BWCA First solo in two weeks Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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molshove
member (47)member
  
08/20/2018 10:15AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Hey guys and gals -

First post in this forum, but I've been using it for planning purposes for years. Belated thanks for all of the great info and insight I've pulled from here.

In a couple of weeks I'm headed out for my first solo trip, E.P. 30F (Lake One). The plan is to route through Lake Two, portage up to Rifle and cross my fingers that I can grab the one site on Rifle and day trip up to bridge and then north into Delta. I'll loop back down Bridge, through a part of the isabella, and then through Lakes Four and Three and back up through Two and One to exit at the same E.P.

If my goal for the Rifle campsite doesn't work out, I either have to head back to Lake Two or up to Bridge depending upon the time of day.



I'm packed pretty light, I'd guess 50 pounds not including clothes. Keeping food simple with dehydrated packs and some oatmeal. a small MSR burner for boiling water and plans to rely on fire otherwise. A billy pot for bucket showers and for frying fish. Renting a single canoe from Ely Outfitting Company, no kayak paddle just a canoe oar. Not sure of its weight...

I'm excited, but also a little nervous. I've never solo paddled in the BWCA before, but I've been up there in a three man canoe with one of the guys as total dead weight (often paddling against our efforts), and I just can't imagine it being any tougher than trying to cut that canoe across a windy Bald Eagle Lake up to Gabbro...

Any suggestions/advice/feedback?

Thanks!

 
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08/20/2018 11:51AM  
Planning to stay at a single campsite lake is setting yourself up for being disappointed. Its 6 portages in and you are unlikely to get there early in the day. If the campsite is occupied its a seventh portage to find a campsite.

The number lakes have lots of nice sites. My suggestion would be to reverse your route and do the numbered lakes early in the trip and set yourself up to get into Bridge and Rifle early in the day.

Enjoy your solo time. Just let the landscape flow through you with no distractions. Don't be in a hurry.
 
inspector13
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08/20/2018 12:07PM  

I was confused by your route description of down Bridge, through a part of the Isabella. I’m guessing you are referring to the narrow upper part of Lake Four? The Isabella River flows from Isabella Lake to Bald Eagle and into the South Kawishiwi River system at Little Gabbro Lake. The Kawishiwi River flows into Lake Four from Hudson.

 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/20/2018 12:10PM  
Whoops, sorry for the confusion. Meant Kawishiwi (I put in at snake river between Isabella and Bald Eagle on my last trip)

Thought it was kawishiwi above lake four that continued through to Hudson, didn't realize that was actually Lake four
 
inspector13
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08/20/2018 12:31PM  

The drainage system of that whole area is strange, i.e. perceptible currents in some lakes and none in parts of what is called river. Have fun. If I were to go solo, that is the area I would pick first.

 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/20/2018 01:15PM  
sedges: "Planning to stay at a single campsite lake is setting yourself up for being disappointed. Its 6 portages in and you are unlikely to get there early in the day. If the campsite is occupied its a seventh portage to find a campsite.


The number lakes have lots of nice sites. My suggestion would be to reverse your route and do the numbered lakes early in the trip and set yourself up to get into Bridge and Rifle early in the day.


Enjoy your solo time. Just let the landscape flow through you with no distractions. Don't be in a hurry."


Good suggestion.

I was trying to stay off of the number lakes, assuming there would be lots of traffic/less solitude (am I wrong in thinking this?). If I found a campsite I absolutely loved, I'd flip the script and just base camp with day trips. Anywhere in particular you especially enjoy?
 
08/21/2018 09:38AM  
If you base camped on Lake Three or Four the Bridge/Delta/Rifle loop would be a nice day trip. A little longer would be a Fire/Hudson loop. There are lots of nice campsites on the number lakes.

I am amazed how much "solitude" there is in just being the only person in a campsite. On a three day injury recovery lay-over on Cherokee the lake was busy. I saw people paddling by, but talked to no one the whole time.

I am much more sociable when I do meet people on a portage when I am traveling solo.

On lay-over days(I typically have 3 on a 10 day trip) I do long, sometimes all day, exploratory paddles. If I am going far and portaging I take enough food for an emergency overnight. You just never know.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/21/2018 10:21AM  
sedges: "If you base camped on Lake Three or Four the Bridge/Delta/Rifle loop would be a nice day trip. A little longer would be a Fire/Hudson loop. There are lots of nice campsites on the number lakes. "


I've been poking around in the fishing forum, seems like fire and hudson have some "worst-of fishing holes" denotations, and I want to believe that the less attention (and fewer campsites) that bridge and delta get could mean more bites? Google earth makes it look like there are some decent reefs up in Delta, too.

I think if I did the Bridge/Delta/Rifle loop, I'd bring my tarp, sleeping bag, and some food in hopes of snagging one of the single sites (supposedly there's a decommissioned site up in the NE corner of Delta?), especially if fish are biting, then circle back to my number lake campsite in the AM, but wouldn't be forced to pack everything and find a new spot if one of the single sites aren't open on Delta or Rifle...
 
08/21/2018 10:31AM  
Have a feeling that occupying two sites at the same time is against the rules. In an off season early or late time its not an issue as far as I am concerned, but during peak time I have bad feeling about it.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/21/2018 11:23AM  
sedges: "Have a feeling that occupying two sites at the same time is against the rules. In an off season early or late time its not an issue as far as I am concerned, but during peak time I have bad feeling about it."


Makes sense, I'll just make an early run at Delta one morning and take my chances. It's stuck in my mind as being exactly what I'm looking for.
 
08/21/2018 11:47AM  
One of the pleasures of traveling solo is not having to consider another opinion when making travel decisions. Like the the looks of that little inlet? Turn your boat and go check it out. What to paddle longer, stop earlier for a nap? Your decision.

And here I am telling you what to do!!! Enough.

Have a wonderful trip. Let the landscape flow into you as you travel through it. Soak it up and bring it back up when you need a little escape.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/21/2018 12:25PM  
sedges: "One of the pleasures of traveling solo is not having to consider another opinion when making travel decisions. Like the the looks of that little inlet? Turn your boat and go check it out. What to paddle longer, stop earlier for a nap? Your decision.


And here I am telling you what to do!!! Enough.


Have a wonderful trip. Let the landscape flow into you as you travel through it. Soak it up and bring it back up when you need a little escape."


Haha fair, feels weird not having to bounce ideas off of a companion and then find a way to compromise as the trip progresses. Thanks for the suggestions regardless, I definitely am going to reverse the route per your suggestion

Headed off to stock up on some new jig heads
 
08/21/2018 03:07PM  
Two things: It's been dry up there....better watch for fire bans and be prepared to change food menu to all stove friendly. It could change as you drive up.....happened to me....and then you have to make pack changes in the parking lot. Also, day light gets short starting soon and if number one comes true (fire ban) then things get real dark around camp at about 7:30-8:00. Some Luci lights or something similar may be welcome additions.
It's a real bummer to trip in October under a fire ban and be sitting around the fire pit under the warm glow of a fading headlamp at 8:00<--------been there
 
08/21/2018 03:39PM  
One other thing. Delta lake is half in/half out of the Drag Lake PMA. The portage into Delta is marked on most maps, but going into a PMA like it is, it may or may not be maintained. That trip may turn into more of a bushwhack than expected.....just FYI.
 
pswith5
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08/21/2018 06:12PM  
Based on your use of "single" canoe and calling a paddle an oar i am wondering if you have paddled a solo canoe before? If not, I might suggest you find a way to get the feel of one. They can seem tippy at first. Paticularly with little or no gear. Where are you from? Maybe someone near you can let you try one.?
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/21/2018 10:21PM  
cowdoc: "One other thing. Delta lake is half in/half out of the Drag Lake PMA. The portage into Delta is marked on most maps, but going into a PMA like it is, it may or may not be maintained. That trip may turn into more of a bushwhack than expected.....just FYI."


Never considered a fire ban, have never been into BWCA later than early July or earlier than early May. Would definitely catch me off guard I’m headed in Sept 5. I’m comfortable with a bushwack if time permits, would make me feel more confident in availability of the campsite, too.

pswith5: " Based on your use of "single" canoe and calling a paddle an oar i am wondering if you have paddled a solo canoe before? If not, I might suggest you find a way to get the feel of one. They can seem tippy at first. Paticularly with little or no gear. Where are you from? Maybe someone near you can let you try one.?"


Have never paddled a solo canoe, only tandems and triples, if that’s the right jargon. May not be so good with the tongue, but spent a lot of time in a canoe through Boy Scouts, and have continued bi annually to the BWCA since my first “high adventure” at age 13. Comfortable sculling and have a proficient J stroke, I feel confident enough I’ll figure it out. Worst case I get a little wet at first, but I can usually figure things out. Fishing solo I think will be the greatest learning curve.

If gear isn’t enough, stones in the bow and stern should help with tippy feeling, yeah?

In Columbus, Ohio, not great access to loaner canoes for trial. Kayaks everywhere around here, though.
 
08/21/2018 10:50PM  
Do you know what make and model canoe the outfitter is providing?
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/21/2018 11:04PM  
sedges: "Do you know what make and model canoe the outfitter is providing?"


They have either the wenonah solo plus or the encounter. After a little reading, I told them my preference was for the encounter. Both in ultra light Kevlar
 
08/22/2018 07:51AM  
The first campsite as you enter Lake Three is a great site with protected area for tent or hammock. It also has a nice northern exposure and beach so if there are any northern lights you should get a good view. There will be traffic coming and going, but on a solo the solitude is of a different nature as has been mentioned. And being not too far off the beaten path is a safety thing for soloists.
Moving things around in packs and finding different positioning of gear in the boat to accommodate proper trim in the boat and for portaging is a part of tripping. Owning my own gear I can do this before the trip and the first day or two goes much smoother. If you can spend an hour with the boat you rent and your gear you probably can work out most of the bugs before pushing off for the trip. I have been "entertained" by paddlers struggling to keep a course in light wind because of poor trim.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/22/2018 10:44AM  
bhouse46: "I have been "entertained" by paddlers struggling to keep a course in light wind because of poor trim.
"


I've been doing a bunch of reading on adjusting trim in a solo canoe, using the wind to your advantage rather than working against it. Hoping I can put the information to practical use.
 
GraniteCliffs
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08/24/2018 03:50PM  
Everyone has their own way of solo traveling. You have to find what works for you.
I like a big pack right behind me and a smaller pack of about 15 pounds in front of me. That works, at least for me. And allows me to carry the canoe and small pack on one trip across a portage and the larger pack on the second trip. Makes portaging much easier.
I have also found, again for me, that I really like being busy all day. I paddle and portage long and slow much of the day. If I have too much time to kill in the campsite I tend to get a little out of sorts.
I noticed your comment on your J stroke. I like the "hit and switch" method of paddling where I just paddle about three strokes on one side and then flip the paddle to the other side. I have always looked at the solo J stroke as alternately hitting the gas and then the brake. I like the gas way of paddling.
I hope you have a great trip. Like always, attitude is what will make or break any trip regardless of weather.
 
08/24/2018 07:16PM  
On your statement on no kayak paddle, I take 2 paddles, a bent shaft and a Bending Branches "kayak" paddle. I use the bent shaft most of the time, however, having the Bending Branches Impression Solo paddle has been a real help when it comes to wind and whitecaps. I am almost 60 and I admit I am not the best paddler around, but the kayak paddle can really make the difference going into a wind. Attached, it is mounted in my Prism. It does get tight with the big bag in the back but I like that I can just reach behind if I need the paddle.
 
08/24/2018 07:57PM  
There's much truth in GraniteCliffs' statement that everyone has his own solo style and you need to find yours. Mine has evolved over many trips, especially the first ones.

Like him I also double portage a light pack with the canoe and then a second heavier pack. The extra pack helps with trimming the canoe.

Since I need a spare paddle, I also take a double blade and a bent shaft. The spare is lashed to the thwarts. It's nice to switch off and use different muscles on longer travel days.

I hope you have a good trip.
 
bwcasolo
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08/25/2018 06:59PM  
Stay relaxed and have a good time. Make good safe decisions and enjoy every moment. As my wife says, breath thru your nose. It relaxes you.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
08/26/2018 04:48PM  
Thanks for the suggestions everybody, all helpful info.

Picked up a few odds and ends over thee last few days and probably going back through my pack 10 more times before next week to make sure, but I feel pretty confident that I'm good to go.

A little nervous, a lot excited. I'll report back after the trip.

Thnks again!
 
08/26/2018 04:54PM  
Have fun! Do whatever you want - it's your trip; yours and only yours :).
 
Pilgrimpaddler
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08/26/2018 10:53PM  
I did my first solo a couple months ago. It was great! Your experience might be different than mine, but if you have confidence in your abilities you’ll be fine. I expected that I might get scared at night or might not be able to handle the solitude, but I found the experience to be both satisfying and thrilling. One can’t ask for more.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
09/03/2018 01:16PM  
Pilgrimpaddler: "I did my first solo a couple months ago. It was great! Your experience might be different than mine, but if you have confidence in your abilities you’ll be fine. I expected that I might get scared at night or might not be able to handle the solitude, but I found the experience to be both satisfying and thrilling. One can’t ask for more. "


Exactly my expectations and ultimately hopes.

I fly out tomorrow, and between yesterday and today I did a last check through my gear...I’ve always driven up there and it didn’t even cross my mind that I needed to pack airplane friendly...needed a case for my pole and can’t pack in stove fuel. Also decided I’d pack my gear into a large suitcase, and the. Repack into my portage bag after I get my rental car. Some silly little things, but I think I’m clear on any major last second surprises...

Weather is looking PERFECT too!
 
09/03/2018 03:11PM  
Have fun!

I leave in a week, getting excited :).
 
HappyHuskies
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09/03/2018 03:45PM  
Have a great trip! If you're still aiming for Rifle, I think you'll like the site (maybe your'e been there before?). Anyway, it's a popular day trip for me when I'm looping back from Lake Four through Bridge and I've only ever seen people there twice before, even when Lake Two was packed.

Anyway, should be fun. I really like September and early October in the BW. Just a magical time of the year and a great time for solo trips!

 
molshove
member (47)member
  
09/03/2018 08:48PM  
HappyHuskies: "Have a great trip! If you're still aiming for Rifle, I think you'll like the site (maybe your'e been there before?). Anyway, it's a popular day trip for me when I'm looping back from Lake Four through Bridge and I've only ever seen people there twice before, even when Lake Two was packed.


Anyway, should be fun. I really like September and early October in the BW. Just a magical time of the year and a great time for solo trips!


"


I definitely want to get to the rifle site - never been there (or on the number lakes in general) before.

Almost forgot TP, my wife called it out when I went through my pack for the last time...

Out of office message is officially on - probably won’t sleep a wink in anticipation tonight!
 
09/06/2018 05:13PM  
Seems to me that your wife literally saved your a**!! :)
 
mastertangler
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09/11/2018 04:16PM  
pswith5: " Based on your use of "single" canoe and calling a paddle an oar i am wondering if you have paddled a solo canoe before? If not, I might suggest you find a way to get the feel of one. They can seem tippy at first. Paticularly with little or no gear. Where are you from? Maybe someone near you can let you try one.?"


That was my thinking. I don't like the "feel" of my solo, a carbon fiber Bell Merlin, without some weight in it. To fish in security, without my camping stuff, I added some dry bags which I fill with water. I would also be inquiring as to the seat height of the rental. If they have the seat high be prepared to feel unsteady.

Lastly, don't believe that following the shoreline is a bad thing. I only paddle point to point if conditions are stellar. Polarized glasses are a must for near shore paddling and pay attention........rocks will give themselves away with even small waves if you observe carefully. Far from shore and all alone is no place to be, especially in the fall.
 
SinglePortage
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09/13/2018 10:26PM  
mastertangler: "
pswith5: " Based on your use of "single" canoe and calling a paddle an oar i am wondering if you have paddled a solo canoe before? If not, I might suggest you find a way to get the feel of one. They can seem tippy at first. Paticularly with little or no gear. Where are you from? Maybe someone near you can let you try one.?"



That was my thinking. I don't like the "feel" of my solo, a carbon fiber Bell Merlin, without some weight in it. To fish in security, without my camping stuff, I added some dry bags which I fill with water. I would also be inquiring as to the seat height of the rental. If they have the seat high be prepared to feel unsteady.


Lastly, don't believe that following the shoreline is a bad thing. I only paddle point to point if conditions are stellar. Polarized glasses are a must for near shore paddling and pay attention........rocks will give themselves away with even small waves if you observe carefully. Far from shore and all alone is no place to be, especially in the fall. "


It is good to hear that you gave up on your collapsible buckets filled with water idea MT. It might have made for an interesting story though.
 
09/14/2018 06:57AM  
I used a sealine dry bag for ballast in my solo earlier this month and it works great! So much easier than rocks which I used in the past and now I realize much safer too. I filled the bag one time and would leave it near the landing when finished. Just a great idea all around and highly recommend for thse whose want to be more steady when out fishing. I also will add that my 50LB dog was in the bow and that helped too.

 
GraniteCliffs
distinguished member(1981)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/17/2018 08:41PM  
Soooooooooooooo, how did it go?
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
01/29/2020 02:52PM  
GraniteCliffs: "Soooooooooooooo, how did it go?"


I’m the worst lol, never came back to update.

It was AWESOME.

To make a long story short, my first night ended up with me successfully making it to Rifle (finding that portage was an absolute bear).

I didn’t realize how remote that little Lake was, or at least maybe I didn’t expect that I’d be scared out of my mind the first night. Between the loons, a couple wolf cries, the little otter playing on the shore, and running out of firewood about 11pm, I ended up hearing every bump in the night.

Night 2 was way more comfortable.

Did some fishing, found some awesome, secluded campsites. Only talked to 1 other human the whole trip. Took naps during the day. Explored some islands. Caught some walleye (little guys) and a few pike.

 
molshove
member (47)member
  
01/29/2020 02:57PM  
Found somebody at the first portage to snap a pic for me - managed to single portage the whole way



View from the rifle lake campsite




I’ll make a trip report soon, got a lot of great photos, had an awesome time. Found some serious solitude just off the heavily beaten path that is the number lakes
 
HappyHuskies
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01/29/2020 03:13PM  
So glad to hear you had a good trip. Rifle is a pretty special little lake in my opinion. So quiet compared to the numbers chain. I've always been surprised that I rarely see anyone there. In fact I've seen more people on Delta than I have on Rifle, which I find very surprising.

Will be looking forward to your trip report. While I'm still enjoying winter, your post has me starting to think about paddling again!
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
01/29/2020 03:25PM  
HappyHuskies: "So glad to hear you had a good trip. Rifle is a pretty special little lake in my opinion. So quiet compared to the numbers chain. I've always been surprised that I rarely see anyone there. In fact I've seen more people on Delta than I have on Rifle, which I find very surprising.


Will be looking forward to your trip report. While I'm still enjoying winter, your post has me starting think about paddling again!"


Yes, honestly I could go back again and spend several days there. The fishing wasn’t great, and the water is very murky, but the solitude.

I really liked the first campsite you come to on bridge from the rifle portage, on the right. Horrible rock landing with a deep drop off that’s a bit tricky to navigate without a helping hand, but nice elevation and coverage with some great views.

Did lunch there and wish I would have stayed a night, in retrospect. Ended up paddling ALL day that day after passing that campsite and finding everything else across the numbers full. More on this later lol
 
01/29/2020 05:37PM  
Rifle was part of my daughter's first trip to the BWCA when she was 9. She was NOT A FAN of carrying the food pack on the portage from Rifle to Lake Four but I reminder her of the rule that you can complain as much as you want on a portage, as long as you're still moving forward.

Glad you had such a great trip.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
01/29/2020 07:06PM  
noodle: "Rifle was part of my daughter's first trip to the BWCA when she was 9. She was NOT A FAN of carrying the food pack on the portage from Rifle to Lake Four but I reminder her of the rule that you can complain as much as you want on a portage, as long as you're still moving forward.


Glad you had such a great trip."


I single portaged that beast...i thought it would never end! Some serious ledges both on the incline and decline of that trail. Very happy that rifle campsite was empty, so i wouldnt have to head straight into that portage.

I've been debating when my kids will be old enough to take along. Have two 5 year olds, a 6 year old, and an 8 year old.

The 6 year old girl is the only one showing interest, so far. I think I'm going to try to talk her into joining me next year when shes 8, for a fall trip.
 
molshove
member (47)member
  
01/29/2020 08:50PM  
Trip report - thanks for the encouragement, all!

https://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=1186371&forumID=19&confID=1
 
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