I'm thinking about starting at Sawbill to Polly, Alice, South Arm, Little Saganaga, Tuscarora, long, Brule and back to Sawbill, is a trip like this doable in 2 weeks with out killing myself to bad, I know there are a lot of portages but they don't bother me, its more the bigger bodies of water. Not really looking to fish on this trip but might bring a pole for wind bound days.

Would it be better the 1st 2 weeks of September or 1st 2 weeks of October, people wise, bugs or wind.

Looking for some lighter food options besides dehydrated meals all the time.

I want to use this trip to get ready for doing a border route trip in the near future

quote housty9: "I'm thinking about starting at Sawbill to Polly, Alice, South Arm, Little Saganaga, Tuscarora, long, Brule and back to Sawbill, is a trip like this doable in 2 weeks with out killing myself to bad, I know there are a lot of portages but they don't bother me, its more the bigger bodies of water. Not really looking to fish on this trip but might bring a pole for wind bound days.

Would it be better the 1st 2 weeks of September or 1st 2 weeks of October, people wise, bugs or wind.

Looking for some lighter food options besides dehydrated meals all the time.

I want to use this trip to get ready for doing a border route trip in the near future "

Myself, I plan on dropping in at first light on Labor Day. Since it isn't until the 7th this year I expect the bugs to be gone or at least nearly so. For me, the last three weeks of September is prime time. My entry point is LIS with an exit at Moose Lake. Finding someone to do the opposite route and switch cars with wouldn't be a bad thing. If this trip goes well a border route trip in the fall of 2016 will be a go.

quote bennojr: "

quote housty9: "I'm thinking about starting at Sawbill to Polly, Alice, South Arm, Little Saganaga, Tuscarora, long, Brule and back to Sawbill, is a trip like this doable in 2 weeks with out killing myself to bad, I know there are a lot of portages but they don't bother me, its more the bigger bodies of water. Not really looking to fish on this trip but might bring a pole for wind bound days.


Would it be better the 1st 2 weeks of September or 1st 2 weeks of October, people wise, bugs or wind.


Looking for some lighter food options besides dehydrated meals all the time.


I want to use this trip to get ready for doing a border route trip in the near future "

Myself, I plan on dropping in at first light on Labor Day. Since it isn't until the 7th this year I expect the bugs to be gone or at least nearly so. For me, the last three weeks of September is prime time. My entry point is LIS with an exit at Moose Lake. Finding someone to do the opposite route and switch cars with wouldn't be a bad thing. If this trip goes well a border route trip in the fall of 2016 will be a go."

housty9, I'v done variations of your trek in bits and pieces and can't poke any holes in your itinerary or time line. Lots of great country with many options should you choose to need to return early. Your route is exceptional as it offers a bit of everything, even a couple of big lakes, which as you indicated, you are not too fond of. Small lakes are much more attractive to me as well. Have fun. If you dehydrate your own, I can suggest broccoli as the very best dried vegetable option and powdered apples as an exceptional and light weight fruit. I like the longer days of September over October, and you are far enough "in" that you shouldn't be impacted by too many people except near entry lakes.

bennojr, your concept of "finding someone doing the opposite route and swapping cars", is one that has crossed my mind many times. More now, as I too am contemplating a border route sometime. Is this a common occurrence? There are many variables involved; trust, weather, timing, key exchange (halfway?) etc, yet certainly something to consider especially if one wants to do a long trek rather than a loop. 2016? Hmmm...I'm booked in 2015 but 2016 isn't off my dream scope. Keep this idea alive and maybe we can generate a group of like minded folks.

Mark here's a couple suggestions for food. How about fish Tacos? take a little dehydrated salsa along should be good eating. Something I like at home is ramen noodles with Knorrs teriyaki noodles on top, I use a pack of ramen noodles and 1/2 or 1/3 of a package of the teriyaki noodles, I also like brown rice with the teriyaki noodles, add a dash of soy sauce and enjoy. You could make biscuits and gravy, fry the bisquick like fry bread then top with the gravy. I think you can fix these meals on your coffee can stove. How about dehydrated spaghetti? cook the noodles and the meat then dehydrate them and some spaghetti sauce,rehydrate the whole thing over the coffee can stove, I know you hinted not dehydrated but according to other board members you can't tell the difference from regular spaghetti. Hope these help, you've got all winter to try new stuff out> FRED

Yes the plan is 2016 for a border route, I want to paddle a few bigger lakes on this trip to help me feel more comfortable for the border route big lakes, big water crossings are not my favorite thing to do, around the edges isn't as bad, it's all depending on weather and wind.

housty-

You'll have better weather, less wind, more daylight in Sept than Oct, but possibly some bugs. Take a head net and some repellent.

You won't see many people once you are away from entry points.

The trip should be doable with steady travel most days and not too many wind bound days. It should be good preparation for your border route trip.

There aren't many food options lighter than dehydrated. I'd focus on foods with high calories per ounce like peanut butter, nuts, oils, butter to add to things.

I'm considering a similar route sometime this year. I'm taking some shorter trips to go to a few places I haven't been. This would be a longer one. It depends on travel time, but you should be able to make that work.

Like boonie says, it's the daylight hours/ travel time that would be the concern in October. I saw people on my long trip in Sept '12. But never the numbers you see other times. And it was steady throughout the month. It almost picked up towards the end.

Thinking first part of Sept. would be better then later, thinking labor day weekend starting Sat or Sun or would it be better the Friday before the weekend or the following weekend?

quote bennojr:
Myself, I plan on dropping in at first light on Labor Day. Since it isn't until the 7th this year I expect the bugs to be gone or at least nearly so. For me, the last three weeks of September is prime time. My entry point is LIS with an exit at Moose Lake. Finding someone to do the opposite route and switch cars with wouldn't be a bad thing. If this trip goes well a border route trip in the fall of 2016 will be a go."

Yes the plan is 2016 if all go's well on this trip, I will keep in mind about car swapping, that would come in very handy.

quote MacCamper: but 2016 isn't off my dream scope. Keep this idea alive and maybe we can generate a group of like minded folks."

Maybe in 2016 we can get 2 groups to head from each direction, this might make car transfer a lot easier, meet in Duluth or some point and switch cars out, early 2016 we might have to have a wing day of people who are interested.

Looking at 62 lakes and 72 portages, let the planning and hiking begin.

I go usually in Sept. and found that the later part is more beautiful but the shorter days and generally colder temps can wear on ya. I saw way less loons in the last month of Sept. too. The trees can be spectacular though.

For food options - I belong to a direct selling health and wellness company called Usana Health sciences. They have what are called "meal replacement shakes and bars". They taste great and have everything (nutrients/minerals) that your body needs. I'm definitely using these foods at least for lunch on my trip this year. I'm sure I'll be shaving off a few pounds in pack weight with these and I know I'll stay healthy. Here's a short video if interested.

Usana bars and shakes

Since they use the direct selling model you would buy from an independent associate like myself. Email me if you'd like to try them. I can also get you a discount.

Like others I tend to eat less when soloing and food takes on less meaning, but I still try to pack extra food in case I get stuck and have come out later than 'planned.'

I always keep the old adage in mind when planning a trip - solo or with companions:

"Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans."

Great line gkimball. And so true...the best laid plans and all.
Fall has so much to offer but how late you can push it and still have tolerable weather is a gamble. It is great if you can be ready and leave when the right front is coming through; but October, 2015, had a cold snowy windy period then nice again. I was there at the wrong time.
I am looking at a trip out of Sawbill or that region but earlier so that I can enjoy the berries. I haven't had a berry season trip in quite awhile and have the good bug shirt set up so this will be the year.

Sounds like a wonderful route and I like your choice of going clockwise, I think that reduces the number of times you'll need to fight the wind.

quote gkimball:Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.""

Hopefully I'll have the last laugh.

quote TomT: For food options - I belong to a direct selling health and wellness company called Usana Health sciences. They have what are called "meal replacement shakes and bars". They taste great and have everything (nutrients/minerals) that your body needs. I'm definitely using these foods at least for lunch on my trip this year. I'm sure I'll be shaving off a few pounds in pack weight with these and I know I'll stay healthy. Here's a short video if interested.

Usana bars and shakes

Since they use the direct selling model you would buy from an independent associate like myself. Email me if you'd like to try them. I can also get you a discount.



"

I'll e-mail you I'm interested in the drink.

switching my trips around going to do my 2week in the spring, this will give me more light during the day, and higher water might help with some of the portages, paddling in May 15th and coming out the 29th, any thought on this?

Looks about 85 to 95 miles, 72 portages and 62 lakes.

All my trips are mid May and mid Sept.--May is easier because of the much longer days, the weather is easier but you can get snowed on but it doesn't last as long, there are more animals active, especially eagles, and the fishing is better, at least for my limited lake-skills. Downside has been ticks in some areas. Also the water is colder, but not that bad. And who wants to wait till Sept. if you can go earlier! Bugs are 50/50 whether they'll be bad. Looks like this year ice-out will be fairly normal, judging the mixed weather in MN this year. Have a good trip either time!

Can't beat the long day light hours early in the year and I agree completely about the water levels and details mentioned by sunnybear. My typical first trip of the season falls a few days after opener barring ice conditions of course which have stymied me in the past. That said, there is a certain amount of satisfaction knowing I'm the "first" to hike a portage that particular year. The extreme lack of site competition will allow you significant flexibility in travel plans. 2 weeks, 90 miles...piece of cake! Have fun with your plans a s making them are as enjoyable as the trip.

Mac

Be ready for all conditions. I've had it cold and very hot. I think it was 2010 it was in the 80's those same two weeks.

Yes 2010 was in the 80's. I had a pair of long underwear packed. Last spring same time period and I wore em daily and was also down to my last "dry" set of clothes under my rain gear in a downpour.

Such a great route.. So many things to see on those stretches. Varied lakes and terrain. I have been in the Alice, Thomas, Frasier area a few times and would go back again despite my wish to see as much of the BWCA as possible. Walleye on the Kawashiwi in May...my mouth is watering.

quote Exo: "Yes 2010 was in the 80's. I had a pair of long underwear packed. Last spring same time period and I wore em daily and was also down to my last "dry" set of clothes under my rain gear in a downpour.


Such a great route.. So many things to see on those stretches. Varied lakes and terrain. I have been in the Alice, Thomas, Frasier area a few times and would go back again despite my wish to see as much of the BWCA as possible. Walleye on the Kawashiwi in May...my mouth is watering.



"

Agreed. Weather is very changeable. Had 70s one day, sunny after rain, sleet, snow on Carp :). Layering was key.

quote HighnDry: "

quote Exo: "Yes 2010 was in the 80's. I had a pair of long underwear packed. Last spring same time period and I wore em daily and was also down to my last "dry" set of clothes under my rain gear in a driving downpour."

Agreed. Weather is very changeable. Had 70s one day, sunny after rain, sleet, snow on Carp :). Layering was key."

A cold rain and wind can make it extra challenging, extra layers is very important.