I have a week off the third week of August and am looking at doing a solo for the first time. Any suggestions for a route off the Gunflint Trail? I am going to pack light, but will still be double portaging. I have been looking at the Thunder Point Loop out of Seagull, but worry it will be too ambitious for a 5 day solo. Thoughts?

Leinie

I don't know your area but am planning my first solo - also 5 days but out of Beaverhouse in Q in September - and was convinced to do a loop that could easily be cut short - a means to "bail out" if necessary - instead of the point to point I had planned. Made sense. I have lots of options in my current plan.

My advice is to not plan too aggressive a trip for a first solo. Solos are more work, so be conservative in trip planning. This will also allow you to be more flexible.

if your new to paddling solo make sure you realize that there is some big water in that loop, especially sag. sag is not a lake to be taken lightly.

Go light. Think hard about bringing luxuries like a folding stool or small axe or hatchet. Portaging can get exhausting if you overpack.

Do you have a layover day anywhere. I'm not a basecamper, but a layover day can be nice and could be used like on big Sag if you were wind bound for a day. Your smart not to go longer as food gets to be an issue. I have three Bear Vaults and I'll still have to hang food for a few days on my trip. Part of that is 18 days of dog food.

Be safe and make good choices out there...

I adjusted my route so if all went to heck, I could base camp a few portages form entry. I also have an option for a longer route if things go well. I figure by night two of 5 I'll have a pretty good idea of which way to go - forward or back.

I would suggest doing something that involves Sawbill lake. Have an outfitter drop you off at Kawishiwi #37 and work your way back to Sawbill. There's 2 routes possible (long one and short one) on this route. If you opt for the short route I recommend you stay your last night on Ella Lake. Nice small lake with high bluffs surrounding. Just be careful entering at the portage in point on Ella. It's a bit steep but rewarding.

Or you could have them drop you off at Baker lake #39 and go up through Cherokee lake back down to Sawbill (a tougher route) but this is a nice area to explore. Just be prepared to portage over beaver dams on the first day so include them in the time travel estimates.