BWCA Meetup 2020? Boundary Waters Group Forum: Solo Tripping
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05/19/2019 09:52AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
It would be fun to organize a solo pre-arranged meetup sometime. Pick a big remote site in Quetico and a specific date to be there. Maybe spend 2-3 nights together before heading off in different directions to finish our trips.

I'm going to be in Quetico for approx 10-12 nights next early Sept. 2020. I have a site in mind for this but to do this right it would have to be posted in a private thread. If anyone has an interest post here.

 
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billconner
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05/19/2019 12:54PM  
I think Q allows more than nine to assemble - but not to camp together. Ranger Island with it's multiple sites just a stroll from each other offers a really large gathering. More than likely you won't really get near nine, so probably any site with a lot of tent space would do. I think of one on Trant and one on McNiece iirc.
 
05/19/2019 01:34PM  
I'm a hanger so wouldn't need a flat "tent area". I'm thinking a central location like Agnes, Kahsh, or maybe McIntyre. Or smaller less visited lakes near there. I've always wanted to check out the lake named Irene on some maps between Kahsh and Sarah. It only has one site on it. It could be accessed by a number of different entry points.

 
05/19/2019 03:14PM  
There are two well established sites on Irene but nothing well situated for more than two tents. Maybe a less established site or two as well. Some good meet up sites on McIntyre. I'd be up for it if it rolls with my work schedule.
 
Troutbum77
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05/19/2019 03:37PM  
I'm a lurker here. I've been paddling the Q for more than 20 years and last summer was the first time I did so solo. I'm doing my second solo in July through the Man Chain.

I think a solo meet-up is a super cool idea. If the dates worked out I'd love to make it my third solo in 2020.
 
MossBack
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05/21/2019 05:34AM  
I would be happy to be part of that group, if you will allow a solo rookie.

MossBack
 
05/21/2019 08:23AM  
The problem for solos is that only four canoes are permitted to be in one group. I'm sure of that for the BWCA and pretty sure for Quetico, differing in 9 person max for BWCA and 10 max for Q.

Bill mentioned nine so correct as needed. Piragis list 9 poeple, Boundary Waters Outfitters list 9 and 4 canoes, other sources vary slightly and my memory of where I heard 10 max may be too old, still a consideration to check out thoroughly.

butthead
 
billconner
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05/21/2019 09:23AM  
butthead: "Problem for solo's is only 4 canoes permitted to be in one group. I'm sure of that for BWCA and pretty sure for Quetico, differing in 9 person max for BWCA and 10 max for Q.


Bill mentioned 9 so correct as needed. Piragis list 9 poeple, Boundary Waters Outfitters list 9 and 4 canoes, other sources vary slightly and my memory of where I heard 10 max may be too old, still a consideration to check out thoroughly.


butthead"


That is 9 per permit. But unlike BWCA where you are not suppose to violate the 9+4 rule even at a portage landing no matter how many separate permits and unrelated groups, I don't think that kind of informal gathering is outlawed in Q. Two or more separate permit groups exceeding 9 want to get together for a meal or campfire, I think OK in Q.
 
05/21/2019 01:05PM  
I've only paddled as a group of 4 soloist in the Q, my last large group (8 in 3 canoes), was in the 1980's hence many changes since. I do have had concern, and notification in the BWCA about group max, the rules are more readily sourced. The Q rules are harder to pin down with certainty.
And seem to be influenced by personal interpretation by officials.

The Q and BWCA are surrounded by national forest and provincial parks/crown land where it would be as easy, and less rule restricted, to set up a group.

Something to consider especially when discussing on an open online forum. The potential to get out of hand easily has happened in the past, my own!

butthead
 
Solobob1
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05/22/2019 12:18PM  
Count in me and my travel buddy Jake. Sounds like a good time.

Bob.
 
05/22/2019 05:45PM  
Solobob1: "Count in me and my travel buddy Jake. Sounds like a good time.
Bob."


Lets plan on it. My issue is my work only allows me the end of August (the 25th) till mid Septemberish. So we could pick a couple days that work for whoever wants to do it. For me anything in that time frame works. It's a long ways away but this thread will always be around so just make suggestions. I think the only qualifier is you would have to be in a solo canoe. God willing, my dog Luna will be there as well.



 
06/11/2019 04:33PM  
Let us know what you finally decide but I think I will be too far north to participate.
 
06/11/2019 09:24PM  
John, if you do the usual 3 weeks maybe try a north / south trip? Since I'll be going to Pierna I think the south end of Kahsh would make a good destination for a gathering. I only have camped in the north of Kahsh but it looks like there are a few large sites in the south.

 
06/23/2019 05:31PM  
Tom

I am going from LLC to Beaverhouse. My north south route is up the S chain
via Woodside and Kawnipi. Keep me informed once you decide. You might think about the north end of Agnes which has a multitude of sites. Hope it all works out.
 
mpeebles
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06/25/2019 05:15AM  
I would enjoy doing something like that as well. I'll stay tuned in. Much to my wife's dismay I've started doing two extended trips/year. That could be one of them.
Safe travels..........mike
 
06/25/2019 06:29AM  
jdddl8: "Tom


I am going from LLC to Beaverhouse. My north south route is up the S chain
via Woodside and Kawnipi. Keep me informed once you decide. You might think about the north end of Agnes which has a multitude of sites. Hope it all works out. "


Agnes is a possibility. I've never camped on it but only passed through numerous times. Going there from Sark (where I will be coming out of Pierna) sounds fun if I take the northern route. I'm just done using Meadows to get back to PP. I'd always wanted to get into the small lakes west of mid Agnes like East and Jeff Lakes so this is a good possibility.

John, do you know of any good sized sites on Agnes that could accommodate a group for a couple nights? I'm a hangar so could be off in the forest but I think a site with multiple tent pads would be required for a reandevoux.

 
06/25/2019 06:38AM  
mpeebles: "I would enjoy doing something like that as well. I'll stay tuned in. Much to my wife's dismay I've started doing two extended trips/year. That could be one of them.
Safe travels..........mike"


That's my goal as well Mike. It's that damn work thing that gets in the way. I'm interested to know how your spring trip went. Maybe do a report for us?

 
06/25/2019 07:39AM  
2 sites in close proximity could work as well.
 
mpeebles
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06/26/2019 07:57PM  
Hey Tom. The trip went very well. I've been gone since I got back (if that makes sense).
To quote Bob B. I'm doing some "timber time" at the land now. I'll try to put something together when I get home in a few days. I didn't keep a journal but may try to collaborate with Jimbo and Magic Paddler on a report.

Safe travels.......Mike
 
06/27/2019 06:38AM  
mpeebles: "
To quote Bob B. I'm doing some "timber time" at the land now. "


I love Bob's way of speaking. Looking forward to that report Mike!

Speaking of Magic Paddler - I heard he was doing 5 different canoe trips culminating in the Watertribe run on the border route. That dude is livin' good this summer!
 
06/28/2019 09:24PM  
Tom -
I like the idea. As of Aug 2nd I'm leaving my corporate job and will be residing in Grand Marais full time, so timing shouldn't be an issue for me. I'd like to join as well if there's room!
 
06/29/2019 10:55PM  
I got around to researching sites in the Kahsh and Agnes area. I like 3 sites on an island in mid Kahshapiwi the best for this sort of thing. They are listed at that other site as #121 and 11B. There seems to be 2 connected sites in a cove in the north and one site in the south of the island. The time frame would be between Sept. 5th and 15th 2020. The details for the exact dates will have to wait till next year.

If anyone wants to join me going into Pierna for 3-4 nights shoot me an email. I'd like to bushwhack in from Sark and set up a camp and do some fishing etc. Hoaf?



 
06/30/2019 10:00AM  
I'm the bushwacking type!
 
PineKnot
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06/30/2019 12:48PM  
TomT: "I got around to researching sites in the Kahsh and Agnes area. I like 3 sites on an island in mid Kahshapiwi the best for this sort of thing. They are listed at that other site as #121 and 11B. There seems to be 2 connected sites in a cove in the north and one site in the south of the island. The time frame would be between Sept. 5th and 15th 2020. The details for the exact dates will have to wait till next year....
"


Hi, Tom. Have stayed at both those sites....neither is very big, 121 being the better of the two. Only noticed two sites on this small island. Site 12S just to the north is a really nice site as well (has one of the best kitchen setups I've experienced, literally several cairns with flat tops making up endtables).

Looking forward to our group trip late Aug/Sept.
 
06/30/2019 01:01PM  
Hoaf: "I'm the bushwacking type!"


I know you are. :) I figure I’m not getting younger so next year is a good time to do it. Hope you can join me. Check out Tim Mead’s book “Quetico Adventures”.
 
06/30/2019 01:04PM  
PineKnot: "
Hi, Tom. Have stayed at both those sites....neither is very big, 121 being the better of the two. Only noticed two sites on this small island. Site 12S just to the north is a really nice site as well (has one of the best kitchen setups I've experienced, literally several cairns with flat tops making up endtables).


Looking forward to our group trip late Aug/Sept.
"


I think this would be a good area for people to meet. It’s central and not too close to an entry. I think that site 125 looks good.

And yes, I’ll see you soon. Could be epic.
 
06/30/2019 01:19PM  
Hi Tom,
I've read Tim Mead's book - their adventures peaked my interest in bushwacking. So many opportunities, so much to see and discover, so little time.
Btw, there's another bushwack destination we could talk about as well depending on the number of days. Or, for future consideration. September is an outstanding time to be in the woods!
 
06/30/2019 01:26PM  
PineKnot: "
Looking forward to our group trip late Aug/Sept.
"

Do you mind me asking where abouts you'll be and when? I'm going to do a celebratory solo in September, dates and location TBD. I'll be living outside of Grand Marais in any case, and it would be fun to meet you if coming that way. Your 2011 exploits inspired my 2014 solo trip, and I appreciated the insight you provided.
 
06/30/2019 03:35PM  
12S is a great site with 3 to 4 good tent pads. Elevated with nice view. Good swimming. Good options to explore with hikes to the tall "peak" behind the site and to the small lake beyond. Main problem (especially for larger groups) is limited access to area suitable for toilet. To get far enough from the water and the site requires quite a scramble up relatively steep rock. Very little available area with soil. In rainy conditions getting to and from the water is a challenge due to the steep smooth rock. On the island I think 11B is the nicer site though good swimming requires a jaunt to the south point of the island. The site on the north end is rather heavily used and often suffers from TP flowers.

A view from the peak behind 12S. Before the fire the finest site on Kahsh was located on the ridge between Kahsh and the unnamed lake in the photo- some 70feet above Kahash and invisible from the lake.
 
GraniteCliffs
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07/01/2019 07:50PM  
Banks, great photo.
I have climbed up to that view twice. The first time a bull moose came crashing into our camp from behind and took a hard left and headed up the hill so we followed it. It was a mess to climb but what a wonderous view when we got there. The second time I went up it was just to show the view to a different group of guys I was with.
We routinely refer to the site with the kitchen and view as "The Grand Hotel." I have stayed there many times pre and post fire. It is one of my all time favorites in the Q.
 
Solobob1
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07/01/2019 08:17PM  
oh man you guys are killing me - I am not sure if I am going to get a trip in this year - does not look too good currently. It is a heck of a long wait for NEXT August to trip the back country and run some new timber. Tom, where ever the trip will be, count Jake and I in, no way we can wait any longer, man that sounds like some handsome country up there.

Bob.
 
07/02/2019 12:35AM  
GC- I am also quite fond of that site.
The site on the ridge with the small lake behind it and Kashsahpiwi in front might have been even finer. I had heard rumor of it for a few years before I finally found it- access to it was by climbing the ridge by following the little creek that drained from the unnamed lake. A few years ago my brothers and I hiked to it to see if it was possible to restore. Impossible- jack pine and spruce as tight as wheat in a field. Couldn't even find the fire ring.
 
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