As the hype for Bushwhackers Jamboree revs up, I think this book should be REQUIRED reading for all who contemplate participating.

It also makes me thankful for all the luck I've encountered while attempting numerous "shortcuts" over the years.  After reading this book, I doubt I will ever rely on "luck" again!

A MUST read for all would-be bushwhackers!

Jimbo   

Just finished the Dan Stephens story, an excellent reminder of the harsh reality of a trip gone bad. I would only hope I would have the skills (and luck) that he showed in his ordeal.

Read every other chapter and turn it into two quick reads instead of jumping back and forth between the stories as the author laid it out.

Thanks for the heads up on a great story.

J

A little late to the thread, but here goes:

My wife and I backpacked the Pow Wow Trail this past April, hiking the same direction (counterclockwise) as Jason Rasmussen. She had read the "Lost In The Wild" story just before we left, and I then read it the following week during a layover day camped on Ima Lake.

As for whether the trail is tricky in the spot where Jason got into trouble, yes it is. The big difference today is that there are now two signs with arrows that point you in the right direction (see photos below). The problem is that the trail forks at this spot, but the "wrong" way is more straight ahead on a path that is more open and obvious than the "correct" way. The "correct" way is a left turn on a less obvious and partially obscured trail. To be honest, I'm surprised more people didn't get into trouble here. Nonetheless, if you're paying attention to your map and compass, most people would probably realize their error before getting into trouble. You should be expecting a turn to the west by this point, and if you find you're heading straight north, it should put up a red flag.

On a side note, just last week I also paddled through the pothole lake where Dan Stephens from the second story got lost. There too, it's easy to see how Dan went wrong. The portage landing leading to Bell Lake is very hard to see until you're right upon it. The dead cedar tree mentioned in the story that leans over the portage entry is still there and blocks it to the point where you actually have to duck under it to get to the landing. If you don't pay strict attention to the map and just try to spot the portage visually from across the lake, you could easily settle on one of the "cave-like" holes in the wall of shoreline foliage also mentioned in the story.

Wrong way:
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Correct way:
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Hiya, Eric! Great meeting you guys last month at the BWJ.

I was also glued to my maps while reading these stories. It was interesting to follow along and try to figure out their routes.

This is definitely a great book to read for anyone venturing out into wilderness areas - lots of important lessons here. Just the one lesson alone of staying put when lost would have made such a big difference in both cases, but it's so hard to do. I'm sure the instinct of most people who make these kinds of trips is to try to get yourself out. It simply goes against the grain of otherwise self-sufficient folks to sit around and wait for help.

Having now experienced the Man Chain myself, I agree with you that the author does make it seem more rugged than I found it to be. Then again, as seen through the eyes of inexperienced scouts and their leaders, perhaps it was an accurate perspective.

Nothing like a little bushwhacking to change one's perspective of canoe country, I suppose. 

I'm re-reading Lost in the Wild after canoeing the Man Chain last fall.  Also, great story to read about Jason on the Pow Wow Trail on a cold winter night when you're warm inside.

starwatcher