My introduction to Quetico was at the French lake put-in. Motors were banned and they had changed the level of the lake recently so as I paddled down river with people I barely knew, it literally looked like the intro to a horror film. It was all scary looking dead trees and mud banks. I wondered what I had gotten myself into and to top it off, there was a bloated moose carcass where it meets the lake. Oh, and did I mention the bugs yet?

Over the years that river has become a highlight of many trips and Mat makes an excellent point I've never thought of before. It makes sense to me at the moment anyway.

where the pickeral river is about to enter pickeral lake is a good spot to see moose.  I've seen them there 2 or 3 times - its a narrow spot where they can cross most easily

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I have three for you. Bring a tarp, a stove and something hot and easy like FD food. I've spent a lot of nights on Rawn over the years but one night probably stands out most in my mind because when we started going, I remember those three things were specifically frowned upon as not being manly enough for a group of three couples, at a time when French to Buckingham was three long travel days.

To me, noticing differences over the years is a large part of the adventure but if you two should happen to catch a LM Bass up in that corner of the park...

Enjoy the Quetico vortex as I have no doubt you will!

25 years of Quetico experience . . . ?  We are the ones who should be asking you for advice.  I'm pretty sure you can handle whatever circumstances are thrown your way.     Enjoy your trip.

Polar vortex? Who knew? When I think of masses of cold air I think of strong winds. When I think of strong winds I start thinking about smaller more protected waters. Who wants to be stuck in camp with cold winds that have 2 or 3 miles to gather steam before slamming into your site?

Time to step outside your normal routine. Pick a different area, make an adventure of it. Smaller, more protected water is the prescription I would advocate. The cooler temps will keep the bugs at bay. Keep an eye out for old trees which might come down in a blow.

Walleye dinners might have to be replaced with largemouth bass dinners. Don't cry, still tasty while out in the bush. Besides, they are a blast to catch on topwater lures.....have I mentioned using a Top Toad?

I don't have any specific tips, although the island campsite on your left as you enter Rawn has a nice setting.

If you should happen to head down Maria, Jesse, Ellizabeth, Walter way, I'd be interested in the portage conditions given the high water levels. We're probably going that way in the fall.

This will be year 25 for the two of us. Always entered from French, Beaverhouse, or Cache Bay.  Always spent 10 - 12 days out.  Always eaten fish we caught each night. This time there are reports of high water, and a Polar Vortex on it's way.  Any suggestions or tips? Probably headed toward Rawn for starters this year.