Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Thoughts? my dear old man -Malberg vs Horshoe/Caribou
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Spartan2 |
Mocha: "Portage landings can be tricky before u get to the walking. Bring some hiking sticks to help him on portages. I think easier is better. Get to a lake u can base camp and then day trip without gear. The poplar area is much easier access than getting to mahlberg, imo." I totally agree on this one. It isn't the portages that are difficult (especially if you are just walking them) but the landings can be tricky. Also sometimes the biffy trails. On my last couple of trips I had trekking poles and they were a godsend! Be prepared to help him out of the canoe and make sure he gets a good footing to start his portage trek. Horseshoe has some nice campsites and the possibility of seeing moose is another plus. We didn't fish, so I cannot comment on the fishing on either route. Have a great trip! Good for you for including your dad. |
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mvillasuso |
It was epic. We caught fish in every lake and river we paddled, the bugs were insane, we got a great campsite on Malberg, saw pictographs, the whole thing... But I think going up to Malberg should be a 2-day trip for an 80-year-old man with limited tripping ability. Furthermore, you're pretty far 'out there' if someone has a slip on a rock and needs to come back. I'd consider a different trip, or making Polly the destination lake. Polly is beautiful and has a ton of campsites. I have read that only a very small amount of the shoreline on Polly was burned during the Pagami Creek Fire in 2011. Outstanding bass fishing all the lakes in the area, also. Alternates: Pauness, Big Moose Lake. Happy planning! :) |
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schweady |
And, yes, Horseshoe has fish. |
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dustytrail |
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cyclones30 |
If you want another option in that area, do Hog Creek to Perent. One short portage and unless there are beaver dams nothing else except a few miles of narrow river and you're at your basecamp lake. Lots of campsites, plenty of fish, etc. |
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SaganagaJoe |
That said, it will be the trip of a lifetime. Your son in particular will have memories he will never forget. |
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merlyn |
I have had poor luck fishing Caribou much better success on Horseshoe and Vista. I will be doing that same route solo in May. Please post when you get back, I think others will be interested in how he handles the trip I'm sure he's going to love it! |
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LetsGoFishing |
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GraniteCliffs |
My brother and I took our 85 or 86 year old mom to Knife Lake for several days a number of years ago. Perhaps the best trip I have taken. Wherever you go enjoy it!! |
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Blatz |
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A1t2o |
I agree with the walking stick idea. One thing to consider though is where he will brace them while getting in and out of the canoe if he has any difficulty with that. If he is going to put any pressure from the walking stick on the canoe bottom, you might want a rubber pad or something similar to prevent damage. Some of those walking sticks can have sharp bottoms and you don't want to scratch your canoe or possibly even put a hole in it. Rubber also won't slip. Getting in and out of the canoe is going to be the trickiest part. |
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bposteve |
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scotttimm |
So, I'm requesting feedback. We were originally looking at Malberg area to basecamp and explore/fish for a few days, then maybe head up to Alice for a couple of days to do the same, back out the way we came (Kawishiwi Lake). Thinking about him walking, I also thought about Poplar EP to Horshoe or Caribou. We have not been to either EP, though. I've been looking at the portage reports on here, wonder for those of you who have done it...how tough of a trip is it for an older guy to get to Malberg? We don't mind taking our time, could stop at Polly or Koma. Or would it be better to go the Horshoe route, how's the fishing in that area? It would certainly be a lot less portaging, but I'm guessing busy and maybe not as good fishing...Any thoughts you have would be appreciated. I love my dad, cherish him, and it's funny my son now calls me "old man" as his pet name, but I just think it would be really an amazing experience for all of us to get up there. Not sure he would have another trip in him after this summer. Cheers to all of you, and happy planning. |
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Mocha |
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