It occurs to me that we may be at the point where we may want to share some (personal) information that we might not want broadcast to the world.

I suggest that we might want to move this into a more "background" mode.  In the past, when traveling with others widely disbursed across the country, we've used e-mail to keep in contact and share information.  However, this (todate) has not involved quite the number of people expressing interest in this trip.

I'll set up an e-mail distribution list to share if among those interested if we feel that is the way to go.  I've also setup a private group on facebook ("Opasquia 2014") in anticipation that we might want to go that direction ... although it looks like many of you don't have a facebook presence.  Of course, we could do something more elaborate, but as expressed above ... "simple is better."

I've also chatted with a few of you that I know more on a personal level.  In those discussions, all have been in agreement that we need to establish a "level of commitment" before we begin to establish more concrete plans.  In those discussions, "putting money on the table" has frequently been expressed as a means to establish that commitment.  (I don't think I have to elaborate further to establish what this means.)

Thoughts?  Suggestions?

dd

I'm fine with email (as so far I have successfully eluded Facebook), but I do think that some chatter should happen here as well. If people start backing out, others need to be kept aware of what's going on... i.e. we may need to fill some spaces. In trying to arrange portage clearing trips for ten years, I have found that many CAN back out before the go date. So far I am seeing costs of roughly $2000 - $2500/person for the trip that Bog's and I want to take. When people see the numbers, some will likely get rattled.

I believe my group will solidify to 3 ... DentonDoc, Jimbo & MagicPaddler.  While we each have other partners typically, we have all (collectively) traveled together.  We will most likely travel as a group with a tandem and a solo (and previously, we individually have both tandem and solo time).

dd

Martin
Among other questions to ask them is what kind of canoe (95LB grumman square back).  Other words are they suited for portaging?
MagicPaddler

Marten wrote on Apr 5^th, 2013 at 12:57am:

Pick and choose those that might be appropriate based on the direction the conversation goes:

What locations can be used for drop-off/pick-up? Can two different ones be used by a single party?

Will they cache a canoe at a specified drop-off? Can it be left at a different location?

Are they open to fare only fly-ins? (no canoe rental or other outfitting support needed)

Can they arrange direct flights from Red Lake or will they route all flights thru Sandy Lake?

Any river areas that are just not navigable or otherwise impassable?

General condition of portages that are present.

Any large areas of recent fire damage?

Any restrictions on briefly existing park boundaries? (max an overnight; e.g. Island Lake, MB)

I guess for longer term trips ... will they re-supply or pre-position supplies?

Level of use by canoeist (i.e., non-fish cabin guests) and first nation folks ... higher use areas, if so.

Time permitting ... pictographs and other POIs.  Restrictions on accessing sensitive areas (e.g. archeological sites).

Fish species beyond walleye, pike and perch.  Are species widely distributed in the park or in pockets?