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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: PMA Paradise :: Trying to Pick a Route
 
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sueb2b
08/14/2021 10:29PM
  
I was hoping to go into Weeny Lake this year. Had the permits all set, etc. But I doubt that area's opening in the next couple weeks. So...

My choices (haven't checked on permit availability...just based on location) are Canthook or Weasel Lake.

Canthook looks like the more difficult to get to, potentially. And if I don't go into the PMA, it seems like most of the lakes around are larger. I'd prefer to stay away from bit lakes when possible.

Weasel looks like it'll be more crowded in the areas to travel through to get there. Part of it was also affected by the 2011 fire.

Any thoughts? Esp. given the low water levels this year. Thanks.
 
straighthairedcurly
08/15/2021 06:21PM
  
Sounds like you travel like me. I have to force myself to take one rest day, but even then I spend most of it paddling and exploring. I like to build it in for similar reasons.


I have not been in through either of those EPs yet. In terms of the PMAs you listed, it seems like there is a lot more information available about Weasel compared to Canthook. However, that part of the BW is much less traveled as you mentioned so if the PMA becomes limiting you can at least travel around and not run into hordes.


However, if you want to travel farther and make a dash through the Lake One area to Insula, you could go into Fungus PMA. Then, if time and energy, you could get over by Alice/Fishdance. The Kawishiwi River and lakes just east and north tend to be quite quiet. But that might be too much out and back.


Whatever you decide, I will be interested in hearing how it goes. I am always looking to explore new routes.
 
sueb2b
08/16/2021 08:25PM
  
Fungus looks like it got impacted by the Pagami Creek fire 10 yrs ago, so not totally sure about that.


But Drag Lake is looking a little enticing. If I can run the numbered lakes gauntlet, that might be interesting.
 
straighthairedcurly
08/15/2021 11:23AM
  
So are Little Gabbro and LIS your only choices for entry permits? Are you trying to stay as far west as you can? Or are you open to starting farther east?


How many days total? How many days of traveling versus day trips?
 
sueb2b
08/15/2021 03:30PM
  
Those are the entry points I have at this point. Some entries are a bit scarce. I prefer to go in on smaller lakes if possible since it’s just me. Also, I’m picking up the canoe in Ely.


I have 8 days total. Was planning on traveling at least 5-6 of those. (I like to work in a rain/rest day). I don’t usually do day trips as much as just move on.
 
sueb2b
08/16/2021 10:40PM
  
I was also just looking at Snowbank. There’s a couple PMAs in the area. Not as confident going in on such a big lake, though.


Someone just posted a trip report. They were going to do a PMA but decided against due to wind.