Mad_Mat wrote on Apr 27^th, 2012 at 1:00pm:

"BWCA is but a memory now. I dislike the thought of paying for nights I won't be using all to go to a less desirable area." ?   I don't see that you have to do that?  pay the Quetico Fee for the X# of nights you'd be there - say the first week, then move to BWCA side and you'd only pay the $16 - you don't pay a per day camping fee for BWCA

That was what I initially had planned Mat. But don't I have to enter BWCA at an established EP on the day reserved? Since I will be spending the first 5 days or so in Quetico and wandering up toward Basswood falls that would certainly put me at odds with the "spirit" of the entry system would it not?

While I like the goal aspect of paddling around the entire lake (still seems like a cool idea) I think in the long run IC has it right. Why put up with crowds and motor boats and heavily used campsites? Why not make the goal to know the Canadian side of Basswood in an intimate way.......notes of campsites, reefs found and plotted on the GPS. That would be a trip with some satisfaction especially if one does it with the future in mind. Lord willing I'm still kickin in my 60's and 70's and in decent health it might be nice to know Basswood. The good campsites, the good spots to fish. My big portaging days might be over by then but I cannot envision not being able to trip somewhere.........

All I know is that if Scott Smith doesn't have the Expedition finished by then the trip will far less satisfactory and I might even scrap the whole idea. Part of the attraction is getting to know the boat and see what it is capable of in bigger water (that is not to cold :o ).