I have the same discussion with family and friends before each solo trip in the BWCA. Why am I doing such a needlessly dangerous thing? Killer bears, deep water, Big foot, crazed ax murderers. ALONE IN THE WOODS at NIGHT!!!

I went to Walmart yesterday, had a lady hit the back of my truck while parked, and was pissed at me because the trailer hitch bashed in her grill. While leaving Wally World, I had to make a panic stop to keep from hitting a guy driving diagonally through the lot. Almost home and a flock of turkeys decided it was time to cross the road.

Thank God only three more weeks till my first solo of the year, back in the BWCA where its safe!

No doubt! The civilized world is WAY more dangerous then being alone in the middle of the woods.

Enjoy your trip.

JW

merlyn: "While leaving Wally world I had to make a panic stop to keep from hitting a guy driving diagonally through the lot."

And I'll bet he was doing at least 30. Driving in parking lots scare the hell out me.

I've said this for years. "The BW is one of the safest places on Earth."It's because of lack of people

I've had quite a few of those chats, but having returned from my activities so many times, they have become shorter and less frequent.

Yes, ALONE IN THE WOODS at NIGHT!!! AND NO TV or PHONE!!!!? What do you do? Well, Mary, some of us are more easily entertained than others. After staring at the stars, I just take my hearing aids out and go to sleep.

The InReach last year seems to have helped a little . . .

Merlyn, so true. I remember when my brother planned a hiking trip out west and was bringing a friend. The friend's mom called our mom and was interviewing her about whether to let her son go on the trip because of all the dangers in the wilderness. My mom listened patiently and then just said calmly, "The only danger I am worried about is their drive out there."

The most dangerous aspect of camping in northern MN is I-35.

jillpine: "The most dangerous aspect of camping in northern MN is I-35.
"

Agreed, I only camp in the ditch right of way on I-35 now ;-)

LindenTree: "

jillpine: "The most dangerous aspect of camping in northern MN is I-35.
"

Agreed, I only camp in the ditch right of way on I-35 now ;-)"

The portage crossing is hazardous at except for late nights or early mornings.

Banksiana: "

LindenTree: "

jillpine: "The most dangerous aspect of camping in northern MN is I-35. "

Agreed, I only camp in the ditch right of way on I-35 now ;-)"

The portage crossing is hazardous at except for late nights or early mornings."

With the construction ramping up in Duluth, you'll be able to step out of the way of any approaching vehicles well before they're able to hit you. In fact, you might even be able to camp on the pavement ...

jillpine: "The most dangerous aspect of camping in northern MN is I-35. "

And thankfully it ends in Duluth.

I have a brother who freaks out when I do a trip, esp. a solo. I always respond that I ride a bike in Chicago. If we’re talking danger, that or driving a car are far more dangerous.

Another friend who is going to the BWCA asked if I was more concerned about bears if I’m going to a PMA (which is my plan, fires willing). I told her why worry about one person where humans generally aren’t when the bears know where the smorgasbord can be found at established sites.