may. hunter island. solo.

what could i expect for total days to complete...considering wind layovers, etc. what would be a safe guess?

and, an additional question. where would i want to enter if i started and finished on the north side?

Stu at the Boundary Waters Journal is doing a guided Hunters Island trip next year, in 9 days. Sounds OK, I'd take 12 myself, but I like to loaf. From the North side?? The Hunters Island route doesn't touch the north side of the Park.......So I guess Nym would be the logical entry....a day and a half's paddle to Sturgeon.....Lac Lacroix or Cache Bay or Prairie Portage are all on the Route.

If I were doing such a trip, I would start from Stanton bay (requires an outfitter drop off). Leave your vehicle at French L for exit. I would allow 2 weeks for the trip. Upon arrival at Sturgeon, head counter clockwise to take advantage of currents and prevailing winds.

This one is in my bucket, so I've read everything I can find about the loop. Looks like 10-12 days, factoring in a periodic break and/or the weather/wind.

I've been thinking about this fotr a solo and was planning three weeks. Shame on me. (Well, I would start at south end of Moose Lake.)

I know of a tandem that did the loop in just under 28 and a half hours.

thats...just...plain....amazing. 150 miles.

quote Banksiana: "I know of a tandem that did the loop in just under 28 and a half hours. "

As I recall, that is the record - and was prior to motor ban. And I think it was a trio - one portages canoe, one motor, and one fuel.

I've wondered what it would be like to zip across Kawanipi with a motor on a square stern - and glad no one does so now.

Bill Conner- the Hunter Island paddle was accomplished in mid June 2005, all paddle, by two Ely guys (Steve Park and Dan Litchfield) both were well into their 40's at the time.

Single portage- no fishing.

and no sleeping. :)

quote Banksiana: "Bill Conner- the Hunter Island paddle was accomplished in mid June 2005, all paddle, by two Ely guys (Steve Park and Dan Litchfield) both were well into their 40's at the time.


Single portage- no fishing. "

Essentially no gear, I assume. Just enough food for that time (would have to eat a lot, though), and emergency stuff. Load or no load, it's impressive! I think I'd allot about two weeks.

Correct me if I'm wrong. The furthest north point on the Hunter Island loop is on Russell Lake, Which is day plus paddle from Batchewaung - The closest entry point. The Northwestern entry point, Beaverhouse is also a day plus to LLC. All Southern entries are right on the route.

Is there a compelling enough reason for a Northern Entry to add the extra miles and time of a pretty tough loop?

PS:

Take your PFD, Safety Glasses and fix your canoe.

Your friend,

Bojibob :-)

Actually, I have paddled from Stanton bay to Keats in a day, and wasn't pushing too hard. Have also paddled from Stanton to S end of Sturgeon in a day. If one wants to push, it could be done in a week or less, but I like to build in fishing/exploring/relaxing time in my trips. That's why I suggested 2 weeks.