Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: FIrst Solo, suggestions
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Tony |
tony |
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SunCatcher |
SunCatcher |
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SourisMan |
quote AJ2008: "boonie, My first solo was with that canoe, entering at Bower Trout. The small lakes there make a solo trip very manageable. Fishing is good on Swan, and it's a pretty "moosey" area. By the way, I take a double bladed paddle when I solo, even on small lakes. The SR Q16 moves along pretty well for me with 2 blades. |
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boonie |
I think the EP's you mentioned or most any of the others would be good, especially if paddling in the wind is more of a concern than portaging. You'll also probably find some good solo trip reports to read. I rented a SR Q16 once for a solo and it was way more canoe than I needed so I know what you are talking. I also travel light, plus I'm a lightweight myself - me and a week's gear and food is about 200 lbs. I even got blown around on small waters that were open to the wind. You'd probably be best off if you can set it up to paddle from the middle; even then proper trim will be key. |
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Jaywalker |
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nctry |
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AJ2008 |
Absolutely! That is what I have been doing. The first decision is the right EP for what I am going for. My biggest concern is my boat. I have a SR Q16 which I love and purchased to double as a solo. While I have paddled it many times solo around lakes and rivers here (southern metro), there have been times when I have been caught in strong winds and it is not fun. Properly trimming will be key, but I also like to travel fairly light. We'll see, I have all winter to think about it. Thanks for the info. |
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MattM |
I have been through entry points 43, 44 and 45. I don't think that you could go wrong with any of those three. This is one of my favorite areas. I enjoy a bit of seclusion and each of these entry points should give you that in the spring. Each is scenic in it own right, but I am partial to the Ram Lake entry. The portage out of Little Trout to Misqua does have a reputation for being tough. In my opinion, it is not that terrible if you are in decent shape and pack light; but if it is really wet, then it does suck. Just watch your footing through the boulders--a twisted ankle waiting to happen. You might also look at entry point 49. I have done two trips through this area and really like it. The first portage may keep some people away due to the length, but it is fairly flat and not too tough. If I was going on a three night trip, I would go through entry point 49 and base camp on Banadad lake and then come out the same way; it is super pretty, not much traffic and the fishing is good as well. Once you decide on an entry, I can give you some more specific advice. Enjoy your first solo trip! |
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boonie |
I think one of the most beneficial things for you here on the solo tripping forum will be past discussions about various aspects of soloing - different perspectives, different methods, different strategies, different equipment, food. Traveling vs. basecamping, keeping busy vs. keeping it simple, etc. After a few trips you'll develop your own style, but reading through old threads will give you a lot of insight and many things to think about before you go. |
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AJ2008 |
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AJ2008 |
I posted this in the trip forum but didn't know about this board. I am tossing the idea around for a first solo trip early this spring. This would be a short one, three days. I have never been to the eastern side of the BW so that is my point of interest on this trip. I am looking to avoid huge bodies of water for obvious reasons. I was looking for EP with few permits per day. I was looking at maybe EP 39, EP 43, EP 44 or 45.......any thoughts on those, or maybe better suggestions? This is a trip more for scenery but fishing is always a bonus. |