#14 or #30? This will be my first solo. I have three nights. Four if I put in late on the 29th. I have been up the LIS a few times but only made it as far as Shell. I would be going through lynx and onto Oyster and back down the Nina Moose, walking or hitching back to 14. Otherwise I was thinking of paddling through the numbers as I've never been on this route. I'm not sure where to go once I'm there. Maybe the triangle? The fire in the area hase a touch concerned. Anyway. I'm open to all opinions as long as they are west side. What do you all think? Dates are 9/29-8/3.

I say you make your solo a group solo at the Wingnight camp-out! 9/29-10/2 : )



I have been to both EP's, not solo.

This summer was my first time on the numbered lakes. They are nice with many islands to paddle around. You would have a lot of campsite options as it won't be busy. You could go to Hudson, Fire and or Bridge from there. If you are real ambitious you could even make it to Insula. Another pretty lake. I don't recommend this route in July or Aug. Way to many people!

LIS is nice but I like to see new places and try not to repeat the lakes I've been to. Just my two cents. But Lynx, Oyster and Nina Moose would also be new to you. Right.

Either way you win because you are in the BW!

Thanks for the invite Kendra! I like the sound of Wing Night but if I don't get back to the BW this year I'll be sick all winter:). I've always wanted to see the numbers during the "off" season but the early familiarly of 14 also appeals to me since I know what up expect for the first leg. Also the smaller rivers might be better option for a first time solo paddler. I do like new water though. Call me indecisive.

The LIS through the Shell chain is good, but the portages are long. Then to have to hoof it 8 1/2 miles back to your vehicle? I think if you canswing a permit (usually not a problem in September) the numbers chain is the way to go. But Wing Night is just as fun... Only thing about Wing Night is once you go to one you'll never miss another. (Unless you have to go to your father in laws birthday party or something... Right Sunny?) /what the heck... Do it all!

If you go to the #'s chain....swing up through Fire and Bridge. It's quieter and smaller water.

It's a tough decision - advantages/disadvantages either way. Wind might be a bigger problem for a solo on the numbered lakes. If you don't mind backtracking, you could go north from 14 and back out the same way. Oyster is a really nice lake though. Another option might be a Mudro entry or something in the Isabella area - Island River, Little Isabella.

Just a heads up on the Lake One entry, there currently is a fire from the Pagami Creek area that has affected that area. I know the Lake One to Lake Two portage was impacted by a controlled burn to fight the fire. I would expect the fire to be out by the time you get up there, but there will be burn areas.

Just so you know, I did the LIS to Moose River loop in 4 days and 3 nights with a group. We were constantly on the move with little time for side trips or fishing. We were also wind bound for three hours one day. If you can single portage, you might have more downtime on a solo.

I have also done the Numbered Lakes. It is an easier route with many options for day trips, hiking and exploring. The time you are going it should be pretty well deserted.

When contemplating my first solo, I was advised by some of the seasoned soloists here to choose an easy route. That way, if I had to bail due to injury or heebie jeebies, I could exit easily. Well neither happened and now I can't wait for a more challenging solo. Baby steps before you run.

quote cowdoc: "If you go to the #'s chain....swing up through Fire and Bridge. It's quieter and smaller water."

+++

butthead

quote AndySG: "Just so you know, I did the LIS to Moose River loop in 4 days and 3 nights with a group. We were constantly on the move with little time for side trips or fishing. We were also wind bound for three hours one day. If you can single portage, you might have more downtime on a solo.


I have also done the Numbered Lakes. It is an easier route with many options for day trips, hiking and exploring. The time you are going it should be pretty well deserted.


When contemplating my first solo, I was advised by some of the seasoned soloists here to choose an easy route. That way, if I had to bail due to injury or heebie jeebies, I could exit easily. Well neither happened and now I can't wait for a more challenging solo. Baby steps before you run."

Thanks Andy, and everyone else, for your input. I decided to do the numbers and over to Hudson and Fire. I started laying out my gear and mock packing my bag. Getting pretty excited and nervious. 80/20

That trip is on my list - one of these days I'm going to do it. Enjoy the peace, quiet, and solitude. Remember the days are short then and you have to do everything yourself. Be aware and don't take chances, but otherwise...do whatever you want :). It's your trip.