New Trip Report posted by Jaywalker

Trip Name: The Big Solo Loop – From Hog Creek to Kawishiwi Lake the Long Way.

Entry Point: 36

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Nice report and I enjoyed seeing/hearing about the area east of Perent Lake - not a lot of people go through there?

I also liked seeing the "quick shelter" deployed, hadn't really thought much about that sort of thing before but can now think of a few instances where it would have been really nice to have something like that.

I really enjoyed your report. Love the moose kiss! This sounds like a route I might have to add to my short list of ideas so I really appreciate the write up.

The June 29th storms were my first day out. Fortunately, I had started earlier than expected from the Sawbill landing and decided to camp on Grace since that was already past my expected point for the day. I had camp set up by the time the storms started.

We did almost run into each other on July 1. I was camped on Malberg really early that day so I paddled from my campsite down to Fishdance to see the pictos. And then I had taken off to the Louse River by the time you passed my campsite on Malberg the next day. I also was super surprised by how few people I saw from Malberg thru Polly. Actually, the whole lady chain was very quiet that week.

BTW, on my way from Malberg to Kawishiwi I made the mistake of trying to use that muddy landing and almost got really, really stuck. On the way back, I used a little landing before it and followed a weak path through the grass. Much better.

Happy travels. Your dog is adorable.

Thanks for the report. It's been many years since I've been in that area, before the big fire. I do remember well, portaging from Hog Creek to Kawishiwi Lake on a blistering hot day, complete with deer flies. That seems like such a long hike.

Enjoyed the read and the accompanying pictures were great. That tent look to be a bit cheerful in gloomy skies.
An especially heartwarming scene on Day 7/ Insula portage "Rainy and I sat under it on the pad for another 20-30 minutes. I put a leash on (both times) just to make sure she could not run in case of a close ground strike, and I held her between my legs to keep her off the ground. She really took it well."
:-)

Wonderful report and great photos. Its a loop I have wanted to do. Did you consider the Bald Eagle to Lake Two via Rock Island?

thistlekicker: "Nice report and I enjoyed seeing/hearing about the area east of Perent Lake - not a lot of people go through there?


I also liked seeing the "quick shelter" deployed, hadn't really thought much about that sort of thing before but can now think of a few instances where it would have been really nice to have something like that. "

It has saved me several times, but probably never more than on this trip. It's the epitome of simple; a 2 foot cord with a carabiner on the top edge to clip to a tree, and 3 6-7 foot pull out on the other three corners. Up and down in seconds. It also can be a great "wall" addition to my 10x10 ridgeline tarp, and has sometimes been set up as porch over my tent to block long, steady rains of sun on hot days. Cheap and easy to make, its very worth the 6 or so ounces it weights.

straighthairedcurly: "....BTW, on my way from Malberg to Kawishiwi I made the mistake of trying to use that muddy landing and almost got really, really stuck. On the way back, I used a little landing before it and followed a weak path through the grass. Much better....."

I saw that faint path walking about 25 yards to the north, but went to the main portage anyway. By the time I realized I should have taken the north path, I was already up to my knee in muck, so just went for it. I guess the photos sort of explain that though. I'd love to do the Louse River sometime. I looked over that way as I paddled Malberg and thought "if only I had 4 more days food". Maybe next time!

Voyager: "Thanks for the report. It's been many years since I've been in that area, before the big fire. I do remember well, portaging from Hog Creek to Kawishiwi Lake on a blistering hot day, complete with deer flies. That seems like such a long hike."

You portaged your gear form Kawishiwi to Hog Creek? Wow. That's like 760 rods or so. I got tired of carrying my water, took a swig and dumped it out. I was very happy to be driving back to my gear.

mjmkjun: "Enjoyed the read and the accompanying pictures were great. That tent look to be a bit cheerful in gloomy skies.
An especially heartwarming scene on Day 7/ Insula portage "Rainy and I sat under it on the pad for another 20-30 minutes. I put a leash on (both times) just to make sure she could not run in case of a close ground strike, and I held her between my legs to keep her off the ground. She really took it well."
:-)"

Nothing more important than taking care of my little girl. She is more important to me than anything.

billconner: "Wonderful report and great photos. Its a loop I have wanted to do. Did you consider the Bald Eagle to Lake Two via Rock Island?"

I did think of it, but was concerned the portage would not be findable or usable from Clearwater to Rock Island. Gabbro and the South Kawish were new territory for me, so I was happy to go that more certain route. In part, that's why I titled the post "the long way" instead of "the hard way"!

Enjoyed the write up. Sounds like a fantastic trip!

Interesting trip route and write-up. Long last day, Jaywalker. Some of the route I'm familiar with, but others not at all.

Thanks for sharing! Great report, nice pictures, and love Rainy. My bird dog would have not stayed in the canoe with the male bird flapping and making a show....I'm fairly certain of that.