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Today's POD is very nice.
A long paddle on a flat sea with gorgeous weather is great for just taking in the scenery and enjoying the moment.

Day's like this make those rough one's more tolerable.

I like the looks of this spot. 8-)
Where is it db?

This is a fine pic of the red squirrel.  I'm always happy to have one in camp especially on a solo.  They are just fun to watch.  In September they will hop around the pines and drop cones.  My tarp got bombed at one point. 

But the best is when they chase each other.  It's so funny but Luna, my border collie will just sit and watch this. The only time I've ever seen her go after wildlife is in our back yard.

Today's POD makes me want a fire and to sit under the Dry-Fly sipping Irish Coffee.  ;) ;D ;D

Looks like it might be the arched ends of a canoe to the right of the prominent island in the distance. 

MB

Cool pic!  I took the exact kind of shot in 2009 with both me and my sons feet at the foot with the setting sun coming through the tent fabric. It's an interesting perspective we all see all the time but rarely gets captured in a pic.

Camp Day, unless you want to try out your canoe cover?   ;) :-/ ;D ;D

Biggest roll of TP I've ever seen.....hah!!!

Angry Pickerel.

MossBack wrote on Jun 7^th, 2019 at 10:35am:

Looks like it might be the arched ends of a canoe to the right of the prominent island in the distance.

That's probably me and Pascanel padding through this shit because he has to work tomorrow.   >:(

Today's POD??   Green ghostly apparition?

It looks to me like someone CUT a standing tree instead of using the downed ones as firewood.

Maybe the Ghostly Apparition is a forest spirit who's not very happy about it?  :(

solotripper wrote on Jun 10^th, 2019 at 12:39pm:

Maybe the Ghostly Apparition is a forest spirit who's not very happy about it?  :(

That's what I was going for!

Not much else to do that day but take pictures of the wind and nap.

That's a gorgeous lightning shot!!  Wow!   :)

Great shot today!
That's when you're glad not to be on the water or near any dead trees in camp.

Wow!  Great shot of the lightning.

Is that TP next to that big rock, right-hand side?

solotripper wrote on Jun 24^th, 2019 at 12:48pm:

Is that TP next to that big rock, right-hand side?

Yep. Did you see the POD before that one? We've all heard of welcome wood. Well, these thoughtful campers raised the bar by leaving us welcome food! What's not to like? All that rice, three pounds of butter, some catchup and a big chunk of sliced meat.

The TP pile looks like someone didn't bother with a hole at all.  Just like a dog in the woods and then tossed the TP on the ground.  I'll never understand that.  Just laziness I guess. No consideration of anyone but their self.

TomT wrote on Jun 27^th, 2019 at 11:33am:

The TP pile looks like someone didn't bother with a hole at all.  Just like a dog in the woods and then tossed the TP on the ground.  I'll never understand that.  Just laziness I guess. No consideration of anyone but their self.

Didn't someone post that the Park wants Q travelers to burn their TP from now on?
  I don't know how they think that will work or can be enforced at all?

People that drop TP bombs all over the CAMPSITE no-less are NOT going to burn their TP if they're too lazy and inconsiderate to at least cover it with some duff.

About the only thing that MIGHT work is if the Rangers caught someone red-handed doing it and made an EXAMPLE out of them and let it be well known.

Make them leave the park immediately and maybe a fine or one year ban from going to ANY Canadian Wilderness parks?  Probably won't happen but I'd be all for it if it did.

I burn my TP now but not in the fire pit. I have a method but it's NOT for everyone because it requires some COMMON SENSE and that's in short supply in the TP bomb crowd.

So the new policy asks everyone to burn their TP.  They also want all “transactions” taking place well back in the woods, away from camp and away from the water.

But they also want a group of sometimes irresponsible people lighting fires in small dug holes on combustible duff in the woods and hoping they will always get the TP fires put completely out? 

This would seem like asking for disasters.

Are there any specifics during the Rangers discussions of this policy, that would better define the How-To details?   I assume I am missing something here?

MB

Can we also assume that a Fire Ban in effect negates the TP Burning request?

I was told by the ranger in the Atikokan office that they "request you burn it in the campfire". Assuming you are a campfire effiecienado even in a week long soak. I got the feeling it was more of a suggestion than a regulation. I just don't want my Lake Trout grilled over a fresh wad of used TP, but we go along with the request when convenient.

The policy as outlined by rangers during my last three seasons in going through PP was burn the TP in fire pit or pack it out. During a fire ban they prefer you to pack out but accept burying it at least 6" deep as an alternative.

A simple solution  to the  problem is to pick-up one of the many scrolls of birch bark that litter the forest floor on your way DEEP into the woods. Secrete your used TP in your quite combustable birch bark caddy. Place caddy on fire, or in fire pit. Burn contents completely. Add a small pile of the dry twigs that are everywhere around the fire pit to make sure burn is complete. Don't fret about it.

It's their park. Respect their wishes.

jimmar wrote on Jun 27^th, 2019 at 4:32pm:

I was told by the ranger in the Atikokan office that they "request you burn it in the campfire". Assuming you are a campfire effiecienado even in a week long soak. I got the feeling it was more of a suggestion than a regulation. I just don't want my Lake Trout grilled over a fresh wad of used TP, but we go along with the request when convenient.

How much you wanna bet that the next "trend" in Turd Blossom Bombs will be the people that do it all around the campsites will now use the FIRE PIT as the toilet as they exit camp? In their minds, that's easier than taking used TP out of the woods and risk getting some poop on them.  ;) :(

OK,  you knew someone would do it, so here it is if you really want to look.

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I recall using an incinerating toilet somewhere outside the USA.

I wonder how long in will be before there is a lightweight collapsible model that runs on IsoButane cylinders?

MB

Solus wrote on Jun 27^th, 2019 at 4:45pm:

The policy as outlined by rangers during my last three seasons in going through PP was burn the TP in fire pit or pack it out. During a fire ban they prefer you to pack out but accept burying it at least 6" deep as an alternative. A simple solution  to the  problem is to pick-up one of the many scrolls of birch bark that litter the forest floor on your way DEEP into the woods. Secrete your used TP in your quite combustable birch bark caddy. Place caddy on fire, or in fire pit. Burn contents completely. Add a small pile of the dry twigs that are everywhere around the fire pit to make sure burn is complete. Don't fret about it. It's their park. Respect their wishes.

A Common Sense approach to the problem. I scavenge Birch Bark every trip across a portage.

One of the best fire starters ever. Sadly the TP Bombs folks won't do what you suggested, just the people that ALREADY do the right thing.

I didn't know the Native People had B1 Stealth Bombers? That painting sure looks like one OR maybe a UFO.  ;) ;D ;D ;D

Is that a deer?

Yesterday and today....before and after? 

I'll have to send in the moose we saw between Agnes and Louisa in the creek two weeks ago, for a POD.  Must've fell through the ice this winter and expired.  The 10-12 inches above the water line were picked clean to the bone, everything below was still whole moose.

pd

portage dog wrote on Jul 3^rd, 2019 at 9:28pm:

Yesterday and today....before and after?  I'll have to send in the moose we saw between Agnes and Louisa in the creek two weeks ago, for a POD.  Must've fell through the ice this winter and expired.  The 10-12 inches above the water line were picked clean to the bone, everything below was still whole moose. pd

Bet that stunk!

That's a dandy northern!

Landed in a solo boat too.

TomT wrote on Jul 4^th, 2019 at 2:00pm:

Landed in a solo boat too.

A few years back, I did that 4 times in a single trip to WCPP.  I call it my "4 over 40" trip and it was on the Bloodvein River system between Mary's Lake and Larus ... and yes ... I was in a solo canoe.  The largest was 43" and had a huge girth.  I thought several times ... "I'm going to need a bigger boat!"  As I landed one of these, I noticed another (larger one ... at least 45") lurking underneath and I recall telling myself, "Please God.  Don't let the larger one latch on to the one I've got!"

dd

mpeebles wrote on Jul 4^th, 2019 at 10:08am:

That's a dandy northern!

Kingfisher ain’t too bad either! 8-)

Last year my brother was targeting those things.  I try to avoid them.  He landed one in the high 40's probably 48-49.  He musky fishes a lot and has a pretty good handle on size.  I have a great video of it splashing him during the fray.
 

Magic Hour POD today.  8-)

I bet this guy gets good reception.

Ah, the old ride your canoe like a skateboard trick.  ;) ;D ;D

Nice start on your retirement home... 8-)

I've done some pertaging like this where if you slip or lose your balance you know very bad things will happen to you and your boat.

That's a very cool pic DB.  What's the story on this one with the moose?  How did you get so close?  If I had to guess I would say you crawled on your belly in full stalk mode.  Maybe you were wearing a ghillie suit?  ;)

I wanna know if db was able to ride it? ;D

TomT wrote on Jul 16^th, 2019 at 11:43am:

That's a very cool pic DB.  What's the story on this one with the moose?  How did you get so close?  If I had to guess I would say you crawled on your belly in full stalk mode.  Maybe you were wearing a ghillie suit?  ;)

Thanks. This was on a tiny island in Diversity Bay (north Sturgeon). You can usually get pretty close to any moose in a canoe and they calve on little islands so... I don't know, they can't see very well to begin with plus it's like they know you're not really a threat in a canoe. Her and the twins had nowhere to go anyway. It's a tiny island.

I probably even sat there for a while and had a smoke and just watched. Then I paddled upwind and drifted past a few times trying to get even closer trying for a better shot. After the third or fourth pass, she finally got tired of me hanging around and chased me away which was kinda cool too. I did not know the water was that shallow that far out. It wasn't threatening, more like a friendly enough already. Be on your way now annoying man.

I've always liked time lapse on moving water.  It looks like a good painting to me.

Safe travels......Mike

mpeebles wrote on Jul 18^th, 2019 at 11:14am:

I've always liked time lapse on moving water.  It looks like a good painting to me. Safe travels......Mike

I have to stop looking at db's time-lapse shots until I've had my first-morning coffee. My eye's, even the good one can't bring it all into focus.  ;) ;D ;D ;D

Just out of curiosity, how many faces do you guy's see?

I see one BIG one just left of center.
2 smaller ones left of that.
A few beers maybe one on the right :-/ ;) ;D ;D

Unfortunately the right (creative) side of my brain never seemed to have worked very well.  That's why I draw stick people.   Laugh if you must but I can make out a floppy eared bunny rabbit in the lower left center of pic OR some troll with a big nose on the log.  I bet the head doctor would love to chat with me about that one! ;)

When I saw the pic with the moose this morning I suddenly had the urge to pack up the Jeep and go a week early!   Events like that stay with me a long time.

Safe travels......Mike

I see this a lot. I don't know why people can't take the morning garbage with them and burn at night IF they don't have a fire ban.

I'll see an otherwise clean camp but for some reason, they think this is okay.  :-? :( >:(

I see a floppy eared bunny in the fire pit.   :-[

That steel ring looks familiar?
Sort of looks like the landing on Conk Lk  :-/

I honestly don't remember. Conk to Quetico perhaps?

Yeah, that's pretty much where I thought it was.

Jimbo   8-)

Nice looking little waterside campsite 8-)
Well, unless the wind comes in hard in the middle of the night.  ;) ;D ;D

Foil doesn't make for a good fire starter.

TomT wrote on Jul 25^th, 2019 at 11:24am:

Foil doesn't make for a good fire starter.

  I don't know about that ;)
Whenever I find it like this in a firepit it makes me hot as hell and NOT in a good way.  >:( ;D ;D

I like this campsite. Great view plus some wind-protection. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Hmm...

Old Salt wrote on Jul 28^th, 2019 at 1:08pm:

Hmm...

No mystery here.  db has managed to photograph a rare "wood nymph," emerging from it's cocoon below the detritus and tangle of the forest floor.  A blue one, in fact... exceedingly rare!

Jimbo   8-)

Okay, no more beating around the BRUSH so to speak!  ;) ;D ;D

Am I the only one that wants to know what that WHITE round object is on the right side of the pic.  :-/

I know what it looks like, but I never saw anyone haul one on a canoe trip so I have to think its something else altogether.  ;D ;D

It's an upside-down, wide-brimmed hat, right?

Wood nymphs are famously fond of porta-hatties....

Jimbo   8-)

Jimbo wrote on Jul 28^th, 2019 at 9:28pm:

Wood nymphs are famously fond of porta-hatties.... Jimbo   8-)

Well THAT'S a relief, NO pun intended.  ;) ;) ;D ;D

Yeah that's my hat and the square thing is my camera case if that helps.

We were windbound for three days in a row so we killed the third day on a long hike to a high cliff. It was worth the time but pretty much the whole way was pick up sticks like that.

That kid was a trooper. He never uttered a discouraging word the entire 9(?) day mostly crappy weather trip. He was a pretty good paddler too.

Hmmm....and I thought it was the suction cup on the bottom of the tree holding it to the rock it was growing on the side of until the wind blew it off.... :-[

I see these all the time on portages.
I wish you could take them like you do fish in the Q.
I have a great way to cook one whole on the campfire.  ;) ;D ;D

I've been scared more than once by these little buggers. 

A "puddle" of swallowtails today--so pretty!  I haven't thought to get down for that angle, and it is very effective.

Yesterday was a grouse, I believe?  When we took the one and only trip with our children, we encountered a pair of spruce grouse at our campsite on Back Bay.  At that time, none of us had ever seen one.  I chuckle to remember that our teenagers immediately dubbed them "chubby dum-dums".  They were certainly rotund, and it amused the kids no end that they would fly up into a small tree or some brush, start to walk on a branch that wouldn't begin to hold the weight, fall to the ground, act surprised, and then do it all again.  They seemed very tame, and we could get close to them.  It is a fun memory.  Every time I see a grouse anymore my mind immediately says, "Chubby-dum-dum."   ;D ;D

I remember that Spartan1 suggested that it might be easy to catch them, break their necks, and have bird for our dinner.  That left our soft-hearted daughter almost in tears--just the thought that anyone might kill them.   :'(

Quote:

I remember that Spartan1 suggested that it might be easy to catch them, break their necks, and have bird for our dinner.  That left our soft-hearted daughter almost in tears--just the thought that anyone might kill them.   Cry

The Native People don't even waste a shell on them when hunting. They take a long sapling and put a wire noose on it. Walkup nice and slow and snatch them right off a perch/trail.

I've had them walk ahead of me on a portage trail so close I could have whacked one with a rock or my long double paddle.

IF it was legal, I'd take a few and bake them smeared in clay in the camp-fire. Real OLD school there. 

I just wouldn't post any BEFORE pics  ;) ;D

We always triped in early spring. I remember two different people on different trips telling me that when they first heard one drumming on a portage, they thought it was their heartbeat until they heard the drumming a second time.

That's a neat sunburst shot today, PJ.  Thanks.   :)

Thanks.  I can't take credit though.  Kids had the camera all week. 

Looks like you had some fun with the kids. 

When we were on our 50th Anniversary cruise with our whole family, we did a sting ray shore excursion on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.  Just Spartan1, the two grandkids and me.  After some time in the water I was tired, so I wanted to go back to the boat.  I handed my underwater Panasonic camera to one of the kids (ages 14 and 11) and told them to have a great time photographing the rays under the water.  It was a long time before I saw them again, back at the boat, and they were thrilled with their photographic efforts.  Unfortunately, I had forgotten to tell them that my old waterproof camera had a limit to how many minutes you could have it submerged.  My camera was toast!   :'(

Fortunately, the card was still OK.  And they got stunning photos of the sting rays!! 

I now have a new waterproof camera.   ;)  And it was a learning experience, but worth it!   :)

I enjoy tripping with them much more now that they are older.  All I have to do these days is navigate, paddle and cast. 

Tripping with the wife on the other hand . . .   ::)

I'm curious to know why I've never been able to see a PoD.  Is there a special website or code involved?

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Link at top of this page.

That's a pretty sweet tarp rig.  What kind is it?

Sweet, indeed!  Looks sort of familiar, too....

Wish I had had the sense to set it up like that!

Jimbo   8-)

Boundary Waters lean-to purchased from Jimbo what, 15 years ago now?  I don't think I have ever set it up for how it was designed.  It's heavy but durable. 

Monkey eating a banana. 

PhantomJug wrote on Aug 22^nd, 2019 at 12:21pm:

Monkey eating a banana.

Angelic girls face of the left, monkey on the right  ;) ;D

PJ,

  You have it made now  ;) ;D
Not only do you have a strong crew of Portage Monkeys, but it also appears the young man in the bow is getting ready to play a paddling song on that paddle. Now THAT is talent.  8-) ;D ;D

Now if you could only get the Queen of the Nile mind right, you'd be the King of the North.  ;) ;D ;D

Nice fish Mike  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Thanks.  You can tell by looking closely that it's not real smart.  I'm referring to me of course.  ;)  The fish is still swimming up there someplace. :)

Ooh... an "ugly" one. 

I'll never forget when Solus told me that big walleyes are ugly.  ;D  Did you get a measurement on that one Mike?

TomT wrote on Aug 25^th, 2019 at 9:35pm:

Ooh... an "ugly" one.  I'll never forget when Solus told me that big walleyes are ugly.  ;D  Did you get a measurement on that one Mike?

ANY Walleye from COLD water is a nice fish.  ;)
I caught this waldo in the local lake where my brother and I fish for LMB. In 25 yrs that's only the 2nd waldo I ever caught, my brother has caught none.
Lake is shallow with a few deep holes and weedy. Water temp was in the low 80's. The waldo felt "mushy". I'll take UGLY over mushy any day!  ;) ;D ;D ;D
  Nobody eats the fish from this lake, they have an advisory posted at the boat launch.

The only reason we fish it is that there are plenty of 5-6 LMB and we catch/release them all the time.

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It was 27 1/2".  Caught it in 5' of water. 

What's that hanging off the side of your canoe?
 

solotripper wrote on Aug 26^th, 2019 at 10:04am:

What's that hanging off the side of your canoe?

I'll venture a guess ... a downrigger for a depth/fish finder.

I started using rental canoes a few years back (because I was flying up to north country rather than driving). I found the use of a suction cup to hold the transponder was a hit-and-miss proposition, so I crafted a "downrigger" for my last trip from PVC pipe.  I made it from PVC (along with end caps, an "L" bracket and a few bolts/wing nuts) so I could break it down for travel and storage.  Using PVC allowed me to drill holes over the length of the "down piece" so I could adjust the depth of the attachment of the transponder.  I even went so far as to take a smaller diameter piece of pipe that would fit inside the basic design (with graduated holes so I could further extent the depth.

dd

DentonDoc wrote on Aug 26^th, 2019 at 4:11pm:

solotripper wrote on Aug 26th, 2019 at 10:04am: What's that hanging off the side of your canoe? I'll venture a guess ... a downrigger for a depth/fish finder. I started using rental canoes a few years back (because I was flying up to north country rather than driving). I found the use of a suction cup to hold the transponder was a hit-and-miss proposition, so I crafted a "downrigger" for my last trip from PVC pipe.  I made it from PVC (along with end caps, an "L" bracket and a few bolts/wing nuts) so I could break it down for travel and storage.  Using PVC allowed me to drill holes over the length of the "down piece" so I could adjust the depth of the attachment of the transponder.  I even went so far as to take a smaller diameter piece of pipe that would fit inside the basic design (with graduated holes so I could further extent the depth. dd

  I think that's probably it. That didn't pop into my head because there has been so much discussion about just using adhesive to attach the puck to the floor of the canoe temporarily.

I forgot people even used a downrigger like on their canoes.

It is indeed a swing up mount for a transducer.  By the way there was nice herd of fish below the rapids.  Had a 26+ out of there. 

Today's pic was on a moose paddle in the evening.  I thought the silhouette shot was kinda neat. 

I'm up at the land doing some food plot and "timber time" (to quote Bob B.) stuff.  Slooowwww connectivity up here even with a booster .

By the way wishing everyone well that are going into Quetico this week!  At least I think it's this week.

Enjoy and safe travels........

Quote:

By the way there was nice herd of fish below the rapids.

I always like to fish in moving water. One year I had read in the BWJ about someone catching a monster pike fishing that way so I thought I'd give it a try at Split Rock.

Had a big red/white Daredevil lure. I sat off to the side and cast up into the flow and sure enough something grabbed the lure.  Never got it to surface but it was a monster. I had only #10 test and after it got tired of playing with me it just swam off pulling the canoe with it. Finally, the line snapped.

I'd like to have a do-over with my TUNA trolling rod with the #40 braid and steel leader.  ;) ;D ;D

Still might not land it but it would be a hell of a ride.  ;D ;D

mpeebles wrote on Aug 27^th, 2019 at 11:49am:

By the way wishing everyone well that are going into Quetico this week!  At least I think it's this week. Enjoy and safe travels........

Thanks, Mike!  Sorry you can't join us on this one!

Some party members are on the move today, convening at my house tonight.  We trek up to Ely tomorrow to join the other half of the crew.  We may even have a chance to meet some other QJ members while we're there.  Then, we enter the park on Thursday & will be up there for two weeks.  Almost half of our route will be "new water" for me (I normally enter on the north or west sides) so I'm excited about that.  I expect to feel strangely dependent on the route knowledge of the others.  I will have to learn how to "follow the leader", I guess.  Of course, since one of those leaders is in MY boat, that shouldn't be too hard to do (unless he abandons ship when I start singing).

For what it's worth, I expect the faces of a few of the characters on this year's trip to appear in a BWJ story about our trip LAST year.  I'm betting that at least ONE of the pics will be "canine" in nature.  Anyway, that story should come out about a week or two after we return.  If THIS September's trip is half as good as last September's trip, we'll have a great time.  Also, I'm hoping the fishing has picked up since our visit to Veron & Delahey last May.  We'll be just on the other side of the Death March Portages; maybe that'll be all the difference we need!

Carry on,

Jimbo   8-)

Solo.....we caught some nice northerns in there as well but nothing like the one you had on!
We caught some dandies in the n/w part of WCPP last year but not many big ones this year in the n/e part of the park.   Who knows?!

Later......Mike

Tight Lines to QJ’s very own secret seven as they explore the heart of Quetico! 8-) 8-)

Be safe you guys and take LOTS of pics for the POD file  ;) ;D ;D

How were the ticks up there Mike?
Those bushy portages make me nervous.  ;) ;D ;D

solotripper wrote on Aug 29^th, 2019 at 1:59pm:

How were the ticks up there Mike? Those bushy portages make me nervous.  ;) ;D ;D

In five trips to WCPP, I don't recall ever seeing a tick.  However, I always wear permethrin treated clothing, so ticks that I do manage to pick up are typically gone in a matter of seconds.

I seem to remember someone saying that it is too far north for ticks; however, with global warming I can see that a migration is possible.  It certainly can get hot enough there in the summer.  I do remember a day on Donald Lake where it reached 97 degrees.  It was a day spent in the shade with frequent dips in the lake.

dd

Love the POD today!
I put Sriracha sauce literally on everything.
I don't use ketchup anymore at all.

Remember this sweet old gal. ;) ;D ;D
Just substitute Sriracha Sauce for Franks and ST for Ethel.  ;D ;D

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solotripper wrote on Aug 29^th, 2019 at 1:59pm:

How were the ticks up there Mike? Those bushy portages make me nervous.  ;) ;D ;D

In my four trips into WCPP I've never seen a tick.  When I used to fish Red Lake in June we'd do some exploring in the woods and never saw a tick then either.  I too use Pemethrin but mainly for Wisconsin Ticks which seem to be getting larger and more plentiful!

Sriacha sauce is staple in our diet.  My culinary skills have evolved somewhat from when that POD was taken.   It's Sriacha drizzled over Tartar Sauce on the fried fish!  ;)

I can relate to this lunch scene for sure.
You take your comforts where you can in the bush.

I remember one spring trip I stopped for lunch at a little sand strip like that.

The sun was shining but it was cool with a NE breeze.
I ended up sitting inside the canoe on the floor my back against the canoe chair so the sun reflecting off the inside kept me nice and toasty while I ate my lunch.

I someone had paddled by from a distance they would have thought a little kid was in the canoe. ;) ;D ;D

I like these little waterway paddles. Always something to see and photograph.  8-)

Magic Hour  [smiley=cool.gif]

Beautiful photo, Mike.  Made me relax just to see it.  Sigh.   :)

Thanks for posting it.

Thanks.  I like to sit in the mornings and watch the sunrise with a cup of hot coffee or three and watch the sunset in the evening...if I can stay awake that long!   Sometimes I think it's good just to relax and enjoy nature's art show. 

How ya feeling today SP2 ?   I didn't mention it on the other site but I have some funny stories about TIA's (although not positive) and TTGA's (positive) etc.  Weren't funny then but looking back there were a few humorous moments. 

Later......Mike

Mike:  I had to look up what a TTGA even is.

Don't know that any funny stories about TIA's would be very encouraging if they are negative.  But you can try me.   ;)  I am having a hard time coping with what comes next now.  And no luck setting up the followup appointments that the hospital doctor said I should have ASAP.

It has been a frustrating and difficult couple of days. Guess most QJ people don't know about it, but I spent all of Labor Day weekend in the hospital, but they don't know what caused my difficulty.  Could have been TIA, could have been a strange geriatric migraine episode, or some other neurological issue.  Feeling better now, but wondering when the other shoe will drop.

Spartan2 wrote on Sep 3^rd, 2019 at 5:55pm:

Mike:  I had to look up what a TTGA even is. Don't know that any funny stories about TIA's would be very encouraging if they are negative.  But you can try me.   ;)  I am having a hard time coping with what comes next now.  And no luck setting up the followup appointments that the hospital doctor said I should have ASAP. It has been a frustrating and difficult couple of days. Guess most QJ people don't know about it, but I spent all of Labor Day weekend in the hospital, but they don't know what caused my difficulty.  Could have been TIA, could have been a strange geriatric migraine episode, or some other neurological issue.  Feeling better now, but wondering when the other shoe will drop.

Learned something new here too, never heard of TIA's either. had to look it up.

Hope the OTHER shoe doesn't drop SP2, sending out some positive thoughts and Best Wishes regarding your on-going health issues  :)

I agree.  Nothing funny about TIA's.  As far as the TTGA (which may or may not have been caused by a TIA) think the movie Christmas Vacation and then picture cousin Eddie describing the plate in his head and what happens when someone turns a microwave on.  That was me on a few occasions  :-? 

One of my character flaws is that I try to find humor in trying situations. 

Later........Mike   

Quote:

One of my character flaws is that I try to find humor in trying situations.

  Where I'm coming from that is a virtue  ;)

I guess, from my point of view, humor is needed occasionally when you are stressed.  On the "other board" my dear husband started a thread asking for prayers for me.  After I posted that I was doing some better, the thread sort of morphed into a Big Ten Football Fan contest, (Of course, YOU started it, Mike Peebles! ;D ) and it was fun to relax and enjoy it.

But there is really nothing humorous at the end of the day, when you have been hospitalized with stroke-like symptoms and the many specialists and doctors cannot agree on what might have caused this new episode, nor can they offer any treatment.  It seems I am a bit of a medical mystery.

Obviously there will be more doctoring and perhaps eventually some answers.  Meantime, I just am supposed to get back to my life and hope it doesn't recur.

One consolation.  My dad had TIA's (temporary ischemic attacks) several times during his later years.  His weren't like my recent episode where the symptoms lasted more than 32 hours; his were, indeed, temporary.  A few minutes to an hour.  But he did live an active, independent life until age 88.

Every day is precious.  To quote my good friend Old Salt, "Enjoy today.  It's all we have for now."

They never figured out what caused mine either although I had several episodes over the course of a few years.  They ran all kinds of tests and poked and prodded till their hearts content.  Interestingly enough it hasn't happened in a number of years now.

I'm in your corner Lynda.   :)

Later........Mike

Today's pic looks to be part (left/east end) of the large pictograph panel on Artery Lake (WCPP).  Overall, a most impressive display.

dd

These are very impressive. I'd go out of my way to see these. Some in the Q IMHO are not worth the effort for what's faintly visible unless you're really into seeing rock paintings.

dd is correct. 

It's kind of a surreal experience to be so close to something so old and to think about all the travelers who had gone through there before and after the pictographs were made.  Good time for reflection. 

dd.....do you remember what time the pictographs were dated to? 

mpeebles wrote on Sep 6^th, 2019 at 1:14pm:

dd.....do you remember what time the pictographs were dated to?

Not really.  I'd offer that they were painted over a substantial number of years.  Some are now only splotches, while others (like the buffalo) are quite crisp.  I'm guessing the ones like the buffalo were probably done in the last 150-200 years.

dd

All you need in today's POD is a little vase with a wildflower in it Mike.  ;) ;D ;D

Yes, the lovely plate with the striped border is very classy!  Sure beats the heck out of our old aluminum cook kit plates!

We used the same aluminum cook kit for 40 years.  Nested pans, one small pan for heating water, 4 plastic cups, 4 metal plates, "silverware" that hooked together to make a "set'.  (Finally replaced that with some Lexan ones).  We did add one small non-stick frypan, and then in later years I had my jello-mold oven with a diffuser for the stove.

Never had anything as pretty as that plate!  Very elegant!

This is a bad case of ‘plate envy’. ;D ;D 8-)

Nope, I don't even go  out anymore.   ;D ;D

I guess it just occurred to me that food photos are prettier if you have a good-looking plate!  Never had really thought about it until today.  I am always learning things at QJ, even though I don't go on canoe trips anymore.   :)  I love the POD's.

After looking at countless plates this particular pattern was chosen.   It seemed to have just the right combination of natural looking simplicity but elegant enough to enhance ones culinary plating creativity. Last but certainly not least was the fact that it was the only one laying around the house that would fit into the top of my CCS barrel pack.  ;)

My wife is still looking for it along with it's mate,  the one with the sailboats no it. ;D

Neal, the flowers and vase are just outside the picture .   ::)

My brother brings one of those old time looking blue metal plates which I think are kinda neat and brings back pleasant memories.

How are you feeling Lynda?

Later.......Mike

Okay, NOW he's just VIRTUE SHAMING us poor simple aluminum plate users.  :o ;) ;D ;D ;D

I gotta admit....it's kind of fun to goof around with food presentations especially when you're living in the dirt for a couple of weeks.  My brother is flip opposite.  He fills his plate, puts his head down and shovels it in!   Kinda fun to watch him sometimes but you have to look at just the right time or the food is gone and he's looking around to see what's left on my plate.  When that happens I feel like the second last person left in the Donner party.   :-/ :-/

You should get yourself one of these in a nice bright red. Just in case your brother gets a little too aggressive at mealtime.  ;) ;D ;D

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Mike:  I'm OK.  No residual effects from my episode last weekend, although my heart condition still leaves me tired if I do much.  I am learning to adapt to a lessened stamina and just pace myself and do what I can, then rest awhile.  I have four doctor appointments this week, so perhaps will get some ideas of where, if anywhere, we go from here.

Thanks for caring.
Lynda

And now. . .back to the POD's!  Those blueberries surely do look tasty!   :)

Hey Lynda. Nice to hear.  Everything will be OK!
 
Yeah, we hit the blueberries perfectly this year.  We hike around some and it was interesting that the further you got back into the bush the fewer the berries as the bears had cleaned them out pretty good.

My wife and I are at our cabin for a few days and the blackberries are ripe.  Going to pick a bunch of them this morning.  I haven't seen this many here in a long time.

Later......Mike

mpeebles wrote on Sep 9^th, 2019 at 11:44am:

Hey Lynda. Nice to hear.  Everything will be OK!   Yeah, we hit the blueberries perfectly this year.  We hike around some and it was interesting that the further you got back into the bush the fewer the berries as the bears had cleaned them out pretty good. My wife and I are at our cabin for a few days and the blackberries are ripe.  Going to pick a bunch of them this morning.  I haven't seen this many here in a long time. Later......Mike

Do you make WILD BERRY BOUNCE with those Blackberries around your cabin Mike?

Probably not as I don't know what that is.  :-/

Going to give some to the grandson and see how he does.  His dad doesn't like fruit and I want to make sure that doesn't happen to him and.....so far so good!  Also took him in a canoe for the first time this summer.  :)   

Looks like the QJ group in Quetico got a little rain yesterday.  Can't wait to hear about their trip.

This is a different looking shot for sure.  :-/

Yeah, it's the moon and reflection on the water.  The pic didn't do it justice.  It was gorgeous in person  :)

mpeebles wrote on Sep 11^th, 2019 at 12:04pm:

Yeah, it's the moon and reflection on the water.  The pic didn't do it justice.  It was gorgeous in person  :)

I've never seen 3 light dots like that on the water before.

I rarely mess with what people send me these days but if it were my shot I'd do something like this. Is this more like reality in everyone's memory?

All bets are off when it comes to low light and moon phases but to me, since there's a lot of ambient light, what's attached is about what I would expect the scene  to look like around a full moon rising. Am I close?

---

Very nice!  You do a really great job with your pictures and I enjoy them very much  :) . 

And, yes it is! 

Thanks.....Mike

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A song called "The Path To the Moon" by Eric Thiman.  I used to teach the solo version of this to my solo-ensemble students when I was a vocal music teacher.  "Silver sails to carry me over the sea". 

When I am out with Anna trying to do moonrise photos I often sing little phrases of it.  This is one of her shots, taken over Poplar Lake in mid-August of '19.

---

Thanks for sharing!  I enjoy other's pics.  I wish I had an eye for it like some folks.....right db?!   Heading out to Glacier for a couple of weeks and I'm going to try a couple of different cameras other than my I phone 5.  Sonny boy says I should update my I phone to take better pics!  I used to think that one would update their camera but nay, nay he said.

Those blueberries look so delicious!!

I have the same collapsible dishware but sadly I've never been on a trip during berry season. I like the cooler spring/fall time so unless I bring some dried berries I don't eat any.  ;) ;D ;D

Great Rainbow POD today Mike 8-)

Wow!  That's a nice one.  :)

Great POD today. Love those smooth as glass paddling days unless it broiling hot. From Jimbo's outfit, I'm guessing it was cool and calm and sunny.
That makes for a great day on the water.

The only thing missing is the pink windsail. ;D 8-)

This POD is for you Lynda :)    Thought you might get a chuckle out of it  ;).  Hope you're doing OK.

May the forest be with you :)        .......Mike

Well Mike, one thing is obvious in that POD of your two HANDSOME  TALL sons. They got their LOOKS from your BETTER half!    :-? ;) ;D ;D

I've oft wondered about that  ;)

mpeebles wrote on Sep 19^th, 2019 at 1:31pm:

This POD is for you Lynda :)    Thought you might get a chuckle out of it  ;).  Hope you're doing OK. May the forest be with you :)        .......Mike

Yes, I did smile!  Looks like a happy moment!  How nice that Bucky could come to the wedding.   ;)

We had a "Sparty Party" at the time of our 40th wedding anniversary (egads--can that really be almost twelve years ago??) at the Kellogg Center Hotel on campus at MSU.  Our son arranged for Sparty to be there, as well as a small a capella group from the MSU Men's Glee Club to "serenade" us.  It was such fun!  Good memories.

I am doing OK.  Lots more doctoring to do, but overall, I am upright and it is a sunny September day.  Who can find fault with that?   :D

This photo was taken in 2018, at the annual "Alumni University" on campus.  We were celebrating Spartan1's 50 year anniversary of graduation.

---

Nice pic Lynda.   Ol' Sparty should get a happy face  :) for pics!

Well. . .I think Spartans are always supposed to be tough and angry, right?

Sparty is actually fun at a party.  He cannot talk or eat, of course, but he moves around and flirts with the women, puts his feet on the table, pretends to eat things, poses with everyone for photos.  But you have a point.  I have never seen him smile.   >:( :( >:( :(

  Who says cultural appropriation is a BAD thing  ;)
I like your style, Mike  ;) 8-) ;D ;D

solotripper wrote on Sep 20^th, 2019 at 11:59am:

Who says cultural appropriation is a BAD thing  ;) I like your style, Mike  ;) 8-) ;D ;D

That particular taco combo could be a case of cultural 'misappropriation '  but they, as in plural,  sure tasted good! :( 

Did I read right that Lawrence is eating cereal with coffee.....mixed together?

Quote:

Did I read right that Lawrence is eating cereal with coffee.....mixed together?

I think that's all part of going as light as he can but still get his morning caffeine fix.

  Coffee is a natural diuretic, like beer. I know people who don't drink water at all but say they get enough fluids in their system because they drink coffee all day. That's just not true.

  I drink a lot of coffee but I drink a lot of water too.
You still want to pee clear as you can no matter what you drink.
  They have those caffeine-infused water flavoring mixes for getting a little energy burst when you need it. I've tried them and they do work BUT like coffee only, you don't want to just drink them all day either.

MP didn't want to add the weight of them either. I think the next long trip I take, I going to try drinking some caffeine water BEFORE a portage and drink just water as I paddle to see if I noticed a performance difference.

Doing what MP is/has done I'd need some METH coffee.  ;) ;D ;D

I think I would go with cocaine oatmeal if I had to do the grand portage.  8-)

mpeebles wrote on Sep 20^th, 2019 at 1:32pm:

[quote author=solotripper link=1559341684/151#151 date=1568980797]  Did I read right that Lawrence is eating cereal with coffee.....mixed together?

Yes and it turned out to be the best tasting meal of the day. Not that it tasted good.

I'm not sure if I admire you more for your accomplishment of completing the challenge OR eating cereal mixed with coffee in the morning ;).  Either way it's pretty darn impressive!   

.......Mike

By the time your little Portage Monkey grows so his hand matches that Paul Bunyan sized spatula, he'll be able to carry YOU and your gear across any portage.  ;) ;D

  Hopefully, you can keep him off the couch/video games and outside where a kid belongs.

That little guy is just TOO CUTE!!  Your photo made me smile.
:) :) :)

Grandchildren are God's very best blessing.  Enjoy the time you have with him.

He's our first and only so far.  I got him in a canoe for the first time this summer and he gets some "timber time" when he's with me. I was a little disappointed when his first word wasn't "walleye" but something dumb like dada ;)

My daughter knows me all too well so I have to ease into this stuff.  When I talk about potty training I'm referring to the out house at the cabin :).  My daughter just mumbles something incoherently that sounds like "indoor plumbing" although I'm not sure what she's referring to ;)

OT..........Looks like we left Glacier NP just in time.....predicting 3' of snow!  Hell, maybe we should turn around and go back to enjoy it :)

Later........

Also OT:  Well, if you had OUR granddaughter she would be all in on a trip anywhere that there is snow.  She loves the stuff and they don't get nearly enough in the North Chicago Suburbs to suit her.  One of her college possibilities is Michigan Tech.  I think if she goes there she may actually get to use her snowshoes!   ;D

OT.....His dad is a Techie.  They grow longer legs because of the snow up there.   ;)

I'm a little surprised that the little guy didn't haul the Sriachi Sauce out of the fridge for our lunch.   :)

Later.......

Yup, nothing is better at least for me than a hot cup of BLACK coffee first thing in the morning. If its a camp day then a shot of my homemade coffee liquor on steroids sitting near the fire.

I like how you keep your socks hanging close to your tent, THAT will keep the bears away.  ;) ;D ;D

That's a fine looking creek.  Is it in WCCP?

The creek is north/east of Musclow outside of WCPP.  It is one of the prettiest places I've ever been.  I actually think about this place a lot. 

We were going to head back up into that area this year as we had some unfinished exploring to do but it burned.   

That canoe doesn't have any sides! :o

Those things (SUPs) look incredibly awkward to me. I'd bet you could really fly if they had sails. ;)

Funny.  I think they look like great fun and I may try one sometime when I am sure I am in a lake without big rocks at the bottom when I fall off.  (not Poplar Lake, in other words.)

She had lots of fun.  She paddled all over the section of the lake by Rockwood Lodge, and then suddenly she hit on a partially submerged rock.  dumped off onto the visible portion of the rock and hit hard.  She sat there a few seconds regrouping, and then realized that the board was floating away from her.  By then I wasn't watching anymore, but Spartan1 caught one photo of her as she swam to retrieve it.  No injury except a little scrape on her elbow, and I think her pride was hurt just a bit.  I was not too concerned about her, as Carl insisted that she wear the PFD if she took it out.  It wasn't her first time on one, as she had tried it briefly at summer camp.

I didn't realize it (hadn't seen one close up before) but they have quite a rudder/keel, whatever you call it that sticks down below the board.  You have to watch out for rocks under the surface and Poplar has a plethora of those.   ;)

---

Nice to be paddling when it's that calm 8-) . Where is Poplar Lake?

There is a guy who uses a SUP to fly fish on the lake my brother and I bass fish on. It has a leaning bar to help him keep his balance as he casts. If you have good balance and the right board you can get by without one.

Another must-have item if you're going to SUP besides that PFD, is a board leash that attaches to your ankle so you don't have to swim after it. The wind comes up your not going to catch it.  :-? :o :'(

mpeebles wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2019 at 6:39pm:

Nice to be paddling when it's that calm 8-) . Where is Poplar Lake?

We had beautiful, calm days for our paddling during the week we were there.  We stayed at Rockwood Lodge, which is right on the Guntflint Trail (a little more than halfway to the end of the trail), in a cabin that is right on the lake.

Poplar is not a BWCA entrance lake, but it nearly is, as the Lizz Lake entry point comes off Poplar.  I have a trip report on BWCA.com that has many photos, but I didn't have time right now to do one here, and anyway, I doubt that anyone on this Quetico board would be all that interested in a trip with a grandchild that includes a week at a cabin and no wilderness canoe trip at all.

solotripper wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2019 at 6:45pm:

There is a guy who uses a SUP to fly fish on the lake my brother and I bass fish on. It has a leaning bar to help him keep his balance as he casts. If you have good balance and the right board you can get by without one. Another must-have item if you're going to SUP besides that PFD, is a board leash that attaches to your ankle so you don't have to swim after it. The wind comes up your not going to catch it.  :-? :o :'(

I think this was a cheap board, just what they have available for the people who stay at the cabins.  And she wouldn't have gone so far out if it hadn't been a very calm morning.  But I hear what you are saying.   :)

If she hadn't been able to retrieve the board, we would have gone out in the canoe to rescue her.  I am sure that would have been really embarrassing for her, so I am glad that she handled the problem.  She is 16, and she has been going with us to the canoe country ever since she was 4 years old.  It has been fun to see how her skills have developed, and also how her love for northern Minnesota has grown. 

Nice pic of the cloud reflection.  It's interesting that there's more water and less sky in the pic.  It puts the emphasis of the picture on the reflection.  I'll have to keep that in mind.

By the way, I enjoy and am interested in hearing about other's families. 

Thanks........

I love reflection shots.  My husband's favorite one is attached.  We ordered a canvas of it, and when it arrived they had it set up to hang upside-down--with the sky on the top!  Of course they did!  Isn't the sky always above the trees?   ;D ;D ;D

---

  I'm a big fan of reflection shots too.  8-)
The best ones IMHO are ones where you really can't tell how they were initially orientated.

When I edit my pics before putting them on-line, I'll sometimes FLIP the pic 180 degrees to get a better reflection shot.  ;) ;D ;D

I'm not real good at sitting still for any period of time (except for hunting of course) but I will take time to watch the big fluffy white clouds float through a clear blue sky.  They make me think of big ships sailing across an ocean.   Nice shot.

I am the same way about clouds, especially if they are over water.  A lovely blue sky with puffy clouds is much more appealing to me than a clear one.  I even like the big gray clouds that we sometimes get in Michigan in the fall.  As long as they don't rain on me!!

Anyone hear how Bucky and Sparty did today?  ::)

I think I'd rather not talk about that.   :( :-[ :'(

Spartan2 wrote on Oct 12^th, 2019 at 11:48pm:

I think I'd rather not talk about that.   :( :-[ :'(

How come we never talk anymore?  >:(.  Forgot, that's Mary's line  ;D

Other than The Game, how ya doing Lynda?

Well, now that you ask. . .I saw the heart surgeon on Wednesday and he says I need open heart surgery.  He also says that it is a "rare" operation (probably because there are two areas that need fixing) and he wants me to talk with the surgeon at University of Michigan Hospital who "does a lot of these."  I''m waiting to learn when I see this new doctor, and also am trying to set up a 2nd opinion at Cleveland Clinic.

Since Wednesday I have been a bit like a deer in the headlights.  This next week, hopefully, will give me more information and perhaps a surgery date.  We had to cancel our planned Caribbean Cruise and that was a real disappointment.

Other than that, I am "fine".  If it weren't for heart failure, joint failure, and creeping old age, that would be true.   :(

Counting my blessings every day.  I have many of those.  Good friends, a wonderful church family, a supportive husband, good kids and grandkids.  Actually I think the supportive husband should have been first on that list.   :D

Spartan2 wrote on Oct 13^th, 2019 at 4:43pm:

Well, now that you ask. . .I saw the heart surgeon on Wednesday and he says I need open heart surgery.  He also says that it is a "rare" operation (probably because there are two areas that need fixing) and he wants me to talk with the surgeon at University of Michigan Hospital who "does a lot of these."  I''m waiting to learn when I see this new doctor, and also am trying to set up a 2nd opinion at Cleveland Clinic. Since Wednesday I have been a bit like a deer in the headlights.  This next week, hopefully, give me more information and perhaps a surgery date.  We had to cancel our planned Caribbean Cruise and that was a real disappointment. Other than that, I am "fine".  If it weren't for heart failure, joint failure, and creeping old age, that would be true.   :( Counting my blessings every day.  I have many of those.  Good friends, a wonderful church family, a supportive husband, good kids and grandkids.  Actually I think the supportive husband should have been first on that list.   :D

  Wishing you the best with your health issues.  :)

Wishing you well!  Everything will be OK.  Lots of great surgeons out there.  When I went through a little bout with cancer I went with the surgeon with the most experience.  I put much emphasis on grey hair when dealing with financial advisors, canoe trip planners and surgeons  ;)

Can I have your cruise tickets?  ;D

Later.......

mpeebles wrote on Oct 14^th, 2019 at 12:49am:

Wishing you well!  Can I have your cruise tickets?  ;D Later.......

Thanks.  And as for the cruise tickets, it doesn't work that way.  We are hoping (through our trip insurance) to recoup at least some of the large amount we had paid.  It was a luxury cruise.
And, realistically, I think if we were going to offer our cruise to anyone. . .it would be one of our kids.  So sorry.   ;) ;) ;)

Spartan2 wrote on Oct 13^th, 2019 at 4:43pm:

Actually I think the supportive husband should have been first on that list.   :D

Oddly enough, today's POD really hit the spot for me.

Serenity Now!

He is so patient, and he taught her how to make the knots.  Then he had her do them.  We drove back to Michigan and never adjusted her knots at all.  So I think he taught her right!   :)

I was thinking the same thing, DB.  I wish my kids were that attentive when I teach them knots..  The knots I find around camp are embarrassing.    :-/

"For the 100th time, that is not a taut-line-hitch.!!!!!!"

But, they have learned the PJ motto.  "When in doubt . . . tie a bowline."

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That's a knot that's simple to tie and untie but I've never needed it as all my tarp cordage came with the nylon three hole thingamajiggers to adjust tension so I don't have any experience at all with it.

Do people use taut-line-hitchs to tie down their canoes? I like the leverage a truckers-hitch provides for that. My rack is only two feet apart so there's a plethora of canoe ends to secure in my case. To each their own but I'm curious if a taut-line-hitch works well for others.

Is it trustworthy?

And OT, I can tie a bowline because I have a use for them but I always have to think about it a bit before I do.

Quote:

I like the leverage a truckers-hitch provides for that

  I'm a big fan of that knot too. I use it on one end of a tarp to get it and keep it tight.

I've been tying knots so long starting in the Army, then camping/outdoor trips that I just do them without even thinking about it.

I would be hard-pressed to even name them even harder pressed to explain how to someone. I'd have to let them watch like SP1 did and go from there.

I do some small paracord knot projects and when they say what kind of knot to tie, I have to look up the knot on one of those animated knot sites to see how to tie it? Often I know how to tie it, just not what its called?  ;) ;D ;D

I really like today's shot.  I especially like shots that make the water look like liquid metal.

dd

Regarding today's POD.  I had never heard of a "birds-foot trefoil" before and I didn't notice it when we were there.  The young eyes (Anna is 16) seem to pick up on things that some of us miss.  I guess that is a good reason to take a kid to the canoe country--fresh eyes for all of the beautiful sights!   :)

Caption wasn't correct yesterday--THIS is "Loon Foot".  For some reason this photo just tickled Anna's fancy a lot!

I like today's POD db [smiley=cool.gif]

What is this we are looking at?  :-/

TomT wrote on Nov 12^th, 2019 at 6:55pm:

What is this we are looking at?  :-/

I think its the wake from a Beaver but maybe not :-/

Hard to get any scale on it, but looks too small for a beaver...thinking some kind of water bug, by the tight, erratic turns...or perhaps the dorsal fin of a hunting, immature great white walleye shark.

Polyhumper wake. ;) ;D

Old Salt wrote on Nov 12^th, 2019 at 10:13pm:

Polyhumper wake. ;) ;D

Perhaps a small one.

Jimbo  8-)

Today's photo - leech sprouts!  Harvest before they turn black and slimy, immediately immerse in water.

I tend to agree with portage dog.  I believe it to be a hunting immature great white walleye shark as well.

I know this isn't going to end well but what's a polyhumper?   

mpeebles wrote on Nov 14^th, 2019 at 1:07am:

I tend to agree with portage dog.  I believe it to be a hunting immature great white walleye shark as well. I know this isn't going to end well but what's a polyhumper?

I’m glad you asked, others may also want to know. They are an invasive alien species that somehow was imported from China and lives in Quetico lakes. They are not commonly seen as they are bottom dwellers. As the name implies, they have multiple humps. They are voracious feeders, eating anything they can get in their huge jaws. If you should accidentally catch one, don’t lip it and do kill it. You will have enough meat to feed an army, so invite others to join you for dinner.

I think Jimbo was the first board member to see one and I believe that he told about it in one of his BWJ articles or perhaps on this site. I’ve only seen one. Hope this helps. 8-)

Thanks for the clarification.  I'll be on the lookout  >:(

Just by breaking down the name I thought it was something that humped a poly.   ;)

At first I thought it was a matterdaddy but it was too small.

Nice parking place for the canoe on todays POD. 

Old Salt wrote on Nov 14^th, 2019 at 4:58am:

mpeebles wrote on Nov 14th, 2019 at 1:07am: I tend to agree with portage dog.  I believe it to be a hunting immature great white walleye shark as well. I know this isn't going to end well but what's a polyhumper?    I’m glad you asked, others may also want to know. They are an invasive alien species that somehow was imported from China and lives in Quetico lakes. They are not commonly seen as they are bottom dwellers. As the name implies, they have multiple humps. They are voracious feeders, eating anything they can get in their huge jaws. If you should accidentally catch one, don’t lip it and do kill it. You will have enough meat to feed an army, so invite others to join you for dinner. I think Jimbo was the first board member to see one and I believe that he told about it in one of his BWJ articles or perhaps on this site. I’ve only seen one. Hope this helps. 8-)

Old Salt is right.  I first encountered a pollyhumper - a small one - back in 2007.  Never having come across such a fish (?) before, I took a picture and subsequently researched it against facsimiles of some of the more ancient species.  Bingo!  Turns out this fish/creature dated back to nearly prehistoric times and was a Chinese variant of something known as "Dunkleosteus" (none of the links I've tried to attach seem to work, so just "google it"). 

Nasty?  Heck, in the old days, these bad boys ate sharks!  Anyway, I came across the pollyhumper during a fishing contest in Quetico on Thursday, July 5th, 2007.  You can find my account of the encounter on Day Eleven of a Trip Report I posted, entitled: "Magic, McKenzie, & Me" (see:   (You need to Login or Register )... an unforgettable trip in many ways for me. 

In short, pollyhumper fishing is decidedly challenging and one of the more dangerous types of sport fishing I know of.  NOT for the faint of heart!

Later,

Jimbo   8-)

You know Polhumpers are the APEX fish species in the Q when you see that pic of the PJ resembling MERMAN!  ;) ;D ;D

A fish that could FORCE something like that to BEACH itself is nothing to trifle with.  :o ;D ;D

Quite the coincidence, Polly Humper was the name of an old girlfriend of mine.  Many, many years ago.

MB

MossBack wrote on Nov 14^th, 2019 at 7:41pm:

Quite the coincidence, Polly Humper was the name of an old girlfriend of mine.  Many, many years ago. MB

:o :o :o

That "triggers" me  :-? with LAUGHTER that is!  ;) ;D ;D

That's a pretty snake!   8-)

Sysyphus is still at it.  Todays pic reminds me of my days in manufacturing.....always pushing the rock up the hill  ;).   

I'm guessing that rock is on an island in Finger Lake of the BW.  If I'm right there is also a faint pictograph on it.

TomT wrote on Nov 17^th, 2019 at 1:06pm:

I'm guessing that rock is on an island in Finger Lake of the BW.  If I'm right there is also a faint pictograph on it.

Hmmm... Finger Lake?  That’s not where I left this rock.  Someone must have moved it.

Jimbo  8-)

Umm....yeah, about that  :-/ ....sorry Jimbo....long story...

pd

We have seen the one on Finger Lake.  Tried to stop at that campsite once, but it was occupied.  The rock was HUGE, and did look a lot like the one in the picture. 

portage dog wrote on Nov 17^th, 2019 at 9:52pm:

Umm....yeah, about that  :-/ ....sorry Jimbo....long story... pd

PD,

I should have figured it was YOU.  You were probably carrying a large cedar log in your OTHER hand while you portaged it there!

I do so miss my more youthful days of portaging when I was a mere lad, such as yourself.  My food pack is my limit these days!

Later,

Jimbo   8-)

Is today's POD on Quetico lk, the strip separating the main lake from West Bay? 

Sure looks like it.

I'll give that one a go...looks like the sandspit on Sturgeon - south shore, main body of the lake.

And after reviewing some old pics from that very shore, I'm steak dinner certain that's Sturgeon....the tree lines are nearly identical.

pd

PD is correct. Sturgeon sandspit. 8-)

Yup!

Today's POD is the clincher...fire ring on the west side of the point to watch the setting sun.  I  got some great pics of the moon setting on the far shore while the sun was rising on the east side.  Most people don't realize there is a smaller camp/fire ring on the east side close to the main shore that is much better protected in case of foul weather.  Fortunately, when we were there it was beach weather.

pd

portage dog wrote on Nov 20^th, 2019 at 9:55pm:

Today's POD is the clincher...fire ring on the west side of the point to watch the setting sun.  I  got some great pics of the moon setting on the far shore while the sun was rising on the east side.  Most people don't realize there is a smaller camp/fire ring on the east side close to the main shore that is much better protected in case of foul weather.  Fortunately, when we were there it was beach weather. pd

  When I saw the interior of that spot I knew it couldn't be the strip on Quetico lk. Good to know about that east side site/firepit.

I've been by there a couple of times but never stayed. I don't like to stay on a big site like that as a solo paddler unless I have no other options.

Especially when I know it is a very well known and popular spot for people who want to basecamp for a while and fish the meat hole.

  I want the solitude but not at the expense of a larger party that is more befitting such a spot.

That's one BIG turtle shell!!!  ;) ;D ;D

When the POD popped up, I had the very same thought ST!  Yes, that is a popular spot.  We had arrived early in the day and four other groups stopped and asked if we were packing up.  A fifth - father/son - camp by so late - near dark in June, we implored them to stay and they did take up that smaller camp.  They musta been tired...never did come by the fire for the proffered bit of rum.

pd

Nice pic again.  I wish I had better photography skills :-/

Great Rainbow shot today db  [smiley=cool.gif]

This is a fine composition DB.  I'm curious, do you have any formal photo training?  Your eye is fairly developed.  Get it .. de-veloped.  Oh wait, that was a 25 year old joke. And not a real good one either.  ;D

QJ banner at Copia! 8-)

Happy Thanksgiving! 8-)

TomT wrote on Nov 24^th, 2019 at 1:16pm:

This is a fine composition DB.  I'm curious, do you have any formal photo training?  Your eye is fairly developed.  Get it .. de-veloped.  Oh wait, that was a 25 year old joke. And not a real good one either.  ;D

Yes I had some formal training and years of professional experience in a very controlled environment.

On a trip though? Meh, see a picture take a picture. You get what you're given.

As for the development humor, that's what took the mystery, challenge and therefore basically the fun out of it for me. Heavy sigh.

This big rock...
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is a very short paddle from...
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Unless Jimbo moved it again.

I have looked at today's POD several times now, trying to convince myself that it makes me feel nostalgic for the canoe country.  Sigh.  Not working.  It just makes me feel cold.  And glad that I am not there in that place at that time.   ::)

I remember canoe tripping fondly, and I miss it. But I don't miss a day like that one all that much.  I suppose that makes me wimpy.   :'(  Perhaps, after you have abandoned the canoe tripping scenario, you just remember the sunny days, the smooth waters, the beautiful skies, etc.  Unless, of course, you are trying to impress people with what you were able to handle--just ask me about Brule Lake in June of 1992!   

This POD?  Brrr.

Magic Time in the Q  [smiley=cool.gif]

Grooovvy!! 8-) 8-)

Oh, so beautiful!!   :) :)

Amazing.  Damn, I wish that was my view right now.

PhantomJug wrote on Dec 11^th, 2019 at 6:10am:

Amazing.  Damn, I wish that was my view right now.

Me too!! :)

There is something about the fading light playing off the water in a wilderness setting that just stirs the soul.

This is about the time I start paddling a little bit faster while crossing open water.  :-/ ;D ;D

I think that's exactly what happened.  However, sometimes I cut it a little too close!

I really like db's recent quote....."see a picture take a picture".

Quote:

I really like db's recent quote....."see a picture take a picture".

  I think we would get more PODS submitted if people just snapped away when they see something nice rather than worrying how its composed.

For the average person you're going to miss more shots than you take overthinking it.

You take enough pics, the odds more than a few are going to be good ones.

I LOVE today's POD!  Beautiful!   :) :) :)

Morning sp2.  Yeah, it's one of those times when you just need to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

That's a great shot Mike [smiley=cool.gif]
I'm drinking an Irish Coffee and day-dreaming of being there. ;) ;D ;D

Thanks.  I'm thinking scenes like that create fond memories for anyone who has ever canoed.

Love the otter shot today.
I've had them pop-up right next to the canoe and scare the hell out of me.

One of my first solo trip's an otter got a fish I left on the stringer while I set camp.

They're fun to watch. In that particular shot there were two more otters to my immediate left following the canoe.   It seems that they can be pretty curious at times.

You learn something new every day 8-)
I never thought of using a hammock like that.
As a big DIY guy, I love the ingenuity here. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I think I got the idea from some "bushcraft" video I saw.  It was very comfortable especially with the two chair cushions that accompany me wherever I go. 

I like that it's portable around camp.
Nice place to sit under a tarp when it's raining and enjoy a nice cup of your favorite brew.

Nice half-mmock there Mike!

  Nice cutlery there Mike  [smiley=cool.gif]

You really know how to cut the cheese in style.  :-? ;) ;D ;D

I can cut the cheese with the best of them ::). 

On one of my first canoe trips the folks in charge of food forgot to bring salt, pepper or any other spices >:(   I don't think they ever did find their bodies ;)

I need my spices, at the minimum salt and pepper.

  Years ago a group of us guy/gals went on a canoe float trip in Northern MI. About an 8 hr trip just basically drifting along, watching for sweepers and drinking a LOT of beer.

  The gals had brought all kinds of food for our lunch stop. The day turned rainy and most of the canoes had dumped except mine because I had a little experience, the rest not so much.

  We get to the halfway point and stop under a big bridge to eat lunch. We had cold cuts and big bowls of potato/macaroni salad and cold baked beans.

The gals lay out the food and come to find out that NO-ONE had packed ANY silverware/spices or napkins, just paper plates.  :-? ;D ;D

So while they're all crying/blaming each other, I being the McGyver type I am just washed my hands in the river sand and used my "spoon" hand to load my plate with food and my "fork" hand to eat it. ;) ;D ;D

  A few joined me, but most thought it was gross.
Next trip I brought my own little ziplock bag with silverware/spices because believe it or not it happened again.  :-? :'( :'(

  That was the trip where my buddies laughed at me for lashing my beer cooler to the portage yoke and using a big bungee strap to keep the lid locked down.

  When THEY dumped their canoes and the beer ended up rolling down the river bottom with them in hot pursuit, they thought I was a freaking genius.  ;) ;D ;D

Brother and I went into town after hunting one evening to get some broasted chicken/fixins' dinner to take back to the cabin.  On the way back the styrofoam container that my meal was in slid off of the dash of his truck and landed open, upside down on the floor mat.  I just broke the styrofoam container in half, scraped the food off of the floor mat into the other half and ate it when we got back to the cabin.  Other than a little mud and who knows what else it was fine.

Brother thought it very impressive even by our low standards.

mpeebles wrote on Dec 18^th, 2019 at 4:29pm:

Brother and I went into town after hunting one evening to get some broasted chicken/fixins' dinner to take back to the cabin.  On the way back the styrofoam container that my meal was in slid off of the dash of his truck and landed open, upside down on the floor mat.  I just broke the styrofoam container in half, scraped the food off of the floor mat into the other half and ate it when we got back to the cabin.  Other than a little mud and who knows what else it was fine. Brother thought it very impressive even by our low standards.

That's what I'm talking about. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]  ;) ;D ;D

Mike - what the hell?!?! - a table?

BTW...y'day's POD....that's a damn clean canoe!

pd

Yeah, a table!!   I found an old 2x6 back in the bush.  I had an immediate brain fart to make it into a table. Cut it into three pieces and sawed up a few dead logs and viola, a table.  Liked it so much I ALMOST took it with me on the rest of the trip.  That "table" idea morphed into a somewhat lighter Helinox the next year.  :)

I have some dirty canoes pics if you want to see some.....you naughty boy!  ;)   Would you call that "canoeography"? :o

I've been in a spot like this numerous times.  :-/
You know paddle water is just ahead but your damned if you can see the way to it.  ;) ;D

p_d is right too. How DO you keep your canoe so clean?

It's clean cause I just took it out of the box that morning ;).   

I'll see if I can find some "dirty" pics and get them to db.  Last year was the worst I've experienced as far as mud and water in the boat complete with water plants and more than a few crustaceans that I couldn't identify.  It was an in/out, in/out........down a low river system.  We had to dump it at every portage.  And to add to the ambiance it was a very hot day  >:(

For some strange reason I have as fond of memories of the tough going times as well as the nice pleasant times.   Like mama used to say...."boy ain't right". :-/

Quote:

For some strange reason I have as fond of memories of the tough going times as well as the nice pleasant times.   Like mama used to say...."boy ain't right". Undecided

  That's the difference between "seasoned" paddlers and fair weather ones. When your WHOLE trip or most of it is a struggle with the elements and you STILL want to go back again, you know then you're
"seasoned". ;) ;D ;D

Yeah...I think that'd be canoe-porn, but you're startin' to concern me...like mama said 'boy ain't right'

pd

  I do the same thing on Camp days.
Nice to have options  ;) ;D ;D

I like the way you think Mike ;) ;D ;D

Happy Holidays to all!

Yes, a very Merry Christmas to all, and wishes for a peaceful and enjoyable 2020.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone in the QJ family.  :)

Your reflection POD is right up there with the best of the ones I've seen posted here.  8-)

  It passed the "flip" test with high marks.
Most of the other pics like this were at a greater distance too.
 
  One of my favorite scenery pics no matter what time of day.

Yeah.  Every once in a while a person gets treated to some of nature's best.  It always beautiful out there but some times it seems that nature is just showing off!

Pretty quiet around here lately.....shhhh.

  That's a nice blue SAIL you have there Mike  ;)

If the conditions are right and I'm doing a lot of portages I just find it easier to leave the packs in an upright position.....easier to lift in and out.  The picture doesn't do this dam justice as it was a pretty good drop from top to bottom....at least I was going the right way....downhill!  I usually don't take anything out of the boat on pullovers like this. 

I didn't think you traveled with your packs that way.
I see alot of people doing it but they're always tandem tripping.

Solo, anything that causes a drag is your enemy.
I won't even haul a fish on a stringer, I'll stop and clean it and put in my DIY cooler bag.

I only do that when I'm in/out, in/out a lot in calm water, usually in creeks.  I don't pull fish around on a stinger either.  I'll keep them (either whole or cleaned) wrapped in an old wet tee shirt and they stay cool through evaporation.  I also use that method for leftovers.
Works great.  Learned it from Dan Bauman who operated Bow Narrows fish camp on Red Lake. 

Our thoughts on wet tee shirt contests have changed greatly over the years.  Now it's who can keep the food the coolest. 

mpeebles wrote on Dec 30^th, 2019 at 1:58pm:

Our thoughts on wet tee shirt contests have changed greatly over the years.  Now it's who can keep the food the coolest.

Sad but oh so true!  ;) ;D ;D

   I used to put a cotton tube sock on my round Nalgene water bottle's when I backpacked to keep the water cool.

  When I started canoeing I would do the same if I went in hot weather. I read somewhere (QJ) about doing the same with Fish/Fillets. I got a couple of old canvas coin bags from my bank.

Soak them and then secure with a Bungee Bob and put under my seat out of the sun. Works great as long as you keep the bag wet.

  I use the same method if I have extra fish leftover from the evening meal. I just throw a line over a tree limb away from camp and hang overnight.
Even in warm weather your fillets will be nice and fresh come morning.

  I take them down early in the morning before some sharp-eyed Eagle decides the bag is a FISH Pinata and takes a whack at it.  :-[ ;D ;D

I believe today's POD is where the expression "Up SH*T Creek without a paddle" originated.  ;) ;D ;D

I like when you step out to pull the boat and it's a real firm bottom.  Sometimes you're not so fortunate.  Jean Creek is firm while the Deux Riveres not so much.  :P

Back in the day, anyone driving through the desert had a canvas water bag hung on the front or side where the bag could weep and the air could reach it to cool.   Worked amazingly well.  Also why ground troops all over the world had wool or blanket covers on their canteens.

MB

Quote:

Also why ground troops all over the world had wool or blanket covers on their canteens.

  I have one of those. It works great as you say but found it cumbersome for solo tripping. Would take in a heartbeat on a tandem trip. It would be great for family/group outings. Keep the fleece wet and you'll have cool water all day in ANY weather.

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When we catch fish that we intend to eat we bonk it on the head with a walleye whacker then wrap in a wet cloth and keep under the seat.  We usually clean the fish someplace other than camp and then put the fillets in a zip lock and keep wrapped in wet cloth.

Thanks for some more tips on how to use the powers of evaporation!

TomT wrote on Dec 30^th, 2019 at 3:23pm:

I like when you step out to pull the boat and it's a real firm bottom.  Sometimes you're not so fortunate.  Jean Creek is firm while the Deux Riveres not so much.  :P

Got me thinking.....wonder what's worse in the creeks, muck or slippery rocks.  Had a few human "kerplunks" this year while pulling boat up creek with rocks.   >:(

Nice pic today Mike.  Those large open, smooth granite expanses are always cool to experience.  And I can just make out your shiny new canoe and large blue sail at the water line.

pd

Quote:

Had a few human "kerplunks" this year while pulling boat up creek with rocks.

I think I see the problem Mike. Try using a ROPE next time instead of rocks.  ;) ;D ;D

Oh thanks.  Never thought of that!  I'll try some rope next time.  Took me a while to get that one.   :-?

portage dog wrote on Dec 31^st, 2019 at 1:41pm:

Nice pic today Mike.  Those large open, smooth granite expanses are always cool to experience.  And I can just make out your shiny new canoe and large blue sail at the water line. pd

I agree.  We had some nice hikes this (very soon to be last) year in the n/e part of wcpp.  The topography in that part of the park was great for hiking and panoramic views.
 
The nice new shiny canoe is in need of refinishing on the bottom.  Getting pretty beat up. 

Nice pic today!   And a Happy New Year to you as well and everyone else out there!   

Excellent base camp.

Time for a new POD thread.
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