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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Group Forum: Solo Tripping Now I've gone and done it . . . |
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03/10/2014 08:02PM
Just got a permit for my first solo trip. I'm currently overjoyed with the idea, so much so I probably haven't thought this through. But all the "detail" thoughts are starting to pop in my head... single portage/double portage? gps? kayak style paddle? how to take pictures of fish?
Lots of research left to do and about 3 months to do it! Looks like I'll be researching these boards a lot more now.
Lots of research left to do and about 3 months to do it! Looks like I'll be researching these boards a lot more now.
03/10/2014 08:53PM
We share a name and the fact that we've both booked our first solo trips before having all the details worked out. Enjoy the adventure!
I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I am somebody. Lily Tomlin
03/10/2014 09:07PM
You'll find a lot of information on the things you're thinking about just by browsing through this forum. There will be a lot of different opinions about the way to do your solo trip. Solo trips are very individualistic ;).
Double portage. Take your time. Remember you are alone. Be aware. Take a GPS if you want, but be sure to take maps. Take a double blade and a single blade, use them both - one's a spare at least. Use your camera to take pictures of the fish; I favor a waterproof P & S that I wear around my neck on a lanyard (I'm fumble-fingered). It fits in my shirt pocket and is easily accessible. I take a lot more pictures. Remember you'll be carrying everything and doing all camp chores. Keep them simple and allow a little extra time for that.
Do whatever you want. Have fun. Enjoy it.
When, where, and for how long?
Double portage. Take your time. Remember you are alone. Be aware. Take a GPS if you want, but be sure to take maps. Take a double blade and a single blade, use them both - one's a spare at least. Use your camera to take pictures of the fish; I favor a waterproof P & S that I wear around my neck on a lanyard (I'm fumble-fingered). It fits in my shirt pocket and is easily accessible. I take a lot more pictures. Remember you'll be carrying everything and doing all camp chores. Keep them simple and allow a little extra time for that.
Do whatever you want. Have fun. Enjoy it.
When, where, and for how long?
03/10/2014 09:35PM
I'm going in on June 12 for 4 nights. I figured that was a reasonable trip duration to start. The crazy part is the EP....dreaded EP 20...2 1/4 mile portage to start. I've always enjoyed earning my keep and that portage should suffice. My goal is to make it up to Gull/Thunder/Beartrap. Crowds should be a little thinner (I hope) and fishing should be ideal. I'd like to make it to a basecamp the first day and fish/explore the remaining time. But I'm going to go with the flow and 'learn' to enjoy the solitude.
03/10/2014 09:48PM
quote BobberRob: "Lots of research left to do and about 3 months to do it! Looks like I'll be researching these boards a lot more now."
Researching and planning the trip is half the fun.
Hans Solo
Water reflects not only clouds and trees and cliffs, but all the infinite variations of mind and spirit we bring to it. – Sigurd Olson
03/10/2014 10:40PM
Tough reportage but you should get solitude. Start making lists. It really helps me so I don't forget anything. After years I finally keep my files on the computer. Now when getting ready,I just have to tweak the list. If I needed to leave in a day,I'm confident I would have everything
Greg (AKA - Paddleman)
03/10/2014 10:47PM
Man... That first portage... My suggestion is to pack like a backpacker. If it doesn't fit in your pack, leave it behind. Lash the paddles, life vest, and fishin pole to your canoe and there you go. You should be able to get by for 4 days with that amount of gear. And then not have to double portage.
03/11/2014 08:17AM
the angleworm portage requires that you pack super light. i've solo canoed it several times. my portage technique for it is to single portage till you can't stand it, drop the canoe and go on with just the pack and paddles, the hike back to the canoe is your rest time, enjoy it. carry the canoe to the packs, grab the packs if you are up for it otherwise finish the portage double by leapfrogging. most of the portage is fairly easy, there are a few stretches that are difficult, you will recognize them. my best advise is to get in good shape. this portage is a killer. the lakes northwest of here are very nice and worth all of this effort. i have a trip report on a solo trip i did here some years ago. i've been back five times since then, only once with a canoe.
on occasion the boardwalk over the marsh at spring creek may be flooded, spring creek has a very busy beaver community, also this is still a reliable area for moose, though not nearly what it once was.
at the intersection with the tease portage is a good time to take a quik break, you don't want to go the wrong direction at this point.
on occasion the boardwalk over the marsh at spring creek may be flooded, spring creek has a very busy beaver community, also this is still a reliable area for moose, though not nearly what it once was.
at the intersection with the tease portage is a good time to take a quik break, you don't want to go the wrong direction at this point.
03/11/2014 09:08AM
Only you will be able to answer your questions, after your trip. And make the needed changes for the next.
Lots of personal preferences there.
For me,
Single blade paddles one bent one straight.
Multiple trip portages.
GPS yes.
Pictures of fish are tough, I stopped caring and just enjoy the action, 'if I can' is my photography answer.
Basecamp vs traveling each day, I like both.
My only recommendation not mentioned so far is to bring something for downtime entertainment. I like a few books, and to spend time using my camera.
"But I'm going to go with the flow and 'learn' to enjoy the solitude."
Great attitude, enjoy your trip!
butthead
Lots of personal preferences there.
For me,
Single blade paddles one bent one straight.
Multiple trip portages.
GPS yes.
Pictures of fish are tough, I stopped caring and just enjoy the action, 'if I can' is my photography answer.
Basecamp vs traveling each day, I like both.
My only recommendation not mentioned so far is to bring something for downtime entertainment. I like a few books, and to spend time using my camera.
"But I'm going to go with the flow and 'learn' to enjoy the solitude."
Great attitude, enjoy your trip!
butthead
"never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups" George Carlin
03/12/2014 07:40AM
Angleworm is a beautiful lake. However it is a very popular hiking lake. Hopefully you can stay a day on it and paddle the lake. Get an early start. It's not a hard portage just long. I recommend you hike it and secure a campsite with a pack and tent. Go back for your canoe when you get your tent up. Have fun.
The best part of this journey here is further knowing yourself - Alan Kay
03/12/2014 11:40AM
quote BobberRob: "I'm going in on June 12 for 4 nights. I figured that was a reasonable trip duration to start. The crazy part is the EP....dreaded EP 20...2 1/4 mile portage to start. I've always enjoyed earning my keep and that portage should suffice. My goal is to make it up to Gull/Thunder/Beartrap. Crowds should be a little thinner (I hope) and fishing should be ideal. I'd like to make it to a basecamp the first day and fish/explore the remaining time. But I'm going to go with the flow and 'learn' to enjoy the solitude. "
Good entry! I've thought of doing that one too and think it will be great for the solitude. There are a couple of good, recent trip reports on that EP from last summer and fall as well to give you ideas.
I second Boonie's advice on soloing as well. It's your trip and you get to do what you want when you want. I always have to remind myself of that until I decompress from the outside hustle-bustle world....solo-ing can be a great experience.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.”
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