Solo Trip: Stuart River to Moose River September 2019
by jwenck
Trip Type:
Paddling Canoe
Entry Date:
09/11/2019
Entry Point:
Stuart River (EP 19)
Exit Point:
Moose/Portage River (north) (EP 16)
Number of Days:
4
Group Size:
1
Discuss Trip:
View Discussion Thread (14 messages)
Part 4 of 4
Hindsight Analysis:
1) I Should’ve entered Stuart River at 8:00 am. I rushed getting to Stuart Lake and didn’t enjoy the day as much as I would’ve had I started earlier.
2) I should’ve had a spare filter/ I did look the day before I left, but my filtration system is old and the newer filters don’t have the same endings for my setup. Why wait till the last day on something as important as filtration system.
3) I should maintain my tents better. I have since learned that it’s not a good idea to store tents in their stuff sacks. Better to put them into a much larger mesh bag, or hang them. I also learned I can treat seams and the floor of my tent with a waterproof application. Cascade Designs recommends GearAid seam sealant and seam grip.
4) The Superior One canoe pack is too big for the Magic. I laid it on its side, but ¼ of the pack was still above the gunwales. Perhaps, the Quetico Pack would fit between and below the gunwales.
5) I felt unstable in 10 to 15 mph winds on crossings in the Magic compared to my tandem Souris River Q17. Of course, I have another paddler in the boat, which makes the Q17 much more stable. While the Magic tracks like a dream, turning on the smaller rivers was challenging. And I think I’d prefer more stability in wind over tracking and speed for a solo in the BWCA. I notice some folks on this forum like the Wenonah Wilderness, and apparently at one time Souris River had a solo Q16 with the seat set back slightly from center eliminating the need to attach and detach a portage yoke. Maybe they weren’t very popular. I weigh 250, short and plump, and I think I’d prefer something more along the lines of the Wilderness.
6) I took way too much stuff. I would love to learn how to pack for single portaging. It's always a learning experience.
1) I Should’ve entered Stuart River at 8:00 am. I rushed getting to Stuart Lake and didn’t enjoy the day as much as I would’ve had I started earlier.
2) I should’ve had a spare filter/ I did look the day before I left, but my filtration system is old and the newer filters don’t have the same endings for my setup. Why wait till the last day on something as important as filtration system.
3) I should maintain my tents better. I have since learned that it’s not a good idea to store tents in their stuff sacks. Better to put them into a much larger mesh bag, or hang them. I also learned I can treat seams and the floor of my tent with a waterproof application. Cascade Designs recommends GearAid seam sealant and seam grip.
4) The Superior One canoe pack is too big for the Magic. I laid it on its side, but ¼ of the pack was still above the gunwales. Perhaps, the Quetico Pack would fit between and below the gunwales.
5) I felt unstable in 10 to 15 mph winds on crossings in the Magic compared to my tandem Souris River Q17. Of course, I have another paddler in the boat, which makes the Q17 much more stable. While the Magic tracks like a dream, turning on the smaller rivers was challenging. And I think I’d prefer more stability in wind over tracking and speed for a solo in the BWCA. I notice some folks on this forum like the Wenonah Wilderness, and apparently at one time Souris River had a solo Q16 with the seat set back slightly from center eliminating the need to attach and detach a portage yoke. Maybe they weren’t very popular. I weigh 250, short and plump, and I think I’d prefer something more along the lines of the Wilderness.
6) I took way too much stuff. I would love to learn how to pack for single portaging. It's always a learning experience.
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