New Trip Report posted by Dbldppr1250

Trip Name: Short and Sweet to Insula.

Entry Point: 30

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Great report. Insula was my first solo as well, brought back some fond memories.

Good report. It did remind me why I always bring my GPS when going to an unfamiliar area. I don't use it much, but do mark waypoints such as the EP, portages and other critical navigation points. I then have the waypoints for reference if I get turned around (or should I say when I get turned around).

Couple of thoughts -

For a solo trip of a week or less in the summer, you should be able to carry everything you need in a single pack - roughly corresponding to a #2 PLUS a separate guide pack. If the total of two packs including food weighs more than 45# - you need to review what you are taking in.

I find that solo tripping is best when you do a loop and keep moving all the time. Base camping when soloing seems boring, at least to me. I do bring challenging reading material to occupy my thoughts when at camp.

Navigation on Insula and the route leading there thru the Numbered Lakes can be confusing. I use a map, compass and a GPS all the time to minimize the times when I get 'turned around'.

It was nice to read about this as I had done it as a loop out through Snowbank 3 years ago. I stayed 4 nights on williamson and that could be my favorite campsite in the BW. The fishing off those rocks in front of camp can be quite good in the evening.

I have packed way too heavy when soloing so don't feel too bad. But no GPS for me in the BW. I enjoy the old school challenge of map and compass. Keeps you on your toes.

It sure did! I was so glad I had that compass and need to learn to trust my instincts more than I did last week!

Boy, this was a long trip for just a couple days. I can understand your getting alarmed by the weather report. Too bad you didn't get to fish around Willamson, as, judging from the comments, it's good there.

I haven't soloed for quite a while. I felt the same as you, that it's much more fulfilling to go on wilderness trips with some other people. Nevertheless, I'm thinking of doing a couple solo trips next summer (2011), so I'm reading a lot of the solo trip reports with some interest. I agree with Beemer01 that it's probably better to keep moving when on a solo trip.

I've always been able to get by with a map and compass without making too many mistakes. I'm seriously considering a GPS, however. I would like to go on a trip with someone who has one, just to see how they work. Or, I would like to get a good demonstration of one. I'm not sure what they indicate, but it would be worthwhile for me to have one, if they could show my position at all times, as I'm paddling. I'm not sure they do that. When I navigate from a map, I always keep my position in my head as I'm paddling from every point to every shoreline to every island to every narrows and bay.

I looked at your photo journal, and I didn't see any pictures of this trip. Do you have any, and are you going to post them?

Thanks for the report.

Glad you shared your story with us. I haven't done a solo trip in the bwca yet, but I am looking forward to it for next summer or fall.

Did you enjoy your trip? How long were you initially planning on staying in the bwca on your trip?

Glad you shared your story with us. I haven't done a solo trip in the bwca yet, but I am looking forward to it for next summer or fall.

Did you enjoy your trip? How long were you initially planning on staying in the bwca on your trip?

wow..you made a long drive for such a short trip,you must really love the BW.if i were you i would try another solo,say down the Moose river and then a shore line paddle of La Croix to Lady Boot Bay.no way to get confused about where you are just keep the shore to your left going in and right going out.the Moose is a busy river and no way to get lost.
your hours really got my attention,up before the sun to break camp and paddle off!.i've been on solo trips since the 80's and each one gets better until you feel like every camp could be your back yard and every lake like the local pond.don't give up on it--