Puckster wrote on Apr 11^th, 2012 at 5:37pm:


No just the Quetico North shuttle driver's name you couldn't remember.

"I know that the bwca would be much cheaper than going into Canada, but kinda want to run with the big dogs. I've heard so much good stuff about the big Q and am worried about what's currently left in our US park.   i.e. the s.w. central portion is burnt (Pigami Creek fire),the n.e. portion( Knife Lake area) is either burnt or still choaked with the '99 blow down,the southern portion of the Gunflint Trail is 'popular' and busy with the easy access crowd,and the n.e. section (Little Souix and beyond) are where all the permits are being gobbled up! Where are all of those "emotionally disturbed bears with the punkrock haircuts" going to be hanging out?  You guessed it! Either in Stu's favorite bear/whitail hunting area (which will have maximum allowable usage this year),or south of Pan Lake, which will also be maxed out.  The most disapointing thing I've experienced in my (only 7) trips up there has been the stress of a congested ,overcrowed ,very non-peaceful portage scene. ...ruins the whole thing!  I've got a bad back, and throwing two packs--one on each sholder like a purse, while bitching at my group to hurry up,just ruins my "wah"...  (think that means 'peace of mind' achording to James Clavel in SHOGUN -I think)   Anyway,though the bwca is grand, this year,I'd like a little more "remoteness".

I can think of one particularly busy Q portage years ago that still puts my shoulders back, as in locked and loaded. Yeah, too many people can spoil things for sure. I'm not fond of seeing or hearing neighbors. I'll sometimes stay an extra day when I know I have a decent, off route, lake all to myself.

All things considered, IMO, for the time and expense of being dropped off on the one end of the park or getting a ride back, I'm thinking a loop back to your bike would make more sense $, time and effort wise.

You can find crowded portages in Quetico too but they'll normally be nearer entries and popular destination lakes. Paddling to the interior, turning left, and looping back to where you started would be just as, if not more remote all told. It doesn't sound as impressive as a one way, N to S route though does it?

If you want remote, study Beymer's book and go someplace else.

Now for the bad news:
Ever use a bolt cutters? I'd want my bike indoors or at the vary least out of site.

Youthful indiscretions? Really old things will come up for sure if you happen to qualify for a random(?) full background check. I don't know. I'd find out about any new considerations before shipping stuff to where you may not be able to access it. Consider the chances and repercussions. Hey, maybe drive to the other crossing and try your luck again or wait for a new shift.... 

" I wonder how to become a bit more ashured that some foolishness from over a quarter of a centry ago won't come back to haunt me."

I'd apply NOW for an RABC permit.  (and yes, you still have to have a regular passport for re-entering US - if you don't already have one, apply for one now - it can take up to a couple of months).  If you get the RABC permit, fine and dandy - plan an entry from the south thru Prairie Portage or Cache Bay and loop back to your cycle, which is at one of the outfitters based on Moose Lake or Sag - no shuttle involved at all.  Alternatively, start the same, but finish up North and make arrangements with Canadian outfitter to bring you back to US - as long as you have your Passport, no issues crossing the border from N to S - its only entering Canada that may be a problem.

Plan B - do your research (just google for Entering Canada with a DUI on licence or something that general, and you'll find lots of hits)  Canada Customs - and find the info about buying your way in - I think its $150 to forgive you your sins.  You have to fill out some forms at the border and pay your penance - BUT - there is no absolute guarantee that you will be allowed to cross the border in either direction - it is always up to the crossing guards, no matter which way you are going.