|
Post by Kawishiway on Apr 20, 2005 23:26:31 GMT -5
Can I ask if any of you have fond or miserable memories of your first bwca/quetico trip.
Thanks in advance for any honest and sincere replies.
k
|
|
|
Post by arkansasman on Apr 21, 2005 9:46:18 GMT -5
My first trip was part of a church group with 6 guys from the Minnesota/Wisconsin Southern Baptist Convention who would do yearly guided trips... and another guy from my church. We drove the 1100 miles to paddle the BWCA. And I fell in love with it... I went primarily for fishing, and this old southern boy caught a lot of walleyes for us to eat... even outfished some of those Minnesota guys that fish for them all the time... But, even though we only went to Lake Hudson, I was hooked... that was in 2001... I did not get to go back until 2003... but I started accumulating gear, and on my next trip in 03' I bought a Souris River Q 18.5... and I have been going each year... and this year I am getting to take my new family and introduce them to the wonder that is the BWCA... Perhaps the most relevant thing about the whole experience I have had there is the fact that when I am there... I feel at home...
Bruce
|
|
Bannock
Wilderness Traveler
Posts: 56
|
Post by Bannock on Apr 21, 2005 11:55:40 GMT -5
My first trip was in mid June. It rained everyday for the week. We spent two days wind bound. It was one of the greatest times I've ever had!
|
|
|
Post by Fishguts on Apr 21, 2005 17:21:23 GMT -5
The first trip I took when I was 14...1963. Was wonderful.....14 days in the Boundry Waters before fire grates etc. every trip since has been great too...We switched to Quetico in 93.
|
|
|
Post by bogwlkr on Apr 22, 2005 8:23:42 GMT -5
First trip was in 1975 going in on Seagull Lake with a couple of college friends. We had 2 old aluminum canoes and all the wrong gear stuffed into day packs and garbage bags. Guess everyone knew we were rookies! I learned a lot and vowed never to look that green again when I went. It took 20 years before I went for my second trip.
|
|
|
Post by Jimbo on Apr 22, 2005 20:13:41 GMT -5
August, 1990. Three newbies in a tandem canoe, "towing" a zigzagging solo canoe filled with packs, paddling our bentshaft paddles - backwards - like madmen towards the nearest shoreline when our solo got zapped by lightning.... Jimbo
|
|
|
Post by Kawishiway on Apr 26, 2005 22:56:38 GMT -5
August, 1990. Three newbies in a tandem canoe, "towing" a zigzagging solo canoe filled with packs, paddling our bentshaft paddles - backwards - like madmen towards the nearest shoreline when our solo got zapped by lightning.... Jimbo Hence the name [glow=red,2,300][/glow] My first trip was with a little Lady back in July 96. It took all we had to make it from Kawishiwi Lodge to Lake Three. We made a tremendous amount of mistakes on that trip. As many others have, at the time, severely doubted our own ablities, but we learned and returned. We left late...thinking we had an early start (9:30 AM), got lost on Lake One, Nearly drowned at the first portage by taking a swim learning to carry the gear bag the hard way from the canoe to the landing, became wind bound on Lake Three, Traveling the border of the lake by foot, yes, up and down on the boulders I slipped as I towed the canoe by hand and rope. Felt tremendous fear the first time I ever saw a food bag hanging in the air. Looking for a campsite, learning the hard way... that on a windy day people stay put or take a site early. Some how Heaven shined on us and we found a campsite vacant. It wasn't untill after we had the tent up that it was the site we had attended to reach, that had been suggested by Harry Homer of Kawsihiwi Lodge, between Lake Three and Four. You can find an awsome pic of this site in your 2005 Boundary Waters and Quetico calander. The shot was taken by Gary Hammer. The month is February. I recognize those rocks, those trees, that Island across the water. That very tent site. Of all places in the woods. That is home for me. If you are reading Beavers, take your lady friend there. Beautiful Sunsets, a nice breeze, a good tree to hang your bag (make sure you have 50 feet of rope..it's up there) and good fishing. Back in the day. I've learned to solo over the last few years and have found new homes and memories in the woods. As another has said, Solo is addicting. New friends, new mistakes...what a learning curve it has been. k
|
|
Beavers
Wilderness Traveler
Posts: 71
|
Post by Beavers on Apr 27, 2005 0:09:00 GMT -5
I don't have to think back too far to remember my first trip, it was only last Sept. I know we packed way too much stuff and covered too much ground too fast. We missed alot of the beauty being in such a hurry to get to where we were going. So, from now on I will slow down and just enjoy being there. ;D I could not imagine how much steeper the learning curve would be without places like this. Places where people share their knowledge and experience with others. I only wish I could have discovered the BW/Q sooner and I can't wait until I also have the chance to pass down what I have learned to other newbies.
|
|