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Date/Time: 03/28/2024 10:34AM
The unicorn basecamp option

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Previous Messages:
Author Message Text
x2jmorris 11/30/2019 05:19PM
Brule sounds exactly like what you are looking for
fadersup 11/25/2019 08:36PM
minnmike: "I would say a good route with little portaging is Saganaga, Ottertrack, Knife, S. Arm Knife, Hanson, Ester and back to Sag. You would have a few portages but nothing major. Great fishing and beautiful scenery. "


+1. Gorgeous area to paddle and fishing can be very good.
scotttimm 11/25/2019 12:14PM
Michwall2: "GearGuy: "scotttimm: "old_salt: "Probably not the answer you want to hear, but you may have some problems if you let the kids call the shots. There are plenty of options if you look between the two extremes of pushing as hard as possible or not pushing at all.






This is called a compromise and has elements of what each person wants. That’s the conversation I would encourage. Kids need to learn this and it will serve them well as they grow and mature.






If you can give examples of what you consider a hard trip, perhaps we can give some easier options."






Old Salt - must admit your answer rubbed me a little the wrong way, though I don't think that was your intention. The kids don't call the shots in my house, and I know what a compromise is.





My goal every year for the last 6 years has been to see how far we can get in before we set up basecamp, trying to avoid crowds and get some nice scenery. Dragging kids along, that tends to be about 10 hrs (or what others would describe as a 7-8 hr trip). Ogish, Insula, and LBF were the last three years and each pushed the youngest to the max. My oldest and I did about 120 miles last year before meeting up with the girls at LBF. So I'm just looking to see if there are some options out there that might give a break from the usual all day grind, with some options to explore. We've gotten lighter, stronger, and faster each year, but I am trying to listen to the youngest, whose voice is often drowned out, when she says she would like an easy trip this year. "





Sensitive much"




Gear Guy - Regarding this post:



#1 - The conversation between these 2 happened almost 2 weeks ago. You are a Johnny-come-lately. Does your post further the conversation or just "stir the pot"?



#2 - I think scotttimm handled the post with textbook courtesy. He made his point without being rude, condescending, or vulgar. Thank you for that example!



#3 - scottttimm turned what could have been a highly confrontational and negative post into a post that furthered the conversation and helped others understand the context and goals of the group. I believe more constructive suggestions were the result.



#4 - I have met oldsalt and I don't think his intent was to be condescending or confrontational. That being said, my original reaction to oldsalt's post was similar to scotttimm's. I thought it was somewhat out of context, but, after reading again and in context with scotttimm's reply, I read it differently now. I read it as a request for more information. I also thought that it was not my place to get between scotttimm's and oldsalt's discussion. I am curious as to why you thought it was yours?



#5 - Just a thought or two for everyone - If scotttimm's OP had simply said that a member of his party (not identifying the person as a child) had requested an easier trip, would you have reacted as you did? I think being a veteran of at least 6 BW campaigns (even as a child), does confer upon you the privilege of having some separate goals for your trip and making those goals known to the group. scotttimm didn't say that the child/person threw a tantrum or refused to go. The child/person politely made a request for the group to consider. ("PLEASE") scotttimm, as a responsible group leader, was seeking advice as to whether, where, and how he could honor that request and still meet most of the rest of the group's goals.
"



Thanks, Michwall2, for "getting it". I very much appreciate everyone's feedback. On #5 - I'm right there with you. Especially considering that this young lady's enthusiasm is starting to wane given the level of difficulty we have put on her from such a young age. Her response, when we were discussing at dinner a week ago, was that her older brother and sister both got easy trips, going to Lake 2 and such, but when she was 3 we were all pushing further and further and she never got one of those relaxing, slow-paced trips. I asked, "what would you do all day if we just paddled for an hour and set up camp?" She said, "you know, the usual...read, relax in a hammock, fish from shore, draw, explore, but we wouldn't all be tired and cranky." We were all reflecting that, in our usual tripping style, by the time we reach basecamp we are all often cranky, tired, and it takes another day or two before we settle in...and by then we've only got a couple of days before we have to leave. My son reflected how amazing it was to get in the habit of packing up every morning, putting miles behind you, but then taking it easy by noon each day. This sounded interesting to our youngest.


So after reading responses and looking around at trip reports, I'm thinking maybe a new strategy. Maybe we enter Clearwater and take an easy paddle to basecamp there with fresh food (or cross to Caribou). Spend two nights to settle in and relax, eat all the heavy food. Then do an easy-paced loop where we get the rest of the family comfortable with a routine of pack up and leave. Keep it very minimal and light, all hammocks, get everyone in the habit of keeping tidy and organized. Maybe use that as a way to bridge into longer distance tripping as the family progresses and start to move us away from base-camping as a family. If anyone has other route recommendations that fit the bill I'm totally open to suggestions!


And, in the back of my mind, hard to believe I've only got two summer's worth of trips with my son until he's in college...sheesh...another reason to make sure to keep the youngest's interest up!


Thanks everyone for the great recommendations and thoughts, it's appreciated.
Michwall2 11/25/2019 10:15AM
GearGuy: "scotttimm: "old_salt: "Probably not the answer you want to hear, but you may have some problems if you let the kids call the shots. There are plenty of options if you look between the two extremes of pushing as hard as possible or not pushing at all.





This is called a compromise and has elements of what each person wants. That’s the conversation I would encourage. Kids need to learn this and it will serve them well as they grow and mature.





If you can give examples of what you consider a hard trip, perhaps we can give some easier options."





Old Salt - must admit your answer rubbed me a little the wrong way, though I don't think that was your intention. The kids don't call the shots in my house, and I know what a compromise is.




My goal every year for the last 6 years has been to see how far we can get in before we set up basecamp, trying to avoid crowds and get some nice scenery. Dragging kids along, that tends to be about 10 hrs (or what others would describe as a 7-8 hr trip). Ogish, Insula, and LBF were the last three years and each pushed the youngest to the max. My oldest and I did about 120 miles last year before meeting up with the girls at LBF. So I'm just looking to see if there are some options out there that might give a break from the usual all day grind, with some options to explore. We've gotten lighter, stronger, and faster each year, but I am trying to listen to the youngest, whose voice is often drowned out, when she says she would like an easy trip this year. "




Sensitive much"



Gear Guy - Regarding this post:


#1 - The conversation between these 2 happened almost 2 weeks ago. You are a Johnny-come-lately. Does your post further the conversation or just "stir the pot"?


#2 - I think scotttimm handled the post with textbook courtesy. He made his point without being rude, condescending, or vulgar. Thank you for that example!


#3 - scottttimm turned what could have been a highly confrontational and negative post into a post that furthered the conversation and helped others understand the context and goals of the group. I believe more constructive suggestions were the result.


#4 - I have met oldsalt and I don't think his intent was to be condescending or confrontational. That being said, my original reaction to oldsalt's post was similar to scotttimm's. I thought it was somewhat out of context, but, after reading again and in context with scotttimm's reply, I read it differently now. I read it as a request for more information. I also thought that it was not my place to get between scotttimm's and oldsalt's discussion. I am curious as to why you thought it was yours?


#5 - Just a thought or two for everyone - If scotttimm's OP had simply said that a member of his party (not identifying the person as a child) had requested an easier trip, would you have reacted as you did? I think being a veteran of at least 6 BW campaigns (even as a child), does confer upon you the privilege of having some separate goals for your trip and making those goals known to the group. scotttimm didn't say that the child/person threw a tantrum or refused to go. The child/person politely made a request for the group to consider. ("PLEASE") scotttimm, as a responsible group leader, was seeking advice as to whether, where, and how he could honor that request and still meet most of the rest of the group's goals.
GearGuy 11/24/2019 05:48PM
scotttimm: "old_salt: "Probably not the answer you want to hear, but you may have some problems if you let the kids call the shots. There are plenty of options if you look between the two extremes of pushing as hard as possible or not pushing at all.




This is called a compromise and has elements of what each person wants. That’s the conversation I would encourage. Kids need to learn this and it will serve them well as they grow and mature.




If you can give examples of what you consider a hard trip, perhaps we can give some easier options."




Old Salt - must admit your answer rubbed me a little the wrong way, though I don't think that was your intention. The kids don't call the shots in my house, and I know what a compromise is.



My goal every year for the last 6 years has been to see how far we can get in before we set up basecamp, trying to avoid crowds and get some nice scenery. Dragging kids along, that tends to be about 10 hrs (or what others would describe as a 7-8 hr trip). Ogish, Insula, and LBF were the last three years and each pushed the youngest to the max. My oldest and I did about 120 miles last year before meeting up with the girls at LBF. So I'm just looking to see if there are some options out there that might give a break from the usual all day grind, with some options to explore. We've gotten lighter, stronger, and faster each year, but I am trying to listen to the youngest, whose voice is often drowned out, when she says she would like an easy trip this year. "



Sensitive much
mcsweem 11/21/2019 09:41AM
I got 2 options for you #1 crocodile lake off east bearskin, it has it's own permit, it's a dead end lake only 1 80 rod portage to get into it fishing is good too my daughter there for a trip once. plus you could stay at the cabins at east bearskin campground, they are only 80$ a night nothing fancy but nice.


Option #2 go out of crane lake, get the tow from Anderson outfitters into lac lacroix no portages boat rides on the mechanical portages beatty and loon portages. if you'd lake you could make one portage into tachimich it's like 70 rods real nice campsite just on the point past the portage, good fishing from camp, nice site to swim off of. there are several little lakes near 40 rod portages to daytrip to that are full of smallies and largemouth. plus the laker fishing in Tach is outstanding. you could got to trygg if you want a brookie. or you could stay on La lacroix there are lots of nice island campsites there too.


We took a trip with my friends 75 yr old dad there he loved it. It is pricey though but super easy
mschi772 11/15/2019 08:24AM
A1t2o: "The only thing to note is that Clearwater is a big and deep lake so the water tends to be colder and if the wind is in the wrong direction it can get rough. So if you head this direction, keep an eye on the weather and consider taking a detour through Caribou if you need to get back and the lake is a bit too rough to paddle down."


If weather on entry day is an issue, another option I'd consider is just cheating some of the way with a tow from Clearwater Lodge.
cyclones30 11/14/2019 10:37PM
Hog creek entry to Perent. It's basically a dead end entry after the fire burnt the western river route beyond perent. Easy couple hours down a narrow winding creek to a lake with good fishing and lots of islands. Very few to no portages depending on beaver dams and water levels
A1t2o 11/14/2019 10:54AM
Clearwater was a nice trip and going to Johnson Falls was the highlight. I wish I had spent more time there. We spent 2 nights on Clearwater near the portage to Mountain Lake. We hiked the BRT to the lookout points, visited Johnson Falls and did some fishing, but ran out of time before we could visit Gogebic or climb the palisades. Another day or 2 would have been perfect here.


The only thing to note is that Clearwater is a big and deep lake so the water tends to be colder and if the wind is in the wrong direction it can get rough. So if you head this direction, keep an eye on the weather and consider taking a detour through Caribou if you need to get back and the lake is a bit too rough to paddle down.
HighnDry 11/13/2019 11:41PM
minnmike: "I would say a good route with little portaging is Saganaga, Ottertrack, Knife, S. Arm Knife, Hanson, Ester and back to Sag. You would have a few portages but nothing major. Great fishing and beautiful scenery. "


I was thinking of a version of minnmike's suggestion when I read this OP. I took a father-son group into Seagull hoping to camp on Alpine. As luck would have it, all sites were taken so we kept moving. Easy portages into and out of Alpine into a Red Rock Lake and then took the 5 rod portage into Red Rock Bay on Sag. First campsite north of the portage on the eastern shoreline sits on a peninsual. It's a 3 star that camps like a 4 star. We based there and fished the protected bays until we paddled out through Sag 2 days later. Easy trip. Short portages. Scenic area. Low to no boat traffic while there.
mschi772 11/13/2019 04:08PM
TuscaroraBorealis: "Clearwater EP #62



After paddling by the palisades, camp on the east end of spectacular Clearwater lake (which means no portages with all the gear) where there are a couple of really nice sites. From there you have quick access to the Border Route Hiking trail. Panoramic views of Mountain lake and an idllyic scene at the bridge crossing on the way up to Gogebic lake. And, Johnson Falls would be easily reachable from Clearwater as well. Good fishing on "



As I read the thread, I was surprised that I wasn't seeing Clearwater mentioned. Clearwater itself doesn't have a TON of campsites especially if you exclude the a couple nearest the entry, but since it is so long, the farther sites are quite removed from a lot of traffic that goes to Caribou. Many of its sites are amazing with the amazing water of Clearwater to enjoy, and the palisades just across the way. Additionally, hopping across a very short portage to Mountain gives you more sites to choose from if you need to. Johnson Falls is well within day-trip range, hiking to the top of the palisades, the Border Route Trail and a number of awesome overlooks are a short hike away, and if you paddle/portage to Watap which is quick and easy, there are more palisades to enjoy from the water. There's also the novelty of international boundary marker(s) to be found.
TuscaroraBorealis 11/13/2019 02:25PM
Clearwater EP #62


After paddling by the palisades, camp on the east end of spectacular Clearwater lake (which means no portages with all the gear) where there are a couple of really nice sites. From there you have quick access to the Border Route Hiking trail. Panoramic views of Mountain lake and an idllyic scene at the bridge crossing on the way up to Gogebic lake. And, Johnson Falls would be easily reachable from Clearwater as well. Good fishing on Mountain and Caribou lakes.
Boppasteveg 11/13/2019 01:25PM
Exactly...about Red Rock. It's a 10 rod portage. Red Rock offers 5 or 6 campsites. For my first solo trip next year...That's where I'm headed.
johndku 11/13/2019 01:05PM
minnmike: "I would say a good route with little portaging is Saganaga, Ottertrack, Knife, S. Arm Knife, Hanson, Ester and back to Sag. You would have a few portages but nothing major. Great fishing and beautiful scenery. "


Looking at a similar route myself for 2020, except after leaving SAK I'd come out through Ogish, Kingfisher, Jasper, Alpine and Seagull. A couple of 40 rod portages that aren't too tough, and one 100 rod portage from Alpine to Seagull that's relatively flat and wide open.
Chuckles 11/13/2019 11:08AM
If the intent of pushing far is to escape crowds as stated, you might consider going in the shoulder season. We generally trip in late September or early October and routinely go days without seeing anyone. Fishing can be hit or miss this time of year, but I'm told early spring can be great fishing with similar lack of crowds.


Of course, the trade off is the weather is colder and more fickle. But zero bugs is pretty nice...
twistertail 11/13/2019 10:58AM
You could enter Snowbank and take one portage to Disappointment Lake. I camped a night there in July on the way back from Ima. We had decent fishing and it was not as busy as what I had thought it would be. From there you could take a day trip to Cattyman falls.
minnmike 11/13/2019 10:11AM
I would say a good route with little portaging is Saganaga, Ottertrack, Knife, S. Arm Knife, Hanson, Ester and back to Sag. You would have a few portages but nothing major. Great fishing and beautiful scenery.
Jackfish 11/13/2019 09:11AM
Banksiana: "North end of Quetico. From Beaverhouse to Quetico Lake. Batchewaung or Pickerel entry are other options."
...or Cirrus. Good choices.
mjmkjun 11/13/2019 07:18AM
there are some really perfect suggested routes in the responses.
My input concerns the very scenic Cherokee Lake: The portage from Ada Lake to Snoop Lake is now a muddy affair instead of two short portages. Snoop to Cherokee Creek is 180 rods of easy rolling ups and downs.
Cherokee is a gem. It would make a good trip. If memory serves me correct, the landing at Cherokee L. north shore to Gordon Lake is gradual & sandy. I have spotted someone fishing in Gordon the three different times I've paddled to Cherokee Lake from Sawbill entry. An excellent campground at the EP38 entry. Graveled and tiered landing. A quiet campground at night. Tackling the Cherokee loop makes for a tougher trip regarding portages but the in-and-out same route is easier.
Roughly 4-5 hrs from Sawbill pier to Cherokee lake, heading straight north.
Banksiana 11/13/2019 01:16AM
North end of Quetico. From Beaverhouse to Quetico Lake. Batchewaung or Pickerel entry are other options.
Blatz 11/12/2019 10:34PM
Poplar to Horseshoe
lindylair 11/12/2019 09:15PM
This one is kind of off the radar and falls into the minimal, few and easy portage trips. Offers very good fishing, nice scenery, good daytrips, and few people. Enter at the nice gravel landing at #40 Homer Lake. Canoe across this pretty island studded lake and pass by two nice campsites that are not even in the BWCA (no shame in that). Another site is on the west end within the BWCA. Take the portage into Whack lake a grueling(just kidding) 21 rod walk that could have some mud at the beginning. Paddle across Whack to the 14 rod portage into Vern Lake and choose from one of two campsites...the one to the southeast is very nice and right across the lake from a very cool daytrip opportunity. The one to the northwest is also reportedly pretty nice although we did not see it.


The Vern River right across from the SE campsite is a really neat way to spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day's adventure. Good fishing and scenery along the way. We also daytripped to East Pipe and Pipe Lake on another day, a really scenic trip. Fishing for us in the area was very good and we caught a lot of decent fish right from our campsite including walleyes, pike and SMB.


I don't think this is a highly travelled area, we saw but 2 canoes the whole time in early July while we were there. There are opportunities to go further if by some chance the sites were taken or you just felt like it, Juno Lake is a cool place too and Pipe Lake is pretty remote but not far. You can be in camp within 3-4 hours or less depending on how hard you want to push it. We loved the area, convenience, scenery, fishing and especially the vern River, even though we did not go that far up (cuz the fishing was so good).



Here's a trip report with photos, seems like it might fit with what you are looking for:



Homer Lake entry
billconner 11/12/2019 08:16PM
Very few and very easy portages, solitude, plenty if 5 star sites, and grand slam fishing, not to mention pictographs, water falls, and sandy beaches - Quetico Lake by Beaverhouse access.
walllee 11/12/2019 05:11PM
Look at Mcaree in Quetico. The kids would love the tow option from Crane Lake, it’s quite a ride. They would also get to use the “railroad” portages . One your on Lac La Croix you would be dropped off at Black Robe portage, easy short walk to Mcaree. The best fishing for me has been on the end of the lake the portage is on. Some nice campsites within 15 minutes of the portage. World class fishing without a lot of work. It’s not a cheap option, but the kids would love it!!
sedges 11/12/2019 03:24PM
I'll second Brule. The lake it self has many scenic corners to explore. There are many easy day trips to South Temperance, the Cones, Echo and Vernon. I would consider a two base camp trip , spending a few days at each end of the lake. With no portages you could consider more fresh food and many comfy basecamp items.


Brule is going to be my go-to place when I am too feeble to do any serious portaging.
A1t2o 11/12/2019 01:53PM
Just go to Brule. You can travel as much or as little as you want. I have entered on Brule 3 times and never camped on the lake itself once. Lower Cone was a great site though and no portages to get to the lake when we went. If the water is low you might have to go around the stream.
straighthairedcurly 11/12/2019 01:50PM
I was surprised when we entered at Missing Link this year and headed to Snipe. We almost had the lake to ourselves on a weekend in mid August...same when we returned that way a week later. Just 2 portages to get in there. Everyone else we saw seemed to be heading in or out of Tuscarora from Missing Link rather than go to Snipe.
schweady 11/12/2019 01:00PM
A few of our favorite "easier" entries to a basecamp (all out of Ely):
Little Indian Sioux River North to Shell Lake
Moose River North to Lake Agnes
Mudro Lake to Horse Lake (or Fourtown Lake)


and couple that are even shorter:
Ojibway Lake to somewhere on the Kawishiwi Triangle
Little Gabbro Lake to Bald Eagle Lake


and a short-but-favorite on the east side:
Poplar Lake to Horseshoe Lake (or keep going to Winchell Lake)
Twins87 11/12/2019 12:52PM
I would second Sawbill or Kawishiwi Lakes.


Sawbill is no portages as it's the entry lake. Alton is an easy 30 rod on an old railroad bed. Both can be crowded though if you're there during the busy season so you could end up getting shut out of a campsite and need to go farther. But we've found Sawbill sites in July so it's all luck of the draw.


We don't fish but I have heard the north end of Sawbill has walleye and it's not heavily fished as it serves as a pass through for people heading to Cherokee.


If you want to push beyond Alton, going to Beth is another 150 rod portage.


But IF Beth is full then you're dragging your youngest on a 285 to get to Grace. Which is a beautiful lake and often quiet. But the portage doesn't sound like what she is looking for.


Kawishiwi to Polly is about a half day trip. There are portages along the way but nothing really long or really hard. Number of portages depends on the beaver activity on the river and water levels. I've never stopped short of Polly so not sure what it's like to camp along the way. Pagami Creek fire burned most of the area between the two.


Would you consider a tow on Big Sag? Or just paddle Big Sag? You could do a no portage trip that way. Or get a tow to American Point and then paddle to Ottertrack or beyond. Monument portage is the longest portage you'd have to tackle and then if you stick to Ottertrack or Knife you wouldn't have any other big portages.


Is she truly looking for no portages? Or would a trip with short to medium portages but just fewer travel hours be acceptable?


We have enjoyed basecamping on Long Island or Cherokee or Gaskin. All take some portaging to get to but it's not 10 hours in. 4+ depending on how fast you move.
egknuti 11/12/2019 12:04PM
Isabella Lake comes to mind even though it's fire affected. I'd also consider Fourtown. Somewhat rocky portages but all relatively short. This would be a good compromise, I think.
Michwall2 11/12/2019 12:01PM
Very little to no portaging:


Sawbill (Entry 38) - Options to go to Alton/Kelso with very short portages. Day trips to Beth Lake to the west or Fire Lakes (Smoke, Burnt, and Flame) to the east, Kelso River (take the kids to see the Viking dolman. Did the Vikings really make it this far west?) and Lujenida Lake to the north.


Baker Lake (Entry 39) Go to Kelly Lake or Jack Lake - Portages are very short and flat. Good moose viewing chances. Not much for day trips - Maybe Burnt Lake (Burnt Lake - 240 rd portage), Weird Lake, or South Temperance (About 300 rds of portage from Jack Lake).


Kawishiwi Lake (Entry 37) - No portaging. Day trip up the Kawishiwi River to Square Lake. With some beaver dam pull overs you can probably trip all the way to Kawasachong Lake. (Several of the campsites listed on Kawasachong were destroyed in the Pagami Creek Fire so check with outfitter or FS before planning to camp there.)


Brule Lake - (Entry 41) - Stay on Brule or head to either the Cone Lakes or South Temperance Lake. Day trips from Brule to the Cone Lakes or South Temperance are also good. Be prepared to stay in camp when the wind blows on this large lake.


Some easy portaging:


Lizz Lake - Entry 47 - Headed for Horseshoe Lake or Gaskin Lake. Good moose viewing area for the kids. Lots of options for day trips. e.g. Winchell Lake to climb to the top of the cliffs or find the water falls coming in the south shore.


Little Indian Sioux North - Entry 14 - Headed for either Pauness Lakes. Portages are short and flat. Day trip - Devil's Cascade, More Little Indian Sioux River to Loon Lake to the northwest. To the east is the Shell Lake, Little Shell Lake, Lynx Lake complex. The portage to Shell Lake has been bisected by a beaver pond that you must float.


Seagull Lake - Entry 54 - I know you said you have been here before, but take a couple of shortish portages and you could be on Red Rock Lake or Red Rock Bay and out of the burn areas. Day trip up onto big Saganaga Lake as weather and wind allow. Some very pretty islands up there to explore. The downside here is that you may see or hear motors out on Saganaga Lake. (Or use one of those motors to get a tow to the end of Red Rock Bay from the Saganaga Lake entry It is a very short portage into Red Rock Lake.)
scotttimm 11/12/2019 12:00PM
old_salt: "Probably not the answer you want to hear, but you may have some problems if you let the kids call the shots. There are plenty of options if you look between the two extremes of pushing as hard as possible or not pushing at all.



This is called a compromise and has elements of what each person wants. That’s the conversation I would encourage. Kids need to learn this and it will serve them well as they grow and mature.



If you can give examples of what you consider a hard trip, perhaps we can give some easier options."



Old Salt - must admit your answer rubbed me a little the wrong way, though I don't think that was your intention. The kids don't call the shots in my house, and I know what a compromise is.


My goal every year for the last 6 years has been to see how far we can get in before we set up basecamp, trying to avoid crowds and get some nice scenery. Dragging kids along, that tends to be about 10 hrs (or what others would describe as a 7-8 hr trip). Ogish, Insula, and LBF were the last three years and each pushed the youngest to the max. My oldest and I did about 120 miles last year before meeting up with the girls at LBF. So I'm just looking to see if there are some options out there that might give a break from the usual all day grind, with some options to explore. We've gotten lighter, stronger, and faster each year, but I am trying to listen to the youngest, whose voice is often drowned out, when she says she would like an easy trip this year.
Northwoodsman 11/12/2019 11:50AM
Sawbill or Kawishiwi come to mind. Or Cherokee.
old_salt 11/12/2019 11:22AM
Probably not the answer you want to hear, but you may have some problems if you let the kids call the shots. There are plenty of options if you look between the two extremes of pushing as hard as possible or not pushing at all.


This is called a compromise and has elements of what each person wants. That’s the conversation I would encourage. Kids need to learn this and it will serve them well as they grow and mature.


If you can give examples of what you consider a hard trip, perhaps we can give some easier options.
scotttimm 11/12/2019 10:45AM
Hey All - hope you are keeping warm. Of course, this is when we all start to dream of destinations, right?

Last night I told my wife that I started thinking about the BWCA - she said, "ME TOO!"
Whew.
Then my youngest chimed in, "can we just have an EASY trip this year, like a one-year break from portages? PLEASE???"

We go every year, she's gone I think 6 times, and we typically push it has hard and as far as we can go to beat the crowds, have good side-trip options, and fish. So, I have a request to research close-range/good scenery/good fishing/low to no portages with a good availability of campsites. Does this unicorn location exist? Not interested in Lake One, we've been there a few times already. Did Seagull on our way to Ogish once, and we've been to Ensign with a tow twice. We've done a good amount on the West side and on the East side...maybe something in between?