I tried the flag approach this year, but I have to say my success was ZERO! Perhaps it was the time of year, perhaps it was a consequence of the location of my campsites, perhaps I needed a bath ... in any case, I didn't attract any visitors.

On the flip side, I did paddle up to one camp site at about the lunch hour.  I was interested in getting recent, first hand information on a nearby remote portage I knew the group had taken (from observation).  I got the distinct feeling this particular group had NO interesting in visiting.  I had to hail them 3 times before I even got an acknowledgement and then the answers were as brief as possible.  I quickly bid this group a good day and paddled on. 

On the other hand, I found most groups I encountered on portages willing to stop and chat for a few minutes.  Most encounters on the water were limited to a quick hello while passing. 

So, if there is a secret to having folks stop in for a "cup of joe," I obviously haven't found it (although I'll keep trying).

dd

Good question---I never thought about this before.

We ususally travel light and try to get away from people---not anti-social just feels good to get to a remote lake and have it to yourself, also getting away from the crowds gives us a sense of accomplishment.

So I contemplated what I'd do if someone wanted to visit. At portages I actually enjoy visiting with others when the opportunity presents itself---sometimes you get to exchange some really good info to fellow travelers. I have never went up to anothers camp---so what would I do if someone approached mine---I guess it would be just like being at home---somedays you enjoy having company it's a pleasant surprise when someone shows up on the doorstep and other days you just need to be alone and don't feel like having company.

I guess just be friendly to passerbys you could invite them in, but don't be upset if they don't take ya up on the offer----some people just come up there to be by themselves.

Tim

This is a very interesting question, and one I had never anticipated.  I guess somehow I thought everyone who went on a wilderness trip wanted to get away from people!  Especially people they don't know.

If someone approached our campsite (we are a traveling couple, just two of us always) asking for directions or about a portage, we would be polite and answer questions, but it wouldn't really occur to us to invite that person into our camp.  Perhaps it is the mentality of traveling as a twosome; it is hard for me to imagine traveling with a group of three canoes and several tents, too!

I like to speak with people on the portages and occasionally ask what they thought of a portage if they have just come from the other direction.  I do that more now that I have old-lady knees!  And I do find that some people seem glad to talk and others are reticent.

We are of course cordial to the US Forest Service personnel who occasionally stop by.   

Good luck with your welcome flag.  I will be interested to see if you get any response.

Well I just got back.  I forgot to get a welcome flag.  We did see many people since we were on Lake Three.  I found many people seemed to be in a hurry and either they did not want to impose on our space or did not want us to impose on theirs.  People were friendly on the portages and we talked to some.  The best day we had to invite osmeone over for coffee and apple crisp was so windy hardly anyone was out.
Maybe next time.

If you see phink phlamingos, well... 

do what you gotta do