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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum Listening Point - General Discussion Vehicle safety? |
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01/13/2020 12:00AM
I went to the BWCA last year and parked my vechicle at an isolated entry point, only to worry about its safety while at float. The worry of returning to finding my vehicle hit by vandals sort of weighed on me. Of course, I returned and all was good. Any stories of vehicles being damaged at an entry point or any others worry of such thoughts?
01/13/2020 09:17AM
It's unlikely, but if it happens, it happens. That's what insurance is for. Enjoy your trip and don't sweat the small stuff.
With that said, I always take off my canoe racks and put them inside my locked vehicle. If we can't strap our canoes on the racks, we're sunk. No sense in tempting someone.
With that said, I always take off my canoe racks and put them inside my locked vehicle. If we can't strap our canoes on the racks, we're sunk. No sense in tempting someone.
"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir
01/13/2020 09:26AM
Like bobber I left my truck unlocked and I think window half down. To far in I thought of it. No problem. Very rarely do you have problems. But just like at camp you need to be careful of food smells in your vehical. Back in the seventies came out to Moose river north and there was a van that was tore into by a bear. Haven’t heard of anything like that since.
Nctry
01/13/2020 09:27AM
I’d say I’m more worried about coming back to a dead battery than any kind of theft or vandalism. I would hate to have a dead battery at the Snake River EP, no cell service, rarely anybody back there and a long hike out for help. Not how I’d like to end a trip. In all reality, it happens, but so rarely that you’re more likely to get into an accident on your way up to the BW then your vehicle getting busted into while you’re tripping.
Tony
Tony
Tony
01/13/2020 10:16AM
GopherAdventure: "I’d say I’m more worried about coming back to a dead battery than any kind of theft or vandalism. I would hate to have a dead battery at the Snake River EP, no cell service, rarely anybody back there and a long hike out for help. Not how I’d like to end a trip. In all reality, it happens, but so rarely that you’re more likely to get into an accident on your way up to the BW then your vehicle getting busted into while you’re tripping.
Tony"
Scotty Kilmer on YouTube likes these.
I will paddle eternal, Kevlar and carbon.
01/13/2020 10:34AM
Never had a problem with vandalism. Just be absolutely positive you don’t leave any food or Empty food wrappers inside your vehicle. I’ve read stories where bears can wreck cars trying to get at the food.
"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD
01/13/2020 10:41AM
Ben's comment made me think - parking lot vandals are a bit like campsite bears;
- most of the time they stay away
- if they should pay a visit, usually they don't do any damage unless you've left something out to tempt them
- very rarely do they cause some trouble, and when they do word goes around and around, making it seem like a bigger problem than it is
- when they do come around, they seem to visit areas with a lot of targets
- taking a few simple precautions of leaving nothing out probably will shift the odds in your favor
- almost all visitors to the BWCA will never have an issue, even if they go year after year
- you can ruin your trip by worrying about either, or forget about it and enjoy your trip.
If it bothers you, though, there are always outfitters happy to provide parking and a shuttle for a reasonable fee.
- most of the time they stay away
- if they should pay a visit, usually they don't do any damage unless you've left something out to tempt them
- very rarely do they cause some trouble, and when they do word goes around and around, making it seem like a bigger problem than it is
- when they do come around, they seem to visit areas with a lot of targets
- taking a few simple precautions of leaving nothing out probably will shift the odds in your favor
- almost all visitors to the BWCA will never have an issue, even if they go year after year
- you can ruin your trip by worrying about either, or forget about it and enjoy your trip.
If it bothers you, though, there are always outfitters happy to provide parking and a shuttle for a reasonable fee.
01/13/2020 10:46AM
I know in CO the sheriff's dept comes down pretty hard on theft/vandals at trailheads for hikers.
For a lot of small, remote towns, hikers/hunters are the bread and butter of their economy.
I don't know if it's that way in Grand Marais or Ely, but I would guess those crimes would get more attention (from the local sheriff), just because if something like that got out of hand, it would hurt the economy.
It would be interesting to hear if this is the case for the bwca.
For a lot of small, remote towns, hikers/hunters are the bread and butter of their economy.
I don't know if it's that way in Grand Marais or Ely, but I would guess those crimes would get more attention (from the local sheriff), just because if something like that got out of hand, it would hurt the economy.
It would be interesting to hear if this is the case for the bwca.
01/13/2020 11:06AM
I've had similar worries at times, but mostly while backpacking. There were a string of months were vehicles were getting broken into, via smashed windows, while parked at Superior Hiking Trail lots that weren't at state parks. It resulted in some people taking all their valuables out of their cars and leaveing the window cracked and doors unlocked so nobody needed to break anything while scavenging a completely empty car. This has never happened to me in the BWCA at entry points, but I do, as often as possible, try to park at an outfitter or at least in a way to make my vehicle as inconvenient as possible to try to break into.
Do any of you practice leaving your car unlocked on purpose so nothing needs to be broken should someone want to get into your vehicle?
Do any of you practice leaving your car unlocked on purpose so nothing needs to be broken should someone want to get into your vehicle?
"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to." – Bilbo Baggins
01/13/2020 12:08PM
Break-ins do happen but are rare. Don't leave anything valuable in your car and shouldn't have anything to worry about. The only break-in I've ever had were mice. They ate my Cliff Bars and chewed up my wool vest. There will be retribution!
01/13/2020 01:19PM
Jaywalker: "Ben's comment made me think - parking lot vandals are a bit like campsite bears;
- most of the time they stay away
- if they should pay a visit, usually they don't do any damage unless you've left something out to tempt them
- very rarely do they cause some trouble, and when they do word goes around and around, making it seem like a bigger problem than it is
- when they do come around, they seem to visit areas with a lot of targets
- taking a few simple precautions of leaving nothing out probably will shift the odds in your favor
- almost all visitors to the BWCA will never have an issue, even if they go year after year
- you can ruin your trip by worrying about either, or forget about it and enjoy your trip.
If it bothers you, though, there are always outfitters happy to provide parking and a shuttle for a reasonable fee.
"
I like this. Very inventive!
In 40 years of parking at EPs and Forest Service lots, I've never been broken in to, knock on wood! Like Jackfish said, if it's going to happen, it's going to happen. I like to think I have found stealthy places in my truck to hide my wallet and phone. But I should probably bring my wallet and phone in with me, buried deep in a pack, so those don't get taken... I just don't see the point as I will use neither while paddling and camping.
I've often thought of the take thieves would have if they decided to break into cars at Lake One on a busy summer weekend. Or how long they could operate undeterred at the LIS EP. I've just decided not to worry about it, lest it wreck my trip.
Mike
I did indeed rock down to Electric Avenue, but I did not take it higher. I regret that.
01/13/2020 01:49PM
I’ve only had 1 issue. Our truck was broken into in the late 80’s at the Beaverhouse parking lot. The 4 beers in the cooler were stolen and it was left open so the pops got warm.
"Hold on, I think I can get in without getting my feet wet."....SPLASH...
01/13/2020 03:08PM
Had a friend go backpacking in Colorado with his buds a few years ago. After much debate with his wife, he finally got permission to take their new SUV.
About a day and a half away from their endpoint where they left the car, they started hearing stories from hikers going the opposite direction that a bear had destroyed someone's SUV in the parking lot.
Needless to say, his gut told him it was his and he had a day and a half to think about the phone call to his wife.
About a day and a half away from their endpoint where they left the car, they started hearing stories from hikers going the opposite direction that a bear had destroyed someone's SUV in the parking lot.
Needless to say, his gut told him it was his and he had a day and a half to think about the phone call to his wife.
01/13/2020 03:30PM
Mike-
I take my phone, wallet, etc. in with me in a waterproof case buried in the bottom of my pack.
I don't bring them in because I'm going to use them. I bring them in so no thieves can, and have X# days before I know. Suggest you may want to reconsider.
I take my phone, wallet, etc. in with me in a waterproof case buried in the bottom of my pack.
I don't bring them in because I'm going to use them. I bring them in so no thieves can, and have X# days before I know. Suggest you may want to reconsider.
01/13/2020 04:18PM
If it were to start you will see a rash of them then they will get caught and settle down for a bit.
Most likely a couple of local hoods will decide it is a easy way of making some spending money.
That is what I normally found after 33 years in Law enforcement.
About 4 years ago where I winter Yuma AZ there were hundreds of vehicle break ins one was mine.
A organized gang of illegals would hit every week or so one trail head had over 20 vehicles broken in at one time.
They were caught but not after causing thousands of dollars of damage. They got almost nothing but it cost me a couple hundred for a new window.
So far in and around the BWCA theses things are rare.
I don't leave expensive items in plane sight and try and plan that I do not have to leave any in the vehicle.
But some car burglars break in just look. (assholes)
I think about it about but once I leave it doesn't pay to worry can't do a thing.
But I always have a pair of jumper cables. I have needed them for myself and for others.
Most likely a couple of local hoods will decide it is a easy way of making some spending money.
That is what I normally found after 33 years in Law enforcement.
About 4 years ago where I winter Yuma AZ there were hundreds of vehicle break ins one was mine.
A organized gang of illegals would hit every week or so one trail head had over 20 vehicles broken in at one time.
They were caught but not after causing thousands of dollars of damage. They got almost nothing but it cost me a couple hundred for a new window.
So far in and around the BWCA theses things are rare.
I don't leave expensive items in plane sight and try and plan that I do not have to leave any in the vehicle.
But some car burglars break in just look. (assholes)
I think about it about but once I leave it doesn't pay to worry can't do a thing.
But I always have a pair of jumper cables. I have needed them for myself and for others.
01/13/2020 04:39PM
I camp a lot.
I've had two.
One being in a provincial park way out of the way from everything. The entry point landing was at an indigenous cemetery. I had a real bad feeling from the start and worried a lot about my car the whole time. Sure enough, upon my return, one tire was punctured on the sidewall. I had a donut spare.
The other time was the Gabbro entry. Someone smashed my window thinking that my first-aid kit behind the front seat was a purse. I went in very early spring and was the only car in the lot. I actually went back the next weekend to camp again and put a trail cam on my vehicle. Believe me or not, I caught three juveniles in my pictures drinking beer while leaning against my car. The Infrared LEDS caught their attention and the male showed me his junk. This was all on this forum several years back when it happened. They did not damage my car that night nor do I know if they are the ones that broke my window.
Tom
I've had two.
One being in a provincial park way out of the way from everything. The entry point landing was at an indigenous cemetery. I had a real bad feeling from the start and worried a lot about my car the whole time. Sure enough, upon my return, one tire was punctured on the sidewall. I had a donut spare.
The other time was the Gabbro entry. Someone smashed my window thinking that my first-aid kit behind the front seat was a purse. I went in very early spring and was the only car in the lot. I actually went back the next weekend to camp again and put a trail cam on my vehicle. Believe me or not, I caught three juveniles in my pictures drinking beer while leaning against my car. The Infrared LEDS caught their attention and the male showed me his junk. This was all on this forum several years back when it happened. They did not damage my car that night nor do I know if they are the ones that broke my window.
Tom
01/13/2020 06:14PM
...
If it bothers you, though, there are always outfitters happy to provide parking and a shuttle for a reasonable fee.
"
Free parking at the outfitters! Safe and never a second thought about my vehicle's safety. Also I can spread all my gear out and pack/unpack/repack to my heart's content.
And speaking of outfitters I carried my canoe into the parking lot after 12 days and 50 miles and their van pulls in at the same second. On time and with a friendly smiling face at the wheel.
Professional service and no worries. Worth every penny of the reasonable price we paid!
Fish On!
01/13/2020 06:47PM
I have never had a problem, and we don't see a lot of complaints here about break ins.
I have to admit that last Fall at the Hog Creek entry point I was a little unnerved by the amount of broken safety glass in the vicinity of the spot I parked at, but nothing came of it.
Certainly don't leave valuables in view or food which would excite a bear into busting in the windows, but I wouldn't let it stop me from making a trip.
I have to admit that last Fall at the Hog Creek entry point I was a little unnerved by the amount of broken safety glass in the vicinity of the spot I parked at, but nothing came of it.
Certainly don't leave valuables in view or food which would excite a bear into busting in the windows, but I wouldn't let it stop me from making a trip.
01/13/2020 07:34PM
In the equation of a crime, three variables are involved: Opportunity, the ability, and desire.
We've all have had opportunities, and the ability is a given. But desire, now that's variable square. Most of us do not have such want/desire. A lone vehicle in an isolated setting increases one's opportunity, vastly. Opportunity can impact desire.
But nothing I can do about it unless I have someone pick my vehicle up and have it returned on a agreed time and day. One reply is correct, don't sweat the small stuff. I guess it just enhances the adventure.
Probably was a poor subject I bought to the table. Just me over thinking about this years return. Hmmm, sorry just my criminology coming out of me.
We've all have had opportunities, and the ability is a given. But desire, now that's variable square. Most of us do not have such want/desire. A lone vehicle in an isolated setting increases one's opportunity, vastly. Opportunity can impact desire.
But nothing I can do about it unless I have someone pick my vehicle up and have it returned on a agreed time and day. One reply is correct, don't sweat the small stuff. I guess it just enhances the adventure.
Probably was a poor subject I bought to the table. Just me over thinking about this years return. Hmmm, sorry just my criminology coming out of me.
01/13/2020 08:58PM
Around the year 2000 we came out to the Moose lake parking lot up the Fernberg after a early ice out trip to Quetico. The truck next to mine had a 4 tires removed and was on its still drums or hubs.
One other time during the gas shortage in like the 80's I had gas removed from my tank at the Moose landing vechiles at the Ely end was having that happen. I think it turned out being someone from out of town. To this day I fill my tank up after my canoe trip is over and than gas up for the trip home.
Way way back in the 70's there was quite a bit of vandelism on vechiles and they caught these people,they were actually from Chicago.
After all that said overall I think vandalism is very very low at landings and locals hate to have any,it is poor for business. Your much more apt to have vandalism just about anywhere else in the country than by the BWCA. If a problem exists often Forest service or Outfitters will tell you and where.
Also don't leave things in plain site tempting people to steal or break in your vechile.
01/13/2020 08:59PM
The only issue I ever had was in the mid 80's. I had a Toyota and someone let the air out of all 4 tires. This was back in the days when there was more resentment against Japanese cars...
However, it didn't bother me much, I opened my trunk, took out my portable air compressor and filled the tires back up. I never leave home without it in the trunk.
However, it didn't bother me much, I opened my trunk, took out my portable air compressor and filled the tires back up. I never leave home without it in the trunk.
I set a goal of losing 10 lbs. this year. I only have 15 left to lose.
01/13/2020 09:04PM
If you are really worried about a break in by thieves, look into an outfitter near the entry point you want. Park in his lot and have him shuttle you to your entry point. A shuttle fee might be worth your piece of mind.
"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD
01/14/2020 09:53AM
missmolly: "Scotty Kilmer on YouTube "
Not to hi-jack thread....but am also a Scotty viewer......rev up your engines!
Never criticize someone until you walk a mile in their shoes....by then you'll be a mile away and they will be shoeless!
01/14/2020 10:49AM
I always leave the keys in our truck. I lock the truck and use the keypad entry. I've never had any issues. Nobody can see the keys are in there.
A tripping partner once returned from a SHT hiking trip to find one tire completely flat. He had picked up a nail on the drive in. This was in November, so we had to change the tire in the snow, while we were already tired and hungry. Drove back to Two Harbors, patched it with a plug kit purchased from the gas station and all was good.
A tripping partner once returned from a SHT hiking trip to find one tire completely flat. He had picked up a nail on the drive in. This was in November, so we had to change the tire in the snow, while we were already tired and hungry. Drove back to Two Harbors, patched it with a plug kit purchased from the gas station and all was good.
01/14/2020 11:47AM
A few years ago, our group of 3 canoes were putting in at Kawishiwi Lake. I wanted to wait to see that a rookie couple got loaded and off all right, but the other canoe took off on a wrong heading so my bowpaddler and I went after them. Once we got back on course we met the rookies about a mile out from the landing. They said they might have left their car keys in the ignition, so my partner and I headed back to retrieve them. Not only were the keys in the ignition, but the engine was running and the doors were wide open. No car thieves (or anyone else) about. Other than that, it was an nice trip; the rookies were good company and enthusiastic firewood scavengers, just a little overexcited and absent minded.
OtherBob - lots of Bobs on this board
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