Here's a question I haven't seen on here, but I do apologize if it's been posted and couldn't find it in the search function :) (Yes I'm being sassy)...

This summer I'm planning to do a trip to the BWCA with a friend. We're car camping at an entry lake, and are bringing our Stand Up Paddleboards to explore the BWCA on day-trips.

While I've been paddling around the BWCA on a paddleboard before, would it be weird if we just went out to the middle of one of the lakes to jump off our paddleboards and swim around? Or just layout and suntan on them in the middle of the lake? I often see this from shore, but have never seen it just in the middle of a lake before.

Sounds so relaxing, but wonder if that would be weird.

“You don’t need permission to be weird” sounds like a nice way to spend a day.

Sounds wonderful! Go for it! (and honestly, who cares if someone thinks it is weird??) :-)

Weird? That seems pretty tame compared to when I bring Mark along! Have fun!

Dave

Not werid at all bud.

Different, but certainly not weird.

Having just spent the past several weeks by my dying father-in-law's bedside, I have a strengthened resolve of "who cares"? Time is precious; life is brief.

You're not breaking the rules, harming yourself, others or the environment. Who cares if you "look weird"?

I am evolving into an old woman who likes to paddle alone. Weird.
I like to wear crocs and knit in camp when I'm windbound. Weird.
I like to hum on the portage trail and talk to myself. Weird.

I've been called "idiotic" on this board for my views regarding dogs harming wildlife when off-leash and not under consistent voice command. To me, that's weird.

Some people travel in the BWCA with no knowledge of or interest in the wildlife, plant ID or history of the area. Again, weird.

Some people hoard permits, race across a lake to beat a family to a campsite, and leave fish remains, pistachio shells and tin foil in the fire pit. Weird and wrong.

Have fun being weird with your paddle board adventures. You won't regret it.

While a perfect lake is probably one empty of other parties, there's plenty of room for everyone and I just enjoy my day and not intrude on the enjoyment being had by others, as different as it may be from mine. Seeing you out there as I pass through would be unique but not really any different than seeing folks out fishing. What really comes through in the responses (and I agree) is that there's good weird and bad weird. Your idea is clearly good weird. Nobody likes or should have to deal with or clean up after bad weird.

Lindsey- duh! Do it!

That sounds wonderful.

Mike

Scott does it.

SUP with Scott

Doesn't sound so weird.
Remember the quote from Hunter S. Thompson (depending on your age)
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."

PaddlinMadeline: "“You don’t need permission to be weird” sounds like a nice way to spend a day."

yup.

Hi Lindsey, would you have any information on BRT campsites between Little John and the 270 overlook?

The only thing weird about it, is that you are worried about it. I've spent a great majority of life with PTSD and trust me when I say I get the whole "I'm worried what people would think of me" thing. As I struggle to let go, I hope you can do as well and enjoy yourself.

What is weird is that you thought you had to ask this question.

Poorly worded. If it’s legal and you want to do it. Just do it.

bennojr: "Hi Lindsey, would you have any information on BRT campsites between Little John and the 270 overlook?"

Yes! I highly recommend you just stay at McFarland and do that whole 12M section in 1 day. The only other site is a super crappy site called Portage Brook. It's a mudhole with a dilapidated picnic table, and tall grass. We were going to stay there and were SO grateful we stayed at McFarland instead.

Thanks everyone for chiming in! I just didn't want to write up my trip report and through comments realize I made an unspoken faux pas.

We are really looking forward to it! Maybe I'll even see a bear again! (Only time ever while I was on my SUP on a solo day trip swimming across the river I had to paddle down!)