Just completed 8 day, solo trip - early October '99. Immediate solitude and immersion in the wilderness experience upon rounding the first bend going up river. Saw 9 moose, 4 river otters, 2 bald eagles, ospreys, loons, beavers, grouse, seagulls, waterfowl, wolf scat, and other small critters. Lots of picturesque scenery - river valleys, swamp grass/trees, rocks, golden tamaracks, red oaks, pines and spruce. Traveling solo - #1 concern was weather conditions: Wind/Rain/Snow/Sleet caused travel delays. Portaging was difficult without help. Drinking water was filtered/iodized/boiled river/lake water. Dehydration was a greater concern than hunger. Traveling solo burns a lot of calories. Days were filled with chores from breaking camp, cooking food, filtering water, drying gear and lugging to and from camp/waterways. Brought fishing gear, but had no chance to fish - every spare moment spent handling boat, taking pictures, navigating, etc. (Fighting wind and current) Would recommend wool pants and shirts/sweaters/socks. Also waterproof boots/waders - many portages were wet or muddy, terrain very rough while carrying a load. Air mattress was worth bringing but also had thick foam pad (swimming pool float) to kneel on in canoe, as back-up. 2-3 man tent adequate for 1 person while weathered-in. This region is very limited in campsites - only 1 official site on Bootleg Lake. Had to camp "illegally" on portage trails. Wet weather required use of camp stove. Wind prevented cooking altogether. Small campfires were used twice - dry firewood not easily found. Kept fires small and thoroughly extinguished, and sites cleaned. Overall very rigorous trip, but worth doing. Would probably be better with another person as dedicated - same attitude and interests. Second person could photograph/fish/navigate/help with camp chores and portaging, to make it more efficient overall. Lots of wildlife to see if you travel quietly. Recommend camera, binoculars, rain suit, waterproof bags/duffels, canoeing skills and good maps. Had GPS as backup but maps were most useful (McKenzie maps - shows portages and campsites) Other useful items - spare paddle, axe, knife, lighter, sponge, bailer (empty laundry detergent jug with bottom cut out), "liquid waste" jug (empty laundry detergent jug with bottom and cap) - useful on water or in camp when nature calls. Kept food in 10L drypacks - had no problem with bears/rodents. Beautiful fall colors, changing weather, warm days-cold nights. Absolute solitude. Be prepared and expect the unexpected - good and bad. Best trip of my life to date...will go again next year. Lots of choices in BWCA.

Posted by guy smith on October 24, 1999 at 03:01