Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: What is a trip to the Boundary Waters Like
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ducks |
analyzer: "boonie: "Spartan2: "Welcome back, analyzer." I agree with boonie and Spartan2............ now hurry up and analyze something for us ;) |
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Considering paddling |
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schweady |
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nooneuno |
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mastertangler |
A few hints to help smooth the process......time of year is important. August sees lots fewer bugs and the weather is usually mild. Comfortable sleep is also a high priority. While you may be going "for him" that doesn't mean you can't indulge yourself. What are your hobbies? Photography perhaps? What about reading? Very relaxing. Lastly I would take lots of pictures. Take pictures of the two of you doing ordinary camping tasks (like pitching a tent or cooking etc.). Don't announce the pictures rather let them be natural. Then go to a site like Snapfish where you can make a picture book of your trip. Very reasonable prices. Wrap it for Christmas and surprise him. Honor and respect your husband in this way and he will crawl through broken glass to give you a cup of water. The following year you can then suggest an excursion.........."hey hon, I was looking at one of those river cruises in Europe" ;-) |
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Spartan2 |
I would encourage you to try it once. If you find it isn't your thing, then he can find another companion for subsequent trips. And if you happen to enjoy yourself, you'll be glad that you were open to the experience. |
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GirlOnARock |
Spartan2: "There was a time in my life when I could have written the first sentence of your post. In fact, I am sure that I did utter it, if I didn't write it down. And my husband wore me down with his tales of the canoe country. He persuaded me to go. This is beautiful!! No words of mine can put into words what you just wrote! |
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boonie |
I don't know what the experience will be like for you; I'm sure it varies from person to person, as well as from time to time and from palace to place. Nooneuno said it succinctly, but well. It's life, boiled down to its essence. I'm going to give you a link to a very well done video of a trip in Algonquin (similar to a trip in BW), which should give you a good perspective on what it's like. Link It's about 30 minutes long, very well done (I believe he does video production for a living). Here's another one of his, about 15 minutes longer. Link It will help with your decision. |
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scramble4a5 |
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3Ball |
It can be sunshine or rain, muddy, beautiful or buggy. You can get as much of a workout as you choose. Your attitude is the key to determine of the experience is great or horrible. One thing it will be for sure is quiet. That is the part that for me I can't live without. I can sit for hours watching the wind on the trees or water, the waterfowl feeding, turtles laying eggs, a pine martin on the water's edge, a bear on a nearby island, or a fire. |
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mjmkjun |
sidenote: I will never understand why fellow members feel the need to criticize other members post or responses. I believe everyone is trying to be helpful, at heart. |
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johndku |
Didn't take my first trip until I was 56 years old. Feels like I wasted a lot of years. |
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blutofish1 |
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Savage Voyageur |
This is my take, my experiences, my opinion, yours will be different. I start my planning the week after I get back from the last trip. I spend hours getting my fishing tackle ready. I spend hours researching lakes to fish and explore. Months of planing, packing, and getting gear rounding up, going over routes, loading GPS coordinates, studying maps for routes and lake depths. To me this is part of the fun. My BWCA trip starts right after the last one ends. BUT...if I had to I could pack in about an day and be just as prepared. You can contact an outfitter and pack your clothes and a toothbrush and let them do all the rest. You could let the Outfitter do all the work. For me planning is a huge part of my trip. On the drive up there I’m really excited to start the trip. Some trips we get there late in the day and need to stay in a bunkhouse. At sunrise I’m ready to load my gear into a tow boat or start paddling. First day we tend to push bit farther and set up camp for a few days. There’s lots to do once we get to camp. Set up tents and tarp, gather wood, filter water, swim, fish, relax in a hammock with a book. I like to explore the woods or walk a portage trail. Pictures of Waterfalls, birds, scenery. Chopping wood, building a fire, watching the sun set or rise, stargazing, northern lights. The list on what to do seems endless. There are no televisions, newspapers, internet, cell service up there to distract you. Nobody from the office to interrupt you. Because they can’t reach you. The most important thing to do up there is to leave behind your busy life and relax and enjoy yourself. If you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life, be willing to work a bit, I know you will have a great time. Look at the 7th forum down here that’s called trip reports. Read a few of these. Most will tell you what they did on a daily basis. |
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Huntindave |
mastertangler: "Well it's time to be a good trooper and good companion. You go because your husband wants you to go. So, get excited and "fake it till you make it".......you can actually decide that your going to have a good time, and presto, you do! " Really? this is your response to the one and only question that was asked? The posters ONLY question; " What I would like to know is what is the experience of going up there like? " Any other comments would fall under unsolicited advice. Personally, if I was the original poster, I would be offended at some of the replies and comments. |
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LindenTree3 |
nooneuno: "It's sunshine and it's rain, part pleasure and part pain, it's a blank canvas where you paint your own journey on nature's terrain." Deep and even poetic, Ilike it. |
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Wick |
Huntindave: Neither of your responses addressed anything the op asked. I suppose we could ask everyone to forward their response to you for approval before posting? I have never been there guest paddler. My first trip is this year. I think you are doing it right by reading here,,but if you find nothing on the trip reports that interest you,,,,, My wife sort of feels like you about it. She is going on this trip just to spend time with me and try it out. I am sure if she does not like it, the next trip will be me solo. |
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boonie |
Spartan2: "There have been so many thoughtful and interesting replies to the question on this thread. I find myself wondering if "considering paddling" ever checked back and followed along, or if it was a question thrown out (as non-member posts often are) and never thought about again. Are you there, guest paddler? I suspect considering paddling is long gone and never to be heard from again. |
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Spartan2 |
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analyzer |
Spartan2: "There was a time in my life when I could have written the first sentence of your post. In fact, I am sure that I did utter it, if I didn't write it down. And my husband wore me down with his tales of the canoe country. He persuaded me to go. I have not been on here in quite a while. I'm not sure why. But after reading this quote, and tearing up.... I know why I came back. I love this. |
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Spartan2 |
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boonie |
Spartan2: "Welcome back, analyzer." +1, good to see your name again. |
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QueticoMike |
tobywan: "QueticoMike: "This isn't what a whole trip is like, but I will share a full day with you........ Feel free to do so........... |
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TomT |
Spartan2: "Agreed. This thread appears to be members talking with members. But I suppose that isn't all bad, either. ;-)" Yes, winter facilitates such chatter. |
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jwartman59 |
mjmkjun: "jwartman59: "Words can’t describe it. Photos just give a glimpse. The songs of the loons and wolves will stay with you forever. I agree, The photo looks over saturated, I try to not do that. It was midday sun, really clear day, not the best for photos. As for the canoe color... Ripped the canvas off. That was my first canoe rebuild. Now to figure out what was going on under the canvas. Once tempts get back into the fourties I’ll go back to work on it. |
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Zulu |
Spartan2: "Agreed. This thread appears to be members talking with members. But I suppose that isn't all bad, either. ;-)" It’s great to hear each other reaffirm how much we like the wilderness canoe experience. |
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analyzer |
boonie: "Spartan2: "Welcome back, analyzer." ah, thank you both. |
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RetiredDave |
Humans evolved for millions of years in wilderness, the noise and confusion of modern life is a recent intrusion. I go to wake up my ancient DNA. Try it at least once! Dave |
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JJ505 |
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mjmkjun |
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nctry |
RetiredDave: "Here's the thing for me. The Boundary Waters and Quetico are sensory experiences. Touch (soft moss and decay on the portage), taste (nowhere on Earth does instant coffee taste better!), sounds (oh, the loons!), smells (the breath coming off a northwoods forest is intoxicating), sights (the wolf that exits the forest and walks along the lake for 50 meters before entering the woods again will caste a spell of ancient wonder). I live on a lake in northern Minnesota. I hear loons at home, I have camefires at home, heck... I touch moss and stuff at home. But whether the boundary Waters, woodland caribou, quetico... There is something that pulls all that stuff together even more. I don't have the answer on that but it does. I don't need an answer, I just know it works for me. |
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tobywan |
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tobywan |
QueticoMike: "This isn't what a whole trip is like, but I will share a full day with you........ Perfect. Enough said. Mind if I share? |
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mjmkjun |
jwartman59: "Words can’t describe it. Photos just give a glimpse. The songs of the loons and wolves will stay with you forever. Have always admired that photo. The color of the canoe MAYBE? |
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missmolly |
mjmkjun: "jwartman59: "Words can’t describe it. Photos just give a glimpse. The songs of the loons and wolves will stay with you forever. Compositionally, it pops because its primary colors are orange, red, blue, and green. Green and red are opposite each other on the color wheel, so one accentuates the other, and the same with orange and blue. If you look closely, you'll see orange in the canoe, rocks, and even water. Gauguin used such popping. |
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nicek |
Just go for it and thank us later. Have an enriching experience. |
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GoSpursGo |
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ozarkpaddler |
Bronco: "Its good for the soul...My wife and I love the boundary waters, She has her reasons I have mine. setting on a rock watching the sun rise or set has the worries of the real world fade from your mind is always worth the time spent for me. being unplugged from the fast world we live in is reason enough for me. Can it be hard yes, is hard always bad no! finishing off a tough portage is a win for me. Paddling on a crappy day and finding a decent camp site with a nice fire and a hot cup of Joe another win. And for the great weather and calm waters that time goes by to fast. So to answer your question I go to renew my soul. The beauty, The feel of a fish striking your lure, The group of scouts crossing the lake singing a camp song, The smell of a campfire, That first cup in the morning, The mist rising off the lake, The look in my wife's eyes that says she too needed her soul renewed That's why I go" Another very well-put explanation! |
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NoisyWetHermit |
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jwartman59 |
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andym |
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Spartan2 |
That was 1971. I was in my mid-20's. And after that trip, I was the one who was planning the next trip, and the next, and the next. We went to the BWCAW and Quetico (and a few other selected locations) on canoe trips for 42 years, not every single year, but as often as we possibly could. Our best trip lasted 22 days, in 1992. And when we had to quit canoe-tripping due to health issues a few years ago, we made the decision to still travel to the canoe country every summer and stay in a cabin so that we could take those day trips that andym points out are not nearly as satisfying. It is hard for me to describe what the experience is like. It is a freedom unlike any other. A beautiful silence that is only punctuated by the sound of the white-throated sparrow, or the call of a solitary loon. The mist on a cold lake at early morning, and a campfire shared in the evening. The feeling of accomplishment when you complete a long, difficult portage and see that blue water stretch before you again. Times of solitude and companionship that cannot be matched. And sometimes, adversity and adventure to make a memory. And a story. I made photo books and wrote in journals. But the best part is in my mind, in my memories. No one can ever take that away. You have to try it to know if it is for you. It isn't for everyone. But I am thankful that I was open to persuasion back then. . .it changed my life and my marriage in ways I never would have imagined. My First Trip Report |
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TomT |
nooneuno: "It's sunshine and it's rain, part pleasure and part pain, it's a blank canvas where you paint your own journey on nature's terrain." Perfectly summed up. I would give it a go but just keep it simple for the first time. Maybe do a couple of easy portages and set up for 2 or 3 nights or do a full blown base camp for the entire time if you like the site. A few must brings are a good large tarp, extra pair of shoes to stay dry around camp, and good, if not great rain gear (top and bottoms). And I would definitely go through an outfitter. they can help with the route, point out attractions and good camp sites and rent you any gear you may need. Bring a good attitude and it will be wonderful. |
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Bronco |
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Jackfish |
We cooked good meals, saw cool wildlife, fished a little, napped when we felt like it, had great campfires, saw a waterfall... just an awesome canoe trip. When we got back into Ely, I had a hotel reservation at the Grand Ely Lodge, a couples massage booked at the place on Main Street (name?) and dinner reservations at the Burntside Lodge. We spent some time shopping before the drive home and truly enjoyed ourselves. Every couple is different. What my wife and I liked, you may not. However you decide to do it, plan a little something for both of you - split the trip into "roughing it" in the BW and maybe a little "normal" vacation that you both will enjoy. My bet is that you'll find the BW incredibly beautiful and peaceful and you'll want to come back. At least I hope you do. |
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Thwarted |
Nothing wrong with that. I find that my wife and I have many divergent interests that make our relationship richer. A vibrant marriage does not require every experience to be shared. |
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Huntindave |
Thwarted: "Before I tell you why you should go, I would like to know your objection to camping. Maybe you shouldn't go but encourage your husband to find some friends to go with. The OP did not ask for you to tell her why she should go. She also did solicit advice on a vibrant marriage. You might want to re-read her one and only question. It might be a difficult question to answer and everyone may have a different view point, but your response does not address her question. |
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TomT |
Huntindave: " I would hope she's not offended. Nobody was trying to be offensive that's for sure! But you bring up a good point about her question. So, what's it like? Freedom. Bugs, rain, hard work, unbelievable atmosphere, QUIET, Hot, cold, Windy, smelly, SCARY!, and amazing things you hear and see nowhere else (wolves, rutting moose, loons, beavers working to name a few) One of the coolest things for me is getting the opportunity to unplug. I only have a small radio, no cell phone or kindle. It's just like the 1980's for me except the gear is nicer and lighter. |
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Huntindave |
Wick: Actually most of the replies were spot on. My first reaction when reading some of the other responses was that I should be writing an apology to the op for the unsolicited advice she was receiving. How would you feel if some one was telling YOUR wife to "fake it till you make it". |
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bapabear |
Actually the trip is only part of the experience, but it's the best part. The planning, preparation, gathering the group and all that needs doing with equipment is a lot of the fun to me also. The trip...your first visit will impress on you the vastness of the wilderness, the size and depth of the lakes, the coldness of the water, the strength of the wind, the peacefulness of the calm, the beauty of a sunrise or sunset over a lake, the order and fun of setting up and running an orderly camp, the uniqueness of prepping and eating food that you've carried around with you or caught, the thrill of fishing a wonderful fishery such as this, the haunting beauty of the loon call or wail of a wolf, the thrill of spotting or coming up close to a moose, the historical significance of a rock painting and reverence it can bring you, the sense of accomplishment over any task out of the ordinary especially when the trip is over and you have the great memories. I've missed a lot but take your trip and fill in your own thoughts. |
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TomT |
Spartan2: " Very well put. Attitude is #1. It's pretty hard to keep a good camp vibe when there is someone you just know who doesn't want to be there. Or someone who obviously is not doing their share of the necessary work. Even a good attitude can compensate for leaky raingear. :) The trick is to just be a hard worker when it calls for and then be able to laugh at yourself or the situation no matter how bad it gets. Just going in with gratitude of being able to be out there experiencing nature on her terms. Start the day being "thankful for this experience". |
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Northwoodsman |
I like the idea of a hybrid trip. There are many resorts on the Gunflint Trail that offer nice accommodations and equipment rental. Perhaps stay in a cabin for several nights or even a week and rent a canoe. Get up in the morning take a nice hot shower, eat breakfast, pack a lunch and snacks and head out for the day. Come back late afternoon, take nap, clean up and either grab dinner on the Gunflint, at your cabin, or head into Grand Marais. One thing that I have learned as I will never change my wife's opinion, and if I ever convinced her to take a BWCA tripping/camping trip I would never get her to go on a vacation with me again. Try a hybrid trip, it's a good compromise for both of you. Then allow your husband to take an annual trip to the BWCA with friends or family if it's something that he enjoys, and then take an annual trip doing something that you want to do. |
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ozarkpaddler |
That said, I've taken about a dozen different people to the BWCAW. EVERY SINGLE PERSON fell in love with it and all but one returned within a year. some of the statements that are prevalent with the "Newbies" I've introduced is "I can't believe how peaceful it is," "It's like being in God's back yard," "This place is really God's country," etc. Everyone is "Moved" by the experience. BUT, these are all people whom enjoy the outdoors and camping. If you don't...... And if you're the type of person that needs to be connected to your phone, social media, etc, well, maybe it may not be your cup of tea? |
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mjmkjun |
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timatkn |
DO IT! You may love it, you may not like it and decide to never go back...but you will never regret going. I’ve never been wrong on this. Even people that never went back or decided it wasn’t their thing, they still talk about the experience and look back fondly. T |
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Spartan2 |
I was particularly struck by Miss Molly's assertion that "equipment is a big determiner of your experience." This may be so, but I would also say that your partner, especially in a tandem trip, and even more importantly in a trip with a spouse, is the other big determiner. He wants you to go. He knows that camping isn't your "thing". Is he willing to make some concessions, to help you be successful in a wilderness camping experience? I'm not necessarily saying make it easy and comfortable for you--just be supportive and positive? Make it fun? Many of the posters have pointed out the beauty and the joy of the canoe country, and many others have pointed out the challenges, the difficulties. There are both. But the attitude comes from you. And how your attitude develops, many times, is greatly affected by the person with whom you are traveling. Their attitude, their support, and their reaction to your highs and lows--that can make the difference between a few days of companionable silence and a few days of conflict. You know your relationship. That is the key to whether or not it will be a good experience. That, and good rain gear. :-) |
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NoisyWetHermit |
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missmolly |
Equipment is a big determiner of your experience. A light, Kevlar canoe, a watertight tent, tasty food, breathable rain gear, and water-wicking clothes all give you a measure of immunity to the trials of portages, rain, and cold. Also, paddle early before the wind builds, ask for help on planning your route and it will be given, and invest some time before you go in building muscle. Do these things and you'll have a fine time most of the time. Don't do them and you might still have a fine time, but you'll be more dependent on luck. |
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Zulu |
It can be fearful because of thunderstorms, paddling in high winds or a bear in camp. It can be frustrating if you didn't bring the right gear, you aren't catching fish, you get lost, can't find a good campsite or you're craving food that couldn't be brought along. You may feel exposed using an open air latrine. Lack of privacy, sun, wind, insects, and odors from other humans are unusual to us. It can be awe inspiring and fascinating to see a sunrise, an animal, experience an absence of noise or an impossibly blue sky reflected in a lake. You may feel a sense of accomplishment that you got through the above challenges. You could feel serene, peaceful and full of joy that your husband is happy and proud that you agreed to go with him. You may feel excitement and anticipation that the trip will end and you will have leverage to get your husband to do something you want to do like a couples retreat to a Spa to get facials and pedicures. |
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QueticoMike |
Quetico Morning Eyes open, awake refreshed Cozy bag, necessary stretch Abbreviated crawl, unzip egress Head protrudes, feel no stress Water view, heaven kissed Spirits dancing, hazy mist Air crisp, slight fog Search timber, conifer log Ignite flames, smoky pine Water bucket, boiled mine Expedite breakfast, wood char Hot chocolate, granola bar Forest luminous, sun ascension Tepid welcome, warming retention Gear gathered, poles ready Depart landing, canoe steady Locate reef, drop jig Line tick, walleye pig Pine aroma, luscious green Clear lake, swig clean Stomach growl, halftime warning Contemplate lunch, goodbye morning Quetico Afternoon Glistening sun, fluffy cloud Eagle perch, wolf howl Pike splash, shirt soaked Passing canoe, friendly folks Paddle dip, destination camp Numerous strokes, perspiration damp Island ahead, short reach Glide in, sandy beach Exit canoe, grainy step Decent stringer, fish prepped Line strung, clothes hang Heat oil, skillets clang Fillets sizzle, golden hue Stuffing side, lemonade too Gather wood, organized pile Canadian cuisine, replete smile Hammock begs, rest required Arise rejuvenated, oust tired Wake partner, lengthy nap Fishing destination, study map Quetico Sunset Paddle out, muscles loose Hidden cove, grazing moose Honey hole, waterfall thunder Beavertail slap, otters blunder Serene waters, lure cast Surface offering, smallmouth blast Arrive back, wilderness home Dinner calls, squirrels roam Granite lounge, facing west Sip flask, sublime sunset Loons echo, winds tire Cool ambience, warming fire Relaxing seat, dry boots Faint sound, owl hoots Hypnotizing flame, poker hold Engaging conversation, stories told Clear sky, milky way bright Wavy green, northern light Shooting star, incandescent stream Sleep approaching, Quetico dream |
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mastertangler |
I read between the posters lines and it seems the initial question is directed at wether or not she will be made happy. I stand by my original post........I believe that barring any physical inabilities, she should go if for no other reason that her husband wants her to go. And the "fake it till you make it" is deciding beforehand, regardless of circumstances, to have a positive attitude. If she decides to go, but grudgingly, then she shouldn't. But there is two sides to every coin. I would not ask my wife on any sort of rigorous trip because I know she would probably not enjoy it. Her idea of camping is a 4 star hotel ;-) But having said that, if I asked her, she would go. I practice what I preach......my wife wanted very much to go on a cruise to Mexico with the leadership of our church (she is the women's ministry leader). I honestly really didn't want to go but knew it was important to her. |
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TuscaroraBorealis |
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TomT |
We stayed here in 1999 and 2000. Nice spot 15 minutes from town. Timber Trail Resort This would be an excellent introductory trip IMO. The best of both worlds. |