"the most stupid things you've done in canoe country" replies have been moved to (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

  You SHOULD of bought a Lotto Ticket for sure

Somewhat related story...(stay with me on this...)

Last year I parked my vehicle at the Nym Lake entry, for a 12-day trip.  Two days in, I couldn't find my fishing license, (along with my passport, driver's license, RABC permit, and QP permit).  Couldn't go back to retrace portages, etc.  Stuck it out and cursed myself for all the unnecessary drama involved with losing this stuff!  Tried to put it out of my mind, but I couldn't help but wonder how I'd get back into the States without a passport.  After a good trip, got back to the rig and found my packet of permits, id's, etc, sitting on the dashboard of my truck.  Unbelievable.  This might be a good segue to a new thread...the most stupid things you've done in canoe country. 


prouboy

I have probably used the Beaverhouse parking lot 15 times or so beginning with 1975.  I have never had a problem.  The road is actually quite good and most passenger cars and van will have no problem.  There certainly is no guarantee that your car won't be damaged, but there is no guarantee that your parked car won't be damaged in Ely, Chicago or Duluth.

Westwood

Dead_Dog_Paddler wrote on Dec 11^th, 2009 at 2:37pm:


I've parked at the Beaverhouse portage for three 7-10 day trips, and never had any problem. 

prouboy

My last time was 2002 or 03 so maybe someone can offer an update. the road's great until you turn off the main road. After that it gets narrower as you go. At some points past Dinner Lake it's just an overgrown, two wheel path at some point. (Fun when you approach the crest of a hill.) I take my car but more ground clearance would certainly be helpful. After heavy rains I'll get out and check the depth of any washouts to pick the safest route.

As far as safety aspects go, the only vehicle damage I've witnessed was at the French lot when a tree fell on a friend's car - so don't park within reach of any trees that look evil if you can help it.  

thanks for the info... it is appreciated.  road condition back to the parking lot is okay?

Drewfus,

For the last 3 yrs I've gone in with my father who is in his late 60s.  He is not in the best shape either, but he is smart, tough, and knows his limitations (sort of).  Don't discount the extra toll it will take on you as the mule of the team.  After my last trip, which was my father, my brother and I, I realized that putting too much pressure on myself to accomodate the other members of the team presented as much risk as overworking or expecting too much out of the old man.  If he can carry one pack over a portage you and your group should be fine pacing yourselves. 

One thing I would be careful of is making sure he doesn't get stuck in suck mud.  That happened to my father on day one last year coming out of the Mack creek when it was a little low.   It took an awful toll on him way too early in the trip.

If he loves the woods, and knows himself then you will be fine.

Dead_Dog_Paddler wrote on Dec 11^th, 2009 at 2:37pm:


I almost always use BH for an entry point. I have outfitter bring me in and pick me up. That's a personal choice, the result of a incident involving my vehicle years ago, that I never forgot.

BH has had vehicles broken into in the past. So has Nym. The culprits were travelers heading west/east and stopped in to hit the 4-wheel ATM'S that had their "Assets" on display.

One of my ways of passing time waiting for my pickup on BH, is to look into parked vehicles for "easy" pickings I would say that more than half of the vehicles I look into, have valuables that would spark a thieves interest. Cell phones/luggage/lap tops/GPS and loose change or bills in center consoles

Lets not forget the 4 legged bandits. I would say the same percentage or higher leave food items in vehicle. Donuts/Fast food leftovers/cookies/chips, and once even a half eaten bucket of chicken.
I've seen more than a few vehicles with bear prints on the hood to the trunk where Yogi was taking a peek/sniff for goodies.

I'd lock any/all items in trunk or at least hide under seat well. I'd also leave no food of any kind in vehicle and if you can, use a cooler and lock any items you want on takeout in your trunk.

For some reason people think there is NO crime "Up North" :question
They wouldn't leave valuables out at home, they shouldn't do it up there either.  Highway 11 is a popular route across Canada. Thieves target places like that, remote, yet easily driven into. They sell the items at truck stops for gas and drug money. Common sense applies EVEN up in God's country

I used the BH parking lot in Sept. I went in Saturday afternoon and had a hard time finding a place to park. No touble for me leaving the car there, but I would not risk leaving anything you could not stand to loose.

Lots of Walleye in the areas suggested, not many small ones though.
Might be a little slow later in the summer.

You could easily spend 10 days exploring/fishing either Cirrus or Quetico and burn a few of them with short day trips to good nearby lakes.

I'm planning to enter Nym next year and work my way through Pickerel down to Sturgeon then back out through Lonely, Walter, etc.