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shoman99
member (32)member
  
04/05/2022 12:04PM  
This might be a fun discussion.

I’m wondering how often other groups communicate in the lead up to a trip.
I am going on trip number four with the same crew of guys— good friends of mine and I think we have a great chemistry during our trips.

I’m NOT much of a planner, but when it comes to fishing trips, I love doing it. Therefore, I’ll usually start getting a discussion going (in a group chat) around New Years for our annual early June trip.

I book the permits and any tows we need. I try to get input on lakes to target and base camping options. I check lake surveys… study depth charts… all that. I get ALMOST NOTHING outta them. Ha. So I just do it.

So— anyone want to share insight into how their groups plan and communicate before? Is it pretty frequent (weekly?) or is it a few meetings before the trip?

???

 
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Gadfly
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04/05/2022 12:42PM  
My tripping partner has no interest in doing any of the planning. He asks me what days we are going and for how long and I also let him know roughly how many miles of portages we will have. Unless one of us is bringing a new item we don't even talk about who is bringing what as we both already know.
papalambeau
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04/05/2022 12:46PM  
Once we have our permit secured we are in contact building up the enthusiasm during Jan - April. Once open water hits we are in more consistent contact planning specifics. Since the EP and route have already been decided we talk details about campsites, menu, partners going in, fishing, etc..

We also go in early June so May is a busy month talking over details. Most of my crew is family but we still connect to make sure we aren't duplicating gear. We have been single portaging with 3 canoes and 7 guys (4 adults and 3 kids).

We nail things down the weekend before we hit the road and the night before we pull out we all meet in my garage to load packs, canoes and trucks. It's worked well for us.
04/05/2022 01:02PM  
Well, my tripping partner is my husband, so I guess whenever we have a thought about the trip we mention it. :). We rarely go with others.


04/05/2022 04:07PM  
Our group is made up of the below individuals;

Me - I float the idea sometime in late winter / early spring via text. I then book the permit.

Trip Partner A - Always noncommittal. Somewhere around 2-3 weeks out from the departure date, he'll call and ask "Hey, when is the trip? Where are we going?" and at that point he commits to the trip. Once committed, he's not backing out. He's been the most consistent, going on probably 95%+ of the trips we go on.

Trip Partner B - Initial response - 100% of the time is "I don't know if I'll have the vacation" Proding for him to figure it out and request the time off is met with a listing of reasons why he has no vacation. He gets 5 weeks a year, but is one of those guys that uses it as soon as he has it. He's 50/50 on if he's attending or not.

Trip Partner C - He's generally game to go, but is the least outfitted. He will tag along if he fits in boat and tent wise.

Trip Partner D - Known best by Trip Partner A, occasionally joins.

Communication amoung this group is frequent via text, however the usual topics are sports and whiskey or beer. Canoe Trip discussion/planning isn't really talked about. We've gone enough times that there's not much to talk about. A couple days prior to our entry date, we'll work out the logistics of what boats we're bringing, where we're meeting and what time.

Past Trip Partners included;

Trip Partner E - Planned everything to the last detail. If he wasn't in complete control of booking the permit, picking out sites, he was out. He would be instructing everyone on what to bring months in advance. He would be living out of his pack in his basement a solid month before the trip.

Trip Partner F -L - This group of participants were usually newbies and asked varying degrees of questions. Some went on a few trips others just one.

04/05/2022 05:04PM  
My wife and I begin discussing the upcoming year's trip sometime around Thanksgiving. We look back at our reflections from the current year and what we know about our availability for tripping during the upcoming year. I make some suggestions, we discuss the pros and cons of each route and time of year, and ultimately we choose the combination of locations and timing that works best for us.

Our trips would not happen without my planning but would not be enjoyable without my wife's input.
04/05/2022 05:07PM  
Group of 4 or 6. Some from Indianapolis and some from Minneapolis for the last 10+ years. Two people always the same, one from Indy and one from Mpls, others drop out/join every few years.

3-4 emails between Jan and the trip in May. Maybe group 4-6 texts during that time as well. 1-2 in person meeting with the Indy folks. One-off communication between me and the other leader (mpls) every 2-3 weeks starting in early March.
04/05/2022 05:21PM  
My wife and I are 'the group'. Our commute to Canoe Country is 24 hours or so each way. As we return from a trip, we discuss each lake, each portage, each meal, and each piece of gear. That gives us a list of lakes and portages we want to experience on future trips, meals we'll do again, and a gear list that can be tweaked. As winter keeps us inside more, and as we get each season's BWJ, we kick around route ideas.

We recently did a trip on Florida's Suwanee River, planning it with another couple. Lots of emails back and forth, along with a couple dinner/planning evenings.

TZ
YetiJedi
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04/05/2022 05:40PM  
Speckled: "Trip Partner E - He would be living out of his pack in his basement a solid month before the trip."


LOL...You mean we aren't supposed to do this?!? Too funny. I enjoy "practicing" for my trips. My daughters and I go for hikes, carry some gear, make a meal, and head back. They joke about me testing rain gear on walks or new socks by wading through the creek by our house. Part of the process, I say!
shoman99
member (32)member
  
04/05/2022 05:56PM  
Speckled: "Our group is made up of the below individuals;


Me - I float the idea sometime in late winter / early spring via text. I then book the permit.


Trip Partner A - Always noncommittal. Somewhere around 2-3 weeks out from the departure date, he'll call and ask "Hey, when is the trip? Where are we going?" and at that point he commits to the trip. Once committed, he's not backing out. He's been the most consistent, going on probably 95%+ of the trips we go on.


Trip Partner B - Initial response - 100% of the time is "I don't know if I'll have the vacation" Proding for him to figure it out and request the time off is met with a listing of reasons why he has no vacation. He gets 5 weeks a year, but is one of those guys that uses it as soon as he has it. He's 50/50 on if he's attending or not.


Trip Partner C - He's generally game to go, but is the least outfitted. He will tag along if he fits in boat and tent wise.


Trip Partner D - Known best by Trip Partner A, occasionally joins.


Communication amoung this group is frequent via text, however the usual topics are sports and whiskey or beer. Canoe Trip discussion/planning isn't really talked about. We've gone enough times that there's not much to talk about. A couple days prior to our entry date, we'll work out the logistics of what boats we're bringing, where we're meeting and what time.

Past Trip Partners included;

Trip Partner E - Planned everything to the last detail. If he wasn't in complete control of booking the permit, picking out sites, he was out. He would be instructing everyone on what to bring months in advance. He would be living out of his pack in his basement a solid month before the trip.

Trip Partner F -L - This group of participants were usually newbies and asked varying degrees of questions. Some went on a few trips others just one.


"


This right here captures all the varieties of people ! Haha. Thanks. I hope that I don’t seem like type E to my partners! A warning to us all.
bombinbrian
distinguished member (407)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/05/2022 06:26PM  
Well we start talking about the next trip in November, maybe as late as Mid December. We usually have two entry points and routes. We look for any and all info on fishing these lakes and then decide as a group of 3. Now keep in mind my significant other goes and she doesn’t care as long as she’ll catch fish.

I then spend the next month fine tuning my spreadsheet for the trip, from food, clothes, daily paddling routes and so on. My son will pipe up some comment and I’ll offer to let him do it but he declines because he knows how many hours I put into it. I go to the point of having the first day suitcase that everyone puts there first days clothes in as well as whatever they are wearing home after they shower at the outfitter. No shower, no ride home…

I try to run our trips like a democracy, until the rest of the group makes a wrong decision and then it becomes a dictatorship.
YetiJedi
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04/05/2022 07:12PM  
For my annual trip with my dad, we visit frequently about our trip. He lives several states away so it is fun to discuss the route, gear, fishing, photography, etc.

For my trips with my daughters, I involve them as often as they enjoy it. My youngest loves to spend time in "the cave" tinkering with lures, trying on clothing, sharpening knives, etc. She's eight and we built a fire without matches to cook burgers for dinner last night - she still thinks it's magic! When my two college-aged daughters get a little homesick they'll ask what stage of the process I'm in and provide some thoughts. It's mostly good memories for them. They always appreciate a text with an old pic from our past trips. My wife is making her first trip this year and is mostly good to go with the flow - the bugs are a concern though but I think she'll enjoy it.

I try and take one first-timer every year, usually someone from work, and we'll discuss it every week or so during lunch or in the halls. I take folks from work out west to hunt deer, antelope, or elk every October so it's similar to that, I guess.

For my solo trips, I'm planning longer adventures this year because I have to use some accrued vacation - for example, on one trip I plan to start at Saganaga and work my way to Kawishiwi so there are MANY route options to consider. I spend quiet time thinking of ways to lighten the load for that trip...maybe a metaphor for work stress relief too.

Last year I took my brother and his son on their first BWCA trip and enjoyed more regular conversation with him - I think we spoke more each week than we have in the 10 months since the trip. A good BWCA trip has a way of bringing people together...if done well, at least I like to think so.
04/05/2022 08:04PM  
shoman99: "This might be a fun discussion.

I’m wondering how often other groups communicate in the lead up to a trip.
I am going on trip number four with the same crew of guys— good friends of mine and I think we have a great chemistry during our trips.

I’m NOT much of a planner, but when it comes to fishing trips, I love doing it. Therefore, I’ll usually start getting a discussion going (in a group chat) around New Years for our annual early June trip.

I book the permits and any tows we need. I try to get input on lakes to target and base camping options. I check lake surveys… study depth charts… all that. I get ALMOST NOTHING outta them. Ha. So I just do it.

So— anyone want to share insight into how their groups plan and communicate before? Is it pretty frequent (weekly?) or is it a few meetings before the trip?

???


"


This is exactly how mine is currently going :)!!!
straighthairedcurly
distinguished member(1923)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/05/2022 09:02PM  
Lately, my trip partners have been various combinations of my husband, my son, and his girlfriend. In December, I take a poll as to who is interested in a trip or trips, how many days, and if they want input on the route. My son takes charge of planning any route that will include his girlfriend. My husband turns over all control of route planning for trips with just the 2 of us, but I make sure to poll him as to how much fishing time he wants.

Once the EP and general route goals are settled, I take charge of getting all the permits, researching route highlights, campsites, and portages. If my son has traveled a route, he will make campsite suggestions when he has a favorite. He has an incredible memory of every campsite he has ever stayed at.

I do all the menu planning, but will enlist the help of my son and his girlfriend to prep food for trips they will be on. My husband has gotten more into discussing gear and what will work best for our duo trips after following my lead to trim our gear weight as we age. He still brings twice as many clothes as me, though, LOL. We provide all the camping gear for my son's girlfriend and we review her clothing choices a day or so before the trip. After 2 trips, she is getting pretty good at it.

In 2023, we are planning a trip with 2 newbies outside our family circle. I hope to have some planning sessions with them in December to discuss trip goals, travel style, gear needs, etc. They both have camping and backpacking experience, but have never been to the BWCA. I am looking forward to my husband have others along who like to fish.
04/05/2022 10:27PM  
I am in constant communication with myself. I've done about 20 of them, most solo. It's really quite simple ;).

Once decisions are made, I inform family/friends when I'm going, how long, where, and how it's being done. if that works for them, they're welcome to join, but I need a commitment by _ _ _ _

Most don't have that much time (2-4 weeks) or just can't commit.
04/06/2022 10:55AM  
I always plan our trips with my buddy and anyone else that wants to come is welcome. If other people wanted to make plans, that's fine because it would mean they are invested in the trip. Our usual problem is the opposite where people are unsure about if they are going to be going or not.

As far as making plans and communication though, I usually make far more detailed of plans than necessary and try to communicate most of it to my buddy. This includes details like the route, campsites to aim for, fishing spots to target, and the meal plan. When we have trips with just the two of us, it tends to go mostly to plan, but trips with more people start to become more fluid. I'm not the type that needs to have everything go as planned, I just like there to be a plan to fall back on instead of everyone being indecisive and wasting the day away.

We have had trips where it turns out that others had plans as well but never communicated them to me though. Last year for example, my whole plan was tossed out the window as I was driving north. My buddy invited his dad to join us and he's used to being in charge and making all the decisions, so he did and no one argued with him about it. It happens and you can either make a lesson from it to try to prevent it from happening again, or you can just go along with it and have fun. You don't need every trip to be perfect, you just need to make sure that there is some form of a plan before you get on the water and that everyone is on the same page. The last thing you want to do is waste any portion of your trip talking about plans when you could be traveling or fishing.
ockycamper
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04/06/2022 01:16PM  
We go up in late September. . .10 to 20 men usually in 3 groups.

I pull all the permits and reserve the bunkhouse and the canoes. Then I plan the food for my camp/group. The other two groups plan their own food.

I used to get worked up about how much gear everyone brought. Not anymore. You bring it. . .you carry it.

I also used to plan huge breakfasts and dinners. Also not anymore. Everyone in my camp is now on their own for breakfast (usually oatmeal) and lunches. I will cook the evening dinners.

Fish. . . .everyone cleans their own and can decide how they want to cook them. I will give them seasoning or breading mix and turn them loose.

We go straight to our base camp. . .usually 2-3 portages in. From there we never move the camp. Everyone explores multiple lakes, etc., always returning to base camp.
beanpole
member (48)member
  
04/06/2022 06:33PM  
A friend's husband invited my significant other and I on our 1st trip in 2019.

I don't think we've stopped communicating since. I know my friend thinks that's how it is. She wishes we would all stop.
04/07/2022 08:20AM  
ockycamper: "We go up in late September. . .10 to 20 men usually in 3 groups.

We go straight to our base camp. . .usually 2-3 portages in. From there we never move the camp. Everyone explores multiple lakes, etc., always returning to base camp.
"


You are splitting 10-20 guys between 3 groups but all camping together?
ockycamper
distinguished member(1372)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/07/2022 08:52AM  
We bring up 10-20 men. They split into 3 groups and all "push off" from the outfitter and take different routes, and go to different sites.

No, we don't all camp together. We know and obey the rules
04/07/2022 10:04AM  
FindHim: "
shoman99: "This might be a fun discussion.


I’m wondering how often other groups communicate in the lead up to a trip.
I am going on trip number four with the same crew of guys— good friends of mine and I think we have a great chemistry during our trips.


I’m NOT much of a planner, but when it comes to fishing trips, I love doing it. Therefore, I’ll usually start getting a discussion going (in a group chat) around New Years for our annual early June trip.


I book the permits and any tows we need. I try to get input on lakes to target and base camping options. I check lake surveys… study depth charts… all that. I get ALMOST NOTHING outta them. Ha. So I just do it.


So— anyone want to share insight into how their groups plan and communicate before? Is it pretty frequent (weekly?) or is it a few meetings before the trip?

???



"



This is exactly how mine is currently going :)!!!"


Ditto!
Michwall2
distinguished member(1436)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/07/2022 10:27AM  
Argo: "
FindHim: "
shoman99: "This might be a fun discussion.



I’m wondering how often other groups communicate in the lead up to a trip.
I am going on trip number four with the same crew of guys— good friends of mine and I think we have a great chemistry during our trips.



I’m NOT much of a planner, but when it comes to fishing trips, I love doing it. Therefore, I’ll usually start getting a discussion going (in a group chat) around New Years for our annual early June trip.



I book the permits and any tows we need. I try to get input on lakes to target and base camping options. I check lake surveys… study depth charts… all that. I get ALMOST NOTHING outta them. Ha. So I just do it.



So— anyone want to share insight into how their groups plan and communicate before? Is it pretty frequent (weekly?) or is it a few meetings before the trip?

???

"


This is exactly how mine is currently going :)!!!"


Ditto!"


This is not unlike many "group" endeavors in the rest of the populace. Many are willing to ride your passion for the experience, but are not willing to step forward to help organize or do boots on the ground work.
treehorn
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04/07/2022 01:19PM  
Group of 6 of us have gone 8 years in a row now. Always to different EP's. Short trip - 3-4 nights.

We have one phone call maybe 2-3 weeks before the trip to make sure we all know what to bring and aren't forgetting anything. It takes about an hour. That's it. We do have an ongoing group chat that is mostly just ball busting and joking with each other, but occasionally relevant things are posted about the plans/trip details.
PeaceFrog
distinguished member (339)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/07/2022 07:34PM  
This is a great question. I have been burned once. Once! Group of 5. I was the main planner. One by one they started dropping like flies. Ended with a trip of 2. Made it my rule that when I plan a trip, I plan it with a contingency. My contingency is I am going no matter what. Fail to plan - plan to fail. Now with that said, my 2022 trip is myself and my best bud Matt. He is a newbie. He has been dragging his feet a bit on the planning and prep, but as of recently a light went off in his head and he is focused on the trip. Early trip planning nights ten months ago I had to dangle carrot “beer” to get him engaged. He now does not need enticed knowing we are just over 60 days away.
04/08/2022 08:58AM  
I have always taken the lead in planning.
I offer up suggested routes based on difficulty and time constraints. I plan a few different trips with lots of travel and others with more of a basecamp style.

I then present these to the group and the usual answer is, "Whatever you think is best, we trust you."

So I generally use the last trip as an example. Who was completely exhausted and had a miserable night? Who had trouble on long portages? Who struggled paddling long distances or in the wind?

Myself, I like to move a lot. I always want to see what is around the next corner but building a trip that works best for everyone is the main priority.

Once I decide on a route that works best I then get a consensus on who wants to go.
This year will be our biggest group. 6 contenders. Before that it was 4 as the largest.
Our date has been the same the last three years. The weekend after Independence Day. We put in on a Sunday and come out the following Saturday.
We drive from Michigan so it's a 13 hour haul. We use my vehicle and I drive.

Once I inform everyone of the dates I put together a cost for each individual.
Then I wait for permit day and secure the permit.

As the trip gets closer I begin to prepare the meal plan. I do it by day and by meal breaking everything down by item so as not to pack too much or too little.
I estimate grocery costs per individual and when they arrive at my house pre-departure they pay the actual cost to me in cash.
I also cover all the preliminary costs of permit fees and deposits to the outfitters for our canoes and lodging. This cost is broken down per person and added to the grocery bill.

I purchase and pack all the food items and include the menu within the food barrel so that using and preparing meals in the bush is layered throughout the barrel. I despise digging thru the barrel every time we want to eat. I have organizers within the barrel because if I don't everything I need is at the bottom. Murphy's law.

Last year for 4 of us we were able to use all of my equipment so no added costs of rentals. This year with the addition of two more people the other folks in the group will have to procure a few extra things like cookware and water filters and a tent but not too much after that.

I check, double check and triple check all the gear. I don't like surprises when I'm in the bush. If I prepare correctly then things flow smooth.

Yes, I am a bit of a control freak but I also enjoy it and it can help to make the other's trip more enjoyable.
04/08/2022 10:19AM  
I reminded my brother that we have a permit mid may. We’ll probably buy food the day before. We’ve been canoeing together for almost fifty years. Not much planning to do. More than likely we will forget something important, that’s the fun part
PeaceFrog
distinguished member (339)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/08/2022 08:23PM  
jwartman59: "I reminded my brother that we have a permit mid may. We’ll probably buy food the day before. We’ve been canoeing together for almost fifty years. Not much planning to do. More than likely we will forget something important, that’s the fun part"


Let me just say this........hell yes! That is awesome. It sounds like me and my buddy Matt going hunting for the week. Date set, phone call night or two before, Bam! Forgot something...oh well. Mental note
I hope to get there some day for the trips to the BW
Deeznuts
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04/09/2022 06:18AM  
I relate to this on SO MANY LEVELS.

I am typically a procrastinator on pretty much everything in my life but one thing I pride myself in is over-planning for our trip. We are from PA so we typically get out there once every 2 years. I have a little guy at home so frequent trips are off the table at this point in his development.
They are all childless so they have other trips to look forward to and plan for, where I only get THIS TRIP ever 2 years. One of them is a gear tester for REI and backpacks constantly, another is doing the PCT this year. Its understandable that they would focus on their trips at hand.

The best advice I can give to you is to just plan the trip YOU would want to take, while also keeping their interests in mind (fishing, photography, wildlife). Also a questionnaire was extremely helpful this year. 10-15 questions about area covered, trip length, how hard they want to push, lay over days. Give them a few "day trip" options to pick through. Then make YOUR TRIP from there.

Our last trip was June 2021 so I have until June 2023 to plan our next. After I saw the aftermath of permit day I picked the entry point, I sent out the questionnaire, and now Im in the process of planning alternate routes. (Yes, a full year+ in advance) I usually present the group with a minimum of three routes, one of which will become the alternate if we run into bad weather. We will do an introductory meeting in October to pick our route, gear, and trip date, and a second one in March to discuss menus, finalize gear lists, and bond before we spend 10 days in the wilderness together.

And hey, if they dont like the trip YOU plan then they will just have to be more involved in the process the next trip. Good luck and have FUN planning. Its supposed to be the adventure with-in the adventure!
ockycamper
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04/09/2022 08:52AM  
In reading the thread, for those of you who plan it down to the detail. . .is there any thought to turning it over to one of the other guys and letting him plan the next trip? Otherwise we aren't really allowing the rest of the group to learn.

I have fallen back to just pulling permits and reserving the bunkhouse. Each of the three groups plan their own trip from there. Base camp or travel. . .up to them.

I also put breakfasts and lunches on each individual guy. I only cook dinners in my camp.

To accomadate all tastes, most of our groups base camp and each "canoe" takes trips over multiple lakes on day trips, coming back to their base camp in the evenings.

bombinbrian
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04/09/2022 10:35AM  
ockycamper: "In reading the thread, for those of you who plan it down to the detail. . .is there any thought to turning it over to one of the other guys and letting him plan the next trip? Otherwise we aren't really allowing the rest of the group to learn.


I have fallen back to just pulling permits and reserving the bunkhouse. Each of the three groups plan their own trip from there. Base camp or travel. . .up to them.


I also put breakfasts and lunches on each individual guy. I only cook dinners in my camp.


To accomadate all tastes, most of our groups base camp and each "canoe" takes trips over multiple lakes on day trips, coming back to their base camp in the evenings.

"


I give access to my spreadsheet to everyone in the group. They can have a say in meals and what not if they chose to. Normally the only thing that gets talked about much is the fishing part because they know everything else is handled.
ockycamper
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04/09/2022 11:36AM  
Have you thought about rotating the overall planning among the group members? There was a time the rest of us didn't know how to plan a BWCA trip either. Having someone ask for us to take it over, and learn the ropes, is part of the BWCA educational experience.
canoemama3
member (50)member
  
04/14/2022 08:13PM  
So far my recent trips have just been with my immediate family- 2 years ago just a mother/daughter trip with my oldest who was 11 at the time, last year with my oldest who was 12 and middle daughter who was 8, this year husband and I are going with all three girls- 13, 9 & 6. My oldest likes to help plan and pack things, go shopping for gear. We've accumulated our own canoes/tents/pretty much anything we'd need over the years, so we don't have to figure out rentals or anything like that. Ultimately, I do most of the planning, getting permit, scheduling, etc. My husband doesn't get into the planning aspect as much and just says whatever I plan is good, just let him know when to take off work! I'm usually pretty go with the flow with the kids as far as route planning, since they are newer to canoe trips. I like to pick a route that has plenty of options/alternatives for routes depending on how everyone is doing. I love pouring over maps, making packing lists, making menus, and I'm hoping the kids will get to learn and enjoy the process too. I like to try to include them in as much planning as possible so they can learn!
YardstickAngler
senior member (84)senior membersenior member
  
04/15/2022 10:09AM  
I’ve been trying to put together my first trip for years, and this spring I am making it happen for the first time ever.

Researching gear and routes is a challenge, but a fun one that always has an end in sight. Assembling a group (or just finding a paddle partner) is a very different process, as I’ve found out. I initially planned on going solo, but really think I will enjoy the trip more if there’s someone there to share in the experience. As I’ve gone down my list of folks to ask, I’ve been surprised at how pondering each one coming along has changed the entire trip perspective.

So far I don’t have an ironclad confirmed partner, but I have generated a lot of interest and a strong list of folks to ask in the years to come as our lives change, kids get older, etc. Interests, lives, trip types, and tripping partners are in continual evolution. This wilderness area is in continual evolution too, just on a much grander scale.
04/18/2022 12:48PM  
After 17-years with the same group of friends, I am still the only planner. LOL. My friends are completely fine with me planning up a few different routes, which I then throw at them for their thoughts, then I book it all. I am not complaining since the planning aspect is one of my favorite parts.
ockycamper
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04/18/2022 01:21PM  
Nice part about the way we do it, taking out three groups at one time, is that we do different approaches in each group. My group takes a shuttle, base camps, and only cooks one meal a day. The second group spends all his time fishing, or cooking elaborate meals. The last group is run by one of the men that wants to teach everyone how to do camp set ups, fires, and wilderness training. Everybody goes where they want to go.
wanderingfromkansas
senior member (86)senior membersenior member
  
04/20/2022 01:17PM  
This year I'm leading 6 virgins into the BWCA. I've organized a group before, but always with a mix of veterans and newbies. I've communicated by text A LOT. We're going in late May and I'm mostly concerned about each man finding the gear he needs to stay warm and dry.

One guy I have confidence in, because I've been camping with him, and I know he's put a lot of thought and time into planning for this.

Three guys I know have camped in cold weather, so I think they'll be somewhat well prepared.

One guy has nothing. Zero. This is a benefit to me because I get to be the one to outfit him. I know he'll have what he needs.

The last..... well, I haven't met the last. He says he's an experienced camper. I'm mostly hopeful that he'll drop out and bring our 7 to 6. I can't think of a gracious way to ask him to step aside.

Jakthund
senior member (82)senior membersenior member
  
04/20/2022 05:02PM  
Been organizing group trips for 30 years. Mostly spring fishing trips, but used to do couples trips on Labor Day back in the 90's. Group sizes ranging from 9 to 1 (when everyone cancelled). Some things I've learned:

Food - I plan and bring food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for the group. We bring a small cooler with good fresh food and I don't recall any complaints. Except for the last day breakfast is bacon, eggs, cakes. Breakfast burritos are great, Lunch is salami and cheese with dried fruit and gorp. Dinner is always fish as a main with rice and carrots or broccoli. A bagged salad mix is usually a first night treat.
Individuals are responsible for any snacks and I leave room in the dry bag for store. If we are 4 or less, I don't even have them bring mess kits as I have it all and it's just easier and more efficient packing.

Canoes - I help pair up canoes, but I tell them the outfitter and let them make their own reservations.

Other gear - after camping for years with my family, I have everything needed to make camp. I have extra and the outfitter can fill the gaps. If people have a hatchet, saw or something that they want to bring, I edit it off of my list.

Reservations - I ask for commitments by January and discuss with those that commit where to go. I make the reservation and own the permit. We try to as far as we can on the first day and base camp for a couple days. This year we're going to Insula on 5/18.

Dropouts and add ons - I can usually get at least one firm commitment and as long as I have a paddling partner, I'll go with 2. I would go solo, but my wife doesn't approve of me doing so. Between solo and 3 man canoes, nobody is left behind. You never know what could happen, my friend just broke his clavicle mountain biking and had to cancel on our trip.

Newbies - On of my favorite things is introducing someone new to the BWCA and making sure they enjoy the trip is important to me. I will communicate directly with that person and make sure they are set up properly.

In general, I suppose I'm a bit authoritarian regarding where, when, and food. But it makes it easier for me and there is full disclosure. Most people appreciate my efforts. No complaints in 30 years makes me think it works.

I think the bottom line is deciding what you want to do and bring those who want to share your vision. If they want a substantially different trip, they can plan it.
HowardSprague
distinguished member(3419)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/28/2022 10:38PM  
Wow, this could be a three hour conversation over drinks :)

I plan trips every year. Rarely does that planning conclude with me and a group. I've had plenty of "that sounds great" many months in advance followed by either a "didn't get vacation", "have to do _______ that week", "family going to Dells", or dead silence/no questions/no "how much $ you need up front?". Or feigning surprise about the trip a week out. That's with people who haven't gone to the BW/Q, or maybe only once. With my experienced friends, they often already have something in the works. Sometimes I end up on a short solo, sometimes I get invited on another trip.
This year, in communicating with a group of five scattered, longtime friends, the "let's do a BW trip" came up. Initially all six of us were in, of course. I started the planning - EP, a vote on which weeks would work for the most of us, sharing some maps and various general stuff.
Two guys are out - thankfully they were considerate in making that known early on! (that merits an invite next time). Looking like 3-5 of us as of now. Anyway, I send out a group email addressing various stuff every 3-4 weeks or so (avoid long periods of non-discussion!) . Route possibilities, timing and bunkhouse arrangements, maybe a good youtube video from the same route,...I'm maintaining optimism that it works out this year. If we're down to 3, I'll reach out to some of my experienced bwca/ccbb friends and see if they're up for joining an EP47 trip.

05/01/2022 08:55AM  
Now I mostly solo or go with other experienced solos. We all know what's up but plan a route months before departure and meet up. No issues, no complainers, a good time is had.

I got to this point after introducing newbies who had no trip planning enthusiasm. Last time was 2015. A novice relative and his two teenage boys were to be with me. I gave then a few canoe camping books and a detailed gear list months before the trip. Was in communication months and weeks prior to leaving and I reinfoced the importance of no cotton socks, good footwear and raingear etc.

I arrive at their house to leave for 11 hour drive north and see what they are packing. A total $**t show. One boy had 7 pairs of basketball shorts packed. My relative had a full size pillow. Turns out they didn't read anything I gave them.

So, these days it's solo and dog or with other experienced solos or groups. Sorry newbies, my vacation time is too important to me.
HowardSprague
distinguished member(3419)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/02/2022 09:51PM  
Damn! I’d like to hear how that trip went, big pillow and all!
gravelroad
distinguished member(992)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/03/2022 09:44AM  
I plan with a group of like-minded folks that I choose, discussing route, means and menu in an unstructured free-for-all.

Then I pack to go solo if necessary. Stuff happens even with the best of intentions.
 
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