We were heading into West Pike last Friday, 9/22 I think, just in time to see a float plane loaded with a canoe taking off. A plane evac is a big deal, and I’m wondering if anyone knows anything about it.

Thanks!

Not the same area, but same timeframe. Busy time of year for the float plane I guess?

Rescued in the Boundary Waters

I was on Meeds headed back into Poplar and saw a float plane heading that direction on Friday 9/22, wonder if it was the same one. Scary, since I had actually cancelled a John Lake permit for 9/21 with intentions of camping on West Pike myself on 9/22. I opted for another permit available because I was afraid of getting wind-bound on those lakes with the forecast they had. I ended up cutting the whole trip short and I'm glad I did after hearing some of the stories from that weekend up there.

Having a sat/com device saved the day. In addition to traveling with my InReach I also carry the same splint that the first responders used and a trauma kit that includes a blood clotting substance. One can never be too careful. I'm glad it worked out like it did for this guy.

I don't fault the guy in the above video for asking for an evacuation, but I do have a few critiques that might have kept him safer. He's lucky that that was the worst that happened.
Solos are inherently more dangerous, especially in the shoulder season. Some considerations might be:
*Choosing a route that might have more traffic and possible rescue in a reasonable amount of time.
*Always wear a life jacket when in the canoe. He wasn't wearing a life jacket, even when crossing big water in the wind.
*Wearing boots with good ankle support. I know many love sandals, but boots may have kept him from having the injury in the first place or lessening the severity of the strain.
* After a rough portage, especially the 3 miles he traveled before the injury, stop, rest, rehydrate and eat a snack. Pushing past exhaustion leads to mistakes and injuries.
I'm guilty of sometimes pushing past my comfort level, but I have on many occasions, recognized that I am not thinking as clearly as I should and have stopped for a rest or for the day, possibly preventing an accident caused by inattention or fatigue.
Keeping as safe as possible in the first place and having a plan on how to get ourselves out is our responsibility so we are less likely to need to call for a bailout. The In-Reach / Zoleo is an important tool to have if all else fails.

Was it broken or did he sprain it? I am waiting until the next day either way before I would make a decision like that.

Someone posted from the ER on the facebook group that they were on a solo and injured their foot, but it looks like they were down in Sawbill area. .... Chaco's and a heavy pack

I hate to pile on this guy, but no life jacket is just dumb. Calling for an emergency evac on a non-life threatening injury without giving it a day seems like an abuse of the system.

I wasn’t there and it wasn’t my ankle, so I could be way off the mark. I need to be on deaths door before I’m calling a plane in, though.

amhacker22: "I hate to pile on this guy, but no life jacket is just dumb. Calling for an emergency evac on a non-life threatening injury without giving it a day seems like an abuse of the system.


I wasn’t there and it wasn’t my ankle, so I could be way off the mark. I need to be on deaths door before I’m calling a plane in, though."

You’re not piling on this guy at all. He is obviously a ding dong and he unnecessarily put people at risk basically for a social media post. Everyone who watched the whole video can tell this nincompoop is starved for attention. He couldn’t quite get his fake tears to flow either. I’m happy that the pilot and volunteer were so kind and stayed safe but I hope this ankle-twisting influencer never returns.

Wow! Buy some good boots dude!!!

OMGitsKa: "Was it broken or did he sprain it? I am waiting until the next day either way before I would make a decision like that. "

"Just a gnarly sprain. It happens all the time, unfortunately"

His comment from the video linked.

Was this guy on West Pike? I'd like to think that I'd rest, elevate (the ankle), in the absence of ice, cold lake water, then compression. In the morning I'd take a mittful of Advil and Tylenol, wrap that ankle up/splint if necessary, paddle to the portage to Clearwater, pile up my gear, take what's minimally necessary, make the portage w/ the canoe (I realize it's 200+ rods), then it's only paddling to get to help on Clearwater, or the Clearwater Lodge at end of lake. Pay the lodge tow to retrieve your belongings, etc. Trying not to judge from afar, however, I saw little efforts (in as much of the video as I could stand to watch) at self-rescue. [if it's a sprain/a break is another matter]
Now I suppose I ought to change my name to 'the armchair quarterback'?! ;)

Couple thoughts - ya, there's a number of things others have already pointed out.

I'll comment on the sprain - he could have made it out without too much trouble. As someone who's sprained countless times from nearly 40 years of basketball, unless it's broke, you can almost always walk it off. The more you walk on it, the more it loosens up and the better it feels...until you stop, lol. Then it hurts like a SOB. However, the next portage, a couple ibuprofen and just power through it and you're fine.

If it's a first sprain, i get it, the pain is something you haven't felt before and you're unsure of what you can and can't do on it.

Regarding Rescued in the Boundary Waters. Keep your head up. Glad you made it out safely!!

I watched the first few minutes of his video.

Macho metal music - check.

Iron man drive - check.

Red Bull energy drink - check.

Paddling solo in in fall, windy open-water without a life vest - check.

Somehow the alpha-male persona seems rather incongruous with calling for an air strike. I'm not saying it was an inappropriate decision. But if it were me I'd probably avoid publishing a video with that narrative.

On another note, as far as anti-inflammatory drugs go, I recently broke my foot. I was prescribed Naproxen (Aleve) for a few days. Doc said Ibuprofen was fine but Aleve is superior. Mine was a double-dose which required a prescription but he said I could just double the dose of OTC Aleve. Always remember to take these only on a full stomach. I am not a doctor. Just my experience.

what is the facebook group? id like to join there

He wasn't on West Pike. He went in from Vermillion and paddled down Pine creek from Trout lake and crossed the Chad Lake portage. It's a little less than a mile portage. He was in pretty deep without an easy way to get out and probably few travelers coming through.

I had a pretty bad injury to my leg about mid shin with a lot of swelling and agree that as long as I kept moving, it was less painful than being immobile. I don't know about an ankle sprain though. There's a lot more chance of it getting worse if he couldn't splint it well and twisted it more, plus the extra movement in that area would create more swelling. The fear that I might have a fracture that could continue to break freaked me out pretty good. I was looking at maps to see the easiest escape route if it seemed like that was the case. We made it out on our own power the way we came in, but a lot of scary stuff goes through your head when you contemplate the worst that can happen after an injury.

I am the guy who was flown out of Chad lake (the Youtube video).

There seems to be some confusion on who/what/where -

There were 2 plane evacs it seems from my research - one on Fri 9/22 on West Pike and another Thurs 9/28 (mine).

This was referred to as well - The "chaco wearing heavy load" guy, did not say if he was evacuated by plane or not from that area he was in - according to his Facebook post. Dont think he was evacuated by plane. He was over near Sawbill.

There seems to be some confusion on who/what/where.

The West Pike person had their canoe taken with the plane. No info has popped up about that case in particular, that I have seen.

I really appreciate being mocked..... Its warranted for not wearing my paddlers jacket - def not smart in hindsight. I do carry one specifically for whitewater, and large open water crossings. Didnt do myself justice, and should have been wearing it. As for putting music in my video, driving a long distance to get there, drinking a red bull.....that is worth bullying someone in the internet, because you dont approve of me making a film of my adventures? Some of you here are just rude, keyboard warriors.

I had newer calf high boots on, and plenty of support. I have a bad left ankle (the good ol' "highschool injury"), and the slightest pebble can cause it to roll, and my 200lbs will go with it most of the time. Its a harsh time, every time. Braces dont help. The only way out for me was the way I came in - that mile portage back to Pine Creek, then the 250 yard portage back to Trout Lake, and then the 900 yard from Trout to Vermillion, with 2 loads a piece. Thats around 5.2 miles of portaging to be done on a bad/swollen/sprained/bruised foot. Even with just one load, which would have been the canoe - would not have been smart.

I pressed the SOS button knowing that there was a "chance" that after a day or 2 (I did plan a rest day into my trip to fish and relax) I might be able to try and get out - but what convinced me to SOS is that knowing that I had sprained it 2x in a short span at the end of that portage. If I had went down in the middle of one of those portages, and could not walk out etc - I would be spending some time, potentially a night, on the forest floor completely exposed.

The biggest lesson that Ive taken from all of this, is that the USFS Pilot and EMT who first responded - told me that I made the right call. Read that again - The First Responders told me that I made the right call. The professionals, the people who do this daily, trained in wilderness first response, the people you'd be relying on if you found yourself in any kind of situation.... Told Me The I Made The Right Call. They literally said - if you find yourself questioning whether to call for help, then you probably need to call for help. There is nothing macho or alpha male about making a stupid decision to seem "tough" and try to "grind it out"

I know to some, I can never ever justify my SOS - facts dont always equate to logic in some eyes. Its just a simple truth. But you were not there, you were not in as much pain as I was. You have not been in that situation and analyzed all options in front of you.

If you are on deaths door prior to hitting SOS - then you will most likely be dead by the time help arrives. Ask the USFS and any first responder

I made a video of my adventure, bottom line. I didnt "call in an evac for social media.

Id appreciate it if you'd stop harassing me on all of my social media acoounts, and here! How many times do you need to bully me with your comments?

If my trip had been successful, the video would still have been made. What's your deal? Why do you find it okay to harass me?

So putting music on my video "macho metal", drinking a red bull, and driving - make me an "Alpha male" in your eyes?

Welcome to the board. No need to be defensive. You're video did have some braggadocio elements. If that's your groove, that's ok. It will rub a few people the wrong way though. Everyone on this board want to make people's trips safer and more enjoyable by learning from each other.

Not trying to get defensive really. User here "scottiebaldwin" has been harassing me on my social media, and then sends me a link here to prove it further. And people taking exception about how I edit/soft drink of choice/"iron man drive"? Like what is the point of even typing such nonsense? I put music in my video. I got an energy drink after dinner. I drive 1000 miles over 2 days. So what?

People are rude just to be rude. As far as safety/planning - I was as safe and sharp as every other canoe trip Ive been on (admitted already that I dont always wear my life jacket). Not sure what everyone else has an issue with, aside from these foolish comments/

Seems that a mod has been removing hateful comments that were live a few hours ago etc, and I dont see my video linked in this thread at all?

What was "braggadocio" about my video? Some people mistake confidence for cockiness I guess? Im sorry I was enjoying myself, Im a high energy guy lol

I guess my skin isnt as thick as Id hoped, like my ankle tissue, lol.........

Sorry, I had to go eat dinner. I forgot to mention that I missed you having on boots when you had the accident. For that incorrect criticism, I apologize.

All good. I just wanted to state my case to the people who were truly rude. Seems a lot of their comments are gone, for some reason.

ThyMuel1: "All good. I just wanted to state my case to the people who were truly rude. Seems a lot of their comments are gone, for some reason. "

Do you think you will go on a solo trip again given your chronic ankle issues?

Yes. With a brace/compression on at all times, and even higher boot (thinking Bean boots next) and as few remote portages as possible.....which will somewhat limit where I can go, but not stop me. This was my first time hurting it on trip, and my first time having to SOS

The biggest issue on this trip was the remote locations I was heading into, and length of the portages, and I planned to go all the way to Cummings via Buck - which means I would have had 2 more ports of grueling length. Chad-Buck almost a mile, and Buck-Cummings- is almost a fools errand with 2 loads.

ThyMuel1,
First, I am glad you made it out ok and hope you heal fast and can make many more trips. Nobody goes on a backcountry trip looking to come out early due to injury, whether on their own power or through an extrication. Second, this is a good lesson on how easy it is for a group of people to put a puzzle together incorrectly. I read the posts and saw part of the video and believed you were on a different lake with easier exit possibilities, wearing sandals not boots, etc. The entire situation was different than I assumed and I was not alone in connecting dots that were not there. Thanks for the facts about your trip. Third, I don’t believe anyone is harassing you on this board and thread. When people make videos of themselves and post them publicly, they invite accolades and derision. One viewer’s hero is another’s insufferable chump. I’m not commenting on you, just the medium of content creators generally, from butterfly lovers to fire walkers on peyote. Finally, it took guts to respond as you did about the PFD, that you would reassess that decision in retrospect. That’s courage in my book. As for pushing the SOS button, I always worry about the close call. A clear yes SOS or no SOS is one thing. A close call, what to do, especially when solo, has to be a stressful and lonely place to be.

Wondering how much food this guy had?

Sounds like I missed a juicy conversation… glad your safe. As a responder myself, I believe you made a good call. Wearing your pfd is not required by law. Just need to have one. Although they really do help in locating bodies. Haha!
I did not see the video, nor do I care to. But I hope you make the adjustments you describe and try again. While I don’t apologize for others remarks, many of which I never saw… just know we live in a crazy world where people feed off each others comments. I hope you stick around and share more. You sound like someone who can add value to this forum. So another welcome to ya… there are many here that are not perfect and recognize that. Just a great pace to learn and grow… thanks for sharing!

Do you get charged for the float plane rescue?

If you've never tried it - next time you have a bad ankle sprain, try and walk it off. Moving/using it really can help. There's research out there that indicates doing so will help it heal faster and stronger. Admittedly, i've also found research that points to the opposite.

Give it a try and see how it goes, see if it works for you.

wear a fricken lifejacket man... ESPECIALLY when tripping solo... ESPECIALLY in the fall...

Also, here's your reminder that glass (i.e. tabasco bottle) is illegal in the BWCA. Not sure if you didn't care to read the rules or just didn't care to follow them.

wow.

jwmiller39: "wear a fricken lifejacket man... ESPECIALLY when tripping solo... ESPECIALLY in the fall...


Also, here's your reminder that glass (i.e. tabasco bottle) is illegal in the BWCA. Not sure if you didn't care to read the rules or just didn't care to follow them."

You've made it clear on youtube with your several "self righteous" comments that I shouldn't have brought the Tabasco bottle. As Ive already made clear on Youtube, it was an oversight. Not the end of the world. I packed out more trash than I brought in, meaning I went out of my way to undo the litter of others. By your own logic, you're welcome.

Get off of your high horse. I understand the rules. I use logic and reasoning. I brought in a bottle of Tabasco, and brought it out. It was unintentional, and did not cause any harm to you, wildlife, or the ecosystem. Relax a bit. Have you ever gone 36mph in a 35mph zone? Did you ever take one sip of beer prior to being 21? Im not arguing the rule of law. Im saying, things happen, and the fact that I brought a bottle of Tabasco on my canoe trip to the BWCA doesn't make you a better person with higher moral values than I, so feel free to drop the self righteous schtick. Lol. Take care.

Also - wearing a life jacket is smart, but not the law. I probably should've worn it on the open waster crossings.

Speckled: "If you've never tried it - next time you have a bad ankle sprain, try and walk it off. Moving/using it really can help. There's research out there that indicates doing so will help it heal faster and stronger. Admittedly, i've also found research that points to the opposite.


Give it a try and see how it goes, see if it works for you.


"

Ive heard the same my friend, just always afraid to make it worse. Catch22

YaMarVa: "Do you get charged for the float plane rescue?"

USFS said the plane ride was free, but I will be paying for the medical bills - Xray, Boot, etc.

Also had to pay my outfitter to have someone go fetch the canoe in that remote area, lol. USFS wouldnt bring it out as it was close to dark when they came in for me, and they dont fly at night. Which I totally understand.

$ is $, small price to pay for piece of mind, knowing and confident that I made the right call

I hurt my foot on my solo trip this past August while at my campsite on Lake Agnes, the pain was so bad I could not put any weight on the foot. I spent the next day hoping the pain would go away, instead it got worse. I figured I had fractured it since I'd never had pain so bad. Still, I drank whisky, took Advil and single portaged making it out just fine, taking my time on every step. My exit had 7 portages and over 7 miles of travel.

nctry: "Sounds like I missed a juicy conversation… glad your safe. As a responder myself, I believe you made a good call. Wearing your pfd is not required by law. Just need to have one. Although they really do help in locating bodies. Haha!
I did not see the video, nor do I care to. But I hope you make the adjustments you describe and try again. While I don’t apologize for others remarks, many of which I never saw… just know we live in a crazy world where people feed off each others comments. I hope you stick around and share more. You sound like someone who can add value to this forum. So another welcome to ya… there are many here that are not perfect and recognize that. Just a great pace to learn and grow… thanks for sharing!"

Cheers my friend! Be well!

Someday: "Regarding Rescued in the Boundary Waters. Keep your head up. Glad you made it out safely!!"

Thank you! God Bless

walllee: "Wow! Buy some good boots dude!!!"

Have them

Sparkeh: "Wondering how much food this guy had? "

It was a planned 5-6 traveling day trip. I had enough food for 8 days, at least. Probably a few more if I stretched thin.

Vermillion and Trout are notoriously windy - I planned for 1 rest/relax day, and to potentially be wind-bound for 2-3 more. You never know.

Some people seem to think I was not prepared in different shapes and forms, but I was.

ThyMuel1: "
The biggest lesson that Ive taken from all of this, is that the USFS Pilot and EMT who first responded - told me that I made the right call. Read that again - The First Responders told me that I made the right call. The professionals, the people who do this daily, trained in wilderness first response, the people you'd be relying on if you found yourself in any kind of situation.... Told Me The I Made The Right Call. ."

ask them how they feel about solo trippers not wearing a life jacket in the fall.

I think he gets it. Give it a rest.

jwmiller39: "

ThyMuel1: "
The biggest lesson that Ive taken from all of this, is that the USFS Pilot and EMT who first responded - told me that I made the right call. Read that again - The First Responders told me that I made the right call. The professionals, the people who do this daily, trained in wilderness first response, the people you'd be relying on if you found yourself in any kind of situation.... Told Me The I Made The Right Call. ."

ask them how they feel about solo trippers not wearing a life jacket in the fall."

Clearly, Ive already acknowledged to you (now on 5 separate occasions) - that I shouldve worn my jacket on open water crossings. Also, it is not the law - and smart or not - If I dont want to wear it, that is my right to choose.

Same with your Tabasco Fiasco, see what I did there? A mistake was made, but I hauled out more than I brought in - I can live with myself.

You just like to make problems, and call out others for your own personal satisfaction. I will not engage you further

Chieflonewatie: "I think he gets it. Give it a rest."

look at his youtube channel and you will see he likes putting himself in these situations. he does "survival challenges" by purposely going into the wilderness without the appropriate gear to try and get views. just days after this BWCA ordeal where he needed to get rescued by a float plane, he posted a survival challenge that was close to being another dangerous situation.

jwmiller39: "

Chieflonewatie: "I think he gets it. Give it a rest."

look at his youtube channel and you will see he likes putting himself in these situations. he does "survival challenges" by purposely going into the wilderness without the appropriate gear to try and get views. just days after this BWCA ordeal where he needed to get rescued by a float plane, he posted a survival challenge that was close to being another dangerous situation. "

Yepp. Spending a night by a fire, 10 miles from my house, and off of the most popular hiking trail in our county. Unexpected heavy rainstorm came in, and I went home. Really dangerous. This was actually a supplemental night in the woods for me, since as you know that my 5-7 BWCA day trip was cut to just 2 short days due to my ankle injury. Im terribly sorry for trying to spend another night in the woods, albeit 12 miles from downtown Cleveland.

You will go to any length to degrade someone you dont agree with. I will not engage you further. Sorry to have to know there are such miserable people out there. People like you are narcissistic and psychotic. You think you've got it all figured out, so I will continue to let you think that. God Bless.

Just stop it.

jwmiller39 is no longer an active member of the site. Thanks to everyone else for getting this thread back on track.

Every situation is different and only the person in the situation has 100% of the info to make the call. I have talked about theoretical situations with my group since I am the one you has the InReach tethered to them. A few years ago I had a severe toothache. I wasn't on a trip but on Christmas day I woke up in the most pain I had ever been in, my tooth became infected out of nowhere. It was a Saturday so I was out of luck until Monday. I didn't sleep for almost 60 hours by the time it was all over. The infection was so bad that when the endodontist drilled into my tooth on Monday the infected mass squirted nearly two feet. I couldn't think, I couldn't drive, I was in such pain I was making irrational decisions right and left. Had I been in the wilderness by myself at that point, hitting the SOS button would have been the right call because I would have not been safe trying to exit under those conditions. Yup, a float plane evacuation for a toothache. ThyMuel1 - I'm glad that you did what you thought was necessary. I don't think that anyone should ever make the decision as to whether or not to press the SOS button based on what others think or will post about them. That's just not the way we treat others on this forum. ThyMuel1, I hope you stick around and become a contributing member of this forum, I look forward to hearing more about your experiences.

YaMarVa: "I hurt my foot on my solo trip this past August while at my campsite on Lake Agnes, the pain was so bad I could not put any weight on the foot. I spent the next day hoping the pain would go away, instead it got worse. I figured I had fractured it since I'd never had pain so bad. Still, I drank whisky, took Advil and single portaged making it out just fine, taking my time on every step. My exit had 7 portages and over 7 miles of travel. "

Glad you are okay!

Northwoodsman: "Every situation is different and only the person in the situation has 100% of the info to make the call. I have talked about theoretical situations with my group since I am the one you has the InReach tethered to them. A few years ago I had a severe toothache. I wasn't on a trip but on Christmas day I woke up in the most pain I had ever been in, my tooth became infected out of nowhere. It was a Saturday so I was out of luck until Monday. I didn't sleep for almost 60 hours by the time it was all over. The infection was so bad that when the endodontist drilled into my tooth on Monday the infected mass squirted nearly two feet. I couldn't think, I couldn't drive, I was in such pain I was making irrational decisions right and left. Had I been in the wilderness by myself at that point, hitting the SOS button would have been the right call because I would have not been safe trying to exit under those conditions. Yup, a float plane evacuation for a toothache. ThyMuel1 - I'm glad that you did what you thought was necessary. I don't think that anyone should ever make the decision as to whether or not to press the SOS button based on what others think or will post about them. That's just not the way we treat others on this forum. ThyMuel1, I hope you stick around and become a contributing member of this forum, I look forward to hearing more about your experiences."

I truly appreciate the non judgement, and sentiment! Im glad things worked out for you, I bet that was not much fun. People need to take care of their oral hygiene (not saying you dont, lol) - its highly important and can lead to a litany of major issues, including clogged arteries!

I dont know why people are just so rude off the cuff....I was as prepped as could be, have plenty of experience, and happened to get injured. It happens to the least, and most experienced people. So I made a decision. Not much more I could do, and in hindsight 3+weeks later, I dont regret it. 97.9% of people have told me that I made the right call, including the first responders. I can sleep at night.

ThyMuel1: "

YaMarVa: "I hurt my foot on my solo trip this past August while at my campsite on Lake Agnes, the pain was so bad I could not put any weight on the foot. I spent the next day hoping the pain would go away, instead it got worse. I figured I had fractured it since I'd never had pain so bad. Still, I drank whisky, took Advil and single portaged making it out just fine, taking my time on every step. My exit had 7 portages and over 7 miles of travel. "

Glad you are okay! "

It took another two weeks to heal once home. Luckily it healed up before my September trip and hunting season.

ThyMuel1: "

YaMarVa: "Do you get charged for the float plane rescue?"

USFS said the plane ride was free, but I will be paying for the medical bills - Xray, Boot, etc.


Also had to pay my outfitter to have someone go fetch the canoe in that remote area, lol. USFS wouldnt bring it out as it was close to dark when they came in for me, and they dont fly at night. Which I totally understand.


$ is $, small price to pay for piece of mind, knowing and confident that I made the right call "

I wonder how often outfitters have to go fetch canoes? I’d take that job.

Did the responders mention how often they rescue people in the bwca? That would also be a fun job. I bet that view from the plane was slightly worth the pain and humility. I would love to fly over lake country.

The biggest lesson learned.
Anything you say on the internet can and will be used against you.

I have left two other forums of my other hobbies because they are a cruel place. I found myself completely miserable going on them as well as thinking of respo ses to those who are purely evil.

I really limit my 'social media' to just this forum.
All the internet stuff like FB TT X Instagram will aid to the extintion of humans

YaMarVa: "

ThyMuel1: "

YaMarVa: "Do you get charged for the float plane rescue?"

USFS said the plane ride was free, but I will be paying for the medical bills - Xray, Boot, etc.



Also had to pay my outfitter to have someone go fetch the canoe in that remote area, lol. USFS wouldnt bring it out as it was close to dark when they came in for me, and they dont fly at night. Which I totally understand.



$ is $, small price to pay for piece of mind, knowing and confident that I made the right call "

I wonder how often outfitters have to go fetch canoes? I’d take that job.


Did the responders mention how often they rescue people in the bwca? That would also be a fun job. I bet that view from the plane was slightly worth the pain and humility. I would love to fly over lake country.


"

They did say they normally wouldve brought out the canoe, if there wasnt the thrsat of dark. They also said they rescue fairly often, and that it comes in waves. They said a lot of broken legs/hips, and heart attacks unfortunately.

Just to hammer it home, they said specifically that a lot of people who are rescued (or not) waited entirely too long to call for help - thinking they could just "tough it out"

ThyMuel1: "

YaMarVa: "Do you get charged for the float plane rescue?"

USFS said the plane ride was free, but I will be paying for the medical bills - Xray, Boot, etc.


Also had to pay my outfitter to have someone go fetch the canoe in that remote area, lol. USFS wouldnt bring it out as it was close to dark when they came in for me, and they dont fly at night. Which I totally understand.


$ is $, small price to pay for piece of mind, knowing and confident that I made the right call "

Not a question directed at ThyMuel, just a question in general.. Is it the norm that people rescued/extracted are not charged? Kind of surprised to hear that

Just read this now. I couldn't care less if you didn't wear a life jacket or smuggled in some Tabasco sauce. The unfortunate part for me is that one second you are screaming - I'm such a bad ass!!! - then 20 seconds later in the video you a calling on a sat phone to be rescued, which seems a tad extreme to me.

- It looks like you made it to a campsite, or could have. Why not spent the night in the BW and see how it feels next day. Keep it elevated etc. Spend a couple days even, you are already there.
- Do you carry duct tape, an essential item on a canoe trip. Could you have put a sock on and wrapped it tight, like athletic tape, and done the portages, one long and one short.
- I kinda think if you didn't have a sat phone you would have done all the above and could have got your butt outta there on your own and had a much better story to tell. You wouldn't have had much choice and would have overcome.
- Did you break the ankle, even if you did I think you could have made it out, everyone is different of course. I have my own ankle stories.

Not judging you, it's a free country last I heard, just some things I considered after I watched the video. I think you might have bailed too soon, kind of an impulse move. Got one hell of a plane ride, so that was nice I guess...

Cheers, scat

I really enjoyed your video. It takes a lot to put something like that together.

But... way too much talk about crapping in the woods! Come on, was this your first time pooping out of doors. It's not that big of a deal!

Our group always takes a bottle of Tabasco Sauce. And a salt and pepper grinder. Never thought of the legality on that.

Lost Lake? give it up

Always put the fly on your tent.

Some reference about you taking bark off a birch tree?? opps.

Sorry you had a bad outcome ruin your trip, but your next trip will be even better.

Thanks for sharing!

Enjoyed your video, I am not going to comment on whether you made the right choice punching the SOS, you know your body better than anyone else.

The only thing I wanted to say (and I am sure this is an unpopular opinion), I am not a fan of stiff soled hiking boots are a good choice for BWCA portages. I've rolled and sprained my ankles many times in these kinds of boots. I think the stiff sole creates a perfect scenario for creating a lever of sorts on uneven and rocky portages - particularly when you unintentionally catch the edge of the sole on the edge of a rock or boulder. Now I portage almost exclusively in soft-soled tennis, and sometimes even in crocs *gasp*. In the shoulder seasons I use my muck boots which have a pretty soft sole. None of them have "ankle support" I haven't had any issues since switching to these types of footwear many years ago.

Huh, that’s interesting, you don’t like portaging in good old fashioned hiking boots with a Vibram sole and all. That’s being in the comfort zone, until they inevitably get soaked on the first take out bit still they have the support. But like I said before, everyone is different so thanks for sharing. One of my son’s buddies portaged in converse all stars. Kid had monstrous feet and got one of them sucked into mud on a portage on the Isabella River. Took some effort to get it back, but we did somehow and kept on goin. Not my choice of footwear, nor are sandals for that matter.

Wolfee: "Enjoyed your video, I am not going to comment on whether you made the right choice punching the SOS, you know your body better than anyone else.


The only thing I wanted to say (and I am sure this is an unpopular opinion), I am not a fan of stiff soled hiking boots are a good choice for BWCA portages. I've rolled and sprained my ankles many times in these kinds of boots. I think the stiff sole creates a perfect scenario for creating a lever of sorts on uneven and rocky portages - particularly when you unintentionally catch the edge of the sole on the edge of a rock or boulder. Now I portage almost exclusively in soft-soled tennis, and sometimes even in crocs *gasp*. In the shoulder seasons I use my muck boots which have a pretty soft sole. None of them have "ankle support" I haven't had any issues since switching to these types of footwear many years ago."

Footwear is highly individualized. There are studies to back up not using higher ankle shoes like hiking boots. The lack of flexibility in the “higher ankle” shoes/boots reduces minor ankle sprains but increases the likely hood of fractures and severe sprains. The research is variable because as human beings we are very different. Different strengths and flexibility.

If you are more flexible a softer sole and less support give’s you more surface area on the ground/rocks thus theoretically better traction/support. So your experience makes sense…but so do the others comments.

I cringe when I here people say “you need a specific shoe or boot” “or else” you can’t go.

T

timatkn: "

Wolfee: "Enjoyed your video, I am not going to comment on whether you made the right choice punching the SOS, you know your body better than anyone else.



The only thing I wanted to say (and I am sure this is an unpopular opinion), I am not a fan of stiff soled hiking boots are a good choice for BWCA portages. I've rolled and sprained my ankles many times in these kinds of boots. I think the stiff sole creates a perfect scenario for creating a lever of sorts on uneven and rocky portages - particularly when you unintentionally catch the edge of the sole on the edge of a rock or boulder. Now I portage almost exclusively in soft-soled tennis, and sometimes even in crocs *gasp*. In the shoulder seasons I use my muck boots which have a pretty soft sole. None of them have "ankle support" I haven't had any issues since switching to these types of footwear many years ago."

Footwear is highly individualized. There are studies to back up not using higher ankle shoes like hiking boots. The lack of flexibility in the “higher ankle” shoes/boots reduces minor ankle sprains but increases the likely hood of fractures and severe sprains. The research is variable because as human beings we are very different. Different strengths and flexibility.


If you are more flexible a softer sole and less support give’s you more surface area on the ground/rocks thus theoretically better traction/support. So your experience makes sense…but so do the others comments.


I cringe when I here people say “you need a specific shoe or boot” “or else” you can’t go.


T"

Many years ago, there was an article in the BWJ regarding the wide range of recommendations/opinions on footwear for portaging. As I recall, it ran the spectrum from LL Bean boots to sandals. Very interesting read. One of the recommendations that stuck in my head was old style, high top, canvas basketball shoes. They provided ankle support, had holes in the side to let the water drain out, would dry out faster than leather boots, provided better foot protection than sandals, and were relatively inexpensive. Never tried a pair myself, but a father and son team who wore them told me that they worked out really well.

scat: "Just read this now. I couldn't care less if you didn't wear a life jacket or smuggled in some Tabasco sauce. The unfortunate part for me is that one second you are screaming - I'm such a bad ass!!! - then 20 seconds later in the video you a calling on a sat phone to be rescued, which seems a tad extreme to me.


- It looks like you made it to a campsite, or could have. Why not spent the night in the BW and see how it feels next day. Keep it elevated etc. Spend a couple days even, you are already there.
- Do you carry duct tape, an essential item on a canoe trip. Could you have put a sock on and wrapped it tight, like athletic tape, and done the portages, one long and one short.
- I kinda think if you didn't have a sat phone you would have done all the above and could have got your butt outta there on your own and had a much better story to tell. You wouldn't have had much choice and would have overcome.
- Did you break the ankle, even if you did I think you could have made it out, everyone is different of course. I have my own ankle stories.


Not judging you, it's a free country last I heard, just some things I considered after I watched the video. I think you might have bailed too soon, kind of an impulse move. Got one hell of a plane ride, so that was nice I guess...


Cheers, scat


"

Cant change the past, just learn from it!

bobbernumber3: "I really enjoyed your video. It takes a lot to put something like that together.


But... way too much talk about crapping in the woods! Come on, was this your first time pooping out of doors. It's not that big of a deal!


Our group always takes a bottle of Tabasco Sauce. And a salt and pepper grinder. Never thought of the legality on that.


Lost Lake? give it up


Always put the fly on your tent.


Some reference about you taking bark off a birch tree?? opps.


Sorry you had a bad outcome ruin your trip, but your next trip will be even better.


Thanks for sharing!


"

Ya I did the lost lakes thing like 11 times, lol

Fly on the tent can go either way, depends.

I never take birch bark off of a tree, I just let viewers know (like anyone watching wouldnt know already) that if need be take as minimal as possible

Tabasco Fiasco - people are people. Some people just like to judge others and make problems to make themselves feel better.

It was a hell of an awesome 2 days. Even if the trip ended poorly, how many people have seen the BWCA from above at relatively low altitude? Was pretty amazing

I never take birch bark off of a tree, I just let viewers know (like anyone watching wouldnt know already) that if need be take as minimal as possible




Huh?

I missed that in all the excitement...

You don't take birch bark off a tree, you collect it off the ground when you are lucky enough to find it. It is not a necessary thing to start a camp fire, nice to have, but you don't strip it off a tree. This one, def not cool.

You could smuggle a bottle of Tabasco sauce up your arse for all I care, but stripping a birch of it's bark, that is like defacing what you went up there for.

What did you go there for, all the way from Ohio, to make a video...

I'm left confused, I guess your style is not the way I like to party. Kinda figured that out early in the video tbh.

I like the Chessie System T shirt tho, trains are cool.

Cheers, scat

scat: "I missed that in all the excitement...


You don't take birch bark off a tree, you collect it off the ground when you are lucky enough to find it. It is not a necessary thing to start a camp fire, nice to have, but you don't strip it off a tree. This one, def not cool.


You could smuggle a bottle of Tabasco sauce up your arse for all I care, but stripping a birch of it's bark, that is like defacing what you went up there for.


What did you go there for, all the way from Ohio, to make a video...


I'm left confused, I guess your style is not the way I like to party. Kinda figured that out early in the video tbh.

I like the Chessie System T shirt tho, trains are cool.


Cheers, scat"

I didnt take any Birch Bark from a tree - If you watched and listened - I specifically said in the video that I found it on the ground. AND only if necessary, to take it from a tree sparingly - again, only if you really need it.



Also - no, I didnt go to the BWCA to make a video, I make videos of my fishing/camping/outdoor/travels etc. - this was no exception.

Thanks for the compliment on my shirt lol, 99.9% of people would have no clue what Chessie is!

RatherbeDuffing: "

I never take birch bark off of a tree, I just let viewers know (like anyone watching wouldnt know already) that if need be take as minimal as possible






Huh?"

I didnt take any birch bark off of a tree. I found it on the ground. I specifically reference that in my video. I made it a point to also say that if you do choose to take some directly from a tree - to do so as sparingly as possible.

Some people may rip from trees no matter what. I didnt, and dont. Hopefully if someone does, they only take a minuscule amount.

LesliesDad: "

timatkn: "

Wolfee: "Enjoyed your video, I am not going to comment on whether you made the right choice punching the SOS, you know your body better than anyone else.



The only thing I wanted to say (and I am sure this is an unpopular opinion), I am not a fan of stiff soled hiking boots are a good choice for BWCA portages. I've rolled and sprained my ankles many times in these kinds of boots. I think the stiff sole creates a perfect scenario for creating a lever of sorts on uneven and rocky portages - particularly when you unintentionally catch the edge of the sole on the edge of a rock or boulder. Now I portage almost exclusively in soft-soled tennis, and sometimes even in crocs *gasp*. In the shoulder seasons I use my muck boots which have a pretty soft sole. None of them have "ankle support" I haven't had any issues since switching to these types of footwear many years ago."

Footwear is highly individualized. There are studies to back up not using higher ankle shoes like hiking boots. The lack of flexibility in the “higher ankle” shoes/boots reduces minor ankle sprains but increases the likely hood of fractures and severe sprains. The research is variable because as human beings we are very different. Different strengths and flexibility.



If you are more flexible a softer sole and less support give’s you more surface area on the ground/rocks thus theoretically better traction/support. So your experience makes sense…but so do the others comments.



I cringe when I here people say “you need a specific shoe or boot” “or else” you can’t go.



T"

Many years ago, there was an article in the BWJ regarding the wide range of recommendations/opinions on footwear for portaging. As I recall, it ran the spectrum from LL Bean boots to sandals. Very interesting read. One of the recommendations that stuck in my head was old style, high top, canvas basketball shoes. They provided ankle support, had holes in the side to let the water drain out, would dry out faster than leather boots, provided better foot protection than sandals, and were relatively inexpensive. Never tried a pair myself, but a father and son team who wore them told me that they worked out really well."

I have heard that a lot of old timers used canvas converse basketball shoes. I like hip waders and wading boots.

LesliesDad: "

timatkn: "

Wolfee: "Enjoyed your video, I am not going to comment on whether you made the right choice punching the SOS, you know your body better than anyone else.



The only thing I wanted to say (and I am sure this is an unpopular opinion), I am not a fan of stiff soled hiking boots are a good choice for BWCA portages. I've rolled and sprained my ankles many times in these kinds of boots. I think the stiff sole creates a perfect scenario for creating a lever of sorts on uneven and rocky portages - particularly when you unintentionally catch the edge of the sole on the edge of a rock or boulder. Now I portage almost exclusively in soft-soled tennis, and sometimes even in crocs *gasp*. In the shoulder seasons I use my muck boots which have a pretty soft sole. None of them have "ankle support" I haven't had any issues since switching to these types of footwear many years ago."

Footwear is highly individualized. There are studies to back up not using higher ankle shoes like hiking boots. The lack of flexibility in the “higher ankle” shoes/boots reduces minor ankle sprains but increases the likely hood of fractures and severe sprains. The research is variable because as human beings we are very different. Different strengths and flexibility.



If you are more flexible a softer sole and less support give’s you more surface area on the ground/rocks thus theoretically better traction/support. So your experience makes sense…but so do the others comments.



I cringe when I here people say “you need a specific shoe or boot” “or else” you can’t go.



T"

Many years ago, there was an article in the BWJ regarding the wide range of recommendations/opinions on footwear for portaging. As I recall, it ran the spectrum from LL Bean boots to sandals. Very interesting read. One of the recommendations that stuck in my head was old style, high top, canvas basketball shoes. They provided ankle support, had holes in the side to let the water drain out, would dry out faster than leather boots, provided better foot protection than sandals, and were relatively inexpensive. Never tried a pair myself, but a father and son team who wore them told me that they worked out really well."

I’ve never done the Converse Chuck Taylor hi-tops but have been tempted to do so. I have found them to be a bit slippery in wetness and I’m sure that would be exacerbated on algae covered rocks. I thought I found the answer in the NRS Boundary Boots. They’re great overall but I kept thinking I had a hole in them as my feet would be wet at the end of a long day. Turns out it was just my sweat. That neoprene really locks in the wetness and funk. They are still great for shoulder season but I’m back to my reliable old closed-toed Chaco Odyssey sandals for wet foot season.