Best case now is that it's starting to look like I might get a 3-4 days (maximum) trip in sometime around mid-September, permit gods willing, of course. The wife is very much set against me going solo and I'm down to one son who might have time to go for a shorty. I didn't do an early Spring trip due to obvious reasons and a summer trip seemed to be unwise given the crush of visitors (many of them novices). I realize that for many people if this was their biggest problem they would consider themselves fortunate, so I can't feel sorry for myself. Still, I just wish this whole Covid situation would disappear and life would return to some semblance of normalcy.

I've come to grips with the fact that I only have so many years left while I'll able to go on canoe trips, so any lost chances sting just a bit. At some point, I won't be able to say "there's always next year".

My thoughts exactly. Wife says, "there's always next year".....I say, "are you sure?" LOL. Permit booked for 9/20....Bam!

These are exactly my feelings as well. I had to cancel my solo and I was not able to join our group trip this year.

People keep saying there is always next year the BW isn't going anywhere. Which is true the BW isn't going anywhere, but there may not be a next year for me.

I'm gonna hit one of the local lakes tonight with one of the dogs.

I was talking solo or a trip with just my daughter for this year as well. My wife was hesitant to allow either. We are getting a satellite communicator, which put my wife's concerns at ease enough. Booked a permit for my daughter and I for Sept. 12.

Yeah, I was going to Canada before it was too late (may already be). Headed to BW instead. I'm definitely running out of years . . . I just hope Canada's open next year.

Pilgrimpaddler: "Best case now is that it's starting to look like I might get a 3-4 days (maximum) trip in sometime around mid-September, permit gods willing, of course. The wife is very much set against me going solo and I'm down to one son who might have time to go for a shorty. I didn't do an early Spring trip due to obvious reasons and a summer trip seemed to be unwise given the crush of visitors (many of them novices). I realize that for many people if this was their biggest problem they would consider themselves fortunate, so I can't feel sorry for myself. Still, I just wish this whole Covid situation would disappear and life would return to some semblance of normalcy.

I've come to grips with the fact that I only have so many years left while I'll able to go on canoe trips, so any lost chances sting just a bit. At some point, I won't be able to say "there's always next year"."

Would she be more comfortable with you going solo if you had a gps locator like a spot or inreach?

Nigel, I ran the possibility of a satellite communicator by her but it wasn’t as well received as I hoped it would be. That’s unfortunate on a couple levels. One, that it didn’t help my cause, and another that I really wanted a reason to add to my pile of gear. I’m like a dog that hears “squirrel!” when I’m around new gear, but I try to keep a tight leash on myself.

boonie: "Yeah, I was going to Canada before it was too late (may already be). Headed to BW instead. I'm definitely running out of years . . . I just hope Canada's open next year. "

You're two whole weeks older than I am: WE AIN'T RUNNING OUT OF YEARS YET!! We've had to cancel this year's Quetico trip--were supposed to hit the water Tuesday, August 25th and come out Thursday, September 3rd. Like you, I'm hoping the border's open next year. Yeah, I know tomorrow's not guaranteed, but we're hoping for several more years of 10-day paddling trips.

TZ

My wife doesn't like me going on my solo trips, but it's a "fight" I'm willing to have because they're so important to me. So I go, and I deal with a grumpy wife for a while. This isn't a tough guy/macho thing, and I know everyone's situation is different, and I don't know the reasons behind your wife's intransigence, but if it's really important to you, then maybe consider going anyways. Just my .02, and best of luck.

Or maybe, IF next year comes around, you can take two (or more) trips. Ya know, compromise... :)

So much of this conversation is resonating with me. I am planning a solo for next spring and there has been some resistance on the home front. the idea of getting an InReach or Spot has helped.

I'm also planting the seeds that I want to start going multiple times each year and also there is a woodland caribou trip in my not too distant future. Hopefully I still at least 10-15 more years of trekking in my but that certainly is not guaranteed.

I consider paddling the BW/Q a hell of a lot safer than my local lakes with all the jet skis and wake boats. Probably safer with the wolves and bears than with some of the drunken partiers I've seen at state parks also.

Nigal: "Would she be more comfortable with you going solo if you had a GPS locator like a Spot or Inreach? "

My Inreach puts my very worried wife at ease during my solo trips.

I luckily have a wife that doesn't like me going solo, but doesn't try to stop me from going solo. I think she has figured out that with my life insurance policies I might be worth more to her dead than alive. LOL. I have an eight day solo hike on Isle Royale starting Sept 17th, and then any weekend trips I can get in before the snow flies.

TrailZen: " We've had to cancel this year's Quetico trip--were supposed to hit the water Tuesday, August 25th and come out Thursday, September 3rd. Like you, I'm hoping the border's open next year. Yeah, I know tomorrow's not guaranteed, but we're hoping for several more years of 10-day paddling trips.


TZ"

TZ I am glad you are making a trip! I have felt the most normal this year when I am canoeing and fishing. What EP are you using?

AmarilloJim: "I consider paddling the BW/Q a hell of a lot safer than my local lakes with all the jet skis and wake boats. Probably safer with the wolves and bears than with some of the drunken partiers I've seen at state parks also."

Only takes one drunk person on the water to cast a dark shadow on what would otherwise have been a nice paddle.

Can't seem to stop myself from reading posts here and this one caught me for sure. My woes are not simply those of 2020. Mine have to do with age and physical condition and the loss of my favorite paddling partner 10 years ago. Knee replacements 3 and 2 years ago. Still can't kneel on them.

This is the time of year, early to mid July, when my husband and I would take our annual 8-10 day trips into Quetico PP with only my first year, 1978, a minor variant when we went in mid June. Husband started going up to Quetico as a 12-year old boy scout and July was his favored time because of more settled weather, long days, and still good fishing. I talked him into mid June because I wanted to avoid having bruises on my legs and farmer suntan when we married in September. In 32 years, I think we missed our main annual Quetico trip twice, once when we drove to Alaska and the second year when we went with friends into the BWCA instead. Work schedules got in the way for more trips most of the time. We did manage some additional Quetico paddling one year by driving into Canada and camping at park campground and doing day trips. We also snuck in a 4-day trip over Labor Day weekend out of Beaverhouse.

A former paddling partner is right now on a trip in the Boundary Waters. Was supposed to be Quetico but .... In January we decided to try a little day paddling together after she finished her Quetico trip. She invited another of our frequent tripping partners and we reserved lodging in Tofte (his wife and maybe her husband were going to join in), she flies in from Seattle, he and wife and dogs were driving from Georgia. Five days with a little paddling (whatever I could manage) and playing tourist for GA friends who hadn't travelled in the area. About a month and half ago, we decided to cancel due to Covid concerns and feeling closures and limitations on many places to visit would make it a bad time to see the North Shore.

I'm hoping for an opportunity next year. Don't know how paddling, even day paddling would go for me but with a trusted friend, one who knows my limitations, I want to give it a shot. If not paddling at keast spending some time with dear paddling friends and reminiscing about trips past.

rdgbwca: "

TrailZen: " We've had to cancel this year's Quetico trip--were supposed to hit the water Tuesday, August 25th and come out Thursday, September 3rd. Like you, I'm hoping the border's open next year. Yeah, I know tomorrow's not guaranteed, but we're hoping for several more years of 10-day paddling trips.



TZ"

TZ I am glad you are making a trip! I have felt the most normal this year when I am canoeing and fishing. What EP are you using?"

Not this year--our permit was for Quetico, and the border is still closed. We're paddling some locally (mid-week day trips only) and may be able to hit Okefenokee in February 2021, but no Canoe Country visits for 2020...
TZ

TrailZen: "
Not this year--our permit was for Quetico, and the border is still closed. We're paddling some locally (mid-week day trips only) and may be able to hit Okefenokee in February 2021, but no Canoe Country visits for 2020...
TZ"

Oops. Sorry I read that wrong. I read it as we are...instead of what you wrote.

Mid week should avoid a lot of crowds.

AmarilloJim: "I consider paddling the BW/Q a hell of a lot safer than my local lakes with all the jet skis and wake boats. Probably safer with the wolves and bears than with some of the drunken partiers I've seen at state parks also."

No kidding. I was kayaking the other day and I came very close to getting run over by a jetskier going mach 10 literally feet from docks. Luckily I saw him coming and ducked in behind a boat hoist and he missed me by a few feet. I'm assuming alcohol was involved. This was at dusk, and he had no pfd on, no running lights on, and he was nowhere near the safe legal distance from docks to be running full out like that.

Can't wait for a BWCA trip at the end of September.

Cowdoc, whats your EP on 9/20? we are going in EP50 Cross Bay that day.

Age and condition are a factor. I am going with paddling partner for a second trip this year in Sept. to Duncan Lake entry point. Wife is supportive and keeps asking if I can leave today. Some what tongue in cheek, but is good to have the support.

minnmike: " Cowdoc, whats your EP on 9/20? we are going in EP50 Cross Bay that day."

Ely side....Crab

BearBurrito: "I luckily have a wife that doesn't like me going solo, but doesn't try to stop me from going sol"

I luckily have a wife that doesn't like ME so never stops me from going anywhere. LOL!

I'm enjoying every ones comments of their wives feelings on them going solo. I've been considering going solo for a number of years and casually bring it up to my wife once and a while. She always says I can go when I'm 80. That way if I don't make it back it's not a big deal. That's 23 years away......I think it will happen before that.

TrailZen: "

boonie: "Yeah, I was going to Canada before it was too late (may already be). Headed to BW instead. I'm definitely running out of years . . . I just hope Canada's open next year. "

You're two whole weeks older than I am: WE AIN'T RUNNING OUT OF YEARS YET!! We've had to cancel this year's Quetico trip--were supposed to hit the water Tuesday, August 25th and come out Thursday, September 3rd. Like you, I'm hoping the border's open next year. Yeah, I know tomorrow's not guaranteed, but we're hoping for several more years of 10-day paddling trips.


TZ"

Four years ago I felt that I was good at least until mid-70's, then I had the heart attack. It altered my perception a little :) Hope you stay healthy for a long time.

boonie: "Four years ago I felt that I was good at least until mid-70's, then I had the heart attack. It altered my perception a little :) Hope you stay healthy for a long time. "

Boonie--color me embarrassed; I didn't know about the heart attack! My wife & I are both 69, both enjoying reasonable health, but a heart attack, stroke, or similar change in medical status would certainly make me question our dreams of continuing 10-day, 100+ mile trips into our seventies. As I said, tomorrow ain't guaranteed, but I'll hope for the best, and I hope for many more years of paddling for you, too.

TZ

TZ-
I had it 3 weeks after I returned from a long solo on which I felt great. I've done a trip every year since then and although they've been a little less ambitious, they haven't been base camping on an entry lake either ;).

Pilgrimpaddler: "Nigel, I ran the possibility of a satellite communicator by her but it wasn’t as well received as I hoped it would be. That’s unfortunate on a couple levels. One, that it didn’t help my cause, and another that I really wanted a reason to add to my pile of gear. I’m like a dog that hears “squirrel!” when I’m around new gear, but I try to keep a tight leash on myself. "

Do what we did as kids....

Me to parents: I’m staying over at Scott’s house tonight.

Scott to his parents: I’m staying over at Nigal’s house tonight.

Two hours later we meet up to camp in a corn field and drink beers.

For a nominal fee I would be willing to act as your make believe paddling partner. I can call your house for planning calls, have text exchanges and whatever you need for the wife to think you’re not going alone. 8)

Seriously though, have you thought of hooking up with someone here to go with?

Perhaps an InReach would help grease the skids.

I obtained an InReach Mini for first time for a recent solo trip. It helped with letting folks know all OK, until I learned from their end about the derecho...:) Came out a day early for that reason. Still, I think it is a good device for safety, though I only turned it on when setting camp. Didn't use the map or tracking functions. Battery easily lasted all week, with this mode of use.

rtallent: "I obtained an InReach Mini for first time for a recent solo trip. It helped with letting folks know all OK, until I learned from their end about the derecho...:) Came out a day early for that reason. Still, I think it is a good device for safety, though I only turned it on when setting camp. Didn't use the map or tracking functions. Battery easily lasted all week, with this mode of use."

Same, Ray. Use it for weather and messaging, in lots of unexpected places such as areas around the Driftless from Decorah on home, northern wi, the U.P. and anywhere north of the Grade. It's been worth the purchase price and fees if it means I can go alone.
Hope you and yours are recovering from that awful storm. Best thoughts to you.

What is the Grade?

I’m just guessing here, but my wife’s resistance to my going solo might be related to the solo trip I took 2 years ago. I was out for 8 days and on day 3 my mom died. My wife had to deal with that situation on her own, and it came with an entire s**t show of horrendously behaving relatives. I’m pretty sure that experience left a mark on her

I might try the Trip Partner feature of this board, but my feeling is the odds of finding someone who wants to go at the same time, the same place and for the same duration that I would be looking at are slim. I might just take my camper and go grouse hunting just south of the BWCA. If anyone is up by Isabella in early October, I plan on setting up at the intersection of Whyte Road and Stoney River Forest Road for a few days. For some reason, my wife’s ok with that. Makes no sense to me.

rtallent: "What is the Grade?"

Forest Road 170. Verizon service drops a couple miles south of it.

Pilgrimpaddler: "I’m just guessing here, but my wife’s resistance to my going solo might be related to the solo trip I took 2 years ago. I was out for 8 days and on day 3 my mom died. My wife had to deal with that situation on her own, and it came with an entire s**t show of horrendously behaving relatives. I’m pretty sure that experience left a mark on her


I might try the Trip Partner feature of this board, but my feeling is the odds of finding someone who wants to go at the same time, the same place and for the same duration that I would be looking at are slim. I might just take my camper and go grouse hunting just south of the BWCA. If anyone is up by Isabella in early October, I plan on setting up at the intersection of Whyte Road and Stoney River Forest Road for a few days. For some reason, my wife’s ok with that. Makes no sense to me. "

Fair. I'm certain that was really challenging for her. The InReach keeps a person connected with detail that may be critically important or a real trip buzz-killer. Pros and cons, like everything. Happy grouse hunting. They are abundant this year.

BearBurrito: "I luckily have a wife that doesn't like me going solo, but doesn't try to stop me from going solo. I think she has figured out that with my life insurance policies I might be worth more to her dead than alive. LOL. I have an eight day solo hike on Isle Royale starting Sept 17th, and then any weekend trips I can get in before the snow flies."

And I have to consider myself lucky, too. My wife understands my "need" to do a solo trip, and how much I value it. She has told me she has full confidence in my abilities and never worries about me being in over my head. Of course, we both acknowledge the risks inherent in any BWCA trip, but she knows I practice maximum safety in everything I do. My solo last month beat me up (I fell four times on slick rocks the day I put in, and my leg remained quite swollen for four days), and it scared me. Of course, like many, I'm not as nimble as I was doing trips in my teens and 20s. Overall, I think we have a good perspective that allows both of us to be comfortable with these trips.

Mike

MikeinMpls: "Of course, like many, I'm not as nimble as I was doing trips in my teens and 20s.
Mike"

Perhaps more critical than my loss of the nimbleness I once had is the increased time required for my injuries to heal!

TZ

TrailZen: "

MikeinMpls: "Of course, like many, I'm not as nimble as I was doing trips in my teens and 20s.
Mike"

Perhaps more critical than my loss of the nimbleness I once had is the increased time required for my injuries to heal!


TZ"

Very good point. Felt like I spent my trip simply recuperating from the put-in!

MT

My woe of the day: Today was our Quetico permit entry day. If 2020 had been a normal year, about now we'd be walking back from a big breakfast at Britton's, checking out of Canoe On Inn, and starting the drive to Moose Lake...
We certainly hope that 2021 sees an open Canadian border!

TZ

I took my first solo a year after open heart surgery in 2009. Wife was not happy, but I needed to prove something to myself. Anyway, I bought an inreach explorer (not cheap) but she could track me and I could send a message every night. What was in each message was almost irrelevant. It just meant I was alive ;-). Also, she is able to reach me if something comes up. I figure the cost of the inreach was money well spent and she has not given me grief about any trips I've made since then.

I am doing a solo entering Mudro on 9/5 and planning to base camp on Fourtown or Horse for 5 or 6 nights maybe. You are welcome to join me on a "joint solo" if that entry date works for you. Always free to leave earlier. Haven't made any sure plans yet but I usually stay at Voyageur North or CCO the night before. I am very flexible, but there are few to no entry points available at this point around that date.

BTW, I am 3 years older than you. This will be my second trip this year. I figure I have a limited amount of future trips at this point, and I am not going to let that time go to waste. Besides, what better covid friendly place is there to be?

TrailZen: "My woe of the day: Today was our permit Quetico entry day. If 2020 had been a normal year, about now we'd be walking back from a big breakfast at Britton's, checking out of Canoe On Inn, and starting the drive to Moose Lake...
We certainly hope that 2021 sees an open Canadian border
TZ"

My sincere condolences. I understand that feeling about a date passing and the much anticipated trip isn't happening.

In my case, my last Quetico trip was in July 2011. When my husband drowned in November 2010, I figured that was the end of my Quetico trips--both because of losing him and the advancing arthritic condition of my knees. I was talked into going with 3 of our long-time trip partners in '11. A very nice trip with lots of memories of trips past during that trip but felt his presence. But so glad I went.

This was to be the day when Linda our long-time friend and Q tripping partner was supposed to come out of the Q. Instead it's the last day of her substitute BW trip. I'm on her SPOT contact list so have been following along with her and her one tripping partner, Moose L entry up into Knife and looping back. Expecting a call from her sometime late morning or early afternoon to let me know what time they'll be traveling through Cloquet and planning a meet up at Gordy's Hi Hat. I'm anxious to hear about the trip as well as a bit jealous.

TZ, I hope you can keep memories of good trips past and the anticipation of next one wonderful one in 2012 to help you through the day.

Chicagored: "I took my first solo a year after open heart surgery in 2009. Wife was not happy, but I needed to prove something to myself. Anyway, I bought an inreach explorer (not cheap) but she could track me and I could send a message every night. What was in each message was almost irrelevant. It just meant I was alive ;-). Also, she is able to reach me if something comes up. I figure the cost of the inreach was money well spent and she has not given me grief about any trips I've made since then.


I am doing a solo entering Mudro on 9/5 and planning to base camp on Fourtown or Horse for 5 or 6 nights maybe. You are welcome to join me on a "joint solo" if that entry date works for you. Always free to leave earlier. Haven't made any sure plans yet but I usually stay at Voyageur North or CCO the night before. I am very flexible, but there are few to no entry points available at this point around that date.


BTW, I am 3 years older than you. This will be my second trip this year. I figure I have a limited amount of future trips at this point, and I am not going to let that time go to waste. Besides, what better covid friendly place is there to be?"

Thanks for the invitation, but I'll be in South Dakota trailer camping with my wife from Aug. 30 - September 5. If I could change those dates I would do it in a heartbeat, but I'm committed. I hope you have a great trip. Some day I'd really like to try a group solo, it would provide for the independence we all seek along with some good company around the campfire.

PuffinGin: "My sincere condolences. I understand that feeling about a date passing and the much anticipated trip isn't happening.


In my case, my last Quetico trip was in July 2011. When my husband drowned in November 2010, I figured that was the end of my Quetico trips--both because of losing him and the advancing arthritic condition of my knees. I was talked into going with 3 of our long-time trip partners in '11. A very nice trip with lots of memories of trips past during that trip but felt his presence. But so glad I went.


This was to be the day when Linda our long-time friend and Q tripping partner was supposed to come out of the Q. Instead it's the last day of her substitute BW trip. I'm on her SPOT contact list so have been following along with her and her one tripping partner, Moose L entry up into Knife and looping back. Expecting a call from her sometime late morning or early afternoon to let me know what time they'll be traveling through Cloquet and planning a meet up at Gordy's Hi Hat. I'm anxious to hear about the trip as well as a bit jealous.


TZ, I hope you can keep memories of good trips past and the anticipation of next one wonderful one in 2012 to help you through the day."

Thanks for the kind words, Ginny, and my condolences on the loss of your husband; glad to read that you took the 2011 trip, and hope a Quetico trip might still happen if the knees cooperate.

I hope Linda's trip was fantastic and that she can share all the details with you this afternoon!

We're reliving last year's trip by reading from Tia's journal each evening. Trip dates were the same, and in yesterday evening's entry we had hit Ely, caught up with the outfitter to pick up an inReach, and had dinner at Ely Steakhouse. We've had Quetico trips in 2017, 2018, and 2019, each including our anniversary. Missing spending September 2 in Quetico may be our biggest "woe" of 2020!

TZ