Man, am I psyched!! My only concerns are bringing too much stuff, and forgetting something important. I have an pretty good list of all of my gear and working to put it into a checklist so I can keep better track. Everything is in a spreadsheet right now, thinking that was a good way to organize.

I have a bunch of tandem/group trips under my belt so someone almost always had missing items covered. I worry about over thinking things and then forgetting something basic. Assuming these are common first solo jitters?

Also need to get out and practice with the solo canoe pre-trip so I don't dump getting in day 1 :)

Started pulling my stuff together yesterday and had that 'happy feeling' hit my gut, too. A pleasant sensation, eh? My suggestion is don't fret--you know what you're doing. ;-)
I'm doing something totally radical on my trip this year. I'm packing light! (note: learning curve)
Looking forward to meeting you at the campground rendezvous.

Being psyched is normal! So are your jitters, and the other concerns are valid too. A solo is a personal thing and everyone's is different. I've done about a dozen and some things I've learned, which may or may not apply to you or anyone else . . .

Forgetting something important (see recent threads in other forums about packing). I've found that the more detailed the checklist, the less likely I am to forget to do or pack something. Mine gets more detailed and refined each year. Actually check each item off a copy of the checklist as you do it or pack it. Then make a list of any last minute items to do or pack, along with a list of each thing that goes in the car. I liked what another guy said in one of those threads about what he does. He sits down and goes through a day mentally and each little thing that he'd do - including things that might happen: first aid kit up to date and packed? gear repair kit?

Don't forget painters for the canoe and a spare paddle. There's nobody else to help you.

Taking too much stuff is a common experience. Too much food is a common theme, as is too many clothes. I found early on that the solo canoe weighed ~30 lbs. per person (me) and the tandems weighed ~20 lbs. per person. So right off the bat I'm behind the 8-ball on weight. The same may apply to other items - tarp, water filter, stove, gear repair, first aid, etc.

Pack everything up now and see how much your packs weigh. Are they an amount you'll be comfortable handling at awkward landings and portaging across possibly rough trails? There's nobody else to help you. If not think about what you can leave behind or something lighter you can use. Every year for a long time I've left something behind or replaced with something lighter.

Make sure your route isn't overly ambitious - remember you'll be doing all the camp chores. There's no one else to help you with them. Over the years I have gradually simplified the whole camp routine. You may or may not travel faster or slower solo than tandem.

The solo canoe will be more stable with a load than unloaded. Just remember to hold both gunwales, step on the center line, and keep your weight low when getting in. Keep your body between the gunwales while in the canoe.

Enjoy your first solo!

Psyched, worried....ain't it great!

Sounds like you've got everything covered. Have a terrific time and tell us about it when you get back!

Good luck bfurlow,

You've gotten great advice already so I can't add anything.
I've been solo for so long I do not know another way, and give it little thought. Because of that I think I would be a poor mentor, I just throw things in and go, but this year I plan on writing down what I thriw in, along with weights. It will be my first attempt at a list. I did a dry run car/tent camping last weekend with the canoe.
I really needed that trial run since all my camping stuff was strwen about since moving everything back from Alaska.
Looking forward to meeting you at Sawbill. I should arrive around 3 pm.

Looks like at least three of you are meeting at campground rendezvous. When is that? (If you want to share) I had a pretty extensive hernia surgery and I am off work. Can't lift over 10 lbs so tripping is out. But, maybe I could drive up for a mini wing if you are camping overnight before pushing off in morn. ? Yeah, sitting around is driving me crazy!

pswith5: "Looks like at least three of you are meeting at campground rendezvous. When is that? (If you want to share) I had a pretty extensive hernia surgery and I am off work. Can't lift over 10 lbs so tripping is out. But, maybe I could drive up for a mini wing if you are camping overnight before pushing off in morn. ? Yeah, sitting around is driving me crazy! "

Pswith5,
Come up to Sawbill on the 17th, I'd love to meet you.

Mjmkjun and I were planing to get together at Sawbill CG the nite of June 17, camp there and each start our own solo trips together out of Baker Lake the next day, we will most likely camp together the first nite, then I separate for a week solo into Cherokee.

It was sheer coincidence that bfurlow saw our posts and is camping at Sawbill the 17th also, before doing his solo out of Baker Lake the next day as well. So all three if us solo paddlers are planning a little meet and greet since we are staying at the CG anyways.

Using a checklist is very helpful especially if you break your gear into categories like Shelter, Sleeping System, Food, Cooking Gear, Clothing, etc.

I do a lot of last minute trips come Fall so yes sometimes I forget small things but it it never has impacted my trip.

Taking too much is common so worry less about missing something versus having too much.

LindenTree3: "

pswith5: "Looks like at least three of you are meeting at campground rendezvous. When is that? (If you want to share) I had a pretty extensive hernia surgery and I am off work. Can't lift over 10 lbs so tripping is out. But, maybe I could drive up for a mini wing if you are camping overnight before pushing off in morn. ? Yeah, sitting around is driving me crazy! "

Pswith5,
Come up to Sawbill on the 17th, I'd love to meet you.


Mjmkjun and I were planing to get together at Sawbill CG the nite of June 17, camp there and each start our own solo trips together out of Baker Lake the next day, we will most likely camp together the first nite, then I separate for a week solo into Cherokee.


It was sheer coincidence that bfurlow saw our posts and is camping at Sawbill the 17th also, before doing his solo out of Baker Lake the next day as well. So all three if us solo paddlers are planning a little meet and greet since we are staying at the CG anyways.


"

crap , if it were any day but the 17th. Meeting my 3 bros to watch some world cup soccer that day.

I would put even obvious things like paddles, PFD and yoke on your checklist. There’s so many details flying around in your head as you pack up that a list becomes your friend.

Also if you go out fishing in a near empty canoe it’s helpful to put weight in the stern and bow. I use large rocks and usually my food barrel.

Brandon - The batteries in the SPOT box are old. You might want to pick up some fresh ones.

TomT: "I would put even obvious things like paddles, off and yoke on your checklist. There’s so many details flying around in your head as you pack up that a list becomes your friend.


Also if you go out fishing in a near empty canoe it’s helpful to put weight in the stern and bow. I use large rocks and usually my food barrel. "

Good point. I forgot to load the Prism yoke last September but was able to rent one at Voyageur North. At the moment of realization, I couldn't believe I forgot a piece of gear so obvious.

jcavenagh: "Brandon - The batteries in the SPOT box are old. You might want to pick up some fresh ones."

Thanks Jim. I picked up the jumbo container at of AAA batteries at Costco so I think I will be set. Thanks again for the letting me borrow everything! It took a lot of stress off and allowed me to get used to things ahead of time. I seriously can't say thank you enough. The trip was going to happen regardless, but loaning me the boat and the SPOT really sealed it. I am a wet-footer, so I promise to be kind.

My wife has endless thanks, and my kids are looking forward to tracking me online.

I will be sure to share pics and a trip report after I get back. Thanks again!

Brandon

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of the advice. I have seen a lot of it over the last few years on the boards, but good to read again closer to the trip. I am sure that there will be more uncertainty as I get closer, but think I will end up OK.

Already have done a dry run on packing, and will do another this weekend just to be sure. Anything I don't already have is going on a separate list for purchase before I go.

I have been very conscious of weight. My checklist has weight or an estimate so I don't get too out of control. Been training by walking each night with a pack so not too concerned about it. Other than the portage out of North temperance to Sitka/Cherokee, I don't think anything along the way is too bad from what I have seen here. New location too so that adds to the excitement.

Linden/mjmkjun, looking forward to meeting both of you! The fact the 3 of us all pulled permits for the same location the same day feels like I did something right before things started.

boonie: "Being psyched is normal! So are your jitters, and the other concerns are valid too. A solo is a personal thing and everyone's is different. I've done about a dozen and some things I've learned, which may or may not apply to you or anyone else . . .

Forgetting something important (see recent threads in other forums about packing). I've found that the more detailed the checklist, the less likely I am to forget to do or pack something. Mine gets more detailed and refined each year. Actually check each item off a copy of the checklist as you do it or pack it. Then make a list of any last minute items to do or pack, along with a list of each thing that goes in the car. I liked what another guy said in one of those threads about what he does. He sits down and goes through a day mentally and each little thing that he'd do - including things that might happen: first aid kit up to date and packed? gear repair kit?

Don't forget painters for the canoe and a spare paddle. There's nobody else to help you.

Taking too much stuff is a common experience. Too much food is a common theme, as is too many clothes. I found early on that the solo canoe weighed ~30 lbs. per person (me) and the tandems weighed ~20 lbs. per person. So right off the bat I'm behind the 8-ball on weight. The same may apply to other items - tarp, water filter, stove, gear repair, first aid, etc.

Pack everything up now and see how much your packs weigh. Are they an amount you'll be comfortable handling at awkward landings and portaging across possibly rough trails? There's nobody else to help you. If not think about what you can leave behind or something lighter you can use. Every year for a long time I've left something behind or replaced with something lighter.

Make sure your route isn't overly ambitious - remember you'll be doing all the camp chores. There's no one else to help you with them. Over the years I have gradually simplified the whole camp routine. You may or may not travel faster or slower solo than tandem.

The solo canoe will be more stable with a load than unloaded. Just remember to hold both gunwales, step on the center line, and keep your weight low when getting in. Keep your body between the gunwales while in the canoe.

Enjoy your first solo! "

Boonie - thanks for all of the detail. Helps me to organize things mentally.

I have been planning for a while now, so I think I will be good for the route, and hopefully most of the other stuff too. Just trying to hit the sweet spot between under and over planning/packing.

Already enjoying it and haven't even left yet. :)

mjmkjun: "Started pulling my stuff together yesterday and had that 'happy feeling' hit my gut, too. A pleasant sensation, eh? My suggestion is don't fret--you know what you're doing. ;-)
I'm doing something totally radical on my trip this year. I'm packing light! (note: learning curve)
Looking forward to meeting you at the campground rendezvous."

Yes, it is a great feeling. I think you far overestimate my knowledge, but thank you! A little external confidence never hurts. Especially when I have my wife fretting enough for everyone on the board. :)

bfurlow: "

mjmkjun: "Started pulling my stuff together yesterday and had that 'happy feeling' hit my gut, too. A pleasant sensation, eh? My suggestion is don't fret--you know what you're doing. ;-)
I'm doing something totally radical on my trip this year. I'm packing light! (note: learning curve)
Looking forward to meeting you at the campground rendezvous."

Yes, it is a great feeling. I think you far overestimate my knowledge, but thank you! A little external confidence never hurts. Especially when I have my wife fretting enough for everyone on the board. :)
"

I really think you're going to be fine. As you've said you've done many successful trips with others. The skills for soloing are really not all that different. As long as you're comfortable being alone with your own thoughts for an extended period of time you'll do fine.

Don't over pack and err on the side of caution, since there is no one else to help if you get hurt. Soloing in many respects is easier, since you only have to satisfy yourself. I think you'll be fine and will have a great time.

+1 on extensive checklists. I transferred mine from notebooks to spreadsheets a few years ago. Make notes on your trip and review the checklists at the end.

I have found that with many endeavors, pre-trip visualization calms any uneasiness before I go.

Tie up your canoe or pull it out each time. Solo is no time to see your canoe gently float away! I did it each time, even if "zero" wind.

Lailoken: "Tie up your canoe or pull it out each time. Solo is no time to see your canoe gently float away! I did it each time, even if "zero" wind. "

Had this happen to me on Round Lake one time in November as I was unloading. Luckily Round has a shallow landing and I could run after the canoe.

I always keep my eye on the canoe as I lift my pack out of the canoe. I bring my canoe up on shore at every portage and tie it down when in camp and when I go to bed at night.

bfurlow: "

mjmkjun: "Started pulling my stuff together yesterday and had that 'happy feeling' hit my gut, too. A pleasant sensation, eh? My suggestion is don't fret--you know what you're doing. ;-)
I'm doing something totally radical on my trip this year. I'm packing light! (note: learning curve)
Looking forward to meeting you at the campground rendezvous."

Yes, it is a great feeling. I think you far overestimate my knowledge, but thank you! A little external confidence never hurts. Especially when I have my wife fretting enough for everyone on the board. :)
"

You'll return from this upcoming trip unscathed and her worries will vanish. I like solos. Have only done solos. Lord knows, if I can do it so can you. If you can't fall asleep easily, bring a paperback and a light to read and a 5 mg melatonin for each night. (natural sleep aid/OTC) No grogginess or fog-head from the 5 mg Melatonin. None that a cup-of-joe can't clear, anyway.

bhouse46: "Psyched, worried....ain't it great!"

Yeah, it is. :) I am a data guy by trade so tend to overthink and analyze a lot of things. Sometimes for good, other times, not so much. Either way, I can't wait and I am really looking forward to the challenge.

SevenofNine: "
Taking too much is common so worry less about missing something versus having too much."

Thanks! I go back and forth over which I am concerned about. Overall, I think I will be fine. Getting a little positive reinforcement here definitely helps.

Brandon

You'll return from this upcoming trip unscathed and her worries will vanish. I like solos. Have only done solos. Lord knows, if I can do it so can you. If you can't fall asleep easily, bring a paperback and a light to read and a 5 mg melatonin for each night. (natural sleep aid/OTC) No grogginess or fog-head from the 5 mg Melatonin. None that a cup-of-joe can't clear, anyway. "

You clearly don't know my wife. She thinks I am venturing off to the unknown hinterlands. Kind of like Louis and Clark expecting to find active Volcanoes all over the western half of the U.S. when they left. I keep trying to explain that there is more chance of getting hurt on the way there then on the trip. LOL

I am hopeful that this goes well as it bridges the gap to me bringing the her and the kids along in the future. That would be awesome!

Thanks again everyone. This message string is one of the many reasons that this is my favorite site.

You'll be fine. You've got more experience at this than I did when I did my first solo (2nd BW trip). You've thought it out, prepared well, and it's pretty much like all the trips you've done . . . except it's just you.

Don't forget Lailoken's advice. Don't worry about over planning - it weighs less than over packing! :).

Enjoy the freedom of your first solo trip!

Lailoken: "Tie up your canoe or pull it out each time. Solo is no time to see your canoe gently float away! I did it each time, even if "zero" wind. "

Let me regale you with what happened on my last solo. Embarrassing as it is.

Sturgeon Lake Camp

One thing about pre planning. I've found that it's better to have some spontaneity during the trip and not knowing all the details. Check out those 1 and 2 star sites. Sometimes they are perfect for a solo and not overused. Also it's good to bring a journal/notebook for ideas for future trips. Have fun and don't do what I did!

It's amazing how quickly a canoe can drift away with just the lightest breeze when it's left floating unattended just long enough to . . . :). Even I didn't have to run one down more than twice to learn :).

I also often use those little "under-utilized" sites when solo.

I always plan some spontaneity into my trips.

Yeah it was only my 2nd day of the trip. I wasn’t planning on bathing that soon. :)

Nice video, thanks for the warning. That is one of the lasts things I need to happen out there.

Last couple items getting delivered now, and packing will start this weekend for departure early morning next Sunday. Good times.

Two pieces of advice I would add.

1. Pack in such a way that you can divide your gear weight in half. Boat trim is important. This could mean two packs or, what I do which is to put everything in my pack in dry bags, so I can take some out to distribute the weight. In a tandem, the pack weight is in the center and this is less important.

2. For the sake of spousal happiness, I have an inreach explorer so the wife can track me and know I'm alive.

Chicagored: "Two pieces of advice I would add.

1. Pack in such a way that you can divide your gear weight in half. Boat trim is important. This could mean two packs or, what I do which is to put everything in my pack in dry bags, so I can take some out to distribute the weight. In a tandem, the pack weight is in the center and this is less important.

2. For the sake of spousal happiness, I have an inreach explorer so the wife can track me and know I'm alive."

Thanks!

Right now my plan is to use 2 packs. Probably a CCS Explorer, and Rucksack for the exact reason that you mentioned. I figure the explorer goes behind me with the Rucksack in front and I can adjust load based on how the boat handles, etc.

jcavenagh lent me his Spot 3, so I am covered on the spousal front. She may not be completely happy with it all, but she is at least a bit more comfortable with everything. She gets nervous every time I go, so it's just part of the process. :)

Brandon

Has anyone said; travel early!? Especially helpful when soloing.

I concur.
I found that moving ASAP in the morning was very helpful.
Paddling on glass smooth calm water, with the morning mist all around is quite a pleasure.
And you can troll, too.
I am told that early morning is the best time to fish.
Of course, being the Joe Btfsplk of fishing, I don't actually know this from experience...

jcavenagh: "And you can troll, too.
I am told that early morning is the best time to fish.
Of course, being the Joe Btfsplk of fishing, I don't actually know this from experience..."

I've always had the best fishing right at dusk.

I like to leave camps as early as possible but the one drawback to soloing is the time it takes to set up and break down camp. It's why now, I prefer to travel long days but have multiple layovers. In the past on a 10 day trip I might layover once or twice. I'm all about layovers now, not base camping but 2 nights here, 3 nights there etc.

Like linden I’m in the throw things in and go style. I do make lists on sticky pads of stuff not to forget. Over the years I have forgotten many items, life jackets, boots, fuel. It adds to the experience, you’ll find a way to manage even missing a few key items.

The checklist is slowly but surely getting checked off. One or two items to pick up or rent and I am good to go. Thanks everyone for all the excellent suggestions and support. Coming up fast! :)

Brandon/burflow,

Looking foreward to meeting you this coming Sunday nite,

FYI, Michael/mjmkjun is a Cajun, so you better strap on the feed bag when you visit
for dinner at campsite #28. We all know their ancestrial abilities at fine cousine. My mouth is watering now after he described what he will be cooking.

Sorry to put you on the spot Michael, but don't worry I'll pull my share by mixing drinks :-)

LindenTree3: "Brandon/burflow,

Looking foreward to meeting you this coming Sunday nite,

FYI, Michael/mjmkjun is a Cajun, so you better strap on the feed bag when you visit
for dinner at campsite #28. We all know their ancestrial abilities at fine cousine. My mouth is watering now after he described what he will be cooking.

Sorry to put you on the spot Michael, but don't worry I'll pull my share by mixing drinks :-)"

Linden,
Look forward to meeting you guys too.

Screen name makes a lot more sense now that I know about the Cajun part. I am looking forward to the meal too, Michael sent me details, and it sounds great!

Very kind of you to play bartender ;-)

See you in a few days!

Brandon

On your way...tick, tock... :)

jcavenagh: "On your way...tick, tock... :)"

Don't I know it! Final packing happens tomorrow, and heading out early Sunday morning. Packed and re-packed many times. Watching the weather report religiously - looking good so far.

Thanks again Jim, you have been beyond generous. I will post way more pics than anyone wants to see after the fact. Thank you.

Brandon

Got back tonight. Good trip with a lot of lessons learned. Came out early because I was cooked. Lessons are below :-)

1 - mjmkjun and LindenTree3 are SUPER nice guys. Shared their table with me and were more than helpful while we were together.
2 - When freeze dried food says 1 person they mean 1 1/2. When they say 2, they mean 7. This resulted in too much food which I was hoping to avoid.
3 - If more than one person that has been canoe tripping almost as long as you have been alive, with no agenda to 'scare the solo newbie' says a portage is rough, believe them. I'm looking at you Kelly to Burnt...
4 - Drink water, lots and lots of water.
5 - Yes, you really can smell that bad after a couple days! I went to the AmericInn in Tofte the night after I came out just so I could sleep in a bed and shower. Kristin, the girl behind the counter was amazingly polite, but I notice she kept backing away from the counter and rubbing her nose. After the first time I tried to stay back a few feet to no avail. Sorry Kristin!!
6 - Greg and Mary (complete strangers, didn't get a last name) saved my A$$ on a portage. Just met them, they saw I was toast and each shouldered up a pack. The best people are BWCA people.
7 - Moose are awesome! Saw two on this trip and they were the first two I ever saw. Beautiful, casual interaction. I hope to see more as soon as I can.
8 - Did I mention the BWCA people being great??
9 - Clothes can be as heavy as everyone says they are. Don't let others convince you in the name of 'comfort'. If you are good with the choice out of the gate based on potential forecast, go with it and worry later.
10 - Double items are not really needed on a short trip. More than that is just crazy - don't listen to outside voices that have never been.
11 - The north shore rocks! Amazing scenery the entire way. Tettegouche, Goosberry Falls, Split Rock lighthouse all delayed my trip home with no regrets.
12 - Google does a WAY better job of editing my videos than I do.
13 - No matter how confident you are, it's easy to slip and fall on slick rocks. And it sucks! More than once is even worse.
14 - Being lapped by someone 20 years your senior should not be an ego damaging moment, it should let you know that you need to paddle more!
15 - See lesson # 8.

Thanks again to jcavenagh, mjmkjun, and LindenTree3 for their part in making this a great trip. Not sure if solo is the route for me every time, but this trip was one of the great ones.

And now, some pics!

Oh yeah, one more thing...when driving home exhausted to see your wonderful, understanding wife, and equally wonderful children, listening to Ed Sheeran's song 'Perfect ' is NOT recommended. :-)

bfurlow,

Glad to hear you had a good trip. Your short trip synopsis made me smile. It is good to go into these trips with a sense of humor and serendipity isn't it?

So when do you start planning your next solo? I find them addictive.

hh

Glad you made it and learned a lot. That video is very interesting. 1 second of moose footage??? And you rap pretty good too. :)

Good to see you are back and happy.
We'll compare notes over cold beer soon!

TomT: "Glad you made it and learned a lot. That video is very interesting. 1 second of moose footage??? And you rap pretty good too. :)


"

The power of Google. I didn't get much footage of the moose as she pretty quickly got out of the water and moved away. It was more along the lines of 30 seconds that I saw her. And as for rap? No comment. :-)

Glad to hear you had a great trip!

HappyHuskies: "bfurlow,

Glad to hear you had a good trip. Your short trip synopsis made me smile. It is good to go into these trips with a sense of humor and serendipity isn't it?

So when do you start planning your next solo? I find them addictive.

hh"

Glad you enjoyed it! The only way to go about a trip is with a sense of humor. I know going in that there will be at least one small mishap and maybe more. At least I was alone when it happened so I wasn't getting razzed by others. :)
Not really sure about the next solo. I get to take my oldest in for his first trip so that will happen first. I think another solo is definitely in the plans though!

Brandon

jcavenagh: "Good to see you are back and happy.
We'll compare notes over cold beer soon!"

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Good to hear about your trip - enjoyed the video, pictures, and report.

Many is the time I've failed to stay hydrated and fueled while traveling, and ended up feeling wiped. I've done much better since I got the water filter bottle and drink a lot on just about every portage.

There's a lot of stuff to learn on the first solo, stuff that you can only learn through experience.

boonie: "Good to hear about your trip - enjoyed the video, pictures, and report.

Many is the time I've failed to stay hydrated and fueled while traveling, and ended up feeling wiped. I've done much better since I got the water filter bottle and drink a lot on just about every portage.

There's a lot of stuff to learn on the first solo, stuff that you can only learn through experience. "

Thanks boonie.

Every time I go is another chance to learn. Solo was definitely a new experience, and even though it was tough, I enjoyed nearly every minute of it and can't wait to go again.

I had a Sawyer squeeze pack and was filling a Nalgene semi-regularly but got away from me a bit. Once I got back on track it was OK. Day 2 renewed my energy and my spirits and was one of the nicest days I have spent in the BWCA.

Glad you had a good time Brandon.

Where did you stay the first night? I was pretty wiped out by the time I got to South Temperance.

Who lapped you?
You talking about when mjmkjun passed you or someone else?

A pic of you and one of the moose's.

LindenTree3: "Glad you had a good time Brandon.


Where did you stay the first night? I was pretty wiped out by the time I got to South Temperance.


Who lapped you?
You talking about when mjmkjun passed you or someone else?

A pic of you and one of the moose's.

"

I ended up going pretty far back and portaging over into Burnt.
I didn't see mjmkjun on the way there but I was tired and may have just missed him. That was a tough portage. Looking back I should have pushed on to South Temperance as it would have been about the same amount of portaging and WAY less paddling.

I was talking about when mjmkjun passed me by. I got passed by other people too, but at least they were in a tandem. :)

Thanks for the pics!

bfurlow: "

LindenTree3: "Glad you had a good time Brandon.



Where did you stay the first night? I was pretty wiped out by the time I got to South Temperance.



Who lapped you?
You talking about when mjmkjun passed you or someone else?


A pic of you and one of the moose's.

"

I ended up going pretty far back and portaging over into Burnt.
I didn't see mjmkjun on the way there but I was tired and may have just missed him. That was a tough portage. Looking back I should have pushed on to South Temperance as it would have been about the same amount of portaging and WAY less paddling.


I was talking about when mjmkjun passed me by. I got passed by other people too, but at least they were in a tandem. :)


Thanks for the pics!"

Wow, you had a tougher day than I did.
We were suprised to catch up with you since you had a 30 - 45 minute head start on us.
mjmkjun, is pretty spry/salty for his years.

Great meeting you and thanks for the beer.
Sounds like you have another good friend in jcavanaugh, I'd like to meet him sometime.

Later

Linden

LindenTree3: "

bfurlow: "

LindenTree3: "Glad you had a good time Brandon.



Where did you stay the first night? I was pretty wiped out by the time I got to South Temperance.



Who lapped you?
You talking about when mjmkjun passed you or someone else?



A pic of you and one of the moose's.

"

I ended up going pretty far back and portaging over into Burnt.
I didn't see mjmkjun on the way there but I was tired and may have just missed him. That was a tough portage. Looking back I should have pushed on to South Temperance as it would have been about the same amount of portaging and WAY less paddling.

I was talking about when mjmkjun passed me by. I got passed by other people too, but at least they were in a tandem. :)

Thanks for the pics!"

Wow, you had a tougher day than I did.
We were suprised to catch up with you since you had a 30 - 45 minute head start on us.
mjmkjun, is pretty spry/salty for his years.

Great meeting you and thanks for the beer.
Sounds like you have another good friend in jcavanaugh, I'd like to meet him sometime.

Later

Linden"

It was still a good day! I was not putting a ton of effort into the first part of the day, just enjoying the scenery, taking pics, and clicking the OK button on my Spot so my wife and kids could keep track. Hadn't thought it was that long, but it probably was. :)

Great meeting you too. Hope we can do it again sometime. Yeah, Jim is a really good guy.

Brandon

Hey! We should do something sometime.
Maybe next year.
It's been a really tough year for us in 2018, so I am stuck in town for the next several months.
But, I like seeing that boat in the water.
Hey, LT3, I think I've said this before... I spent several months in Hawley (actually Dale) during 2 weeks in August 1970!

jcavenagh: "Hey! We should do something sometime.
Maybe next year.
It's been a really tough year for us in 2018, so I am stuck in town for the next several months.
But, I like seeing that boat in the water.
Hey, LT3, I think I've said this before... I spent several months in Hawley (actually Dale) during 2 weeks in August 1970!"

I would totally be up for getting together. Even if it's just grabbing a beer or hanging out for a while sometime.
Loved the boat! Only got better as I paddled it more. Far more stable than I was expecting for a solo.
I am heading out of town mid-July, but before or after just let me know. Next year is wide open. :-)

jcavenagh: "Hey! We should do something sometime.
Maybe next year.
It's been a really tough year for us in 2018, so I am stuck in town for the next several months.
But, I like seeing that boat in the water.
Hey, LT3, I think I've said this before... I spent several months in Hawley (actually Dale) during 2 weeks in August 1970!"

I remember someone living in Hawley for a while, couldn't remember who.
I did a lot of prescribed burning in Highland Grove TWP.

Dale Mn.

Oops, here is the link to Dale Mn.

I remember the old guy who ran the general store.
We would buy Old Gold cigs and tell him it was for my uncle.
If you wanted to conduct Post Office business you had to go over to the post office window with the brass bars. The old guy would always put on his US post Office Official hat before doing any Post Office business.
There was an old service station there, too.
They had girlie pictures hung up on the walls.
These memories are especially acute when I smell new mown hay.