Your group sounds a lot like trips I've taken with scouts...about the same age and varied attitudes. One thing to think about when you're looking for a "bear portage" route: possibly sugar would work better than vinegar. Pick a route with modest portages, spectacular scenery, and great fishing and let them get the "bug". Do some conditioning first, so everyone knows how to paddle and doesn't get too sore. Who knows, you may have trippers for life. From my flatlanders point of view, if you're using an 80 pound canoe (hopefully not) and carrying 60 or 70 pound packs, all portages are to some degree "bears".

Also if you can talk one or more of the dad's into going along, the father-son experience is something they'll cherish forever. If you've never been to the BW, there's no way to describe it (although the pictures on this site help).

Don't let anyone smash your stone tablet calendar...Doug

Posted by KsCanoeist on August 29, 2001 at 10:17
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