Jim and I got along great. We are already talking about our next trip together.

Bring a hatchet. I own a hatchet. It is lightweight – one of those Gerber-like ones with the resin handle. I never have needed it and so never bring it. This time I could have used it.

We didn’t plan it but both Jim and I had brought along Cutters Advanced Formula bug dope. This is the new stuff that uses Picaridin rather than DEET. I think that both Jim and I agree that the stuff seems to work but has to be reapplied often. It seemed like it got sweated off fast and had to be reapplied before every portage. After the trip was over Jim read the label (What? You think we’d read it before use!? Ha!). It said do not apply more than once daily. Opps! Both of us had the spray pump bottles, but I also had some of the wipes (a free sample from somewhere). I really liked those!

Once home I spent 3.5 days de-stinking my Chotas. What foul things! I hosed them out. Then filled then with water and a cap full of bleach. Let them soak. Hosed them out again. And again. And again. Let them dry thoroughly in the sun. Sprayed a can of Lysol into them. Let them dry in the sun. Emptied a can of foot odor spray into them. Let them dry in the sun. They still smell, but not so bad now.

Buy some smart wool socks. Jim recommends them. I wore polypros and wool. But after getting that sore on my leg, I’ll try the smart wool. Besides I have to spend my money on something.

Remember Chotas aren’t good for a lot of portaging. On the longer portages, Jim changed into hiking boots. That seemed to work well for him. He also used the hiking boots as his camp shoes. I have always used sandals for my camp shoes. I did this time as well, only I accidentally took my son’s instead of mine. His are smaller. Oh! My poor feet. Either the Chotas were rubbing or the sandals pinching. Jim’s system makes a lot of sense to me now.

The tent is OK. It staked out fine at every site we were in. The only issue was getting dressed in it, but I can live with that. I didn’t mention it previously, but this was my first BW trip with my Big Agnes insulated air mattress. Two thumbs way, way up. One-third the size of my thermarest rolled up with three times the comfort inflated.

The tarp is OK, but remember this one has to be set up differently. It’s good for one or two people but probably not for a group.

I have to buy a good camping lighter. My BIC didn’t flick, but Jim saved the day with his grill lighter.

I need to add moleskin and tape to my solo first aid kit.

RAIN COAT!!

Bring personal hygiene wipes. Prevent that chaffing problem.

Velcro Straps for thwart bag. The carabineers just don’t cut it. In order to portage, I have to disconnect my thwart bag (otherwise it hangs in my face) and reconnect behind the seat. Velcro should allow me to disconnect and reconnect it quickly.

I never even strung my fishing pole. Another BWCA trip without catching a fish! I never catch anything! Jim can attest to that! 

My canoe +/-  Oh, Boy! Every time I go around and around with this -- Buy a new one or not. I have an Old Town Penobscott 15. I like it on rivers, but I sure would like a lighter one for the BW, although I can still carry mine on the portages. It’s not the carry that concerns me most. It’s the abuse I give it picking it up, setting it down and getting in. I’m not lazy. I have a back that doesn’t bend like it should. Of course, if it were lighter perhaps I could do a better job. //  I’d also like one with some glide. I can stop mine on a dime. Simply stop paddling. // I just haven’t found the right one yet. Of course I could wait forever for the right one, so maybe I should settle for a “good enough”. I dunno. Maybe I’ll build one.