BASICS:

Where do you live?  Green Bay, WI
Approximate number of nights canoe camping?  75+
Do you have the gear or use outfitter?  Have all the gear.
Preferred party size:  4 - 6
What length of trips:  5-7 nights
Preferred Season:  Mid-June, but I'll go anytime.
Percentage of travel to basecamp:  Typically, we've base-camped to fish.  Made a "traveling" trip a couple summers ago and loved it.
Difficulty Level:  No issues with a difficult trip.  
Area of the park I am most familiar with:  Quetico
New area to try:  Too many to list.  Lots of places I haven't been yet.

PADDLING:

Bow or stern:  Usually stern.  Doesn't matter though.
Paddling Rhythm:  Steady and strong... generally have a weaker bow partner  
Shoreline or Beeline:  Whatever makes the most sense.
Nasty Water Paddling comfort:  We'll adjust as needed.  
Navigations skills:  I've never been lost.  Orienting a map and using a compass are part of the challenge I really enjoy.

PORTAGING:

Single/double/triple:  Double on the base camp trips.  Single otherwise.
Carry on back or hand carry:  Yes
How do you handle mountain goat portages:  How does anyone handle them?  Suck it up and do it.
How do you handle boot sucking bogs:  Double-knot my boots and get it done.

CAMPING STYLE:
Cook or clean the dishes:  I usually cook, but no issues either way.
Fresh or Freeze Dried:  Fresh, as in fresh fish!  No freeze-dried stuff on our trips.
Fire or Stove:  Stove
Cook breakfast or breakfast bars:  Yes - some of both.
Fish meals:  Maybe not every day, but close.
Hang the food pack or ground it:  Mainly hang it.
Axe, saw or both:  My Sven Saw goes on every trip.  The hatchet doesn't.
Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn:  During the trip, some of each.
On travel day, what time do you like to hit the water:  6:30 or so.  Depends on the day.

FISHING:
How much time fishing:  We're up.  Might as well fish.
Which species?  Walleye & northern pike.
How much tackle do you briing?  Let's just say we're prepared.    
Are you good with a fillet knife?  I'll give myself a grade of "B".  Fortunately, we have someone on our trip who's as skilled as a surgeon.

MISCELLANEOUS

Do you have medical conditions?  Nope.
Are you a smoker?  Nope
Prefer partners that are smokers or non-smokers?  Doesn't matter, as long as you don't smoke in the car.
Level of alcohol consumption?  It's not on the packing list, although we've brought a little over the years.
Is photography high on your list?  Yes - I like to tell the story in photos.
Do you like to go after pictographs?  If they fit the trip.
Do you like to go after waterfalls?  If they fit the trip.
Do you like to go after northern lights?  Not a main goal, but if they show up, GREAT!

PERSONALITY

If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you?  How could being in Quetico ever be ruined by bugs?  
What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?  High winds can limit fishing... other than that... none
If we have a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it?  Discuss it, then move on.    
Other than illness or injury, what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home?  The thought of all the voice mail messages I need to return for work stuff when I get home!  (NOT!)..... LOL    

BASICS

Where do you live?

     Washington DC, relocating to Ely, MN in a few years

Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping?

     About 120 in Quetico and area north of Quetico; 20-25 elsewhere

Do you have the gear or use an outfitter?

     Have the gear EXCEPT canoe, no place to store one in DC and can’t carry on the plane.  Planning to get a whole fleet once I'm up in Ely

Preferred/Typical party size?

     Two, with my usual paddling partner David.  When I get more time to paddle I want to try soloing and would also enjoy four-person trip or possibly up to six with others.

What length of trips do you do/available to do?
     
     7-10 days is a great trip.  When I get more time to paddle I want to mix in more shorter and some longer trips.  My longest trip ever was 28 days, when I was 13

Preferred season?

     I like September a lot, but basically want to be out whenever the water is liquid.

What % of the trip do you travel/base camp?

     Usually travel every day.  Last trip we laid over at a couple sites two night and explored on the day between – will probably start doing that more.  I doubt I would ever want to base camp.

What difficulty level do you go for?

     I like to work hard and take it easy at the same time.  I’m not happy (on canoe trips or anywhere else) if I don’t get a lot of physical exercise, but I also want to enjoy the beauty of the wilderness and study what’s going on there, so I would not like a trip that is just push-push-push (some days like that are okay).

What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas?

     As an adult I’ve traveled mostly in south central and west Quetico.  As a kid I was mostly north of Quetico.  I always want to explore new areas (but still return to old favorites).  When I get more time for paddling I want to spend some time in the BW, either in less-used areas or in early/late season when it isn’t so crowded.

PADDLING

Bow or stern preference?

     I paddle stern with David in the bow.  I don’t have anything against the bow and would be happy to paddle there some if my partner wanted the stern.

What is your paddling rhythm?

     Steady.

Paddle the shoreline or beeline?

     Have done both, but recently leaning more towards shoreline.

How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in?

     I would guess I’m kind of in the “average” range here

Do you have strong navigation/map skills?

     Yes

PORTAGING

Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage?

     Double portage (two trips across) (except at end of trip when food pack is light).  When I was a kid we always did one trip across, and to even suggest two would have been wimpy heresy, but for me portages are now a welcome change of pace and a chance to see the interior because of doubling.  On recent shorter trips we have singled, and I would do that on a long trip if making good distance were the primary goal.

Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry?

     There are always a few things (binoculars, maps) attached to the thwarts, and those will either be hand-carried or attached to the packs depending on portage length.

How well do you handle the mountain goat portages?

     Pretty well.  I’m a marathon runner so the heart can deal with it, and I’m pretty careful where I put my feet when I have a canoe on me.

How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs?

     I'm getting better at it, having learned that sinking in thigh-deep is really not that bad.

CAMPING STYLE

Would you rather cook or wash the dishes?

     You mean I can’t just kick back and be served?  

Fresh or dried foods?

     Dried, but flexible.  Interested in home drying eventually, which could be the best of both worlds.

Cook over a fire, or over a stove?

     Stove.

Cook breakfast or breakfast bars?

     Morning coffee is essential to my existence.

How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip?

     I don’t fish, but I’d eat a bunch if my partners fished or I took it up.

Hang the food pack or ground it?

     Hang, using an azalea pulley method.

Axe? Saw? Both?

     Saw, but rarely use it.

Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both)

     I naturally tend to get out of the tent at the crack of dawn.  As long as I have my coffee, I’m happy if others are still sleeping.  Most nights we don't have a fire because we are in the tent early, but I love a campfire when we have one.

On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water?

     Despite getting up at the crack of dawn, kind of slow getting on the water.

FISHING

How much time do you like to spend fishing?

     Don’t fish, but wouldn’t mind taking it up.  It would never be the focus of a trip.

Which species do you like to go after?

     N/A.

How much tackle to you bring?

     None.

Are you good with a fillet knife?

     I’m guessing I would be a menace to myself and all bystanders.

MISC

Do you have any medical conditions to be considered?

     Excellent health.

Level of alcohol consumption?

     Like a shot or two of Maker’s Mark (or something similar) every night.

Are you a smoker?

     No.

Is photography high on your list?

     Pretty high.

Do you like to go after pictographs?

     I like them but they are not central to my trip.

Do you like to go after waterfalls?

     I like them but they are not central to my trip.

Do you like to go after the northern lights?

     I love the northern lights but don’t know how to “go after” them.

PERSONALITY

If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you?

     No, but they can put a damper on things if they are non-stop.

What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?

     Nonstop rain for days on end is not my favorite.  Long-term wind-bound is not my favorite.  But part of being out is accepting what nature dishes up.

If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it?

     Discuss it and hopefully resolve with compromise or realize it’s not that important.

Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home?

     Hard to imagine any.

OTHER

     I’m a pretty avid birder and can spend time a fair amount with my binoculars on trips.  I’m getting interested in tracking.  Want to go off the beaten track with some bushwhacking.

Where do you live?
Brewtown
Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping?
85
Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer? 
Have gear, but use an outfitter for night before and tow out.
Preferred/Typical party size?
2-6
What length of trips do you do/available to do?
4-8 days, but would like to go longer.
Preferred season?
Soft water.
What % of the trip do you travel/base camp?
Have always base camped and taken day trips.
What difficulty level do you go for?
Easy as will get to solitude.
What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas?
PP area, There's still a lot to explore in that area, so I will probably keep going thru there.

Paddling
Bow or stern preference?
Have always paddled stern.
What is your paddling rhythm?
Medium and steady.
Paddle the shoreline or beeline?
Beeline in familiar water, shoreline in new water.
How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in?
Whitecaps.
Do you have strong navigation/map skills?
That's open for debate, I enjoy getting lost.

Portaging
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage?
Double, or 1+1/2 if there's only 2 of us.
Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry?
Hand carry fishing gear and canteens only.
How well do you handle the mountain goat portages?
Can do, don't like.
How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs?
Mid calf or less is fine, Knee deep=maybe we should find another route.

Camping Style
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes?
Cook.
Fresh or dried foods?
Dried.
Cook over a fire, or over a stove?
Stove, except for some dinners.
Cook breakfast or breakfast bars?
Depends on the weather and travel plans.
How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip?
1-2
Hang the food pack or ground it?
Hang 'em high.
Axe? Saw? Both?
Saw and machete.
Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both)
Sitting arund the campfire, having a few drinks and B.S.'n is one of the best things about the trips.
On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water?
Around 9:00.

Fishing
How much time do you like to spend fishing?
As much as possible.
Which species do you like to go after?
Smallies and Pike.
How much tackle to you bring?
Too much.
Are you good with a fillet knife?
Yup.

Misc
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered?
Caffeine addiction.
Level of alcohol consumption?
Moderate.
Are you a smoker?
An occasional cigar isn't gonna kill me.
Is photography high on your list?
Not really, but I always have a camera handy.
Do you like to go after pictographs?
Yes.
Do you like to go after waterfalls?
Absolutely (good fishing).
Do you like to go after the northern lights?
Whenever possible.

Personality
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you?
No. I dont like them, but they're part of the experiance.
What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?
Snow and bitter cold. I like rain and stormy weather.
If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it?
Discuss it before it becomes a problem.
Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home?
I can't think of anything. Even if we swamped and lost all our gear, I wouldn't WANT to leave.

Basics 
Where do you live?  Cedar Falls, IA

Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping? 35

Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer? I have all gear but canoe - rent that.

Preferred/Typical party size? 2 to 4.

What length of trips do you do/available to do? 8 days

Preferred season? Fall

What % of the trip do you travel/base camp? I like to travel every other day. Camp on a site for two nights then move on. I like to fish and just spend time hiking around and relaxing, but still like to see new territory.

What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas? I've only been to the BWCA. I've gone to different areas each of 5 trips and plan to continue that.
 
Paddling 
Bow or stern preference? Prefer solo.
What is your paddling rhythm? Depends completely on how sore my back is.

Paddle the shoreline or beeline? Mostly shoreline.

How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in? Anything but the perfect storm.

Do you have strong navigation/map skills? I'd say beloew average.

Portaging 
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage? Strictly double.

Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry? I usually have one hand occupied.

How well do you handle the mountain goat portages? I love them.

How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs? I hate them.
 
Camping Style 
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes? Cook, by far.

Fresh or dried foods? A combination. I bring some fresh, dry some myself and buy just a couple of freeze dried items.

Cook over a fire, or over a stove? Stove almost exclusively. Only exceptions are first night steaks and lake trout.

Cook breakfast or breakfast bars? On travel days it's breakfast bars. On layover days it's eggs or oatmeal or pancakes.

How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip? Usually two for an eight-day trip.

Hang the food pack or ground it? Hide in blue barrels and pray.
 
Axe? Saw? Both? Saw

Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both) I like both, and will do both if I have time for an afternoon nap. If I have to choose one or the other it's wake at the crack of dawn. Love those early morning hours when my tripmates are still sleeping and I'm out paddling, taking pictures and fishing.

On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water? I say 7:30 or 8. In practice it's most often 9.
 
Fishing 
How much time do you like to spend fishing? I hit the early mornings and evening hard, then will go out for short excursions in the afternoons.

Which species do you like to go after? Lake trout are my favorite up there. Walleye come in second and smallies and pike about even for third place. I enjoy fishing for them all and try to plan trips where I can fish for all four.

Are you good with a fillet knife? Yep.
 
Misc 
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered? Only a bad knee, which so far hasn't given me troubles in the park (knock on wood)

Level of alcohol consumption? On most trips I bring no alcohol. I do enjoy a drink around the campfire when it's there though.

Is photography high on your list? I love shooting pictures on trips, usually shoot 5 to 6 rolls. However, I only bring a point and shoot, haven't ever gotten ambitious enough to bring in my old SLR.

Do you like to go after pictographs? Not a priority.

Do you like to go after waterfalls? I love waterfalls.

Do you like to go after the northern lights? Yep.
 
Personality 
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you? They don't bother me too much. Make for interesting conversations.

What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with? Extreme heat. I hate when you sweat your butt off on portages, then find yourself with a warm bottle of water.

If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it? Discuss then bury.

Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home? If all my food were eaten by bears.

Basics
Where do you live? On the eastern plains of Colorado.

Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping? Probably somewhat over 250 nights.

Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer?  I’ve got my own gear, enough to outfit a group of 9.

Preferred/Typical party size? 4 or less, but I’ve made a lot of trips with larger groups.

What length of trips do you do/available to do? Usually 7-9 days. I’d love to make a longer trip someday.

Preferred season? Mid-late May or anytime in the summer.
What % of the trip do you travel/base camp? We usually mix it up. We don’t usually stay in one place all week.

What difficulty level do you go for? It depends who I’m going with. My arthritis dictates avoiding the mountain goat trails but anything else can be an option.

What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas? Both. I’m committed to the northern entry points of Quetico. I like to explore new water but I’ve been on most of at one time or another. I’ve got my favorite spots.

Paddling
Bow or stern preference? I’m the rear paddler.

What is your paddling rhythm? Steady. Don’t miss a stroke

Paddle the shoreline or beeline? Depends on the lake and the route. I paddle both but look for lee shores when the wind’s up.

How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in? Comfortable? I’ve paddled in pretty nasty weather and always seemed to get where I’m going. I guess my comfort level is more about the people I’m responsible for. There have been some moments crossing Beaverhouse and Nym when the wind is from the west….

Do you have strong navigation/map skills? Depends who you ask. My son still harasses me for the time I got cocky on water I’d paddled before but in the distant past. I didn’t think I needed the map, and am still hearing about my insistence on “the right way”.Otherwise, when I do use a map my skills are adequate to keep us on course.

Portaging
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage? Double

Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry? Both. Some things are hand carried, but we try to minimize it.

How well do you handle the mountain goat portages? Not so well anymore. I use a cane (I mean a walking stick. I’m too young to need a cane). If you see a canoe working it’s way across a portage carrying a pack but having three legs, it’ll be me.

How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs? They don’t bother me. You can always wade in and clean up at the end of the portage.

Camping Style
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes? Cook. I’m a pretty good cook and a pretty lousy dishwasher.
Fresh or dried foods? Both

Cook over a fire, or over a stove? Always a fire unless there’s a fire ban on.

Cook breakfast or breakfast bars? We do both. Cook on layover days and bars on travel days.

How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip? Every day. We plan our menus accordingly.

Hang the food pack or ground it? Ground it. The only time we’ve had bear trouble was when it was hung.

Axe? Saw? Both? Both

Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both) It depends on the day (or night). I usually am up at dawn and sometimes stay up and listen and watch and sometimes just go to bed. The loons, the wolves, the fish jumping, the stars, the moonlight on still water. It doesn’t get much better than that.

On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water? No sense burnin’ daylight, pilgrim. Saddle up!

Fishing
How much time do you like to spend fishing? A lot. It’s a major feature for me.

Which species do you like to go after? I love catching northerns, I love eating walleyes. Lakers are a never-say-die challenge and smallies are just plain fun.

How much tackle to you bring? 3 small, flat boxes that fit along the inside of my Duluth pack. I keep one handy under my seat while traveling in case I want to trail a bait through fishy spots.

Are you good with a fillet knife? Good enough. The fish haven’t complained.

Misc
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered? I’m diabetic with arthritic knees, but neither have ever caused me to alter a route. You just do it.

Level of alcohol consumption? Zero

Are you a smoker? No

Is photography high on your list? It hasn’t been but I’ve decided it’s going to be. I’ve seen too many spots I wish I could look at again, but probably never will. (alas!)

Do you like to go after pictographs? I don’t go out of my way for them but do look for them when they’re on my route.

Do you like to go after waterfalls? I love waterfalls

Do you like to go after the northern lights? I enjoy watching them, but once you’ve seen them they’re pretty much the same.

Personality
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you? No. You just do it. The bugs don’t eat all that much.

What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with? None are difficult to deal with. You take what comes, enjoy it and adapt your plans accordingly. Lightning over the water is a cool sight as long as you’re not on it.

If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it? Depends on the problem. If it’s a matter of tolerating, then I just do it, no big deal., If it’s about the safety of someone in the group then you better get it straightened out and dealt with.

Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home? I’ve only cut one trip short. One of the people in my group developed a severe infection, spiked a fever and we brought him (and us) out in order to get him home to his doctor.