I leave for our trip on the 30th of August. That's a Friday. Half of the group will have already taken off for Ely (then Moose Lake). The other half I will wait on to get off work with the last one normally being 7 pm. We will then head North. If everybody feels good we will just drive straight through but if needed at all we will pull over and get whatever sleep we need.

On Saturday we finish whatever it is we need to finish (should be small or nothing) and go to the outfitter Williams and Hall, where we will bunk for the night. Upon wakeup and breakfast, we will get a tow to Prairie Portage as early as they are willing to take us. We get back the following Saturday.

In this thread, I'll journal "getting ready." Some may find it interesting, many won't. Feel free to chime in.

Mike

Looking forward to it, Mike.

Sounds interesting to me :)

I love the getting ready part, so can't wait to hear yours. I wish my trip was this month.
OT, there seems to be a lot of us Mikes born in 68'. When I was in elementary school the teachers called us by our last names cuz there were 4-5 Mikes in every class.
Where are you driving from?

Basic route is Moose Lake through Prairie Portage, Basswood, Burke, Isabell, Side, Sarah and then McIntyre. That will take us about a day and a half, maybe a bit less. We will stay there for a few nights. We then head to Tuck Lake via Deer & Cecil and stay for a few more nights. From there we will take the remaining days and head back to Basswood for an easy paddle to Prairie Portage for our tow back to the outfitters.

minnmike: " I love the getting ready part, so can't wait to hear yours. I wish my trip was this month.
OT, there seems to be a lot of us Mikes born in 68'. When I was in elementary school the teachers called us by our last names cuz there were 4-5 Mikes in every class.
Where are you driving from?
"

There certainly are a bunch of Mike/Michaels from that era. I was a Mikey growing up. Wherever I work there are a few as well so I take whatever is left. If there is a Mike, I'll be a Michael, etc. I was called "Mick" one time even though I'm not Irish.

I'll even add a bit of back-story here and there. Possibly some other new canoe tripper will find it valuable. I'll also come back to this thread after the trip to speak about what worked, what didn't, etc.

Back Story, now known as BS.

Some BS.

My daughter is getting ready to start her second year of college. When she started Jr. High my son went to college. Until that point, I was a coach on both of their travel teams. He on a college commit (though that changed) and her headed that way. Those things consumed me for a bunch of years so my time in the outdoors had fallen to the wayside. Having grown up in the Appalachian Mountain chain, this was a bit painful.

Once I had only one child at home and team to worry about, I began to get back in the outdoors with standard weekend backpack trips, kayak river camping trips, and so forth. However, I knew that I was waiting for LONGER trips of some sort.

More BS

When I was in 9th grade I went with my dad on one his of occasional fly-in fishing trips. They used Jim Thomas's outdoor guide service to set them up, but didn't actually guide them. I suppose sortof an outfitter and trip arranger person. Maybe some of you that are "of a certain age" may remember Jim Thomas.

I ended up taking two of these trips with Dad and his buddies. I remember all the planning, meeting with his group, etc. We would pack up and drive to Red Lake, Ontario and then fly to some lake and spend a week in a cabin fishing. It was the first time I ever had Labatt's and Molson. I was only allowed to have one of each, but hey, I was on a fishing trip so I got them. One lake we went to was Thicketwood Lake. The other I'd have to have the computer do a search on my memory banks to find out. Or have Spock mind-meld me, whatever works.

I remember how awesome those trips were. I didn't really like that much fishing EVERY DAMN DAY but I know my dad liked it and he liked it that I enjoyed it (I always pretended I did) so all is well. What I enjoyed the most was BEING THERE. We saw a young moose swimming and in trouble. Mom was on the bank making plenty of noise, worried about the little one. We came across a trappers cabin and looked in the windows. We found snowmobiles stashed on an island under a tarp, waiting for Winter. I fell in the lake trying to get out of the boat on some remote shore. I pulled up a fish and it had a leech wrapped around it. That freaked me out.

I have always wanted to go back. Doing a BWCA/Quetico type trip will get me there.

minnmike: " I love the getting ready part, so can't wait to hear yours. I wish my trip was this month.
OT, there seems to be a lot of us Mikes born in 68'. When I was in elementary school the teachers called us by our last names cuz there were 4-5 Mikes in every class.
Where are you driving from?
"

I'll put the "driving from" in one of my posts.

Some additional BS

I had heard about BWCAW in the past and imagined what it was. I had read an article on it and thought "Yes, exactly as I thought", sortof.

Fast forward to my daughter graduating high school. I was on a primitive style camping outing (sortof) and my brother in law's friend started to talk about his regular trips to BWCA. I heard about two sentences and then I said "I'm going there next year, who's in?" We spent several frothy beverages talking about it. I told them I was going in 2019, solo or with whomever wanted to go. Luckily the group I was with contained a few of my regular outdoor buddies so we quickly got up to a certain number.

As of that moment, the planning started.

BS Continued

My BIL's friend stored canoes near Ely somewhere. His group had an uncle that also went (I think) and they stored things there. He said we may be able to use those canoes as long as we take responsibility and contribute just a bit. That's fine, but I knew I'd be taking several trips either in BWCA, Algonquin, etc. so I was thinking about getting my own canoe.

Since my BIL's friend (and my friend as well) had gone, it's sortof "his trip" though I'm the one planning it. I appreciate his help and insight so it's "his trip". He initially told us where he wanted to go so that became the first target. We changed that eventually but that's for further down this page.

When I got home I hit the internet and started to read. It all sounded great. As I'm a backpacker, much of what was talked about was an extension of that. Sure, different, but many things translate. A bit of different gear, extra precautions, etc. but still nothing that was overly confusing. I became a member in this fine forum and tried to do a blend of asking questions and searching to find the answer, as I knew I was typical and most likely didn't have any brand spanking new questions.

While doing this I agonized over a canoe.

Canoe BS

Which canoe? Solo or tandem? Used or new?

I plan on taking solo trips in the future. More like I will plan trips and if people want to jump in on them, fine, but I'm going anyway.

I have two main outdoors buddies. My BIL and a long-time friend. If I get a solo then they would have to arrange for their own vessels, be it a solo or a tandem of they both go, or heck even two solos. In the end, I didn't want that to be an obstacle for either of them to go so I got a tandem that can solo. I picked a Northstar Northwind 16. It's not great tandem, nor great solo, but I really only have my kayak to compare to so what the hell do I know? I asked MANY questions here on this board and several people jumped in to help make the choice.

I decided to buy new. The ONLY reason is that there is a lack of used around here and I wanted to do some outings to make sure I had what I needed, I had the basic paddling skills, and on and on. I live in the lower 1/3 of Ohio so searching for a while resulted in very few options for used canoes.

However, I STILL covet the solo Swift Pack boats.

Meeting With An Outfitter

After reading here and other places, it was apparent that I COULD plan this trip and do just fine without an outfitter. However, I wanted to make sure it all went well, and we needed a place to stay the night before as well as a tow to Prairie Portage. My BIL's friend had used Williams and Hall in the past and it just so happened about the time I was kicking this around they were going to be nearby at an outdoors event.

Three of us went to the event and spoke to Blayne Hall. That chat went great. We explained what we were looking to do and he started to lay some experienced knowledge on us. Super! Glad we connected. The following Monday I called and made our arrangements.

Countdown To Driving Away From Home

8/7/2019 - Today I am going to go into my basement and put my "things" in general stacks. I'm not going to consult my list just yet except for my clothing. I'm going to make sure all that is in order as this coming weekend I am going to treat everything with Permethrin.

Documentation

Because of the help on this forum, when I called the outfitter and told her what was already in progress and what we still had to do, she let me know that's exactly what I needed to do. It's a great reflection on the amount of help this forum gives.

Today my camp chair arrived. I ALREADY have a backpack camp chair which alternates between being a simple folder to a Helinox Zero or something. I needed a new actual family camping chair and really liked the ENO - Lounger DL Camping Chair that my buddy had. I got a different color than he did.

On these trips, you don't NEED a chair, and you don't NEED one that size that I'm taking, though it's smaller than your typical bag chair. Since we are in a canoe I am allowing myself a few luxury items. I plan on doing plenty of sitting and staring and a chair is a good place to sit while you are staring.

This has me fired up to get my gear out tomorrow. I don't leave til sept 20th but gosh dang it you've fanned the flames WM. It's been a long summer with no trip so I will relish in the preparation and count that as part of the trip.

cowdoc: "This has me fired up to get my gear out tomorrow. I don't leave til sept 20th but gosh dang it you've fanned the flames WM. It's been a long summer with no trip so I will relish in the preparation and count that as part of the trip."

+1. I leave Sept 14th but my wife is going on a 2 week vacation on Aug 24th. I plan on bringing the gear out about 2 minutes after she is out of sight. She gets a little annoyed with how long the gear readying process takes me. I will be avoiding 2 weeks of eye rolling from her and be all packed and ready when she gets home. Win/Win!

cowdoc: "This has me fired up to get my gear out tomorrow. I don't leave til sept 20th but gosh dang it you've fanned the flames WM. It's been a long summer with no trip so I will relish in the preparation and count that as part of the trip."

Preparing to take a trip is part of my fun! Then, when I get home, I capture how the trip went. I hope that I take the time to journal while I am there.

minnmike: "

cowdoc: "This has me fired up to get my gear out tomorrow. I don't leave til sept 20th but gosh dang it you've fanned the flames WM. It's been a long summer with no trip so I will relish in the preparation and count that as part of the trip."

+1. I leave Sept 14th but my wife is going on a 2 week vacation on Aug 24th. I plan on bringing the gear out about 2 minutes after she is out of sight. She gets a little annoyed with how long the gear readying process takes me. I will be avoiding 2 weeks of eye rolling from her and be all packed and ready when she gets home. Win/Win!"

I have part of a basement that is just used to hold my gear for various things. I'm also a citizen responder so I need it fairly organized. It gives me a place to hang things to air out, put things in piles to stare at, and so on.

Tomcat: "Wonder Monkey, I am really enjoying this thread. I couldn't sleep and read it at 3:00 am this morning. Then again just a little while ago.

We are receiving heavy rain here today and I wanted to test a new canopy. I was sitting in my back yard at 6:00 am, in a camp chair, under the canopy, in the rain, drinking coffee, and reading this thread for the second time. Crazy!

I retired last year and returned to the bwca after a 15 year break working and raising family. I will be going again September 10th.

I too am interested in a solo swift canoe.

John "

Glad you are enjoying it! Wasn't sure if anybody would enjoy the BS.

Sitting under a tarp in the back yard in a rain is like Camping Level 1 and it feels great. If you can't actually take a trip, pretend you are!

BS Nature of Planning

I'm a planner by nature. To be more exact I'm a preparer. I enjoy it. I don't get stressed out if I don't have all the time to plan or prepare, but I enjoy the process. If the group wants to not join in on any dinners, fine by me! But if they do, let's figure out what it is people want and such. To me, that's kind of a normal kind of planning.

I go a bit beyond that with my private planning, as do many of you. I have a master gear list that I keep in Google Sheets with everything that I own that would be considered part of my outdoor gear. If I buy something, it goes on the list. When I start a trip of any consequence I copy that master file over to one that is used for the trip and I look at it. I go down through it and check things.

This master list isn't really for the items I use all the time, like clothing, shelter, etc., it's more for the things you carry and don't use, like first aid, backup fire starting things, etc. Most of that I keep in pouches for their purpose and can just grab them, look inside, and toss them on the pile. These items are not on your mind usually, so I want to make sure they are packed.

The other thing I do is map. I've been lost in the woods before. As it turns out I was correct in where I was going but I didn't KNOW that. I just FELT I was, and it turned out ok. As luck would have it, it was one of the FEW TIMES I had not brought all my mapping gear (map, compass, GPS backup) and it was the time I actually needed it. From that point forward, I have those things. My maps now are extensive. I have printouts of sites, GPS coords, lakes associated (now that I'm a canoe tripper) and such. My GPS device (that's for another post) has all campsites, portage points (one end then the other) and portage paths. If I get lost, then I just plain suck at it.

The central part of this preparation is that I take responsibility for the group I'm with if I have ANYTHING AT ALL to do with planning, which I usually do. I want to make sure the group has a good time and is ready for what happens. My solo trips are much more relaxed, though I still do a similar level of planning.

BS GPS Device

I am taking a Garmin InReach Explorer+ as my GPS device. It Bluetooth to my phone to provide a larger screen, which is nice. Generally, I take this and leave it in a sky-visible area of my pack, hoping never to use it.

I used to have a DeLorme PN-40, which the predecessor to the Garmin model. After I abused it to death, I didn't have a device.

Then ..... Then a few years ago, I went on a solo backpacking trip. I went to an area which did not have cell service. I was not able to send my wife an "I'm at camp" message. She didn't worry too much as I was on established trails and at an approved campsite. This trail system is very hilly and therefore rarely used but if needed a Ranger would have been able to take an ATV and get to all sites within a reasonable amount of time. The full loop was probably 30 miles if I remember correctly. When I got home we chatted about it and I let her know I was going to go on more solo trips and if she wished I could get a GPS device that had the "Come Get Me" button as well as satellite messaging. So that's what I did.

When people ask me about the device I tell them that she's not really worried about me so much but it is more about the insurance agent being able to positively locate and identify my body. "No body, no check" is my wife's mantra. She really likes it when I tell that little story.

8/8/2019 - 22 Days Until I Leave

Today I will pick out one stack of "things" and make sure I have everything. If so I'll take a photo of it and post it here. I started to do this in the Gear forum and did it as part of a long weekend trip, but I'll do it again here. If I get it together and take a photo, I'll more easily be able to re-assemble (Avengers, re-assemble!) it, if needed, and stow it in my pack.

I want to be totally packed the week before I leave. Almost.... The only think I won't pack up is whatever has down in it. I'll wait until two days before to compress and pack.

So ... tonight. Pick a grouping and get it done. Photograph the whole thing and post here because I'm an attention whore.

A lot of good BS on this thread :-)

WonderMonkey: "
8/7/2019 - ... I'm going to make sure all that is in order as this coming weekend I am going to treat everything with Permethrin."

Entry on August 30? You might want to save your permethrin for next year’s tick season. Most insect pests should be gone by Aug 30th, and a cheaper insect repellent with DEET will work on those few mosquitoes that are hanging on.

HayRiverDrifter: "A lot of good BS on this thread :-)"

I've got PILES of BS!

inspector13: "

WonderMonkey: "
8/7/2019 - ... I'm going to make sure all that is in order as this coming weekend I am going to treat everything with Permethrin."

Entry on August 30? You might want to save your permethrin for next year’s tick season. Most insect pests should be gone by Aug 30th, and a cheaper insect repellent with DEET will work on those few mosquitoes that are hanging on.

"

I agree, but I have more Permethrin than the recommended shelf life will sustain. Since Permethrin is harmless, I don't mind doing a precautionary spray. Also, I buy the concentrated form and mix to proper rations, so that makes it cheaper.

I do have 100% Deet for around clothing openings and 40% Deet for the skin.

Backup List of Campsites

As a backup I'll print on 11x17 a list of all campsites in BWCA and Quetico. This printout will be from a combination of data sources and include campsite, park, lake name, status, tent pads, max tent pads, lat and long.

I just finished joining all the data up. Here is an unsorted sample.

Holy smokes, can I hire you to organize my desk at work?

My desk is a wreck.

For my job, I run our company's Data & Analytics practice.

WonderMonkey: "Backup List of Campsites

As a backup I'll print on 11x17 a list of all campsites in BWCA and Quetico. This printout will be from a combination of data sources and include campsite, park, lake name, status, tent pads, max tent pads, lat and long.

I just finished joining all the data up. Here is an unsorted sample.
"

This may take too many pages. I'll probably limit to the lakes on our planned route and any connecting lakes. The rest I'll download to my phone for offline use. This data is just for "whetever" purpose anyway, and life would be just fine without it. My purchased folding maps have the vast majority of these marked right from the manufacturer.

I am really enjoying this Mike. I love the planning as much as the trip as well. Keep up this thread!

Selfsuffi: "I am really enjoying this Mike. I love the planning as much as the trip as well. Keep up this thread! "

Thanks! I may have more BS as well.

WonderMonkey: "

Selfsuffi: "I am really enjoying this Mike. I love the planning as much as the trip as well. Keep up this thread! "

Thanks! I may have more BS as well."

The BS is entertaining as well. :)

Item Group Completed: Cutting, Stabbing, Chopping, Sawing

Sometimes you need to one or all at the same time.

Left to Right

Portable sharpener, coarse and fine
KaBar, Leather Handled. USMC Sheath
Rapala Fish 'N Fillet Superflex Knife (7 1/2-Inch)
Gränsfors Bruks Outdoor Axe
Agawa Canyon - BOREAL21 Compact Folding Bow Saw
Not Pictured (scalpel in First Aid Kit)

So why a fixed blade knife, a small ax AND a saw?

I'll always have my fixed blade Kabar, for reasons I'll get into so.

There is plenty of cross-over in what I have pictured. The cross-over, for me, is between my fixed blade and the outdoors ax, and not the saw. Several may object to that.

I take this combination when I pulk in the Winter and when I will trip out of my canoe. The main reason is that I just like to do it that way. Since I purchased my ax earlier this year I've been forcing its use. For the most part, it has performed the tasks I would normally use my fixed blade for, with small exception. I put my hand up near the head of the ax and do smaller things like make tarp pegs. I also split wood with it. I create feather sticks. Occasionally I'll kill me a bear but that's when I'm feeling ornery. Usually, I let the bears live.

Kabar BS

My grandfather, Charles Henry, was called up from the National Guard during WWII and was involved in various campaigns in Italy. He was among many who attempted to guard Benito Mussolini's body during the chaos that surrounded his execution.

My grandfather carried a Kabar for a time. It was a USMC model as that was what came out first. In honor of him, I carry the current version of that model.

At one point my grandfather had Sundowner's, which is dementia. At a point when he as in a nursing home and had clarity until around Noon, I went to visit him and snuck in my Kabar. I had lashed the pommel guard to the belt loop. That would not guarantee anything but it would at least make it difficult for me to not be able to react.

When we were in his room I brought it out and said "Remember these?" His eyes lit way up and launched into several stories at his Kabar and his time in the service. He kept turning it over and over. When it came time to leave, he said "Can I keep this?" and I said "No, you know I can't do that." He said "I know" and we both shed a few tears.

I took a risk that day, taking it in for him to see, but I don't regret it. It was a moment of happiness and sadness all at the same time.

*salute* to you grandpa, from one Army Dog to another. I'll always carry a Kabar for you.

Item Group Completed: Personal Cooking

This is what I'm taking for my personal cooking, though I took extra of something because of the groups.

From Left To Right

Expedition Research Bushcraft Grill
Toaks Titanium Long Handled Spork
In Orange Bag
- TOAKS TITANIUM 900ML D115MM POT
- TOAKS TITANIUM FRYING PAN for POT LID
- Nested inside the 900ML pot: Bushbuddy Stove
Generic cup
Mesh Bag: Fire starting things. Firesteel, twine, magnesium block, etc
Ziplock Bag: Esbit fire starters. Not necessary but brought for group safety

Side Commentary

I've been receiving some really good advice on sites and portages along our intended route. Both in chat and in personal email. I've copied the conversations and email and make notes on the portages and campsites. Though it's a group trip and I'll ask "Hey who wants to go where?" and I'll throw in what I've learned from this forum. Typically they will say "What do you have in mind?" and off we will go.

What I want to do is get to a lake early enough so that we can look at a few sites. I know that's a good way to lose a site but I'd still like to tentatively try. Although a few recommendations I've received have sounded like I'm going to go to THOSE first and hesitate to move if they are open.

Tomcat: "Good morning,

I awoke, started coffee, and opened thread for updates. I am drawn to this topic, I think because I have a similar thought process for organization and planning. But the side topics are what surprise me the most. My mind wonders off the equipment and planning to past moments and memories.

As a navy diver I was issued a k-bar knife with a fiberglass sheath. I remember how quickly it rusted and how I spent time keeping it sharp and once being singled out by an instructor during a random equipment check for having the sharpest rust free knife.

I also remember my father, a very dignified, intelligent man. He was an aviator in the war shot down over Germany and a prisoner of war liberated by general Paton. He died alone in a nursing home with severe dementia.

Looking forward to updates, John
"

*salute* to your father, and *salute* to you.

I noticed how you spelled Kabar. It's been spelled many ways throughout the years.

I have a knife (American made) that was taken off an enemy (to us) frogman in Viet Nam. My uncle was on a PT boat up and down the rivers and they shot someone coming out to place charges on the hull. As usually happened, whatever was on the frogman was fair game for souvineers.

Agonizing Decision

I gridlock on decisions like these. The thing is at work, or if someone needs something, I decide quickly and off I go. Leisure decisions like the below send me into a flow chart that can't be stopped.

My main cook pot used to be a 750 ml titanium thing. It's great. As I moved into making my own camp meals I found that I was coming up to to the brim on it so I changed to a 900 ml thing. It's also great.

One thing I've always thought about doing was to relax in camp enough to where I made myself a morning or evening hot chocolate or tea. I don't drink coffee. Why? I'll tell you later though it's not very interesting. As a backpacker I'm normally going from site to site, and I don't take time in the morning to fool around, and when I get to a different camp, I think "A nice cup of whatevs" would be nice but then I realize I didn't bring anything for it.

Lately (past 8 months) I've been trying to slow down and base camp more, or at least do fewer miles. I LIKE being in camp. Scheduling this Quetico trip has forced me to focus on it as I know I'll be out there a week, and I'm not one to fish for hours and hours. Now that I've convinced myself that I'm a base camper I figured it's time I pretend I'm a commercial and curl up on a couch in a sunroom, drink my hot beverage, and have a knowing, secret smile on my face. Sub in my hammock or camp chair, my choice of beverage, and a pained look on my face because I'm avoiding walking away from camp and digging a cat hole.

Two months ago I was in my favorite local outdoors store (Great Miami Outfitters) and I spotted a 14 z. GSI cup . I HAVE TO HAVE THAT! So I got it.


Last night I'm looking at my stuff and I realize that when I'm curled up in my nightgown, having just gotten out of my hammock and the sun is blaring, I will probably want more than 14 oz. Fourteen ounces doesn't put a knowing, secret smile on my face. THIS IS GOING TO RUIN THE TRIP.

There I stood, getting ready to call my group and tell them I can't go on the trip. I just can't do it. Then I spy my prior cook pot, the 750 ml one. I pick it up, encased in the reflectix cozy I had made for it, and looked at it as if it were a clue some ancient wise person had left for me to help solve a world-saving puzzle. What does this mean? Why am I staring at this? Do I need to call that actor from the movie National Treasure to figure it out? National Geographic, maybe?

Then it hits me. 750 ml is MORE than 14 oz! Could this be true? Could all my engineering math and science classes have suddenly been worth it? Is 750 ml, in fact, MORE than 14 oz? I picked up my smaller cup and held them both up. It LOOKED larger, but I've been on vacation with my parents when I was little and I'VE BEEN to a Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum, and I know what I see can't be trusted. Oh no, I've been fooled before, and hey, fool me 29 times and shame on me!

I walked over to my downstairs laptop and brought up Google. ML to Oz conversion, please and thank you. 750 ml is .... 25.3605 US fluid ounces! HA HA! The trip is saved! I cancel the Webex and accompanying PowerPoint presentation to my group on why I couldn't go, and sigh a sigh of relief. Bonus points is that my 750 ml hot chocolate holder also has that cozy! Perfect!

I go upstairs and get a glass of water and curl up on our coach with darkness streaming through the window, and pull up a re-run of Star Trek TOS. I smile a knowing and secret smile, and laugh at those darn Tribbles.

Crisis averted.

Coffee BS

When I'm in a morning meeting or walking toward the sink with my cup, I'll get asked, "Getting a coffee?" Nope, just water. "You don't drink coffee?" Nope, only had one sip my whole life, didn't like it.

Then the facial expressions and lack of sound let me know that the person is trying to resolve all this.

When in the military, I went on an FTX (field training exercise), and it was a wee bit chilly one morning. People were hurrying over to get hot water for coffee before we had to go train to kill commies. I hurried on over as well, feeling very much part of a club. "I'm going to get coffee kindof!"

I got my styrofoam cup and dispensed the hot water in it. I then tore open my packet of Army issued coffee and dumped it in. Some started to sink to the bottom, and the rest just floated on top with their middle finger up. "Screw you; I'll float here, what of it?" I used my Army issued stir straw and vigorously agitated the mix in a clockwise direction, as my forefathers did before me.

Having done the best I could, I took a sip of coffee.

Then I walked over to the ditch and poured it out. I drank hot water for the rest of that exercise.

And that, my friends, is the last drink of coffee that I have ever taken.

Not one commie survived.

8/9/2019 - Ordered sunscreen. I bought Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50 in 7 oz. bottle. Actually, I bought a 3 pack in case others forgot theirs. I'll ask in Ely.

Enjoying your get ready journal, Mike.

I'm doing a lot of the same stuff, like working on compiling a master list of gear I can take and lend to others. I am also working on a "task list". My preparations are compounded and complicated by the long drive there and back. I picked an entry point and date, and got a permit back in January. I also made all necessary reservations. Route options investigated, information gathered, and a trip plan decided on. All non-perishable food has been obtained. Expired/ used first aid, gear repair, and ditch kit items have been replaced. Still a lot of things to do before I leave on Sept. 12th and I like to spread it out because there's always a last-minute rush.

boonie: "Enjoying your get ready journal, Mike.

I'm doing a lot of the same stuff, like working on compiling a master list of gear I can take and lend to others. I am also working on a "task list". My preparations are compounded and complicated by the long drive there and back. I picked an entry point and date, and got a permit back in January. I also made all necessary reservations. Route options investigated, information gathered, and a trip plan decided on. All non-perishable food has been obtained. Expired/ used first aid, gear repair, and ditch kit items have been replaced. Still a lot of things to do before I leave on Sept. 12th and I like to spread it out because there's always a last-minute rush. "

I separate my gear into categories and think about it that way. Some people do it differently. For instance, I have "Shelter", "Cooking", etc. "Cooking" can be simple for backpack camping or a bit more for whatever else. For most categories, I have a tab on a spreadsheet dedicated to it.

For spreading things out until departure date I actually put things on my google calendar.

Tomcat: " Flask that put a "knowing secret smile" on my face.

"

I've thought about taking a hard-sided flask but I think I'll do a small platypus.

Enjoying the thread. Headed back in tomorrow. Always amazes me the distances people travel for these trips. It's interesting to see all the preparations and gear differences too. Thanks, WM - I hope you have a terrific time!
~JP

jillpine: "Enjoying the thread. Headed back in tomorrow. Always amazes me the distances people travel for these trips. It's interesting to see all the preparations and gear differences too. Thanks, WM - I hope you have a terrific time!
~JP"

I, and a few others, are hammockers as well so once I'm at a campsite I'll detail that gear.

8/12/2019 - This past weekend I did almost nothing to prepare for my trip other than to pick up some sunscreen. I was at my BIL's for a bit Saturday and Sunday splitting wood so that tired me out. I plan on starting tonight what I was planning to do this past weekend.

boonie: "Enjoying your get ready journal, Mike.


I'm doing a lot of the same stuff, like working on compiling a master list of gear I can take and lend to others. I am also working on a "task list". My preparations are compounded and complicated by the long drive there and back. I picked an entry point and date, and got a permit back in January. I also made all necessary reservations. Route options investigated, information gathered, and a trip plan decided on. All non-perishable food has been obtained. Expired/ used first aid, gear repair, and ditch kit items have been replaced. Still a lot of things to do before I leave on Sept. 12th and I like to spread it out because there's always a last-minute rush. "

boonie....how long you gonna be up there and where? I put in at Rockwood on the 21st


....and now back to our regular scheduled program....

cowdoc, I'm exiting at Baker the day you enter.

Completed: Hygiene (Minus TP)

In this mesh pouch, I have my generic hygiene. In the rolled up ziplock to the left I have a full-sized toothbrush and a travel toothpaste. I used to use a travel-sized toothbrush but I just prefer a full-sized one. When not actively traveling I keep the toothbrush in the open air to let it dry, etc.

In the mesh pouch, I have a container of 800 mg ibuprofen, a container of aspirin, a nice off the shelf medkit, a scalpel, some gauze and tape (more in the medkit), a tweezer, and a square of an old t-shirt in a ziplock. Oh yeah, also some moleskin and an emergency blanket.

I take this same kit with me on backpack trips. I keep these items in my bear/critter bag and hang it during the night.

Completed: Misc Emergency

Kind of this and that, but related to "Oh crap."

I have a magnesium block, a firesteel (which I'll use quite a bit), waterproof matches in a container, a set of cards for useful knots, and a Leatherman Skeletool.

Completed: Rope & Cordage

Here is where I really over-packed, in the name of the group. Will we have what we need for the kitchen tarp? How about lashing the canoes to trees during a storm? Need some twine to start a fire?

This is totally fear packing. That green cordage is Amsteel and I could tow a vehicle with that stuff if needed. I'll use a fair amount of it to hang bear bags, but the rest is simply overdoing it. If this was 100% my trip I wouldn't bring all this, but there are a few unknowns. Most of this will go unused.

Flame away.

I carry a very small NOA weather radio and listen to the forecast in the evening- mostly for wind direction and speed when soloing. It helps in route decisions and timing of departure.

Banksiana: "I carry a very small NOA weather radio and listen to the forecast in the evening- mostly for wind direction and speed when soloing. It helps in route decisions and timing of departure."

Me too. It's a small one. It is a Midland Consumer Radio RA36451 Weather Radio Black (HH50B)

boonie: "cowdoc, I'm exiting at Baker the day you enter. "

gonna hang around Grand Marais for some post trip party time?

I'll be there the 21st, in Ely 22nd, enter MR 23rd.

WonderMonkey: "


Me too. It's a small one. It is a Midland Consumer Radio RA36451 Weather Radio Black (HH50B) "

I clicked on the link and there is a box on the top of the page that says "You purchased this item on...."

cowdoc: "

boonie: "Enjoying your get ready journal, Mike.



I'm doing a lot of the same stuff, like working on compiling a master list of gear I can take and lend to others. I am also working on a "task list". My preparations are compounded and complicated by the long drive there and back. I picked an entry point and date, and got a permit back in January. I also made all necessary reservations. Route options investigated, information gathered, and a trip plan decided on. All non-perishable food has been obtained. Expired/ used first aid, gear repair, and ditch kit items have been replaced. Still a lot of things to do before I leave on Sept. 12th and I like to spread it out because there's always a last-minute rush. "

boonie....how long you gonna be up there and where? I put in at Rockwood on the 21st ....and now back to our regular scheduled program...."

Cowdoc, I will be somewhere between Omega and Rib on the Sept 21st. But then again who knows for sure, plans change.

Banksiana: "

WonderMonkey: "

Me too. It's a small one. It is a Midland Consumer Radio RA36451 Weather Radio Black (HH50B) "

I clicked on the link and there is a box on the top of the page that says "You purchased this item on....""

I'll change the link. It's when I bought the product.

WonderMonkey: "<

I'll change the link. It's when I bought the product."

Don't bother. The box shows up because it's the same radio I bought two years ago; I posted because it was mildly funny (and too obtuse as well). Works well though when deep in the Quetico you have to hold it in your hand to get reception (your body acting as antenna extension)

Banksiana: "

WonderMonkey: "<

I'll change the link. It's when I bought the product."

Don't bother. The box shows up because it's the same radio I bought two years ago; I posted because it was mildly funny (and too obtuse as well). Works well though when deep in the Quetico you have to hold it in your hand to get reception (your body acting as antenna extension)"

I should have read into that. I have never had it shown that I had purchased an item so I should have known.

I'll remember the body antenna extension trick if needed.

Completed: This and That

Ursack Critter Bag & Opsak

Ursack Almighty Bag & Opsak

Body Chemicals (sunscreen, bugs, lip junk)

Low Profile Gaiters for muck

Hat & Pack Cover

Dish Washing Supplies

Camp Work Gloves (I'm a pansy)

8/19/2019

During lunch at work, I finished up buying group food. We are not getting too complicated. Group dinners consist of fish and a side. With that comes utensils, cooking pan/thing, oil (or substitute), and so on.

Also during lunch, I finished purchasing my personal food.

With dinner and personal food, I will repackage what is possible in ziplocks with the directions from the package inside. Additionally, I will mark the outside of the package with the contents and purpose, if needed.

I bought too many options for my personal food. Tonight or tomorrow I'll make choices and package it all up.

WonderMonkey: "Camp Work Gloves (I'm a pansy)
"

Last year I started carrying leather work gloves and I LOVE them. I use them when adding wood to the fire or the twig stove and I use them a lot to shift hot pans or lift a lid to stir (instead of using the pot lifter tool.

straighthairedcurly: "

WonderMonkey: "Camp Work Gloves (I'm a pansy)
"

Last year I started carrying leather work gloves and I LOVE them. I use them when adding wood to the fire or the twig stove and I use them a lot to shift hot pans or lift a lid to stir (instead of using the pot lifter tool."

That's exactly my purpose as well. When camping out of my car I have a set of welding gloves I use for fire, hot things, etc. I may also use a towel if I think something is very hot but the gloves will certainly help protect my hands why well the heck out there.

Gloves and saw. Love them both a lot. No, I did not saw that log. It was a little table left by the DNR crew clearing storm damaged trees at a state forest. But I love those gloves so much!
Have you ever not caught fish for dinners? My brother and I ate a lot of thimble berries one year. Thereafter, I packed ramen for skunked soup.

jillpine: "Gloves and saw. Love them both a lot. No, I did not saw that log. It was a little table left by the DNR crew clearing storm damaged trees at a state forest. But I love those gloves so much!
Have you ever not caught fish for dinners? My brother and I ate a lot of thimble berries one year. Thereafter, I packed ramen for skunked soup. "

It has been 30 years since I have caught fish for dinner. This is my first Quetico (or BWCA, etc) trip ever. I've backpacked, etc. and way back when the world was young we would backpack and fish for food, but it's been a long time. I have about 1.5 weeks until we leave, and if I get everything done I'll get my fishing stuff out. I did get a license to cover my eating. Not QUITE the letter of the law but it covers the intent.

You are putting a ton of thought into this lol.. way more than I.

I am leaving for my trip in two days and I don't even have enough sleeping bags at the moment let alone have anything even close to being packed.

And your first trip!! Awesome I hope it all works out according to plan.

Alright I read through it all now... My only personal opinion as of this time at least is to go with the hard side flask and skip the platypus if you can. I hate those things and having an "actual" cup is worth the space it takes if you can squeeze it in.

x2jmorris: "You are putting a ton of thought into this lol.. way more than I.


I am leaving for my trip in two days and I don't even have enough sleeping bags at the moment let alone have anything even close to being packed.


And your first trip!! Awesome I hope it all works out according to plan. "

Thanks! I enjoy planning and if things don't happen according to that plan I'm ok with it.

x2jmorris: "Alright I read through it all now... My only personal opinion as of this time at least is to go with the hard side flask and skip the platypus if you can. I hate those things and having an "actual" cup is worth the space it takes if you can squeeze it in."

I do have an actual cup. The platypus is there to hold the cooking oil. I also have a two-gallon collapsable water container to hang in camp for all to use. If I was going solo, or with my smaller group, I wouldn't do that, though.

WonderMonkey: "

x2jmorris: "Alright I read through it all now... My only personal opinion as of this time at least is to go with the hard side flask and skip the platypus if you can. I hate those things and having an "actual" cup is worth the space it takes if you can squeeze it in."

I do have an actual cup. The platypus is there to hold the cooking oil. I also have a two-gallon collapsable water container to hang in camp for all to use. If I was going solo, or with my smaller group, I wouldn't do that, though."

Perfect then. Though that collapsible water container is amazing. I would actually use that for a two person trip. It is so convenient having water on tap as opposed to walking down to the water to pump. I'm getting lazy in my "older age".

x2jmorris: "

WonderMonkey: "

x2jmorris: "Alright I read through it all now... My only personal opinion as of this time at least is to go with the hard side flask and skip the platypus if you can. I hate those things and having an "actual" cup is worth the space it takes if you can squeeze it in."

I do have an actual cup. The platypus is there to hold the cooking oil. I also have a two-gallon collapsable water container to hang in camp for all to use. If I was going solo, or with my smaller group, I wouldn't do that, though."

Perfect then. Though that collapsible water container is amazing. I would actually use that for a two person trip. It is so convenient having water on tap as opposed to walking down to the water to pump. I'm getting lazy in my "older age"."

This will be my first time using it. If it seems to be one of those things that really is a nice touch, I'll take it. Three people going have the larger platypus gravity filters so if we all take our dirty bag (I like saying that) out and fill them, it won't take long to fill all our personal containers and have that 2 gallon thing full and ready to go.

I will say I will use a 1-liter platypus for an adult beverage and then pour into my cup.

I like the 6l Platypus for scooping water from the center of the lake. The collapsible 2 gallon jug, while much cheaper, is a pain to fill. I can pretty much drain a 6l in a day of solo camping (carrying 3 liters in various bottles for the trail. If people I'm with want to filter they can filter from the 6l container- the water in the middle of the lake generally having less crap to get caught in the filter than shore water.

Banksiana: "I like the 6l Platypus for scooping water from the center of the lake. The collapsible 2 gallon jug, while much cheaper, is a pain to fill. I can pretty much drain a 6l in a day of solo camping (carrying 3 liters in various bottles for the trail. If people I'm with want to filter they can filter from the 6l container- the water in the middle of the lake generally having less crap to get caught in the filter than shore water.
"

You are right, that would have been easier. We will fill the dirty bags from the middle of the lake as well, but doing it once versus several of the bags then bringing back to filter into the 2 gal container would have been easier.

Didn't think about that!

Group Completed: Clothing

See below for my clothing list. There are some items on there that are good for both bug protection (Rynoskin) and some sun protection, though it's not officially uv rated. The Rynoskin is light and when you splash some water on it the material absorbs enough to cool you. I've got a few items on there to account for potential chilly weather. If I went in July, I wouldn't take those things.

I'm currently treating my clothing (right this moment) with Permethrin. When it all dries I'll give it a wash, dry it, then pack it all away.

WonderMonkey: "Group Completed: Clothing

See below for my clothing list. There are some items on there that are good for both bug protection (Rynoskin) and some sun protection, though it's not officially uv rated. The Rynoskin is light and when you splash some water on it the material absorbs enough to cool you. I've got a few items on there to account for potential chilly weather. If I went in July, I wouldn't take those things.

I'm currently treating my clothing (right this moment) with Permethrin. When it all dries I'll give it a wash, dry it, then pack it all away.

"

I've found a down vest to be a great layer. I used a fleece one for years and it was fine but a good quality down vest packs smaller and will keep you warmer than fleece. It's good to stuff in a sack for a pillow too.

I'm going in Quetico out of PP for the same time frame so might bump into you out there. Not likely but if you see a green Swift solo with a dog in the bow that's probably me.

Second the down layer idea. It's been a cool summer. When do you leave? For reference, I took and wore all three layers the last two weeks up there: merino wool long sleeve layer, fleece layer and rain / down combination. Had 44 degree nights both weeks. And rain.

What is this swim suit you speak of?

Speaking of swimming... I wouldn't do it barefoot.

Banksiana: "What is this swim suit you speak of?"

It's what I'll use to keep leeches off my manly equipment. When I went to Canada with my dad years ago that's something I remember. I recall someone coming out of the water with a leech stuck to them.

TomT: "Speaking of swimming... I wouldn't do it barefoot. "

Good advice. I'll use my camp shoes for that.

TomT: "

WonderMonkey: "Group Completed: Clothing

See below for my clothing list. There are some items on there that are good for both bug protection (Rynoskin) and some sun protection, though it's not officially uv rated. The Rynoskin is light and when you splash some water on it the material absorbs enough to cool you. I've got a few items on there to account for potential chilly weather. If I went in July, I wouldn't take those things.

I'm currently treating my clothing (right this moment) with Permethrin. When it all dries I'll give it a wash, dry it, then pack it all away.

"

I've found a down vest to be a great layer. I used a fleece one for years and it was fine but a good quality down vest packs smaller and will keep you warmer than fleece. It's good to stuff in a sack for a pillow too.

I'm going in Quetico out of PP for the same time frame so might bump into you out there. Not likely but if you see a green Swift solo with a dog in the bow that's probably me.

"

At some point I'll purchase a down vest. Though I have quite a bit of stuff from backpacking, I did buy a canoe, etc. and tried to be careful on my spend. Next year, new budget!

TomT: "

WonderMonkey: "Group Completed: Clothing

See below for my clothing list. There are some items on there that are good for both bug protection (Rynoskin) and some sun protection, though it's not officially uv rated. The Rynoskin is light and when you splash some water on it the material absorbs enough to cool you. I've got a few items on there to account for potential chilly weather. If I went in July, I wouldn't take those things.

I'm currently treating my clothing (right this moment) with Permethrin. When it all dries I'll give it a wash, dry it, then pack it all away.

"

I've found a down vest to be a great layer. I used a fleece one for years and it was fine but a good quality down vest packs smaller and will keep you warmer than fleece. It's good to stuff in a sack for a pillow too.

I'm going in Quetico out of PP for the same time frame so might bump into you out there. Not likely but if you see a green Swift solo with a dog in the bow that's probably me.

"

I love those Swift canoes. If I were to get a solo canoe, it would probably be one of those. If I see you, I'll wave like a tourist.

Swim shorts, keen sandals, and a life jacket make for awesome swimming. Also a small towel to dry off...again if you can fit it.

Swimming is one of the great features of the Quetico.

All I bring is a camp towel.

Life jacket and shoes (and shorts) get in the way and diminish the freedom from gravity, joy and sheer pleasure of movement through water. I can't get enough.
Leeches are rare- the ones that attach to humans usually found in mucky/silty areas; not some place I would choose for swimming.

Banksiana: "Swimming is one of the great features of the Quetico.


All I bring is a camp towel.

Life jacket and shoes (and shorts) get in the way and diminish the freedom from gravity, joy and sheer pleasure of movement through water. I can't get enough.
Leeches are rare- the ones that attach to humans usually found in mucky/silty areas; not some place I would choose for swimming. "

;)

Arrived today is my Silva Explorer Pro Compass and a very well thought of book called Be Expert with Map & Compass Book . I feel I'm better than average orienteering but I wanted to not fool myself too much. This is the second time I've owned this book but I cannot find my previous copy. Knowing how to properly navigate is an important skill (obviously) and this is the type of book that you should go through once a year no matter how proud you are of your skills. There are other great books as well but this is one that I use.

The kind of compass I purchased is a blend of "very useful" and "I'll not leave it behind." Something is of no use if it is in your vehicle or at home.

It should serve you well. I have my compass around my neck and map in front of me, but rarely find it necessary to use the compass in BW. I think the advise to review the use of them periodically is good.

boonie: "It should serve you well. I have my compass around my neck and map in front of me, but rarely find it necessary to use the compass in BW. I think the advise to review the use of them periodically is good. "

Agreed. Generally, I'll just glance down and make sure I know where I am versus the map. On the water it's easy to lose landmarks, so paying attention until you have them in sight is key, in my opinion. Also, of course, moving in the direction you need to if you don't have a landmark is important.

8/22/2019

Though I have a few items to gather, I put everything in my pack and realize just how heavy it is. I know I'm going on a canoe trip, but wow. I'd NEVER go backpacking with that amount of gear. It's no surprise to know it's over backpacking weight as I made some "canoe trip" choices on things to bring, or versions of things to bring. I was not ready for just how heavy things had become.

We are going to be using a shared backpack to hold food and some group items.

Tomorrow (Friday) I'm going to stare at all my things and evaluate what I really want to take and see if any significant weight (total) can be cut. If not, I'll just enjoy the leg workout that the portages will give me.

8/23/2019

Today I trimmed my fingernails and toenails. I don't like it when they get too long and of course when you are in the outdoors they tend to get ragged from the activity. I trim them a week before I go and then file then a few days before I depart.

Stuff adds up - been there, done that. I take less and less every year. You may not have to carry it as far, but some of those portages are not easy. I tend to travel vs. basecamp, so I carry it more than a lot of people. And I'm not as young and strong as I used to be or as some others. I've discovered that it's also more stuff to pack/unpack/keep track of and that bulk is another issue. YMMV. Out of curiosity, did you weigh it or do you prefer not to know? :)

I trim my nails right before I go in, but also take nail clippers. One of my major luxuries ;).

boonie: "Stuff adds up - been there, done that. I take less and less every year. You may not have to carry it as far, but some of those portages are not easy. I tend to travel vs. basecamp, so I carry it more than a lot of people. And I'm not as young and strong as I used to be or as some others. I've discovered that it's also more stuff to pack/unpack/keep track of and that bulk is another issue. YMMV. Out of curiosity, did you weigh it or do you prefer not to know? :)"

I didn't weigh it, but will when I re-pack.

Powering through a portage isn't a concern to me right now. I'm 51 but regularly work out to included deadlifts, etc., though I don't "go heavy". Every with that, I really don't want to carry weight if it is not going to add to the enjoyment of my trip. Also, I carry some things because it's a group outing that I would not carry if it was a smaller group or a solo.

boonie: "I trim my nails right before I go in, but also take nail clippers. One of my major luxuries ;). "

It's not something I normally take. I could, but it would potentially just add to my list of things I take "in case".

Tomorrow is the group meeting where we put all the group stuff in a pile, make sure we have what we want to take, and divide it up to carry.

T minus next Friday.

What kind of trip are you doing? Basecamp or moving a lot?

TomT: "What kind of trip are you doing? Basecamp or moving a lot?"

A mix of both. It will take us about 1.5 days to get to McIntyre where we will spend two nights. Then we move to tuck where we will spend another two nights. We will then move to striking distance (weather dependant) of Prarie Portage and spend the remaining night.

We may decide, if we feel like it, to head to Tuck then move the next day and then again the next. The weather and what the group feels like doing will dictate all that.

Today's group meeting went well, as I would expect it to. It was basically a "Do we have all we need and are we taking things we don't need?" kind of meeting. We then figured out how it would be carried.

Then, we went to a local brewery and ate and drank too much.

Ha! Which brewery? We are headed North mid September and had our first meeting at Dayton Beer Company.....

Mike

JATFOMike: "Ha! Which brewery? We are headed North mid September and had our first meeting at Dayton Beer Company.....

Mike"

I've been there a few times. The one we went to is Hairless Hare in Vandalia, OH.

I've enjoyed this thread so much. It has given me a entirely new perspective on the "up north" experience. I've spent my entire adult life heading into bwca with a moment's notice. I've taken it for granted.
One time, I picked my brother up in Hibbing after he had spent way too much time with mr. booze and we went in for a "quick fishing trip" in mid-October. The fishing was nuts. The weather was gruesome. As we drove to the ep, we stopped to fill the tank. This was 1982 mind you. The wind was raw. We looked at each other as the little Toyota filled with gas. "I don't know if I brought a hat." Or gloves. Or long underwear. Fortunately for us, Holiday had quite the spread. We bought what we lacked and used it all.
Anyway, I wanted to wish you a great trip. Don't be cold. Don't be hungry. Otherwise you can usually make do. So when you go through your gear, think:
Hunger. Cold. Dry. Whistle. Life jacket. And some Mepps and jigs. And the rest will be ok. You'll have a blast. Great area.

WonderMonkey: "

TomT: "What kind of trip are you doing? Basecamp or moving a lot?"

A mix of both. It will take us about 1.5 days to get to McIntyre where we will spend two nights. Then we move to tuck where we will spend another two nights. We will then move to striking distance (weather dependant) of Prarie Portage and spend the remaining night.

We may decide, if we feel like it, to head to Tuck then move the next day and then again the next. The weather and what the group feels like doing will dictate all that."

I'm going the same way but will be a day or two ahead of you. I've got two weeks so will be heading north of McIntyre but coming back to Basswood through Kett. It's possible we'll bump into each other on Sarah or McIntyre. The 10 day forecast looks real good. At least for the Ely area but we both know it can change in a hurry. Have a great trip.

jillpine: " I've enjoyed this thread so much. It has given me a entirely new perspective on the "up north" experience. I've spent my entire adult life heading into bwca with a moment's notice. I've taken it for granted.
One time, I picked my brother up in Hibbing after he had spent way too much time with mr. booze and we went in for a "quick fishing trip" in mid-October. The fishing was nuts. The weather was gruesome. As we drove to the ep, we stopped to fill the tank. This was 1982 mind you. The wind was raw. We looked at each other as the little Toyota filled with gas. "I don't know if I brought a hat." Or gloves. Or long underwear. Fortunately for us, Holiday had quite the spread. We bought what we lacked and used it all.
Anyway, I wanted to wish you a great trip. Don't be cold. Don't be hungry. Otherwise you can usually make do. So when you go through your gear, think:
Hunger. Cold. Dry. Whistle. Life jacket. And some Mepps and jigs. And the rest will be ok. You'll have a blast. Great area.
"

Thanks JP! Like my backpack trips, after this first one things will go much faster. I COULD have gotten ready for my trip in about two days if I really wanted to. I would have used my backpack lists, extended it however many days, added some things and off I went. I would have had to rent a canoe but it would have worked.

With as much time as I had to plan, I spent time doing what I'm doing. It's my way of enjoying the pre-trip time.

TomT: "

WonderMonkey: "

TomT: "What kind of trip are you doing? Basecamp or moving a lot?"

A mix of both. It will take us about 1.5 days to get to McIntyre where we will spend two nights. Then we move to tuck where we will spend another two nights. We will then move to striking distance (weather dependant) of Prarie Portage and spend the remaining night.


We may decide, if we feel like it, to head to Tuck then move the next day and then again the next. The weather and what the group feels like doing will dictate all that."

I'm going the same way but will be a day or two ahead of you. I've got two weeks so will be heading north of McIntyre but coming back to Basswood through Kett. It's possible we'll bump into each other on Sarah or McIntyre. The 10 day forecast looks real good. At least for the Ely area but we both know it can change in a hurry. Have a great trip.


"

Hopefully you have solitude, but if you DO see anybody, assume it's us. We will have three canoes, six people.

Not much to do at this point. I noticed that the water filters I use are on sale so I picked one up to take as a backup. Now it's just down to verifying my other water filter items are in shape, checking permits for the 1,000th time, maybe printing out some focused maps, etc.

I was going to drive and have two other members of our group go with us. Due to some shifting work schedules, it's now down to me and one other. The only thing this changes is an expectation to drive straight through to Ely. Since we are both getting off work at the same time it will be a roll of the dice if one of us can catch a few hours of sleep before the other needs them to drive.

In reality, it matters little. We leave Ohio on Friday and are not getting on the water until Sunday morning. I do want to visit the local Ely outfitters, check into our outfitter as early as allowed to make sure things are ok, etc. If we don't arrive until early afternoon the world will keep revolving.

I started to get very detailed on what I put on the map then decided to not do that. Instead, I captured the portages, place we would head first for campsites, and just a few notes. I still have a few notes that people here (and email) have given me, but I'll do that tomorrow.

In the below photo are 4 McKenzie maps. Not pictured is a Fisher map which is an overview of all of Quetico.

I am putting fresh batteries in the two devices that use them and packing a replacement set.

One of the devices that use the batteries is an extra headlamp. It's one of those items that if I'm without it would negatively impact my trip. I've been carrying an extra set on my backpack trips for several years now, and three times it has come in very handy. Twice, when my primary headset failed and the third time is when a fellow backpacker had the same situation.

Everything is packed. I'll redo it Wednesday or Thursday and make sure I actually have everything. Also Wednesday I'll get a fishing pole out and make sure all is well. I've been up in the air about taking one but I was thinking I'd regret not doing so.

Oh yeah, I'll set the declination on my compass tonight. I'll look up what it is for that area and set it. In reality, it won't make a big difference but I'd rather be right.

Declination is 1.55 deg W. It's not enough for me to fool with for what we are doing.

Have a good trip!

boonie: "Have a good trip! "

Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting on the water.

T-Minus Tomorrow

Tonight I re-pack and check my list. Should take a very short time. I'll update my drive up there music list and such.

Tomorrow I get off work at Noon and my friend may not get off work until 7 pm. I'll try to take a nap to be able to drive as long as possible but I may be too worked up to do so.

Today Is Drive Day

Very little was done yesterday. Like my prior post mentioned, I basically re-packed and made sure what I am wanting to take is in my pack. On the way to work today, I did remember that I don't have a small pouch (bag) in my URSack to put a rock into and throw it over a branch. If I had forgotten that I'd get by just fine but it's nice to have.

I work until around noon today. I've given the rest of my group the day off to coincide with the holiday so I'm in my area (right now!) with the lights turned low and the music on. When I get home I'll put my canoe up on my Jeep and throw my things in the back. If possible I'll take a nap until my buddy gets off work and then we will drive North.

WM - wishing you the perfect balance of adventure to make a lifetime of memories! Watch for the Aurora Borealis this weekend. Have fun.

Any bets that he forgot to bring something?

Tomster

quark2222: "Any bets that he forgot to bring something?


Tomster"

Didn't we take bets on Morris finding a campsite at 11pm on Alton, and he was fine?
WM, for the win!!!

quark2222: "Any bets that he forgot to bring something?


Tomster"

Might be more likely he took something he regrets taking . . . ;)

I'm back!

quark2222: "Any bets that he forgot to bring something?


Tomster"

That would be a good bet, but this time I did not come up with anything that I wanted to take and did not. Can't remember the last time that happened!

boonie: "

quark2222: "Any bets that he forgot to bring something?

Tomster"

Might be more likely he took something he regrets taking . . . ;)
"

Not regret taking, but regret carrying! Which is basically the same thing. I have a list of things I did not use, but the vast majority of it is "what if" items like extra fire starting, first aid, etc. Though I did not take a regular-sized camp chair, mine was a bit larger than my normal backpack chair. I'll make a post about it and some other things.

I got back to my house around 7:30 am on Sunday, and flew to Atlanta (work) on Tuesday morning. My trip report will be delayed though I will most likely put some things in this thread.