Basics
Where do you live?
Eden Prairie, Minnesota (a suburb of Minneapolis)
Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping?
30
Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer?
I have an ever-expanding inventory of gear. 
Preferred/Typical party size?
2-4
What length of trips do you do/available to do?
4-10 days
Preferred season?
Anytime there's open water and I can get away from work, which is usually May/June and August/September
What % of the trip do you travel/base camp?
40% travel / 60% base camp
What difficulty level do you go for?
Moderate
What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas?
Most familiar with the Quetico Beaverhouse entry and BWCA Lake One - will go back but also like to explore.

Paddling
Bow or stern preference?
Usually stern
What is your paddling rhythm?
Steady
Paddle the shoreline or beeline?
beeline if wind not significant
How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in?
I try to err on the side of caution.
Do you have strong navigation/map skills?
Adequate

Portaging
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage?
Usually double but will tailor gear level to travel needs.
Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry?
Everything on back
How well do you handle the mountain goat portages?
ok - I have recently purchased a used kevlar after many years of portaging a 68 pound Wenonah.
How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs?
ok but can't say I enjoy it.


Camping Style
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes?
Rather cook - specialty is pancakes and bacon for breakfast.
Fresh or dried foods?
Generally dried but will bring fresh foods like tomatoes or green beans that don't require refrigeration.
Cook over a fire, or over a stove?
Stove.
Cook breakfast or breakfast bars?
Both.
How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip?
1-2
Hang the food pack or ground it?
Usually ground.
Axe? Saw? Both?
Both
Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both)
Some of each
On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water?
9 am

Fishing
How much time do you like to spend fishing?
2-3 hours both morning and evening
Which species do you like to go after?
Lake trout, walleye, smallmouth
How much tackle do you bring?
2 rods and 2 Plano Stowaway boxes
Are you good with a fillet knife?
yes

Misc
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered? No
Level of alcohol consumption? Minimal
Are you a smoker? No
Is photography high on your list? Yes
Do you like to go after pictographs? Yes
Do you like to go after waterfalls? Possibly
Do you like to go after the northern lights?
I never have but would like to.

Personality
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you? No
What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?
Continuous rain
If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it?
Discuss it
Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home?
Steady rain with no end in sight.

Basics
Where do you live? Louisville, KY
Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping? 20
Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer?  My gear, outfitter tow
Preferred/Typical party size? 8
What length of trips do you do/available to do? 7 day
Preferred season? spring
What % of the trip do you travel/base camp? 100% base camp fishing trip
What difficulty level do you go for? EASY
What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas? east BW, do some day tripping

Paddling
Bow or stern preference? stern
What is your paddling rhythm? go fast then fish hard, go fast again
Paddle the shoreline or beeline? both, in caps shoreline
How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in? SMALL caps
Do you have strong navigation/map skills? yes

Portaging
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage? single on day trips
Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry? both
How well do you handle the mountain goat portages? not
How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs? not

Camping Style
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes? cook
Fresh or dried foods? fresh/basecamp
Cook over a fire, or over a stove? both
Cook breakfast or breakfast bars? cook
How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip? 1-3
Hang the food pack or ground it? ground but thinking about trees
Axe? Saw? Both? both
Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both) some of each
On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water? don't

Fishing
How much time do you like to spend fishing? dawn til dusk
Which species do you like to go after? something with gills
How much tackle to you bring? small crammed plastic box
Are you good with a fillet knife? yes

Misc
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered? HBP
Level of alcohol consumption? none
Are you a smoker? no
Is photography high on your list? yes
Do you like to go after pictographs? ?
Do you like to go after waterfalls? ?
Do you like to go after the northern lights? haven't seen them yet. Waiting!

Personality
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you? not ruin, but
What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with? long hard rains
If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it? discuss if it cannot be ignored(choose your battles, some are not worth the effort)
Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home? nothing would make me WANT to go home early, injury would force me

BASICS:

Where do you live?

We live in La Crosse, Wisconsin

Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping?

165 + in the BWCAW for me, Amy 10 days. We both have plenty more else where. We live on the Mississippi and all islands are free game.

Do you have the gear or use an outfitter?

We own all our own stuff, more than we need actually. It helps to outfit the novices that we sometimes take with us. We are very picky about who we introduce to the BWCAW.

Preferred/Typical party size?

1-4

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

Anywhere from 7 - 15 days

Preferred season?

Spring, usually around the first of June.

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

Depends on the trip/people. Sometimes we move everyday and others find us camping in the same site for days. A lot of it depends on the paddling ability of those with my girlfriend (Amy) and I. Weather can be a big factor as well.

What difficulty level do you go for?

This also depends on the people with me on the trip. If it just Amy and myself, we will try anything.

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

South Wilder is like our honeymoon lake. It is fairly secluded because of it's end of the chain positioning and therefore not as well traveled. We are always trying a new area. Each year we try to go somewhere else.

PADDLING:

Bow or stern preference?

I generally paddle stern. Amy is too light for me to sit in the front.

What is your paddling rhythm?

Steady as she goes.

Paddle the shoreline or beeline?

Depends on what we are doing and where we are going. Also dependent on weather conditions and time restraints.

How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in?

I will paddle through anything, if I have to. I do not do it just for fun though. I defer to the other members of my paddle group, in this regard, they just might have more sense. Amy hates the windy days.

Do you have strong navigation/map skills?

Have map and compass will travel! This is not to say that I never mess it up but I do pretty well.

PORTAGING:

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

Double trips, for my canoe and Amy. Other paddlers in my groups have caused triple and more.

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

Everything on our backs.

How well do you handle the mountain goat portages?

We do very well with these, thankfully.

How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs?

Not as well as I would like to, I struggle and Amy has it even worse.

CAMPING STYLE:

Would you rather cook or wash the dishes?

I cook, Amy cleans. Just like at home.

Fresh or dried foods?

The first few days maybe fresh food but I could not imagine carrying enough for 12 days! We dry all of our own. Freeze dried is too pricey for us! We would rather buy better gear than spend it on food. If anyone is interested in my methods of drying, or recipes please IM me. I love to cook and I love to share my "knowledge" of cooking!

Cook over a fire, or over a stove?

Heating water is mostly what we do, due to the dried food thing. In camp we usually have some water on the fire all the time. For in transit lunches we use the stove. On those rained in days the stove gets set up in the vestibule and is our main cooking instrument.

Cook breakfast or breakfast bars?

Breakfast is usually some form of instant oatmeal, grits, malto meal, cream of wheat...

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

In a ten day trip, usually 2. I am not a big fish eater. I love to catch them though! Catch and release is the norm for us.

Hang the food pack or ground it?

We hang the food. Although I love seeing the bears, I do not relish the idea of having to survive on fish for the rest of the trip!

Axe, Saw, or Both?

Both, I like to cut wood into length with the saw and split some down for kindling.

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

On a lot of the trips, I have found that in early June, it rains in the mid mornings... I will sit around the fire for hours and then get up at the crack of dawn to fish for a few hours before the rain sets in. Amy like to sleep in a bit so it works out great for us.

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

The crack of dawn is my preference, but I rarely get it! As I said. Amy likes to sleep in a bit.

FISHING:

How much time do you like to spend fishing?

Given the chance I would fish from sun up to sundown. Amy likes to explore the woods and things too, so I split time between fishing and exploring.

Which species do you like to go after?

Everything that will bite!

How much tackle to you bring?

I carry a Flambeau "Quick Draw:" bag that holds (3) 11x7", adjustable organizer slot, boxes and one 3x4" box for hooks and sinkers.. It is quite compact and holds a ton of tackle. Loaded it only weighs 3 lbs. It keeps my tackle very organized. It also has a spare line pocket and a shoulder carrying strap. I absolutely love it.

Are you good with a fillet knife?

I am quite good with one, thank you!

MISC:

Do you have any medical conditions to be considered?

None.

Level of alcohol consumption?

We bring a smaller sized hip flask of whiskey and it usually returns to the car half full.

Are you a smoker?

No.

Is photography high on your list?

We takes photos but we are not pros!

Do you like to go after pictographs?

This June trip will be our first. We have not based trips around them but may in the future. We respect the Natives and First people a lot. I am part Tsalagi (Cherokee) and am just learning about the heritage that I should have always been taught.

Do you like to go after waterfalls?

We do not base trips around them but if they are in the area we are certain to check them out.

Do you like to go after the northern lights?

The Northern lights are a huge draw for us. Without them it would not be the same, but, we would not quit going if they were to suddenly cease to exist.

PERSONALITY:

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

I am luckily not a target for bugs! WOO WOO. Amy on the other hand is. Until we bought her a head net, things were rough on her. Now she enjoys the bug freeness of netting.

What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?

I have come to deal with weather very well. Years of canoe camping and backpacking have taught me to appreciate all seasons and all weather. Amy had a problem with rain until she bought a good rain suit. The cold is hard on her, she is a tiny little thing of 102 lbs. Staying warm is hard for her.

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

Lets get it out there and deal with it! No reason to ruin a trip. Very little can not be worked out!

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

I would never willingly pull out of a trip! I have, in consideration for some of my novice companions, though. It seems like no matter how much I stress the need for this or that, someone leaves something crucial behind, or can not afford it. Like good rain gear. This can make the trip rough for some.

Basics 
Where do you live?
Beautiful downtown Weldon Spring Missouri (pronounced miss-ur-rah) 
Nestled in the armpit of the suburban sprawl that is St. Louis
Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping?
  ~50 (~30 of these are solo tripping nights)
Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer?
  I have now accumulated everything but the canoe. 
  How many shopping days till christmas?
Preferred/Typical party size?
  ONE. I like to be completely alone in the wilderness.
What length of trips do you do/available to do?
  5-7 days. Want to do at least a 10 day next year.
Preferred season?
  Early spring(mid-May), Late fall(mid-Oct, when moose season is winding down)
What % of the trip do you travel/base camp?
  I'll take both please. A few travel days to get to a remote camping site. Then sit and
  enjoy the solitude of the wilderness for a few days before I have to paddle out.
What difficulty level do you go for?
  I go for places which offer seclusion and beauty. If it's difficult to get to, then the
  seclusion is about guaranteed.   

Paddling 
Bow or stern preference?
  er, uh... I sit in the middle.
What is your paddling rhythm? 
  Sprint. Peddle to the metal. Balls out. Glide when needed.
  Repeat as necessary until destination is reached.
Paddle the shoreline or beeline?
  Shoreline mostly, I get nervous in a tippy solo canoe, unless the lake is like glass.
How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in?
  Nasty? I'm staying put with a cocktail, camera, and my journal.
Do you have strong navigation/map skills?
  What's a compass? I get from point A to point B by reading the map, watching the shoreline
  for landmarks and knowing where I am. Easy to say, but I'm a dork. I steer clear of them
  hugh lakes with a zillion islands if I can manage it. (yes, I carry and can operate a compass,
  and yes I've found myself temporarily unaware of my position on a couple of occassions.)
 
Portaging 
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage?
  Make mine a double please. More than two times across and the portage can get boring, especially
  those 320 rod ones which I always seem to gravitate toward. Something to do with seeking seclusion.
Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry?
  I like two free hands. I have a tendancy to wobble and fall down. Also like to
  be able to operate a camera if something interesting pops up, slithers by, or runs
  across my path. 
How well do you handle the mountain goat portages?
  Just fine thank you. 300lb squats at the gym during hard water season make most hills a
  non-issue.
How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs?
  As long as my boot stays attached, I'm a happy camper. I don't come out here to keep my
  Eddie Bauer designer camp boots clean and shiny. Actually, I don't own any Eddie Bauer
  designer camp boots, just a pair of well worn Redwings, and they stay wet the entire
  trip. Something to do with how I learned to care for a canoe early in life. Last year
  I rented a canoe which the outfitter had just acquired. It still had the owner's manual
  taped to the thwart when I went to put it in the water. I was embarassed to see even a
  few tiny scratches on it when I brought it back.
 
Camping Style 
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes?
  er, uh, if I don't do both, neither gets done. Same goes for setting up the tent, fly, and
  cutting firewood.
Fresh or dried foods?
  A mix. I use my own designed cold sack for fresh. Store bought freeze-dried is handy.
  I like a steak first night out. Hot dogs are a tasty change after a few days out.
Cook over a fire, or over a stove?
  Stove always, 'cept for the steak. The fire pit is for cocktail hour ambience.
Cook breakfast or breakfast bars?
  Cook, unless I'm in a hurry.
How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip?
  I don't fish. I prefer barnyard animals when I eat flesh, and taking the critters out of the
  lake just to throw 'em back only annoys them.
Hang the food pack or ground it?
  Bear can... grounded.
Axe? Saw? Both?
  Saw.
Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? (or both)
  I like a nice fire, and a cocktail of Crown Royal and lake water at sunset. 
  If cocktail hour drags on late into the evening, well... that kinda stuff just happens.
  Either way, I'm usually up early, even on lay-over days. I can sleep when I get home.
On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water?
  Up by 6, in the water by 8 when the weather permits.
  If there's time (weather doesnt appear to be turning bad), I'll cook first.
 
Fishing 
How much time do you like to spend fishing?
  None. See above. Just that much less gear I have to slug along.
 
Misc 
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered?
  If I had a medical condition, I would consider it.   
Level of alcohol consumption?
  Some is good, more's better, too much is usually just about enough.
Is photography high on your list?
  Yes. Digital.   
Do you like to go after pictographs?
  Aint been there yet. 
Do you like to go after waterfalls?
  The sound of running water always makes me want to go.
Do you like to go after the northern lights?
  I usually get up to go in the middle of the night. Something to do
  with the cocktails before bedtime. 
 
Personality 
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you?
  Nope. They're all just part of the experience. 
What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with?
  Wind. Wind, and Wind. 
If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it?
  Fix it, discuss it later. 
Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and

head home?
  Once non-stop wind and rain for 4 days straight made me crazy and I headed out early.
  I'll never let that happen again. And I no longer spend any daytime in my tent when it's raining.
  I like to sit out in the rain and enjoy just being there.

Hello...

Basics
Where do you live? Chicago
Approximate number of previous nights spent canoe camping? about 56
Do you have the gear or use an outfitterer?  own all gear... sometimes get a tow
Preferred/Typical party size? 2-4
What length of trips do you do/available to do? 8 days / 25-40 miles
Preferred season? mid june to early july
What % of the trip do you travel/base camp? 33 base / 67 travel
What difficulty level do you go for? challenging but i AM on vacation!
What area of the park are you most familiar with and do you want to spend time there or explore new areas? beaver house and prarie portage... trying lac la croix this year

Paddling
Bow or stern preference? stern (that's the back, right?)
What is your paddling rhythm? slow and steady till i get yelled at
Paddle the shoreline or beeline? depends on the time of day
How nasty of water are you comfortable paddling in? i can handle small to medium whitecaps with confidence... have white knuckled bigger one when i had too
Do you have strong navigation/map skills? a map is just something to roll on

Portaging
Do you usually single/double/triple/or? portage? double... like to walk alot, I guess
Do you carry everything on your back, or alot of hand carry? only on my back (except oars and poles)
How well do you handle the mountain goat portages? i can do them... maybe on 2 per trip max
How well do you handle the boot sucking bogs? better... size 14's dont sink so easy!

Camping Style
Would you rather cook or wash the dishes? cook
Fresh or dried foods? fresh the first day the fish and ramen and mountain house for 7 freakin days
Cook over a fire, or over a stove? fire the first day for the fresh food and stove after that
Cook breakfast or breakfast bars? 50-50
How many fish meals do you like to have during a trip? about 4
Hang the food pack or ground it? ground it... at least i'm honest about it!
Axe? Saw? Both? both
Sit around campfire all night OR wake at crack of dawn? both... i only get out here once a year and i come from a big noisy city... there will be time for sleep when i'm dead!
On a travel day, what time do you like to hit the water? 8:00 to 10:00 unfortunately... got compromise on a 4 man group trip

Fishing
How much time do you like to spend fishing? whenever i see water
Which species do you like to go after? the big four (
How much tackle to you bring? only one plastic clear utillity box and 2 poles (i love to fish but i like packing light beter)
Are you good with a fillet knife? not as good as i like to be... alot of CPR

Misc
Do you have any medical conditions to be considered? I'm 6'0 and 230 (fat)
Level of alcohol consumption? i'll tie one one 2-3 times on a week trip
Are you a smoker? yes... but my butts never hit the water, campsite, or protage trail... the only thing i'm killing is me
Is photography high on your list? sure
Do you like to go after pictographs? 8 years... looked like mad... never saw one... i think it's just a pr stunt!
Do you like to go after waterfalls? yes, my favorite site on the trip (excluding wildlife)
Do you like to go after the northern lights? another plus

Personality
If the bugs are bad, will it ruin the trip for you? no... bites heal in a couple days and memories last forever
What weather conditions are difficult for you to deal with? too much heat wil take it's toll, but i love a good storm!
If we've got a problem, would you rather discuss it or bury it? bury it... if i wanted to "talk out problems", i'd bring my wife!
Other than illness or injury what events or conditions would make you want to quit a trip early and head home? i lose my canoe and can't find it anywhere (don't you hate when that happens?)