Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Single dad 2 girls (9&11) first trip
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camp-n-scrap |
Use the search feature and the entry point info. Read old threads, join us in chat and ask LOTS of questions - you won't be disappointed! BTW - Welcome!! http://www.sawbill.com/ |
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drnatus |
Have lots of fun! |
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Mort |
I've always had great service with Canoe Country Outfitters, ..but there are many very good outfitters for you to choose from. |
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Bannock |
I agree with Mort, too, about later July though I'd push it into early August. Something to discuss with your outfitter. Also something to consider and talk with your outfitter about, since this is your first canoe camping wilderness trip, maybe you want something outside the BWCA. There are some BWCA-type campsites outside the BWCA. These don't have all the regulations (such as the bottle and can ban) and generally have easier access. I took my son to one of these on his first "wilderness" trip. He didn't know we were not in the BWCA until I opened a can of Spaghettios and he called me on it. :) Another option is to camp in a campground on the edge of the BWCA and do daytrips in. This has several advantages: you are right at your car in case of an emergency; no portaging gear; since you're not portaging gear you can take more luxuries, a bigger tent, different/more food and drinks, etc.; you won't get windbound; you don't need to filter water ... and so on. |
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kanoes |
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Beemer01 |
Do not base camp, no surer way to have whiney kids than to limit their adventures. You don't need to do 15 mile days, but girls this age should be able to pull their weight. Do a loop. As mentioned, involve them - they will have jobs and responsibilities. Use a full three person canoe. Edit their pack contents to keep the weight down - there are no fashion contests up there. No iPods, no gameboys, bring books. My youngest at 7 in the wilds West of Quetico |
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dogwoodgirl |
It has the added benefit of starting right from Sawbill, I've had good luck with Sawbill Outfitters although I've never used them for more than canoe rental. Definitely get thm involved in planning route and meals, and teach them to safely cut/split wood, whittle, make fire....they will have a ball and so will you! |
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mc2mens |
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Amok |
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Spartan2 |
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Gordon |
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speedwayusher |
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mocha |
There are also some great routes off the Gunflint Trail. a beginner trip to consider would be entering at Poplar, traveling to the Lizz lake entry, heading into Caribou, Horseshoe and Gaskin, then making a return loop back to Poplar. Another might be a Duncan lake entry, heading in at West Bearskin to Duncan, Rose and back out. Just two portages but one is the Stairway portage. Kids love this area because of Rose falls (you can sit in the waterfall on a warm day), plus the Border Route hiking trail connects here so you can take some short hikes to scenic overlooks. If your kids are into history you could have fun researching the voyageurs that traveled this route. Becoming a Boundary Waters Family |
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lorileinenkugel |
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lundojam |
We have brought little sketch books for drawing plants and insects that kids see. And like everyone else is saying, keep them busy, but not too busy, and give them jobs. |
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fisher |
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speedwayusher |
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BigZig |
and don't be afraid to let them have fun! |
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speedwayusher |
Hmmmm I wonder why head nets are so highly recommended??!!! |
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Spartan2 |
We don't use an outfitter, but I have heard good things about Sawbill Outfitters. But I would think girls of 9 and 11 should definitely be carrying a small pack each of their own personal gear at the very least on every portage. Dad should not be the "sole portager". You want them to learn that a canoe trip is something that is a team effort. We took our daughter on her first trip at age eight and she carried a small pack with no problems, and we had a couple of pretty challenging portages. Just my two cents. |
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Mort |
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Old Hoosier |
My girls (and now grand kids) all have completely enjoyed these types of wilderness trips. Here are some other thoughts for the age group: 1) Get them involved. Paddling, portaging, cooking, making camp, building a fire, washing dishes, etc. This is a great chance to show them that they are NEEDED and VALUED in many ways. 2) Be very patient and instructive when they do not know what to do or how to do it. However, NEVER assume they don't want to know or cannot learn. The single biggest error would be to try to do everything for them. They will get bored instantly. 3) Make it fun! Work hard to find time to do fun stuff THEY like - S'mores, swimming, skipping rocks, watching stars, etc. 4) Take foods they like. Ask them what are their favorite foods (that can be made camping) 5) DEFINITELY get a Jello Mold oven (old aluminum jello mold with pie pan lid) This will allow you to bake brownies, cobblers, biscuits, fudge, etc. Lots of details on this web site. Use the search feature. Even cooking failures are fun in the woods! 6) Don't get in a hurry trying to cover too much ground (or water). Rest often, take time to "play" and just relax together. 7) Plan on rain, then hope it does not happen. Organize something to do if it rains all day. Books, games, cards, etc. I think you will be surprised how much they will enjoy it. |
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fisher |
PORTAGEE; a word to describe one who has been overcome by a portage. (with two young girls, the later may be your case.) have fun! |
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thatguyjeff |
Thing is that entry is the most popular and you will have to reserve your permit early because that entry fills up fast. And if you're looking for solitude (as in not seeing many other people), then this is not the place to go. It's as "crowded" as the BWCA gets. In addition, there's a full service outfitter right on the water at that entry. So there's no driving from the outfitter to the entry. Just park your car right there and load up the canoes. Kawishiwi and Lake One Outfitters is also a lodge with a bunkhouse and showers, etc. I've only rented canoes from them (haven't used any other services). Rustic looking place, well kept, family owned, friendly, etc. All in all, the combo of the easy entry route and having the outfitter right on the water makes for some simplistic logistics. My son is 4. When he's a little older, that's probably the place we'll take him first. |
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speedwayusher |
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