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Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums >> General Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion >> How long does it take to do a portage?
https://quietjourney.com/community/YABB.cgi?num=1259513526 Message started by Magicpaddler on Nov 29th, 2009 at 4:52pm |
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Title: Re: How long does it take to do a portage? Post by solotripper on Dec 1st, 2009 at 8:38pm
This is very entertaining! I'm not sure you can "calculate" travel or paddle time other than in a very general way? Too many variables, at least in my experience.
Weight is a reasonable "doable", as well as physical conditioning for the trip. Efficient portaging techniques helps as well. I'm not sure planning using a "known" route that you use frequently will translate to the varying portage conditions you encounter on a trip? Your body adapts to the load it's put under over time. it becomes more "efficient" at doing the same task repeatedly. Even a shorter route with lots of up/downs, boot sucking mud, or slick rocks will tire you faster than your longer familiar training route that doesn't feature those obstacles. I plan on "underestimating" my travel time, figuring you can always push on if your up too it and the conditions are favorable. I'd rather add a unexpected lake or layover day, than have to push hard to get out for a scheduled pick-up or depart time. I go on what my body is telling me. I like an early start, before 7 am at least. I take a short lunch unless the winds are against me and then I might take a longer break and paddle later. Generally by 4 pm, I'm in campsite mode. I'll paddle later or take a hard portage late, especially if it puts me on a nice lake I have a layover day planned. You can calculate/figure all you want, but we all know Murphy's Law will have a say in our best figured plans ;) Worse case you go from Murphy's to FUBAR, in which case you call for the MARINES( JIMBO) on your little SPOT gizmo :-[ I look forward too the day when I can travel when I feel like it, layover whenever I want, and come out when I run out of food. Unfortunately in today's economy THAT day is getting pushed farther and farther down the road for me :'( I'm sure MP will get it all worked out too his satisfaction before his trip. It will be interesting too read his trip report and see how close theory and reality are :question Hopefully he won't be disappointed, and we'll be enlightened an/or amused ;) |
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