Leute,

Your experience was most likely a function of recent rainfall patterns.  I'm guessing it had been dry for a few weeks before you arrived.

Jimbo   

I was meaning to ask about the June bugs.  I've been to Q the last two years in June.  The first week last year and the 2nd/3rd the year before.  I only experience mild instect issues.  Nothing that affected me sitting around the camp fire or much of anything else for that matter.  Is this unusual?  Did we somehow miss the window?

Last year water temps were warmer on 5/30 then they were on 6/20 the year before, so I can certainly see were there would be some varations...

Quote:

As TB mentioned, I wouldn't exactly call July "bugless."  It just that you'll likely miss the "clouds" of insects with a non-June trip.

While I haven't specifically done Nym to PP (have done B'house to PP), off the top of my head (i.e., without a map) I'd suggest that the quickest/easiest route would likely be Nym, Batch, Pickerel (narrows) to Pine Portage Bay, Dore, Twin, Deax Riveries, Sturgeon, Russell, Chatterton, Keats, Shelley, Kawnipi, Keewatin, Agnes, Meadows, Sunday,  (maybe Burke) and Basswood (Bayley Bay).  I've done all of this (and several alternate routes between Shelley and PP) since 2002 so much of it is relatively fresh in my mind.  So, if you have any questions, you can PM or e-mail me.  (If you are up to it, you can find trip report of these trip on my web page.  I describe each trip ad nauseum, so be prepared.)

Most of my trips are in the 10-14 day window and I typically plan in several layover days in route, so I'm not the best person to council with regard to how long something will take.  However, I'd think that MM's estimate is reasonably accurate.

... and to clarify since you seem to be a first time Q traveler, you do not need a BWCA permit if you have an outfitter pick you up at PP.

I cleared customs near mid-day (in each direction) at International Falls/Ft. Frances in May last year.  It took under 1/2 hour (getting back into the US was the longer; having to listen to a "lecture" about importing agricultural products--the guy must have be really bored to have taken so long--either that or we just look like the type to import Yak meat).  However, coming from the Boston area, I'm assuming you'll cross the border further east.

dd

"Anyone travel from Nym to Prairie Portage? We've got 7-8 days and are not the fastest boat in the race. Tips? Two cents?"

Lots of people have done that.  Used to be an annual race.

Only time I did a one-way trip was from Beaverhouse to Moose Lake landing, via PP.  Pretty much any of the Ely outfitters can do a shuttle for you and drop you off.  Cost will be about $250 to 350 or so depending on how many people and canoes.  Think it cost us something like $280 (our 2 boats, and 4 people) for that shuttle back in late eighties (used Canadian Waters, and they arranged to leave our vehicle at LaTourels on Moose L - a bit more protected parking than at the public lot).

If you go that route, plan on a late start for the day you enter.  Seems like we had to wait for them to open I-Falls/St Francis border crossing at 8am and were in a real long line - think its open 24 hrs now though.  Figure a half-day to get up to Nym.  You'll also have to get a permit for BWCA - its a special "returning from Canada" permit and I don't think there is any limit on the number of those they issue.

The quickest route is down through Agnes, but you have enough time to zig zag, or maybe loop Westwards a bit and then come back along the border.

At a moderate pace, you can figure about 2 1/2 to 3 days to get to middle of the park - an easy 6 days should make it from Nym to Moose L. so you have plenty of time.

[quote author=Jeanne link=1174742510/10#10 date=1175045677] We're now looking at July 13th departure, making the bug issue moot.

moot? hmmmmmmmmmmmm. i would never consider the perspective bug situation in the Q, during the month of july decided in my favor. bring the bug dope just in case  .

thebutcher

Thanks for great info on bugs and exsanguination--terrific word! We're now looking at July 13th departure, making the bug issue moot. Anyone travel from Nym to Prairie Portage? We've got 7-8 days and are not the fastest boat in the race. Tips? Two cents?

There are no bugs up there that time off year....they are only a figment of our vivid imaginations.

Hey I C...
Not looking to argue with one who lives there full time.
I have seen hordes of black flies in the 3rd week of June along with mosquitoes. By July those black flies are mostly gone....more mosquitoes could be filling in the gaps though.

3rd week of June, 1st week of July...it is all about the same for numbers of bugs.   

intrepid_camper wrote on Mar 25^th, 2007 at 3:43am:

Wait a minute...The first Jimboree was during the 3rd week of june, since the interloper ( ) planned it to coincide with the Bushwhackers Jamboree.
I planned the Jamboree for the 3rd week of June, because that's when bugs are bad....and so are the voyageurs.
Now, if only I can make it to the darn thing....

By the way....just let them bite you....It's mind over matter !