I believe that over the years, as QJ'rs meet at Canoecopia and other places, friendships form, and joint trips get planned.  I see this as a great off-shoot to the QuietJourney site. 

Over the years I've also occasionally seen "cold"-posts where someone posts an open invite to QJ readers to join his/her trip; or someone posts his interest in joining a group. 

I am curious to know if these trips among QJr's -- but still strangers -- have worked out. 

Each year it seems more of a challenge to find 3 like-minded souls who are willing and able to take 10 to 14 days off on a canoe trip!

prouboy

OS - Would love to connect with you and SD on Kawnippi. Particularly if I could have one of those awesome island sites in McKenzie Bay  up

Could still happen, so you never know.

But I'd actually enjoy a trip with some QJers some time.

My usual paddle partner and I have tripped with Kingfisher once. 

It hardly felt like tripping with someone I didn't know, though.  Considering we each have 1700+ posts on here and that we've met several times at Canoecopia, plus each of us has submitted trip reports on QJ, I felt like we each had a pretty good idea of what to expect out of the other.  I'd go so far as to say that there were less surprises out of that trip than trips I've taken with friends that I knew in person.

I would trip with KF again, along with quite a few others on this site.  I don't think we slowed down KF too much...   

Quote:


Wrong, the correct response is "Make it so!"

Oh, oops, wrong group.  That is the Star Trek group.  Never mind.

Snow_Dog -- thanks for sharing your experience with KF, someone you "met" on site, and who subsequently made a trip with you. 

Based on the responses so far, I'm thinking maybe there really haven't been that many other experiences like yours -- where you get to know someone on this website, maybe have a beer with at 'Copia, and then together go on a canoe trip. 

I struggled the last few years to fill out our June trip.  One buddy is a DUI casualty, another turned 72 and took early retirement, I wouldn't invite back a few who have joined us in the past, and several others still work for a living and can't find the time (or choose not to) to go on a 10-14 day canoe trip.   

We barely filled out our June foursome this year: my canoe buddy invited the husband of a friend of his wife's; and I bumped into my family physician at a gas station and (knowing he paddled the BWCA) invited him on a whim.  He agreed!  Go figure.

Each new year, another adventure patching a foursome together. 

prouboy

Pd, and others, we enter Q on June 22. We probably won't get to Kawnipi until about June 25. We plan to do some daytripping while on Kawnipi, so if anyone is in the area, keep your eyes open. If you let us know your plan, we will watch for you. We exit Q on July 3.

I know of several other QJers, who haven't chimed in on this thread who regularly travel together. I did a trip back in 06 that was eight QJers, most of whom I had not met previously. We connected initially via PM, exchanged emails, and an email chain was the method of planning the trip. There were also a few phone calls made just to make sure we were all on the same page. I met one of the members when he drove to my place to spend the night prior to the trip. That is when the plan was hatched to load 'pack extenders' (carefully measured & cut RR ties) below the food box, in the foodpack.

I say that to say this: For this idea to work, you have to reach out and connect with those you think would be good trip partners. Just begin communicating. There is a place for 'profiles', which can be a beginning point. Having said that, I haven't done a profile on myself, because I've posted enough on here, that most are able to form an opinion of whether or not they would like to trip with me. There is also a feature that allows you to go back and review posts of anyone you choose.

Prouty, MT, others, I think I would enjoy tripping with you guys. If you're interested, let me know. This years plan is in the can, but I'm open about 2014 and beyond...

Old Salt wrote on Apr 25^th, 2013 at 12:46am:


Feelings mutual OS

You would like Mike Prouty......energetic, upbeat, easy smiling sort of bloke. Good conversationalist.

Interesting comments. Finding good matches for extended wilderness trips is not easy. And, seems to me, is getting harder. One reason it is getting harder is that lots of folks I have gone with have aged a little and think they do not want to go. Another reason folks opt out is the trip they took was tougher than they had expected. Boundary Waters Journal did a series on finding good travel companions. Other folks seemed to find the same "truths" I did.

From this site, I've met Spartan 1 and Spartan 2. Good folks and I would travel with them, though I suspect they would not travel with me as I go farther and harder than they. While I have never met Jimbo, I suspect he and I would get along, though I'll be damned if I'll carry pink flamingos through the bush.

Puckster wrote on Apr 24^th, 2013 at 9:58pm:


P_B Kept trying. You never know where you'll find a great tripping partner. Make the best of each trip though.

I found a guy who'd gone to a LLC family cabin for years and was always curious where all those canoes were going.
Took him once, and he loved it. Game for anything or just taking it easy.

db, My "not again guys" are mostly the Passive Aggressive type. They won't take the responsibility of expressing their wants because they want to save the option of complaining if it doesn't work out. So far I've always given these guys a second chance trip. When they start complaining I lay out the options we have from where we are. But they still fail to make any commitment other than following. I just encourage them to do their own trips now. Some might, some won't.

Hey Old Salt
I am still hoping to meet up with you somewhere in the Falls chain. You are coming in on the 22nd and I am leaving on the 23rd. You will be the first to get a trip report on the bushwhack to Gamp lake. Where do you plan to camp your first night?
Jon

Really interesting responses, and seemingly lots of opportunities to follow up.  I plan to do that! 

I'll be at the Bell Composites Canoe booth at Midwest Mountaineering's Outdoor Adventure Expo tomorrow through Sunday.  Any of you Twin Cities guys who are there, stop by and say hello.  MT, I'll expect you'll be there...

Jimbo, you asked about why I wouldn't ask back a few guys who made trips with our group...

One guy was not prepared for this kind of trip.  Nice guy, and he tried hard, but he just never "fit" in.  I think he was overwhelmed and out of his element.

The other guy was simply boring.  Boring because he lacked any kind of curiosity -- about anything.  Never asked anyone about "their story."  Seemed unable or unwilling to have a conversation about anything other than himself.  Boring and kind of sad.

I'm a "people person" and for that reason solo trips aren't for me.  Time spent in canoe country is precious, and I want to share time in camp and in a canoe with people who make the trip more interesting and fun. 

I've got three trips planned this year: June - into Baird (the "guy" trip, the one I've struggled the last few years to fill); July with my daughter, son-in-law, and neice (Ottertrack Lake area), and in August (with my canoeing  partner and two "new" but very experienced guys) paddling the Bloodvein river West to East through the Woodland Caribou Park. 

So I'm not complaining, but I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for meeting and paddling with other folks!   

Mike

mastertangler wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 10:26am:

MT, you have described an ideal set-up. On one trip we had 4 solos and last year we peaked at five paddlers, 5 canoes and 5 tents. Years ago a lover of solo paddling put it this way "Have you ever bicycled on a tandem bike." If you have you understand what he was trying to explain.

Marten wrote on Apr 26^th, 2013 at 3:34pm:

I think the freedom to slow to observe something that has caught your eye or pull into a little bay and sit for a few minutes without putting anyone else out is one of the perks of a solo. This summer looks to be more tandem paddling than solo and that's OK too.

oops.

Puckster wrote on Apr 24^th, 2013 at 9:58pm:

I have been on at least six QJ group trips over the past 9 years which have been started through discussions on this forum.  Some just a day or two meeting out in the Quetico, some for a week start to finish.  On all of them we had a good time, got along, didn't ruffle any feathers and made some new friends.  Haven't found an obnoxious paddler among the group and hope the others didn't find me a "pain in the butt".   
I usually have my own permit and boat and am packed as though I am going solo.  This gives me the opportunity to leave the group if for some reason it isn't working out.

My point was to say I disagree with the tandem bike analogy.

I've only tandem tripped with people I knew something about. And you still never really know until you're into the trip how it's going to turn out.

I wasn't disagreeing with the context of the discussion here, i.e. group soloing.

I'm lucky enough to know several different tandem partners I'd go with anytime again.

No offense Jon but that sounds like the worst trip I could possibly imagine. I'd stop in for an evening or two if invited and possible though.

The only salvageable idea this happy camper saw in there was the chef of the day idea. We would always have each couple/canoe responsible for a meal or two from packing through dessert and washing everyone's dishes. People always did their very best and the only thing we eventually outlawed by majority opinion was couscous n' chickpea based. Freeze dried shrimp didn't go over too well either but that vote would have been unanimous.


FWIW - I was well into in my 40s when I got married. As far as canoe trips go, after spending a years worth of nights in Quetico by that point in my life, I'd call either avoiding disappointment after trying many different things. Hey, when you finally come across a good fit that feels right, why waste time looking for something better? Trips change, as does life. Enjoy the good stuff while you can!

Paddling solo has a certain appeal for me and, who knows, one of these days I might actually do an extended solo trip.  But I’m incredibly lucky.  My paddling partner is my wife.  The 26 day trips we take every summer is the highlight of our year.  We’re to a point where we move together like one.  Whether doing a portage or setting up camp, we don’t have to say a word.  And here’s the best part, she doesn’t like to fish but she loves going fishing with me.  So, wind or calm, I have my own trolling motor in the bow – talk about being spoiled! 
When I was young I crisscrossed Canada and the U.S. travelling and camping (motorcycle – in 6 years near 75 thousand miles.)  While I loved the solitude and the spontaneity of travelling alone, for me at this point, it’s kinda, “been there, done that.” Now I find it a thrill to share my experience with someone who cherishes it as much as I do - that early morning cuppa with the mist rising off the lake or the moon lit late night dram before sacking out.  To be that connected to someone in a place where you feel so open, well, what can I say - she doesn’t walk on water but I could spend eternity with her.   Which is how it feels when we’re in the bush together (in a good way  )  But hey, solo, tandem, that’s why there’s chocolate and vanilla. 

Kerry wrote on Apr 28^th, 2013 at 3:07pm:


  Hey Kerry, you sound like one of my boyhood heros!  

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Kerry.......Oh..M...Gee!! HOW ROMANTIC! 

Confidence of character. I applaud it.

The perfect canoe partner? Sort of tough. I suspect some folk like myself might just be a little to particular. They have a checklist.......
*daylight to dark
*no complaining
*likes to fish
*impervious to bugs
*No smoking
*no foul language
*no constant yackety-schmakety
etc. etc. etc.

I will keep an eye out but I have resigned myself to accepting that the most practical canoe partner is looking back at me in the mirror every morn. But then again my family and friends said I would never get married because I was too fussy.......

As per my soul mate going tripping........until someone figures out how to portage a Kings Down mattress (camel? Elephant?) and can make Deet smell like scented candles and can make sweat feel and smell like jasmine massage oil it's not happening.........."where do we go for dinner"? 

Jim J Solo wrote on Apr 29^th, 2013 at 4:06pm:


Wow, first date on a canoe trip - in October yet.  Talk about going for broke.  Congratulations - when it works, it works.

Quote:


Easy to figure
She used the right "lure" to land her "catch" 

The frequency of my wife's canoe trips has declined over the years.  She has a good excuse -- a broken back years before we met continues to make sleeping on the ground a challenge for her. 

But after I read Kerry's note, she wants to try again.  I'll pack in a super-duper mattress, as thick and cushy one as I can get (make/model suggestions?).  And I'm getting her new rain gear. 

So Kerry, I owe you one.

prouboy

Puckster wrote on May 1^st, 2013 at 2:34am:


From my perspective one of the greatest joys in life is being able to show other people a good time. To have this other person be your spouse puts added significance on the situation.

OK.......if I was in your position Prouboy here is what I would be thinking.......

One day travel in to base camp and then do day trips from there. Since I am only one day in I can bring everything but the sink. Comfy chairs, screened dining tent, one of those "roll up" tables, fresh food, maybe some ice, etc. etc.

As per the mattress? Supremely important. Don't laugh at what I am about to suggest.........this could easily be done. I would look at one of the aero beds. We have one for sleepovers and they are pretty darn comfy. I believe they have battery operated pumps or you get get one of the ATV 12 volt batteries like the one I used for my depth finder. It was small and light enough to take on any base camping excursion.

Check them out.......Aero bed (get the repair kit and do not over inflate) We have had good luck with ours but of course it is set up on carpet. Perhaps you take some foam or carpet to lay down first?

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Wow, a matchmaking thread discussing which bed to use!!
What happened to our family-friendly site?

All,
I live so far away that 'Copia has never been a possibility. I would have liked to have gone and met some of you people. I've certainly read enough of your posts over the years. 

Well, in the spirit of this thread...here goes.
Just read this entire thread, with great enjoyment. And irony. I just turned 60, and all my usual partners are no-go this year. Sons have obligations, buddies have obligations or health issues. I have dithered back & forth about going on another solo - I like it but also like the laughter/sharing of a group. Wife is not enthusiastic about the solo trip either; she won't veto the idea but she's understandably concerned about the safety factor.
I have a solo boat and would consider joining a group of tandem paddlers or group solo, but I need to go in July or August. Old Salt's Kawnipi rendezvous sounded good until I saw it was in June.
I could probably do just about any length up to 14 days. I'm not up for 30 miles and 15 portages a day, but I'm in good enough shape to paddle/portage every day. I can shut up or converse as needed, no offense taken. I can tolerate just about anything but whining. I don't require the choice tentsite. I have my own gear. I don't smoke but don't care if you do. I have been known to have an evening beverage or two. I refuse to debate politics or religion, but will talk sports as long as you like. I like photography. My fishing ability is pretty much limited to hooking the really dumb fish, but I do enjoy it. Never been to B-Dub, but been to Quetico via Prairie Portage at least a dozen times. If anyone out there is receptive to the possibility of a July or August trip with a new paddling partner, shoot me a PM and we'll maybe work something out.

Well, now I know how it must feel to go on one of those singles match-making sites.
WiF
(Ken)

I've been taking trips into Quetico once or twice a year since 1981. As the years pass, I've found it harder and harder to put a group together from my group of friends, co-workers and business associates. Rarely do I have a group that wants to go as deep into the park as I do, fish as hard as I do, etc. More often than not I end up feeling like a unpaid guide on my trips instead of getting the full enjoyment out of them. My group this year started out as a group of 6 and now we're down to two as people cancel for various reasons. A forum that facilitates the forming of groups with like interests and abilities would be welcome.

Prouboy,

Regarding your mattress inquiry....outside of going with a regular 'air mattress' as MT suggested....and that may work for you, the best I've found are the Big Agnes pads.  The Q-Core is 3.5 inches thick and can be had in 20 or 25 inch width, with the 25 only in a 78 inch long version.  They are NOT cheap, but you can shop around.  REI members often get 20% a full priced item and that can significantly reduce the cost, and you can't beat the return policy if it doesn't work out.  Do what you can to try whatever you get out locally before hitting the trail with it.  Maybe you have some close friends that can loan you different styles to try before you buy too?  If you go with the 'big boy', you might look for a hand pump....aka extra large bike tire pump style...lighter than that battery of MT's. 

pd

db, are you sure you wanted to move that mattress post to here, in matchmaking? Or was that one of those things that happer when you post at 3 am?

(I can sort of see the connection, but ...)

Thanks Sunny!  I'll definitely check it out.

prouboy