25 Lake Superior (Read 22983 times)
Jim J Solo
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Lake Superior
Aug 8th, 2013 at 2:09pm
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Just returned from Hattie Cove to Wawa trip. Very remote, tough conditions, beautiful place, 4 sea kayaks. Bruce Lash was our guide, we were lucky to have him. Learned a lot.

More later.
  
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Jim J Solo
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #1 - Aug 15th, 2013 at 3:22pm
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Not really doing a trip report but relaying some interesting things I picked up from the trip.

I was hesitant to ever use a guided trip service as anyone who's ever done it DIY. But after I did my 1st river white water trip with one cause I was failing to recruit any interest from follow paddlers I've never been disappointed with a guided trip. The extra experiences and learning has never failed to expand my knowledge and skills.

The guides all seem to know each other and we were talking about trips, guides, and places to paddle when something interesting caught my ear. One of the major arctic guiding companies use to offer a Pukaskwa to Wawa trip and it wasn't popular enough to continue cause the guide said most of the clients were "trophy paddlers". But it was a great trip to do. I've done some trophy trips myself and the comment made for some amusing reflections. Not a bad thing, and I hope everyone gets to do their trophy trip someday. But good trips don't have to be that exclusive.

There was another comment about accidents. Somewhere the guide had picked up that there were 3 things that were common in fatal accidents; schedule to keep, wanting to prove something to oneself or others, and having survived a near fatal accident in ones past. I thought it was interesting to ponder and share.
  
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solotripper
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #2 - Aug 15th, 2013 at 5:12pm
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Somewhere the guide had picked up that there were 3 things that were common in fatal accidents; schedule to keep, wanting to prove something to oneself or others, and having survived a near fatal accident in ones past. I thought it was interesting to ponder and share.


That's why IMHO  a seasoned paddler(s) have a plan B and allow for unplanned layover days for whatever the reason.
Group paddlers probably get caught up into the something to prove trap, especcialy if their new to tripping or feel their holding others back ( peer pressure).
Surviving one near death experince sure doesn't gaurantee it won't happen again.
I beleive we have someone on the QJ that has had a run in with lightning more than one time, and you know what they say about it never striking twice. Wink Grin
  
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Jim J Solo
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #3 - Aug 15th, 2013 at 8:25pm
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ST, I think the near fatal escape in ones background meant it lead them to believe they'd ecape again, and they were willing to put themselves at risk.

This was only in reviewing the background of fatal accidents. Some of us would learn our lesson and be more careful next time.
  
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db
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #4 - Aug 15th, 2013 at 9:09pm
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JJ - I think I know what you mean by "trophy paddlers" but I've been going to the same place for years so ... maybe not.

On the accident learning curve I totally agree and I love to see that concept thrown out for consideration. I'm sure we've all thanked out lucky stars on occasion but tempting fate isn't always healthy. It's a judgement call. Local, personal experience is why guides can charge strangers money for something they'd probably do for free if they could afford to.

The words "oh crap" being uttered for a second time probably surpass the embarrassment factor and may have also passed the sell by date.

Helmets are something, not unlike PFD's, to be avoided unless they are as comfortable and germane as seat belts IMO.
  
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Jim J Solo
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #5 - Aug 16th, 2013 at 1:24pm
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db wrote on Aug 15th, 2013 at 9:09pm:
JJ - I think I know what you mean by "trophy paddlers" but I've been going to the same place for years so ... maybe not.


I think you just know what you like and are happy with that. It's all relative, to some Q is a trophy, or soloing someday. I'm always excited to meet a well traveled paddler and ask what one trip they do again besides all the rest. There's also some curious social dynamics some assume based on what they've done or where they've gone. The whitewater tales, travels, or the races.


db wrote on Aug 15th, 2013 at 9:09pm:
Local, personal experience is why guides can charge strangers money for something they'd probably do for free if they could afford to.


For me it's also the benefit of getting schooled by instructor level paddlers as we go, i.e. whitewater river tripping or kayaking, rolling, and sea conditions.
  
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Jim J Solo
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #6 - Aug 16th, 2013 at 1:41pm
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Maybe here's where I can replay a incounter that troubled me. I was sitting in on a Canoecopia session about Lake Superior. The speaker was telling of a tandem kayak that needed rescued after attempting an 11 mile crossing to an island. It happened that the couple was in the hall. The thing that got me was that they seemed proud of what happened and spoke with authority,,,,it was their 15 mins of fame. It had taken 3 hours to find them and if they hadn't been as heavy as they were they probably wouldn't be here. No humility at all and he kept interjecting comments during the talk as if he were the speaker. When he finally added with absolute authority that you couldn't bring Bear Spray into Canada I had to say "Yes You Can".

I think this guys going to tempt fate again. The attention he got far out weighted anything else about his experience.
  
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solotripper
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #7 - Aug 18th, 2013 at 5:24pm
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I think this guys going to tempt fate again. The attention he got far out weighted anything else about his experience.


Sadly we now live in 15 minutes of fame world, good or bad, it doesn't seem to matter.
The old saying about as long as they're talking about ME, it's good, seems to be the norm nowadays.
If someone wants to tempt fate after a near death experince, that's their privielge.
Problem is others may think their "experts" and get themselves in a situation they might not survive.
I guess eating humble pie isn't on the menu of life for some.
  
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Jim J Solo
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #8 - Aug 19th, 2013 at 1:50pm
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What makes people exaggerate about their paddling ability so much. Martha & I still laugh about our outfitter going into his rant about people over stating their kayaking abilities and practiced safety drills. He ends up having to rescue them and it's obvious they've never done the T-Rescue.

"They All Lie. They All Lie."  Grin Grin

I'm OK with saying I'm getting uncomfortable, and do. Did it several days on our last trip. I'm OK with pushing my comfort zone as long as I let'm know it's being pushed. That goes for WW river trips too. This is where I get to grow some as a paddler. Once one person says they're uncomfortable seems others will speak up more honestly too.
  
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solotripper
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Re: Lake Superior
Reply #9 - Aug 19th, 2013 at 3:48pm
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Once one person says they're uncomfortable seems others will speak up more honestly too.


I think that's true in almost all group situations.
Men are usually the worst at admitting their in over their heads.

Ever notice that if someone that others look up too admits to being uncomfortable with a situation, others are more likely to speak up as well.
Anyone that tell you they fear nothing are the ones YOU should fear when bad things happen. Wink

A little fear tempered by experience keeps you safe.
  
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