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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Hire a guide only? No gear needed.
 
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dex8425
08/13/2020 11:08AM
 
Given what you've stated about yourself, my preferences in order of best to worst would be:


1. Go by yourself (bwca is so busy right now, you won't feel or really be that alone anyway)
2. Go with people you know, get some friends or other family to go
3. Go with people from this site. Most of the people I've met from here IRL have been great. Just kidding, all of them have been great:)
4. Hire a guide.


If going solo I would tell my wife my itinerary and not deviate from it much, if at all.
 
jeffnson
08/10/2020 11:31PM
 
I'm an experienced, old, BWCA tripper but haven't been up in 4 years. It was almost always just my son and me, but now with his young family and work, he just can't get away. I'm thinking about a solo trip, but my wife is less than enthused about it. I'm also watching the message board group that matches up strangers looking for a partner. Not so sure about the "stranger" part of that option.

Maybe a Plan C would be to hire a guide to go along on a trip? Use my gear and canoe and food and just rent someone with experience to come along. Anyone ever hear of something like that or know of a local guide that might be interested?
 
AmarilloJim
08/11/2020 07:29AM
 
billconner: "Everyone is different but I'd say solo and rent a sat phone, which gas to be less than a guide.



Not sure if a "stranger" is a lot different than a hired guide. My limited experience if tripping with folks here has been very good. And consider finding another soloer, and get separate permits, so you can stay together or split. "

+1
 
billconner
08/11/2020 05:55AM
 
Everyone is different but I'd say solo and rent a sat phone, which gas to be less than a guide.


Not sure if a "stranger" is a lot different than a hired guide. My limited experience if tripping with folks here has been very good. And consider finding another soloer, and get separate permits, so you can stay together or split.
 
Savage Voyageur
08/11/2020 08:40AM
 
Just go by yourself. It’s been done thousands of times before you. If you, or your wife Is worried that you are alone, get a Garmin InReach unit. It’s way cheaper than a guide. It allows you to stay in contact with people at home through email or text messages. You can message them, they can message you. And if you get into a problem where you need medical help, you just hit the SOS button and help is on the way. You can also send a Message to then showing exactly where you are so they can track you. It will work literally anywhere in the world, uses iridium satellite service.
 
nofish
08/11/2020 09:27AM
 
I think hiring a guide to be my +1 would be my last resort. First I'd look at doing it solo and taking every precaution needed in order to satisfy the family back home. All of that safety gear can be rented easily and most outfitters.


Second option would be to ask around to see if you can find another individual to join you. Maybe someone you know, maybe someone from church or work or a neighbor. You can also post on here to search out a trip partner. There have been a lot of instances of strangers pairing up for a trip from this site. Although given the current covid environment perhaps people are more wary of doing that this year. The slightly safer option would be to set up a group solo trip. You pack your gear and canoe and prepare yourself to be self sufficient with everything you need and your trip partners do the same. You can meet at the EP and then you paddle off together each in your own canoe, each staying in your own tent, preparing your own food, etc. You're just there to share the experience and be each others support if needed.


Good luck in figuring out an workable option. I know its not always easy, we don't all have readily available travel partners.
 
missmolly
08/11/2020 10:45AM
 
billconner: "And consider finding another soloer, and get separate permits, so you can stay together or split. "


^This^
 
salukiguy
08/11/2020 02:37PM
 
If you’re a fisherman you could sign on to one of Stu’s trips.


I’m in the same boat but alas I can’t get away either at this time. Single dad with 2 kids starting school soon.
 
Northwoodsman
08/11/2020 05:14PM
 
When are you thinking of going?
 
preacherdave
08/13/2020 12:16PM
 
I might have an interest. Depends on when and how long. Feel free to contact me.
217 251-0159
 
jhb8426
08/11/2020 10:24PM
 
I've always been a base camper so when it came to time go alone or not go the compromise we came to was for me to use entry lakes with FS campgrounds at the entry point such as Sawbill or East Bearskin. I stay at the campground and take day trips. Another option is Crescent Lake campground. This has worked well for me. My wife still has concerns but most are alleviated.
 
jeffnson
08/13/2020 11:36AM
 
Thanks much for your replies, all good advice. I'm favoring an easy solo with the safety options suggested. Going to continue to work on Ellen and see if I can get her to sign on. I've always wanted to try a solo. I need to get into a small local lake and make sure I can handle my canoe (Savage River/ Deep Creek) alone in the conditions I can expect.
I'm also working my way thru my friend inventory one more time to see if I've overlooked anyone. who might be interested.
I'd like to get it in this year if I can; mid to late September. I like the late summer / early fall. No bugs, water is still fairly warm. Lots of EPs to choose from.


jhb8426's option is an interesting one I'm going to look into. I've never camped on one of the entry lakes. We have always driven up from Illinois overnight and entered in the morning.
Thanks again to all.