This forum was established to inform and facilitate discussion about the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota and the Quetico Park in Ontario, Canada. This forum
was established on October 26th, 1998.
For those interested in the Upper Iowa weekend, you may check the following website for a preview. I will try to get more of our specifics up in the next day or two. The weekend that seemed to work out best for everyone is April 29-May 1. So mark your calendars and plan to come join us. We're ordering higher water levels than last year!
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
I'm going to try to post this from her e-mail and see how it works.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
I am taking my first trip with my three sons, 24, 22 and 14. We will be going in EP 16 Moose River on May 25th for five days. I have been reading the board and taking notes. I would like suggestions between three different options for this trip.
Option 1.
Day one: Agnes
Day 2: Lac La Croix around Fish Stake Narrows
Day 3: Lac La Croix
Day 4: Boulder bay
Day 5: Out
Option 2.
Day one: Agnes
Day 2: Iron Lake
Day 3: Stuart
Day 4: Agnes
Day 5: Out
Option 3.
Day one: Agnes
Day 2: Lac La Croix (Fish Stake Narrows)
Day 3: Gebe
Day 4: Oyster
Day 5: Out
We will like to fish, but also enjoy each other and the outdoors.
Any suggestions and advice, would be appreciated. Please give pro's and con's for your recommendations.
I have done the LLC thing a couple of times, though have not done Gebe and Oyster. I see it as a great option to loop. More interior, less traveled route to round out your loop. Allows you to see more than an in and out.
There's also some pictos on Green to check out as you are coming into Oyster. And plan to spend some fun time around the pretty waterfall cascading out of Gebe into Pocket Cr.
Unless pull out early from Oyster, it will be quite a long paddle to take-out. We did that trek last year and spent the last nite on Nina Moose, but considering your schedule, Oyster is a nicer lake to camp on. NM is great, but very, very busy.
... is the last day. Last year, Jim-WI and I did this in reverse (Moose River entry point to Oyster). We hit the water about 9:00 and didn't reach Oyster until about 4 or 5 PM. We were very exhausted too. Expect and plan for a long day on this stretch, otherwise, you've outlined a very nice trip. Make sure you're well packed and prepared for efficient portaging.
... going from Moose River EP to Oyster, we did dally a bit (Climbed "Rock of Ages" for instance + other photo ops), we double portaged (2 people, 2 solo boats), and we took the Oyster River route (with a few minor beaver dam liftovers) instead of the Agnes to Oyster portage. Even though we double portaged, we were both experienced and therefore otherwise minimized the portaging time. We also were lucky that we hit all the portages when there was no one else around, other than one where a family was having lunch -- but, they were well off to the side and didn't slow us down at all. We did encounter significant head wind on Nina Moose Lake but, the rivers were sheltered enough so it wasn't a real problem there.
Someone else recommended doing the loop in reverse (as we did). A lot depends on your travel time up there and back. If you can start early on your first day, heading to Oyster first would be your best bet. If you start your trip mid day but, are planning to stay overnight locally before returning home, doing the loop the other way would be best, saving the Oyster to EP leg to the last day -- when you'll be more organized and have less food to worry about. In our case, we stayed at the VNO bunkhouse the night before our trip so were able to get an early start our first morning but, we were planning to drive all the way home after exiting on our last day. Tiger Bay to the Entry Point was a long enough day with the drive afterwards. Driving home after the Oyster Lake to Entry Point leg would have been pretty much out of the question.
Of course, as someone else pointed out -- YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary). You will have 3 young, presumably strong, men with you. Jim and I are probably both roughly your age (assumption based on the fact that each of us have youngsters in their 20's). Youth may win out over experience. Or, it may not. Paddling skills are another consideration.
Larry
To really appreciate the wilderness, one must pay attention to the small things as well as the grandiose.
It looks like you might be trying to avoid staying two nights on the same lake. Ge-be to Agnes would even out your route. Beymer has you swing over to Ramshead on the way out, another option.
Those 3 sons of yours might allow you to single portage-either single or double portaging, you could reverse the route and get to Oyster the first day. We did it a couple of years ago on my's family's first trip. We started early- left Ely at 6 AM, heading down the first portage from the parking lot at around 7 AM. Made the mistake of going up Oyster Creek from Nina Moose River before you get to Agnes- one beaver dam after another to haul over- was not the quick way to go. We did not want to stop on Oyster Creek so got to Oyster Lake around 2 PM but were pretty tired. If we had gone into Agnes, stopped, pumped water, got lunch, we would have a hour or two later getting to Oyster Lake, been much more refreshed, and we double portage. Oyster Lake only had one other group on it, beautiful lake. That way your big day is your first, you get a ways in and leave some of the crowd behind. Agnes out to the entry point would be a decent day. There are a couple of rapids on Nina Moose River we saw some people playing in -didn't have time to stop with our schedule but you probably would have time on the way in or out, depending on your final route decision. Our trip looped around to Little Sioux N entry point so did not go back up the Moose River.
It looks like you might be trying to avoid staying two nights on the same lake. Ge-be to Agnes would even out your route. Beymer has you swing over to Ramshead on the way out, another option.
Those 3 sons of yours might allow you to single portage-either single or double portaging, you could reverse the route and get to Oyster the first day. We did it a couple of years ago on my's family's first trip. We started early- left Ely at 6 AM, heading down the first portage from the parking lot at around 7 AM. Made the mistake of going up Oyster Creek from Nina Moose River before you get to Agnes- one beaver dam after another to haul over- was not the quick way to go. We did not want to stop on Oyster Creek so got to Oyster Lake around 2 PM but were pretty tired. If we had gone into Agnes, stopped, pumped water, got lunch, we would have a hour or two later getting to Oyster Lake, been much more refreshed, and we double portage. Oyster Lake only had one other group on it, beautiful lake. That way your big day is your first, you get a ways in and leave some of the crowd behind. Agnes out to the entry point would be a decent day. There are a couple of rapids on Nina Moose River we saw some people playing in -didn't have time to stop with our schedule but you probably would have time on the way in or out, depending on your final route decision. Our trip looped around to Little Sioux N entry point so did not go back up the Moose River.
Is the time I have written down for a trip from July 2003. It was in the pouring rain most of the time so I moved right along with a purpose. I recall that it rained the entire day before and the hardest rain was predicted for the afternoon so I got an early start and gave 'er. I travel solo and single trip and prefer taking oyster creek rather than Agnes and the portage whether going either way. I have no major problems with beaver dam pullovers although they can get a bit mucky. This is an entire skill in itself. Of course, if this is your first trip and you double portage it could take you a lot longer. There is an awful lot of variability between people in this respect and your mileage may vary. Oyster is a nice lake and I personally find the portage from Oyster to Oyster creek quite nice also.
We now know what you bought, but what did you see, touch, feel and want but for some reason DIDN'T buy?
my choices:
Custom spray deck from Dan Cooke. I am close to getting one and told Dan he's the man. But since I am in the process of exchanging canoes I don't know which boat to float!
New Bell Yellowstone canoe. Ummmmm purty, purty boat.
The purple canoe from Novacraft. Maybe my wife will take upcanoeing...nah. Just give me a Blue Steel Prospector.
A waxed pack from Frost River. Those things just look and smell RIGHT!
Booking a trip down the Kazan. The outfitter said he wouldfly toEly to pick up customers. Now THAT"S service!
solo canoes and single blades...the way it should be.
Something hit me just right with the Wenonah Vagabond in kevlar. Beautiful little canoe & so light. Seems to me it'd be ideal for solo 1-2 night trips.
Prijon Calabria. Fit like a glove, I could have sat in it & eaten my lunch, but didn't think that would go over that well. Beautiful shorter kayak. I want one.
Old Town Dirigo 140. Versatile. Could fish out of it, the kids could use it, there's a removable thing for a small child to sit on, day hatch, cockpit big enough to fit a dog too.
Cooke's food pack.
But I like the blue food barrels too. Now what?
Alaska on the Home Shore. You go out on a boat, which is your home "base" while they take you to different areas to kayak. looking through their album, every photo was an "oh my God!" picture. I love humpback whales. When I asked, "so there's a good chance you'll see humpbacks?", she replied, "You WILL see humpback whales"! & it's not a "cruise ship" type of boat, rather a 62' commercial fishing type boat.
Lots & lots of books. Can't bring 'em all home!
Some place called Voyageur North - they outfit trips up in Minnesota.
"Something hit me just right with the Wenonah Vagabond in kevlar. Beautiful little canoe & so light. Seems to me it'd be ideal for solo 1-2 night trips."
I have the wenonah Sandpiper and like it a lot for my "creek boat". It has even been to the BWCA for a one week trip! The Vagabond is the same canoe but a foot longer. If I had it to do over, I'd have purchased the Vagabond (Actually I couldn't because I bought the Sandpiper the year before the Vagabond came out).
Pack light and the Vagabond will take you out for a week! Put a canoe cover on it and you won't even be wind bound!
My church is doing a passion play this weekend. It is really quite a well done play for a small church if I do say so myself. I play Jesus ( a far cry I know, but hey they don't call it acting for nothing).
I want to invite all of you who are within driving distance. You are my friends, so I wanted to share this with you. OT haters, please forgive me.
Performance times this weekend:
Saturday, 7:00 PM
Sunday, 7:00 PM
the story I heard about another passion play. Their Jesus was on the cross on performance night. The soldiers had a collapsible spear for the part where they pierce Jesus side. They were missing their cue and when they finally realized it was time panicked in a hurried manor and grabbed the wrong spear! Ambulance came. So they got a replacement Jesus to do the rest.
But that's not the end of the story. At the end where they do the ascension they were set up with cables to lift Jesus into the clouds. EXCEPT, the replacement Jesus was 30# lighter than the other one so instead of rising into the clouds this Jesus rocketed up, hitting his head at the top! Another ambulance. Fortunately they were at the end of the play!!
After Copia, my second year, prompted by ccbb, qj and qp folks, thank you for allowing me to attend your recluse of adventure and be apart of your "March". Sorry about the burp.
Make him stop, pleeeeeease....Let me at least sleep 8 hours straight before you start that whole "Only X days left" thing!
BTW, PLEASE send feedback via email or any other method you like. I can't guarantee I can do it, but I certainly take all comments seriously. I spent a few hours last night reading the surveys, seems like everyone needs more time to paddle. One person sent me an essay on how everyone has enough time, they just need to make better choices on how to use it.
I'm thinking about making my hotel reservations now. I called last October and was only able to get a suite. Darren, have you worked out show rates at the Clarion for 2006 yet?
There is one heck of a race going on. With 200 miles to go, there were only about 3 1/2 hours separating the top nine, only abt 5 1/2 hours separating the top eleven. Unfortunately Charlie Boulding had to scratch. http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/coverage_2005/2005_current_order.html
I been out there in the woods wondering aboot with this fancy new shootin iron with interchangable barrels, adjustable zoom/variable telescoptic sights,built in infared/holographic range finder, an a bunch of other stuff..anyhoo..iffin your interested, I'll be sending a little something your way.......eye candy, so to speak.yep!!!!!!!
Musher & former pro wrestler Paul Ellering is there as Rachael Scdoris' visual interpreter, so he wasn't trying for a high finish anyway. Guiding her around any unforeseen trouble and to the finish will make his day. http://www.cabelasiditarod.com/mushers/elleringp.html
Well another Copia has come and gone and it's now time to be thinking of our trips this year.
I had a great time meeting with old and new friends as in this first photo you'll see.
Greyjay, QPassage and Cossack
This next photo shows that we all can carry a tune and sing along with JStroke. I think I saw him nudge him but it was soon a tune carried well into the room of several others.
This next photo is of part of the band on Friday night.
Wilderness Mama, Wilderness Papa, and Glydr
Looks like a Standing Room Only.
More to come.
Video I promise very soon.
qp
I'm writing a short story set in the area. Ravens and wolves play a significant part in the plot. I know that in the pacific nortwest ravens play a significant part in the mythology/folklore, but I can't find any sources of the part they play in the folklore of the BWCA.
Specifically: many tribes believed that Raven created the world. Does anyone know if there was ever a similar belief in Northern MN? Anyone know of any sources I can track down?
Obviously I would also be interested in any particular folkloric beliefs surrounding wolves as well.
Thanks in advance.
(What I really want to type is it's been 2 long years since I've been back and I'm filled with a longing only known to others that love the area.)
Michelle
Julia Altrocchi's book "Wolves Against the Moon." I have not read it yet but it is suppose to involve a story about wolves in, I believe, early pioneer Wisconsin. There could be some tie-in with your interest here.
those stories have been told in this area? Obviously, with the Ojibwe story it points to a real possibility.
I have a character who resides in the area and I need to know that it would be possible/likely she had heard the stories. If I cannot verify it - and I'm still hopeful that I can - I can ditch/alter one particular line.
I want to thank everyone who has helped with this little assignment. I'm trying to sell my house in MI to move there. In my ideal world I would be close enough to do some legwork myself.
Michelle
but here is some contact information to put you in touch with native peoples who live in the area. They should be able to confirm if the stories are a part of their folklore.
Lac La Croix First Nation
P.O. Box 640
Fort Frances, Ontario
P9A 3N9
Tel: (807) 485-2431
Fax: (807) 485-2583
Grand Portage Band of Chippewa
Norman Deschampe, Chairman
Box 428
Grand Portage, MN 55605
218-475-2277
Yes the mushroom - anybody ever hunt for them in the BW? I don't know if the range is even that far north. In fact I've never even looked for them up here (Two Harbors area). A good decode or so I used to live west of the twin cities and would hunt for them every spring. I think I'm going to do it again this spring up here. Hopefully they are around and I won't just be wandering around in the woods - which isn't bad either. Anybody hunt for them or know if they are this far north?
Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.
and every moral I thought I,ve found in the Superior N.F. looked like it was too far gone to try, I know there is the false morals here.....however I have harvested morals,From the Chippawa N.F. and ate them fried ...and lived to tell you this, but you may question the side effects???????hehehehe!
I can't speak for the BW as I've never hunted for them there. I live in the Pacific Northwest-South of Seattle-and we have lots of them here. In fact, as I was out mowing the pasture this evening I was thinking about looking for them around my cottonwood trees. Seems like we have finished with winter already as we've had about 3 straight weeks of sunshine and no rain. Some sort of record for the area this time of year. I've already had to mow 4 times and it's the middle of March! I too am interested in whether they abound (or even exist) in the BW. I love to eat mushrooms and the morel is at the top of my list!! 'Course shaggy manes, chantrelles and 'cauliflower' mushrooms are right up there also!
especialy around dead elms is where I have had the most luck. I would think the BW is not only too far north, but with the prevailing evergreen forest I would doubt there is much morel activity there.
I know of a couple fellers that found a very large gethering of shrooms(morels)
....some of them were nice size..anyhoo, guess this means that , yep they are here. I would narrow down the location a bit, and in what type of micro climate/ecosystem,but........you know that that type of info is a scared trust that is usually a closly guarded secret...I'll just say look in the type of area that morels are known to sprout....a very keen eye fer the little buggers also helps,sometimes they seem to pop up right before you eyes...you know, all that woodsy,elf and gnome legend type stuff!...well, as Alton Brown would say.."good eats"..and good luck!!!!!1111
I can't give you any first hand reports of morels in the BWCA. I did a search of the Fungi Database from the University of Minnesota herbarium, but didn't find any record of morel collection from St. Louis, Lake, or Cook counties. That doesn't mean they are not present, perhaps just uncommon enough that they haven't yet been collected by mycologists.
In general, coniferous forest is not prime habitat for morels. You might have more luck searching areas dominated by deciduous trees, and in the BWCA that means mostly aspen and birch stands. There is some anecdotal evidence that burned areas are slightly more productive.
I will consult with a mycologist I know. It may be next week before I can relay her opinion, as it is now Spring break, and faculty members are as scarce as the students. I will post the reply back to the top of the page at that time, as this thread will undoubtedly have slipped back a page or two by that point.
A couple of other places where you can post an inquiry are:
....in-laws have no problem finding them about 20 miles north of Grand Rapids. And that is farther up north than Two Harbors, but as others have said, I think it has more to do with the forest makeup than the latitude. People are very secretive of their morel hunting spots, even more so than the guys who hunt moose sheds or have secret brookie holes. lol Good luck with the serch.
hows about letting me go look for you, an I'll let you know what I find....if you think they might be there, a trained eye doing a preliminary scouting for you might save you a futile effort...if I find any I'll also include an ediability report! Thanks.
If I find none - I call on your trained eye. Or maybe if I find one of them funny looking morels...I think folks nowadays might be calling them false, I call you you up for an edibility test. Deal?
Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.
right in da funny bone..I yam startin ta think ya took me insult to yur t shirt quote kinda personal like.....would it make things better if I said I like your present quote better......?
My t-shirt quote! That was something like two years ago - I'm impressed. No hard feelings here. Hopefully none on your end - as of lately just felt like being a little funny, thought a little joking exchange with you might be in order. Figured of all people - I knew you could take it. Still no worries on my end.
Thanks to the interstate highway system, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything.
As I recall, they're usually found about the time the May apples come out, after a wet spell and around dead elms. You can recognize dead elms by their "Y" shape and they're barkless.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
The biggest surprise for me was walking past the NovaCraft booth on Friday evening and seeing a purple canoe- I stopped and asked if it was for Kaitlyn, and it was!
Found out that they were not going to have it on display, and she was looking at alternate storage locations, but then she went back and subtly let them know that every woman there would be interested! When your name is Bear Dancing Woman, mere human males do not have a chance! By the time I was there, they were amazed at how much interest it generated!
This shot features Bogwalker, two of the Novacraft guys, and Darren:
Here are Abigail and Hannah, tickled purple to be sitting in Nana's new canoe!
Thanks to all who attended and gave so much of themselves. The first ten minutes of the service were nice, and jstroke's voice and pickin' were first-rate. Then I ran off to put out small fires.
I would greatly appreciate feedback, especially about the speakers...since I got to see only a few of them for a few minutes. We're alreayd planning for next year.
Kirk Wipper and I have become friends. He said something in French, I responded in French and he beamed. And my French SUCKS.
We do try to make it better every year. Bigger ain't the goal, but it does seem to grow anyway. The rumor is that Alliant Energy Center Expo will expand 40,000 feet in 2007.
Our house was busy this weekend. Tim Smith from Jack Mountain was here with his traveling buddy, Jeff, on Tuesday night. We had a good time hanging around the house swapping lies and stories. Turns out we have a lot of mutual friends. I learned from Jeff that his native New Brunswick is larger than Wisconsin, and has 650,000 people to our 5,000,000. Sounds lovely.
Wednesday Jodie Lalonde from Turtle Paddle arrived with Hap Wilson, and again, much hanging out/lying was accomplished. Kevin Callan didn't fly in until Friday afternoon. We had a River Rat showing all our own, and it was of course, lovely. I am lobbying for him to come paddle some of our non-boreal rivers.
Sunday morning we had the 3nd or 4th annual ecumenical Canadian Syrup/American Pancake breakfast with Tim Miller and Roc Prevost from Nova Craft, Bill and Anne Ostrom from Ostrom Packs, Kevin, Jodie, Stephanie and the kids, and Recreational Barrel Works owner Andy Baxter. These are very delightful and interesting folks, I highly recommend time spent with these folks. Andy and Kevin have done a lot of tripping together, so they were telling very, very funny stories and we were all squirting milk out of our nostrils...
The only bummer is that I accidently left my sourdough starter in the show office and someone probably smelled it and assumed it was to be thrown out. TIm is sending me another quart to get it going again.
I heard Cliff cut his finger during one of his shows. Any confirmation? Stephanie said it was unintentionally very funny...
I was standing beside him when it happened. Cliff was rushing and in a hurry to get over to the book signing station. A few of us were helping him pack his props off the stage when I heard him start shouting, "Oh gosh, oh darn, it cut my finger!" It looked like a finger prick. I am not sure if it was a knife, fork or what. He was licking his wound and calling for a bandaid. (You would think with all his gear around he would have a first aid kit.) I usually carry a few in my billford but this time no luck. Maybe if I had Cliff would have signed my t shirt.
Anyway the faithful started gathering around and I decided to split. Hopefully it didn't get infected.
solo canoes and single blades...the way it should be.
First of all, many thanks for all your hard work to put on the show, it is great fun for so many of us paddlers.
I wonder if future speakers could be encouraged to limit their subject matter a little more? I realize that the speakers often are trying to peak your interest in buying their books. But so many of the presentations were done a mile-a-minute to cover the whole book rather than just one chapter.
I missed canoecopia but a coworker was there and the problem is the lack of room at the seminars. He said all were crowded and missed the one he really wanted to hear due to no room left. I was there last year and had a similar problem. If you are lucky, the seminars you want are in the same room and you don't move (don't drink either or then you have to move- to the bathroom)
to attend as many seminars on Friday and Sunday as possible. There was plenty of room on Friday and the only one I could not get into on Sunday was one of Kevin's.
the GPS program this year. His program, or should I say the first half of his program, was nothing but a sales job for his gps units. It could have turned around in the second half but I had already departed. If you are interested we have a guy that we use in our programs in St. Louis that does an excellent job of GPS instruction-complete with a great powerpoint presentation. He is not affiliated with any commercial operation. If you are interested I can get you his contact information.
All of the others that I saw were really great! How you manage to get so many excellent speakers is amazing.
He's a contributing writer to Silent Sport magazine. Plus, he has authored a number of paddling books around the Mid-West. I have never heard him speak but I think he could cover a lot of topics relating to recreational stream/river paddling.
LOL, welcome BrokenChair! You'll learn to really love this board for information, ideas, insight, reviews, and a whole lot of comraderie (which you have already experienced).
Don't forget to share all that experience and ideas rolling around in your noggin as well.
I remember you! you're the guy who sat on a broken chair. I am so glad you got up and were not hurt. I wonder if I will be able to recognize you unless i see you sitting on the floor with your back to me??
since i wasn't able to make it to Canoecopia, i went up to help at the woodshop. spent nearly four hours with a random orbital sander. i think my hand is still vibrating.
can you come over to my house and sand the inside of mine??
I see you're wearing a mask, good.
I have appearantly developed a reaction to the cedar dust, as I can stand about 30 minutes in it, even with a mask, and then my throat "plugs up" and I can't breath. It then takes about 2-4 hours for it to get back to normal.
I did get the outside final sanded and ready for glass this weekend but I payed the price too.
I'm going to hook-up the shop vac before I do any more sanding, and maybe get a real resperator.
Good thing there is a lot less sanding on W/C then on strippers.
I didn't have any problems building the 1st 2 strippers. And then on occasion while doing W/C I'd get a little plugged but there's so much less sanding/dust it wasn't bad. On this one it has just "hit me".
Since the first threads have alreay fallen off the page...
Got home about midnight last night after a faster-than-usual tear-down and a pleasant drive home. Stopped in Winona to drop Wenonah's stuff, popped in a Jerry Vandiver CD and tapped my toes all the way home. My wonderful wife let me sleep until 10:00 AM.
It was great to see so many "old friends" again this year. What a treat to just sit in a booth and smile as the familiar faces come walking up. Also met some new folks: Canoodler, HOZ (man, that was special), Jstroke (can I be with the band too?) a mystery guest who shall remain nameless, PFP's brother & friend, Jackfish's son, three of Dad of six's six and a bunch of others - as usual, there is danger in naming names - I'm bound to forget someone. Of the folks I was hoping to meet, but somehow missed, Madl, Beemer and Hawkeye come to mind. BDW - what can I say? You bring a smile to my face any time I think about you - you're a treasured friend and an amazing person. I think alot of people left the Energy Center dreaming of a lavender canoe. BOR - where did you get so much soul? You play that harp like you KNOW it! Thanks for the whole ball of wax, Darren - nice to see you physically "whole" this year. Dad of 6 - wish I could have been there for ya, man. Howie - Faith doesn't know what she missed. I'm glad you're "with the band".
As usual, I didn't get to escape for ANY of the talks (how frustrating), but being in the booth and meeting folks is as good a substitute as any. I did get to the service Sunday morning - thanks to PFP, Jstroke, TB & BOR and Nibi (in absentia) for making it memorable, and having the courage to make it happen. Even had a surprise visit from my folks Sunday afternoon. How cool is that?
My mind is still fuzzy, so I'm sure I've forgotten tons that I wanted to mention. I think I'll go to bed & sleep all week.
One final note, especially for my friends Perca & MDV...
...I was so overwhelmed and hurried that I did not get around to all the booths at 'Copia - and therefore, I missed ya. We realized that we had missed a number of booths, including VNO. We had started to make our way back to that section, but then had to get over to see Cliff's "Canoe Camping with Style" presentation.
Next year I plan on staying over on Saturday night so I get to see and do more...this is such a great group - realized it even more by seeing some of the presentations given by some of the members!
Again, sorry I missed you, we'll meet soon!
Madl
"He who travels with dry foot, not experience all that canoe country has to offer."
This was an impulse buy at the bookstore for me. At a glance, I almost dismissed it because the title and cover were so cliché - the title befitting a history text book, and the cover was your typical canot du maitre in the wilderness scene. But realizing this book was on display under 'Fiction', I thought I'd try it on for size.
The story essentially follows the journey of a young English quaker as he travels to the new world in search of his missionary sister who has gone missing in the Michigan Territory just prior to the War of 1812.
This book has appeal on many levels. Formeost is that much of the book involves paddling the fur-trade highways of the day. The central character joins a fur-trading crew and travels from Montreal to Mackinac Island on Lake Michigan (location of the first confrontation of the war). Along the way, Elphinstone immerses you into the the landscape and the culture of the voyaguers, quakers, and native Americans all against the back-drop of the day's politics surrounding and approaching war.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
Not that much for me this time, but by God, next year I'm driving outta there with some kind of boat -be it a canoe, a recreational kayak, etc..
My purchases:
Of Time and Place - Sigurd Olson
Sand County Almanac - Leopold
Canoe Country Fisher Map book - only $14.50. A bargain. Now I can see where it is you more experienced guys mention on your trip reports. (Winchell Lake? Where's that?)
A book on building your own paddles
A yellow Pelican watertight storage box, for protecting small cameras, cell phones & stuff)
And of course, I've got a massive bag of brochures to go through.
- "Reflections..." by Sigurd
- Fisher Map Book
- "Western Routes..." by Beymer
and
- "Campings Top Secrets" by Jacobson
all in my hand...I was going to the checkout line on Saturday afternoon and it was too long for me to check-out and still make Cliff's presentation so I put them all back.
I did, however, leave with a tremendous urge to BUY A CANOE!!! So, Canoecopia officially marked the beginning of my search.
I may look to you experts for some advise.
Thanks,
Madl
"He who travels with dry foot, not experience all that canoe country has to offer."
GSI Frying Pan.
MSR Folding utinsils.
Quetico waterproof map.
Fishing stuff from Gander Mountain.
Rutabaga bag.
2 of the backsaver canoe seats.
BDB's......Now I have Red, Yellow, and Black.
Canoe Paddles - A Complete Guide to Making Your Own, by Graham Warren and David Gidmark. Looks pretty good, although color pics would hv been nice. I won't be trying to make one for awhile yet, but it's nice to plan, read & think about it ahead of time.
Can't lose any fingers - I'm with the band, you know.
a few books for me, a few books for my granddaughters, a pair of water sandals for 80% off (deal! $11!), some tie downs and those great refrigerator door magnets with all the paddler lingo on - lake, canoe, river,kayak, tent,solo, laughing, oops!,rack, etc (what is "boof"?)...got 2, one for home and one for work!(Actually one was for a friend for her birthday but it may not get to her...)
I bought:
The hardware (clamping mechanism) for a solo, detachable yoke;
A T shirt from Scott & Todd http://www.hudsonbayexpedition.com/ ;
Two Fisher Maps, and;
A few vinyl pad tie loops (those things you glue into your boat to tie things to).
The one thing I really wanted was an autographed copy of "The Happy Camper", but, alas, they were sold out by noon on Saturday.
I bought just way to much BUT the wife was with me so I didn't get in trouble LOL
Really had a great time and wish I had gone to more of the seminars but there is always next year for that and it was really good to put a face with the moniker. I actually wanted to get someones attention and yelled out there name twice and then finally there moniker and thats what got there attention GO FIGURE.
I bought a CCS thwart bag with clipped on map case, a couple of books, a T-shirt from QueticoKid, a bunch of Bungee-Deely-Bobs, and a tent (Kelty 4 person). The tent is to replace one that my son has been coveting for a few years, so I'll let him have the old one now.
After hauling all this around in one of those big 'Copia bags one one shoulder and my computer bag also on the same shoulder, I was so sore I also bought a massage from a nice therapist! [Note to self: Carry computer in a backpack, not a shoulder bag!]
I spent a while looking at new solo canoes Sunday morning. Wow, it was a good time to look because there weren't as many people around. I actually got helped by David Yost himself at the Bell booth. I'm getting my husband warmed up to the idea, so maybe in a couple of years! I'm going to try to paddle some this summer at Rutabaga's to help me narrow my choice.
12 liteweight tie in pads from Bell.($.85 each)
4 kneepads from Bell (1.00 each)
Best deal was all the signatures I got on my old T shirt from you all, CCR people, P.netters and others. Presenters Hap Wilson (drew a neat cartoon), Kevin Callan, Joanie and Gary McGuffin, Scott and Kathy Warner and even Ozark Paddler were all gracious enough to sign. Cliff Jaconson actually blew me off, even after I helped him pack away his gear. Busy man, had to get over to the store to autograph his books.
My big waste of money was the breakfast buffet at the Roadway Inn. Could have had a free continental breakfast but opted for the eggs,bacon,sausage, hash browns and pancakes for $3.95. What a rip.
solo canoes and single blades...the way it should be.
Stylus paddle for Dee from Turtle Paddle Works.
A copy of the Voyageurettes, for Dee.
A J-stroke CD.
a t-shirt from the Hudson Bay Expedition for myself.
The rest was food and beverage, I spent enough!
1. Bought two of Dan Cooke's packs. Worth every penny!
2. Waterproof pack liner from Ostrom Outdoors. Then walked over to Dan Cooke and told him he should make these too.
3. Pair of Chota Quetico Trekers.
4. 5 maps
5. Some food from the Four Sister's. Freeze dried veggies are awesome!
"We do not remember days, we remember moments...." Cesare Pavese
We talked at length with Dan about his Pioneer and Food Packs. Also about his tarps. What awesome gear they are. One of these days... one of these days...
No one ever looks back on their life and regrets the adventures they've had.
______________________________________________________________
Pete
Got a great deal for a knoo pack from Lynn at VNO. Thanks again. Plus a map for our summer trip and a mouse pad to remind me of my CCBB name in case I forget (Thanks Nibi).
I went looking for about 4 things and ended up with a few more:
-New canoe seats, one on our SR is starting to flex too much so we're replacing both (we got the webbed ones from Bell with the laminated and contoured frame)
-New canoe seat backs, replacing the Crazy Creeks. We liked the aluminum and wood ones that we sat in, so we splurged.
-Nylon fishing shirt, to replace the one that the squirrel ate a few holes through last year. Maybe I left a peanut in the pocket while it was drying on the clothesline?
-Cache Lake Foods, a couple of puddings and two pkgs of biscuits and gravy. I little spendy for B&G, but it tasted so good! It will beat oatmeal on day 7.
-An assortment of Walleye Weapons from Captain Redbeard. He was really helpful.
-BDBs, first-time purchaser. I've been warned by multiple CCBBers that the 8 I bought won't be enough.
-T-shirt for my daughter: "Well behaved women rarely become famous". The saying fits her. I hope the shirt does.
-303 UV protectant for the SR
-Bending Branches bentshaft
I'm glad I was able to split the cost for most of the gear with my brother-in-law.
Their website is www.GCIOutdoor.com, or 1-800-956-SEAT.
It seems a little heavier than the smaller canvas ones, but this has a really nice cushion to sit on - I got it for the soon-to-be- Mrs J-stroke to make her happy as she's paddling on our BW honeymoon.
I did, however, notice the velcro that is used to keep the seat closed during portages was very small and upon some decent shaking, it came loose. As I don't want to start using four letter words on my honeymoon while portaging, I put some more velcro on and it seems fine now.
We spent about 15 minutes talking with them on Friday night and another 10 on Saturday afternoon. Sounds like a little mom and pop operation in their first year of operation. Well-engineered product. Weighs next to nothing. Aluminum frame with laminated basswood.
I won't be able to install and test them on our canoe until April at the earliest. Problem: Seat backs in Indiana and canoe in Iowa. I'll post how I like them.
1. Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Mummy sleeping pad (78"). Can't wait to try it out.
2. Book 1: Scenarios Q&A by Cliff Jacobsen
3. Book 2: Happy Camper by Kevin Callan
4. Book 3: NOLS Wilderness First Aid
Ostrom Barrel Harness..... best built one I've seen & custom ordered to fit my big shoulders.
J-stroke CD..... great disc, enjoyed it on my 6 hour drive home.
Quetico waterproof overview map..... bran new for 2005
I also got some Old Scout deely-bobs from Kawishiway, who was replacing a few that mysteriously disapeared on our trip together last Memorial Day.... one has already been aquired at the CCBB dinner, I hope you enjoy it Greyjay.
Hennesy Hammock was what I was buying at Copia, only problem was....they werent there this year, so I am ordering it through the internet.
the long-awaited reissue of the Quetico Foundation tyvek map? I hope so! (Geez, the QF would make a lot of money if they ever got around to reissuing that map.)
My very first paddle! (Dad) bought a Turtle Stylus paddle (no leather wrapping). I can't wait to get it out on the water to test it out, but unfortunately, I will have to wait for Summer to do that!
I also purchased a full meal from Cache Lake: Beef Stew, Garlic Pan bread, and vanilla & chocolate pudding!
Might have been some confusion. I got a Jerry cd (2)and Sand Cty Almanac, and glanced at Walden just before I left the book area, since I've not read it yet, but figured I had my hands full at the time.
Oh, the karma!
No gear this year! "Wild Shore, exploring Lake Superior by Kayak" by Greg Breining, (great introduction for our trip next July), "Betsy and Saganaga" by Betsy Powell, and "In the Heart of Quetico, Adventures of a Volunteer Canoe Ranger" by Debra Rosin. Also purchased "Three in a Red Canoe" to read to the grandkids when they get a little older, and "Ode to the Outhouse" to add to my collection for the bathroom.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
As many of you know I had my 6 year old daughter along and her eyes trumped any of my planned purchases....
"But Dad, I've always wanted one of these"! "And Ruffie, and Wiskers and Amanda could fit in here when we go canoeing!" Ruffie, Wiskers and Amanda are her three favorite stuffed animals, a dog, a cat and a leopard respectively.
So to Dan Cooke, yes I still want that stake bag for my tarps, and to the good book sellers there were several of those I wanted to, but until next time I guess, well the stake and bag from Dan I can still get direct, it just won't be a Canoecopia purchase.
Great seeing you all, sorry I couldn't stay long, it's tough when its in your own back yard and you can't be there very long. I had to be giving seminars elsewhere.
It just keeps getting better and better. This was an incredible weekend. I had ministry and good friends (you might remember "broken chair") from Illinois join me, my brother Mark from Texas, and of course my beautiful wife. Then to add the throng of CCBB friends was just so enjoyable. I mentioned to a couple people how the gatherings, platys, fellowship was even better and more intimate this year. I guess we just keep getting closer. What a great bunch of comrades and friends. I thank all of you for the enjoyable weekend.
We arrived at the show about 40 minutes before it opened. Guess I was anxious. Seeing the expansion of exhibits was exciting and encouraging. I like what's happening with Canoecopia.
I spent more time walking the exhibits than presentations this year. I was surprised at myself. I love the presentations and missed some I really wanted to go to. Maybe they need to add a day. LOL
Friday night was terrific in the hospitality sweet. Very cozy! lol That was some of the most fun I've had at a platyfest and I have about 8-10 under my belt. Singing and playing and sharing and meeting, it was great.
Darren, your setting up the suite was terrific, thank you so much!!
I'm not going to attempt to name everyone I met, I'm not that good and would leave someone out. But it was really great meeting a lot of new people this year.
Saturday's dinner was simply the best yet. All those on this board who played a role in that, my hats off to you. BDW, Glydr, BOR, etc. Black Bear Inn - YOU ROCK!! Your attitudes and accomadations were incredible. For a facility like that (size and staff size I mean) to take care of a group like ours - terrific! The fellowship at our table with Satchmoa and his wife and Jstroke along with my wife, friend Broken Chair and his wife and my brother Mark, was very fun.
The door prizes, was an especially fun addition. I loved Ozark Paddler getting applause when he stood up when a number was called, only to hear him say, "I just have to go the bathroom!" LOL
That was a great evening, and I can't wait until next year. Can we hit 100?
Sunday morning was a joy for me. I want to say a huge, HUGE thank you to Canoecopia for opening themselves to the idea of allowing a "church" service. And a special thank you to Darren for thinking it was a good idea and getting it done. We had a few difficulties with locked doors and sound readiness, but we made it. Thanks to Jstroke, troutbreath and Bringer of Rain for their fine addtions to the music. Thanks to Nibi for his generous contribution of pictures to allow me to make my slideshow. Thanks to so many who decided to make it a part of their weekend. You blessed me. It was mostly CCBB people in attendance, however there were about 8 or so who came as a result of the Canoecopia website. I had no idea what to expect and really have never spoken to such a diverse group. I just wanted to share something we all could use.
I bought a couple of things, some of which I stupidly left behind in the suite when i stopped by to practice with Jstroke and TB. BDW, thanks for posting.
- Big Agnes Insulated Air Core mummy sleeping pad
- 3 books: Happy Camper, kevin callan; Scenarios Q&A, cliff jacobsen; and NOLS Wilderness First Aid.
I arrived home about 2:30 sunday afternoon, changed and went straight to our Easter drama practice from 3-8! That's why I'm just now posting. lol I slept well last night.
Again, special thanks to Darren and Canoecopia!! Great job! Nibi, for your work with tags, slides etc. that continued to bear fruit even in your absence. BDW, Perca, Glydr, BOR, and others who helped with the dinner and location! Jstroke for being an inviting host to let his "abode" play a dual purpose. Jstroke, TB, and BOR for playing for the service.
I love you guys and more and more am glad I'm a part of this group.
your service was fantastic and left a great taste in Jenna's and my mouth as we left. We talked about your ideas and thoughts as I drove us back to Iowa. Being that we both come from too completely different religous views we thought the service couldn't have been conducted any better.
I agree that it seems that the folks from the BB are starting to really gel together. This was my 5th CCBB event I have attended and it felt that people seemed more comfortable this time. I think it is because we really get a sense of what a person is like while posting and meeting them either reassures it or doesn't do them justice.
thanks again for all the work you did to make this year a complete success!!
MDV I was at a few of the same things you were including the Sunday service & missed you some how....well just gives me my first reason to go again next year.
1. No need to fear knee surgery! Thanks J-Stroke.
2. Not all people in Madison are Liberal Democrats – Sorry if we made you feel uncomfortable Dad of 6.
3. A restaurant can serve a large group good food and remain happy and cheerful. Thanks Black Bear Inn et al.
4. There is a method of not breaking your budget at CanoeCopia. Scout your items on Friday and then try to purchase them on Sunday. All that I wanted was sold out. Got away for only $30 in purchases. Didn’t want it to turn out this way, but oh, well.
5. The best way to deal with a heckler at a presentation is to turn the audience against the offending party.
6. The members of this board are to a person wonderful people. Kind, generous and sharing are just a couple of thoughts that come to mind.
7. It is just inherently wrong for a respected outdoor authority to advocate the use of cozies for backcountry cooking. Cliff, it is a great idea, but still sounds funny. What's next- doilies?
8. I found out that I wasted money on my 24 inch survival knife with gps, gyro, compass, pliers, fingernail file, strobe, smoke flare, spoon, water purifier, snorkel, blow torch and pith helmet accessories. And I thought I was so safe with this tool.
9. The only way to win a raffle is to go to the bathroom.
10. And most importantly, you never know when you will meet someone special who is a true inspiration, who can light up a room with their smile and lift your spirit with such a positive outlook. Thanks Bearfeet, you are a true delight and I hope you will e-mail me sometime.
I missed your presentation this time, but will catch you next time for sure. I like the packaged stuff just fine, but I wouldn't dare make a comparison!
Freeze dried as good as fresh? Tell him to go to see Cliff Jacobson. He proably won't believe Cliff either but at least you won't have to deal with him,.
From what I have read about this Canoe Copia, it sounds like a place I need to visit. Thanks to all of you who have told us all about the wonderful seminars.
One of the highlights for me was walking into the Energy Center on Sunday morning and seeing a group of rag-tag folks walking across a hallway in front of me. As I shouted a greeting, one of them turned to me, and in flawless British said:
I was telling my sister about canoecopia and how I was sorry I couldn't go. She thought it was hilariously cult-like and told our sister-in-law Nancy about it. Here's what my sister reported back in an email:
"when nancy and I were car shopping on Sat I told her about your canoeing cornupia in madison and she practically died laughing. honestly, we were both sorry you could not attend this year ...but it is quite a funny thing. I likened it to a trekky convention, but i know it's not really like that, except perhaps in terms of the enthusiam of the participants"
...and was at this year's Canoecopia!
I'm not a Trekkie, though, but I do have a home in Riverside, IA, the "Future Birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk."
Riverside will be "featured" in the SpikeTV reality series "Invasion Iowa", beginning on Tues., Mar. 29.
Anyway, I'm sure that 'copia and Star Trek conventions have a lot in commom. I didn't see anyone running around the Alliant Energy Center with big canoe-shaped ears telling everyone to "Live long and prosper", however...
....I discovered that cooking with wine had no connection with using wine in the food prep mix...
....Cooking with wine is simply the art of throwing down a few belts during the course of preparing the meal...(missed my calling in life?)
On the serious side, I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and will take your advice with me to the "woods" this year. Thank you very much, and thank you for the few moments of chat we had at 'copia & at the Saturday night dinner.
HP
I really enjoyed meeting you Marty...even though we share the last name, we pronounce it different, just like our politics. It gave me an opportunity to experience what the rest of you at the table feel like....being in the political minority!
I had a blast...enjoyed watching every "Oh, so close" when they called raffle tickets!
Cooking with wine...is that "I don't want to eat it, it looks icky"? I hear that from my kids every so often.
Look forward to spending time with you again next year. Glad you made it home safe.
"We do not remember days, we remember moments...." Cesare Pavese
And to think I almost injured myself in the rest room trying to hurry out to claim it. Seriously, keep it with my best wishes. Hardly think it is worth the effort to mail it as I have a very large collection of them already. Thanks.
I am at the library. I won't be back to work until tomorrow and time will be limited. Had to log on and take a peek - I'm doing research for a friend's book. I'm sorry I had to leave early Sunday and miss your presentation but will make the intention to catch you next year! It's pretty darn easy to be cheerful around you guys, you are so funny!
A few of you have asked for copies of the songs I did at the service Sunday at Canoecopia. (Thank you).
Here are url's (not links - can't figure out how to do that) to each of them. If you add the http:// to the addresses, they should start loading (and playing) an mp3 file.
If it doesn't work, please don't hesitate to email me and I'll send them to you, either email or a real cd via postal service.
Feel free to copy &/or download. Sorry for the typing hassels. I'm not the computer geek that I thought I was.
"Two Boats And A Helicopter" written and sung by yours truly:
www.jerryvandiver.com/my_mp3/TwoBoatsjv.mp3
"Under The Same Sky" written by myself and my awesome co-writer, Julie Burton. That's Julie singing:
Let me say thanks to PFP for inviting me to participate and all those who came to the service and letting me share my music with you. It was truly and honor.
Thanks, Jerry - I listened to it on the last leg of the drive home last night, and it had me grinning, laughing, crying and tapping my toes all at the same time. I could sit and listen to you for hours - and you're even better live. It was great to meet you! Wish I had been able to get to the Friday night jam session (Glydr on bass? Whoda thunk?).
"The only man in town who can make Charlie Vincent's van go..."
so i'm going camping on Friday, coming back (to Twin Cities) Sunday. originally (as suggested by Bogwalker) i was planning on heading to Manitou SP for some snowshoe-camping action. but i realized over the weekend that two nights there would cost me $47 ($25 vehicle permit + $11/night). now, it would be nice to have a year vehicle permit, i guess, but i really don't use the State Parks much (mostly BWCA and SHT) and $47 seems kind of steep for just two nights of camping (for only one person).
so now i'm thinking i might try to head up to the BWCA. maybe out of Ely (Wood Lake EP), maybe out of Tofte (Baker Lake EP).
so just a few questions:
do they keep the roads clear in the winter (to Baker Lake, e.g.)?
is the ice still safely snowshoe-able this late in the season?
where do you get water when not camping near a river? hole in the ice? melt snow? (i've only been hiking-trail winter camping near rivers)
any answers/advice is greatly appreciated. i promise i'll bring back pictures.
Until you prove it is! Generally speaking the ice should be in good shape yet, I know it is around here. But you have to watch out for certain things that should be obvious but might not be. For example, you shouldn't go near areas with moving water. The tricky part is that if there is enough snow depth, you might not be able to tell where the ice is not safe. Make sure you take some kind of pole along to jab at the ice as you go. Maybe some of the locals can give you a better idea about ice conditions up there.
When I winter camped I just melted snow for water since I was not near an open stream and didn't have anything with me to open a hole in the lake. If you melt it over a wood fire it's gonna taste like smoke. But melting snow can also use up quite a bit of fuel, you have to keep heaping snow into the pot as it melts down. I think I did my drinking water on the stove and everything else on the fire.
The first thing I do is cut a 1 inch sapling 5-6 ft long as a staff (walking stick) and give the ice one good whack. If it is solid enough for this, i can walk on it. I broke through the ice with the staff in a couple of places where there was a current and re-routed my steps accordingly. In this particular place it would only be 2-3 ft deep but I have found very thin ice on deep water around beaver feed beds etc. I always use a staff to sound the ice and usually won't walk on ice without it.
....we still have over twenty inches of ice here in the twin cities. Ice is never safe, just use a little common sense, careful this time of year around exposed rocks coming out of a lake, the sun at this time of year will heat up the rocks and make the ice a little thinner. Besides that, be careful around areas with current.
As for getting water, melting snow takes time, chopping a hole thru the ice might be quite the challenge, I'd suggest a hand auger if ya got one. If ya use a water filter, careful that it doesn't freeze up and clog on ya.
Sorry, no help with the road situation. I think March is the best time of year to give winter camping a go.
on the best month to winter camp , in general, slightly milder temps, longer daylight,nice snow free pine studded southern exposiers, often the snow has settled in the lakes, woods and trails so snowshoeing can be at its most plesent..wildlife on the move, birds returning.. later March the lakes can be snow free so traveling then can require a pair of grippers on the boots if any progress at all can be made, and if there is a stiff breeze, one can skate sail and make great mileage..now early April....ahhhhhh.. there is the month of choice for winter camping, if one is savy to the pulse of mother nature..in tune with perils that would bring a lesser sole to their doom....anyhoo....March can also be one of the most miserable..knee deep slush, snow mixed with rain, sometimes a foot of standing water on the lakes...yep, every ones different....!
I was looking for plowed roads to entry points a few weeks back and called Superior National Forest. They told me that very few (if any) of the "forest roads" are plowed. From what I know about the road to Baker, I'd assume it's not plowed. Your best bet is probably to look at entry points that are near areas that get winter use from snomobilers, lodges, etc.
For example, I've heard that the Sawbill Trail is kept plowed by the folks who live at the end (contact info http://www.sawbill.com/). Personally, I opted to go up the Gunflint, where all the lodges and resorts mean that the county keeps some access roads to BW access points plowed, and I was sure that I'd be able to get in and out with my vehicle. If you have a big 4WD you might be able to get down some roads that I wouldn't even think about. And if you have a snowmobile you can get to some of the more remote entry points (almost makes me consider saving up for one of those noisy things).
I think a small (6-8" diameter) hand auger doesn't weigh too much and is much more convenient than constantly melting snow.
Watch for slush. Ice should still be plenty thick as others have mentioned, but perhaps more slush as well.
Melt snow for water. Hint. Do not just dump a full pot of snow in a dry pot. You can actually scorch water. try to have some water to start with and then add portions at a time.
... I doubt that they keep the Baker Lake road open so, you'll have to hike in the last mile or so. They usually do plow out enough room to park a couple of cars back at the "main" road at places like that. You might find that snowmobilers have run up and down the road making the hike a tad easier -- not absolutely sure about Baker Lake though since I've never been there in the winter.
As Rainy said, ice is never 100% safe but, shouldn't be any worse now than any other time of the winter. It's been staying pretty cold up there lately. In addition to moving water, you also need to watch out for slush -- which can form out in the middle of the lake. Most of the time what happens is that the weight of the snow causes fractures in the surface of the ice and water oozes up through. Thanks to the snow insulation, this water doesn't refreeze but, mixes with the snow creating slush. This is nasty stuff to get on your skis or snowshoes and could indicate thin ice. The buildup of ice will really weigh you down and, once it's stuck on, it's tough to get up. Make sure you have a scraper along to deal with it. Also note, that it's hard to detect where the slush is going to be until you're in it. Keep checking what's under the snow with a pole. Especially watch out for slush where there are deep snow drifts.
When I first started doing winter trips to the BW, my partner took a hand auger along and we got our water that way. The last couple of trips, we've melted snow. The former is definitely the way to go if you have an auger and don't mind lugging it in with you. It does take a lot of snow and fuel to make water from snow.
Larry
To really appreciate the wilderness, one must pay attention to the small things as well as the grandiose.
There is still plenty of ice in northern MN. There is 30" where I live, less near flowing water. And, with temps forecast in the upper 30's this week, more water will flow and the ice near flowing water will be the first to get thinner. Which brings me to the advice part....The lakes accessible through the Baker Lake entry are really nothing more than wide spots in the Temperance River. Camping at the Baker Lake Campground would be great, but if you had the urge to snowshoe or ski north into the BW into Kelly, Peterson, Jack, etc you would undoubtedly be travelling over flowing water. I have not been there in the winter, but I might be a just a little bit uneasy snowshoeing up the Temperance and through those lakes.
any advice from a feeble old fool such as myself..one whose children should put in the oldfolks home..a fool that contributes to global warming, an a fool that belives in drillin fer oil so you have fuel to make your trip north.....well....don't know iffin this ol' fool would be able to tell much of anythin to a young whippersnapper of superior intelect.......nooooooosir,nope,nope,nope..pituee......hehehehe...good luck :>)
I went to Marty's (Ozark Paddler) "Paddling Gourmet" presentation. It was a hoot with samples passed out.
His tips,
1 Always cook with wine.
2 You can never use too much hot sauce
3 Always take paprika
4 There is no such thing as good tasting freeze dried food (except the Chili Mac)
5 You don't have to skimp when dining in the wilderness.
He illustrated the above by drinking wine in between adding hot sauce, paprika and other items that enhance ordinary items we take in.
His point was to add stuff to existing grocery store (not freeze dried) items and be creative. He passed out some recipes, too.
I went and saw Cliff Jacobson on Sunday. Some of his main points included 1) using "cozies" (potwarmers) to continue cooking foods after you take them off the stove.
2) Soaking fresh veggies in water with chlorine bleach before you pack them to kill bacteria, then wrap them in paper towels and plastic bags with holes in them.
3) Use small eggs, they have thicker shells and less likely to crack on you. Do not pre-break your eggs, you will be packing salmonella for your trip.
4) Look for bagels, pitas, tortillas, (usually the cheaper ones) with more preservatives, they last longer than the expensive, homemade bakery ones.
5) Dehydrate just about everything including tomato sauces, hamburger, veggies (not onions), and them vacuum pack just about anything you can.
6) Too many more to remember, I guess I'll just buy the book.
Kevin Callan's on Sunday. GORP Rule: No picking out individual items, you must take a handful of the whole mix, I was laughing too much to pay attention to any others, but I do remember some were very similar to Cliff's.
I want you to know how much I appreciate your patience and good spirits at the Black Bear.
The quarters were "cozy" (elbow to elbow, eh?) You all were superb in rolling with the punches. Especially the late served table!
The manager told me she was going to buy some very fancy salad plates, since the Bear would not have enough dishes to serve salad all at once. I told her not to. "These folks are canoist. They would appreciate something sturdy and without too much dirt on the plates, to eat off of." You proved me right.
Nicole (green sweater) and Kristen were very thankful for your support. They were scared to death when they heard the count. Not bad, 2 waitstaff for 79. They even said they were game for next year...
To the people who e-mailed me from Tues forward. I got them this a.m.!
So, another one down. UIR on the horizion. Yikes!!!
Loving y'all.
Kaitlyn
thank you to you and the entire staff at the Black Bear. The meal was good, the drinks were cold and the service came with a smile.
Only two servers for the group? I can't say I noticed, but I DID notice they were smiling the entire time. Shows that they enjoyed what they were doing and they did it well.
What's going to happen if the Copia platfest keeps getting bigger?
No one ever looks back on their life and regrets the adventures they've had.
______________________________________________________________
Pete
Everywhere I looked this weekend there you were hustling around - never just at a walk! At black Bear, at VNO, running around the floor at the convention center - helping everyone out! I guess I thought there might be a day's delay before you recovered to join the bb letting us know who ELSE to thank for this great weekend, but no surprise! Here you are already - thanks a million!
Wilderness Papa is wondering if you're bringing the dessert to the Upper Iowa?!
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
Nibi, we had conocted a special "composition" (not Royalex or Kevlar) for you in your honor since we know how difficult it was for you to bow out this weekend.
It was truly quite amazing. By Friday nite a gathering in the CCBB Hospitality Suite brought together folks from all around, most of whom only knew each other by some strange board moniker and in no time at all united to record this "masterpiece".
Thanks especally to Glydr, Wildneress Papa, Bringer-Of-Rain and all the CCBB singers. Hope everyone enjoys!
Feel free click and download. (If someone can't retrieve this mp3, I'll email or snail mail - please just ask.)
As you listen, you can follow the lyrics below. (The lyrics were written under the influence of post-operative drugs, so don't hold it against me.):
Well let me tell you a story ‘bout a man named Nibi
On a tragic and fateful day
He put Becca on his Mazda, kissed his wife and family
Went to paddle the BWCA
chorus
And did he ever return? NO! He never returned
And his fate is still unlearned (Poor Old Nibi)
He may paddle forever ‘round the lakes of Ely
He’s the man who never returned
Nibi put in his paddle on the South Moose River
At entry point number 8
But somewhere on Crab they moved that portage
Nibi couldn’t get off of that lake
chorus
Now all night long Nibi sits by a campfire
Cryin’ what will become of me?
I’ll never see Bogwalker, Glydr or Coassack
Or post a picture on the CCBB
chorus
Now ye people of ‘Copia don’t you think that’s it’s tragic
That Nibi Mocs can’t be here
So lets all yell out, “Get Well Nibi!”
And you better be back next year.
I enjoyed CanoeCopia as well. Ran into a few of the board members and that was a pleasant experience.
Time went way to quick. To many things to look at. The two seminars I went to where great. Didn't join in on any of the board events only because work didn't allow me to come to the show on Friday and I wanted to spend time with a college friend saturday night and keeping my 8 month old daughter on her normal schedule just added to the challenge of seeing and doing everything.
I am really looking forward to trying out the new CCS dry fly and the attachable screen front that I ordered for it as well.
Though, I have to say, I was slightly dissappointed. I had 5 main things I was planning to buy for my May boundary waters trip (introducing my daughter to the BWCA), and I was only able to get 2 of them.
An infant life vest - bought.
A CCS tarp - bought.
A duluth pack - didn't see them at the show. I know there are plenty of other quality packs at the show, just want another duluth pack.
A back pack to carry a child - didn't see anything like this at the show.
A reflector oven - didn't see them at the show.
I did buy a few unplanned things like:
Books/videos about building a Cedar strip canoe, some different foods to try as well as other small items.
I enjoyed it overall and if I can go again next year, I probably will.
The one I used, the top flap you could pull back. and then easily rotate your baking pan for even cooking. one side always seemed to get browner than the other. It folded up very nice. don't know the weight of it. The one down side was that balanceing wire. The reflector oven fell backwords once because the wire was kicked on accident. I ended up putting a couple tent stakes over the wire to prevent it from moving.
It looks like the Freden you need to put your baking pan in the reflector oven, move it to the fire, then pull it away and turn the baking pan if needed. Is this correct, any issues with this?
Can the fire and the freden reflector oven be at the same level? Or do you need to set the freden on something to give it a little more height next to the fire for optimal cooking?
Hey there, Brian. The top does NOT fold back, what I do is use a pie pa, the edges of which I've nicked so I can turn it with a stick. There is NO supporting wire in the back, and I prefer to use a rock or a log as it's more stable that way. I put it right down against the ground, once I sweep the ashes back a bit with a tuft of pine needles. Hope that helps...
Kevin Callan used my oven the first time two years ago and had good things to say about it. He liked the weight and simplicity of it.
I keep wanting to sleep and yet I find myself here reading all these wonderful posts...
It does not have a moveable top. Also, it does not have the flimsy wire support - use a rock or log.
Yep, with this one, too, one side gets browned faster than the other. It may seem counter-intuative to others, but it is the side away from the fire that browns first. Unlike Darren's stick trick, I move the entire oven away from the fire, turn the pan and then move it back. It has a handle on the top to do this. It's not an issue for me. It might be if you're working with a roaring blaze, but I have just a small cook fire.
For me the oven works best when it is at the same level as the fire. One time I had to have it elevated on top of a grate because of the campfire arrangement at a state park. It did not work nearly as well. Optimal cooking is ground level. Set in front of a BWCA fire grate is ideal.
I sampled some of Bannock's goodies baked in his reflector oven at the UIR trip last year, then ordered one from Rutabega. If you come to the Upper Iowa River event next month, we'll all show you how it works.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
it costs a bit - mine was the $130.00 version (Campmor has it now for about $80) - but it is so comfortable even with 30 pounds of jumping jerking joyful weight on my back - that it is worth the extra money for the comfort. I was never able to carry my own kids so long and so comfortably even when I was 20 years younger in the cheap backpacks made 25+ years ago).
2 bags left in the hospitality suite:
One has something with the name of Steve in it, Bogs, PFP???? Some Steve might as well claim it. I already have all the itmes in it, so no sense in me keeping them for me!
One has an orange, 1/3 bottle vodka and Girls Scout cookies. No the bottle was NOT half full when you left it!
Best to you all my friends. What a great weekend. The energy crated by CCBBers
would make Hydro Manitoba turn green with envy .
I'm suppose to be attending a seminar on Autism 2 hours ago. Guess I'm late. They don't care. They already have my $!
xxx
k
Well behave women rarely make good paddlers, especially if they don't paddle a purple canoe!
We are thinking of getting a MSR Miox Water Purifier and doing away with our Pur filter. Any one have any comments or experience, either good or bad, regarding this unit? I'm trying to do my due diligence before I plunk down $130. It sure would be nice to do away with the "Pump water" camp chore.
...but saw them at 'copia last weekend. Uses salt to create a chemical which will kill everything if you can leave the water long enough. Gets rid of most bacteria and protozoa in a short time, but if your treating for Cryptosporidium, you have to leave it for 4 hours, so they told me.
Also saw the Steripen, which uses UV light to treat a 32 oz Nalgene bottle of H20 in about 90 seconds. You must have clear water to be able to use this correctly.
If/when my filter ever breaks, I'll consider those products at that time, but for now will just keep on pumping.....likely the prices will be lower then as well.
"We do not remember days, we remember moments...." Cesare Pavese
I changed to Sweetwater after Pur was bought out and discontinued the Explorer model that I used for large groups. If I had it to do over agin, I'd go Katadyn. Pumps faster and less plug ups. I have one of the original MSR. It fills with alge quickly and is hard to clean in the field.
Let us know what you decide upon.
k
....MSR gave me a short demo at 'copia.
A few small pieces of rock salt (not fine table salt- it will clog the internal filter screen)will last for quite a few uses. They said you could even break-up some water softener salt. For each treatment, add 1 ml. of water, then press the pushbutton 1-3 times depending on the amount of water to be treated. Then dump the 1 ml. of processed water into the water to be treated and wait the required amount of time. Done.
So, an electrical charge apparently causes a reaction with salt and water. They admitted that a small quantity of hydrogen gas is expelled (don't do this while you are smoking). I imagine the clorine ions from the salt becomes the major purifier. I do not know where the sodium and oxygen (from salt & water) end up. The oxygen likely becomes an oxidizer of sorts in the process water.
I do a little foreign travel, and this gadget may double as a way to deal with the "don't drink the water" syndrome.
On the down side, this requires two small lithium batteries. I couldn't tell if they are rechargeable. I do not know how much water can be treated on a set of batteries, but a spare set may be appropritae for most trips until battery life is understood. This is an indication that a considerable electric current is required to make the process work.
I will likely make the purchase shortly, unless I can confirm some negative comment (if any) before then.
This definitely beats pumping, cleaning, and filter cartridge replacement.
HP
Human fertilizer is often used when they grow food or use the local water to "clean" things like lettuce, passing on those lovely bugs we are trying to filter out. Basically, if it's not cooked, peeled, bottled (or canned), don't eat it. Also, freezing does no good, so no ice cubes.
It seems like there are numerous threads about water purification from time to time. I realize that people get accustomed to doing it one way and are reluctant to change habits. Having said that, I/we always use filter bottles for the trip in and out and for a fast source of water around camp. Then we use Polar Pure in a collapsible jug for camp water. The Polar Pure usually takes 1-2 hours depending on water temperature but you can make enough for 2-3 days, depending on group size. It escapes me why someone would want to mess with a pump type filter or pay the price for a UV or other expensive type filter. The filter bottles are quite inexpensive as is the Polar Pure. No plugged filters, no extra gear (except the collapsible jug), and they must work because I've never gotten sick in the years I've been using them. I originally had a Pur pump filter-way too much effort!!!
so you mosey on over to the shoreline, maybe wade out aways, or go out & drop the hose over the side of the canoe, and use the pump as you look around, enjoy the scenery, & enjoy where you are. A couple minutes later you have water that's safe to drink. So you mosey on back to the campsite, or paddle around some more. I still don't get it - where's the "too much effort" part?
and so there is a waiting time involved. The treatment would be similar to treating the water with bleach (I think) A filter is immediate and so is handier for quick use. I personally would not purchase one at this time until I saw a good field test of the Miox . I use a cheap coghlans filter (2 micron) and add several drops of bleach at times.
She does melt down pretty good doesn't she? The good news is that she got another crown On Sunday over at the bike thing.
Thanks BDW and a special thanks to everyone who helped out with the childcare. When we went to get her on Sunday to go home, she did not want to leave her class because she was having so much fun.
It was also a special treat for Mrs. TB and I to be able to go to a seminar and know that the next generation of paddlers was having as much fun as we were.
MTI did indeed sponsor the children's room/day care at CC05. Nice folks. If you want to say thanks, drop a note to Lili Colby (lilic@mtiadventurewear.com). We're trying to make the show more kid-friendly....wider aisles for strollers, etc.
Planing a fishing trip to Gabbro and Bald Eagle lake I will be there July 17 to the 22.how is the fishing this time of year . Were on these two lakes would be the best place to fish?What would be the best method to use?What would you fish for. What kind of bait and lures would you take. I also will be floating down the south kiwishiwi river from lake one entry point to Gabbro lake.were can I get some information on this river. I like to read and study about fishing lakes and rivers.how would I excess articles on the web that I could read about the B.W.C.A.
it was way windy - caught 4 small crappie - 2 bluegills and one yellow bass (striped yellow bass? you know what I am talking about - hit like a ton of bricks but only 6 inches long) - fly rod with tiny black jig
there are no lake trout in this area - there are lots of smallmouths there now even though his book and the Minn DNR web sites may not say so as the smallmouth is expanding it's range throughout the area and may not have been in these lakes 15 or 20 years ago
I had a great time and I think everyone I saw and met did too. Did not get to as many speakers as I would have liked but I enjoyed Hap Wilson a ton.
I was amazed at the audiences for our seminar and was proud to be a part of such an outstanding group. Nibi, Pam, John, Dee and Wendell-you should all be proud of the effort and the outcome. We helped many people to enjoy their next trip more than if they had not witnessed our event.
PFP-your service was an inspiration for me. I had many thoughts and feelings during your talk and have a new focus for my trips. Just being there will not be enough anymore and the path I take will change because of your talk. Thanks for pointing us in a direction where we can all experience more on our next journey.
I wish I could talk about all of you and what your presence at the show met, but I do need to work today and I am not a great typist. But all of you sent some of who you are home with me and I will cherish all of the times we shared.
Bear Dancing Woman-Kaitlyn-where do you get all that energy???? Thanks for all you did, the dessert was great, the hugs memorable and that canoe!!! What can we say-I think everyone saw it-how could they miss it!
J-stroke, Rags, Bearfeet, WoodsyGma (thanks again for the ride), HP, Satch, Beags, Dan Cooke, Lynn, Bannock, TB, Cossack, Ozark Paddler, Canoodler, Dadof6, MnGreen, Perca, Wunita, Wilderness Mama and Papa, Darren, KayO, Old Scout, Mydogviolet, Patty Paddler, Glydr, CanoePam, BOR, Jackfish and his son (Y bones?? have you decided yet?), John Gross, Grey Jay, Woodswalkr, Kawishiway, QP and Mrs. QP, Geo etc etc. the list goes on and on and I know I missed some, but you all were an important part of the weekend.
I do want to add a personal note to Nibi.
Larry-even though you were not with us physically we all felt your spirit and presence through our nametags, pictures in presentations and being a part of many of our conversations (I think it always in a good way-lol). Many people asked me how you are and they needed to hear that you will be fine given time to recuperate. "Don't worry" I said "Nibi will be in the woods again soon." We all missed you-but are glad you took time for yourself and your body. Take care and know you were with us all weekend. I hope you felt our presence as well.
Thnaks to everyone again for making Canoecopia such a wonderful event. Thanks to Darren and Rutabega for all they did for us. I know I'll be back in 2006!!!!
"When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that canoes have ever known."
Sigurd F. Olson
Thanks Darren, presenters, energizer bunny BDW, and all for their efforts. I loved the ride with you Bogs, and all the talk of trips and dogs and seeing more turkeys on the way home than I have ever seen! (no, real turkeys!)When we left St. Paul Friday morning,we saw a bald eagle soaring overhead before even leaving the city - a great sign of the wonderful weekend ahead. I loved spending time with all of the folks I met and with my good pal John, meeting Lee who will be tripping with us this summer... so many good and interesting conversations and hope for future trips with new friends.Sorry Dadof6 about the slide into politics at our table Saturday nite! We have much more to share and agree on than disagee. I am so energized and my head filled with ideas, and feeling really like i have found a place I can be more of who I am...thanks pals!
... I was trying to keep my mind off 'copia because it was so painful being at home while it was going on. But, I couldn't repress the "9:30, I should be starting my presentation right now"... "11:45, I wonder how the group is doing on the "Newbies" presentation"... "9:30 PM, I wish I was in the hospitality suite right now"... etc. thoughts. And, I was lapping up each of the updates that were posted.
I ended up sleeping most of Friday and Saturday, Mrs. Mocs and I watched a couple of DVD's together, and I finally loaded the pictures from my latest trip onto my computer and got them post-processed, on my website, and took care of the slideshows on Sunday when I was finally feeling a lot better.
I'm back at work now with hardly a sniffle, sneeze, or cough and my head doesn't feel full of cotton anymore. Can we hold another 'copia this coming weekend????!!!! I think I'd be able to make it now!
Thanks everyone for your positive thoughts and prayers... and, for thinking of me over the weekend!
Larry
To really appreciate the wilderness, one must pay attention to the small things as well as the grandiose.
The "and Friends" did a super job of the workshop in your absence - we watched over them! Your pics were appreciated in the workshop, the Sunday morning service, and elsewhere, and the platy/sing along was not only great fun but a real bonding time for all of us there!
First of all, now I realize how much Nibi did to prepare for everything from nametags to the powerpoint presentations for the "newbie" talk and for PFP's fellowship presentation. What a job, Nibi! I really missed not meeting you.
Secondly, from Pastor Steve's message during our fellowship time, I will now try to connect more with my Lord and Father when I go on my trips. How can we see such beauty and experience such wonders without taking some time from our experiences to thank our Maker?
Thirdly, the show was even bigger than I thought it would be. So many talks to go to and exhibitors to see. I learned much.
Lastly, and not especially in this order, I so enjoyed seeing many of the people I knew only over the ethernet. To shake your hands and converse with you in person was precious. It was a good time for me and I thank you all (I will not name any names for fear that I will miss someone!) for your part in making this a special time for me.
...considering it would have taken a week to get around to everyone from the board and really get to know them, but it was nice putting faces and names with everyone present....making it able to "take a little of each other everywhere".
Here's to next year!
"We do not remember days, we remember moments...." Cesare Pavese
...especially this morning. I need a relaxing tranquil scene to settle me down after a wild weekend. Next best thing to experiencing in the wilderness in person.
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
Woodswalker looks on as Bearfeet makes a post on the CCBB
Vale Heath and Bogwalker enjoying the Friday night Platyfest
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
Introducing the CCBB Band: Wilderness Papa, Glyder, J-Stroke (Bringer of Rain on harmonica was standing behind me!)
Jammin' on a Friday night
Wilderness Papa and Paddlefasterpastor are probably not discussing theology!
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
Lots of photos were taken at the event: J-stroke, Cossack & Turtle-tracker (Cossack's wife)
Voyageurette "Marie Sue" visiting with Lynn
Speaker Kirk Wipper with his display from the Petersburough Canoe Museum
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
...to visit with "Marie Sue" and talk about writing. I can't begin to describe my feelings after these few days. So much of everything including the joy of friends. My cup is overflowing.
Hey, I didn't even buy any gear! Oh, well, maybe five more books...
Stay tuned...you may get to hear the musicians yet!
"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul." --John Muir
Also, for your time and effort in posting all your seminar reviews. I enjoyed each one of them and very much appreciate the time you took to post them and all the detail you included.
down the Siltcoos River. But maybe some of you have forgotten and others didn't see it, so here's the 2005 version...
We had company this trip. Our canoeing companions called to invite us over for dinner tonight, but we wound up inviting them to come over to the Coast with us for a little canoeing on the Siltcoos River Canoe Trail.
This waterway lies mostly on National Forest land within the Siuslaw NF. However it begins at the Lane County boat ramp on Siltcoos Lake. Although homes are visible around the lake outlet into the river, they disappear after a 1/4 mile or so. You pass under the Highway 101 bridge and a couple of rec site related road bridges, but mostly what you see is a coastal rain forest with a lush undergrowth. This close to the beach, the predominant forest tree is the Sitka Spruce with the deciduous red alders along the stream.
Here a several shots along the river.
This next photo uses the bridge for the Waxmyrtle Campground road to frame our friends canoeing to the estuary. You can see the Sitka Spruce are giving way to the Shore Pines (aka lodgepole pine) that frequent the dunes areas and headlands along the central Oregon Coast.
Enroute you encounter the International Paper Company dam which requires a "portage". It's not exactly like the ones we know and love in the BW/Q country.
The dam and the beginning of the "portage"...
The instructions on how to "portage"...
The results of a successful portage...actually heading back up the portage from downstream...
As we moved over the portage in a downstream direction, we thought the boat slide presented a golden opportunity to... well, SLIDE. So, Mrs. O cooperatively got into her bow seat while I held the canoe. Then I deftly jumped in and the canoe and its operators launched at speed down the slide. We were fortunate in that the bow managed an inch or two of free board at maximum penetration before we reached a level floating position again. Mrs. O was pleased (purty much) about that free board... (me too)
And, of course we reached the ocean, so here's a beach picture...or more...
Last time we found a herd of seals sunning at the mouth of the river, but none were to be found today. We enjoyed a few minutes sunning ourselves at the surfline before heading back upriver and on to a bowl of clam chowder at Mo's restaurant in Florence, OR. Our only disappointment of the day was that Mo's had run out of Black Butte Porter prior to our arrival.
I have been to Florance and Mo's several times. Now I have something else to do when I visit Eugene, other than visit wineries, play in the dunes and eat chowder.
Larry 
