One of members for our mid August trip just found out  his achilles surgery did not "take". I do not know the medical details all I know is that he limps and is back to wearing his boot. (He originally had surgery in March and the Dr though that he would be recovered enough to make the trip)

As a group we have made about 9 trips to Quetico but all of our entry Points have been at Northern Points mostly Nym and Beaverhouse. This year we are entering through Prarie with hopes of the Brent area loop. The surgery is set for later in August and he is considering attempting the trip. We understand that on the portages his job would be to get himself over while the rest lugged the gear and canoes etc. He has also told us that he would step aside if someone else to go could be found. (Not likely since we leave in little over a month)

The question is how do the portages in the Southern portion of the park compare to the Northern? He is basing his decision on his experience in the northern part of the park and the fact the nothern portages on a whole seem longer than the southern. (Although there are more) He is also wondering since the southern portion of the park gets more traffic if the portages are some what easier to traverse.

While I cannot provide an overall generality of northern vs. southern Quet portages, I have some perspective as I took a trip 2 years ago (with the doctor's permission) while needing ankle tendon repair surgery.  Thankfully I could typically walk without pain, and my brace still allowed me to use my boots, though I did have to buy a size larger to accommodate the extra volume.  After a week of ankle-sucking mud, I was glad I scheduled my surgery afterward.  Make sure your ailing friend tests whatever boot, brace, etc. is needed with trail socks, boots, and pants.  You don’t want to find out something doesn’t work in the parking lot, dock or at the first camp.  Also, I recommend a pair of hiking sticks for balance & tricky portage situations.  Finally, modify your planned route to about 75% of what you normally do for a similar duration.

What route have you planned to run from PP to Brent?

With a few notable exceptions, you'd likely not see significant differences between the portages north to south.  Once your are on Sarah (assuming you'd go that way), I'd have to classify most of the portages as "easy."

Have you checked into the possibility of changing permits/EP's.  It might be time to do a French/Pickerel Lake trip where you can do more paddling and less portaging this year and save the Brent trip for another time.  You might still foray into Sturgeon via Dore/Twin/Deux Rivieres where the portages are mostly flat, wide and with relatively few obstructions.

dd

If you want to aim for Brent area, I would suggest changing entry points, and doing a tow from Crane Lake to Bottle P or to McAree (if Bottle is taken). This will reduce the portaging. He could use paddles as 'walking sticks'. You will also want to consider that getting to/from  Brent will involve some up & down and some serious mudholes. It is possible he will need assistance at some points.

I agree that he should test any system pre-trip to learn what adjustments may need to be made. He should also consider that his pain will significantly increase and how he plans to treat it.

Our route as planned at this moment was to go through Shade, Yum Yum, Kash, Joyce, Suzanette, leaving our options for our eventual exit through I believe Basswood lake. (Not sure I do not have the maps our outfitter provided in front of me. I just know we are meeting somewhere in that vicinity) We do have some flexibility in our route that can be made to accomadate him. (For what it's worth we have  a Kash Permit)

Another factor working for him is that he would be the 6th member of a  group that travels by my definition light. Who know if that is light for everyone else, but we have managed to single portage on previous years. So there should be someone available to walk with him.

Who knows this may all be for naught he does have to get an MRI sometime next week to determine just how much damage he still has in the ankle.

Man, I wish I was free to take his spot!  That's a great route that I've wanted to revisit for years.  However, I'll be in the BW at that time.

Well I certainly hope your friend will be able to go.  It's a tough route, but should be doable for your friend.  As I recall, there's a significant elevation gain & loss from Kashapiwi to Joyce.  The rangers did build a fire tower on that same ridge for good reason.  You won't be travelling on well worn portages, that's for sure.

The climb out of Kash is steep heading toward Joyce, the rest of the way is rough in spots and muddy too.
The Brent area has some rough patches as well. I think considering he doesn't need anymore stress on his injured ankle, I would opt for 2 walking sticks with the carbide tips for traction up/down the steep areas.
With the wrist straps, he would have  better grip than with paddles IF he stumbled. CAMPMOR sells their own brand, for about $50 a set. You could use for other outdoor activities and might be worth a look.

I hate to say it, but I think your buddy should stay home.  He has an achilles problem that required surgery and it didn't work out.  Now he has a second surgery planned and wants to walk over rocks, roots and be part of a crew on a wilderness canoe trip miles from help.

What will you do if his achilles blows out somewhere near Brent?  If I were your buddy, even if I felt I could do the trip with minimal risk, I wouldn't put the rest of my group in the middle of that decision.

Better to go with an odd number and rent a solo canoe or 3-seater than risk injury and ruin the entire group's trip.  There is always next year when he'll hopefully be healed 100%.

My two cents, of course.

While I think using walking sticks with carbide tips is a good idea (I typically use a pair when hiking in the rockies), I'd be cautious about using the wrist straps unless you have some experience.  On the rare occasion where you go down and your walking stick doesn't, the wrist strap could make the fall worse ... think sitting on the ground with your arm(s) fully extended above your head and locked in position by the wrist strap's tension.

The route into Brent that you have selected is not the easiest.  Getting to Shade will not be an issue, but crossing into Yum Yum or Yum Yum to Kash might be an issue.  Then, as mentioned, the climb out of Kash is not going to be a snap.  You will have a choice of 3 portages to enter Burt via Marj ... but the one that is a single portage (may not be marked on your maps) ends over a rock face with a steep down angle toward the water.  If it is wet, someone is going to wind up in the lake.

dd

My two cents.ow You now have 4 cents. If someone will toss a penny, you'll have a nickel.

I'm with Jackfish and Denton Doc. We had a death in our party about 3 weeks before we were to go this year and we found a fourth. Keep looking. From Side to Yum Yum has one rugged portage with lots of muddy walking -- good spot to get your foot caught in the mud. While Yum Yum portage from Yum Yum to Kashshapiwi has a well deserved reputation as tough, the portage from Shawn Walsh and the two from Kashashawipi to Joyce are no piece of cake.

I hate to join those trying to rain on your parade, but I am doing it anyway.

I wish your buddy well, but sometimes the wisdom is on the side of caution. A number of years ago I broke some bones in my hand and did nothing about it. Later when an orthopedist X-rayed my hand he asked why I did not come in earlier, I told him I thought it would get better on its onw. He told me, "Sometimes you are tougher than you are smart." I think, this is a time to be smart.

Tim  

N to S Quetico doesn't matter....it's the specifics of each that do.

so what do you do if he ends up not being able to walk while out there?  Leave him?  Bag it...go without or get another.  Thats my 1 cent...now you have a nickel.

Hate to rain more, but after more consideration, your buddy is risking himself and the group by going. I'm sitting out this year due to a knee injury. After surgery, I plan to go next year. Perhaps that how your buddy and the group need to think. It wouldn't surprise me if someone from QJ volunteers to take his spot, if it opens up.

Thanks for all the replies, I am glad to have the nickel. We have a long ways to go before we even consider let the gimp attempt his mission. In which time we are continuing to attempt locate someone to take his place. In addition, he has several Dr set up that may crush any hopes he has of even attempting his quest. I understand all of your points and personally I have been thankful that he felt the discomfort now and not a month later as we where slogging the portages. At least now if he attempts he will be more prepared for what is to come.  

On a related matter how long does it take to apply for an RABC at one of the border crossings? According to RABC website by mail it takes 3-4 weeks and anyone we would find would probably need to apply for an RABC. So unless we find someone very soon I will get to make wonderful detour taking a couple of hours on my way to Ely.

I believe you can get an RABC immediately "in hand" if you apply in person at International Falls or Grand Portage entries into Canada.  If you go through LaCroix the tow boat will stop at the Canadian customs for you, and you do not need the RABC if you do that.  
Have your buddy, if he goes along, bring his pain meds so he is not totally uncomfortable if his tendons flare up.
There are lots of beaver sticks or dead balsam in the woods to make a walking stick out of if needed.

My latest RABC took almost 5 weeks by mail...

I hear you can certainly apply for one "in-hand" and while in person...but you risk a "no-go" should the Canadians ding you for any previous behavior....(if that applies)  I've also heard that once "dinged"...you still might be able to enter if you apply for a no-guarantee, several $$ "pardon".

Figures a few days after posting on the forum and the ensuing discussion. We had a friend agree to do the trip. She has already filled out the RABC form and sent it out. Hopefully the Canadians are true to their word on the 3-4 week turnaround time. (Rather hope it's closer to three weeks) Since we are about 4.5 weeks out.