Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: PMA Paradise :: PMA Top 10 Mistakes
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Minnesotian |
I think my first mistake that I learned was that crashing through alders shouldn't be my first instinct. There probably is an easier way. |
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Frenchy19 |
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Woodtick |
quote Chilly: "Improper attire: You should be covered fully including eye protection. No shorts, or sort sleeves as the woods will often scrape you up more then you think. And you don't want a tree branch in the eye. Good hiking boots with great ankle support is a must. Totally agree. I also bring the plastic safety glasses from work before setting out on any bushwack. |
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Chilly |
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h20 |
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PaddleAway |
quote Chilly: "Improper attire: You should be covered fully including eye protection. No shorts, or sort sleeves as the woods will often scrape you up more then you think. And you don't want a tree branch in the eye. Good hiking boots with great ankle support is a must. Sadly, for those of us who are allergic to heat, this isn't an option. Perhaps I'm an outlier, but I've done every bushwhack in shorts, a t-shirt, & Keens or the equivalent. Yes, I end up with some scrapes & even a nasty bruise once, but I'm not soaked & miserable all the time. I'll probably regret it when I break an ankle or open a vein, but it works for me. Never mind, it's sound advice. I'm an idiot. |
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straighthairedcurly |
quote Minnesotian: " So true! This one made me laugh so hard with the truth of it...been there, done that. |
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bumabu |
For me the biggest mistake was not even thinking about how emotionally taxing a PMA route would be. Even if I would have considered it, I would have underestimated it. Going solo also magnified it. Basically, the PMA's will push you to your breaking point. Bring a chair and a pack of smokes so when you fizzle out and are searching for the meaning of life, you can at least be comfortable. |
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PortageKeeper |
Not trusting your compass Not bringing enough water Not taking enough breaks Thinking that you are alone (actually lots of eyes are watching you) Not flagging your gear Not watching your back trail Not taking enough photos Not watching weather Not enjoying it |
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Bogwalker |
I have heard more than a few times that people got to camp very late or ended up camping somewhere along the portage trail because of getting turned around on a portage or just underestimated the time it would take. I always plan on tripling the time a portage might take for any PMA portage. Example: A 160 rod normal portage will take me about 40 minutes to double portage. The same 160 rod PMA portage I will figure it may take me close to two hours. If I am able to get it done quicker than I just have extra time to fish or have in camp. I'd rather be happy with the extra time than frustrated because its dark and I'm no where near where I wanted to be. |
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rtallent |
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housty9 |
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Rob Johnson |
I'll start the list with...over estimating the distance/pace while bushwhacking. |
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PaddleAway |
My biggest mistake is one we've made before even getting to the PMA. We were so eager a few years ago to get into a PMA that we pushed extra hard with a brutal first day & when we woke up the second day & actually looked at what was in front of us, with aching shoulders & more to come, good lord. I won't wear myself out again before even getting there. There's a rhythm to the BWCA & I tend to forget that one gets stronger fast there...but not right away. |
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housty9 |
quote PortageKeeper: "Not having a well laid plan Thanks, I will write these down, helpful reminders for my first PMA solo. |
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Savage Voyageur |
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