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Camping in the Boundary Waters and Quetico

2.) In the mid afternoon on the 7th day, your crew is heading East. Your crew is seriously behind schedule with about 5 miles to make up to keep to your average' schedule. You need to cross the next large lake to make up the distance. High puffy clouds have been forming in the blue sky and have become darkened as the afternoon has progressed, and the sun is now hidden. The wind from the West has picked up some during the last half hour. What do you decide? Explain the factors influencing your decision.

This question should take the longest to explain and be detailed. The factors that must have been considered are:

The weather appears that it is definitely going to take a turn for the worse. The only question is when.

Thunderstorms on a large lake can create large, canoe swamping waves in a matter of minutes.

Lightening can be deadly on an open lake.

Crew condition. They have traveled the better part of the day (implied, is that they have already gone at least 10 miles) and they may have been pushed trying to make up distance. Pushing on, in possibly dangerous conditions, would be unwise.

The type of lake and its features may be factor in you decision. If it is a large, open lake and you have to travel through the middle, then stay put! A thunderstorm is imminent. Even if it does not hit you directly, the winds on a large lake can be fearsome. If the lake is serpentine with many bays and places to escape the direct wind, then trying for a crossing may be possible. However at the first hint of lightening, get off the lake! If you try for the crossing and you have to leave the lake in a rush, you may end up next to a cliff, in a swamp, in thick brush, or somewhere else that is poor for a campsite. Also it is possible that the crew could get separated in the rush to get off the lake. Also, wind could blow your crew onto a rocky shore damaging canoes and possibly losing equipment. Again, pushing on is unwise unless your crew is very experienced. The risk for the crew is too high.

It is recommended to sit tight, put up the kitchen fly and cook supper. Send out a couple of people along the shore to look for a campsite is case one is needed. You still have 4 to 6 hours until dark and can make a final decision later. If a thunderstorm hits, often it will clear off after. If it does then the 5 miles across the lake will take you about 2 hours and you can probably arrive well before dark. If you have already eaten, then setting up camp and getting your crew in the sack can be done quickly. If the weather does not improve, stay where you are, find a place to set up tents and move your equipment there. NEXT