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CoffeeInTheWoods
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09/24/2020 04:25PM  
A window opened up on the calendar. Oct 30 - Nov 2. I'm sure it will be cold, but if we snuck up for a few days, what should we expect? I know it's not a science, but I've never been up after August. Been up early April and have done some winter camping before, but not canoe camping.
 
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billconner
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09/24/2020 07:22PM  
I joined my son on October 30 as he was completing a 3 week solo and it was exhilarating. I've tented at 20 below so cold was not an issue, but paddling in blowing snow and breaking ice at landings was really cool. I want to go again.
09/25/2020 12:20AM  
I Can’t tell where you are from. An early November trip may not be a big deal if you are from up here. Coming up from Ohio it may be a bit more adventurous. Even so us Minnesotans are still acclimatized for summer heat. November is tough for canoeing, I typically use this season for backpacking.
Minnesotian
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09/25/2020 08:41AM  

I have done a couple of November trips. Sometimes with a canoe, sometimes with a winter tent. It can be a difficult time to be up there because of the weather. Transition seasons can be tough because one day it might be gloriously sunny at 60 degrees, and the next day rain/sleet/snow and below freezing. Not to mention the gales of November. Usually when I go up I don't go to far into the wilderness just in case the weather turns.
Nigal
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09/25/2020 05:54PM  
I’ve always wanted to do a late season hot tent canoe trip.
09/25/2020 08:02PM  
I've generally watched the calendar and weather reports in the fall. When I'd see a decent set of days coming up temps no lower than 40s with hopefully day temps in the 60s, i'd head out. I've done at least one or two fall trips in November but most have fallen in September and October. It's historically been a good time for me to go in with a lot of open, empty lakes and campsites. This year is a little different....
ppine
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10/04/2020 01:00PM  
Watch the weather carefully and make sure you are set up for it. Might mean a dry suit or a wet suit, a bigger canvas tent and a stove. No need to go as far to get away from people. There is less daylight, so bring extra lights. Fire is your friend.

I have not paddled much in the snow, but anything short of that is just fine if you have the right outfit.
10/05/2020 11:56AM  
Your gear dictates when it’s too late, clothing and camping.
MichiganMan
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10/05/2020 06:54PM  
CoffeeInTheWoods: "A window opened up on the calendar. Oct 30 - Nov 2. I'm sure it will be cold, but if we snuck up for a few days, what should we expect? I know it's not a science, but I've never been up after August. Been up early April and have done some winter camping before, but not canoe camping."


Did an Algonquin trip once during that timeframe. Weather was nasty and fishing was poor. However the trip was memorable for other things. We had multiple moose sightings, including a massive bull and several cows in the water at close range. Also saw a wolf, the only one I've ever seen on a canoe trip. Didn't see many other people out there, that's for sure. Those factors made suffering through the weather very worthwhile.

I'd do it if I were you. Expect rough weather and plan for it. Bring axe and saw for firewood, and bring some good reading material for the long dark.
10/11/2020 08:18PM  
By then it will be dark, a lot. Be ready to deal with something like 13 hours of darkness a day. Also watch the weather before going and adjust as needed. Unlike July when storms might blow in and blow out in and hour, storms can last days at this time of year. I love October trips and just got back last week, but it can be hard if windy and wet. Late October - November can be harder than going in January in my opinion.
tumblehome
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10/12/2020 12:24PM  
walllee: "Your gear dictates when it’s too late, clothing and camping."


Equally important are your skills.... and the weather.
Last year smaller lakes and many streams were iced up the first week of November.

I once paddled a long still body of water to get into a lake. I spent a few days in below freezing temps and upon my return, the water in the still body of water was frozen. I had to pull my canoe through 3/4 mile of muskeg.

When you are paddling at the brink of the ice season, you have to be a hearty soul and know your shtit.

A few years ago, I witnessed an entire lake freeze over in one night with 3/4” of ice. The only open water was a swimming pool size hole in the middle. That scared me a little bit since I had to crash my way home. I was on Gabbro. That’s when I learned the if you keep water moving enough when the water is below freezing, it won’t turn to ice.
I had strong winds all day and that night it went to still calm air.
Tom
10/12/2020 12:54PM  
Last minute weather reports will dictate a lot. But you just never know, it could be the best trip of a lifetime. I spend a lot of time in the woods up here in November. Just started using those disposable hand warmers... but remember, leave no trace. Once in Canada portaging with magicpaddler he found one of those packets for keeping moisture out of things. He held it up and said, without that the portage would have been a lot muddier. He packed it out. Haha. It was first weekend in November I rescued a dog here from our lake that was trapped after falling through thin ice.
Lailoken
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10/13/2020 11:18AM  
shoulder seasons are the hardest. 10 F and snow, doable, 34 to 27 and an inch of freezing rain with some snow, you can't move.
10/16/2020 09:31PM  
The next two weeks seem iffy with 3-5 inches possibly tomorrow. I saw a few ponds ice covered already. Water temps still above 50 degrees but thats going to change quickly. Watch the forecast and check with an outfitter before you head out.
10/21/2020 10:39AM  
I'm thinking right now is too late.
10/21/2020 03:12PM  
I think the window has slammed shut.
10/21/2020 03:14PM  
walllee: "Your gear dictates when it’s too late, clothing and camping."


Mother Nature determines when it's too late
CoffeeInTheWoods
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10/21/2020 03:17PM  
mooseplums: "I think the window has slammed shut."


Yeah. It's not gonna happen.

Time to start planning May trips...
Boppasteveg
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10/21/2020 06:25PM  
Have you read about the ill-prepared first-timer who attempted a solo trip in the last few days? He nearly froze to death and was already experiencing hypothermia when a rescue crew found him.
CoffeeInTheWoods
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10/21/2020 07:26PM  
Boppasteveg: "Have you read about the ill-prepared first-timer who attempted a solo trip in the last few days? He nearly froze to death and was already experiencing hypothermia when a rescue crew found him."


Saw that story. I've done a good deal of winter backpacking in northern Michigan, been out on -30 nights cold camping, and have a good understanding of what's necessary.

That being said, I was hoping for a fall trip, not a winter trip.
 
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