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Thisismatthew
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04/15/2014 10:08AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
So I am doing my first Solo in late August. It will be 3 nights/4 days. I am limiting myself to a shorter trip and basecamp as I do not know how my brain will handle being alone in the woods. I would like the option to do some day trips and move camp if I feel inclined. I really enjoy river travel as well as island campsites. One recommendation was Stuart River to Stuart Lake. Any recommendations on locations or routes would be greatly appreciated.
 
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04/15/2014 10:36AM  
My first solo trip was not what I expected. I didn't see or talk to anyone for four days. I had planned for a week but I could only handle four. I felt defeated that, although my body was ready for it, my mind was not. Needless to say, I've been soloing now for over 20 years.

for your first trip I think your right in finding a route that is easy and offers you the ability to cut your trip short if you decide to. Stuart Lake is a long trip soloing and a lot of work, I'd say. Any entry point along the Isabella River might also be a good option. You could travel the Snake River to Bald Eagle Lake and, if you choose, move camp to any of the surrounding lakes.
 
Thisismatthew
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04/15/2014 11:08AM  
quote egknuti: "My first solo trip was not what I expected. I didn't see or talk to anyone for four days. I had planned for a week but I could only handle four. I felt defeated that, although my body was ready for it, my mind was not. Needless to say, I've been soloing now for over 20 years.


for your first trip I think your right in finding a route that is easy and offers you the ability to cut your trip short if you decide to. Stuart Lake is a long trip soloing and a lot of work, I'd say. Any entry point along the Isabella River might also be a good option. You could travel the Snake River to Bald Eagle Lake and, if you choose, move camp to any of the surrounding lakes."


Do you have an entry point #?
 
04/15/2014 11:30AM  
The Snake River is entry point #84. Little Isabella River entry point #75 is another option as well.
 
napinch
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04/15/2014 11:41AM  
You might also look at entry point 14 Little Sioux North - I am planning a 7 day loop for my for my first solo in Sept. You start on the river and continue to you get to Upper and Lower Pauness. At that point, you can continue north to Loon or over to the Shell area where there are multiple day trip options. There are several on this board that have one or multiple trips in that area that could give you more specifics.
 
Thisismatthew
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04/15/2014 01:38PM  
quote napinch: "You might also look at entry point 14 Little Sioux North - I am planning a 7 day loop for my for my first solo in Sept. You start on the river and continue to you get to Upper and Lower Pauness. At that point, you can continue north to Loon or over to the Shell area where there are multiple day trip options. There are several on this board that have one or multiple trips in that area that could give you more specifics.
"


I am doing this loop in a group of 4 on 5/21.
 
04/15/2014 09:06PM  
Here's an option for you: go in EP #37, Kawishiwi Lake, up to Polly for your basecamp. You'll do some nice river paddling on the way to Polly, which is about a half day paddle. Polly will be a nice lake to base camp on - although you won't be alone - and you have options for day trips or moving a short distance. Phoebe River and the Lady Chain is just to the east, and Malberg and the Kawishiwi River is just a little north of Polly. Check it out - I think you might like it.

I really enjoyed trips I did on the Island River and Little Isabella, but they were before the Pagami Creek wildfire toasted much of that area.
 
04/16/2014 12:47PM  
quote egknuti: "The Snake River is entry point #84. Little Isabella River entry point #75 is another option as well."


I was going to say that a lot of isabella had burned. You could still travel there, but it's just something to be aware of.
 
04/16/2014 12:49PM  
As a general note, the more occupied your brain and body is with traveling and paddling, the less likely you will give your mind a chance to freak out. Staying busy should help keep you sane and in good spirits. being in good physical condition will help as well.
 
04/16/2014 01:40PM  
And there are always ear plugs and sleeping pills (or alcohol) for the night... ;). After many solo nights in the woods, I'm pretty comfortable with it now, but it wasn't always exactly like that...

 
barracuda
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04/16/2014 02:20PM  
Nina Moose entry #16 is nice, might not feel too lonely on a busy lake like Agnes, can move or daytrip via short river to Oyster. Same with a Mudro entry #23 on to fourtown or horse. Horse has an island site and a river to explore. Fourtown has plenty of daytrip options too.

There is nothing too scary in the woods, but there are things that go bump in the night. I have found open sites along the lake shores or rock outcrops seem less spooky than overgrown/wooded sites. Islands feel secure too.

Biggest spook I had solo was awaking to the sound and feeling that something was approaching, I managed to open my eyes just as a frog leaped into the no-see-um by my face, did not scream but definitely flinched, hard.

Also beware of ruffed grouse if you trip earlier in the year, the drumming sounds like it is IN your head sometimes. THUMP....THump...Thump..thump.thump
 
04/16/2014 06:57PM  
quote egknuti: "My first solo trip was not what I expected. I didn't see or talk to anyone for four days. I had planned for a week but I could only handle four. I felt defeated that, although my body was ready for it, my mind was not. Needless to say, I've been soloing now for over 20 years.


for your first trip I think your right in finding a route that is easy and offers you the ability to cut your trip short if you decide to. Stuart Lake is a long trip soloing and a lot of work, I'd say. Any entry point along the Isabella River might also be a good option. You could travel the Snake River to Bald Eagle Lake and, if you choose, move camp to any of the surrounding lakes."


I second egknuti on the experience as it can feel that way the first time out. I always have to repeat my mantra when approaching the first put-in that "it's a win as soon as the paddle hits the water". Keeps me moving forward to get the trip underway and not bail out!Would add that after a bit of experience with this I use my solos to do entries/lakes that I can't get my family or others to join me on. For instance, northern gunflint lakes such as Lizzy/Swamp or Pine or the Eddy falls loop are on the list. I've been in Sag but not done the Sag/Knife -- although it is apparently a well beaten path and one would see a lot of people on that even if they were solo-ing. Still attractive to me as route only because I've never done it! Wood is a great option as well because it's a 180r carry, I think and you are there. You could camp there the whole time or portage to other lakes. Fishing is supposedly great. (can you tell that's on my list too:)?) Have fun with your decision -- any where you choose will be a great experience.
 
04/16/2014 07:26PM  
I second the idea of keeping busy. My problem is I get "busy" looking at maps and my route makes some crazy turns. :) I don't think solo trips are for everyone, but if you can do it there is a real peace about being out there alone.

Little Indian Sioux is a great solo entry. Not always the rule, but I like to stay off the big lakes on solo's. Thinking back I've done Brule, Snowbank, Gunflint, Lac La Croix and Moose to name a few solo. And each more than once or twice. But it's much nicer on the smaller lakes.
 
04/16/2014 08:12PM  
I also like to keep moving. When wind blows I have a hard time keeping myself busy, guess I should learn to bring more books along.

Other advise that I can give is make sure that you are drinking enough water. I never seem to eat as much either when I solo. Many times I have to force myself to eat after about day 4, but never have trouble with my coffee and cigars at night.

I'm one that still enjoys a fire every night.

Take your time,and watch your step, wear your PFD, and enjoy yourself.

 
04/17/2014 02:09AM  
quote KevinL: "

Take your time,and watch your step, wear your PFD, and enjoy yourself.

"


+1

On solo trips, especially in the shoulder seasons, I rarely take off my pfd. I wear it when I paddle and almost always when I portage. And fairly often I find myself still wearing it at camp as I am setting up. You get use to it and it keeps you warm and safe.
 
04/17/2014 07:00AM  
Since you are concerned about your mind, don't watch "Survivorman: Bigfoot" the night before you leave for your trip.
 
Thisismatthew
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04/17/2014 09:19AM  
quote Jeriatric: "Since you are concerned about your mind, don't watch "Survivorman: Bigfoot" the night before you leave for your trip."


Now I feel like I have to watch this the night before my trip. Maybe throw in the Blair Witch Project as well.
 
Thisismatthew
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04/17/2014 12:33PM  
Just booked my permits. EP 19 to stuart lake. Going to do day trips from there and possibly move camp if I need to keep busier.
 
04/17/2014 01:44PM  
Have a great trip! Stuart is a cool lake. I believe the southern site is a nice one. The dahlgren river is a pretty paddle, looked like an excellent place to spot moose. Rush lake would be another option for camp, more solitude, island campsite. Should be able to catch some eyes on stuart. have fun!
 
04/18/2014 07:05AM  
Stewart will be a great trip. VoyageurNorth posted a solo trip report from her trip last fall. Great pics. Can't find the link but search the trip reports. Have fun!
 
bombinbrian
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05/13/2014 08:13PM  
I think I am doing my first solo in June. I am going to do one of the trips I did with my family, visit areas I have been to. I hope that makes me feel better when things go bump in the night.
 
Alan Gage
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05/13/2014 11:21PM  
quote bombinbrian: "I think I am doing my first solo in June. I am going to do one of the trips I did with my family, visit areas I have been to. I hope that makes me feel better when things go bump in the night. "


Yeah, that will be great. You can think back on the memories you made that trip, like all the ghost stories told around the fire. :)

Alan
 
jeepgirl
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05/14/2014 06:39AM  
My first solo was Fall lake to Pipestone Bay. My brother and I visited the area the year before. I wanted to go somewhere sort of familiar on my first solo. It was a good choice for me as the portages were easy and it brought back some good memories.
 
05/16/2014 08:40PM  
Just did one via Knife into Crawford out Carp and back to PP (indian portage). Essential to find and stay in your "rhythm" on these trips, i.e. you know what you're going to do on your own when it blows too hard or the ice hasn't moved (won't be a problem in June! :)..and then start to look forward to it! My outlets are fishing the shorelines from camp, the guides and maps I read/study in tent, napping :) and the tea I like to brew up...others have their own diversions but whatever works for you is what you go with :)
 
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