Jim J Solo wrote on Oct 31^st, 2013 at 3:11pm:

Kerry, ditto here. There's enough challenges without looking for them. Read about Samuel Hearn and he wasn't successful till he agreed to let his Indian guides bring their women along. The biggest compliment to someone out in the barrens is telling them they look like they're getting fat. Having some gals along and easing the pace a bit can make for an enjoyable trip. Keep'm warm and happy. Stay within yourself so you keep doing all the little things right.

JimJ -

Samuel Hearn, David Thompson, Alexander McKenzie, Simon Fraser... those were some pretty tough cookies!  Any QJer wishing to read about real wilderness hardships needs to read some of THEIR biographies.

Good point about bringing women along.  They can often dampen down the otherwise misguided notions of macho guys (overdosed on testosterone) in a healthy manner (ie. I do fewer stupid things when my wife goes along... and NEVER any bushwhacking).

Jimbo  8-)