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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Listening Point - General Discussion :: Peter and Matt's 2022 Kruger Challenge
 
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BeaV
08/11/2022 04:59PM
 
For people not familiar with what Peter and Matt are about to face starting tomorrow morning...their trip report from 2019 is a great read and captures much of the struggles faced when doing a long-distance, speed-oriented canoe adventure.


Peter and Matt's 2019 Kruger Challenge
 
Kelso
08/11/2022 04:58PM
 
Thanks WhiteWolf! The south/calm winds look good. Plus, the full moon should reduce the stress of nighttime navigation. Too bad the Pigeon River levels are low. 230cfs and dropping.
 
cyclones30
08/11/2022 09:46PM
 
Good luck, too bad there weren't 15mph west or NW winds all week
 
Kelso
08/13/2022 09:03AM
 
Our understanding for the help message is that we need assistance but it is not an emergency. So when we saw the help message combined with no new tracking updates. We tried to find someone in the area to go check the last reported position. Matt's dad got in contact with Voyagers Park ranger he made a visit to the location of the help message. That took a while as he had to get permission from Cananda to cross the border. Made it at 10 pm spent some time looking. In fact he was able to use his cell phone there and call. We agreed that they had continued their trip and would sync up again in the morning if we did not get any updates.
 
nctry
08/16/2022 01:20AM
 
Glad you guys are fine! The good thing is your quest shows taking on a challenge such as this there are many factors that have to go well. You’ve already shown your abilities in the past. Much respect for you to make the attempt and recognize you were not going to make your goal. But there is next time and thanks for bringing us along. Always a success when you took on the current challenges and had a respectable run despite your time.
 
airmorse
09/01/2022 04:45PM
 
Kelso: "Thanks all! Here's a quick trip report video.
https://youtu.be/mqP4Q9jpk0U "



Good effort. Here's to your next attempt!!!
 
deerfoot
09/01/2022 06:06PM
 
Amazing effort - I am sure you will succeed next time.
 
Kelso
08/13/2022 09:06AM
 
They seem to be turning spot on and off so maybe the are trying to conserve the batteries.
 
Grandma L
08/13/2022 09:51AM
 
Some of the SPOT-X units are notorious for using up batteries. Hope they brought spares.
 
Kelso
08/13/2022 03:36AM
 
We're not sure either why the SPOT stopped but it's up again-they're on Crooked Lake now.
 
BeaV
08/13/2022 05:28AM
 
Kelso: "We're not sure either why the SPOT stopped but it's up again-they're on Crooked Lake now."
Rebecca- the spot message sent when they arrived yesterday at Dawson Portage was the "help" message. Most of us who use the spot alot have a unique meaning to that message that our shore contact understands. And it's not usually that we need help. Did you and Peter have an understanding on what it means if they hit the "help" button?



 
Kelso
08/13/2022 09:09AM
 
We would like to give them new batteries for the SPOT when they pass through Gunflint so we know when they are nearing the end. Not sure if that would be considered helping but it sure would help us.
 
Kelso
08/14/2022 07:54AM
 
Hey guys, Peter here. Sorry for the Spot troubles. Appreciate your concern but we were just fine and unaware of any Spot issues. We capsized on Sand Point Lake from a broadside motorboat wake. It was no big deal and we quickly got going again, but the tracker got submerged, so that's probably why it was on the fritz. We never tried to transmit any help messages.


We are stopped at Gunflint Lake, since we were too far behind the record pace and we missed our wives, but physically we are just fine and we really enjoyed the trip and each other's company. We made a couple mistakes, we dealt with some unforeseen challenges, and we learned some ideas to improve for next time. Just for fun!
 
BeaV
08/13/2022 10:13AM
 
Kelso: "We would like to give them new batteries for the SPOT when they pass through Gunflint so we know when they are nearing the end. Not sure if that would be considered helping but it sure would help us."
Doing that would be "providing support" and not in the spirit of the Challenge. If the Spot batteries is the issue, then hopefully they brought spares. If not, they will be passing by many canoers and could get replacements that way. Or they could use batteries from some other piece of gear they have (camera or flashlight, worse case) to power the Spot.
 
BeaV
08/13/2022 10:43AM
 
It's good to see some tracks again. They're on Basswood and should have been at American Point about 11 am which is equal to 30 hours into it.


Wind conditions and forecast for today is 5mph winds from the NE. Mostly a slight headwind for them today if that's what they're encountering. Could be hard on them mentally if they have to deal with that on Basswood, Birch, Knife, Sag, and all the small lakes in between.


Usually, a slight headwind like that is no big deal but for Peter and Matt...they've already come 100 miles!! Keep pushing it guys!
 
BeaV
08/14/2022 06:10AM
 
The Second Night-


The Second Night is tough. As the light fades you are well aware of what faces you again- too many more hours of what the first night was like...only now you feel exhausted. Daylight is soooo far away.


And then to know you have to get through the Granite River area. In the dark...hopefully they got through before the fog developed. And looking at their time on the latest tracking point on Gunflint....they did it with a better time than on their first record run. Way to go!
 
SammyN
03/21/2023 10:23AM
 
Hi Matt/Peter,
(Hopefully you guys still watch this thread).


What do you guys do for training leading up to this?


Do you spend a lot of time on the row machine?


Also, what do you do for food management?
Some type of bars?
Gu Packets?
Sandwiches?


Thanks!
 
Kelso
09/01/2022 11:05AM
 
Thanks all! Here's a quick trip report video.
https://youtu.be/mqP4Q9jpk0U
 
Kelso
08/12/2022 05:08AM
 

 
Kelso
08/06/2022 09:26AM
 
The current Kruger-Waddell Challenge record is 63 hours 16 minutes, by the exceptional BeaV and Kendra in August 2019. Their flawless 220+ mile run from Sha Sha Resort on Rainy Lake to Grand Portage crushed our previous time of 69 hours.

Starting August 12 at 5am, Matt and I are planning a new attempt. The pace has been set. We're hoping for favorable conditions! If you'd like to follow along, our tracking map is here: https://maps.findmespot.com/s/LYTK.

We're calling ourselves Team Lily Dippers. But the goal is no stopping, no sleeping, and no lily dipping! If we finish on schedule, we'll end up at Grand Portage on Sunday afternoon, right during the Grand Portage Rendezvous Days.

Our canoe is a Wenonah Jensen SCR, modified with a Llama Racks rudder. Since the Gold Portage between Rainy and Kabetogama has been closed due to Zebra Mussels found in Rainy Lake, we'll start with another canoe, paddle up to the Gold Portage, meet a friend there, swap canoes, and continue.

With Clint Waddell in June, at the start of the MR140 canoe race.

 
Voyager
08/13/2022 01:27PM
 
I see they're at Prairie Portage. I always think that's about the 1/2 way point as far as miles, but the last 1/2 miles are the toughest.
 
YetiJedi
09/01/2022 07:03PM
 
Kelso: "Thanks all! Here's a quick trip report video.
https://youtu.be/mqP4Q9jpk0U "



Enjoyed the video! The narrative was interesting and helpful. Starting off with only 2 hours of sleep... makes it tough, to say the least. Capsizing was unfortunate as well. Sure appreciate your efforts and I enjoy following along live. Beat the record next year!
 
Kelso
08/12/2022 05:02AM
 
(Peter's wife posting) They're off! We saw Matt and Peter off at 5 am on the nose, with the faintest blush of dawn breaking the darkness. Cheer them on and keep track of their progress via SPOT. If we hear anything from them we'll update here.

 
WhiteWolf
08/13/2022 04:09AM
 
From the data I can observe with ( not totally accurate as SPOT data can be off, and previous trips they have taken) -- I would say they are slightly faster than their record in 2019, but slightly behind the current record. Having done this challenge before with SPOT or IN-REACH-- throw it out if no data is present.. Anything is possible with the next "Ping" on data. They still got a very good chance in breaking the record.
 
WhiteWolf
08/13/2022 05:59PM
 
This may have been the photo that Rebecca tried to post-
from Facebook-
Peter and Matt at the start.

 
Mocha
08/12/2022 08:21AM
 
I Like the ability to follow along.


does anyone have an idea of how far they need to travel each day to meet their goal?
 
CatchMe
08/14/2022 08:44AM
 
Good effort. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
 
BeaV
08/12/2022 08:27AM
 
Mocha: "does anyone have an idea of how far they need to travel each day to meet their goal?"


For them, there really is no "day" since there is no start stop sleep normal pattern. But they will be using 24 hours as a check for their progress. Last time they made it to American Point on Basswood in 24 hours which they calc'ed as 100 miles.
 
Earthing
08/12/2022 01:21PM
 
May the winds favor your trip, and you have a pair of clean dry socks.
Jonathan

 
CatchMe
08/12/2022 09:22PM
 
Great going, guys
 
straighthairedcurly
08/12/2022 06:45PM
 
Are they having tracker problems? No new way points since mid afternoon.
 
andym
08/08/2022 01:33AM
 
How committed are you to not sleeping? What sort of shelter and sleeping bags are you carrying just in case?


Good luck with the attempt.
 
nctry
08/08/2022 07:04AM
 
Good luck guys...
 
Dolpho
08/08/2022 11:54AM
 
I remember your record and friendly competition with Beav and Kendra. Not seeing your names the last few years had me thinking that you retired.


Great to see you two are still busting it. No sleep. Oh my, I would be a jabbering fool after 24 hours.


Good luck. Look forward to watching your attempt.
 
LindenTree
08/08/2022 05:56PM
 
The pups and I are rooting for you two.
 
fadersup
08/08/2022 08:10PM
 
Be safe out there and go get it fellas.
 
Kelso
08/09/2022 02:15PM
 
andym: "How committed are you to not sleeping? What sort of shelter and sleeping bags are you carrying just in case?"



Thanks all for the kind words! Not planning to bring tent or sleeping bags, but maybe a couple of bivy sacks just in case. Basically we will carry nothing but essential food and emergency gear so that we are light enough to jog/run the portages. The one exception will be a GoPro and batteries to film a timelapse video.
 
BeaV
08/09/2022 05:37PM
 
"Good Luck!!!
What you guys are about to go through in the next three days...
Even Peter and I have no idea. It's such a strange feeling with so much unknown ahead of you. My stomach flips thinking about it and I'm not even the one leaving this time. Haha. I know we'll be watching closely and cheering you guys on."


That was Peter and Matt's comment when the situation was reversed. Three days is now down to 2.5 days. My stomach too is flipping knowing what you two are about to endure. Push hard and good luck!
 
CatchMe
08/09/2022 10:55PM
 
This will be fun to watch. Overall, please be safe, but I hope you really get the most out of yourselves. Record or not, push yourselves to the max. I will be checking on your progress and cheering for you. I LOVE the idea of swapping canoes in Voyaguers NP to get around the change in policy. GREAT IDEA!! The current record is very stout. Good luck, and have fun.
 
nctry
08/10/2022 06:28AM
 
Do you guys need me to come pair down your food supply. That first time you left behind more food then you took I think. Haha!
 
straighthairedcurly
08/10/2022 05:53PM
 
Best of luck. If anyone can do it, it is you two. Stay safe and may your hallucinations be pleasant ones.
 
Grandma L
08/10/2022 08:33PM
 
As usual, tracking you and watching to document your success.
The "Tesla Kids" from U of M say, "Hi" and wish you tail winds and a full helping of luck!
Please be safe. - Paddle strong, straight and true!!

 
WhiteWolf
08/11/2022 03:57AM
 
The challengers look to have ideal weather. Slight chances of precip ( early) along with winds maybe 10mph from the S on exposed / long fetch lakes-- also rather early in their challenge. Almost certain to be near calm/ calm at night as of this post. Near perfection for weather everything being =. Having personally done this route 5 times, the key will be water levels on the Pigeon/ Granite and proper navigation. Regardless- the cards are certainly in their favor when it comes to potentially hazardous weather.

 
Nordstjernen
08/11/2022 07:18PM
 
Thanks everyone for the encouragement!
Loading up on carbs before we take off!
 
WhiteWolf
08/14/2022 04:41AM
 
Another "ping" recently early this AM on Gunflint Lake. ( Good to see) With the calm winds overnight// and recent moisture has added a Dense Fog advisory to the area for the Challengers. Whether they are pulled to shore to rest at 3:45am per the SPOT ( or not) - I'd imagine the FOG is pretty thick as I write. This time of year with rather warm waters and cold air advection from the longing of the nights and recent cold front can = Fog rather quickly.-- Detailed satellite that I can't share here actually shows very low clouds/fog very near if not over their current location. ( north shore of Gunflint - per 3:45am spot is TEXT book radiational Fog. Many think with a compass your "a" "OK" navigating in it. Try it once on big water. And at night in pea soup when you can't see your bow/stern mate but to have trust in every paddle stroke your stern makes based on a compass bouncing around. -- Either way- they are doing a remarkable effort- likely knowing they are well behind their planned agenda and still giving it all they can.



Dense Fog Advisory


URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Duluth MN
253 AM CDT Sun Aug 14 2022


MNZ012-018>021-025-026-033>038-WIZ001-141500-
/O.NEW.KDLH.FG.Y.0017.220814T0753Z-220814T1500Z/
Northern Cook and Lake-North Itasca-Central St. Louis-
Southern Lake-Southern Cook-North Cass-South Itasca-South Cass-
Crow Wing-Northern Aitkin-South Aitkin-
Carlton and South St. Louis-Pine-Douglas-
Including the cities of Isabella, Bigfork, Hibbing, Two Harbors,
Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Walker, Grand Rapids, Pine River,
Brainerd, Hill City, Aitkin, Duluth, Pine City, Hinckley,
and Superior
253 AM CDT Sun Aug 14 2022


...DENSE FOG ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CDT THIS MORNING...


* WHAT...Visibility one quarter mile or less in dense fog.


* WHERE...Portions of east central, north central and northeast
Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.


* WHEN...Until 10 AM CDT this morning.


* IMPACTS...Hazardous driving conditions due to low visibility.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...


If driving, slow down, use your low beam headlights, and leave
plenty of distance ahead of you.


&&


$$



 
BeaV
08/14/2022 08:42AM
 
Matt and Peter- enjoy some good rest and a real breakfast this morning...the kind of which is earned!
 
airmorse
08/14/2022 08:26AM
 
Kelso: "Hey guys, Peter here. Sorry for the Spot troubles. Appreciate your concern but we were just fine and unaware of any Spot issues. We capsized on Sand Point Lake from a broadside motorboat wake. It was no big deal and we quickly got going again, but the tracker got submerged, so that's probably why it was on the fritz. We never tried to transmit any help messages.



We are stopped at Gunflint Lake, since we were too far behind the record pace and we missed our wives, but physically we are just fine and we really enjoyed the trip and each other's company. We made a couple mistakes, we dealt with some unforeseen challenges, and we learned some ideas to improve for next time. Just for fun!"



Glad you guys are safe.
 
straighthairedcurly
08/14/2022 09:29AM
 
Glad you are safe and look forward to your next attempt. I had a similar problem develop with my 1st Spot on my 1st solo trip. It got submerged and then started sending unpredictable messages. Hope it didn't cause too much stress for those holding down the "home front".
 
JimmyJustice
08/15/2022 08:04AM
 
Great effort gents and glad to see that you are safe. Your efforts should be applauded. Looking forward to hearing your story.