Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Complete solo newb solicits advice
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Ausable |
You should be fine with the Nova Craft Prospector 16 padded backwards from the bow seat. You'll put most of your equipment forward of the yoke. |
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AceAceAce |
Fall is my favorite time of year to go. As long as you’re prepared for weather possibilities it’s awesome. You can go into entry points usually too crowded or with permits unavailable. From my own solo experience in the fall here are a few tips: Safety if ALWAYS number 1. Simple things like securing your canoe with a rope at a landing before loading / unloading really stand out when you’re by yourself. Of course leave a safety plan on where you’re going and when you’ll be back. I carry a Garmin InReach for communication and just in case of any issues. It gets dark early. Bring a good headlamp, extra batteries, and a good book. There is no one to share the chores. If it’s needs doing, you’re doing it. As such solo I almost never bother with a fire. Lastly - go for it! Solo is a love it or hate it experience. You won’t know until you try. |
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Wabawho |
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Kendis |
Here are a few things that have occured to me so far: 1. I own all of the equipment I think I need. 2. I would have to use my Nova Craft Prospector 16 tandem as a solo, since at that time of year I don't want to count on an outfitter being open to rent a canoe from. Perhaps this is a fatal flaw if a dedicated solo is what I should really be using. 3. There must be a slew of things a soloist needs to take into consideration that I don't know about. I have no prior solo tripping experience. I do have prior solo paddling experience but only on local lakes and rivers. 4. I have a 10 hour one-way drive time, so I need guaranteed availability or reservable accommodations relatively nearby the night before my entry date. I don't want to sleep in my car unless there's no alternative. In the past I've stayed at an outfitter the night before entry date. With all that said, any advice, positive or negative, is welcome. |
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Kendis |
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quark2222 |
You probably know that you don't have to reserve a permit after 9-30-23, I assume. Some restaurants and retail stores may have reduced hours because a lot of their seasonal employees have gone back to college or their home country. I think Sawbill Outfitters cuts their store hours sometime in September. Normally, they are open until around 9 pm. With reduced hours, I think they may close around 6 pm or so. The Forest Ranger stations may have reduced hours too, but I'm not sure. The last few years since the virus, a lot of hotels/motels require a 2 consecutive night stay. I think they have problems finding workers just like other retailers and outfitters. Not sure where you are headed, but bunkhouses are a way to go. If you are going off the Gunflint, contact Rockwood Outfitters to see if their bunkhouse is open then. Tom |
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billconner |
I'm not sure what your canoe weighs but I sure like portaging my 34 or 30 pound solo. On the other hand, most don't travel as far in fall as they do in summer, so not so big of issue. And with so few others, easy to pick a low portage route. ps: I hope to be in bwca in that time period with my son. |