I don’t really like the concept of ‘bucket list’ trips, due to the idea that it might be a trip one takes once in a lifetime. Most of the trips I have taken are trips I would gladly repeat if the opportunity arose. My Alaska Highway road trip is one I count as a trip I would enjoy repeating. Yet I know that life can be short and those opportunities don’t always come along. This discussion isn’t limited to the BW/Q, but can include any trip anywhere you would like to go, if not unduly constrained by time and money.

A trip I am planning for next year is another example. A couple of board members and I, along with some family members are dialing in on a trip to the Wood River Lakes Area of Wood-Tikchik State Park in SW Alaska. We will paddle and fish for salmon, trout, and grayling for 10 days.

Since we are approaching the end of winter and planning and dreaming season, what is on your bucket list? Where would you like to go, if you can?

TomT- I've been to a lot of National Parks and Glacier just may be my favorite!

One piece of sad news, if you didn't hear--last year's fire claimed the Sperry Chalet.  They're hoping to be able to rebuild, so stay tuned to park info on that.

I did do the hike from Logan Pass out to the Granite Park Chalet, which is awesome! I then went up and over the Swiftcurrent pass and down to Many Glacier. Great great hike!

Since I'm on the topic of National Parks, Denali is my bucket list park.

I'd have to think about my bucket list for canoe tripping. There's still a lot of northern Minnesota / southern Ontario yet to explore! 

There is an area in northwestern WCPP south of the Bloodvein River that keeps coming to my mind. I have been through the route twice in the last 10 years but never slowed down enough to explore the lakes. The lakes have no names and no sign of any lost portages. In fact the only sign of man in the area was an old tea pail from 50 years ago at a 5 star camp that had never seen use after that stop to boil up some tea.

I have the route in my gps so now its time to linger a while. I may even take a fishing pole!! A lot of nice lakes between Craven and Walkingstick.

BillConner wrote on Mar 21^st, 2018 at 7:11am:


My brother & I have eyeballed this as a trip possibility, too.  I did the Allagash Waterway segment about 40 years ago.  It's well worth the effort!  Also, for you "whitefish" fisherman, the lakes in Maine would be heaven for you guys!  Might shoot for doing the whole Trail next time... except for a spot called Chase Rapids.  I'm getting too old to go through there, again.  It nearly wiped out my party the last time!  Anyway, rangers will portage your gear around that section, if you prefer (and, next time, I WILL prefer!).

Not sure what my "bucket list" trip might be.  Maybe the Bloodvein River.  Maybe just above Selwyn Lake in the NW Territories... there's a section there I'd love to get back to.  Also, there was an area in Opasquia Park that I'd like to explore a little more.

So many lakes, so little time!

Later,

Jimbo   

BillConner wrote on Mar 22^nd, 2018 at 6:40am:


Well, Bill, you can keep cost down somewhat if you’re willing to use the heavy-ass canoes available through the only resort that exists up there.   When MagicPaddler, DentonDoc & I  travelled there a few years ago, there were only three canoes ... & one of those had a major crack in it!   The park itself is vast & pristine, with only  very occasional sign of First Nation or maybe a very remote resort cabin.  Portages and campsites are, at best, problematic. Fishing for walleye and northerns is probably unmatched.  Wildlife spotting opportunities are extremely good.

It’s a lot of work but, yeah, I’m pretty sure I'll go back... especially to one or two particular spots!

Jimbo.