Really interesting responses, and seemingly lots of opportunities to follow up.  I plan to do that! 

I'll be at the Bell Composites Canoe booth at Midwest Mountaineering's Outdoor Adventure Expo tomorrow through Sunday.  Any of you Twin Cities guys who are there, stop by and say hello.  MT, I'll expect you'll be there... :)

Jimbo, you asked about why I wouldn't ask back a few guys who made trips with our group...

One guy was not prepared for this kind of trip.  Nice guy, and he tried hard, but he just never "fit" in.  I think he was overwhelmed and out of his element.

The other guy was simply boring.  Boring because he lacked any kind of curiosity -- about anything.  Never asked anyone about "their story."  Seemed unable or unwilling to have a conversation about anything other than himself.  Boring and kind of sad.

I'm a "people person" and for that reason solo trips aren't for me.  Time spent in canoe country is precious, and I want to share time in camp and in a canoe with people who make the trip more interesting and fun. 

I've got three trips planned this year: June - into Baird (the "guy" trip, the one I've struggled the last few years to fill); July with my daughter, son-in-law, and neice (Ottertrack Lake area), and in August (with my canoeing  partner and two "new" but very experienced guys) paddling the Bloodvein river West to East through the Woodland Caribou Park. 

So I'm not complaining, but I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for meeting and paddling with other folks!   

Mike