BASICS:

Where do you live?

We live in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping?

165 + in the BWCAW for me, Amy 10 days. We both have plenty more else where. We live on the Mississippi and all islands are free game.

Do you have the gear or use an outfitter?

We own all our own stuff, more than we need actually. It helps to outfit the novices that we sometimes take with us. We are very picky about who we introduce to the BWCAW.

Preferred/Typical party size?

1-4

What length of trips do you do/available to do?

Anywhere from 7 - 15 days

Preferred season?

Spring, usually around the first of June.

What % of the trip do you travel/base camp?

Depends on the trip/people. Sometimes we move everyday and others find us camping in the same site for days. A lot of it depends on the paddling ability of those with my girlfriend (Amy) and I. Weather can be a big factor as well.

What difficulty level do you go for?

This also depends on the people with me on the trip. If it just Amy and myself, we will try anything.

What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas?

South Wilder is like our honeymoon lake. It is fairly secluded because of it's end of the chain positioning and therefore not as well traveled. We are always trying a new area. Each year we try to go somewhere else.

PADDLING:

Bow or stern preference?

I generally paddle stern. Amy is too light for me to sit in the front.

What is your paddling rhythm?

Steady as she goes.

Paddle the shoreline or beeline?

Depends on what we are doing and where we are going. Also dependent on weather conditions and time restraints.

How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in?

I will paddle through anything, if I have to. I do not do it just for fun though. I defer to the other members of my paddle group, in this regard, they just might have more sense. Amy hates the windy days.

Do you have strong navigation/map skills?

Have map and compass will travel! This is not to say that I never mess it up but I do pretty well.

PORTAGING:

Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage?

Double trips, for my canoe and Amy. Other paddlers in my groups have caused triple and more.

Do you carry everything on your back, or a lot of hand carry?

Everything on our backs.

How well do you handle the mountain goat portages?

We do very well with these, thankfully.

How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs?

Not as well as I would like to, I struggle and Amy has it even worse.

CAMPING STYLE:

Would you rather cook or wash the dishes?

I cook, Amy cleans. Just like at home.

Fresh or dried foods?

The first few days maybe fresh food but I could not imagine carrying enough for 12 days! We dry all of our own. Freeze dried is too pricey for us! We would rather buy better gear than spend it on food. If anyone is interested in my methods of drying, or recipes please IM me. I love to cook and I love to share my "knowledge" of cooking!

Cook over a fire, or over a stove?

Heating water is mostly what we do, due to the dried food thing. In camp we usually have some water on the fire all the time. For in transit lunches we use the stove. On those rained in days the stove gets set up in the vestibule and is our main cooking instrument.

Cook breakfast or breakfast bars?

Breakfast is usually some form of instant oatmeal, grits, malto meal, cream of wheat...

How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip?

In a ten day trip, usually 2. I am not a big fish eater. I love to catch them though! Catch and release is the norm for us.

Hang the food pack or ground it?

We hang the food. Although I love seeing the bears, I do not relish the idea of having to survive on fish for the rest of the trip!

Axe, Saw, or Both?

Both, I like to cut wood into length with the saw and split some down for kindling.

Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or
both)

On a lot of the trips, I have found that in early June, it rains in the mid mornings... I will sit around the fire for hours and then get up at the crack of dawn to fish for a few hours before the rain sets in. Amy like to sleep in a bit so it works out great for us.

On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water?

The crack of dawn is my preference, but I rarely get it! As I said. Amy likes to sleep in a bit.

FISHING:

How much time do you like to spend fishing?

Given the chance I would fish from sun up to sundown. Amy likes to explore the woods and things too, so I split time between fishing and exploring.

Which species do you like to go after?

Everything that will bite!

How much tackle to you bring?

I carry a Flambeau "Quick Draw:" bag that holds (3) 11x7", adjustable organizer slot, boxes and one 3x4" box for hooks and sinkers.. It is quite compact and holds a ton of tackle. Loaded it only weighs 3 lbs. It keeps my tackle very organized. It also has a spare line pocket and a shoulder carrying strap. I absolutely love it.

Are you good with a fillet knife?

I am quite good with one, thank you!

MISC:

Do you have any medical conditions to be considered?

None.

Level of alcohol consumption?

We bring a smaller sized hip flask of whiskey and it usually returns to the car half full.

Are you a smoker?

No.

Is photography high on your list?

We takes photos but we are not pros!

Do you like to go after pictographs?

This June trip will be our first. We have not based trips around them but may in the future. We respect the Natives and First people a lot. I am part Tsalagi (Cherokee) and am just learning about the heritage that I should have always been taught.

Do you like to go after waterfalls?

We do not base trips around them but if they are in the area we are certain to check them out.

Do you like to go after the northern lights?

The Northern lights are a huge draw for us. Without them it would not be the same, but, we would not quit going if they were to suddenly cease to exist.

PERSONALITY:

If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you?

I am luckily not a target for bugs! WOO WOO. Amy on the other hand is. Until we bought her a head net, things were rough on her. Now she enjoys the bug freeness of netting.

What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?

I have come to deal with weather very well. Years of canoe camping and backpacking have taught me to appreciate all seasons and all weather. Amy had a problem with rain until she bought a good rain suit. The cold is hard on her, she is a tiny little thing of 102 lbs. Staying warm is hard for her.

If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it?

Lets get it out there and deal with it! No reason to ruin a trip. Very little can not be worked out!

Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home?

I would never willingly pull out of a trip! I have, in consideration for some of my novice companions, though. It seems like no matter how much I stress the need for this or that, someone leaves something crucial behind, or can not afford it. Like good rain gear. This can make the trip rough for some.