Last summer, no wilderness trip. First one missed in 20 years. A trip report (http://bwca.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=forum.thread&threadId=660175&forumID=19&confID=1) was the first I'd ever heard of WCPP, and I knew I had to go.

So, i started to plan, after all Yoder (my 18 yr old) is always available to go. Well seems he has lined up a summer job. The kind where they work 12 hour days 6 day weeks. No time off for him.

My wife? Well she's not so keen. I could maybe get her to the BWCA again, but with a1 & 3 yr old at home, she doesn't want to be gone 10 days.

And on the subject of yung un's... They WILL be camping at 2 & 4. So, this is my summer to do the adventure. After that it's family camping, followed by cub scouts, etc., until I'm an AARP member.

I mention this to a friend who's all "heck yeah!" But, now it seems he has no time available, but still wants me to count him in.... But I'm not planning this without a guaranteed partner. No way.

So my dilemma is this...

Two choices:

I have a few colleagues that canoe. We are all in the same business. A few of them are wilderness campers as well. All of them are very nice people. The main problem is that I do not know any of them so well as to be 100% certain they are going. It is also a possibility some event could give them all the same compelling reason to stay home. One of them, is the nicest of guys and probably the most reliable, experienced and eager one of the bunch. But I know I could not survive a week alone with him in the wilderness.

Option 2, i have an employee who almost gushes with envy talking to me about camping. He's probably reading this. Reads and learns tons about the BWCA and backpacking etc. We talk about methods and equipment frequently. He's never done any real camping. (Defined as everything you need is on your back). Nice guy, I think we'd get along... I'm more likely to annoy him... But a complete rookie.

IF any of my 3 desired trip-mates (son, wife, friend) can come, then I want them to come. But, I don't think the mix with my colleagues would work with anyone but my wife.

OTOH, the employee and any of my 3 desired would make a great crew.

Would you go on a trip if the only trip mate was a complete novice?

What about doing a solo trip. Then the only one to count on is yourself! Is that on the table?

Solo is out. At least for this one. I have my reasons.

If you are comfortable with being the "expert" on this trip then by all means take the rookie. Don't get carried away with a difficult route and be ready to adapt the trip to take care of any issues that pop up.

quote Marten: "If you are comfortable with being the "expert" on this trip then by all means take the rookie. Don't get carried away with a difficult route and be ready to adapt the trip to take care of any issues that pop up. "

Agreed. As long was you're willing to be patient. There is nothing really tricky to paddling in Woodland Caribou, just that it's more remote and there are only a few access points so if things turned bad due to group dynamics, it may take a little "working together" to make it back early. Of course, then you'll be working as a team and kumbaya.................

There are so many simple and straight forward routes available. As long as this is not your first canoe trip and you keep it simple, life is good.

I haven't yet been able to canoe in WCPP. But I have planned 1 full trip already and am planning another. So, I have studied the maps pretty hard and I will say that the portages in WCPP seem to be generally shorter than BWCA. And there are a lot of smaller lakes to paddle, also. So, in WCPP you won't be paddling long, open water, or big water stretches. I say bring the rookie and teach him what you can. He'll likely have one or two things to teach you as well.

The difference between WCPP and other places is remoteness. There are few if any folks on some of the routes. Last year we were out 7 days saw No One. I took a six day from the Manitoba side and saw No One in 2012, other times I have seen some folks on the portages. The other thing is the portages are for the most part ok to find, but once in awhile they can be tough. It is very do-able just like canoe camping anywhere else just more remote. No grates or pottos out in the woods, some of the camps sites have not been used and sometimes the fire pits need a little re-building. But I LOVE this place have been there 4 years in a row and am going back again. The key I feel is to pay attention to your surroundings more and especially when approaching portage areas. It is a great place. The other key is to be quite. On solos you see a lot more wildlife I have found because you are not talking. Enjoy. The plan you end up with and if you got any questions give me a holler or email me. My email is on the "envelope" next to my name
Phone. Paul Kolterman. 402-649-0811 cell

SunCatcher

I've made trips to WCPP 4 of the past 5 years, all of them paddling solo (but in most cases, at least 1 other paddler along). It is a fantastic place to paddle. If you are good with a lot of solitude, you definitely have a chance to achieve that. However, there are routes you can plan routes where there are cabins present and a descent likelihood that you would see others along the way.

As mentioned, the portages are generally shorter than those in the BW or Q and are generally in good shape on more traveled areas. In addition, the terrain is a bit flatter in WCPP, which means that up an downs on portages are not that significant.

Fishing is not necessary, you'll get enough fish to feed yourself by just dragging a hook thru the water ... I've had a few cases where the fishing lure was just hanging over the side of my canoe, partially submerged, and hooked up with descent walleye. You are unlikely to find smallies unless you get up north ... you'll find them on sections of the Bloodvein River. And walleye and trout are sometimes segregated by which drainage system your are on, so check the "species by lake" sheet before you go.

I can't help but think that WCPP now must be very much like Quetico of 40-50 years ago. I LIKE IT!

dd

Start someone new on WCPP and you will ruin them on anywhere else. :-)

One thing about taking someone new is there are no bad habits you have to endure. You can teach them how you do it your way. But first you need to make sure you are synced up on what you want to do and see on the trip and your style is compatible.

I have had people from work wanting me to take them as well. I have shied away from that for probably for some of the same reasons you have. If it were me I would take the newby as long as you had some good assurances he would not back out and knew exactly what he was getting into.

My camping adventures started out with myself (a rookie) and 2 other canoe rookies. We headed to the BWCA with my husband (the expert with several trips under his belt). He did a great job preparing us for what would happen, how things worked, and what our rolls were on the trip. It was a great experience. I think if you prepare your new trip-mate well, you can have a great trip. The best advice is to be realistic about the adventure. You'll likely move slower with a "newbie" and you will be completely in charge of the overall trip. Plan a trip that is exciting, but accommodating. Don't kill yourself because most importantly you want your trip-mate to enjoy their time and you want to enjoy your time as well. Creating positive experiences will turn any rookie canoe tripper into a life long lover of canoe trips.

And Woodland Caribou-is an amazing experience. It is remote, quiet, beautiful, and a unique place to visit. I'd invite your friend to read several trip reports and involve them in the planning-whether it be the route or food or gear to bring. That way they'll be invested in the upcoming experience. Woodland Caribou can be challenging in finding portages-but if you are calm and think things through the "approximate" portages become a lot easier to locate. We've been there three times and love it! We even went up there this winter and had a great time winter camping. If you have questions, let us know!!!

Thanks for all the replies. I shall take the rookie. It's nothing new for me to be with rookies, what is new to me is WCPP, so I guess I'm a rookie too.

Yes, the biggest "plus" for taking a rookie is being able to teach him the 'right' (i.e. 'My') way of camping. :). I suspect some of my colleagues do not practice LNT very well.

The biggest minus, and thus my biggest concern, is if I am injured. That happened to me backpacking 2 summers ago. I was mobile, but having a partner who knew first aid, AND how to find his own way and get help, was a big relief if needed.

So,,yes, we will head up to Cleary or Hyland lakes and rent a canoe a few times to teach him to paddle. Learned that lesson from my sister. She had been to the BWCA 5 times and never sat in the back of a canoe. We weren't 50 ft from the landing when she ended up getting blown and windbound. I shudder to think of how we would get out if I did something as simple as break an arm...

He sounds more like me, leisurely travel, but on the move. We'd both like to fish, but would find pictographs more interesting.

quote ECpizza: "The biggest minus, and thus my biggest concern, is if I am injured. That happened to me backpacking 2 summers ago. I was mobile, but having a partner who knew first aid, AND how to find his own way and get help, was a big relief if needed."

Already mentioned, but taking a SPOT and/or a satellite phone could be money well spent with respect to your piece of mind. Just be sure you both know how to use whatever device you take before you go.

dd

quote dentondoc: "

quote ECpizza: "The biggest minus, and thus my biggest concern, is if I am injured. That happened to me backpacking 2 summers ago. I was mobile, but having a partner who knew first aid, AND how to find his own way and get help, was a big relief if needed."

Already mentioned, but taking a SPOT and/or a satellite phone could be money well spent with respect to your piece of mind. Just be sure you both know how to use whatever device you take before you go.


dd"

Exactly, either of those devices can, for the most part take care of the concerns. None of the park access points lead to populated areas, so having communication with someone in town would be important.

There is nothing quite like WCPP I love the "Caribou" I suggest that you take your friends or anyone that would like to go, and that are prepared for the outdoors. Which means, having some basic skills, clothing, and attitude. Last year I took a relative newbie up and we had a perfect trip. In fact, I rate that trip as my best canoeing trip ever. Even though I prefer to go solo now days.

As mentioned above, some of the portages can be tricky to locate, but with patients, and some map reading you won't have any problems. Before you go, make sure whoever goes on the trip, you all agree as to what your goals for the trip maybe. Some people (especially me) like to travel everyday, others, like to fish, base camp or travel less. As long as everyone is on the same page there won't be hurt feelings or less arguments. Remember, Fun is the key. "Be careful out there"

I had an opportunity to paddle solo up there in 2012. I was going in 15 days with a couple of guys and then they were flying out. I originally was going to too, but then I thought for the money spent on flying out I could extend my trip for more adventure (Bernice agreed). Then after planning to paddle out sole I got to thinking of the plane flying in empty. I asked Harlan the cost for a guy coming in on that empty plane and his reply was pretty reasonable. So I laid it out there for several people and just when I was going to just forget it and go solo a guy I'd never met bit on it. He flew in with a brand new Prism and we paddled twelve days together. I was the pokey one on that trip, but I think he had a great time. The highlight of that trip was seeing a moose in the middle of a wide spot in the river completely submerging and coming back up several times. She was fun to watch. Mark was a seasoned BWCA and Quetico paddler and I think he had a great time. It would be fun to solo in WCPP, but it's really fun to share it with others too. Bring your rookie friend, but you might want to do a short trip to kind of get some basics down first... I mean before WCPP close to home. The Leano entry has some better traveled easier routes with better options in my opinion. I'm in the been there 4 times camp too. It's a great place to go.

Very big smile on someone's face today. I left the map and brochure for him to look at yesterday. When I said I was looking for a trip partner, he just said "I'm in!" Before I'd finished the question. Took him a full 2 hours to ask about cost, and another hour to realize he needs a passport.

I've got to hit him with a big dose of reality next week. Questions to answer, training, gear needs, climate, etc. not to mention money... I gave him a number I thought was incredibly high, but when I start adding things up, it may have been low.

I'll start planning and experimenting with the menu now too. Life is too short for freeze dried muck.

New map... It'd be nice if I could compare lake sizes to the BWCA. And if I could figure out where my best exit is, how far we should paddle, and I have no idea where any cool stuff is.... I try to avoid big lakes, i wanna use my hammock... Etc.

Worst of all is the waiting.

quote ECpizza: "Very big smile on someone's face today. I left the map and brochure for him to look at yesterday. When I said I was looking for a trip partner, he just said "I'm in!" Before I'd finished the question. Took him a full 2 hours to ask about cost, and another hour to realize he needs a passport.

I've got to hit him with a big dose of reality next week. Questions to answer, training, gear needs, climate, etc. not to mention money... I gave him a number I thought was incredibly high, but when I start adding things up, it may have been low.

I'll start planning and experimenting with the menu now too. Life is too short for freeze dried muck.

New map... It'd be nice if I could compare lake sizes to the BWCA. And if I could figure out where my best exit is, how far we should paddle, and I have no idea where any cool stuff is.... I try to avoid big lakes, i wanna use my hammock... Etc.

Worst of all is the waiting. "

Give me a call or an email.....answers to all your questions can be realized...

I did, about a week- week and a half ago. I'll send another.

quote ECpizza: "I did, about a week- week and a half ago. I'll send another."

Name? Checked your email address and can't find anything.

No worries, I'm sending another. As you can see by the topic, my plans changed. I figure you have enough to do anyway. :)

I understand it's not always about me... But it should be!

EC, thanks for the email. Got it this time. Have a look at yours.

This is exciting, reading about coming to the decision to go up to the Caribou. I had the happy task of introducing a newbie to the area last year. I sat down with the map, at lunch, and before we had our meal, he had committed. It was a great trip for both of us, and he is dying to go back this year.

When I told him I was planning a May trip, he's suddenly trying to figure out how to go, even though there is no vacation on the books. I am actually planning a solo trip, but if he can figure out how to make it, I'm certainly not going to say NO. Though maybe we'll each paddle our own canoe?

Listen to Harlan, he's a world of knowledge, as well as many here on the board. This paddling park, is nothing like the BW or the Q IMOP, but remember they all have their good points and fun.

Good luck with planning, it's almost as much fun as being there.

Yeah, I love planning. Can't wait to go through it all.

Right now, he's had a week to think about it. I'll hit him with a list of all the B.S. Costs, food, no thrones... A week with only me to talk to, and I can be a real -uh- donkey. All that. Get it out of the way and make sure he understands what he is in for.

Forget what this trip means to me, i consider it my responsibility to make this a trip of a lifetime for the rookie.

I'm relying on Harlan for a route. Then I want to scan the maps, see if there are alternates when we find what kind of time we are making, and how we feel.

I know what I could do with my son paddling in the bow, but it took years of shouting "shut up and paddle" to get there. Imagine my delight when he was paddling the stern with another scout and a storm coming in and I hear his voice across the water shouting "shut up and paddle!" Turns and gives me a wave as we head to shore. :)

It did just hit me that this will be my first trip ever without kids... Including when I was a kid. But enough rambling...