Re: [Paddlewise] Boundary Waters Region

The maps have gotten a lot better, the mosquitos, black flies, etc haven't.  

Generally, if you go after mid June/early July the bugs aren't bad during
the day.  In late July we generally did not even use bug dope on the water.
 Some of the portages can be bad for bugs and make sure you relieve your
self and are inside a tent with good bug screens by dusk.  If you can't
make it through the nite without a pee break a jar is recommended.  One
evening I counted over 100 mosquitoes on the tent screen.

We found that the maps now are so good that we didn't even really use the
compass until we got lost.  As long as you keep track of what lake you are
on, you can generally keep very good track of your position by campsites
and other landmarks.  I took a group of Scouts up and we let the Scouts
navigate.  We got lost once all week when I told my (then) 14 year old son
that he was wrong about where we were.  He wasn't and it took four hours in
the rain to fix the error.

The scenery, animals, and fishing make it well worth the few welts.  I
remember the loons and moose far more than the bugs.  My son seems to
remember chasing the bear out of camp, and me getting them lost.

At 04:10 PM 04-24-2000 -0700, Nick Von Robison wrote:
>
>
>Mark and Bob,
>
>I went on a week long canoe trip with my Dad, brother, and Uncle into the
BWCA
>when I was about 14 or so, and though details are fuzzy now, I do remember
that
>we were hopelessly confused most of the time as to what lake we were on
and where
>we were exactly (many of the lakes didn't have names).  Nothing serious,
and I
>don't know if the map was faulty or the adults navigation.  I think a GPS
would
>be a good investment for your trip.  Also, gloves and a mosquito net for the
>head.  Most of all, I remember dreading going to the powder room and
exposing my
>backside to thousands of biting insects.
>
>-Nick
>
>
>
>
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