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ozarkpaddler
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Another excellent report! And, even though I'm 6'1", those friggin' steps are HIGH on that portage. And you aren't the only one to have problems finding that portage out of Ham. When we were coming "Out," we met two young ladies who paddled into the portage after we arrived. They said we "Saved" their trip because they looked around at the "False" portage, decided it was impossible, and that maybe this trip was too difficult to find their way. They were headed to Frost. Hope they had better luck after Ham!
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Malamom
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Thanks so much! You have no idea how much your reports mean to me as I too am somewhat "limited". This spring a friend and I knew we couldn't canoe at this point, so we did a car (van) camping trip with 3 dogs up and down the Gunflint and had a wonderful time! Thanks for your report and the awesome photos!
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lars54
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what a nice detailed report and great pictures
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danhawk
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Thanks for sharing your report. I also enjoyed your photos.
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GSP
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You two are a inspiration of all that is right in the world. Thank you for sharing the trip and life's adventure with us. thank you
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Ho Ho
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Thanks, Lynda! I know it wasn't what you planned, but I'd call that a pretty darn good trip. (I'm on Anna's optimism team.) And what great pictures! I have a hunch there are quite a few unexpected and fun adventures before you and Neil. I really enjoyed the report.
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Spartan2
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You know, it's weird. I have this sort of peripheral memory of paddling up to that spot and getting out to check it back in 2002, then saying "Nope, this isn't it!" and we went back and found the correct portage. But yet, I keep a pretty detailed journal, and when we got back home there is absolutely no mention of having any trouble finding the portage or of wondering about the spot by the inlet.
It was pretty infuriating at the time, and then the instant deluge of rain was the last straw!
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Boppa
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Spartan2,
A wonderfully detailed trip report. I do however think you are being a bit rough on yourselves for not "getting further". You had some obstacles, you adjusted, that is how it flows at times.
I always look forward to your photography and as usual I am envious of your fine eye and beautiful results. Exceptional work once again.
I guess the rain you encountered was due after the great weather you had last year - that should mean next year will be a keeper.
Thanks for sharing.
Boppa
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Spartan2
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New Trip Report posted by Spartan2
Trip Name: The Unintentional Base-camping Trip.
Entry Point: 50
Click Here to View Trip Report
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willys53
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I agree with Boppa, You are to hard on yourselves! You improvised, adapted, and made the trip work!! If I knew how to use the computer better I'd draw a figure standing, applauding you guys. But you will have to settle for a " way to go!!". Also, what great pictures. Sure enjoyed reading your report. Look forward to next years!!
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homerun23
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Fantastic photos!! I wish mine turned out half as well as yours!
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quark2222
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Pretty cool. I made the exact mistake on Ham that you did, even though I went through that portage a few years ago. I really felt stupid and had to ask a Ham camper where the friggin portage was. I think the maps are not correct, as well as the GPS maps.
Great report. Thanks.
TomW
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fishguts
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Great photos! Thanks for the report and all the beauty too!
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wawasee
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Love the pictures! I am hoping and praying that both of you have a healthy and happy year!
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Itchy Menace
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Great report and amazing pics as always. May your trips continue.
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Wallidave
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Perfect!
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TuscaroraBorealis
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Great report!!!
They say a picture is worth 1000 words..........well, yours are worth at least 5000! With pictures like that you don't need too much text.
Maybe the trip wasn't all that you thought it would be going in???? But in reality whose trip really ever is? On EVERY trip there are sooooo many variables that are out of our control. (weather, occupied campsites, very shy wildlife etc. etc. etc.) Being able to adjust on the fly is a prerequisite for enjoyment of any trip. It seems like you both did a great job doing just that.
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alpine525
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I thoroughly enjoyed your trip report - and all the beautiful photos.
My husband and I have paddled this route several times and we had lunch at your campsite a couple of times - it's a great one.
My husband also has a bad back - he's had four surgeries. He's now 65 and doing well ... we just take it slow and go as far as we can. When he's had enough - we set up camp. We try to position ourselves in an area where we can base camp and take nice day trips to different areas. It works for us - we're just happy to be there!
Best wishes for many more trips!
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nojobro
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I agree, marvelous photos. I long to take pictures like that! Great job!
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drnatus
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Great pictures, thanks for posting.
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rmpeterson2
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Fantastic photography! Thanks for posting!
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gbuskk
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Great photos. I admire your devotion to canoe camping.
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Bang
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Thanks for supplying us all with such wonderful photography. As it is said: "a picture is worth a thousand words."
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Rob Johnson
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Thank you for sharing. The photos show an "eye" for photography that most of us simply don't have. I always bristle when my wife wants to take "Another D___ Flower Picture" but then we look at the photos a year later and they are always some of the best shots.
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tremolo
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Spartan2: Congrats on winning the Best TR for July! Your photos are beautiful!
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Winemaker
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I rarely respond to trip reports, I enjoy reading them but feel a comment is unneeded in most cases.
First, the pictures are well a step above what I see and expect in trip reports. The composition, light, and subjects are top-knotch. Its a good camera, but it takes a good eye behind it to get great photos.
Second, I have had a few trips that did not work as I had planned myself. I am a 'planner' and like to follow 'the plan' and get cranky when things do not work out as planned. I agree you two made the best of your circumstamces. It irritates me that two folks just entering the so-called 'Golden Years' are saddled with the ailments you have. It reminds me I lost both my parents before they were 75 and yet I have many friends who's folks are still in their 80's and 90's! Its not fair, its just life, and thus we have our faith to fall back on.
Lastly, Keep doing what you can do. Either get a cabin up there and day-trip or find some healthy people to take along to be pack-mules so you can still enjoy the BWCA. I suspect there are several who would welcome you two on their trips and be glad to carry a heavy pack to allow you two the joy we all find in the BW. I tried to get my Dad to come once with me, he would have loved it, but his infirmities made him hestitate and now my opportunity is gone. Keep doing what your doing...
hummm?
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Mongo65
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THank you for sharing. The report and pictures were great!
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KevinL
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Great pictures - Thanks
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SunCatcher
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Spartan Team... Thanks for the nice glimpse into your trip. Really appreciate the great photo's and dialague. I get a kick out of your report because it is a glimpse into your lives as husband and wife and the discussion's we all have when together. Enjoyed the heck out of your report and hope for many more paddles for you two.
SunCatcher
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Cedarboy
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Love the photos.
Great report.
CB
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Kiporby
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Wonderful Pictures!!!
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Arkansas Man
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Lynda, Hang in there! You and Neil have many more trips yet!
Fantastic pictures and a great report! You definitely have an eye for photography!
Bruce
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h20man
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Nice report and photos.
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onajourney
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The Spartans are always an inspiration to me and this year is no different! You showed up and did a trip despite having pain and health concerns, and even though it was different than what you had planned, you still were able to portage, paddle, and be in the BWCA. We are 56 now, and have pushed ourselves to do some rugged portages - figure we should do them now as the clock is ticking and we are healthy. But a lesson learned, is to not set too many expectations for the trip because there are a lot of variables that can change everything. Thanks for sharing your experiences and wonderful photos.
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