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Listening Point - General Discussion

Kanoes Hunter Island Journey Tracker

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bojibob

09/07/2011 05:45PM

As Jan (Kanoes) heads out tomorrow I will be receiving his spot reports and posting them here in this thread. Jan will not be the first or the last to complete this but we all have to admire him for his adventure and courage to do this.

Some more information about The Hunter Island Loop:

Jan will be traveling counter clockwise around the core of Quetico Park with the ultimate goal of circumnavigating its entirety...and if that isn't enough... he will do alone as a solo canoeist.

The Track Marks on the Map in Red show his intended path:

More From Wiki:

Geography: Hunter Island is bounded to the south by Ottertrack, Knife, and Basswood Lakes on the international US/Canada border, to the east by Lake Saganaga, to the north by Lakes Kawnipi and Sturgeon, and on the west by the Maligne River. With the Saganaga-Maligne drainage to the east and north and the Basswood drainage to the south and west, Hunter Island can be thought of as a peninsula connected to the United States across the 90-rod (450 m) Monument Portage between Swamp and Ottertrack Lakes. The "island" is approximately 45 miles (72 km) across at its maximum east/west extent and about 32 miles (51 km) north to south.

History: Very early French map of the region indicates Iles des Chasseurs ("Isles of the Hunters") for the area now called Hunter Island. In the 1890s, the Hunter Island region was the focus of a boundary dispute between the US and Canada, owing to the millions of tons of iron ore in the area. The controversy was settled in favor of Canada.

Canoeing: A canoe loop circumnavigating Hunter Island measures over 200 miles (320 km) and normally takes at least twelve days to complete. It passes through some of the busiest access points to the park and wilderness areas as well as many notable natural and historical features.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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bojibob

09/07/2011 05:56PM

I spoke to Jan a few minutes ago and he had stopped by Mike's Liquor and picked up some Schells Oktoberfest to enjoy on the dock at Williams and Hall. He is confident, totally pumped and ready for the journey.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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bojibob

09/07/2011 07:30PM

Sep 7 - Moose Lake, MN

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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JoeWilderness

09/07/2011 07:44PM

Thanks for doing this Rob.

"You only have one chance at life, so make it an adventure!"

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mocha

09/07/2011 08:41PM

thanks Boji, very excited for Jan to do this trip he's wanted to do for awhile. looking forward to the updates.

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Hawbakers

09/07/2011 09:26PM

Amazing! How neat! Thanks, I for one will be checking in daily!

We have been on several trips covering some of the Hunter's Island route but have never done the entire route. Did a three week trip up to Sturgeon and Russell many years ago, but came down through Agnes and Bailey Bay.

Good for Jan! Can't wait to meet him and hear about his journey at Wingnite!

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Kevlar

09/07/2011 09:47PM

Back in about 1995 I met the Canadian ranger who held the record for circling Hunter's Island the fastest. At the time we were on Crooked Lake, and he was scouting the route, preparing to attempt to break his own record. At the time he was about two years from retirement, in his early 60s. His record was something like 28 hours, nonstop. Imagine finding your way in the dark, running rapids, finding portages.

Jan ought to have a good time...he's not racing the clock.

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mc2mens

09/07/2011 09:49PM

Thanks for the information on Hunters Island Rob. I am in awe of the trip Jan is about to do by himself.

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serenityseeker

09/07/2011 10:10PM

quote Kevlar: "Back in about 1995 I met the Canadian ranger who held the record for circling Hunter's Island the fastest. At the time we were on Crooked Lake, and he was scouting the route, preparing to attempt to break his own record. At the time he was about two years from retirement, in his early 60s. His record was something like 28 hours, nonstop. Imagine finding your way in the dark, running rapids, finding portages.

Jan ought to have a good time...he's not racing the clock."

no thank you. I'm on vacation. impressive but no thank you.

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BWPaddler

09/07/2011 10:17PM

Thanks for the details, it will be fun to follow his journey. I like the pace he's setting much better than the race, but the record time was amazing.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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ryebread26

09/07/2011 10:29PM

sounds like a great adventure!

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wetcanoedog

09/07/2011 11:15PM

having read Jan's posts and meeting him at a couple Wing Nights i can almost see him out on the canoe path.when he gets back i'll bet we see a "new and improved" Kanoes..no joke..

it's just a level trail thru the woods.

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Kendra

09/08/2011 06:08AM

Thanks for doing this for all of us and jan. I like the way jan is tackling this adventure As he told me once " It's a trip of a lifetime."

Just think of the scenery you would miss if you paddled at night racing!

boji-So bummed I missed you guys the other night. :(

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Grumpy

09/08/2011 06:34AM

Way to go Jan! I have to hand it to all of you that take on solo trips. It is one thing that I never plan on doing. I like to share my experiences. I wish him well!

SEMPER FI

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SevenofNine

09/08/2011 07:51AM

Thanks Rob, the map really puts it in perspective as to what Jan is trying to accomplish.

The best part of this journey here is further knowing yourself - Alan Kay

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mooseplums

09/08/2011 08:13AM

thanks Rob....I so wish I was joining him.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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fitgers1

09/08/2011 08:16AM

Thanks for keeping us updated with the posts Rob. I will be watching and reading daily!
Wish I was there doing the route with him. A good goal to set for myself.

The ranger that did it in 24 hours must have, had to have had done it on a full moon night. That probably would make it pretty easy if one was familiar with the area.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Ralph Waldo Emerson...and...“Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".

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ferris24

09/08/2011 09:34AM

Thanks Bert. Will be watching

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”

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Hawbakers

09/08/2011 12:22PM

quote fitgers1: "Thanks for keeping us updated with the posts Rob. I will be watching and reading daily!
Wish I was there doing the route with him. A good goal to set for myself.

The ranger that did it in 24 hours must have, had to have had done it on a full moon night. That probably would make it pretty easy if one was familiar with the area."

..And I suppose he didn't have much in the way of gear, eh? No tent required, no 50 lb food pack, etc., etc.

Still, impressive.

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Hawbakers

09/08/2011 12:26PM

Hi Bojibob. I was wondering how the Spot reports work. Is it like a GPS locator or does Jan have to 'send' you a report of his location?
Just curious. Sure is amazing what some if this technology can do.

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bojibob

09/08/2011 12:55PM

quote Hawbakers: "Hi Bojibob. I was wondering how the Spot reports work. Is it like a GPS locator or does Jan have to 'send' you a report of his location?
Just curious. Sure is amazing what some if this technology can do."

Karen the SPOT has 3 functions. Jan will execute these functions as required or when he reaches his final destination for the night.

911: Which sends a signal to SAR (Search And Rescue)with his GPS location. Everyone else on his predetermined notice list will also receive an email and/or a text message.

HELP: This is sent only to people on his predesignated list and DOES NOT got to SAR. It will show his current location via GPS. Jan has modified this to state he is OK and windbound and not moving for that reason.

OK: Again this is only sent to his predesignated list and will show his current location via GPS.

A little more information:
SPOT Tracker Functions

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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Parnell

09/08/2011 01:03PM

I Hope it goes well for you Jan :)

Tim

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bojibob

09/08/2011 02:16PM

September 8 - Knife Lake (BWCA)

GPS location Date/Time:09/08/2011 14:13:31 CDT

First report is in! According to my Memory Map Software, he did approximately 15 miles. Nice start Jan!

Current Location: Knife Lake (BWCA)

Todays estimated Mileage is 15 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 15 Miles.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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nojobro

09/08/2011 02:21PM

This type of technology seems so "anti-Jan." ;-)

Rob, I like the mileage report. Keep it coming.

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nojobro

09/08/2011 02:23PM

I wonder if he also took along his PLB?

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bojibob

09/08/2011 02:25PM

Nola,

You are so right this is "anti-jan" and Yes he does have his PLB.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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Kendra

09/08/2011 02:27PM

quote nojobro: "I wonder if he also took along his PLB?"

My guess is yes. We've chatted about this piece of gear and he's pretty attached to it.

Yea Jan! Nice first day!

He sure has a lot of cheerleaders around here!

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jb in the wild

09/08/2011 02:55PM

You go boy your making great time you'll be done in a week. Better slow down or you'll be back at work early.

JB

You can't explain the obvious to the ignorant.

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rlhedlund

09/08/2011 04:26PM

what a great adventure!

Life is Good, Living is Better. Everlasting Life is Best! Pray for Us Amok.

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AndySG

09/08/2011 04:33PM

The Spot may be "anti-Jan," but he does have a wife who (I think) worries about him, and his sense of sharing with this BWCA community is strong. So thanks Kanoes for taking the Spot to keep Mrs. Kanoes from worrying, and letting us follow along on this epic trip. :-)

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Savage Voyageur

09/08/2011 05:02PM

Thanks for setting this up Rob, cool to watch his progress.

"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD

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BWPaddler

09/08/2011 05:18PM

I am so envious of all he will be seeing! I hope this weather keeps up for him. Amazing pace actually, fantastic first leg Jan!

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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RainGearRight

09/08/2011 08:59PM

Nice! Is there a way to see his spot-to-spot route or is that when the SPOT is in tracker mode?

There's always money in the banana stand.

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mc2mens

09/08/2011 09:06PM

quote AndySG: "The Spot may be "anti-Jan," but he does have a wife who (I think) worries about him, and his sense of sharing with this BWCA community is strong. So thanks Kanoes for taking the Spot to keep Mrs. Kanoes from worrying, and letting us follow along on this epic trip. :-)"

Yes - I think Mrs. Kanoes appreciates it. Me too.

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fitgers1

09/08/2011 09:25PM

Outstanding push through to start the trip Jan! Should give him more time to stop and smell the pines after a few days I think. Thanks again Rob. Yes, please keep the mileage coming. That makes it more interesting than just seeing a dot on the map.

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Boppa

09/08/2011 09:34PM

Rob,
Thanks for doing this. I will look at this thread when we exit, I am pleased you had him take it with him.
Boppa

"Yesterday is the past, Tomorrow is the future, Today is a GIFT, that is why it is called the present".

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Trix

09/08/2011 11:20PM

Thanks Rob, for keeping tabs on our beloved Jan. He is making some good time. Hope he can keep up that pace. Altho, I do hope he does slow down some & enjoy some down time too.

Go Jan! We & AmOK are all with you!

C-H-A-L-L-E-N-G-E: Do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do.

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SunCatcher

09/09/2011 06:25AM

I am very Happy for Jan! He deserve's this trip, and has been dreaming about it for quite some time. He picked a great time to go, and wishing him the best. Thanks for the update's Boji!
SunCatcher

"WWJD"

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boonie

09/09/2011 11:05AM

Well, if he's going to do it in 14 days and it's 200 miles, he'll need to average 15 miles per day. That also means the ranger who did it in 28 hours averaged over 7 mph!

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bojibob

09/09/2011 12:45PM

September 9 - Saganaga (BWCA)

GPS location Date/Time:09/09/2011 12:41:04 CDT

It appears Jan is holding up in the BWCA and will enter Cache Bay in the morning to get his Quetico Permit at the Cache Bay Ranger Station.

His current location is BWCA Campsite CO337 on Saganaga Lake.

Todays estimated Mileage is 8.5 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 23.5 Miles.

Other Comments:

The weather has been excellent for him and should hold through the weekend. My estimate is he will probably get into the Falls Chain/Kenny Lake Area tomorrow and then tackle long Lake Kawnipi on Sunday.

Quetico Weather

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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nojobro

09/09/2011 01:25PM

Boji, thanks for the detailed info. I haven't been to any of these areas so your comments are helpful. I will probably pay more attention to his trip based on that; if it were just a dot on the map in an area I am not familiar with, I'd get bored. ;-)

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Banksiana

09/09/2011 02:58PM

FTI The hunter island "record" is held by Dan Litchfield and Steve Park, both from Ely- with a time of a little over 28 hours.

Nobody exists on purpose, nobody belongs anywhere, everybody’s going to die.

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AndySG

09/09/2011 02:59PM

Nice Boji. Even though I may not comment, I'll be following this thread closely. Thanks for doing this for us.

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Divainthewild

09/09/2011 03:21PM

Yes - totally appreciated! This is one of my dream trips (Lucky Jan) so it's fun to watch. Too bad I wont be able to watch come Monday....

WhoooHooooo!!!!! We will wave at Doll Face when we get camp set up.

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serenityseeker

09/09/2011 07:17PM

Hope Jan brought his long johns and cold weather sleeping bag. it looks like its going to get a bit chilly

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mocha

09/09/2011 07:25PM

that temp is called "good sleepin' weather"

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Divainthewild

09/09/2011 07:56PM

Lower 30's is gettin' brisk.....Did I hear snow possibilities on Wednesday?

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BWPaddler

09/10/2011 12:57AM

quote nojobro: "Boji, thanks for the detailed info. I haven't been to any of these areas so your comments are helpful. I will probably pay more attention to his trip based on that; if it were just a dot on the map in an area I am not familiar with, I'd get bored. ;-) "

+1 !!

Question - does Jan have to re-enter the BW on a certain day with a new permit when he gets all the way around to 9pm on the "clock"?

When you look at the modern day maps - it's amazing to me that people ever thought that was an "island" and were able to string the water bodies together to define it...

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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Frenchy

09/10/2011 04:51AM

Thanks for the updates.

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bojibob

09/10/2011 02:58PM

Question - does Jan have to re-enter the BW on a certain day with a new permit when he gets all the way around to 9pm on the "clock"?
"

Technically YES, he will have a BWCA Camping permit with a Canadian Entry with a specific date. But, who is going to know if he misses it by a day either way. I can't see anyone busting him for this effort.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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bojibob

09/10/2011 04:53PM

September 10 - Sidney Lake (Quetico)

GPS location Date/Time:09/10/2011 16:23:40 CDT

Current Location: Sidney Lake, Quetico

Todays estimated Mileage is 14.0 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 37.5 Miles.

Jan has had an excellent day! Another 14 miles logged. He had to stop in Cache Bay of Saganaga Lake to get his Quetico permit and then he traveled up to Silver Falls and onto Saganagons Lake. He worked his way through the first half of the Falls Chain (Four Falls & Bald Rock Falls) and is perfectly positioned on Sidney Lake for tomorrows run through the rest of the Falls Chain (Little Falls, Koko Falls, Canyon and Kennabas Falls) and then the long run up Kawnipi.

If you want to see what Jan has seen today and will see tomorrow, please take a look at Tom Pinkerton's Quetico Solo Trip report that has excellent pictures and videos of the area. (Days 6 through 9) Kudo's to Tom for a excellent report!

Tom Pinkerton's Quetico Solo (Falls Chain and Kawnipi)

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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BWPaddler

09/10/2011 07:57PM

Awesome map!!!

amazing pics - worth a look at the trip report

yay jan!!

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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ferris24

09/11/2011 10:12AM

Rob great reports. Thanks.

Kanoes safe travels

Families and USA prayers for 9-11 victims.

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”

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pswith5

09/11/2011 12:09PM

I know we can't respond to Jan on his SPOT device, so I am looking for a pilot to volunteer to do a sky writing run over his position. Something like "we're with you in spirit! You Rock!!". Of course, those explanation points are tough to do.

Without the bad times, the good times wouldn't seem so good.

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Divainthewild

09/11/2011 12:24PM

Pete - just have your pilot write: "Hi Doll Face" He will definitely know it's from us!

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billconner

09/11/2011 12:27PM

Sorry for late response to first post but just got back. I believe the Chrismar map states the Hunter's Island route is up the Man Chain, not the border. What do other sources suggest? Not a lot of difference nor significant, but interesting. Here for instance is a source citing the Man Chain. What does Beymer or Callan say in their books?

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sst6313

09/11/2011 12:34PM

I know he is having an amazing time sigh...

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

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nojobro

09/11/2011 01:02PM

quote sst6313: "I know he is having an amazing time sigh..."

Exactly what I was just thinking. I'm jonesing for a trip so much, it's almost like when I was yearning to have my babies. (gee, the way one of them is acting today....what was I thinking?!! LOL).

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mooseplums

09/11/2011 03:39PM

Awesome....wish i were there..Go buddy!

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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bojibob

09/11/2011 05:11PM

September 11 - Kawnipi Lake (North), Quetico

GPS location Date/Time:09/11/2011 16:52:39 CDT

Current Location: Kawnipi Lake (North) Quetico

Today's estimated Mileage is 16.5 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 54 Miles.

Jan had his best day so far kicking it 16.5 miles!

He is camping in a very beautiful spot with a beautiful set of rapids close by that I remember my 1978 crew camping next too and taking a few attempts at running them.

Tomorrow he will head into the Poets Chain of Lakes (Shelley, Keats, McDougal, Chatterton & Russell Lakes) and possibly into gigantic Sturgeon Lake.

He is also looking at very unfavorable weather over the next couple of days. I don't expect he will do many double digit miles for a few days, but will slowly move as safely as he can.

Quetico Weather Forecast

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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bellolake

09/11/2011 06:30PM

I visited with Jan just before he left Ely on Wednesday. He was pretty excited to get on the water the next day.

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Basspro69

09/11/2011 08:20PM

I hope your having a great trip jan !!!

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein. WWJD

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Merganser

09/11/2011 08:42PM

We are going on a 4 day trip (enter Thurdsay) and I wasn't thrilled about the forcast low of 30... 8 brrrr

"That sort of thing is my bag baby."

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nctry

09/11/2011 08:54PM

quote Merganser: "We are going on a 4 day trip (enter Thurdsay) and I wasn't thrilled about the forcast low of 30... 8 brrrr"

Well, I'm coming to Apple Valley... well Farmington anyways and it's going to be 80+ I suspect tomorrow. Kind of warm for this time of year. :)

Dress warm this weekend and you'll be fine. Nothing like a nice crisp fall trip... Always gets me pumped for next year.

Go Jan Go!

Nctry

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fitgers1

09/11/2011 09:07PM

I don't know for sure but it looks like he is making good time for the time allotted. Paddle on Jan!

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serenityseeker

09/11/2011 10:09PM

wow at this rate it won't take 12 days or whatever it was supposed to. isn't he almost at a halfway point??? sure seems so.

Safe and fabulous continued journey my friend.

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BWPaddler

09/12/2011 09:00AM

Woohoo!!!

boji - what are the red flags in your map image?

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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ripple

09/12/2011 09:24AM

I hope he is eating enough calories since he is cranking his paddling at this rate.

What an amazing experience this has got to be!!

Stay safe Jan!!

Ripple in still water....

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Jackfish

Moderator

09/12/2011 03:55PM

I'm loving this thread thoroughly. It's giving me inspiration to do my first solo. Way to go, Jan! Looking forward to hearing about the trip.

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir

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mc2mens

09/12/2011 04:05PM

Has he caught any fish yet? :->

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Kiporby

09/12/2011 04:50PM

He is windbound on Russell Lake. Big water there. Good thing is that he's done portaging until he hits the Maligne River.

He should slow down and smell the roses. 5 days into the trip and he's almost halfway done.

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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mooseplums

09/12/2011 04:54PM

Russell can be a windy one.....Kip and I got across with a more easterly wind, and had to duck behind that big island. Time to rest Jan....

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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mooseplums

09/12/2011 04:56PM

quote Kiporby: "He is windbound on Russell Lake. Big water there. Good thing is that he's done portaging until he hits the Maligne River.

He should slow down and smell the roses. 5 days into the trip and he's almost halfway done."

Why Dan? We didn't smell the roses.....we probably could have done the Hunter Island loop in 8 days the way we were cruisin. :)

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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bojibob

09/12/2011 05:00PM

September 12 - Russell Lake (Quetico)

GPS location Date/Time:09/12/2011 14:14:34 CDT

Current Location: Russell Lake, Quetico

Today's estimated Mileage is 8.5 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 62.5 Miles.

Jan got see Snake Falls, Split Rock Falls and Chatterton falls today.

As Kip stated Jan is windbound and the weather is going to be cold, windy and rainy for the next 48-72 hours.

Quetico Weather

FYI: I'm travelling for the next three days and my updates may not be as prompt.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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johno

09/12/2011 05:57PM

My buddies and I were leaving Quetico Saturday morning, September 10th, and ran into Jan at the Cache Bay ranger station. We chatted with him quite awhile and he was in great spirits and looking forward to the rest of his trip.

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BWPaddler

09/12/2011 08:43PM

Well, the weather might give him time to journal, but that cold wind stinks - I bet he's glad he made time when he did.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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JoeWilderness

09/12/2011 10:33PM

Bump.

"You only have one chance at life, so make it an adventure!"

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LoneWolf

09/12/2011 10:42PM

Cool, I know that exact area and camp by Chatterton Falls. I was up through there for two trips about 35 years ago. The second year I was almost swept over the falls by being a dopey teenager.

"You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack." - Alan Garner, The Hangover.

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rlhedlund

09/12/2011 11:11PM

Just way cool!

Life is Good, Living is Better. Everlasting Life is Best! Pray for Us Amok.

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Kiporby

09/13/2011 12:46PM

Jan is till stuck on russell lake. Just got his ping.

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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mooseplums

09/13/2011 01:16PM

quote Kiporby: "Jan is till stuck on russell lake. Just got his ping.
"

I thought it looked like he is on the big long beach campsite on Sturgeon Lake.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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mooseplums

09/13/2011 01:18PM

yup just checked again....Sturgeon Lake

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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ferris24

09/13/2011 01:27PM

Bojibob has asked me to supply this information. Sounds like Kanoes is in a holding pattern due to wind. Hope tomorrow is better.

jan and kanoes excellent adventure
Latitude:48.45697
Longitude:-91.63397
GPS location Date/Time:09/13/2011 12:21:57 CDT

Message:im windbound. :(

Click the link below to see where I am located.
http://fms.ws/5yzfW/48.45697N/91.63397W

If the above link does not work, try this link:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.45697,-91.63397&ll=48.45697,-91.63397&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”

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Kiporby

09/13/2011 02:37PM

quote mooseplums: "yup just checked again....Sturgeon Lake"

Yes, you are correct Brad. Wonder if the moose antler is still there? Well, at least he has plenty of room for his tent and about 3 fire pits to choose from.

I was looking from my phone earlier and couldn't tell so well, where he was.

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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mooseplums

09/13/2011 02:46PM

quote Kiporby: "
quote mooseplums: "yup just checked again....Sturgeon Lake"

Yes, you are correct Brad. Wonder if the moose antler is still there? Well, at least he has plenty of room for his tent and about 3 fire pits to choose from.

I was looking from my phone earlier and couldn't tell so well, where he was."

Maybe he has company.....big site to share.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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Soledad

09/13/2011 03:42PM

What an interesting trip, I bet he can see that smoke and has no idea how big that fire is. What a cool time to be in that part of the BWCA and Quetico.
Go Jan!

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bojibob

09/13/2011 05:49PM

Thanks for the assist Ferris (Mark)

I'm in the land of Palms and Sand.

September 13 - Sturgeon Lake, Quetico

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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crumpman

09/13/2011 08:45PM

How to know that Kanoes is really on this trip? There is a Taj3 thread on the gear board and he has not commented on it. No way he could pass that up.

"Fine figure of a man, yes?" Jeremiah Johnson

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Jackfish

Moderator

09/13/2011 10:25PM

So Jan is windbound on Sturgeon. I don't doubt that a bit because I'm at a fishing lodge in the middle of Lake of the Woods right now and it's windier than windy, plus rain. No way would anyone want to be in a canoe on a big lake like Sturgeon in this stuff. Hopefully it calms down for him tomorrow.

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir

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mooseplums

09/14/2011 09:10AM

Jan didn't get very far from yesterday but the day is young, and there are supposed to be lighter winds today. Maybe he'll get off Sturgeon.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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BWPaddler

09/14/2011 10:13AM

quote crumpman: "How to know that Kanoes is really on this trip? There is a Taj3 thread on the gear board and he has not commented on it. No way he could pass that up."

hahaha too true

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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mooseplums

09/14/2011 04:42PM

Last update...Jan is near the mouth of the Maligne River. I was there in 2006....too bad he doesn't fish, there are lots of walleyes there.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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Ho Ho

09/14/2011 07:49PM

quote bojibob: " September 10 - Sidney Lake (Quetico)

GPS location Date/Time:09/10/2011 16:23:40 CDT

Current Location: Sidney Lake, Quetico

Todays estimated Mileage is 14.0 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 37.5 Miles.

Jan has had an excellent day! Another 14 miles logged. He had to stop in Cache Bay of Saganaga Lake to get his Quetico permit and then he traveled up to Silver Falls and onto Saganagons Lake. He worked his way through the first half of the Falls Chain (Four Falls & Bald Rock Falls) and is perfectly positioned on Sidney Lake for tomorrows run through the rest of the Falls Chain (Little Falls, Koko Falls, Canyon and Kennabas Falls) and then the long run up Kawnipi."

David and I ran into Kanoes on the Falls Chain that day (Saturday) on the first portage going downstream from Saganagons. As we were going upstream, it was our last portage for the day. :-) We figured he would camp on Sidney Lake as it was already well into the afternoon when we saw him.

Fastforwarding - The winds from the west-southwest (yesterday) and west-northwest (today) were brutal, it was a hard paddle out for us (on the Man Chain to Moose), I hope Kanoes and everyone else out in the wild is playing it safe.

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Kiporby

09/14/2011 08:54PM

Here is Jan's progress for today. Like Mooseplums said, he did not get very far today. Appears he was forced to stop by the wind at an island for a time in the morning and then made it to the start of the Maligne River later in the afternoon.

Sturgeon Lake, 0900

Sturgeon Lake, 1200

Maligne River, 1530

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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Jackfish

Moderator

09/15/2011 08:48AM

What a great trip! Can't wait to hear about everything.

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." ~ John Muir

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BWPaddler

09/15/2011 09:03AM

+1 Jackfish... I am realllllly looking forward to the stories and the pics.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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wetcanoedog

09/15/2011 11:49AM

i feel like i'm following one of the 1960's trips to the Moon!!
"how far out are they!!is everything still A-OK!!!"...

it's just a level trail thru the woods.

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sleepnbag

09/15/2011 11:56AM

quote wetcanoedog: "
I feel like I'm following one of the 1960's trips to the Moon!!
"how far out are they!!is everything still A-OK!!!"..."

10-4 that.

Even when he's gone, we can't get rid of him! LOL!
:•)

Wonder if Jan and Kanoes are arguing with eachother a lot? :)

"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105

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BearWhoSwims

09/15/2011 12:27PM

This is a pretty cool thread and it sure is interesting to follow.
Cant wait to hear first hand reports when its over.

While some delve deep in mustie books in quest of learning rare, Ye wise folk walk by trees and brooks and gain of wisdom there.

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pswith5

09/15/2011 12:42PM

quote wetcanoedog: "
i feel like i'm following one of the 1960's trips to the Moon!! "How far out are they? Is everything still A-OK???"..."

Maybe this trip is a conspiracy! Jan never went up north. Him and Boji sitting around drinking beer in their uinderwear making this stuff up!

Without the bad times, the good times wouldn't seem so good.

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ktoivola

09/15/2011 01:08PM

Thanks for posting this! Go Jan

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wetcanoedog

09/15/2011 06:57PM

ps..i like the conspiracy angle..lets claim all the photos he takes look like set-ups done in his yard!!..
really,this is quite a adventure--

it's just a level trail thru the woods.

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Kiporby

09/15/2011 08:17PM

Jan successfully navigated the Maligne River today and now is on LLC.

Kanoes on Lac La Croix!!

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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LoneWolf

09/15/2011 08:29PM

He covered a lot of ground today. He's make some pretty good time.

"You guys might not know this, but I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack." - Alan Garner, The Hangover.

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mocha

09/15/2011 09:40PM

holy cow! he must have run most of the rapids!

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BWPaddler

09/16/2011 12:45PM

I cannot imagine the catching up he will need to do on all this fire information - how lucky that his big trip was well north of it all... Hopefully his planned exit is still possible when he gets there too.

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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bojibob

09/16/2011 02:14PM

I have been out of town and wanted to update the Maps and Mileage:

September 13 - Sturgeon Lake

GPS location Date/Time:09/13/2011 12:21:57 CDT

Today's estimated Mileage is 8.5 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 71.0 Miles.

September 14 - Surgeon Lake (West)

GPS location Date/Time:09/14/2011 15:32:11 CDT

Today's estimated Mileage is 7.0 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 78.0 Miles.

September 15 - Lac La Croix

GPS location Date/Time:09/15/2011 17:31:39 CDT

Today's estimated Mileage is 17.8 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 95.8 Miles.

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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mooseplums

09/16/2011 03:38PM

Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake....I wonder how he liked Bottle Portage,Rebecca, and Curtain Falls....I don't think he's ever seen either one.

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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bojibob

09/16/2011 03:40PM

September 16 - Crooked Lake (Sunday Bay) BWCA

GPS location Date/Time:09/16/2011 15:35:03 CDT

Like General Patton he is going so fast I can't keep him on one map!

Today's estimated Mileage is 15.7 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 111.5 Miles.

He had a real interesting day. He got to see the pictos on Lac La Croix and Rebecca and Curtain Falls. (You can see those in the video I took a few weeks ago Here)

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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AndySG

09/16/2011 08:10PM

WOW! Jan is the MAN! He is really bookin'.

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Basspro69

09/16/2011 09:32PM

quote AndySG: "WOW! Jan is the MAN! He is really bookin'."

Yes he is, trying to make it to wing nite on time.

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein. WWJD

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Grumpy

09/17/2011 12:01AM

I cannot wait to talk to him at Wing-Night!

SEMPER FI

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sst6313

09/17/2011 03:04AM

quote pswith5: "
quote wetcanoedog: "
i feel like i'm following one of the 1960's trips to the Moon!! "How far out are they? Is everything still A-OK???"..."

Maybe this trip is a conspiracy! Jan never went up north. Him and Boji sitting around drinking beer in their uinderwear making this stuff up! "

Maybe Everclear to make it seem more realistic!

Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

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fitgers1

09/17/2011 08:59AM

Go Jan Go! Definitely looking forward to the story at wing night.

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Savage Voyageur

09/17/2011 09:29AM

Wow he is making great time. I'm sure he has some great stories.

"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD

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bojibob

09/17/2011 03:37PM

September 17 _ Crooked Lake (East) BWCA

GPS location Date/Time:09/17/2011 15:33:11 CDT

Today's estimated Mileage is 15.0 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 126.5 Miles.

Jan is on the home stretch, he is down near Lower Basswood Falls and depending on weather and wind could be out tomorrow or Monday.

Rock On Dude!

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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ripple

09/17/2011 03:52PM

I am so glad he contunes to be safe and is making his dream trip happen so well!

Ripple in still water....

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nctry

09/17/2011 05:11PM

Has he rested at all? He may have to if the winds on Basswood are too much. I hate being windbound at the end of a trip. Being that close I'll bet he's ready to come home... I'm sure he misses us... :)

Nctry

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Kiporby

09/17/2011 05:31PM

Misses us? Nah, when you are in the bush that long, only one thing is on your mind. And it doesn't involve us. ;)

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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SunCatcher

09/17/2011 08:35PM

This is fun watching all this unfold, thanks a bunch boji for sharing.
SunCatcher

"WWJD"

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Basspro69

09/18/2011 12:56AM

quote Kiporby: "Misses us? Nah, when you are in the bush that long, only one thing is on your mind. And it doesn't involve us. ;)"

LOL Is it flossing your teeth or clipin your nails is that what you meant Kip :-)

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein. WWJD

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Hawbakers

09/18/2011 07:10AM

quote Kiporby: "Misses us? Nah, when you are in the bush that long, only one thing is on your mind. And it doesn't involve us. ;)"

LOL I usually spend 10 - 12 days in the bush and I'd have to agree. I know the first thing I want to do is get a shower!

We always wonder what happened in the world while we were out of touch. It will be interesting to say the least to hear what's been going on with Jan. We will all be waiting in anticipation to hear his tale!

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Kiporby

09/18/2011 08:36AM

quote Basspro69: "
quote Kiporby: "Misses us? Nah, when you are in the bush that long, only one thing is on your mind. And it doesn't involve us. ;)"
LOL Is it flossing your teeth or clipin your nails is that what you meant Kip :-)"

Probably a wise move before he puts on the moves! Haha.

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

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mocha

09/18/2011 02:10PM

is he out yet?

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bojibob

09/18/2011 03:47PM

September 18 - Basswood Lake (BWCA)

GPS location Date/Time:09/18/2011 15:08:50 CDT

Today's estimated Mileage is 6.5 Miles.
Trip to Date Mileage is 133.0 Miles.

Comments: Jan had a day of long portages and is now on Basswood Lake.
I also think he probably had a little wind issues today. Just a guess but it looks like he is probably going to come in via Wind Bay/Wind Lake into Moose Tomorrow. I think the issue of Fires in the vicinity of Prairie Portage (Quetico) have an impact on this route.

He should be out tomorrow with 14-15 miles left.

Wow, an epic lifetime memory for him I'm sure!

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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mocha

09/18/2011 04:38PM

whoo hoo!!! so excited for him.

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TomT

09/18/2011 04:51PM

On Sept 10th I was on Basswood around Washington island and came out to Moose Lake through Wind Bay. It was very smoky on Basswood that day. It made navigating through the islands difficult.

Here's a pic from the 10th on Basswood.

"Life is not about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." --- George Bernard Shaw

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fitgers1

09/18/2011 07:07PM

Thanks again for the updates Rob. An epic journey for sure! I'm looking forward to his report. Should be long and hopefully no bad bear stories.
Way to go Jan!

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Savage Voyageur

09/18/2011 07:36PM

Yes thanks for the daily updates. Way to go Jan, woohoo.

"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD

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Kendra

09/18/2011 07:44PM

I'm not sure about all of you but I kinda missed him here. Can't wait to have him back and hear his story and all the details. What a great trip to check of the old bucket list! Yeah Jan!!

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rookie in 03

09/18/2011 07:49PM

Rob, thank you for doing this, and Jan for allowing the technolgy to be shared. What a great way to keep track of a friend and share his journey.

rookie in 03

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mooseplums

09/18/2011 08:05PM

Very cool....that's on my bucket list

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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ducks

09/18/2011 08:25PM

Go get em tomorrow kanoes. Can't wait to read the trip report. Thanks for the updates bojibob.

Ride EZ

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serenityseeker

09/18/2011 09:03PM

thanks for all the updates!! its been a blast keeping track of where he is on a current day!!

Kanoes, welcome back to civilization tomorrow(or maybe the next). Hope you had a great trip!!

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HighPlainsDrifter

09/18/2011 09:42PM

Jan
I have been watching this thread and hoping the best for you
what a trip...... physically and mentally, wow
congrats in advance of your arrival
joe

"Boredom, Tyler - that's what's wrong. And how do you beat boredom, Tyler?... Adventure...(Never Cry Wolf, 1983)

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dicecupmaker

09/18/2011 09:54PM

That dog can hunt!!!!

Joy is a great teacher, but so is dispair. Wonder is a great teacher, but so is confusion. Hope is a great teacher, but so is disillusionment. And life is a great teacher, but so is death. To deny yourself any of those in any aspect is not experiencing life totally.

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bojibob

09/19/2011 04:25PM

Waiting....

Kanoes this is Mission Control, do you read me?

Mission Control is standing by!

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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Trix

09/19/2011 04:25PM

Welcome Back Jan!

Diva & I were thinking about you while we endured some cold temps on our trip. Hopefully you kept warm. Could be, you were hoping for that bear of yours to come crawl into your tent for warmth!

Looking forward to hearing about your trip! See you at Wing Night!

C-H-A-L-L-E-N-G-E: Do not let what you cannot do, interfere with what you can do.

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Zulu

09/19/2011 04:33PM

Welcome back to civilization kanoes! Heat, cold, smoke you must have seen it all! Congratulations on such a lengthy trip. You are a canoe country ironman. See you at wingnite!

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mooseplums

09/19/2011 04:43PM

Jan you are my new hero....congrats buddy!

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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BWPaddler

09/19/2011 05:07PM

quote Kendra: "I'm not sure about all of you but I kinda missed him here. Can't wait to have him back and hear his story and all the details. What a great trip to check of the old bucket list! Yeah Jan!!"

+1. Truly an inspiration. Heckuva trip, wishing he could make it into a movie :)

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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izzy

09/19/2011 05:11PM

See you at Wing Nite my friend . That free beer I'll buy you will taste good.

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Savage Voyageur

09/19/2011 05:18PM

Good job Jan, you da man.

"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD

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PaddleIN

09/19/2011 05:56PM

Wow! Thank you for letting us be part of your trip!

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Grumpy

09/19/2011 08:04PM

Way to go Jan! You have done what many would like to do. I have to hand it to ya!

Congrats on a safe return!

SEMPER FI

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bojibob

09/19/2011 08:14PM

Jan is home safe

WELCOME HOME and Congratulations!

"One inch on the map ~ is not one inch on the ground"

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ducks

09/19/2011 08:20PM

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ride EZ

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MOgirl

09/19/2011 08:22PM

Way to go Jan! I can't wait to hear all about it....in fact I'm driving over 6 hrs so you can tell me about it at wing nite! Congrats on completing an amazing trip!

~Kristy

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kanoes

09/19/2011 08:52PM

WOW! thats all i can say right now....WOW!

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BWPaddler

09/19/2011 08:54PM

Woot! Back? Looking at chat now...

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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Camp Cook

09/19/2011 09:50PM

Welcome back Jan... the SPOT was spot on, almost felt like I was with you. Great adventure my friend.

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kanoes

09/19/2011 09:51PM

quote johno: "My buddies and I were leaving Quetico Saturday morning, September 10th, and ran into Jan at the Cache Bay ranger station. We chatted with him quite awhile and he was in great spirits and looking forward to the rest of his trip."

hi john! you actually posted! :)

was fun chatting with you guys and janice.

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wildernessfan2

09/19/2011 09:58PM

Congrats kanoes! A beautiful job well done! Oh and Thanks bojibob!

Freshwater is delicious! Saltwater not so much..

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Spartan2

09/19/2011 10:07PM

Welcome home, Jan.

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nctry

09/19/2011 10:15PM

Welcome home Jan... It was fun watching your progress. See ya at Wing Night.

Nctry

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buz

09/20/2011 07:47AM

Congrats on finishing your adventure. The spot thing was cool to watch, thanks for the enablers.

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ferris24

09/20/2011 02:23PM

Great to see your trip was a success. Am I right you found your flask Boji stashed for you?

“The greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure.”

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kanoes

05/28/2015 11:54PM

quote ferris24: "Am I right you found your flask Boji stashed for you?"

yes, its been passed off a few times now. who has it?. (just bumping a fun thread for me, feeling nostaglic) ;-)

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Savage Voyageur

05/29/2015 10:07AM

Wow has it been 4 years since your epic trip. It was fun hearing about your trip. Maybe someday, bucket list.

"So many lakes, so little time." WWJD

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Openboat

05/30/2015 01:55PM

I was about to wish you a safe journey then I saw the date. It was fun to read about it and like someone said, it's probably on someone's bucket list.

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