Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Safe for kids?
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Big Ying |
If the child knows exactly how to use a satelite phone, and one is brought along on a backcountry trip, that is certainly a more responsible choice than not bringing one. If only the adult understands how to use it, I think it is taking an unnecessary risk. It only takes one mis-step, one miscalculation, one unexpected medical problem, etc., etc. for a young child to be put in a situation that could be very traumatizing and could very well endanger him/her. Sure, it probably wouldn't happen, even if you are not very careful. But a 6 year old would probably not get hurt either if you left them at the mall all day by him/herself. Yet I don't think anyone would say doing that would be no big deal. Anyway, that's my 2 cents. |
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bikehikefish |
Is it really dangerous? Probably not, and if something unexpected happens, there are others around that can help out. But that would require others to change their plans, alter there trip, and cut into their vacation. It would be an imposition, at the least. |
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MNJim |
We had a great trip. We split up the chores, he answered every question my inquisitive 10 year old had and sometimes its just nice to have an adult to talk to. He was just a very low-key guy who gave us our space. He was a life saver when I twisted my bad knee on our last day out. I was having a hard time portaging the canoe but could handle the packs. He portaged both canoes. My daughter had a blast. I should add that my wife had some serious concerns about just my daughter and I tripping. When she found out I'd hired a guide all of her concerns fell by the wayside. |
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HighPlainsDrifter |
One adult, a 5 and 7 year old, and you ask is it safe? I ask, can the 5 and 7 year old paddle a canoe alone, read a map and compass and seek help in case you need it........... otherwise, you (the injured adult) will wait till some good Samaritan happens along your camp? Good luck with that. Don't make a bit of sense to me |
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MikeM |
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Grandma L |
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HighPlainsDrifter |
Try a MN State Park for your first outing. Your kids will not care (only you will know) Look at Glendalough State Park for "canoe in sites". With more than nine miles of undeveloped shoreline and six lakes, this angler's paradise is one of the last large tracts of undeveloped lakeshore and land in west central Minnesota. Canoe Sites, 4 sites, Call park to reserve. Sites available beginning Memorial weekend. Sites are located on northeast shore of Annie Battle Lake and offer access to the lake. Can also hike or bike to sites. Try this link: MN State Parks |
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whiteh20 |
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trailcherry |
The first trip I did with my kids, they were just slightly older than yours. We did one portage, base camped and did some day trips from there. We always practiced safe paddling, had proper fitting pfd's for everyone all the time and stayed off the water in windy conditions. They still enjoy going even now as young adults. Take care and have fun! t |
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jenrobsdad |
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Big Ying |
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whiteh20 |
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kanoes |
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Mad_Angler |
There are plenty of lakes where you will occasionally see other people paddling past (Fourtown or Horse from EP23, Disappointment from EP27, etc). If you really get it trouble, you can flag down someone going past and ask them to send help when they get out. Just camp on the travelled end of the lake rather than some secluded bay. You could get a Sat phone or a "Spot" transmitter if you wanted an emergency backup plan... |
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MikeM |
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Beemer01 |
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Beemer01 |
Disregard the naysayers - they get old too fast and this time is fleeting. |
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bikehikefish |
On two of my last three trips to the BWCA, someone in our group of four was hit by some kind of 24 hour gut-wrenching illness on the first day out. All they could do was lay around and puke for a day and a half. A second adult is common sense. |
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SiouxFan |
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dogwoodgirl |
If she's really worried, she should come along! |
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kiporby |
Personally, I'm taking my 4-year old daughter on her 3rd and 4th trips this summer. Last year we went twice when she was three and stayed on Seagull Lake. So Mike, do it if you want. Pick a route with lots of traffic and easy access to get out if something happens. |
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gogo |
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Trygve |
I would feel much safer with my kids in the woods than with my kids in the Cities. |
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highplainsdrifter |
Ah, the fuzzy warm feel of the BWCA trip....... all is great if nothing goes wrong. But, Dear Dad things do go wrong and they would be dreadful wrong if you were unable to take care of your children........ That whistle (that Traveler suggests) sure would be a comfort to a 5 year old who is looking at Dad with a serious injury....... Dad has a responsibility to his children and not some romantic idea that wilderness trips are like a walk in the local park....... Take the second adult and then the BWCA is a great place for kids (especially 5 and 7 year olds) |
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Maddog |
GREAT NAME!!!! Anyway, go for it! I've inspected carnival rides in the past and I can guarantee the bw is way more safe than your county fair. As with anything else if it doesn't seem safe don't do it. You've got the right idea about smaller water. Know your kids' limitations and don't push them. You'll be freakin fine! My mom still worries about me. It's a mom thing. Anywhere you take the kids without her she'll worry. It's just what they do. I say GO. Make sure you post pictures when you get back. Oh yeah, don't let them out of your site! The wifey-poo may be a little angry if you lose one of the chitlens. Not to mention if they get attacked by a bear or snatched by a cougar. 5yrs would be about bite size for those critters. And wolves....... oh my! The HORROR! But they should be fine. MD |
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Jerry R. |
Go on the trip be cautious and enjoy a great time. |
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Traveler |
I have taken my son when he was six and seven. No one else on the trip. I was very careful. We had great experiences. We went back into Insula. Obviously if the wind was up we stayed on shore. I took my second son when he was 4 and am going with him again this year. He is 7 now. He always carries a whistle. He doesn't help paddle at all - he puts his paddle in and plays with the water essentially putting on the brakes! I'm in no hurry. |
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skonie |
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snakecharmer |
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greenydd |
i too, took an easy route with an easy escape if need be. we do first aid stuff together so he is as informed at his age as he can be. taking it a step farther, this spring before any trips that we take, we are taking a CPR class together. i also carry a 'beacon.' if anything happened to me...heartattack or being unconsious, he knows how to use it. go and have fun! |
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irishstone |
If you feel comfortable doing it then go! Just remember to plan everything out and be prepared for most anything. Teach your kids as much as they can realistically handle about emergencies and self reliance. If something does happen, they will be as prepared as possible. No one here would try and stop you from driving a country road with your kids in the car. But I know of a couple stories where people recked and were not found for days even in areas that have population. Things can happen anyplace. My wife freaked when I went solo a couple years back, but I thought through what I was doing and assesed the risks, sure I could have died, but we have people dying all the time in Chicago, its a part of life. Just remember - if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. I bet your kids will get a big kick out of the experience. |
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BB |
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stevedug |
everybody has given you great advice, but only you know the maturity level of your young kids, the anxiety level of your spouse, and your own level of carefulness and if you have medical issues to consider. a single adult is certainly not as safe as two adults, but that does not necessarily mean that the trip has to be cancelled if it is only you. |
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jamotrade |
If you want to go with just the 2 kids I would recommend some of the lakes that give you the wilderness feel without actually going into the BWCA. Try a self issuing BWCA day permit at Kawishiwi Lake. You can canoe in the BWCA all day and portage into many nice lakes. At the end of the day you can take one of the 5 USFS sites lakeside. You would have the car right there which lets you have some creature comforts that kids really like. Crescent Lake and Sawbill Lake are similar options. The Timber-Frear Loop is also another good option. Sounds like a GREAT experience for everyone! I'm just always prone to err on the side of caution with any newbie...especially kids. |