots of buy-in by asking for input on everything. "Should we eat lunch now or at the campsite on Lynx? Do you wanna fish today or just chill? What should I make for lunch? Help me figure out this map. Help me figure out what kind of bird this is. What do you want to do tomorrow?"
Just not all in a row. :)

Also, she should be in charge of half the stuff. It isn't your trip and she's coming with, it is both of yours.

Tripping with my wife is the highlight of my entire existence.
 
proepro
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07/19/2018 10:25PM  
Baby wipes
 
07/19/2018 11:06PM  
A1t2o: "
nctry: "And never get " Too tired to start a fire"..."

How about too gross from the portages and bug spray?"

Don't forget the heat. Not to mention that while the expeds are great for sleeping, I personally find them and the whole "romance in a tent" rather awkward and uncomfortable. A nice fire and snuggling is just fine with me. Then again, we've been married for a really long time.
 
andym
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07/20/2018 02:51AM  
Just in general, with any tripping partner, it makes trips better to include people in the planning. Of course, a thread like this helps bring up lots of ideas to discuss with her and maybe a few for surprises (favorite dessert or drink). Who doesn’t like that?

As for staying clean, we just try to swim every day. Of course, no soap is involved but it works well for us. Afterwards, drying on a rock or warming up in the tent is wonderful. My wife loves swimming and shows no interest in a solar shower. She’s also very tolerant of cold water.

She also couldn’t care about chairs and is perfectly fine on a log or sitting cross legged on the ground. So it really is all individual.
 
andym
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07/20/2018 03:02AM  
We rented a NEMO bug out for a recent short trip. I didn’t want to invest in gear for July that we wouldn’t use it during our usual late season trips that cover some distance. But it was good for a short basecamping trip. We had the 12x12 for 6 people and it is pretty big and heavy. it made the kids happy which was important. So, you don’t have to buy.
 
07/20/2018 08:44AM  
lundojam: "Get lots of buy-in by asking for input on everything. "Should we eat lunch now or at the campsite on Lynx? Do you wanna fish today or just chill? What should I make for lunch? Help me figure out this map. Help me figure out what kind of bird this is. What do you want to do tomorrow?"
Just not all in a row. :)


Also, she should be in charge of half the stuff. It isn't your trip and she's coming with, it is both of yours.


Tripping with my wife is the highlight of my entire existence."


Great advice!
I've started asking some of these questions. seems like she really wants to spend time relaxing at the campsites. My intel shows that she will probably enjoy reading in a hammock. Great for me, I will be sitting at the water edge with a slip bobber.
 
07/20/2018 08:47AM  
andym: "We rented a NEMO bug out for a recent short trip. I didn’t want to invest in gear for July that we wouldn’t use it during our usual late season trips that cover some distance. But it was good for a short basecamping trip. We had the 12x12 for 6 people and it is pretty big and heavy. it made the kids happy which was important. So, you don’t have to buy. "


Thanks for the advice, andy.
Where did you end up renting the NEMO bugout? Outfitter in Ely?
 
07/20/2018 08:48AM  
proepro: "Baby wipes"


Already packed!
 
07/20/2018 08:48AM  
giddyup: "Maybe your wife would like to join the site if she hasn't already, and then join the women's only forum to ask questions or discuss things she might be uncomfortable with or need more information about. "


My evil plan is to get her hooked to the point that she will want to join the site!
 
proepro
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07/20/2018 09:37AM  
Skarc75: "
proepro: "Baby wipes"



Already packed!"


Big ones are nice for removing bug spray ect in the tent before going to bed. The little ones in a pouch are nice for washing hands before snacks or meals on the trail or in the boat.

Make sure she has a small version of her favorite hair brush or comb. If she uses dry shampoo think about a small container of it might be nice on days she doesn't swim. A microfiber towel to dry her hair after swimming would also be nice.

You covered bug clothes don't forget the right shoes for all the activities like portaging and around camp. swimming shoes are important because of the abundance of fishhooks. There was a good discussion of portage shoes recently in the gear section.

You chose a nice EP. However, last year one of the campsites on Shell had two full latrines. So check that she likes the facility location and condition before choosing a campsite. Find a good hammock spot on the lake and you can relax together.

Wake her after midnight one night and show her the stars.

Take lots of pictures of the two of you together she can enjoy when your get home.

It sounds like you are respecting what she will need to enjoy the trip. You should enjoy it. My grandparents never went to the BWCA but they had a canoe and loved paddling on the Hudson or anywhere else they could go. It was a big part of their marriage. The communication between them for steering was flawless. I don't know if it was more a sign of their closeness or a contributor to it. Either one could steer or paddle.

let us know how it goes. I am a little envious my wife is allergenic to mosquitoes...
 
andym
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07/20/2018 01:09PM  
We rented the bugout from Piragis. Note that they do not include any poles with the rental (none come with the bugout). We used one tarp pole that I have for our CCS tarp. If you don't have one then you might need to find a downed tree branch to serve as one.

Having taken a couple of tries to figure it out, here are my tips on setup.

There are two corners with zippers that are diagonally opposite each other. Those are the taller corners. Tie their lines to two trees, pretty high up (but, of course, low enough that the walls make it to the ground). Now you have good access.

The other two corners can either tie to trees or in one case we used a pole to hold up that corner and the line to provide tension to the ground. Their
manual shows this with hiking poles. I think the manual is inside the tags on the bag but I didn't notice it and so had to make it up on the go. We then put one other line up to a tree along a side and staked it down in a few places (stakes were included).

We can also enjoy a long day in camp relaxing. On our long trips, these are also laundry days and we call it "playing house." We also spend them swimming and in one case a moose decided to spend the entire day nearby and so we spent it staring at him. This month we had a cornucopia of wildlife in view of (or in) our campsite including loons, eagles, ducks, geese, a beaver, frogs, and squirrels. Sometimes you can sit still and let the wildlife come to you.
 
Chicagored
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07/20/2018 07:56PM  
I highly recommend the thermocell which was mentioned earlier to keep the bugs away. Also a luci light or two. Its an inexpensive solar lantern that's also great for reading in the tent.
 
Grandma L
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07/20/2018 08:30PM  
Good chair and great shower - along with a comfortable bed!!
 
07/21/2018 05:50AM  
First trip, I went on Big Sag. Went to an island for two days, then paddled to another island for two days and Gunsmoke had a great time. Second time, we paddled Big Sag, Red Rock, Alpine, to Seagull and she had a great time. Third time we paddled to Fourtown where I my back went out and now she realized that even though Fourtown is crowded, it's still remote when it comes to an injury. Because of that and other reasons, she's not excited about going back again!

I guess the moral is take an easy trip the first time and don't get hurt.
 
Swampturtle
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07/21/2018 08:27AM  
Skarc75: "
mastertangler: "
allfish: "Seriously, one of my BW/Q buds would make a second trip up there with his GF, we would always go in June for the hot fishing, he would always make the second trip up there after Labor Day into Quetico, Bugs not so much of a deal then..."




That is very much the case. It was a bit of a learning curve to get on the fish but sitting in camp with few if any bugs is sort of nice. I have learned to embrace August tripping.........weather is typically rather stable and the bugs are mostly gone, nice! "



The bugs are very much a concern for me on this trip. Ive been dropping gentle hints about best clothing and preparations for the flies during the day and mosquitoes at dusk.
I really like the idea of Nemo bugout, but I just invested in my CCS tarp this season, and I'm reluctant to spend the additional money. I will be bringing an inexpensive bug net that's approximately 6x6. I'm thinking I'll be able to rig this up under my tarp if necessary.


Update -
I purchased the P-Style and shower system, appreciate the recommendations! "


FYI, the shower is also great for hand washing or just rinsing. Remember if it has lake water in it, it is unfiltered & be aware of that. No gargling..haha.
Good for you on your purchases, sounds like just by being so proactive & thoughtful I feel she will already have a good time. Enjoy.
 
07/21/2018 07:03PM  
If she's willing to do some chores, with you or alone, make sure she knows how to do it but don't over-instruct. And if she's doing it slowly or differently than you would, bite your tongue and don't take over! If something absolutely needs to be corrected, be aware of your tone of voice. If you want her to help, It is ok if not everything is perfect, or done the way you would do it. There usually is more than one way to do things, and your way may not be the easiest way for her.

And if she doesn't like the dark woods at night, be prepared to escort her to the latrine without commenting or laughing. My sister in law needed an escort in a much tamer area. That was the only time we took her. She also didn't want to drink the water because fish pee in it. Probably don't want to tell your wife that.

Relax and enjoy. Enthusiasm is contagious!
 
proepro
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08/23/2018 06:09AM  
Skarc75

How did the trip go? Does she love the BWCA now?

 
08/23/2018 07:45AM  
proepro: "Skarc75, how did the trip go? Does she love the BWCA now? "

The trip was exceptional! Best weather imaginable and she now wants to make this an annual trip!

I'm working on a trip report; I'll have that up soon!
 
Twins87
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08/23/2018 09:59AM  
Skarc75: "
proepro: "Skarc75, how did the trip go? Does she love the BWCA now? "

The trip was exceptional! Best weather imaginable and she now wants to make this an annual trip!

I'm working on a trip report; I'll have that up soon!"


Awesome news! Glad it was a good trip. Looking forward to the report.
 
andym
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08/23/2018 11:35AM  
Awesomely! So glad you both had a good time.
 
Guest Paddler
  
08/23/2018 11:38AM  
andym: "Awesomely! So glad you both had a good time. "

Nice.
 
08/23/2018 01:34PM  
My trip report is up if anyone is interested!
I included some gear/idea reviews in the last day of the trip report. I tried to incorporate most of the items/ideas that you guys recommended to me.
 
yellowhorse
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08/24/2018 06:56AM  
Skarc75: "My trip report is up if anyone is interested!
I included some gear/idea reviews in the last day of the trip report. I tried to incorporate most of the items/ideas that you guys recommended to me."


GREAT report! Glad you enjoyed yourselves and props for catering things for your wife. Although I cringe knowing your steaks didn't make it to dinner!
 
Koselig
member (21)member
  
08/24/2018 01:40PM  
Just wanted to jump in and thank everyone for this thread. I have the same situation coming up for later September and this is a huge help reading through. Taking my wife in for her first overnight paddle. Done a handful of day trips but nothing with too much "work" involved.

My uncle many years my senior has an amazing story about his first year anniversary spent in the BWCA. He was an avid visitor in his youth, took his wife in for the first time on their first year anniversary. Let's say that a lack of planning combined with poor weather did not work for her ever making it back, but it did make for a great story. He actually didn't make it back for another 25+ years when his kids were off to college and him and I went back in!

Great work Skarc5 and I can only hope I can hear the words "let's make this an annual trip" when we are done. There was a brief moment in our planning where she had convinced me that she would rather walk then paddle and we were looking down the barrel of an angleworm entry point!

I have come to learn that although many people including myself would use the words, laid back, mellow and easy going to describe me that when it comes to BWCA I can become very "rigid." I think letting go of that will be the greatest chance I have!
 
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