BWCA Trip Report - Moose River First Solo Boundary Waters Trip Reports
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09/13/2015 07:40PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
New Trip Report posted by crumpman

Trip Name: Moose River First Solo.

Entry Point: 16

Click Here to View Trip Report
 
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Thwarted
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09/13/2015 08:54PM  
Thanks for the report. Nice area you covered but slowing down sounds good. I am with you on pancakes. I rarely eat them at home so why eat them in a place where they are four times harder to make?
09/13/2015 09:13PM  
Thanks, I really enjoyed reading the report of your first solo, Jim. We did pretty much the same route on my first trip. I covered some of the same area on my first solo 9 years ago, when I too learned many things . . .

I looked at your Finger portage picture - it hasn't changed a bit since 2006.

It sounds like you enjoyed it. I'm sure you'll enjoy the second one even more with the changes you'll make. It's amazing to me how fast it goes by. . .

I found my solution for water while traveling on last year's trip when I tried the Sawyer Water Filter Bottle. I didn't have to carry 2-3 liters (4-6 lbs.) or stop to filter water to remain hydrated.
rtbaum
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09/13/2015 10:16PM  
Thanks for the preview
09/14/2015 06:44AM  
Great report.... thanks for sharing.

another option for on the go water is the sawyer mini filter . It's very small and light. I got it for $20 at Walmart.
09/14/2015 08:00AM  
The mini filter that ducks linked is the one that's inside the water bottle . It's just attached to the tub/straw you drink through.
ozarkpaddler
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09/14/2015 08:31AM  
Very nice report! I rarely read reports on the western side of the BWCAW, but so glad I made an exception; looks like I may need to change that "Policy?" I like Kanoes idea to "Pad" the gunwales like that, looks like it would work very well? Nice pictures too, especially of Hegman. "Three hours?" You must have REALLY looked tired (LOL)? Also liked your wood carving "Project." Thanks for sharing your experience here!
DeterminedOrange
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09/14/2015 09:14PM  
Excellent report, I like your photos and great descriptions of your campsite choices. The more I see it, the more I think hammock camping might be the way to go.
09/16/2015 09:34PM  
I liked reading this. I think all first solos get improved upon the next time we go. I really didn't feel like I got the solo thing down until 2011 and my 5th solo.

I love pancakes but don't take a fry pan anymore. It's oatmeal, dried fruit, a snack bar and coffee every morning for me on a solo. If I have fish it's a little oil in foil and on the coals.

Everything for sure takes longer so I like the simplicity of bringing less and being organized. You have some real nice gear and I'm sure you'll have things the way you want them real soon.

Curious if you use screen netting over your hammock? I'm a hanger too using a Warbonnet Blackbird with the integrated net. I'm pretty sure these pics from Sept. 2012 is the same site you were at on Finger Lake. I tied off to the large tree where it looks like you went for the smaller one. Thanks for the report.

SevenofNine
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09/17/2015 02:44PM  
Nice trip report thank you for sharing.
09/17/2015 08:16PM  
TomT, I looked at some of my other pictures and we did stay at the same site. I hung further up the campsite trail. It was an interesting site, I wouldn't want to tent camp on it though. My hammock has an integrated net.
cyclones30
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09/19/2015 08:54AM  
Nice report, thanks! We were in that same area this spring.
callofthewild
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09/28/2015 02:47PM  
Thank you for sharing. I want to try soloing in the future as well. I enjoyed reading your report and I am interested in the area you covered. Happy Paddling!
10/12/2015 06:12PM  
I enjoyed reading your report. I liked the photo with the Puddicombe paddle in the bow of your canoe. I've been using a Puddicombe paddle for nearly 20 years, I like it a lot and think it is a work of art, but mine's getting a bit worn. I'm going to have follow your advice and take a look at the Bell carbon paddles. :-)
10/12/2015 07:54PM  
johno, I think those carbon paddles were made for Bell by ZRE. They were the recreational model, I think.
CityFisher74
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12/29/2015 12:40PM  
Great report, thanks for sharing. A solo trip is one of the few remaining items on my BWCA bucket list, along with seeing a Moose, catching a lake trout and doing a winter trip. Reading these makes me excited to make it happen but I am not going to make it happen just to do it, I am going to wait until I can't get a solid group together.
tuscarorasurvivor
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01/27/2016 05:07PM  
Nice report. Brave to take an 8 day trip for your first solo. Very glad it worked out. Good point about the food. Personally, I like pancakes, and will keep bringing them. But for instance, when I camp with groups, especially with scouts, we plan meals which involve a bit of work. Part of that is to keep the boys busy and involved. As a solo, I see the advantage to keeping meals on the simpler side. Anyway, thanks for the report, the pictures, and continued happy trails.
 
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