Hmm, we do not see it as much of bother, It rolls up pretty small and the weight is pretty negligible. The creature comfort far out weighs the small space it takes and the tiny amount of weight.

M and A

The other idea, although you do have to use gas guzzling boats. But is still a compromise is the Houseboat in that Voyageur National Park just West of the area we all love. Showers, waterslides, Beds, Heat, Stove, Oven, Hot Tub, plus I am sure you could bring a canoe to get off the beaten path on day trips. Not bad for a compromise.

Congrats to all of those couples that paddle together!  My husband took me for the first time six years ago.  We had been married for less than a year.  I knew when I met him that Quetico was one of his most treasured areas.  Although I had never camped before, I was eager to see what this place was all about.  I fell in love!  Not only with Quetico, but deeper in love with my husband if that were truly possible.  I admired his determination and his ability to take me under his wing.  He showed me country that I had never seen before, wildlife that I had never experienced, and even taught me the correct way to use the bathroom in the woods.  If that isn't true love, I don't know what is!  We have been back to Quetico every year since 2000.  Sometimes with groups, but usually one for just the two of us and then another with friends or family.  I value that alone time with him!  I couldn't ask for a better partner in a canoe or in life for that matter.  If anyone is headed up to Quetico June 11-16, look for us.  We'll be the couple that not only loves Quetico, but each other tremendously.

I have written just like you an account of every trip taken.  I have not only a written account, but the photos that go along with it.  I would love to get one of my stories published in the Boundary Waters magazine.  (My husband and I fight over the issues when they arrive.  I love that magazine!)  Is it difficult to get them published???  I am sick that I set my article on my favorite canoe partner in too late.  Thanks for an information that you can provide.

firstmate5:  I have found it very difficult to get anything into Boundary Waters Journal!  Stu and I don't see eye to eye on what people want to read, and he rarely publishes photos that actually go with a particular story, so having photos taken on your trip is not all that helpful.

It is hard for me to make photos that would appeal to him, since he really wants only photos with people doing things together (there are only two of us and one is the photographer), photos of canoes (again, there are only two of us, so if I am on shore taking the photo, I am not in the canoe. . .) and photos of people holding up big fish (we don't fish).

Of course, I cannot comment on the quality of either your writing or your photography, but I will tell you I have tried several times and gotten nothing but rejection.  The piece in the spring issue wasn't a "paid" submission--he may have printed everything that people sent in.  I was pleased and surprised that it appeared in the magazine.

I would certainly encourage you to submit something and give it a try.  Just have a very thick skin when you read his comments regarding your work!   

Several regulars on QJ have had articles published, so perhaps some of them will respond to your inquiry and give you good advice. 

My trip journals have a narrative and several hundred photos.  Some of our friends read them every year, but mainly they are just for us--for the memories.  We are 61 now and we probably can't continue to do this for too many more decades.  (But we hope to keep it up a good time longer.)

aje:  it is interesting to hear your comments.  I have never canoed with anyone other than my husband, and cannot imagine (at my advanced age) ever wanting to do a solo!  Good for you!

Our longest trip was 22 days.  At the end, I was in tears because I didn't want it to end.  I have people tell me that they couldn't spend 22 days in "solitary" with their spouse doing ANYTHING, but I guess if you are doing something you love, and your spouse is your best friend. . . . . .

We love "newbies" on this board.  You should consider, if you find the board interesting, becoming an Inukshuk.  It supports the QJ site, and it gives us the opportunity to communicate through the IM, in case the topic is something that might not be of general interest to everyone.