BWCA Trip Report - Little Indian Sioux North Loop Solo Boundary Waters Trip Reports
Chat Rooms (0 Chatting)  |  Search  |   Login/Join
* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.
Boundary Waters Quetico Forum
   Trip Reports
      Trip Report - Little Indian Sioux North Loop Solo     

Author

Text

12/31/2012 09:59PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
New Trip Report posted by TomT

Trip Name: Little Indian Sioux North Loop Solo .

Entry Point: 14

Click Here to View Trip Report
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next
TuscaroraBorealis
distinguished member(5665)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
12/31/2012 10:29PM  
Excellent report!

As you already know, we were just a couple days ahead of you along a good portion of your route. It was extremely fascinating to read your observations of each day & see your photos knowing we were in many of those same spots just ahead of you.

The hammock had to be a little cool on a couple of those mornings? I know Ben (nctry) had a weather radio along and informed us that it had gotten down to the mid twenties that night before we met him. (I believe the 23rd?)

Also, agreed with your observations about many of the portages. I too thought the Beartrack ~ Thumb was really neat with the moss blanketing the forest floor along much of the trail. And, for only being 35 rods, you really get a lot of "bang for your buck" out of the Ge-be portage. :) We also briefly looked for the other site on Gun, with no luck.

Thanks for taking the time to share your story & the several excellent photos.
Mort
distinguished member(1396)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/01/2013 08:37AM  
A most excellent trip report TT! The pictures were superb, and I like seeing how you used your tarp and got such nice taut set ups. I was especially glad to see and hear about your hammock, since I've decided to hang on my solo in early July. Very helpful and enjoyable trip report. Thanks so much for taking the time to put it together.
bwcasolo
distinguished member(1921)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/01/2013 08:45AM  
nice report, i am so looking forward to my may solo, thanks.
01/01/2013 09:02AM  
Thanks guys. TB, it was really cool to know I was following you (after the fact) and then almost meeting up with nctry. What were the odds of the three parties all being on Finger on the same day at one time or another?

Mort - I think you're going to love it. Just don't be foolish like myself and make sure you take care of your bottom insulation correctly. It's not fun knowing you have all your clothes on that you brought and still are shivering at 5:00 AM. I remember having to constantly rub my back and arms back and forth as I lay there.




onepaddleshort
distinguished member(626)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/01/2013 09:32AM  
Great report. We were just going over possible trips for this upcoming summer yesterday and this loop is high on our list. So this report was especially interesting. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.
01/01/2013 02:06PM  
Great report Tom. It would have been fun to meet up with you, but it's funny how we met some of the same people. Stayed at the same site on Gebe in 2010. As far as the portage from Slim to Fat... I couldn't imagine going that way... I went from Fat to Slim and that was hard enough. I took it years ago back in the late '70's with my 75# Alumicrafts. I may never go this way again, so it was fun to do.
KTorell
distinguished member (310)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/01/2013 03:46PM  
Really. Nice to read, thanks for sharing.
Kent
rockinrod12
distinguished member (121)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/02/2013 08:09AM  
Good read Thanks
01/02/2013 09:17AM  
Tom-

Really enjoyed reading your report. As you know I went in on the other side a few days after you entered there and was in about the same amount of time.

My second BW trip and first solo was in EP#14 and out #16, although it was originally planned to be a loop back out #14. My first trip was a loop in #16 and through Agnes, LLC, Pocket, Oyster, and back out #16, so I'm somewhat familiar with the territory.

My solo through #14 remains one of my favorites, although it was both the best of trips and the worst of trips. I hope to go back someday since there's still so much I didn't see and I really liked the area.

Questions: Did you get all of your food for the trip in the one Vittles Vault? Do you happen to know the actual dimensions, volume, and weight of it? Do you stash it outside of camp?
01/02/2013 09:35AM  
Thanks for the great trip report. This is one loop that I also would like to do sometime. Thanks again.
01/02/2013 10:37AM  
Thanks for the kind words guys.

Boonie - Yes, I do manage to get all my food in there except my first days lunch. I double bag a fresh turkey sub (meat only then add mayo from a packet) and 2 apples and keep those in my small pack.

I think it's the middle size vittles vault of the 3 sizes they make. It's about a foot wide and 10 inches tall. I use clif bars and other small items and jam in crevices and such. The first 2 days it's packed to the gills but by the end of the week I'm putting my whisperlite stove inside too.

I just stash the box in the woods somewhere in back of camp. I try to find a place concealed in bushes or under a low pine well off any trails. At first I didn't like the high visible color but after not remembering exactly where I put it it's nice to easily spot it. I've thought about camo painting it but really, bears don't see very well and it's all about their nose. I really like the vault because it fits real nice in my pack and it's way cheaper than a barrel.




Beemer01
Moderator
  
01/02/2013 05:11PM  
Excellent report! Thanks for taking us along!
01/03/2013 06:54PM  
We did a similar loop near the end of June. It is a beautiful area. Thanks for all the pictures. I enjoyed being reminded of that trip and can now start planning the next one.
01/03/2013 09:44PM  
Excellent report - except that everything -including you - looks far too clean. :)
01/04/2013 07:24AM  
What a beautiful trip, and a great report, Tom! And I do SO appreciate having the large photos embedded in the report instead of having to click on each photo to enlarge it (which, honestly, I often don't bother to do.) I enjoyed every minute of sharing this trip with you. Thanks.
01/04/2013 09:34AM  
Thanks Spartan2, I'm a big fan of your pic taking and your reports have definitely inspired me in the past. Gotta give credit to Ho Ho for the embedded map and pic idea.

IBFLY - I think it's my use of dark colored clothing. I had to scrub clean my boots a couple times but it was a fairly dry weather week for me too.

leag
senior member (83)senior membersenior member
  
01/04/2013 12:11PM  
Great report!!! Thanks!
01/04/2013 01:43PM  
Tom T,

I enjoyed your photos and have never been up north in the fall.

What kind of camera did you use?

Great colors in the fall!!
01/04/2013 06:59PM  
Tom it's a Sony Cybershot that's waterproof. The model is DSC-TX10. You can see it here. Sony Camera

Being so small and shockproof/waterproof it works great in the BW. It takes HD video too.

01/06/2013 05:36PM  
Hey Tom, I finally got a moment to read your report after the busy holidays. What a great report! Seems like a perfect solo trip. I'm looking forward to taking that route sometime soon. I'm enjoying our northwoods winter but your report does make me long for soft water. Thanks for posting!

01/07/2013 12:10AM  
Great report!


Good book you were reading too!

01/07/2013 09:31AM  
Yes, it was "Beyond Band of Brothers: The Memoirs of Major Dick winters".

He is a true American Hero. I love how understated he is with no drama involved. Extremely selfless and brave. A great leader in battle. I enjoyed it very much. It's not only about his battle experiences but the downtime when he is on leave or when he stayed with a British family while training for D-Day that was very compelling also.

Chlorin8ed
distinguished member (249)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/07/2013 01:49PM  
TomT:
We were on Shell and Lower Pauness the same days you were. We saw the "older" couple on the point campsite, we were in the northern site on the west shore. The portage between Shell and L. Pauness, we saw a moose and her baby at the flooded area. Small world. Great Trip report and maybe some day I will be brave enough to solo, but for right now I love sticking with the wife and daughter for future trips! :-)
ozarkpaddler
distinguished member(5163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/07/2013 06:32PM  
Enjoyable TR! Love the Blackhawk, but they take too much skill for my clumsy self to paddle. The Vittles Vault, do you have any trouble with leaking if it gets submerged or rained on? I'm looking at something as an alternative when I don't need the "Big" barrel.
01/07/2013 06:41PM  
The vittles vault would not leak. It's very durable plastic with a screw on gamma lid. I really like it for solo trips. I've done 8 and 9 night trips with it with no problems. I hate hanging packs and this is the next best thing to a barrel or an ursack.

It's not bearproof though and you gotta stash it off any trails at night. I've yet to have anything find it.

ozarkpaddler
distinguished member(5163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
01/07/2013 10:56PM  
quote TomT: "The vittles vault would not leak. It's very durable plastic with a screw on gamma lid. I really like it for solo trips. I've done 8 and 9 night trips with it with no problems. I hate hanging packs and this is the next best thing to a barrel or an ursack.
It's not bearproof though and you gotta stash it off any trails at night. I've yet to have anything find it.
"


Thanks, just what I needed to know!
01/08/2013 06:51AM  
It seems like the Vittles Vault would have more volume than a BearVault/Backpackers Cache...? although without quite the same security...? I wonder how it compares weight-wise?
Bushwacker
distinguished member (270)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/09/2013 05:25PM  
Enjoyed your report with the photos and maps. I usually start skimming with so little fishing but couldn't stop and read through it all. Nice job and trip.
Gunflinter
distinguished member (389)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/09/2013 08:32PM  
Beautiful pictures and nice read. Thanks
01/09/2013 08:42PM  
Great report!!! Thanks for posting.
Rambler_Dog
distinguished member (131)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/17/2013 10:40PM  
Very nice report. I am becoming a fan. Thank you.







01/17/2013 11:24PM  
I really enjoyed this report! Thanks for sharing. I'd really like to get up there in the fall. The park looks absolutely beautiful.
luft
distinguished member(2850)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/18/2013 12:39AM  
Great trip report as usual. Really enjoyed the addition of the large maps and photographs. Looks like a beautiful area with all the fall colors coming in.

Glad your worries about the truck were unfounded!
HammerII
distinguished member(637)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/18/2013 01:48AM  
Great trip and the report was most excellent
01/18/2013 05:19PM  
Thanks you guys. Luft, The trees were pretty much peaking that week. The only drawback for me going so late in the year is that the loons were mostly gone. I only saw them on one lake and I did miss them. But those trees were stunning.



RoundRiver
distinguished member (418)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/20/2013 12:17AM  
EXCELLENT report. Thank you for sharing. And it was great to get site review perspectives from a fellow hammock sleeper! We look for slightly different things. I am thinking of paddling this route with a friend this spring - have been wanting to do this for a couple of years. I was thinking of walking up the creek from Slim to Fat, but that obviously is not an option or you would have tried it. Did you hear any boat motors along this route (other than the one while on Loon)? That is my one concern being near Lac La Croix. Congrats on such an ambitious solo trip - great accomplishment. I've done a couple of solo trips (and a couple backpacking, as well), but nothing that long or far. Let me know if you will be at Canoecopia, and we can try to meet.
MeatHunter
distinguished member (424)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/21/2013 09:24AM  
What a fantastic report. I actually felt as if I were there with you.
01/21/2013 01:20PM  
quote RoundRiver: I was thinking of walking up the creek from Slim to Fat, but that obviously is not an option or you would have tried it. Did you hear any boat motors along this route (other than the one while on Loon)? Congrats on such an ambitious solo trip - great accomplishment. I've done a couple of solo trips (and a couple backpacking, as well), but nothing that long or far. Let me know if you will be at Canoecopia, and we can try to meet."


No motor sounds after Loon and I barely heard the one off in the distance. As far as ambitious, it's all relative. In 2011 I went to the Q on a 9 night solo and that was way more ambitious and off the beaten path. This route is well established and you're in no danger of not finding a portage or running any white water. The lakes are mostly small and I think it would be ideal for a first solo.

I'm not sure if I'll be at Copia. I'd like to go but work might get in the way. If I do. I'll try to hook up. Also, are you on the "private" hammock group on here? On the main page the private groups are listed on the bottom. More and more people are hanging now.

RoundRiver
distinguished member (418)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/21/2013 09:24PM  
quote TomT: "
quote RoundRiver: I was thinking of walking up the creek from Slim to Fat, but that obviously is not an option or you would have tried it. Did you hear any boat motors along this route (other than the one while on Loon)? Congrats on such an ambitious solo trip - great accomplishment. I've done a couple of solo trips (and a couple backpacking, as well), but nothing that long or far. Let me know if you will be at Canoecopia, and we can try to meet."



No motor sounds after Loon and I barely heard the one off in the distance. As far as ambitious, it's all relative. In 2011 I went to the Q on a 9 night solo and that was way more ambitious and off the beaten path. This route is well established and you're in no danger of not finding a portage or running any white water. The lakes are mostly small and I think it would be ideal for a first solo.


I'm not sure if I'll be at Copia. I'd like to go but work might get in the way. If I do. I'll try to hook up. Also, are you on the "private" hammock group on here? On the main page the private groups are listed on the bottom. More and more people are hanging now.

Thank you. I will look for the private hammock group, and hope to meet at Canoecopia. And 10-4 on the "relative" scale of a trip.

"
paddlefamily
distinguished member(1635)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/23/2013 09:56AM  
Really enjoyed the photography. I would love to do a solo trip someday, and this is very inspiring.
Primitiveman
distinguished member (341)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
01/24/2013 11:37AM  
Very well done report. The large pictures and map really make it easy to follow along. I was also in the BWCAW Sept 21-24 but on Ogishkemuncie. It was cold there too.
Primitiveman
03/01/2013 01:16AM  
What a great report! I'm planning on a summer trip with my sons through part of the area that you took, and your pictures helped make things real for me, not just looking at a flat map. Beautiful scenery that time of year. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.
bapabear
distinguished member(2861)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/01/2013 06:40AM  
Fantastic pictures with great narrative = a fun trip report to read. I will be in this area coming up in June so will use your trip to help set benchmarks, plan portages and the like.

My usual canoe partner and I have been discussing a two man late summer/fall trip and this report just whets my appetite to see the fall colors and experience the north woods at that time of year.
03/01/2013 06:53AM  
Thanks you guys. Bapabear, that time of the year has to be experienced at least once by everyone. But as much as I loved the colors and solitude I really missed hearing the loons. I live around Chicago so never get to hear them unless I go north and not hearing them on a canoe trip was a surprising letdown.

dbjerknes
member (35)member
  
03/08/2013 09:23AM  
Amazing Report!! Nice work.
03/09/2013 11:18PM  
Thanks. Unfortunately I'm headed back to the ground because I'm bringing my dog for the first time. I'll see how she does and decide if I can hang with her or not.

03/13/2013 02:40PM  
Tom......Thanks for the wonderful report and photos. Very nicely done. I'm a Vittles Vault user at times myself. They fit nicely in any of my packs. I'm not a tree dweller.....yet. I still sleep comfortably on the ground, but that may not be the case forever. I know where to come for advice if I'm ever compelled to "hang."
dicecupmaker
distinguished member(2102)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/22/2013 02:11AM  
Far out! Tom! Have thought that this route would be my next solo trip. Perfect time of year! Great report and photos!
paddlefamily
distinguished member(1635)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/08/2013 08:57AM  
That area is part of the first paddling trip I took into the BW. We saw freshwater jellyfish on Ruby.

Wondering - when you canoe with the kayak paddle, do you use a slightly longer length to compensate for the depth of the hull?
04/08/2013 07:02PM  
quote paddlefamily: "That area is part of the first paddling trip I took into the BW. We saw freshwater jellyfish on Ruby.


Wondering - when you canoe with the kayak paddle, do you use a slightly longer length to compensate for the depth of the hull? "


Yes, I originally bought a 240 cm paddle but exchanged it for a 260 and that length suits me. If you go to the "Solo" forum there are some threads regarding using kayak paddles in canoes.
Axwoman
  
04/14/2013 12:01PM  
Thanks Tom for info & pics. This is my first time on this site and I am about to enter in Little Indian Sioux River in May. Wragled up some 20 somethings to help with the trip...I have old BWCAW knees. After reading the Pauness lakes are pretty much swamps, I think we will continue into Loon. Thanks again for the tips and great travel log.
04/14/2013 03:44PM  
Welcome to the site! The Pauness lakes are shallow except for the north bay in Lower Pauness. I believe it's 30 feet deep in there. There is a real nice site on a penninsula in that bay.

Primitiveman
distinguished member (341)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/14/2013 08:02PM  
Really enjoyed the report. I am going solo for the first time may 12-16. Is that a Spring Creek outfitters clamp on yoke I spotted on your canoe? If not what was it? Did you find it to be a good product? That is route I now have on my future trips list. Thanks again!
04/14/2013 08:39PM  
quote Primitiveman: "Really enjoyed the report. I am going solo for the first time may 12-16. Is that a Spring Creek outfitters clamp on yoke I spotted on your canoe? If not what was it? Did you find it to be a good product? That is route I now have on my future trips list. Thanks again! "


I got it 13 years ago and not sure of the brand. It's metal and I am looking to replace the clamps with spring Creek parts. I don't like the metal on wood aspect but it works fine.

The route is good for a solo because the waters are not so big. And - it's a true loop which I love. Make sure to write up a report and good luck!

04/27/2013 07:49PM  
Fantastic report. Just one question. On day 4 you woke up but it was too cold and so you went back to sleep. Do you mind sharing the strange dream that you had?
04/27/2013 09:23PM  
quote DuluthPak: "Fantastic report. Just one question. On day 4 you woke up but it was too cold and so you went back to sleep. Do you mind sharing the strange dream that you had? "


No, I really don't remember.

1BigPaddle
distinguished member (248)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/29/2013 11:02PM  
The warbonnet is the best way to sleep in BWCA after a long day of work!! Thanks for the report
nolanbunch
distinguished member (319)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/30/2013 11:46AM  
Hey Tom:
A comment and a question:

1. Fantastic report. It's stories like yours that get me stoked to dip my paddle and wet a line each year. Thank you!

2. I noticed your boots in one of your pics. They look like flow-through Keens, but with a more rugged construction and good high-ankle support. What are they? I've been looking for something just like that.

Thanks. Your pal in Arlington Heights.
Nolan
04/30/2013 06:10PM  
Hey Nolan thanks. My black portaging boots are OTB Abyss water boots. Yes, the soles are porous and I love them.

And......I just flipped out when I googled them for you. OTB Abyss Boots

I paid $40 for mine the same way a year ago. BTW, if you meant my other shoes I take with for around camp those would be Salomon Tech Amphibians. I'm very happy with them also.

Edit: I looked again and realized they only have size 6 and 7 left. Bummer, I was gonna order another pair.




PompousPilot1
distinguished member(1114)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/15/2013 08:49AM  
Very nice report.
Two thumbs up on the artwork as well.
canucanu2
distinguished member (124)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/30/2013 09:54PM  
Wonderfully written trip report and enjoyed the pictures along the way. This is one of my favorite routes which we are taking again in a few weeks (counter clockwise).
jeroldharter
distinguished member(1531)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
05/30/2013 10:50PM  
Great report and photos. Thanks.

A hammock is perfect for solo trips on the move like yours. But you must spring for a full length down under quilt for September trips. You would be amazed how effective it is. No more anxiety about waking up with a frozen behind. Very toasty in there.
05/31/2013 05:24AM  
quote jeroldharter: "Great report and photos. Thanks.


A hammock is perfect for solo trips on the move like yours. But you must spring for a full length down under quilt for September trips. You would be amazed how effective it is. No more anxiety about waking up with a frozen behind. Very toasty in there."


Yeah, I know, but I thought I could cheat the odds one more time without one. Paid the price for that too by freezing pretty good one night.
Ariel
member (23)member
  
07/15/2013 01:48PM  
great trip report and photos.
reply if youre interested in moose river to little indian sioux around the horn through llc (or the northern lakes depending on weather). i'll be doing that loop this coming sept. might be nice to do a group solo or maybe link up for a coupla days.
is your boat a blackhawk phantom?
i plan to use my ariel this fall.
07/15/2013 10:14PM  
Thanks. I have a Starship. I'm going solo to Quetico in Sept. but thanks for the offer. Maybe next year, I'd like to try a group solo sometime.

landoftheskytintedwater
distinguished member(937)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
07/16/2013 11:45AM  
TomT:

Can I ask where/what brand you got your press pot? I'm looking for a good 30-40 oz press pot for camping.
wetcanoedog
distinguished member(4442)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
07/17/2013 10:18PM  
Great Trip and the photos were a knock out.you really took your time and just did not snap shoot your way along.i have been on part of your trip,seeing the Finger lake camp again was a treat.you had some really low water i have never seen the Thumb portage start like that.

07/18/2013 07:00AM  
quote wetcanoedog: "Great Trip and the photos were a knock out.you really took your time and just did not snap shoot your way along.i have been on part of your trip,seeing the Finger lake camp again was a treat.you had some really low water i have never seen the Thumb portage start like that.

"


Thanks! I really like solos in that I can take as long as I want with a picture.

LOSTintedwater - the coffee press is packed away in the bowels of my rafters but I think it's a GSI. I'm sure there are threads on this in the gear section if you do a search. It wasn't very expensive but such a necessity!



07/20/2013 10:25PM  
Thanks! Great report. Planning to do this in the fall and this fills in the gaps in my research!
07/20/2013 10:36PM  
I have to add that my favorite (and there were many!) quote in this goes something like "i sunk knee deep in boot-sucking loon crap...." Laughed out loud pretty hard at that one :)
Elkhart
  
02/22/2014 07:55AM  
Tom,

I did a very similar route to yours in 2011, It is a great route. I stayed on that same site on finger as you did. like you said it was only rated a 2 star, but in my book it was a 3-4 star. Like art, camp sites are in the eye of the beholder, all depends on group size, time of year, weather conditions, and your personal preference. I liked being up high off the water with the view from the fire grate. it was a cozy site, but good for solo. The site did not much for a tent pad. enjoyed the trip report brought back memories.
spottedowl
distinguished member(1302)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
03/02/2014 02:54PM  
Awesome report. I've been dreaming about this route for some time now. Gebe is calling my name. Well played and thanks for sharing.
Bullwinkle
distinguished member (217)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
06/14/2014 06:50PM  
Tom,
I have to say your trip reports and the fact you go solo are inspiring. I have made several solo's as well and people think I'm foolish for doing it... too dangerous, don't you get lonely... I guess some people get it, others never will. Great report
Bullwinkle (Jeff)
 
Reply    Reply with Quote    Print Top Bottom Previous Next