Sort of thinking on taking a tow across Burntside Lake on the way in. Nervous to paddle across with reports that it can be a beast to paddle on.

We usually leave our plans up in the air - either staying an extra day, or taking out a day early... so a tow on the way out seems kind of tricky to plan . (for us anyways).

Anyone else experience this? Wondering how you plan for a round trip tow. Do you dial in to get to your "out tow" right on time, an hour early?

Does anyone know if there is cell phone service on Burntside if we wanted to call an outfitter if the wind it too whipped up on Burntside for the paddle out?

I suppose there are some sites on Burntside also - semi near the portage that we could camp on if it was too nasty to paddle right away....

Is the Wolf Lake access really that much easier to paddle? What is the route people take? (does anyone have it drawn on a map somewhere?)

Thoughts?

I would not worry to much about the wind on Burntside. If you put in at the landing on VanVac Road, you can island hope pretty much all the way to the portage. Obviously, wind can impact a trip, but I think that you could work your way in or out without a huge delay from the weather. On the other hand, a town in adds a few hours to your time in the back country, something take advantage of whenever I can, but like you I tend to paddle out as I am not always sure of my trip departure when I enter in.

I did this years ago. Voyager North did an awesome job. Used their bunkhouse, at the put-in first thing in the morning, and they picked up like clockwork. I have done tows on Crane/LLC and Moose/PP and I'd say they ran the best shuttle I've ever used.

The last time I had a tow pickup was two years ago with Seagull Outfitters. I set up a scheduled pickup. I have an Inreach Explorer and was able to send them a message to change the pickup time.

You might also want to check from time to time on your trip if you can get a cell phone signal. I find I get a clear signal from some unusual places. Last year I was on the north end the north bay of Basswood Lake and was getting three bars on the cell phone.

We got a tow in and out across Burntside from VNO and they were great. We got to the return pick up point at Crab entry way early and we were able to call. Cell reception wasn't great and it took a few times to get through. They sent someone right out to get us. It was my friends cell (not sure what service he uses) but I'm pretty sure it was only spot on trip he had service.

I always get to my take out point the night before the pick up day. I ask for a noon pick up time that day, has always worked for me. It gives me enough hours to play with.

Ended up booking the round-trip tow. Lynn from VNO says if I have Verizon - the likely hood of cell service is pretty good should we be running late, or deciding to pull out early.

Feeling much better about the Burntside aspect of our trip now.

Now... to plan for that 420 rod portage....

Consider getting an early morning start, on the water before the wind has a chance to pick up. Since you have some flexibility in your exit date, you can arrange to camp near Burntside the night before your exit, for another early morning crossing. I suspect you'll appreciate the sense of accomplishment in doing it yourself.