BWCA Arrived in Ely today Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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JohnGalt
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05/01/2022 04:56PM  

The last stretch up Hwy 1 was breathtaking. A cold fog over the green & white trees blanketing a desolate winding road. A long drive, though memorable & arrived safely. A few days of final prep & then it's into the woods with me. Beyond excited & a good bit nervous.

Edit: Outfitter said they had twice as much snow just days ago & said ice out could begin very soon with recent weather. Radio weatherman up here was calling for a high of 58 on Tuesday. The delta between the start & end of my drive was ~35°F - a bit brisk & acclimating.
 
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Finnboy
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05/01/2022 05:42PM  
What’s your entry point?
 
JohnGalt
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05/01/2022 05:48PM  
Finnboy: "What’s your entry point?"

I'll be entering via Moose Lake, not too sure from there. I figure the trout & moose are most likely to be scarce later in the season, so I may target trout/moose country.
 
Northwoodsman
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05/01/2022 06:13PM  
Glad you made it that far already. The focus for your next 4-5 weeks should be staying warm and dry. The water will be cold and lake ice is dangerous as it moves around it can trap you. Rivers and creeks will begin to peak as snow melts and spring rains come through. Have fun, stay safe, and update us when possible.
 
05/01/2022 06:31PM  
Hoping you have a wonderful trip.
 
JohnGalt
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05/01/2022 06:53PM  
Northwoodsman: "Glad you made it that far already. The focus for your next 4-5 weeks should be staying warm and dry. The water will be cold and lake ice is dangerous as it moves around it can trap you. Rivers and creeks will begin to peak as snow melts and spring rains come through. Have fun, stay safe, and update us when possible. "


Thank you for the tips!
I was talking about the same with the outfitter today - so long as I keep my gear dry & canoe upright, it should be smooth paddling. I'll keep ya posted :)
 
JohnGalt
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05/01/2022 06:55PM  
okinaw55: "Hoping you have a wonderful trip."


Thank you! It's so beau2 up here, it's already quite wonderful :)
 
Finnboy
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05/01/2022 07:18PM  
I’m guessing you have a week to hang out in Ely. It’s a good time to explore the area. Fairly quiet during the week. Enjoy the hiking trails without the crowds. Buy some wool base layers if you don’t have any. Best gear you can have for the next month. When it’s cool and damp like today you’ll be glad to have them.
 
05/01/2022 07:31PM  
You picked the wrong year for early start I guess, but the time will come soon. Have a good trip. Use the extra time to review cold water safety - the gasp reflex, the 1-10-1 rule - and develop a solid backup plan in case of accidental capsize. Things happen fast, time is short. If your ditch kit isn't on you, you don't have it, they say.

That picture is pretty at the end of Sept. too.

It will be a great trip John, enjoy it. I'll be eager to hear about it.
 
05/01/2022 07:45PM  
I certainly hope you video tape this trip and share it with us. I'm for one intrigued.
 
05/01/2022 07:52PM  
okinaw55: "I certainly hope you video tape this trip and share it with us. I'm for one intrigued."


My bad .. just read your electronics section.
 
05/01/2022 08:57PM  
I have to say man. You have survived your fair amount of s*** on this forum. Been following you a while. I've always sensed that this was a "last chance at a full life" trip for you. Maybe you have said so in a post I missed or over read. Regardless, people that haven't met you have no right to put you down. I hope you nail this thing and prove some people wrong.

Should you need any help, you let me know. I live a long ways south, Winnebago, MN now but i could be mobile in a non-emergency. My email is public on this forum. Reach out before you head in.
 
Grandma L
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05/01/2022 10:01PM  
John,
Is anyone tracking you via a SPOT or InReach? There are several paddlers I watch. Sounds like you have a plan, just hope the weather cooperates. Travel safe!
 
Stumpy
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05/02/2022 12:51AM  
I have no clue what this is all about.
Just want to say, have a great trip & God bless.
 
andym
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05/02/2022 07:48AM  
If you need to adjust your gear, Ely Surplus and Outdoor on North Central is a great place to get warm outdoors clothes at a good price. Showed up in town on October when it got cold fast and we both got excellent boots there.
 
Savage Voyageur
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05/02/2022 08:29AM  
Stumpy: "I have no clue what this is all about.
Just want to say, have a great trip & God bless."


Here is a link for those who want to read about JohnGalt’s trip JohnGalt


Good Luck, stay safe, and may the wind be at your back.
 
05/02/2022 09:18AM  
Super envious! A trip like this is on my bucket list for sure. I would love to spend May through end of October in the BW.
 
05/02/2022 03:36PM  
Good for you for doing this, John! Safe travels and enjoy it all!!!
 
KawnipiKid
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05/02/2022 08:49PM  
JG, All good wishes for an extraordinary adventure, safe travels and reaching all of your goals for this trip. You've got lots of us who will be rooting for you and eager to hear how it goes. I thank you for sharing your plans with us. I think you've already inspired a lot of folks, me included, to consider doing something bigger than they otherwise might have.
 
JohnGalt
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05/02/2022 09:36PM  
Thanks all for the well wishes & advice.

I've been biding time in Ely, driving the various roads & looking at the lakes/wildlife in between gear review/repack/prep. A lot of melt these past few days - nowhere near the amount of snow around as there was on Sunday. Lake ice also seems to be starting to receed from shore on Moose & smaller/flowing bodies have much less ice. Moose has gone from being white as snow & ice to the shore a couple of days ago to a much darker color & gaps forming at the shore. Fingers crossed, the warm weather & storm in the forecast will provide some help.

Moose Lake this morning:
 
Stumpy
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05/03/2022 01:51AM  
Savage Voyageur: "
Stumpy: "I have no clue what this is all about.
Just want to say, have a great trip & God bless."



Here is a link for those who want to read about JohnGalt’s trip JohnGalt



Good Luck, stay safe, and may the wind be at your back. "


Enjoy !
 
PeaceFrog
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05/06/2022 08:35AM  
Should be an epic adventure. All the best and safe travels.
 
missmolly
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05/07/2022 08:36AM  
The longest I've spent in the Canadian Shield at one stretch is five weeks. The longest I've spend paddling in one stretch is three months. I didn't psychologically fray, but the three-month trip frayed my gear. The daily scuffing and sunlight and wind and rain take their toll, so I hope you have some contingency plan for repairing or replacing should the need arise.
 
PuffinGin
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05/07/2022 09:31AM  
Best wishes for a great adventure on your trip, John Galt. And a safe one. Will be following along in whatever way the technology allows.
 
OMGitsKa
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05/07/2022 02:04PM  
John we are all so proud of you. Like the son I never had...
 
JohnGalt
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05/09/2022 05:59PM  
missmolly: "The longest I've spent in the Canadian Shield at one stretch is five weeks. The longest I've spend paddling in one stretch is three months. I didn't psychologically fray, but the three-month trip frayed my gear. The daily scuffing and sunlight and wind and rain take their toll, so I hope you have some contingency plan for repairing or replacing should the need arise. "


That's quite some time!
I tried to head this off as much as possible by opting for quality gear made from durable materials. I'm expecting my dry sacks/compressions sacks as well as my 'sandles' wearing out, though I am hoping the CCS tarps/tent, filson pants/rain gear, frost river packs hold up well. The camera dry bag (roll-top pvc?) & tripod bag may break down on me, the roll bag can hopefully be patched, if not replaced. I'd likely modify the tripod bag with denim patching if it wears out. Spoke today with my outfitter regarding resupply & potential for gear needing to be replaced + included with my resupply package.

May I ask what gear you had break down on you most quickly?
 
missmolly
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05/09/2022 10:10PM  
That's a good question, Mr. Galt, but you already anticipated the answer. As you guessed, the waterproof fabrics, like dry bags, rain gear, and the tent fly, were the most susceptible to wear simply because they're outside in the worst weather and forever rubbing against other objects. Because they protect everything else, when they start to leak, problems compound. I remember sleeping on the riverbank in New Orleans in a totally wet sleeping bag because my dry bags were shot.
 
05/10/2022 06:02PM  
Good luck, but I can’t help but be a tad skeptical. Doesn’t seem like you have the experience to pull this off. Use that as motivation maybe. Can we have a lottery, I’ll guess 35 days, and that’s on the outside.
 
missmolly
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05/10/2022 06:45PM  
scat: "Good luck, but I can’t help but be a tad skeptical. Doesn’t seem like you have the experience to pull this off. Use that as motivation maybe. Can we have a lottery, I’ll guess 35 days, and that’s on the outside."


When I was 19, I built a kayak, slipped into it in Cincinnati for my very first time in a kayak, and 49 days later was in New Orleans, so one can learn on the fly, er, float.
 
JohnGalt
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05/10/2022 07:25PM  
scat: "Good luck, but I can’t help but be a tad skeptical. Doesn’t seem like you have the experience to pull this off. Use that as motivation maybe. Can we have a lottery, I’ll guess 35 days, and that’s on the outside."


Thank you, scat, for the well wishes & the motivation :).

35 days would probably be a good outside bet, just after anticipated resupply, a peak phsycological hurdle to 'not give up' & go back with a tow...

If I've made it to 35, I think/hope I'd be in the groove & ready to depart from the Moose region following resupply. Barring making a mistake which leads to a need to end the trip, I would anticipate the peak phsycological hurdle to have been in the first few weeks ('wigging out in the woods'). I've 'burned the ships' so to say, so I have motivation to stay as all I really have to return to are headaches (find an apt, move the stuff in storage to the apt, deal with bills, generate income, put up with whatever insanity is society's 'current thing' & the resulting bs being foisting upon people, etc.). While I hope to travel a fair deal, 35 days could be three campsites - I wouldn't even need to leave Moose for that!

I'm hoping that while I'm in the bush I can devise a worthwhile way to occupy my late fall/winter/early spring to tide me over to 2023 when I can make another go at the BWCA with more experience. I imagine the second time would be way better, if that's possible. I'm open to suggestions for how to utilize those 6-7 months in between on a budget, along the lines of bwca except warmer during the winter haha. Dunno when I'd be seeing replies, I'm hoping to be on the water early tomorrow.

Grandma L has my zoleo information & I'll provide them with regular location updates. I'm hoping to not 'return to town' for resupplies & meet up with my outfitter at the 'north end of Moose', though I may cut across from Lake 1 to Moose via a quick car ride for my third resupply before heading west for the last leg.

Having my 'last meal' at the boathouse before heading back to pack it all up for the morning. I'll send an adios before I lose signal on my way to the EP.
 
05/10/2022 07:37PM  
Just reading the first post on this thread, no plan, no clue. Shooting from the hip is fun, till it’s not anymore. I’ve never been one to put a damper on a person’s ambitions, but I’m not feelin this so much. missmolly is missmolly, that’s a different animal, if you’ll pardon the expression. Too much talk, walk the walk. Just sayin is all. Go for it dude, hope you have plenty of bug spray.
 
JohnGalt
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05/10/2022 07:56PM  
missmolly: "
scat: "Good luck, but I can’t help but be a tad skeptical. Doesn’t seem like you have the experience to pull this off. Use that as motivation maybe. Can we have a lottery, I’ll guess 35 days, and that’s on the outside."



When I was 19, I built a kayak, slipped into it in Cincinnati for my very first time in a kayak, and 49 days later was in New Orleans, so one can learn on the fly, er, float."


You are a unique & inspirational individual.

As long as I manage to stay upright, dry, warm, & the bears don't steal my rations, it should be a 'walk in the park' :)
 
05/10/2022 08:04PM  
Saying it should be a walk in the park is a red flag to begin with. Good luck bro, I don’t think you’re really ready for what you are proposing, more of a reach for attention, but prove me wrong and I will give you your props. 35 days max. That’s 5 weeks. Then you’ll be a ghost.
 
JohnGalt
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05/10/2022 09:15PM  
scat: "Just reading the first post on this thread, no plan, no clue. Shooting from the hip is fun, till it’s not anymore. I’ve never been one to put a damper on a person’s ambitions, but I’m not feelin this so much. missmolly is missmolly, that’s a different animal, if you’ll pardon the expression. Too much talk, walk the walk. Just sayin is all. Go for it dude, hope you have plenty of bug spray."


Not a bottle, though I do have a headnet & a bugshirt at the ready. The challenge, imho, is mental & logistical. Where I camp isn't all that important & can be decided on the fly, what matters is did I plan proper rations & gear to make it bearable & physically possible. The first post was just that, a first post & a good deal has transpired in the months since. I didn't make all the updates & edits along the way that I should have, though I think I got the logistics (rations & support) & hopefully the gear planned properly. I came here to find & I found a great deal of wisdom - tomorrow begins the test of what I've learned.
 
JohnGalt
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05/10/2022 09:23PM  
scat: "Saying it should be a walk in the park is a red flag to begin with. Good luck bro, I don’t think you’re really ready for what you are proposing, more of a reach for attention, but prove me wrong and I will give you your props. 35 days max. That’s 5 weeks. Then you’ll be a ghost."


Maybe I should have included a '/s'?

A reach for attention? I have maintained anonymity (or sought to, I'm just some dude) & interacted with the board during the off-season as I prepped for a large undertaking - would it have been better to have planned in secret & not learned from those knowledgeable folks on this board? There aren't even fake internet points here for me to be striving to attain if I were into that sort of thing.

I don't often quit at something once I've made a decision to do it & far less often do I not own up to my failures. Success or failure, I'll not leave you hanging so long as I have the physical ability to post come October, or sooner should by trip end more abruptly than planned.
 
05/10/2022 09:55PM  
Have some fun JG! I’m looking forward to hearing about your adventures come fall/winter. Maybe we’ll cross paths at some point as I’ll be doing 3 or 4 trips this open water season. Enjoy your time in the wilderness and May the winds be at your back.

Tony
 
05/10/2022 11:02PM  
JG: I hope you find what you are looking for! I will be rooting for you and hope you have a great trip and great stories share when it is done.
Smoke
 
missmolly
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05/11/2022 06:19AM  
You've dreamt big and now you get to live big. All the best to you, John!
 
Stumpy
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05/11/2022 06:21AM  
All the best !
Hope it goes well.
 
05/11/2022 09:28PM  
I hope your off and paddling. You’ll be fine. Just keep it real and be safe. Maybe you’ll bump into MR one month ain’t enough in a few weeks. Your right on saying once in the groove your golden.
 
yellowhorse
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05/13/2022 11:42AM  
Best of luck!!
 
missmolly
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05/13/2022 12:16PM  
My favorite scene in the movie, "Castaway," is when we see Tom Hanks, who was so pale, pudgy, and pitiful (That nut was afraid of falling coconuts!), transformed and standing on the rocks with his spear, as tanned, hardened, and lean as a surfer. That's how I imagine Mr. Galt in a couple months.
 
05/14/2022 09:42PM  
I am a fan of big moves and ambitious plans. Good Luck on your adventure JohnGalt, I look forward to your updates.
 
missmolly
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05/20/2022 10:21AM  
Anyone else wondering about John?

Sincerely,

outofsightbutnotoutofmindMolly
 
Lawnchair107
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05/21/2022 06:40AM  
missmolly: "Anyone else wondering about John?


Sincerely,


outofsightbutnotoutofmindMolly"


Of course. I would assume he’s near Knife lake by now. Hope he’s doing well.
 
missmolly
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05/21/2022 06:46AM  
Lawnchair107: "
missmolly: "Anyone else wondering about John?



Sincerely,



outofsightbutnotoutofmindMolly"



Of course. I would assume he’s near Knife lake by now. Hope he’s doing well."


I'm thinking good thoughts for him. As I remember it, this isn't just a long paddle to a particular lake, but a long paddle to a particular place in his head, making this an especially important trip.
 
Lawnchair107
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05/21/2022 08:55AM  
missmolly: "
Lawnchair107: "
missmolly: "Anyone else wondering about John?



Sincerely,



outofsightbutnotoutofmindMolly"




Of course. I would assume he’s near Knife lake by now. Hope he’s doing well."



I'm thinking good thoughts for him. As I remember it, this isn't just a long paddle to a particular lake, but a long paddle to a particular place in his head, making this an especially important trip. "


I would agree, MM. Just was wondering his whereabouts.
 
SummerSkin
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05/21/2022 11:53AM  
missmolly: "
scat: "Good luck, but I can’t help but be a tad skeptical. Doesn’t seem like you have the experience to pull this off. Use that as motivation maybe. Can we have a lottery, I’ll guess 35 days, and that’s on the outside."



When I was 19, I built a kayak, slipped into it in Cincinnati for my very first time in a kayak, and 49 days later was in New Orleans, so one can learn on the fly, er, float."


This sounds incredible, do you have any writings online about this experience? Would love to read about it. Btw I’m in Cincinnati (the ‘burbs) but haven’t yet mustered up the courage to kayak the Ohio River to wherever it takes me…
 
missmolly
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05/21/2022 01:13PM  
SummerSkin: "
missmolly: "
scat: "Good luck, but I can’t help but be a tad skeptical. Doesn’t seem like you have the experience to pull this off. Use that as motivation maybe. Can we have a lottery, I’ll guess 35 days, and that’s on the outside."




When I was 19, I built a kayak, slipped into it in Cincinnati for my very first time in a kayak, and 49 days later was in New Orleans, so one can learn on the fly, er, float."



This sounds incredible, do you have any writings online about this experience? Would love to read about it. Btw I’m in Cincinnati (the ‘burbs) but haven’t yet mustered up the courage to kayak the Ohio River to wherever it takes me…"


I've never written professionally about it, but I could write a trip report.
 
missmolly
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05/26/2022 07:19AM  
It will reach sixty degrees today for John, but then he has a stretch of days where the thermometer pogos from the low forties to eighty. I hope he's clearing his head and hardening his muscles.
 
Grandma L
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05/29/2022 10:23AM  
May 24, 2022 - Got a location message from John. He is currently on Site 1255 - Knife Lake-North Arm - west of Thunder Point - across from Back Bay.
 
missmolly
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05/29/2022 10:59AM  
Grandma L: "May 24, 2022 - Got a location message from John. He is currently on Site 1255 - Knife Lake-North Arm - west of Thunder Point - across from Back Bay."


Thanks, Grandma L.

Go, John, go!
 
Grandma L
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06/07/2022 01:50PM  
June 5,2022 I got a location message from John. he is on Missionary Lake - site 2044 on the SW end of the lake.
 
missmolly
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06/07/2022 02:16PM  
He's deep into canoe country. I'm proud of him.
 
06/07/2022 02:35PM  
Good for you John. I hope your trip is everything you want it to be. Enjoy every day of it.
 
JimmyJustice
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06/07/2022 03:03PM  
Gotta love it when a plan comes together.
 
pswith5
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06/07/2022 08:44PM  
Jimmy, are you smoking a cigar when you say that?
 
06/07/2022 09:48PM  
Good for him. Heading to Missionary from where he was on Knife means he must have backed up a little and taken the path less travelled. Rooting for him.
 
JimmyJustice
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06/08/2022 07:29AM  
pswith5: "Jimmy, are you smoking a cigar when you say that?"


Maybe I should change my call sign to Colonel Smith?
 
GeneH
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06/08/2022 12:23PM  
Grandma L: "June 5,2022 I got a location message from John. he is on Missionary Lake - site 2044 on the SW end of the lake. "


I just pulled up a map location of 2044. Yep, you are right, he's deep into canoe country.
 
jillpine
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06/08/2022 06:12PM  
Jaywalker: "Good for him. Rooting for him."


Me too. As Maven Miss Molly said, John is paddling to somewhere in his head. I wish him - and all who do so - the very best outcome. Go John Galt, go.

 
JohnGalt
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06/27/2022 08:59PM  
Grandma L: "June 5,2022 I got a location message from John. he is on Missionary Lake - site 2044 on the SW end of the lake. "


Hello!

I'm glad you were able to get my updates, I'm unsure why I lost my ability to message you text. Thank you for letting folks know my whereabouts/that I was alive.
I switched to the other site on Missionary Lake on the 14th, what an amazing lake. I'd live at that NW site if i could. (SW site was a bit buggy/lacked airflow). Vera is pretty as well, rough portages in & out add to the appreciation, though they arre awesome portages w great views + flowers.

Current location: Boathouse Brewpub, Ely
A cold beer never tasted so good nor have I ever had such a deep appreciation for washing my hands with warm running water haha.
Made the trek from Missionary to the Moose EP today, what a haul with all that gear & a headwind. Felt good to get the exercise & it was a beautiful morning with a foggy sunrise though boy am i pooped. Devoured a burger & chased it with a rueben - famished!

A buddy was going to join me in the wild for a week though i found out later that he had a medical event the weekend before i put in & wouldnt be able to so i booked us a cabin w CCO for next week. I took out today to get ahead of the storms forecast for this week (i was going to pitstop at Ensign until Wed/Thu originally) & to take care of some boring stuff before he + his lady arrive (e.g. laundry & other misc).
Tomorrow would have been seven weeks on the dot. While frustrating at times due to excessive rain & subsequent mosquitos, it's been an awesome time so far & i'm looking forward to the next leg!

First/second nights had some gnarly storms. The second night the winds snapped off a tree onto my canoe (rookie mistake lol). Fortunately, I was able to hoist the tree & extract my canoe which was unscathed. Phew! Haha.
Traveled from Moose to Birch overnight during the total lunar eclipse which was amazing.
Caught some decent fish on Knife & had been working on fly fishing on Missionary (those 3" bluegill never knew what hit 'em haha).
Crossed paths w a black bear today - it was swimming across the narrows on Ensign. My guess is it was going picinic basket hunting on the island.

Anyways, i feel a food coma coming on & i should go unload my car + wash my stinky self before snoozing. Later folks!
 
06/27/2022 10:33PM  
Boy, I could smell ya from here... haha. Enjoy your time in civilization.
 
Northwoodsman
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06/28/2022 08:15AM  
Great update!
 
Driftless
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06/28/2022 09:01AM  
Glad to hear you are doing well!
 
tumblehome
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06/28/2022 11:35AM  
Ah crud, going back in, you need a new permit :(
 
missmolly
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06/28/2022 12:25PM  
We're all rooting for you, John.
 
06/28/2022 12:50PM  
I got lost, what are we rooting for. Fill me in.
 
straighthairedcurly
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06/28/2022 01:14PM  
tumblehome: "Ah crud, going back in, you need a new permit :("

At least Moose almost always has a permit or two available on short notice. Glad to hear you are having a good experience JG.
 
missmolly
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06/28/2022 01:57PM  
scat: "I got lost, what are we rooting for. Fill me in."


True grit.

 
Lawnchair107
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06/28/2022 02:33PM  
scat: "I got lost, what are we rooting for. Fill me in."


For him to beat your 5- week in the bush bet.
 
06/28/2022 04:23PM  
scat: "I got lost, what are we rooting for. Fill me in."


For you to be a person of your word give props where promised.
 
JohnGalt
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06/28/2022 06:30PM  
nctry: "Boy, I could smell ya from here... haha. Enjoy your time in civilization."


Haha I'm sure i was pretty ripe, mostly from the trek out as I'd been taking some 'lake baths' since the water warmed up (no soap, just a good rinse & scrub). I took a proper 'woods shower' on 6/9 & it was one of the most glorious feelings to wash off four weeks of filth, it felt better than my shower last night. I think it'll take another shower or two before I get some of the dirt from my scalp haha.

It's been a mixed feeling being back in civilization. Kind of like a kid in the candy store with all of the food/drink options & creature comforts, though i miss the sound of the wild/smell of the forest/drinking lake water. Last night before going to bed it was a bit melancholy as I wasn't hearing loons nor seeing the night sky from my bed. I'm going to enjoy this next week or so though I'm eager to get back into nature again.

Finishing up laundry now. Mixed feelings on that as well. While it's nice to have machines do the work & I'm sure it is a better clean, I enjoyed the scenery more when completing the chore in the woods & hanging clothes on the line provided a great sense of accomplishment which is missing now...
 
JohnGalt
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06/28/2022 06:39PM  
tumblehome: "Ah crud, going back in, you need a new permit :("


Cleared out my email inbox this morning & was pleasantly surprised to find my outfitter has booked me a new permit for 7/9. Shout out to Canoe Country Outfitters - they've been awesome to work with & Brian, who I've been interacting with most, has been a great help.
 
missmolly
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06/28/2022 06:41PM  
John, if you read the book, "Hatchet," you might remember the young hero being overwhelmed, after 54 days in the bush, by a mall. There's simply too much sensation for a lad accustomed to the quiet of the woods.
 
JohnGalt
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06/28/2022 06:42PM  
Just wanted to reply with a great thank you to those of you who provided comments of support/well wishes. You're all beautiful people & it's an honor to receive your messages. Love you all, muah!
 
JohnGalt
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06/28/2022 06:52PM  
scat: "I got lost, what are we rooting for. Fill me in."


Scatmans World

Is your name in reference to being an expert in scat identification? If so, I saw some scat at the site i stayed at on Knife Lake - I'll get the video posted eventually & I'd really appreciate your assistance in providing the source animal. If it is to Scatman John, that's a shame as he seems to have been a really nice fellow.

Tbh, I responed to your first reply with politeness & asserted that you may have been correct that I was biting off what may have been more than i could chew, then you just kept being offensive/belittling for seemingly no reason. Your replies bugged me the first days/weeks, mainly because it interrupted my peace to think of you & what you posted. Now, it is a joke/brings pleasure to me as your over/under was busted weeks ago. I have no ill will towards you, some people just can't help themselves. Thank you for the motivation - it's folks like you that make me eager to get back into the woods lmfao.
 
JohnGalt
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06/28/2022 07:08PM  
missmolly: "John, if you read the book, "Hatchet," you might remember the young hero being overwhelmed, after 54 days in the bush, by a mall. There's simply too much sensation for a lad accustomed to the quiet of the woods. "


Hi MissMolly. I've not had the pleasure of reading that book, though you have piqued my interest & I'll get it on my ipad to read during the next leg of the trip - thank you for the 'recommendation'! Fortunately, Ely is a pretty quaint place to dip my toe back into civilization haha.
 
Lawnchair107
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06/28/2022 07:52PM  

I have no ill will towards you, some people just can't help themselves. Thank you for the motivation - it's folks like you that make me eager to get back into the woods lmfao."


Absolutely love it.
 
JohnGalt
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06/28/2022 07:54PM  
GopherAdventure: "Have some fun JG! I’m looking forward to hearing about your adventures come fall/winter. Maybe we’ll cross paths at some point as I’ll be doing 3 or 4 trips this open water season. Enjoy your time in the wilderness and May the winds be at your back.


Tony"


Hey Tony!
Thank you for your well wishes.
As it turns out, I'm on a short 'vacation' back in Ely. When/where are you headed? Maybe i can zig my path to zag across yours while you're up here - I'll bring the coffee!
 
06/29/2022 04:40PM  
Way to go John, I have been following your quest. Fair winds and following seas.

Linden
 
06/29/2022 05:03PM  
Ok cool, still not sure what this is all about, I mean if you take out and spend a week in town is that part of the grand plan. I kinda like the story of the couple that spent a year in BW getting resupplied as they needed, not hanging in town for a week eating pizza, drinking cold beer and hot coffee. But whatever, enjoy yourself, don’t spend another minute thinking about my thoughts on your sojourn, I won’t either.

Cheers, scat
 
06/29/2022 05:26PM  
scat: "Ok cool, still not sure what this is all about, I mean if you take out and spend a week in town is that part of the grand plan. I kinda like the story of the couple that spent a year in BW getting resupplied as they needed, not hanging in town for a week eating pizza, drinking cold beer and hot coffee. But whatever, enjoy yourself, don’t spend another minute thinking about my thoughts on your sojourn, I won’t either.


Cheers, scat"


Just kinda wondering....why are you doing this scat?
 
JohnGalt
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06/29/2022 05:30PM  
scat: "Ok cool, still not sure what this is all about, I mean if you take out and spend a week in town is that part of the grand plan. I kinda like the story of the couple that spent a year in BW getting resupplied as they needed, not hanging in town for a week eating pizza, drinking cold beer and hot coffee. But whatever, enjoy yourself, don’t spend another minute thinking about my thoughts on your sojourn, I won’t either.


Cheers, scat"


"A buddy was going to join me in the wild for a week though i found out later that he had a medical event the weekend before i put in & wouldnt be able to so i booked us a cabin w CCO for next week."

Not everything in life goes according to plan & sometimes we adjust fire to account for changing circumstances. John 15:13 - the well being of my amigo mattered more to me than maintaining the sanctity of my uninterrupted solo. If it raises his spirits, it's 100% worth it.

Toodles.

Edit: I knew on Jun 16th when making this video that you'd move the goalpost beyond the over/under in your bet for some reason or another. I look forward to reading your trip report.

Dear Scat
 
Lawnchair107
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06/29/2022 07:04PM  
John, you heading west from Moose this time around?
 
JohnGalt
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06/29/2022 07:19PM  
Lawnchair107: "John, you heading west from Moose this time around?"


Hey Lawnchair107!
I'm not certain, though I think East. I wanted to stay at Aushigan Lake during the heat of summer to wade & flyfish for smallies. One of my most fond childhood memories is of my father & me wading that lake + catching a stringer full of bass (which started to pull me out into the lake haha). Chatted with some nice folks at the Splash Lake portage while awaiting resupply & they said they loved Wisini Lake, so I have that destination in the back of my mind & I may head that way after Aushigan.
With the disruption of my original resupply schedule, i may complete three resupplies at four week intervals. If so, I may do ~two weeks at Aushigan, two weeks ~Jordan-Hatchet, daytrip to resupply & then go to Wisini + Kekekabic/NE region. The last ~four weeks I'll either go West or a Kawishiwi River route.

I met a Hell's Angel at the pub on Monday who used to live up here & worked for an outfitter - when pressed to name a favorite location he landed on Little Indian Sioux, so I want to give that a good go though it is far NW & would be a trek.
I've pretty much decided that I'm going to repeat this experiment next year, at least - hopefully the next several years if I can, so I'm enjoying exploring this Moose Lake-East region for now & plan to take future long trips West/NW & further East (State Lake is on my bucket list) with EPs/resupplies more local to those areas.
Time flies when you're having fun!
 
missmolly
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06/29/2022 09:16PM  
John, if you've had enough time to reflect on what you've seen so far, what were five of your favorite moments?
 
Chuckles
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06/29/2022 09:32PM  
John,

I love how you're rolling with the punches and finding a way to enjoy the trip you have, rather than the trip you originally planned. I'm rooting for you, whether it is drinking a beer with a Hell's Angel or 1000 days solo in the woods.
 
JohnGalt
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06/29/2022 09:51PM  
missmolly: "John, if you've had enough time to reflect on what you've seen so far, what were five of your favorite moments? "


That's a great question. Thank you for asking & causing me to reflect on this.
Off the top of my head in no particular order:
1) Showering on Jun 9. It had been chilly/rainy so it was my first real shower & it felt great to be clean + put on clean clothes (I completed laundry on the 8th knowing I'd want clean clothes after a shower). Reflecting on how such a simple thing could bring me so much joy just struck me when considering how a fancy job & car/vacations/etc didn't bring nearly as much satisfaction as a mosquito hastened shower when those things used to consume so much of my life to attain.

2) Arriving at Missionary Lake. It was such a grueling day with the long portages & thick mosquitos that I just about decided to sleep on the ground next to the shore once the canoe was unloaded, though the mosquitos told me that was a no-go after laying down for a minute. It was a great sense of accomplishment to have completed my goal & to have been fortunate enough to find an open site on the lake for me to occupy - I threw up my arms in a cheer of "Hallelujah" when I saw the open site. After getting into my tent & taking pause, I was very pleased to just sit & eat some jerky/cheese + rest. Being exhausted from pushing oneself physically towards accomplishing a goal is so satisfying. (It was the first time I'd pushed myself that hard physically since being in the service after the run for a PT test - to the point of my body wanting/needing to heave.)

3) Catching, in my thin book, a nice walleye & lake trout on Knife Lake. My first real go at fishing on the trip & I was fortunate enough to catch+release my biggest walleye to date (26-28" when i think I've only caught one small walleye in the past). It was such a beautiful fish. My first ever laker was caught on the paddle back to camp after catching the walleye - I was satisfied with myself after the walleye & the laker was icing on the cake. Cooking the laker went a bit awry & it was a bit meloncholy that evening as I ate a poorly cooked 'fish cake of last resort'. it reminded me of Alexander Supertramp after his moose meat spoiled & he was remorseful. A bit of a high & low that evening. Sidenote: My first catch was a small stone haha. My second was a snag that broke my line. My third was catching my broke line & retrieving my lost lure - what luck!

4) Resupply day. I'd never been so giddy to see fresh food in my life. A bag of spinach/etc was a sight to behold haha. I ate a simple deli sandwich & wrap before departing the Splash Lake portage & I'd never been so happy to have something so simple as a sandwich & a pepsi. When I got back to camp & had a glass of red wine, it was like cloud nine. The steak dinner + bacon & eggs for following breakfast typical of the first/second days of a trip were exponentially more satisfying after ~6 weeks sans any fresh food.

5) This is a bit of a 'catch-all' for my enjoyment of the sky. Experiencing some strong storms was really awe inspiring, the power of nature can be something to behold. Also taking photos + appreciating some breathtaking sunsets/sunrises as well as the total lunar eclipse during the overnight paddle to Birch Lake & astro photos/starry night skies. Going to sleep looking at the night sky & awakening to see beautiful sunrises are something I miss dearly as I sleep in a 'box' in town with lights drowning out the stars + buildings blocking my views.

Bonus:
i) Sunday June 12th. I was not aware that WELY broadcasted a Lutheran church service & I was a bit stunned + overjoyed for it. I'm excited to attend a service at the church this upcoming Sunday & I stopped in this afternoon to give them a donation for the service I attended via the radio & to thank them for providing the service over the radio.

ii) Seeing the roofs of buildings on Monday when approaching the Moose Lake EP. I had set off from my campsite on Missionary Lake ~5AM & had been going, for the most part, non-stop until I hit the shore of the EP at 6PM. Seeing those roofs after paddling that stretch into a headwind was a bit euphoric. A bald eagle flew by in front of me at the same time - it was great timing.

iii) The fresh air & water + sounds of nature... I miss those things. Rain would cause the forest to smell like fresh pine, the fresh air blowing through the tent as I went to sleep, the soothing sounds of the loons/other wildlife. Now, rain smells like concrete & tap water is suspect, the air in a room is stuffy when I go to sleep, & all I hear is silence or machines... Simple things aren't appreciated as much even after a few days - e.g. listening to the radio for a short time at night was a simple pleasure & now there is so much to occupy myself with yet it is not as satisfying. 'Less is more' & 'the less you have the more space you need', i guess...
 
JohnGalt
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06/29/2022 11:00PM  
Chuckles: "John,


I love how you're rolling with the punches and finding a way to enjoy the trip you have, rather than the trip you originally planned. I'm rooting for you, whether it is drinking a beer with a Hell's Angel or 1000 days solo in the woods. "


Thank you, Chuckles.
It's been quite the experience thus far & it has been teaching me a lot about appreciating the little things + looking for a reason to give thanks/find the silver lining/learn to make lemonade in all circumstances. All we can do is roll with it otherwise we'll capsize :)
 
06/30/2022 12:02AM  
Hey johnGalt! Sounds like you’ve got the whole board “on board” . It’s great to follow your epic Spring/Summer trip . (Fall?) We’ll be Sunday Lake, Iron, Crooked loop for 10 days starting 8/20 . If we’re you’re in the area, come on by and have a scotch (or whiskey) it’d be fun to have a campfire chat
Good Travels
Tim
 
YetiJedi
distinguished member(1449)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/30/2022 01:02AM  
JohnGalt: "
missmolly: "John, if you've had enough time to reflect on what you've seen so far, what were five of your favorite moments? "


That's a great question. Thank you for asking & causing me to reflect on this.
Off the top of my head in no particular order:
1) Showering on Jun 9. It had been chilly/rainy so it was my first real shower & it felt great to be clean + put on clean clothes (I completed laundry on the 8th knowing I'd want clean clothes after a shower). Reflecting on how such a simple thing could bring me so much joy just struck me when considering how a fancy job & car/vacations/etc didn't bring nearly as much satisfaction as a mosquito hastened shower when those things used to consume so much of my life to attain.

2) Arriving at Missionary Lake. It was such a grueling day with the long portages & thick mosquitos that I just about decided to sleep on the ground next to the shore once the canoe was unloaded, though the mosquitos told me that was a no-go after laying down for a minute. It was a great sense of accomplishment to have completed my goal & to have been fortunate enough to find an open site on the lake for me to occupy - I threw up my arms in a cheer of "Hallelujah" when I saw the open site. After getting into my tent & taking pause, I was very pleased to just sit & eat some jerky/cheese + rest. Being exhausted from pushing oneself physically towards accomplishing a goal is so satisfying. (It was the first time I'd pushed myself that hard physically since being in the service after the run for a PT test - to the point of my body wanting/needing to heave.)

3) Catching, in my thin book, a nice walleye & lake trout on Knife Lake. My first real go at fishing on the trip & I was fortunate enough to catch+release my biggest walleye to date (26-28" when i think I've only caught one small walleye in the past). It was such a beautiful fish. My first ever laker was caught on the paddle back to camp after catching the walleye - I was satisfied with myself after the walleye & the laker was icing on the cake. Cooking the laker went a bit awry & it was a bit meloncholy that evening as I ate a poorly cooked 'fish cake of last resort'. it reminded me of Alexander Supertramp after his moose meat spoiled & he was remorseful. A bit of a high & low that evening. Sidenote: My first catch was a small stone haha. My second was a snag that broke my line. My third was catching my broke line & retrieving my lost lure - what luck!

4) Resupply day. I'd never been so giddy to see fresh food in my life. A bag of spinach/etc was a sight to behold haha. I ate a simple deli sandwich & wrap before departing the Splash Lake portage & I'd never been so happy to have something so simple as a sandwich & a pepsi. When I got back to camp & had a glass of red wine, it was like cloud nine. The steak dinner + bacon & eggs for following breakfast typical of the first/second days of a trip were exponentially more satisfying after ~6 weeks sans any fresh food.

5) This is a bit of a 'catch-all' for my enjoyment of the sky. Experiencing some strong storms was really awe inspiring, the power of nature can be something to behold. Also taking photos + appreciating some breathtaking sunsets/sunrises as well as the total lunar eclipse during the overnight paddle to Birch Lake & astro photos/starry night skies. Going to sleep looking at the night sky & awakening to see beautiful sunrises are something I miss dearly as I sleep in a 'box' in town with lights drowning out the stars + buildings blocking my views.

Bonus:
i) Sunday June 12th. I was not aware that WELY broadcasted a Lutheran church service & I was a bit stunned + overjoyed for it. I'm excited to attend a service at the church this upcoming Sunday & I stopped in this afternoon to give them a donation for the service I attended via the radio & to thank them for providing the service over the radio.

ii) Seeing the roofs of buildings on Monday when approaching the Moose Lake EP. I had set off from my campsite on Missionary Lake ~5AM & had been going, for the most part, non-stop until I hit the shore of the EP at 6PM. Seeing those roofs after paddling that stretch into a headwind was a bit euphoric. A bald eagle flew by in front of me at the same time - it was great timing.

iii) The fresh air & water + sounds of nature... I miss those things. Rain would cause the forest to smell like fresh pine, the fresh air blowing through the tent as I went to sleep, the soothing sounds of the loons/other wildlife. Now, rain smells like concrete & tap water is suspect, the air in a room is stuffy when I go to sleep, & all I hear is silence or machines... Simple things aren't appreciated as much even after a few days - e.g. listening to the radio for a short time at night was a simple pleasure & now there is so much to occupy myself with yet it is not as satisfying. 'Less is more' & 'the less you have the more space you need', i guess..."


Thank you for sharing your reflections and experiences. Inspiring. Kudos to Miss Molly for the request too.
 
JohnGalt
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06/30/2022 01:06AM  
BonzSF: "Hey johnGalt! Sounds like you’ve got the whole board “on board” . It’s great to follow your epic Spring/Summer trip . (Fall?) We’ll be Sunday Lake, Iron, Crooked loop for 10 days starting 8/20 . If we’re you’re in the area, come on by and have a scotch (or whiskey) it’d be fun to have a campfire chat
Good Travels
Tim"


Howdy Tim!
After taking a quick gander at the map & calendar, you may have swayed the course of my travels for August/September - thank you :)
I could take my early August resupply at Prarie Portage & then head West along the border to meet you at Crooked/Iron. From there, I'd drop down through Horse Lake (where i took my first trip as an adult) to head back to Moose for my September resupply.
Fall is also in scope & it looks like it's the final piece that will need a route (~9/17 Moose - ~10/15|weather[trying to avoid an Edmund Fitzgerald] ?). Suggestions welcome :)

We'll need to plan a way to link up out there on Crooked/Iron, unless you'll have comms. I'll be heading back in on 7/9, so we have ~a week to figure something out.
 
missmolly
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06/30/2022 08:06AM  
"Going to sleep looking at the night sky & awakening to see beautiful sunrises are something I miss dearly as I sleep in a 'box' in town with lights drowning out the stars + buildings blocking my views."

I know the feeling. You can be on the water or on a trail and craving a chocolate milkshake and a burger and then, one day, you have both of them in your hands, but they come with the cost of the bustle and the noise and you're holding that damn burger and shake and wishing you were back in the quiet place.

Thanks for the list, John!
 
JohnGalt
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06/30/2022 08:24PM  
missmolly: ""Going to sleep looking at the night sky & awakening to see beautiful sunrises are something I miss dearly as I sleep in a 'box' in town with lights drowning out the stars + buildings blocking my views."

I know the feeling. You can be on the water or on a trail and craving a chocolate milkshake and a burger and then, one day, you have both of them in your hands, but they come with the cost of the bustle and the noise and you're holding that damn burger and shake and wishing you were back in the quiet place.

Thanks for the list, John!"


You hit the nail on the head, missmolly: Is the juice worth the squeeze? I think I'll 'settle' for lake water haha.
 
JohnGalt
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06/30/2022 08:27PM  
YetiJedi: "Thank you for sharing your reflections and experiences. Inspiring. Kudos to Miss Molly for the request too. "


You're welcome - it is the least I could do considering the amount of wisdom/advice I've gleaned from the community here. Y'all are the best.
 
06/30/2022 08:28PM  
Good to hear you are doing well. I was in your corner from the beginning and I'm so happy you are having the experience you were looking for.
 
JohnGalt
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06/30/2022 08:37PM  
okinaw55: "Good to hear you are doing well. I was in your corner from the beginning and I'm so happy you are having the experience you were looking for."


Thank you, okinaw55.
I was admittedly nervous/feeling chills in my toes as the event horizon approached, though I honestly feel better now than ever before. I wouldn't have had it any other way. It's been a life-changing experience for which i will be eternally grateful.
 
JohnGalt
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06/30/2022 08:56PM  


As I posted that last reply I walked past this automobile. My initial thought of 'ooh nice' was replaced with 'I'd rather have my canoe' upon the next synapse firing haha.

Quinn is a beauty:
 
06/30/2022 09:23PM  
JohnGalt: "


As I posted that last reply I walked past this automobile. My initial thought of 'ooh nice' was replaced with 'I'd rather have my canoe' upon the next synapse firing haha.


Quinn is a beauty:
"


Yeahhhh .. I'd take the R8
 
JohnGalt
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06/30/2022 10:12PM  
okinaw55: "Yeahhhh .. I'd take the R8 "


Ace Venture clip [trim out the 'loser' bit - you have my respect, just making a funny]

At ~$150k msrp, i could spend three decades in the bdub.

While not an R8, Quinn 1.0 was a great time: Saying goodbye to my girl (2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 6-speed Limited Edition Yellow Jacket) The 2017 Dodge Challenger T/A 392 Is A Middle Finger To The Future Of Cars I loved that car, though I get less speeding tickets in Quinn 2.0. Fingers crossed my investment thesis proves correct & I can get another muscle car someday...I've literally bet the farm [nervous haha].
 
07/01/2022 12:34AM  



Howdy Tim!
After taking a quick gander at the map & calendar, you may have swayed the course of my travels for August/September - thank you :)
I could take my early August resupply at Prarie Portage & then head West along the border to meet you at Crooked/Iron. From there, I'd drop down through Horse Lake (where i took my first trip as an adult) to head back to Moose for my September resupply.
Fall is also in scope & it looks like it's the final piece that will need a route (~9/17 Moose - ~10/15|weather[trying to avoid an Edmund Fitzgerald] ?). Suggestions welcome :)


We'll need to plan a way to link up out there on Crooked/Iron, unless you'll have comms. I'll be heading back in on 7/9, so we have ~a week to figure something out."Wow I didn’t realize I could influence your route just like that!
We’ll be camping on Sunday Lake on 8/21 … on a .uhh.. Sunday
After that we’re wandering up to Iron, across Crooked,and back down Basswood to Horse for another 8 days . Look for a group of 3 in a tandem and solo.
 
JohnGalt
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07/01/2022 01:00AM  
BonzSF: "
Wow I didn’t realize I could influence your route just like that!
We’ll be camping on Sunday Lake on 8/21 … on a .uhh.. Sunday
After that we’re wandering up to Iron, across Crooked,and back down Basswood to Horse for another 8 days . Look for a group of 3 in a tandem and solo."


My route is soft clay looking for a scribe haha.
I love that you'll be on Sunday Lake on a Sunday - doing it proper you are.
I just finished writing out a tentative route & what you outlined would be perfect alignment, better than perfect as you are shooting for Horse Lake after Iron/Crooked which means I can strike Iron & much of crooked from the route & plan on linking up with you around Wednesday Bay-Lower Basswood Falls before heading down Horse River (saves some backtracking & the Crooked-Iron portage).
I'd be targeting a resupply at Prairie Portage (Sucker-Basswood) ~8/13 & may be able to get to a basecamp in the rendezvous area prior to your entry so you might have advanced knowledge of my location.

Sidenote: 10 days should make for a great trip for you all :). My longest group trip was 8 days. It's never enough! Haha.
 
07/08/2022 01:32PM  
Got you email. But still not completely sure where we'll be later in the trip.
I know for sure we'll be at Sunday lake on Sunday 8/21. Then into Iron on 8/22 and exiting Mudro on 8/28
What kind of watercraft will you be in/on?
Like I said, we will be in a tandem and a solo kevlar with three "old guys" . At least we all have grey hair. Old is a state of mind.
If we have a specific destination, I can let you know on your email.
Enjoy!
 
JohnGalt
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07/08/2022 02:16PM  
BonzSF: "Got you email. But still not completely sure where we'll be later in the trip.
I know for sure we'll be at Sunday lake on Sunday 8/21. Then into Iron on 8/22 and exiting Mudro on 8/28
What kind of watercraft will you be in/on?
Like I said, we will be in a tandem and a solo kevlar with three "old guys" . At least we all have grey hair. Old is a state of mind.
If we have a specific destination, I can let you know on your email.
Enjoy!"


Thank you for confirming.
I'm likely to put up camp in Friday Bay, if I can find a decent site, before the 20th & I'll plan on being there for the week. I'll send you an email on/before the 20th if i have a spot.
I'll have an American flag out in front of my camp during the day & I have a wenonah encounter solo canoe, green pfd.



Heading for Ashigan tomorrow morning. Playing the packing game tonight haha.
 
07/08/2022 09:16PM  
we'll possibly be in that area around by Wed or Thursday. I see if we can find you.
Do you prefer scotch or whiskey? and I'm still considering cigars.
Or none of the above
Keep on top of the water!
 
Grandma L
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07/10/2022 02:06PM  
Received a message from John:
7/9/22 on Ashigan middle site - North side #1212
 
Grandma L
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07/25/2022 02:31PM  
7/22/22 Message from John - is on site 1907 - Hatchet Lake south side middle
 
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Listening Point - General Discussion Sponsor:
Cliff Wold's Outfitting Co.