BWCA MT's tale of woe (or) "I'm still alive!" Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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mastertangler
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08/08/2018 08:30AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Some believe in fate, some luck and others in a higher power. I believe in all 3 to varying degrees.......some events are predestined (fate)........luck (scripture declares in the Book of Proverbs "time and chance happens to us all" )........ and of course I have an unshakable belief in an Almighty. I avoided death by a narrow margin in WCPP on Friday night but more about that later.

2 years ago on my way to Musclow Lake in WCPP I put in at Lund Lake and quadruple portaged the first three lengths ( 850, 1100, 950 meters) which, at 7 carries across, adds up to more than 10 miles in one day. While not the swiftest portager I had always been able to sort of glide along confidently and tended to get stronger as a trip went on.

On last weeks trip I was in for a rude surprise. Instead of getting stronger my legs and hips rebelled and the 7 carries out of Lund became nothing short of torture. Tightness and pain became my constant companion and the "extra stuff" I had brought became a bitter pill indeed. It took me over 2 days to do what I had done in in only 1 day previously. It soon became obvious that I was not going very far so I set my sights on an unnamed lake which was not so very far off.

I arrived mid day and set up on the island site. "Nestled" in the woods with plenty of moss it provided a cool respite from the warm day. Perhaps I would stay here for a week and wet a line, read and putz around. My mood, however, was one of disappointment and I was in a general funk of sorts.

That night I awoke to the sounds of thunder. I looked to the horizon and as far as I could see was a continuous light show. I kept watching the slow moving storm, still afar off. The realization was one of a big event so sometime around midnight I brought my boat up into the woods a bit farther and settled back in my tent to await the inevitable.

There was, of course, plenty of rain but the initial blast of wind was unlike anything I had ever experienced. My 2 man tent began to collapse in and around me. That was not so bad but suddenly I was tossed upward off the ground into the air. My initial thought was I was being blown away and I cried loudly to the Lord "Jesus, save me" ..............at that very moment I could hear numerous trees coming down.

When the worst of the wind was over, probably only some 30 seconds or so, I settled back down but quickly realized I was no longer on flat ground and a large bulge was in my tent site. Naturally I realized it was a tree root and I quickly decided I had better see what had happened. My eyes were first greeted by a large pine which was poised over my tent at a 45 degree angle only 12" away from my structure. My light followed up the trunk until I seen where it had only been stopped from its murderous descent by catching in the tops of some other trees. Had it continued it would of caught me somewhere in my upper body, most likely my head or neck and that would of been the end of it.

At the other end of the tent was another tree down having missed my abode by only a foot or so. A smaller tree but it certainly would of destroyed my tent and would not of felt very good coming down on my already compromised legs. My gear was hidden from view by a third tree. I quickly realized that the large pine hovering over my tent could cut loose at any time and in the midst of the thunderstorm I repositioned my little home.

I felt fortunate to be alive. Several hours later I was awakened once again by the sound of thunder. Another storm was bearing down and I quickly donned my rain gear and scouted out a place free from concern of falling trees. I will never again weather in place during a blow. Yes, it can happen to you.

The next morning I looked around at my little island site. It literally looked like a bomb had gone off and the forest looked like pick up sticks. "I'm going home" I muttered to myself and began the arduous task of completing the 10+ miles of portaging. 2 years ago, coming off my Musclow trip, I felt a wee bit like Superman and paddled very slowly savoring each dip of the paddle coming off Lund Lake. This year I could hardly wait to get out and be in the relative comfort of my rig.

Foolish? Self deceived? Naive? All accurate descriptions of a trip I should of never taken. I thought I could force my body into rehabilitation on the uneven surfaces of the north woods which have always been my friend. About the only thing I was really capable of doing was a base camp trip on Basswood........given the gear brought I was perfectly equipped to do so. And it would of been great......I just never thought I would be a base camper so soon! Such is life. I considered stopping at Beaverhouse or Sylvania but my heart wasn't in it and my focus, which was laser like, was "what is wrong with me"? It had become more than just a mild irritation. 2 massage sessions are scheduled so I can hopefully walk normally and then appointments with orthopedics and general practicioners (blood work) to try and get a handle on this. Back to Florida Friday.

So that's what happened. I took my health for granted and figured my wheels, which have always been faithful, would always be so. I am exceedingly glad to have not been clobbered by the big pine. Fate? Luck? Or the Intervention of the Lord God Almighty? Let each be convinced in their own mind but as for me I will give glory and thanks to God for securing my life.
 
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08/08/2018 09:50AM  
Like they say, "There are no atheists in a foxhole."
Glad you got out in one piece.
 
08/08/2018 09:50AM  
Wow, MT! Quite a tale, indeed! Glad that you are still alive, and please check out those health issues!
 
Jackfish
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08/08/2018 10:03AM  
Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

And I believe he was there.
 
campcrafter
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08/08/2018 10:54AM  
MT I am glad you were lucky.

I have been through one big storm like that in the Q a few decades ago. No close calls as you had, but on of the aluminum canoes was blown off shore and down the lake.

So now I know to always tie down the canoe. Also I have learned form your story and other posts here not to stay in the tent but get out to place you can see whats going on and a place were you are less likely to be hit by falling trees.

Again I am glad you are safe and hope you are able to regain your strength for more adventures.

ATB,
cc
 
Savage Voyageur
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08/08/2018 11:06AM  
Glad you are safe. That’s some story. Any pictures to share?
 
08/08/2018 11:06AM  
I'm glad you are safe and sound MT after the terrifying storm. Falling trees and lightning are the things I fear most in canoe country, and I have had some very close calls myself over the years.

I spent the last week base camped on North Bay of Basswood (I rarely do a basecamp) with some friends, and when the subject of storms came up, we all agreed that the frequency of severe storms has definitely increased over the past 10-20 years.
 
smoke11
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08/08/2018 11:34AM  
Wow! What a story!
 
08/08/2018 11:38AM  
Wow! That must have been scary. I have been through storms, but nothing like what you described. Glad to hear that you made it out in one piece.
 
08/08/2018 12:28PM  
Oh my goodness. How terrifying. So glad to hear that you're okay.
 
08/08/2018 12:36PM  
Thanks for sharing, I have spent lots of time in a tent praying during storms. I hate wind and lightning .
 
SinglePortage
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08/08/2018 02:05PM  
When selecting a campsite, one of the things I look for is a place to retreat to if necessary. I have never needed to retreat to cover during a storm, but I did come close a couple of times.

I'm glad you got lucky.
 
ozarkpaddler
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08/08/2018 02:58PM  
SinglePortage: "When selecting a campsite, one of the things I look for is a place to retreat to if necessary. I have never needed to retreat to cover during a storm, but I did come close a couple of times.
I'm glad you got lucky."


Me too, but only after a couple near misses and after surviving the GF Trail tornado in the '90's. I like to look for an area with some good sized boulders to "Snuggle" up to, and I have a few times. Also done my fair share of "Tent praying" over the years too!

Glad you survived no worse for wear and hope your physical ailments are temporary!
 
08/08/2018 03:10PM  
wow! got any pictures?
 
QueticoMike
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08/08/2018 04:05PM  
Sounds like you got lucky! I always hope no one ever has to go through a nasty storm but that is part of the deal we all sign up for.
 
08/08/2018 07:00PM  
Glad you're ok MT. I hope there's pics. Will you be doing a write up for your report blog? Also, gotta ask - how were the new shoes?

 
mastertangler
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08/08/2018 07:22PM  
So nice to be a part of this on-line community where folk can relate and identify with what a person goes through while canoeing and camping in the wilderness. Others may understand you came close to catastrophe or calamity but can't really fully envision what took place.

Pics? I never took one picture......I never considered putting pen to paper and I fished from shore for maybe 15 minutes. When your not having fun and you feel completely zapped of energy and are walking about in a bit of a fog things like pictures seem oddly uninteresting. The thought never crossed my mind......looking back however I would of liked to have had a picture of that pine hovering over my tent like a blunt guillotine. That might of been an excellent picture, a momento of sorts, especially if I could of gotten some lightening in the background. But I was still in the midst of a nasty thunderstorm with a tree which might still come down and destroy my tent so unstaking and moving it became paramount in my mind.

Tom......the Lalo Boots are bittersweet. They are, by far, the best boots for canoeing I have ever owned. I was exceedingly glad to have had them on. My previous high top Rockys, which I really liked, tended to be a bit heavy when wet due to the combination of materials used. The Lalos were far more lightweight when wet by comparison. I had a hard go of it without the bit of extra weight the Rockys would of given me. I had failed to break the Lalo's in before the trip (hey, I'm busy ;-) but that wasn't a problem and they performed magnificently. I couldn't help but look at the well made portage wonders and think somewhat negatively about having spent a tidy sum on boots which I might not need in the future. Base campers don't need high end boots. I am hopeful about employing them again on a hard travel trip but who knows for sure. I gave a monumental effort on the way out and crossed the 3 portages in one day. Dearly wanting out and abundant ibuprofen pushed me through to the finish line. I was never so glad to be over and done with a trip.......an education to be sure.
 
Quacker1
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08/08/2018 07:46PM  
Wow what a night, don't think it was fate or luck that kept you safe.
 
08/09/2018 01:27AM  
DAMN MT ! sounds intense !! , glad your adventure turned out good !!
 
napinch
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08/09/2018 06:48AM  
Wow! I have been through some bad storms in the woods, but nothing like that. I know you are saying you are going to resort to base camping for now on, but give it a little time and you may find the urge to get beyond those entry point lakes. Perhaps a different trip strategy. If you don't have the wheels to pull off 10 miles of portaging the first day (who does, really?) then plan for 1.5 days to get there. Maybe you don't need 7 rods and 35lb pack of tackle to catch fish. Basically, just make some adjustments for the next trip. And one more thing, basecamp trips can be just as enjoyable - It all how you look at it.
 
mastertangler
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08/09/2018 07:10AM  
Two years earlier on Musclow in WCPP I had a similiar storm come through but without the straight line wind. By far the worst electrical event I had ever been in and when one particular bolt hit it left me more or less with ears ringing (like a gunshot went off next to my ear). I actually felt for my body to see if I was still in it. Woodland Caribou........."Don't mess with Texas" has nothing on that park.

Napinch I actually like base camping and given my propensity to fish it is actually well suited for me However I have always liked seeing what's over the next hill. Plus I wanted to fully explore the park to find that "special" base camp location (5 star campsite next to a reef full of 10 lb walleye and 20lb pike ;-). Besides, there is no feeling like having come off a really rigorous trip full of hardship and adversity. You have a bit of a swagger in your step and feel great. Hard work is one thing, but when you don't move well your just setting yourself up for getting hurt.......my current "swagger" looks oddly reminiscent of an 80 year old man shuffling into Wal-mart.

Ten miles of portaging in one day is not so hard when you're feeling good. Although, when I added the numbers I must admit I was a bit surprised. A 10 mile day backpacking does not raise any eyebrows especially out of the western mountains. And what is portaging, but backpacking with a canoe. Bear in mind I was carrying a solo boat. I could not carry a tandem for 10 miles, that's for sure.

I will probably go somewhat silent soon. Going to cut my on line time out significantly and will likely cancel my cable as well. Anything which cuts into my time devoted to rehabilitation needs to go. It's just to easy to burn an hour or two watching news or blabbing about the latest, greatest pad. I'm certain that bit of news will be cause for celebration for some ( "hey, let's have a wing night celebrating MT's retirement ;-)
 
08/09/2018 07:20AM  
Well look on the bright side, your home to tell your tale. I know you will be back at it again! Give yourself some time to decompress and reflect. For me, as I have aged, heat and dehydration are much bigger factors during exercise than when I was younger.
 
mc2mens
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08/09/2018 07:49AM  
Glad you made it out alive, MT. Sounds like lady luck was on your side. Base camping isn't so bad. I prefer it because I prefer to fish all day rather than taking down and setting up camp every day. Trick is to get in as far as you can that first day.
 
08/09/2018 07:55AM  
Everybody's different, MT. That's what makes the world go 'round, I guess. If that had been us in that tent, my first thought would have been to check and make sure we were physically OK, and my second thought would have been to check the camera(s) to make sure that THEY were OK, too! :-) After that I would have been out of the tent photographing the downed trees, the aftermath of the storm, and making sure I got everything chronicled!

I am really sorry we cannot be treated to a few of your good photos, so that we can see the close call you just survived! :-( But still glad that you survived it! Now concentrate on feeling better!
 
08/09/2018 08:24AM  
MT- That's a great feeling (after it's over)- "to be alive"!! No matter the "why" it's a good feeling being reminded why life is good.
 
08/09/2018 08:24AM  
Glad you made it out okay! Very scary situation.

T
 
Marten
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08/09/2018 08:47AM  
MT, hope you can look back on this and see what you did pull off. To be able to do those three portages tells me you are not ready for base camping yet, just an easier pace. How was the new boardwalk on the third portage into Knox?
 
mastertangler
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08/09/2018 09:54AM  
Marten: "MT, hope you can look back on this and see what you did pull off. To be able to do those three portages tells me you are not ready for base camping yet, just an easier pace. How was the new boardwalk on the third portage into Knox?"


Marten the route to the unnamed lake just below the Knox portage was as far as I made it. It is easy to overlook the initial portage from the lot to Lund (650), then the 1,100 and the peat bog 950.......but two more of 70 and 325 put me in the unnamed lake. If doubling and in decent shape a fellow might make the entire length in one day.......not two and a half very tough days as it took me.

Oddly enough I did meet the same pair of trippers from California that I had met 2 years earlier. They are on the board here as members and inquired if I was Mastertangler. We had a pleasant exchange and they informed me that the Knox portage was a dream walk now only a bit long.

I seen no point of walking the Knox just to get to a lake where an outpost camp and motorboats were.

My guess is to much time spent walking and standing on concrete flooring has caught up to me. Throw in a poor diet full of acidity (coffee, bread, sugar, fried foods, red meat etc.) and it's not hard to figure out that inflammation and arthritis is on the march.

The good news is the Lord can "make all things new". I have been seeking counsel as to what to do ("the wisdom which comes from above is peaceable and easily entreated"). Apparently the first step is to do a fruit (until noon) and vegetable diet only for 40 days. Not so easy for me..........but this is intolerable.
 
Marten
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08/09/2018 01:43PM  
MT, the 2nd long portage of the three to Knox should have had a high and dry new route that starts from the old portage and than meets up again near the other end. Did you take the old bog trail?
 
08/09/2018 02:48PM  
I'm very grateful you were not injured in that storm, MT, and hope your further recovery has you back portaging to your heart's content before long. Very scary story. Falling trees scares me more than anything in the wilderness.
 
08/09/2018 03:55PM  
Marten: "MT, the 2nd long portage of the three to Knox should have had a high and dry new route that starts from the old portage and than meets up again near the other end. Did you take the old bog trail?"




I've done both. I only made the mistake once!
MT, glad your safe. Basecamp? I was thinking we're getting to the age where we can be led to believe we're basecamping. Then take us around for a paddle and back we'll think we're in a new spot because we already forgot what the "last camp" looked like.
 
08/09/2018 04:08PM  
Glad you survived the storm MT.

I think the solution to your problem is simple. Carry less. Carry less per trip across the portage. In the last couple of years I've switched from dedicated single portage to accepting the double in order to reduce the load on my body. I can probably paddle as well and for as long as I've ever been able to but portages tend to show my age. Another factor is the heat- you mention it was warm that adds considerable to the burden- your lethargy and depression is symptomatic of mid-level dehydration, as is cramping and soreness. Accept what you are capable of. There is not rush to get there; you are already there.

On the notion of the "Avoiding Acidic Foods" diet plan; it is bs. Laughably so- the body is capable of taking in food of a wide array of ph and self -buffers to the ph required. The notion that eating acidic food makes your blood acidic is structured to sell books and magazines not to promote health. Nearly any reputable medical or nutritional authority will back me on this. Eat simple unprocessed foods. Don't buy anything with an ingredient list longer than a couple of words.
 
mastertangler
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08/09/2018 04:24PM  
Marten the 2nd long portage through the bog is one of my favorites. I did the other route 2 years ago and disliked it as it snaked around, up and down and several places the trail is slanted which I dislike. The peat bog is very neat IMO, at least taken in August when it is mostly dry. It is a flat and straight shot with nifty views. The deer flies could be bad if it's hot.

Ben that was funny ;-)

Bankslana I must disagree with you concerning acidity. Yes our bodies must achieve a certain PH but if our diet is primarily acidic then that PH will be arrived at by what ever means is required (pulling from organs, muscles etc). The typical American diet is very acidic, often entirely so. It is probably a billion dollar industry in antacids alone. LPR is cured by avoiding acidic foods and eating primarily alkaline foods. There is much scientific study which suggests that diseases, from the common cold to cancer, cannot live in an alkaline environment. You have heard your entire life to "eat your vegetables" but they never tell you why. The reason is that they are alkaline. But, much like Paul, I know what I should do but don't. Alas, the typical human condition.

My plan is to do fruits and veggies for 40 days and then do an alkaline diet for another 40 days (60% alkaline, 40% acidic). There is to much evidence pointing to foods that can heal not to believe there is something to it.

One thing I can agree with is bringing less stuff. I will double on travel trips from now on. I guess I just won't bring any food and will just snare rabbits and eat fish to survive. As per dehydration I am very cognizant of the potential. "Clear and copious" are the watchwords and I am careful to insure that is always the case. When doing rigorous outdoors activities your urine should always be clear. You know your getting borderline when it's not.

Maybe I will just start having a floatplane drop me off and ease my way back and have Harlan pick me up via Sat phone when I'm done. Sounds sort of appealing. Its to early in the game to hang out on Basswood. But first I have to regain my mobility.
 
GraniteCliffs
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08/09/2018 08:10PM  
Geez, MT, what a challenging trip! I am glad you survived it all and are here to talk about it. We all have our ups and downs on trips but your trip seems to take the cake. Glad you are all in one piece.
Physical problems lead me quickly to mental challenges. Glad to see you are down but already figuring out how to get back up, however you do it.
Getting older is like a roller coaster ride some days. You are down and out and then just like that you are back up riding a wave. Last year on my solo I had so much knee pain from arthritis/bone on bone I thought the portages would make me die. This year, after a great deal of PT, they hurt but I have been able to portage without too much difficulty and I am pumped for my Q solo Monday.
Lets hope you make a similar physical recovery and mental regeneration.
Paddle on!
 
SinglePortage
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08/09/2018 08:35PM  
On my first trip when I was 19 I carried an 88 pound canoe and a 79 pound pack, at the same time. I am no longer 19 and I would never dream of carrying that much now. My solution is to bring only what I need and is important to me and make sure it is as lightweight as possible.

I am pretty sure that what brings you back to the wilderness is not all that gear that you kill yourself dragging in, it is what you find when you get there. Adventure, quiet, solitude, nature and peace. Don't let things you really don't need keep you from getting to the place's that you do.
 
mjmkjun
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08/10/2018 05:57AM  
drnatus: "wow! got any pictures?
"

hahaha!
Am not laughing at your misfortune, mastertangler. just a burst of laughter at the thought of you out there snapping pictures in the mist of havoc.
I am glad you are intact and safe from the stressful ordeal.
Wish you success in your new diet plan. However, I firmly believe that animal protein is unique in its ability at replenishing energy in times of extreme exertion. To each his/her own.
you wrote, "...and I quickly donned my rain gear and scouted out a place free from concern of falling trees. I will never again weather in place during a blow."
Was there such an 'ideal' spot to hover and wait out the storm on this island?
 
mastertangler
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08/10/2018 07:01AM  
mjmkjun: "
drnatus: "wow! got any pictures?
"

hahaha!
Am not laughing at your misfortune, mastertangler. just a burst of laughter at the thought of you out there snapping pictures in the mist of havoc.
I am glad you are intact and safe from the stressful ordeal.
Wish you success in your new diet plan. However, I firmly believe that animal protein is unique in its ability at replenishing energy in times of extreme exertion. To each his/her own.
you wrote, "...and I quickly donned my rain gear and scouted out a place free from concern of falling trees. I will never again weather in place during a blow."
Was there such an 'ideal' spot to hover and wait out the storm on this island? "


Yes that was my thought when asked about pictures. The thought never even occurred to me as even after the initial blast I was still in the midst of an impressive storm with hard rain and still plenty of wind with a tent to move and still worried about another tree coming down. But I can certainly understand how some pictures would of told the story better than I ever could.

Yes I'm with you on the whole protein concept. However I look to when Daniel and his companions were taken to a foreign land and refused the food provided and instead insisted on fruit and vegetables instead of meat and they thrived more than all the other captives. This will be a "cleansing" type of fast appropriately called a "Daniel Fast". I knew a fellow once who did it and he claimed to feel all "sparkly" (his words) down below. Meat is back to being highly acidic, particularly red meat (fresh fish and chicken not so bad). I have a strong suspicion I am suffering from chronic inflammation as my symptoms subside when taking anti inflammatory drugs. Hopefully the Daniel Fast and subsequent alkaline diet (introducing some chicken and fish) will calm things down a bit. Dropping some extra lbs which will certainly happen will also be a positive. I do not know what to do, I'm not really even sure what the problem is. So I will ask the Designer, the One who made me, how to fix things. Will I be disciplined is the question. If one refuses instruction then there is not much more to be done. The Lord wants me well.......but will I cooperate? The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

As per waiting things out during a storm.........when that second round of storms looked imminent I quickly put my rain gear on and scouted around. There was a tree down near the shoreline and it's root system, which was sideways up in the air, provided a decent place of safety. Plus the trees seemed to be less substantial in size near the lakeshore. I will always take a look around from now on and see where I can take refuge in a storm. The rockier the soil, the less grip the trees have. If you can't get tent stakes into your campsite then beware.......the trees are barely hanging on.

Dang! Single Portage that was an immense load and reminds me of the Voyagers and fur trappers of long ago. I would be ground into the duff before I went very far under something like that.

Granite I know you will have a fabulous trip. Breathe deep, take it all in!

Yes, I won't let this get me down. I am already planning next years trip and instead of struggling to get to my intended destination only to turn around and come out (portage, portage, portage etc. etc.) I will be taking a float plane in. How cool would that be? Start the trip not pressured to get where you want to fish........get dropped off and set up camp! Ahhhh! Fish for a week and then ease back stopping here and there for a few more days until you get back to a prearranged shuttle. I can hardly wait (lol)!
 
Marten
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08/10/2018 10:02AM  
Flying in will open up a whole new world. Pack those luxuries within reason. We fly in soon to a lake in ,Atikaki that took two of us 8 days to reach last year. 45 minutes this year. 16 days and 6 camps later we get picked up only 35 miles from our start.

May I suggest you look at Moose Lake and Twin Lakes for a basecamp trip. It will be hard to find info since they are rarely visited.
 
08/10/2018 10:05AM  
MT, not sure if you've looked into it yet or not but do some research on anti-inflammatory diet. Going with your original plan of fruits and vegetables is a good start but there are additional things you can focus on within a fruit/vegetable diet to help combat inflammation and give your body a chance to heal even quicker.

For example something as simple as turmeric. Turmerics primary compound is curcumin. Studies have shown that curcumin is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents in the world, more effective than asprin and ibuprofen. My wife used turmeric a lot when she was pregnant with our 2nd child and she noticed an almost immediate and drastic improvement in how she felt. She used turmeric to make a golden milk drink which is almost like a milky tea but there are other ways of adding it to your diet that would keep you on track with your planned program.

Research other anti-inflammatory foods and you should find a whole host of ways to give your fruit and veggie diet an extra health boost that will aid in your recovery.
 
mastertangler
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08/10/2018 10:33AM  
Thanks NoFish. I have heard much the same thing. I am trying to view this as a many sliced pie. Turmeric may be part of the solution. That with a big change in diet, more and longer stretching and cross training exercises instead of single focus. I did to much biking in preparation for this trip.

Marten your trip sounds great......I'm jealous. Your suggestions sound good but I detest leaving things undone. I am still committed to Bigshell back to Lund. But who knows? If I am not 90% I won't be going. The trippers I had met from California had just come that way and flatly stated it was tough in spots and if I wasn't 100% I shouldn't go. Their positive fishing reports did little to alleviate my sour mood.

Next stop today is a massage therapist for deep work. Then getting on a plane back to my amazing wife. Her big brown eyes and wavy brown hair will be a welcome sight. What won't be so welcome is when she tilts her head and quietly says "what were you thinking" ;-)

 
Othello
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08/10/2018 11:23AM  
Thank you for the good reminders on site evaluation, weather knowledge, and safety preparedness.

Glad you're here to tell the [harrowing] tale, mt, and Godspeed.
 
Marten
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08/10/2018 03:53PM  
MT, time to let go of that trip. Never heard a glowing report about the portages above Knox.
 
mastertangler
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08/10/2018 04:33PM  
Marten: "MT, time to let go of that trip. Never heard a glowing report about the portages above Knox."


Yea, so I have heard, particularly in low water. Tough go of it. But a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do........ We are a bit different and portages for me are a means to an end. That being fishing of course. Big shell and Banana, along with Olive and linge might be the ticket for the trophy fish I pursue. I won't be able to rest until I give them a go. Flying in means a big fat flat of crawlers......yea baby! I only have a year to get ready, better get started ;-)

Back from an amazing experience with a masseuse. It's all starting to make sense now. She noticed slight bow legging in one leg and collapsing arches. A few years back, when I had some back issues my Chiropracter detected a distinct pelvic tilt which he corrected. But my work has me titled to one side, often for hours on end, probably creating hip imbalance. As a result one leg feels longer than the other and a series of imbalances occur causing all sorts of issues like what I have been experiencing. Do it for 30 years and my body has finally had enough. I have little doubt that when I get home and test my hips that they are tilted. Fortunately there is much on the web to correct both the fallen arches as well as the hip tilt. I am sort of excited to gain some insight. Perhaps things can be corrected without "replacement parts". Learning much, knowledge is king. The wisdom which comes from above is peaceable and easily entreated [or asked for].........And again it is written "you have not because you ask not". To many folk view God as a hammer and they are a nail. Actually He loves us and wants us to be well if only we would turn towards Him fully. Fortunately anyone qualifies. It's sort of sad that it took such an event as my long awaited canoe trip being a disaster before I turned to seek Him about my health........pride or just neglect? No matter, I will press forward full of confidence in Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.
 
SinglePortage
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08/10/2018 06:01PM  
Hey MT, It looks like you want to get to the same area that I do. It looks like the best way to get to Bigshell is to fly into Sabourin and paddle straight East. The other way that looks reasonable is to use the Mimi Lake entry and paddle south to Burntwood. From there it's 175, 500 and 1400 into Bigshell.

I am going to try to get in there next May, high water levels will make the route a little easier.
 
08/10/2018 06:56PM  
My neighbor's only BWCA trip (I was not with him) was during the 1999 blowdown.
He said that he and his trip mates hunkered down behind a large rock in the BW as the trees came crashing down around their campsite.
He hasn't been back since.

Glad you made it out alright MT.
 
08/10/2018 07:33PM  
Just goes to confirm the theory that a horseshoe up your arse is worth three on the stick. That might explain the pelvic tilt. Just sayin...
Nicely played. Yeah, being alive is better than the alternative. No doubt about that. Cool story. Admit it, it was worth almost dying now that you have that tale to tell. And you live to fight another day. With a full frickin heart I hope. Cheers and all the best to you and your battle with the stupid tilted pelvis. Didn’t Brittney Spears have one of those. Probably not the same thing I’m guessing.
 
mastertangler
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08/11/2018 12:26PM  
SinglePortage: "Hey MT, It looks like you want to get to the same area that I do. It looks like the best way to get to Bigshell is to fly into Sabourin and paddle straight East. The other way that looks reasonable is to use the Mimi Lake entry and paddle south to Burntwood. From there it's 175, 500 and 1400 into Bigshell.


I am going to try to get in there next May, high water levels will make the route a little easier. "


Why not just fly right into Bigshell? Thats the plan for me.

Deep tissue massage was absolutely amazing and a huge eye opener for me. If I would of had it done before I went I would probably still be out there. I have gone from thinking I had debilitating arthritis and secretly thinking I might have to have a hip replacement to being able to move fairly well. Apparently the musculature was not "letting go" since its priority was in keeping me upright. Now I just have to fix the muscle imbalance.

Apparently side sleeping, which I am, also contributes mightily to shortening one set of hip muscles while lengthening the other side contributing to the pelvic tilt. Factor in the collapsed arch, pronated foot and ankle, and tilting to one side for hours on end while working and it all makes sense.

I mention this so others may consider getting a deep tissue massage if they are experiencing lack of mobility. Perhaps its not arthritis at all.............I will now be considering getting one at least once per month and certainly before I take any future wilderness trips. Its no fun when you cant perform.

Scat I cant help but laugh in spite of the abrasive nature of some of your posts. As per my "story" I would actually rather not have had it to be honest. I am far more excited about having gone, gotten my ass kicked and using the whole sorry episode to change my life. Certainly the experience is/was a turning point.

Still committed to the Daniel Fast.........start Monday. Wish me luck. I have never been able to stick to any diet plan for more than a week. Vegas is taking bets, odds are at 5 to 1.
 
andym
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08/12/2018 04:08AM  
Glad you are ok and are looking for how to make the future better. We all deal with our limitations as time goes by. Living well despite our limitations can be a thing of beauty.

As a vegetarian for 26 years, I can say that there are plenty of forms of protein around that aren’t meat. It gets a bit trickier if you go vegan and don’t have some dairy or eggs. But it is still possible to do and have plenty of energy. Beans, nuts, tofu (yeah, I like it. Recently made a dish of tofu and veggies sautéed in maple syrup and ginger with wild rice that was mighty tasty). And actually wild rice has a fair bit of protein too.

Loosing weight is rarely easy but so good for our bodies in many ways. Just putting less stress on our joints is big.

But in the midst of all such considerations, keeping the joy going is the most important. Sounds like you are planning ways to make that northwoods joy a continuing part of your life. And that’s great.

And I’ll take your advice to always look for a good place to take shelter.
 
mjmkjun
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08/12/2018 06:32AM  
mastertangler: "...



Still committed to the Daniel Fast.........start Monday. Wish me luck. I have never been able to stick to any diet plan for more than a week. Vegas is taking bets, odds are at 5 to 1. "

:-D
 
mastertangler
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08/12/2018 07:35AM  
Sort of on cloud 9 this morning.

The last year or two I have been having "issues" with mobility. I'm not the biggest, fastest or strongest but I can usually just get by with a good supply of grit and just keep truckin. But after 4 hours of breaking an art show down the most frequent comment I would get from my friends and other artists is "Al, your limping".

I thought, wrongly as it turned out, that I could just "iron out" my hip and knee issues on the trail. (Trodding upon uneven surfaces can be very beneficial for your entire body. I came across that tidbit when researching a disc problem several years ago........certainly makes sense to me). But we all know how that turned out. I was miserable and in pain.

This morning I can walk normally without the stiffness, pain and hip impingement that I had been struggling with. Something as simple as getting a deep tissue massage. Weird........All this time I could of spared myself wear and tear and discomfort had I spent $50 and an hour provided you get the right person to do the work.

Already planning my "Consolation Prize". Perhaps I could finally swing a Ten thousand Island canoe venture in December if I get my act together.

Andym..........vegetarian for 26 years..........and yet he still lives! So it doesn't kill you? What would I do with my Big Green Egg cooker? Grilled Acorn squash sounds a whole lot less sexy than Grilled Salmon or Ribeye ;-)



 
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