First off, sorry for being long-winded in this post…

The Fence - I had been thinking about a solo trip for the past year, but still on the fence as to whether I could or would want to do it. My last year’s trip partner informed me that his future camping would be in a campground out of a car. My other potential tripping partner just backed out for the 2nd year in a row; leaving me with no 2014 tripping partners. So, I was back on the fence again as to whether to go solo or just not go at all.

The trigger - last week, I came across a “deal” (I think) on a lightly used Prism. After seeking some counsel from one of our members here, I pulled the trigger and purchased it. I will be making a 5.5 hour drive on Saturday to pick it up; hoping that it will be as nice as the pictures showed it to be. Now that I own a solo canoe, I guess I am no longer on the fence - looks like I will be doing a 2014 solo trip!!

The Plan - So now for the questions….and yes I have spent a fair amount of time on this board picking up great trip planning ideas. I also understand that everybody has their unique trip objectives for their solo experience. Below are some things that I am looking for, but want to stay open and hear your suggestions.

Timing and length – probably late August or early September and am thinking 5-7 days in the woods

Where – Not sure yet - Probably would like to move 2-3 times. So set up camp and either explore or fish that lake or day-trips into neighboring lakes. I am open to a smaller loop or could be an out and back if it meets the other goals. I recently re-read TomT’s LIS Loon 2012 trip report. This looks interesting, though I think I might want a shorter loop on my first solo - Other ideas?

Crowds – Usually, our group’s goal would be to pick an area for maximum solitude. Being my first solo, I probably might select an area where there could be some traffic, but don't want to have so much traffic as to ruin the solo experience.

Fish – In all of my wilderness canoeing trips, the focus was to fish (always base camping fishing trips). I am not sure that this activity is shared by too many other soloist on this board. I would like to hear from those that do spend some time fishing while out soloing. Wanting Walleye and Northerns

Thanks in advance for your input.

Welcome to soloing, napinch. I think many of us started soloing for the same reason - difficulty finding tripping partners. The first solo was a learning experience for me, and also I think for many others. You'll have a lot of the wrinkles worked out after the first trip or two.

I did the LIS North loop and it's one of my favorite areas, but I think you're right to think about a shorter loop for the first one, especially if you only want to move 2-3 times and have time to fish and explore. I've learned that camp chores take a little longer when it's just me doing them.

Other options for you to consider:

You can do a couple of nice loops (longer & shorter) or an out and back through EP #23, Mudro.

Two years ago I did a solo through EP #50, Cross Bay. I had Rockwood Outfitters shuttle me from their place on Poplar Lake to the EP (short shuttle). I paddled south to Long Island, then east through Muskeg, Kiskadinna, Omega, etc. to Horseshoe and out through Lizz to Poplar and a paddle across Poplar right to Rockwood. You can find a little more information in my trip report.

Last year I went in EP #37, Kawishiwi Lake up to Adams and back. You could do a nice trip in this area. You can also find some more information in my trip report. You also might want to consider entering at EP #37 and crossing the Lady Chain (Phoebe, Grace, etc.) to exit at Sawbill. This would require a short shuttle from Sawbill Outfitters.

I think any of these options would make a nice trip for you. There are, of course, many other options ;).

Very nice!

When you pick your route based on your wish for not over doing it I have the following suggestion. Have a second plan from e same EP. Be it a longer loop, or a side trip overnight out and back to continue your loop on one of your days.

I think you may find that without a partner you will actually have more time. And therefore more time to paddle.

I found it more difficult to fish in a solo canoe for the obvious reasons. But still doable.

I agree with both guys.

There are lots of nice, first-time routes. I really like LIS North, Sawbill (or Baker), or Mudro. Mostly smaller lakes and rivers, and lots of options. Get one of these entries, plan a route, but you can change your route before hand or even after you enter.

Another good option is Lizz Lake (Poplar). It's more crowded with less options, but it is a good fishing area, very solo friendly, and good chance for moose sighting.

Thanks all for the feedback

I see that this will be a tough decision picking the entry point and route.

Right now, I would like to have some decent fishing options on the lakes being traveled; not that I am plan on spending a whole day of fishing, but perhaps an afternoon or morning while exploring. So do any of you spend more than an hour here and there fishing? If not, it would seem like a hassle to bring / portage equipment as well as paying for a fishing license.

The Baker entry does look interesting too - seems like decent fishing lakes up through North and South Temperance.

Waiting to see if I receive any other suggestions

thanks again
Napinch

something like the moose river would be a good first time solo trip. the river gives you some time to get used to your new canoe, it's small and forgiving, by the time you get to the lakes you should have a good idea of how your canoe handles, and you will feel much more confident. once you get to lake agnes you have several nice loop options. bring enough maps so your are open to changing your plans. the stretch of lac la croix north of here has big water paddling with the shoreline providing a degree of protection from the wind. plus this is a very scenic area, not super remote but for the bwca it provides a nice experience.

I think there are a nearly infinite number of great routes, but the advice I got on a first solo seemed wise - don't pick a route that isn't easy to cut short or back out of. I didn't need to do that, but was nice to know I could. All in all much simpler and easier than I thought.

I did my 1st solo EP. 30 and went down the river, have had really good luck with Walleyes and Northerns on the river, it can get a little busy depending when you go.

i have to say, this forum is great for preparation, but-sometimes you need to just go trial and error and find your own adventure. i do appreciate the wisdom this and other forums offer,but the element of surprise and trial and error, imo is priceless in a canoe trip. enjoy your journey.

BillConner is right, there are an infinite number of choices and bwcasolo is also right that the element of surprise and some trial and error are beneficial experiences.

I will continue to use this board to learn what I can, but also remind myself that everyone's suggestions are just suggestions and that I should design a trip based upon what I think I would like to do and can safely do.

BTW, I picked up the Prism this weekend and it is beautiful and I am even more excited about the trip!


Thanks again

Great attitude Napinch!
Have fun!

napinch, if the photos in your gallery are of the new to you Prism, that is on fine looking setup! Congrats on going solo, and welcome to the dark, selfish, side of canoe tripping.
All here can tell you what to expect. Only you will decide on the value of the experience.
Your plan is as good as any out there, take your time, be safe, have fun!

butthead

quote butthead: "napinch, if the photos in your gallery are of the new to you Prism, that is on fine looking setup!

I am at work and cannot display pictures (filter), but i think the Prism pictures are a different one that i had posted from CL last fall. Mine is pretty nice though and they included a very nice $275 Werner Carbon Kayak paddle and spray skirt for the front of the canoe.

Already beginning to reset trip goals....

I am still thinking of Entry 14 LIS - 7 days in the woods 1st week in Sept - Little Loon, North / South, Finger, Oyster, Shell, and back out - 57.7 miles - Somebody said not to bite off too much...Is that too much? I will have some shorter alternative routes planned as well. I probably will make the call after 2-3 days. I should be up on North then - If I find i am not enjoying it for various reasons, i will backtrack thru Heritage and Shell.

Thanks

Ok...before anybody responds to my last response...what was I thinking...I guess I liked the idea about getting up to Finger and Pocket, but now thinking about it, being my first solo, I think I will reel it back down a bit. Perhaps Little Loon, North, back down to Heritage and Shell. Probably more than enough for my first.
thx

I did the loop you were originally considering from LIS North on my first solo trip in the bwca. I stayed on Upper Pauness, Lynx, Rocky, Ge-be, Pocket, South, and Loon lake in that order. I was tripping in October and high winds, rain and snow slowed my progress on some days.

I had originally planned to be out in 7 days, but it took me 8 days instead. In good weather, and with longer amounts of daylight, I definitely could have done this route more quickly. But it is physical, with several long portages so you may want to take your time and not overexert yourself.

Overall, it was an awesome trip, through a beautiful region and was a heck of an adventure and learning experience. I would definitely recommend doing this route, if you have the extra time because there aren't many bail out options once you make it in a ways.

Hustler Ruby Lynx and Beartrack were some of my favorite lakes on the trek. I think I would have loved gebe too if it wasn't snowing and blowing harsh winds.

Wow! My experience was eerily similar to BearBrown's.

I did the same loop on my first solo but went the other direction - CW. It was late Sept., the days were shorter, and I was also wind bound a lot. I also took a day longer than planned. In addition, I cut it short and came out Moose River North, which had been suggested as a bailout by my outfitter. I hadn't considered that I might need such an option. It's an easy 8-10 mile walk from there to EP #14).

As Bear mentioned, it is a physical route - a couple of portages are longer, going CW a couple are steep - like up to Steep Lake (that's why it's called that) and up to Gebe - and there are quite a few of them.

"Overall, it was an awesome trip, through a beautiful region and was a heck of an adventure and learning experience. I would definitely recommend doing this route, if you have the extra time because there aren't many bail out options once you make it in a ways."

I would second that quote. It's the trip I'd most like to repeat. Highlights - Moose, wolves, northern lights. Around the top of the loop, I didn't see anybody for 4 days. I'd go the same direction, stash a bike in the woods at Moose River for a bailout (it's a long walk/jog after a full day of travel :)), allow myself more time to relax and explore, and pray for better weather :).

I think you'd really like the country, but it's a lot of traveling if you want to fish and explore. If you travel 5 days, it's 12 miles a day. If it's going well and you get to the Finger area, it'll be decision time - turn around or forge ahead, going all the way or exiting at #16.

Have a good trip and enjoy yourself, whatever you decide to do.

This thread has the nice mix of some great input and poster who knows how to use it. napnich has the knack of good planning and willingness to experience the surprises. While I have not traveled that area, reading the threads and trip reports it meets scenery, solitude but not isolation, fishing and challenge requests. It is an area on my list unless return to Canada this year spoils me totally.
With your attitude and approach you will make the transition from group to solo quite well. Might run into you in Canada in a couple years.

Boonie,

I didn't see or hear any wolves or northern lights on my trip, but a huge highlight for me was seeing and photographing a bull moose on my last day traveling North on the LIS.

I started to realize once I made it to pocket lake, that weather was really slowing me down and I probably would have to be in for at least another day. I didn't mind spending an extra day out there at all, I just didn't want my family to start worrying and call in a search party. I told them that I planned for 7 days, but was taking gear for 8 days and may need the extra day, so no one was worried yet.

Going CCW, was lacking options for a bail out. I may have considered doing what you did had I gone CW.

BearBrown-

I should have been going with the wind, but it was in my face all the time. All those little lakes I thought would be protected became wind tunnels ;). At least you got to downhill from Steep! I kept thinking it had to let up, but it never really did. Sometimes the gusts would just stop me dead in my tracks.

Unfortunately I didn't know enough then to tell my wife I might come out a day late, and she'd worry anyway.

I didn't go CW to have the bailout - that was just dumb luck. I went CW to have the wind at my back :).

I still loved that area and some day I hope to go back when I can take a long time and just really enjoy it.

Not only did I hear wolves, they ran right through my camp on Gebe in the middle of the night chasing something. That gave literal meaning to the phrases "hair standing up on my neck" and "instantly wide awake and alert".

Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the moose I saw.

i have done,many times, the LIS to LaCroix around to Lady Boot Bay and back by way of Pocket,Bear Track,Steep to Snow Bay and then back to Loon and home.
a 11 to 12 day trip made easy by the big waters of LaCroix which ment no carries until the small lakes.
i'll take two lay over days one in LLB and another in one of the small lakes.on the whole trip the only place i have any concerns about are the big water once you enter LLC from the Dome Island area.everyplace else i can shoreline to keep from crossing big bays or island jump.
i only fish in camp and paddle all day so not "wasting time" fishing on open water keeps me moving.
i have over 10 trip solo that since the 80's and only had one turn back when i was wind bound on Snow Bay for 3 days and going on would of cut things close at the end.
there are some nice lakes to pull off of LLC onto like Gun and some back bays on Coleman Island to explore to keep the canoe path from getting stale when you do it over and over.

a good day to take on the big water of LaCroix

quote boonie: "BearBrown-


I should have been going with the wind, but it was in my face all the time. All those little lakes I thought would be protected became wind tunnels ;). At least you got to downhill from Steep! I kept thinking it had to let up, but it never really did. Sometimes the gusts would just stop me dead in my tracks.


Unfortunately I didn't know enough then to tell my wife I might come out a day late, and she'd worry anyway.


I didn't go CW to have the bailout - that was just dumb luck. I went CW to have the wind at my back :).


I still loved that area and some day I hope to go back when I can take a long time and just really enjoy it.


Not only did I hear wolves, they ran right through my camp on Gebe in the middle of the night chasing something. That gave literal meaning to the phrases "hair standing up on my neck" and "instantly wide awake and alert".


Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of the moose I saw."

The funny thing is, how different portages can seem depending on the end you start at. For example your portage along devils cascade must have been very easy (and scenic), whereas that was the most difficult portage on my trip because it literally climbs the entire time along the gorge. I would run this route clockwise, if I had the chance to do it again and one of those reasons would be that long difficult portage. Perspective.... lol

Bear-

I'm sure it's easier going down that portage, but there are sections so steep that it's even difficult going down sometimes...at least for a short-legged guy wearing a canoe hat :). Although you go up to Steep, it's not as steep as Devil's Cascade and the one up to Gebe is short. Besides, the wind will be at your back going CW ;).