Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: 8/6-8/12, first time BWCA'ers
|
Author | Message Text | ||
boonie |
Portages - backpacking with a canoe. I assume you'll be packed light as backpackers; the best way to make your portages great is to carry less weight. The second best way is to be packed properly (# of loads) to do it whatever way you are planning - single, double, one and a half, or other. As others have mentioned, not having multiple loose items to deal with - secure, repack, etc. - makes it more organized and more efficient. A lot of time can be wasted at portage landings just getting organized and started. Some people spend more time at the ends than they do walking it. It's faster/easier to do a 1-mile portage than 4 quarter-mile ones, all other things being equal. I am confused about your route. Why are you going to Papoose (no campsites) then turning around and going back to Fairy via Chippewa, Niki, and Wagosh . . . ? Something is missing . . . |
||
ecampbell |
|
||
cyclones30 |
Good fishing in Gull area and lakes around there all the way back out to Mudro. I've never been on the Hegman/Angleworm/Home area so not comment there. It's not an easy route by any means but it sounds like you're prepared. |
||
bobbernumber3 |
|
||
boonie |
I'm assuming your outfitter routed you after asking a series of questions; I'd hesitate to re-route without knowing more. I'd suggest reading TB's excellent trip report while following along on your map and imagining your trip. Then call the outfitter if anything isn't clear. |
||
jillpine |
Best wishes for a great trip, hopefully the first of many for you and your family. Paddle it and protect it! ~jp Bungee dealee bobs |
||
TuscaroraBorealis |
|
||
OldTripper |
johndku: Solid advice here. It's easy to overpack. Really evaluate your pack list. Everything we take IS in a pack or strapped to the canoe. The paddles and leeches are the only exception. I echo johndku's advice. Have a good trip! |
||
ecampbell |
boonie: "Bugs - long-sleeved shirts, long pants, in lightweight, tightly-woven nylon treated with permethrin (Insect Shield), repellent, Insect Shield buff, headnet. I don't fish, so can't help there. bonnie, than you for the advice and for bringing up our route. It was sort of suggested by a route planner but we're totally open for re routing as long as our entry and exit points stay the same. Do you have suggestions for places to try to go instead? --would be very grateful for any help. |
||
johndku |
I can tell you in early-mid August, bugs shouldn't be too bad. Prepare for them anyhow, (Deet, Permethrin on clothing), but you shouldn't have many bug problems. You may, however, have excellent blueberry opportunities. Fishing - that time of year I'd concentrate on early morning and later evening fishing, even after dark if reasonable. Are you concentrating on any species? You'll get varying opinions here, but we always take leeches, and have never been disappointed. Portages - there's really no secret trick. Don't overpack, review your gear one more time to eliminate what you really don't need. Don't think you absolutely have to single portage. First trip I took with my "too young to carry anything substantial" son we triple portaged, now I'm happy as heck just to get it down to double portaging. Consider them part of your trip and enjoy them, look around and appreciate the scenery, you never know what you'll see. Everything should either go into a pack or be strapped to the canoe. (rods, paddles, etc.) None or as few loose items as possible. Get into the habit of each person carries the same items every time lessens the chance of leaving something behind. You'll get into a rhythm on unloading, portaging and loading. I'm sure others will give you some good advice on your route and fishing specific lakes. Good luck, have a great trip. |
||
ecampbell |
Entry Point: 77 – S. Hegman Lake Exit Point: 23 – Mudro Lake Significant Waterbodies on the Route: S. Hegman, N. Hegman, Angleworm, Home, Gull, Gun, Wagash, Niki, Chippewa, Papoose, Fairy, Boot, Fourtown, Mudro Thanks! |