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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: Solo Tripping :: solo in Quetico
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| Exo |
If you do go early sept. You've less than 3 months to secure a entry, get RABC (if needed) and plan your route(s.). Personally, at this point, I would just want to get familiar with the area and wing it. If the fishing is good in an area I would forgo an extended loop and shorten it. And if fishing sucked I would put some serious paddle time in. |
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| TomT |
You know, that loop I describe is probably a bit much. You could just go up to Kawnipi and hang out on that great fishing lake. There are all the different bays that you could move camp to and then just take the falls chain back. Saganagons is another lake you could do that with. McEwen would be a nice fishing diversion too. |
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| boonie |
quote David B: "Driving from CT, I have really only considered entering from US because of distances involved going to Canada. My entry point might be Falls Chain EP 73 I suppose, but all of the advice I have gotten so far has just come from emailing with a couple of the outfitters near the end of the Gunflint Rd. Open to suggestions. I guess I should probably post to the Quetico site as well. David B" A couple of years ago, I came back from Grand Marais, MN, by way of Ontario and Sault Ste. Marie, completing the Lake Superior Circle Tour, after being told it was only about 50 miles and an hour longer than my usual route across the Upper Peninsula of MI back to WV. I have never gone back by Chicago since I took the U.P. route. I don't know exactly where you are in CT, but if you use Google maps or MapQuest, I think you'll find there's not much difference in mileage or time going to Atikokan or Grand Marais plus the end of the Gunflint Trail (or Ely, MN). Good luck with your planning and trip. P. S. It is a spectacular drive back along the northern shore of Lake Superior. I stopped at Pukaskwa NP on the way back - it is stunningly beautiful. |
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| David B |
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| David B |
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| Exo |
We are starting at Prairie Portage and paddling up to the falls chain via theMan Chain. Then Kawnipi and further west before heading towards Kashapiwi. |
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| TomT |
You could go north on falls chain to Kawnipi then south on agnes to the Man Chain and then east back home. A very popular route. If you want off the beaten path and smaller water you could detour west through McEwen and follow the trail to Louisa Falls. McEwen has nice fishing. I wrote up a trip report that went that way in 2013 if interested. If you do the Man Chain consider going west to east. I went the other way and had headwinds that made it really tough through those narrow lakes. |
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| David B |
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| TomT |
You have the opportunity to bypass a long and rough portage from Kenny Lk. to McEwen by exiting early through Wet Lake to McEwen. Depends on your adventure level and how you feel. McEwen Creek is gorgeous and wild. Lots of solitude on the way to Agnes Lk. Louisa Falls flowing into Agnes is a highlight and if it's warm out I recommend giving the "bathtub" at the base of the falls a wade. You can stand under the falls in 5 feet of water. From agnes you go south either to the Man Chain or the border lakes and home going west hopefully with the wind at your back. Heres a link to a clockwise loop of that route going out of Prairie Portage. It has maps for you to look at as well. |
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| David B |
I am 67, soon 68, and share those kinds of concerns but love being alone in the north woods. I hope to do my second solo trip this September. The first was in BWCA for 10 days, 3 or 4 years ago, and am contemplating this one in to Quetico, perhaps to the Kawnipi Lake area. I would certainly welcome any and all thoughts and suggestions on this. I plan to go in about Sept 9 for ten or twelve days and would like to hear from others about their experiences. Are there outfitters you'd recommend and is this the best choice? My priorities are solitude and enough walleyes for a few good dinners by the campfire. Anything will be appreciated. David B |
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| GraniteCliffs |
There is a notable difference, for me, between seeing folks in the BW much of the time and knowing there are few people wandering around the middle of the Q in September. I like the solitude but it does give me a more vulnerable feeling. |
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| cowdoc |
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| Exo |
Seriously, I'll be in that same area during same timeframe. I agree, the fees are pricey. Having never been to the Q I'll find out in a few months if it's worthwhile. What entry are you considering? |
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| yellowcanoe |
Its a nice route. I went some further down to the foot of Agnes some years ago on an 11 day solo. I think it was about nine years ago. The carries are fine. The one out of Russell to the Poets Chain a little steep but not long. Its unclear if you want to start in Canada or the US. I have almost always started in Canada which obliterates the need for a RABC. Outfitters are in Atikokan ( probably other places) but I have always had my own boat. Pickerel can be busy on a weekend but you would still get a site. Its only ninety minutes from a city of 150,000. |
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| David B |
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| yellowcanoe |
avoids all cities save North Bay (50,000 people) and almost all of Ottawa is avoided I wish Chicago only on bad people. And once it took me four hours to get to NYC from New Haven.. The upside is no tolls save on the 1000 Is Bridge. The downside is gas is pricier in Canada but your dollar goes a Looong way with the exchange rate. I kind of never went to the Bdub as Quetico was easier from CT. Wait we did Sag to the Falls Chain and along the CDN-USA line once. The Falls Chain is very nice and ought to factor in if you have not seen it. |
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| bhouse46 |
You will be happy you made this trip. |
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| Exo |
Based on the comments here and elsewhere a trip into Kawnipi from Clay Lake (fly-in?) is ill-advised. I've also read that French to Cache is real difficult as well. Seems going north through Agnes or up the Falls Chain is the fastest preferred route? Do it, don't regret it, spend a little on the fees for experience. Kawnipi appears so large that once you get to it, you can paddle, fish, break and make camp to your hearts desire without ever having to portage. |