Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: 5 days and counting down
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HighnDry |
I usually grab the bear barrel and sling it on my back, attach the portage yoke and bungee it down. When I lift the canoe over my head, I'm off. Second trip is the portage pack and my Mountain Smith (large) fanny pack with a shoulder strap. My fishing rods, both paddles (one is my carbon-fiber kayak paddle) and extra bungee cords are all strapped in/attached to the canoe. The fanny pack has the two bottles of water that I drink when I get through the portage the first time and finish off when the portage is over. You'll figure it out as you go, decide what works best, and make whatever adjustments you need. Soloing gives you a lot of freedom and I'm sure you'll enjoy the experience! |
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TomT |
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Minnesotian |
Have a great trip! |
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straighthairedcurly |
I have a bowline and stern line attached for tying off, and I have tested that those don't throw off the balance when portaging. But I like the idea of the 10 foot rope tied off to the bow thwart. I think most everything will fit in my main pack except for my lunch each day and basics like sunglasses, water bottles, sunscreen, etc. which will be in the day pack. Last summer I alternated between carrying a light pack along with the tandem canoe and not. For the typical BWCA portage it usually works fine for me, but I will stay flexible and willing to do any combo that works. I am not in a hurry. I typically wake up a LOT earlier than the teenagers so while they might travel faster at any given moment in time, I think our loops will work out pretty evenly. I have practicing paddling on the local lake in progressively stronger and stronger winds. I love the kayak paddle in the wind and the canoe paddle for the calm. I feel quite comfortable wind ferrying and handling decent size waves, but I will be on high alert when I get to Brule. I should be able to hug the north shore and duck into bays, unless I end up with a wind from the south, in which case I will use my planned wind day as needed. The rest of the lakes are pretty small. |
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Portage99 |
I will third and idea of having as little in the canoe as possible. I bungeed my paddles in. But besides that I don’t like danglies. |
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straighthairedcurly |
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straighthairedcurly |
A huge thank you to everyone (past and present posters) for all the info and encouragement. In addition, my teenage son and his buddy, who did my loop in reverse, came off trail grinning from ear to ear. They were so proud of completing their first trip without parents or a camp counselor. They were supposed to have been Nor'Westers on a Camp Menogyn trip this summer before everything shut down. I took one look at them and told them, they were definitely Nor'Westers having accomplished what they did. I am hoping my son will write up a trip report, too. |
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boonie |
I don't know how old your son is, but it had to be a confidence-boosting accomplishment for him. I hope he writes a trip report; he'll be glad he did years later. |
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MidwestFirecraft |
straighthairedcurly: " a spork (what was I thinking?!). First thing I throw out of someones bag if they are new and tell them to get a spoon AND a fork if they absolutely need one. So glad to hear their first solo went well. It is a trip they will never forget and will always be a confidence booster to fall back on in the future when things get hard. I too hope he writes a trip report for his own sake. It will be really cool for him and his kids to read it 10-20 years from now. |
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jillpine |
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GraniteCliffs |
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straighthairedcurly |
I have the bow and stern line installed on the canoe, and I have laid out the plan for fastening on my paddles at portages, but still need to finish setting up the BDB's to hold them. My gear is all organized (and weighed). I have a heavier canoe than many so I am pleased that all my gear, food, and even the clothes I will wear totals under 100 lbs. Partially thanks to a switch to a CCS tarp (thanks Dan for getting that out to me in time after my son begged to take our other heavier tarp because he knows how to set it up) and swapping to Ursack for food instead of a bear barrel. Hope I don't regret that decision... Any last words of advice are always welcome. |
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straighthairedcurly |
I am starting transpose my journal, but a busy day caring for my dad... |
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tomo |
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HappyHuskies |
So terrific that you and your son and his friend are doing similar trips, but in opposite directions. Really a neat twist! |
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MidwestFirecraft |
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bhouse46 |
Have a great trip. |
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Jaywalker |
Have a great trip! |
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GraniteCliffs |
Use that bowline to tie your canoe to a tree each and every night. It is nice to be in the tent at night when the wind blows hard knowing the canoe is secure. |
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boonie |
As far as portaging, I changed things a few years ago and it works well for me. Only things attached to the canoe are painters and a spare paddle. I have 2 packs, the paddle, PFD, and a water bottle with a carabiner. I simply put the larger pack, PFD, paddle, and water bottle out of the way. Put the yoke on the canoe, put the small pack on and go. The second load I just put the pack on, run my arm through the PFD armholes, grab the paddle with that hand, pick up the water bottle, and go. Drinking while I walk portages has helped me stay better hydrated. I snack on the return trip between loads. Wishing you good weather and a successful trip. |
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minnmike |
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jillpine |
Third on the no danglies. |