I'll put detailed information about the series of Jean Creek portages from Rouge to Sturgeon on our QJ Portage Database.  Will increase the frequency for updating the GPS for both units we will have--should be able to get very accurate digital data of the entire Jean Creek adventure.  Will PM azalea about what to do with it, once I get back.  That's assuming I actually find a route I can recommend and am not in thigh-deep mud the whole way.

M_P

when you go down Jean Creek, it will be mostly different than what your map shows for the portages.

lots of newer beaver dam activity - you can mostly paddle thru if water is high enough, otherwise pull overs - some of the portages are under water and not to be found.  When you get to the one very large dam , about 4 feet high (which drowned the longest portage shown on the Fisher map), go way right to the right end - you may be able to pull your boats around the end and slide thru the wet grass/mud back to the creek.  We did the reverse, going upstream in June.

" telling us what "Mad Matt" is really like?"



he's an idiot!


"I will just say that if he speaks up, it's usually (1) relevant, (2) useful, and (3) true."

One "T', two "T's"........close enough  
Perhaps we could skip the T altogether and just call him "Mad Max...The Paddle Warrior"
Now we just need a clever person who is good with photoshop to make Mat a cool avatar......The sawed off in one hand and a paddle in the other 
We'll have to get him a different signature as well....this one is almost authentic to the original.........

"I'm begininning to enjoy it. Look, any longer on that river and I'm one of them, a terminal psychotic, except I've got this bronze badge that says I'm one of the good guys"......... 

Some day Mad_Mat will put something here that will work me up,  and I will provide a complete expose'.  In the meantime, I will just say that if he speaks up, it's usually (1) relevant, (2) useful, and (3) true.  Not a lot of BS from him--if he sees something is needed, he just does it; doesn't spend any time getting a committee decision about who's gonna go downriver and catch up with the dropped paddle.  And he's very gentle:  for example, as the group eddied out after a tricky rapids on the Colorado River, he suggested to me, "You don't HAVE to reach way up close to the bow for that stroke when you're solo.  It's just a matter of deciding whether you are really serious about avoiding that rock.  It's up to you."
   However, he will be a lot more agreeable if you spell his name with just one "t".  We wouldn't to have "issues" lurking in this forum!

You rock MP. How about spilling the beans and telling us what "Mad Matt" is really like?

I double checked the campsite data base for that spot on Sturgeon near the Maligne. I can't believe someone would rate it a 2. One of the best sites I have ever been at. Huge well constructed fire pit, on a point so the breeze keeps the bugs down and pine needle strewn "back rooms" for several private tent areas. I dunno........I was desperately sleepy at the time and was absolutely overjoyed at stumbling on it, so maybe I have a fonder recollection of it than it deserved. Landing is a bit marginal for sure though....a bit slick so watch it. 

I'm doing final packing now, will be paddling on Beaverhouse Sunday morning.  A no-surprise route through Quetico Lake, Jean, Burntside, Rouge, jean Creek, Sturgeon, and Maligne River.  Pick-up on Friday near base of Twin Falls. 
   Stop and say Hi if you see a 70 year old with 3 guys in their 40s.  Might also see BillConner who is also putting in at Beaverhouse Sunday morning, last I heard. Except his plan was Quetico and Cirrhus and back to BH.
   My first trip to the Q.  Can't believe how excited I am.

   My thanks to all you QJ folks who have been so generous with all your help.  Like, we'll probably  be aiming for campsite EN, just because MT recommends it.  I cannot believe how much I have learned from you guys, just hanging around.  And tons of paddling tips from Mad_Mat, who has paddled with me some half-dozen days or such over the last 4 months.
   I'm ready and eager!

Thank you.  That will help me for planning purposes.

My son and I paddled upstream from Poohbah Creek to Burntside a few years ago on or about 30 June.  If memory is correct, water levels were a bit higher than normal and it took us about 7 hours .  The only big struggle was up the swift to the second to last portage before Sturgeon.  I haven't been on the Maligne downriver from Poohbah Creek, but I think the upper Maligne has faster water.  You should be fine going upstream in mid-July unless there's been a daily deluge a few days prior.

Should be doable if you get an early start and don't stop to fish. Expect a full travel day though. If you were going downstream it would be a good hour or more faster trip, if that helps give you an idea.