Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Moose Lake to Ensign with 2 kids
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podgeo |
HayRiverDrifter: "It's all about the wind. If you have a head wind, put a rock or two in the front of your canoe. The canoe acts like a weathervane. The canoe will pivot around the heavier end. Tail wind you should be ok. I would never suggest to put rocks in the canoe. If you roll the canoe and the rocks don't fall out good chance it will help your canoe sink.. I would buy a collapsible water jug and fill that. A 3 gallon jug is going to weight about 25# |
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Kidkinkaid |
first week of June I’m taking my family out for six days. We have two canoes lined up. I’m putting my strong 13 yr old with my wife in one canoe and my 9 yr old with me. I’m planning on getting towed half way at the start. Am I crazy to think I can paddle a pretty full canoe by myself? I'm in shape and been training to make sure I don’t fall short. Just looking for some reassurance or advice. Thank you all. |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
You are not crazy. Simply put, just go at your own pace, don't force a bad situation and you will be fine. Here's a trip I did with my daughter when she was 9 a few years back. Daddy, daughter Duncan day trips ...also, poke around in this forum. Lots of excellent firsthand information about bringing kids on wilderness adventures. |
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HayRiverDrifter |
Worst case, put both kids in one canoe and 'tow' them. |
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ISRO |
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AceAceAce |
I do prefer a dry bag full of water vs a rock for ballast to trim the canoe, but either will work. Be flexible in timing and plans, go with the flow. Makes sure it's focused on fun for them over everything other than safety. Safety is of course always #1. Bring more snacks than you think you'll need. Bring more Toilet paper than you think you'll need, and then bring even more than that. Hide a surprise favorite treat somewhere in your food bag. Save it for when it's raining and everyone's spirits are low. A soup mix can be a great spirit lifter on a cold rainy day as well. The portage from Ensign to Vera would be a great day hike if you need to change it up one day. I'd probably just camp on Ensign if I were you but the view from the top of the hill overlooking Ensign is worth the walk up, without kids having to carry gear anyway. And as a bonus there is likely cell phone service at the top so you could let them call a family member or friend to tell them how awesome their dad is for taking them there. |
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pswith5 |
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YetiJedi |
Good luck and enjoy the trip! |
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nooneuno |
pswith5: "That's a good first trip. Stay close to shore on Moose. Portage into suckered and Ensign is nothing. Maybe pick an island site on ensign. Just for peace of mind. Kids can't go too far if they wander. Day trip to cattyman falls. I don't think there are any beaches on Ensign but there are a ton of sites. As long as it's not the 4th of July you should get one. Travel early. Less people/less wind ( usually) good luck" Thats good advice to stay to the shore, on the way out stick to the right hand shore as the towboats seem to stick to a prescribed route on the left and the wakes can ruin your day especially paddling with kids |
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tumblehome |
Move a heavy pack to the front. I wish my Dad took me to the BWCA when I was a kid. You’re a good Dad and hopefully your kids keep doing it and passing the tradition. Keep them comfortable and occupied. Bring some warm cloths in case of a cold day. Lucky kids…. Tom |
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Bonsia |
Kidkinkaid: "Hello,I’ll be in the area during that time also. I’m sure that most in the bwca community are with you in your adventure. And most ready to help .. have a great adventure |
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Hammertime |
My bow partner is almost 40 and I solo paddle half the time, we get where we need to go. Bwahahaha |
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OldGuide2 |
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Dbor |
I use boulders in the front of the canoe to hold it down otherwise we spin when I go out fishing and there are no packs inside. I never thought about the dry bag full of water. I bet that would be better for the canoe. |