Jordan Independent - canoe - Comments

I talked to Brandon

Mathias Baden — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:16:15 -0500

I talked to Brandon yesterday. He said he was leaving at 4:30 a.m. today for the trip. Read more about it in his column, which is on page 4 of today's print edition.

(Mathias Baden is the editor of the Jordan Independent. He can be reached at editor@jordannews.com.)

My goal last night was to

Brandon — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:47:24 -0500

My goal last night was to get my car cleaned out for the trip. That did not happen, so I’ll be working on it later this afternoon. That’s probably my least favorite part of any trip.

When it comes to canoeing

Tom Schardin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 13:14:41 -0600

When it comes to canoeing semi-dangerous waters, I have no sense of adventure and probably never will.

The Apple River may be too rough for me.

Thanks for the tips! I’m

Brandon — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:11:20 -0600

Thanks for the tips!

I’m also a big fan of Campmor, and I’ve already ordered a few things out of their catalogue (including my first-ever pair of convertible pants). And I’m looking at a bunch of Duluth-style packs right now, trying to decide if I should spend the money on them.

I’m worried about not bringing a nice camera for all the reasons you mentioned, Jan, but I’m also worried about it getting wet. I’ve still got to make up my mind on that issue.

As far as clean, dry clothes for the ride home, that’s great advice. I think my friends and I are planning a triumphant night out on the town (probably stopping at a nice restaurant on our way home) after we make it through alive. I’ll be sure to have more than a vest and swim trunks to wear.

My husband also recommends

steinie — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:30:26 -0600

My husband also recommends leaving a clean and dry set of clothes locked in your vehicle - to wear home. My husband's friend learned that the hard way, last June, when everything they wore in and carried into the BWCA became rain-soaked. Friend hadn't remembered to leave clothes in the truck - ended up wearing a sleeveless fishing vest and swim trunks all the way home from Ely.

My husband is a 25-year BWCA

steinie — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:27:04 -0600

My husband is a 25-year BWCA "veteran," and my son has traveled with him the past two years. Just when I think they have all the BWCA gear they need, another visit to Cabela's - or an order through Campmor (www.campmor.com) occurs. Through Campmor's catalog, he has found great deals on surplus items and "must-haves" like a new tent and a decent sleeping bag for our growing son. But don't buy a lot because you'll pack "too heavy." I hear my husband tell that to other campers all the time. If it doesn't fit into your pack then don't take it. In fact, I tried to pack 3 pair of underwear for my then-9-year-old son and a plastic bottle of Children's Tylenol. Husband removed 2 of the undies from the pack (said that was 2 too many!) and made me exchange the medicine bottle for a SMALL packet of chewables, just in case. Regarding the camera, he would tell you, especially on your first visit, to leave the expensive camera at home and bring a disposable. And don't forget to prepare for the black flies!

I have been to boundary many

Jan — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:46:05 -0600

I have been to boundary many times and loved each and every experience. Wet clothes and dry clothes or one to wear and one to carry. We have always used duluth packs (provided by the outfitters) But I am slowly trying to outfit myself. I will definately try the website from the last comment. In the past I have carried the disposable cameras, but I am not always happy with the photos. I took a chance with my digital camera last year and had great luck. I purchased a dry bag from REI and it worked like a charm. I did take extra care even with the bag to keep the camera out of water, but went waist deep a couple of times and the camera stayed dry. I loved that I could zoom in on the eagle in the tree. And I got a great close up of a moose which was about a half block away. I could never have taken these with the disposable. We usually try to go in August. We have not used mosquito repelant yet and the flys are not bad either since the air is getting cooler.