Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Reports :: Trip Report - Late May 2010 10-day Solo
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BearBrown |
To me, it seemed like you could've done far less work on this trip if you had lightened your load some, but I understand how tough that can be sometimes. As an avid photographer and fisherman myself, I find it tough to go without those items. I don't think I could part with my digital slr for a trip even though it is a burden; it is just too important to me. Gear can be wonderful, but its often unecessary. I enjoyed your thoughts about vacations and why you choose to go solo for yours. A 'vacation' to another city with a similar fast-paced attitude does not appeal to me much either. Getting away from routine is important in life. Is your family supportive of your yearly adventures away from it all and away from them? Storms really bring photographs to life, don't they? Thanks for sharing your story. |
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Exo |
Next solo I am leaving the 35mm home. Point/shoot or nothing. My wife deals with it. Some of her family cringe about being in the woods, let alone alone. Last night she said she wanted to go to the BW this year. Thats good news. She was sad to hear I wouldn't be taking her early May. But early September...here we come. I will always go on a yearly solo trip barring something major like childbirth or something else major. |
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wetcanoedog |
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SevenofNine |
Looking at your gear I think you could pare it down a bit. I know it is hard to leave some stuff at home but be lighter makes a distance over the miles. Loved your attitude on things. The saw breaks and you simply move on from there. Thanks again. |
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Exo |
Koda, I'll send you a PM. |
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Koda |
I got a big kick out of your having "freeze-dried and forgettable" meals. If you want freeze-dried, memorable and plenty of it, try Hawk Vittles. I'm on a low-fat, fairly low-sodium diet and recommend these meals (I've given them letter grades): Moroccan Stew - A Linguini with Mushroom Sauce - A- Shrimp Jambalaya - A Spicy Chicken - B Sweet Italian Sausage & Pasta - A- I used to take my DSLR in a Pelican case. With 28-135 and 70-300 lenses it weighed about 9 lbs. I leave the long zoom at home now and use a Witz Utility Locker. With my Canon 40D, an 18-200 lens, my Olympus SW720, and spare batteries for both, the whole thing weighs just under 6 lbs. Your comment at the end rang true: "dig yourself in several days from your exit point so that it will take a few days to get out." That's how I cured the "bail out after 3 days" blues. I'm impatient for my next long solo. Thanks again. |
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Exo |
Trip Name: Late May 2010 10-day Solo. Entry Point: 25 Click Here to View Trip Report |
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Itchy Menace |
A very pleasurable read, thank you. |
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KevinL |
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SunCatcher |
Nice Report, and understand your feelings exactly when people ask "Why go solo" perdy boat also. SunCatcher |
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Dbldppr1250 |
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Exo |
I had duct tape and could have fashioned something and sandwiched the metal blade between a stick, but it was spring with lots of wood lying about. |
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Exo |
Gear Weights 65 – Pack (includes tent, mattress, sleeping bag) (within pack was 13 pounds of clothing) 16 - Camera case and gear 40 – Food 5 – Fishing 8 - Ditch Kit 230 – Self/Me When I got back I checked and weighed all that was not used or considered "necessary." 9 – Uneaten Food 3 – Unused Clothing hat, longies, chota gloves and booties I think I will be slimming the above down to bare minimums in the hopes that lighter travel means longer travel. And longer travel means less need for those unnecessary comforts of camp. |
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Koda |
I'm particularly taken with the gift your friend gave you. My understanding is that only Indians may possess eagle feathers, and that giving it to you brought you into the tribe. Koda Ska |
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lars54 |
thanks |
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KevinL |
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bwcasolo |
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Beemer01 |
The 35MM Nikon with lenses has been replaced by a digital point and shoot Olympus - probably a 7 or more pound savings. Jet boil replacing a Primus white gas stove w a pot and pan - probably a 3 pound savings. I definately pack far less clothing - and have replaced cotton with synthetics - big savings here - 8# or more. I also pack far less food - bacon and eggs replaced by a powerbar and cup of coffee. You get the idea - reduce and refine and the trips become a little lighter and a little easier every time. Travel safe. |
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paddlefamily |
Curious about bringing the kayak paddle...were you hopping it would be more efficient than the single paddle? Nice adding the "closing thoughts + lessons learned" piece. Fry-bread recipe please! :) |
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Exo |
I won't go without the Exped mattress. I will leave the deck of cards home, but have to bring 2 or 3 books. I could leave the tarp home, but it sure is nice to have with so many uses. I will leave more clothes home. I will do my best to ease up food weights and leave more bannock pre-mix home and ration the GORP better. More spam singles and tuna salad mix for sure though. I could leave necessities like my candle lantern home and some other little stuff. Also going to leave the GPS home. |
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Exo |
I will say...the magic tracks phenomenally. But once it starts veering, it takes a little time to straighten...but not straighten to much or its the same battle on the other side. Fry bread...I give credit to maddy the goose for that recipe. Search maddy the goose on Google for his website. I like cinnamon raisin or also craisins. Substituting some cornmeal is good to. I'm sure i left it out, but sometimes I made it in the morning, sometimes for lunch. Sometimes not at all. |
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AndySG |
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Amok |
and.. I'm glad to see someone else enjoys using a blue barrel! |
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TomT |
About the broken pen - I had that happen on a backpacking trip years ago and now I bring no less than 3. |
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Beemer01 |
Nice pictures and I like your GG Pack choice! |