I have tripped with the same friend for 5 years and we have agreed it would complicate things if more people are involved and we both prefer a quiet journey.
After 5 years of stories and pictures there are a few more interested parties. How do you say no to your wife and a couple of friends without offending someone?
The wife thing is easy, take 2 trips this year!
As far as the others I will let them handle their own trip, permits and transportation. We will travel together, sort of, but not be bound as a group. It just always seems the same person ends up doing most of the work (or at least thinks he does).
                 Jeff

2006 holds in store my first trip into Quetico with my brother!!!  This will be his first trip and so it is up to me to be the fearless leader.  Jimbo's story of getting he and his brother lost, and the fear of his brother pummeling him keeps flashing through my mind.  Like Jimbo my "little" brother is much bigger than me.  He is 6'4" 260 pounds.

The only thing that makes me feel comfortable at all is that I can out run him, and probably out paddle him.  The only problem is that he'll always be right behind me since we'll be paddling the same canoe.

With all that said...I can't wait!!!

More like Chemistry 401.

Why would anyone even consider going on your trip with someone who's character, abilities or attitude would be in question?  Unless you are a camp counselor or a guide, why take that chance?  You spend long hours planning and thinking about your trip and doing what you can to eliminate potential problems or at least semi-control the elements.  The weather and other "natural" occurences keep us on our toes enough - why bring a moron?  If your life was suddenly placed in his or her hands, could you count on them? I agree that camping should be fun but it is by no means easy - especially for the beginner.  That's what I think organizations like the YMCA, NOLS, B/G Scouts and Outward Bound are there for.  I wouldn't consider carrying a gun and go on a remote hunting trip if I didn't have some prior education on how to hunt, use a fire arm or stay alive (or keep someone else alive) just like I wouldn't jump into a remote canoe camping trip w/o some prior education and experience.

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Don't invite them.

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Well, not quite.

I have the luxury of going camping more than once a year and close enough so the travelling to get there isn't an issue.  I do take at least one trip yearly with 3 to 6 others.  Not close friends, but some have become closer friends over the years.  Last year went with an entirely new couple.  Generally no serious problems.  I try to find others with some camping experience already, so they understand what they are getting into.  I also try to determine if they are fit enough for the exertion.  We all take our own tents, be it in singles or couples.  So snoring isn't much of an issue. This gives you a quiet place to get away on occasion when you need it.  We also take 2 to 4 canoes/kayaks; again so we can do some things separately when the opportunity presents itself.  We try to divy up the camp work chores, if someone isn't volunteering, I am not shy about asking them to do something.  They are usually glad to have something to do and feel usefull.  It is easy to get caught up in the idea that since they are inexperienced they can't do it "right".  Who cares, they need the practice!  Sometimes they complain, but I have found those are the challenges they end up remembering and in some demented way fondly looking back on.  IC

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Certainly, you would'nt have known this Twist Tie, but I'd rather not discuss what happened between my friend and I any further on this forum....other than to say this...
For more than 20 years, I could'nt have asked for a better canoeing partner. Several times we had done trips together, that were much tougher, than the Bushwhackers Jamboree. It just did'nt work out that time.