Re: [Paddlewise] Boundary Waters or Voyageurs NP

From: Patrick Maun <patrick_at_patrickmaun.com>
Date: Thu, 13 May 2004 15:07:19 -0500
I've paddled up in Voyageurs a couple times and have done several 
canoe trips in the BWCA. I would advise against the BWCA with a kayak 
unless you really feel like portaging. While there are several larger 
lakes, these are generally motorized lakes and so will be busier than 
the quieter lakes. I also feel that part of the BWCA "experience" is 
the portaging and the small empty lakes 10 portages in. While you can 
get some great portage rigs for kayaks, don't forget you have to load 
and unload that boat - over and over again.

VNP offers some great paddling and has more of that big water 
experience. Which is great, unless the weather is rough and you 
really get that big water experience. Rainy Lake is huge so when the 
wind is blowing you can get some big waves. While there is boat 
traffic, it tends to be either small fishing boats or huge 
houseboats. I've even paddled there on 4th of July weekend and 
haven't had too much trouble finding a camping space. Plus, there are 
plenty of sites where water is shallow enough that a kayak or canoe 
is going to be the only thing to get to them.

There are also some great hikes in Voyageurs. You can plan your trip 
so that you can get a few good half-day or day hikes in which I'd 
highly recommend.

Bring a bug shirt (http://www.bugshirt.com is a great brand) or 
plenty of bug dope. While September isn't peak bug season, unless you 
get a good freeze they are going to be out.

If you'd like some more specific routes let me know and I can mail 
you some maps.

-Patrick


At 8:38 PM -0400 5/12/04, Steve McBride wrote:
>
>Hi,
>
>I'm contemplating a kayak trip in BWCA or Voyageurs in the fall (September).
>I'm looking at the larger lakes where a kayak may be more suitable than a
>canoe. Has anyone on the list been there and have any recommendations?
>
>Thanks in advance,
>
>Steve M
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Received on Thu May 13 2004 - 13:07:40 PDT

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