Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: Solo safety for first time soloist
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nojobro |
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jwartman59 |
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ducks |
Have a great trip. |
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mooseplums |
quote jwartman59: "leave saws, axes, hatchets at home. you don't need them and they are obviously a danger." there are folks in the park that need them right now due to the high winds along the Gunflint trail. I have heard that a few have had to cut their way across portages. I always carry a saw just in case ...you never know. DO I use it much ..No. BUT it always comes along. |
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ducks |
In addition to a whistle I have one of those small boating air horns that I keep in my pfd pocket (I think it was only $4 at walmart) Ditch kit in my pfd pocket At night I keep my saw in the tent vestibule You are going to have a great trip!!!!! |
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jeepgirl |
A good knife is kept in my tent at night. As a woman I do not tell others that I am alone. I always say I am meeting a group on the next lake over. Also don't post where you are going on facebook either. Just being extra careful. Know where you are at all times. Its easy to get lost its easy not to get lost. Know your limits and listen to your body. Drink more water than you normally drink. In the summer I try for at least 4-5 quarts on travel days and 3 quarts on layover days. Dehydration sickness is no fun especially alone. Enjoy your trip. Its addicting. Its empowering too. |
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awbrown |
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mooseplums |
Don't worry about all the racket around your fire pit at night...mice are noisy (youre not afraid of mice are ya Nola?) I echo all the above....and would add to tie your canoe off at camp and portages...you don't want to swim for it. |
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nojobro |
quote mooseplums: "take yer time and enjoy...there's no need to hurry I'm taking along my dog. He might just react most to mice and little critters (he's a small varmint hunter). I think I'll be good with the nighttime stuff...because I have my dog along. :) But we shall see! |
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ducks |
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yellowcanoe |
Small dogs might scare bears. I've seen cats scare bears Harness for pooch. Our dog once on a tandem trip chased a rabbit and got her collar hung up in a bush.. She was way in the woods and we never found the collar. I am so glad she did not not hang herself Personally I have always worried about fishers at night. Our dog was big and did not get eaten. Our cat got eaten by a fisher.. For that reason we always had our dog when on tandem trips in the tent.. |
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jcavenagh |
Ditch kit absolutely attached to your PFD. Have fun! |
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nojobro |
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nojobro |
For water I have a gravity filter but also have one of those ones that goes in a bottle...I have the Sawyer Mini filter. So I have water on the go, plus the ease of the gravity filter in camp. |
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yellowcanoe |
quote nojobro: "So my ditch kit is in a Nalgene bottle. I was going to clip it to the canoe. Seems to big/heavy for my PFD, but I can see how that would be better...should I make a smaller one? got a fanny pack that clips around your waist? It doesnt need to be waterproof. |
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GraniteCliffs |
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boonie |
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mjmkjun |
Aleve (my preference) or Tylenol for those muscular aches at the end of the day--for when you trek hard. One-per-night of Melatonin (10mg fast dissolve) -- a very mild but effective sleep aid. Think: gradual relaxation instead of dropping into a sleep void. Zero grogginess next morning. You and companion have a fun trip! |
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GraniteCliffs |
All this advice could make you nervous. Not to worry, I always think I am safer when I am alone since I take fewer risks. And I sleep like a rock the instant I lie down in my tent. You might too. |
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ILcdr |
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Pinetree |
quote ILcdr: "Tether the canoe when loading and unloading so it doesn't float away. Usually just clip it the guideline onto my pfd with a snap link." 2nd that, and watch so you don't lose your paddle while on the water. Did that once,lucky I had a small backup. Enjoy,I think your senses of what going on around you are sharper when alone. You are not distracted as often. I love solo tripping,but being first solo you will be testing your limits and one of those may be winds and wave action,play it on the safe side. You can always paddle later,just take a break. |
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Pinetree |
quote GraniteCliffs: "Most importantly, just relax and have fun with your alone time!" That is one good thing about solo tripping. Go at your own pace,nobody to please but yourself. |
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TrekScouter |
quote nojobro: "Regarding sticky situations...I am probably over-careful in general. "This is all good advice. Being the careful person that you are, I'm sure you'll keep these tips on mind, and be just fine. Don't dwell on your concerns or let them interfere in any way with enjoying your trip to the fullest. |
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brux |
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TomT |
My best safety tip is to use your intuition. And always be aware of where you are stepping. It's so rocky up there and the chance of turning an ankle or worse is my biggest fear. It's easy to get caught up in watching the scenery pass by as we portage but I watch the ground and every step when there's weight on my back. |
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ducks |
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nojobro |
(Yes, my packing is coming along nicely and since I am not thinking about that as much, I'm thinking about anything and everything related to my trip instead...) Things I've already thought of: Extra care on portages/watching steps more carefully Swimming with PFD on SPOT device A loud whistle attached to PFD Bear spray Anything else? |
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Nordeast |
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