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Listening Point - General Discussion

What I've learned/acquired at BWCA.com:

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Last Visit: 05/22/2013 01:02AM
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missmolly

05/07/2012 10:26AM

Camp chairs! I never imagined such a thing, but after reading about them here, I bought a couple and they're great.

A tarp. Again, I never imagined having a tarp on a canoe trip, but I have one now. I won't always use it, but I'll take it on some trips.

Plastics for smallmouth. I still haven't had much success with them, but I'm open to them now and will try them again this summer.

A couple canoeing buddies, one for this summer and one for next.

A better sense of the myriad canoes available, plus the impetus to buy a new canoe and go Kevlar.

How about you? What have you learned/acquired here?

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tnvol

05/07/2012 11:40AM

Well a picture is worth a thousand words to me and all of the pics of gear being used in a trip or at a campsite helped me immensly. Learned a lot about how to do a lake trip vs. the local river trips I was accustomed to. I've brought alot of it back home. Specifically portage packs instead of my hiking backpacks and the right way to portage.

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apugarcia

05/07/2012 11:42AM

My two favorite tips that I've learned are basketball nets for anchors, and a French press for coffee.

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mc2mens

05/07/2012 11:53AM

too much to list all in one post...

"Big fish eat little fish."

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Spartan2

05/07/2012 11:57AM

I think I have picked up many little tips and some good information. But you can do that on any website.

The value of bwca.com for me is in learning that you can actually form relationships with people you meet online. They will support you in times of crisis, pray for you when you need prayers, give you advice when you ask for it (and sometimes when you don't), give you a pat on the back when you deserve it, correct you when you are mistaken (usually quite politely, but not always), offer to loan you gear, take a trip with you, give you a ride or a place to stay. . . .and just generally care for you. Sincerely care for you.

That's a friend, isn't it? I have friends on the Internet.

To someone who is in their twenties, that probably doesn't seem odd at all, but to a conservatively-raised small-town woman in her mid-60's, that concept is, on many levels, quite remarkable.

I have friends here. That's what I've learned. And that knowledge is pure gold.

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BWPaddler

05/07/2012 11:59AM

- that there are other fanatics like meeeeeeee!
- that there are other good tents besides Timberlines
- concept of a ditch kit
- various safety scenarios
- it's OK to be a full time "innie", I'm in good company

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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Jackfish

Moderator

05/07/2012 12:10PM

quote apugarcia: "... basketball nets for anchors..."
That's a big one, but also lots of recipes and route/lake advice. Also several gear threads have been helpful.

But it's hard to top interacting with a bunch of canoeing fanatics.

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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cinna

05/07/2012 12:10PM

Spartan 2........nice reply and I agree. I'm new to the forum, but feel like I'm making productive contacts and have learned a TON.

BTW...what's an "inne" ?

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Jackfish

Moderator

05/07/2012 12:17PM

quote cinna: "BTW...what's an "inne" ?"
Innie = a tent's "ground cloth" used inside the tent

Outtie = a tent's "ground cloth" used under the tent.

There are arguments both ways to which one is better. An "outtie" protects the underside of the tent's floor, keeping it clean and, in theory, protecting it from sharp objects, all while keeping water from leaching up through the floor fabric. The bad part about an outtie is if the ground cloth sticks out from under the tent, it can act like a rain catcher and trap water under your tent.

An "innie" is the same plastic (or whatever material) sheet that is normally placed under the tent, but it's placed inside the tent after the tent is erected. It acts like the last layer of protection if water leaches into the tent through the floor. The bad part here is you're resigned to the fact that water is going to get in the tent in the first place.

IMO, the only true method is to use both, but arguments can go both ways.

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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Spartan2

05/07/2012 12:21PM

Welcome to our crazy group, cinna! In no time you will feel like you fit in.

"innie" vs. "outie" is the constant debate about whether to put your plastic protective sheet underneath the tent or inside on the floor. People have definite preferences, and some odd folks like us even do both! LOL!

Oops. I see Jackfish beat me to the answer.

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arctic

05/07/2012 12:39PM

To be honest, I haven't learned much more about the art of canoe tripping, but have gained a real appreciation for the wide variety of folks here who love the canoe country and canoe tripping. That's why I check out this site more than any other.

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strom2127

05/07/2012 12:48PM

I was an avid backpacker before, but completely green to the concept of canoe tripping. While there are lots of similarities, it is surprising how many differences there are. This site has been invaluable to my crossover.

"Once more unto the breach dear friends, once more."

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Sierra1

05/07/2012 12:51PM

I've learned about stoves, tarps, blue barrels, coffee presses and a bunch of other stuff. I just have to keep from going broke buying new gear....

Watch out for that rock!!!........ Oooo.... That's going to leave a mark...

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maxxbhp

05/07/2012 01:19PM

quote mc2mens: "too much to list all in one post..."
It would be faster for me to list the 4 or 5 things I didn't learn here

"Old Nashville still has a song and dance, and the Florida girls still wear no underpants. And we all get drunk at the football game, yeh the new south, thank God is still the same" Hank Williams, jr

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yellowcanoe

05/07/2012 01:27PM

This is probably the one board with the greatest concentration of wilderness trippers compared to other forums

And gearheads! Now I won't look at a piece of gear unless I find recommendations here.

And I am always on the lookout for new menu ideas. And I do find them here.

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Thwarted

05/07/2012 02:39PM

1) Sawyer water filters
2) How to keep and spell leeches
3) be careful how you word a post (please don't be upset)
4) blue barrels for stashing vs. hanging (always a pain)
5) how to keep food cold
6) where to go (including places I don't care to go)
7) tons of laughs
8) many others also wet foot with wool socks and running shoes
9) portage etiquette
10)The boats with flying moose stickers hold friendly people :)

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PineKnot

05/07/2012 03:11PM

Lots of info on fishing spots, lures and portages. Using an empty plastic gallon milk jug tied to the bow for a water container at camp, coffee in a tea filter for morning brews, foam piping on the gunnels to minimize leg scrapes during long paddles, a canvas remnant to keep fillets cool during the day.

Oh, and something about green poop! LMAO!

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are -- Teddy Roosevelt

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BWPaddler

05/07/2012 03:19PM

quote PineKnot: "Oh, and something about green poop! LMAO! "
+1, yep - never would have known about that otherwise!

Wherever there is a channel for water, there is a road for the canoe. -Thoreau

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bhouse46

05/07/2012 03:32PM

Several tips on gear and places to go, etc. Most important is the capacity to share stories that trigger memories of BWCA/Quetico alive all year long and sharing those with others even though there is not campfire to sit around. Might be some of that camp coffee additive from time to time.
Also meeting people and looking forward to meeting more. Thanks all.

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Basspro69

05/07/2012 03:54PM

That theres some really amazing people here, and some of the things people have done for each other on this site reinforces my hope for humanity .

" I want to know Gods thoughts , The rest are details " Albert Einstein.

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OneMatch

05/07/2012 04:19PM

LIke Spartan2 and others: friends. Some incredibly special ones. Love that most of all.

We all have to believe in something. I believe I'll go paddle.

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Jackfish

Moderator

05/07/2012 04:31PM

quote OneMatch: "LIke Spartan2 and others: friends. Some incredibly special ones. Love that most of all."
What Jerry said. :)

It's only a spot on the map... until you go there.

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missmolly

05/07/2012 04:52PM

I'm considering a smaller tackle box, but on some days, I lose half as many lures as some of you carry.

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CORIOLIS

05/07/2012 04:53PM

The most important acquisition for me is the Family of fanitics so much like me that I have become a part of at this site. You're all my brothers and sisters.

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butthead

05/07/2012 04:56PM

a whole bunch of great friends! And solo paddling is much more popular than I ever thought.

butthead

“There is more stupidity than hydrogen in the universe, and it has a longer shelf life.” ? Frank Zappa

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nctry

05/07/2012 05:24PM

It's fun to get others thoughts before a big purchase.

One example:

Without others input I'd of bought the gravity filter that clogs more and with input I got one that can be back flushed to last longer.

And another plus to Spartan 2's post. It was very cool to have warm thoughts conveyed while going through the passing of my dad. And it's rewarding to me to be able to do the same to others.

Gear is gear and has a dollar value... Friendships like we have here are priceless.

Gonna miss the computer and this site when I'm gone so much.

Nctry Ben

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gutmon

05/07/2012 05:26PM

Moderation works.

"The trouble with the world isn't that people know too little, but that they know so much that just ain't so." Mark Twain

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kanoes

05/07/2012 05:55PM

to appreciate better beer. (thanks barley and kurps)

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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billconner

05/07/2012 06:30PM

That there may be a need for a BWCAW seven step program.

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kanoes

05/07/2012 07:04PM

ive acquired friends here who like to trip like i do, none of my friends around home are willing.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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RaisedByBears99

05/07/2012 07:26PM

quote BWPaddler: "- that there are other fanatics like meeeeeeee!

- it's OK to be a full time "innie", I'm in good company"

DITTO - Especially the first!

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GeoFisher

05/07/2012 07:33PM

The single best piece of gear I've ever taken is a Drift Sock.

WOW. I never knew what I was missing.

I also now take a lantern and a tarp. Things that rarely went 10 years ago. AND I now take some type of oven....either my Omnia or a reflector.

Speaking of my Omnia oven, check this out.

Wonder Pot

Later,

Geo

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Arkansas Man

Moderator

05/07/2012 07:44PM

The special people I have been able to meet from this board has been a lot of fun! Adam, the Spartans 1&2, Satchmoa, Brad (Mooseplums), set-the-hook, paddlefasterpastorand more!! I am lookin, to try and meet more, this summer. It is difficult when you live so far away from the Wing nights.

Bruce

Good Paddling, Great Fishing, and God Bless All...

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kanoes

05/07/2012 07:52PM

quote Arkansas Man: "The special people I have been able to meet from this board has been a lot of fun! Adam, the Spartans 1&2, Satchmoa, Brad (Mooseplums), set-the-hook, paddlefasterpastorand more!! I am lookin, to try and meet more, this summer. It is difficult when you live so far away from the Wing nights.

Bruce"
remember, let me know when youll be coming thru.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

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msray53

05/07/2012 08:41PM

While I've learned much from the experiences and advice from everyone, what is special about this group is the shared passion and appreciation for this magnificent paddling wonderland.

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Jeriatric

05/07/2012 09:56PM

Drift chute
Sitbacker
How to troll from a canoe
Sharing of solo anxieties
Many thoughts on equipment that helped me narrow my choices
Commiserating on aging
Sharing the loss of Gus, my dog

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BearBrown

05/08/2012 04:36AM

Canoe language and anatomy of canoes. Things like yoke, thwart, gunwales, trim, bow, stern, waterline, rocker, j stroke, c stroke, painter lines, hull, hull matsrials like kevlar, graphite, fiberglass, royalex, aluminum, wood and canvas, woodstrip. And so on and so on.

Tons about gear whether that be footwear, tarps, packs, tents, water filters or canoes and paddles.

Lots about tripping, how to trip, what to pack, where to go. Ive especially learned how to plan and route trips and am much better at figuring out where i can reasonably expect to make it on a day to day basis.

Richard "Bear" Brown----- "I would rather give someone one photograph they can't live without than one hundred they can live with." anonymous

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billconner

05/08/2012 06:32AM

quote GeoFisher: "The single best piece of gear I've ever taken is a Drift Sock.

WOW. I never knew what I was missing.

I also now take a lantern and a tarp. Things that rarely went 10 years ago. AND I now take some type of oven....either my Omnia or a reflector.

Speaking of my Omnia oven, check this out.

Wonder Pot

Later,

Geo"
Who knew that JMO's had been around since 1950's and invented in Israel? And with Jello roots from mid 1800's, I guess it took 100 years to figure it out.

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missmolly

05/08/2012 08:33AM

quote Jeriatric: "Drift chute
Sitbacker
How to troll from a canoe
Sharing of solo anxieties
Many thoughts on equipment that helped me narrow my choices
Commiserating on aging
Sharing the loss of Gus, my dog"
Yeah, it was cool to talk freely about growing old, wasn't it?

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shoreviewswede

05/08/2012 08:34AM

A whole lot... but I'll list 3:
--Gamma Lid on 5-gal pail
--Voyageur Dip
--Tyvek for tarps.

Be Nice -Swede

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ekffazr

05/08/2012 01:36PM

bungee deely bobs

He, who would give up freedom for security, then neither deserves nor will receive either. -- Ben Franklin

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mooseplums

05/08/2012 09:32PM

quote butthead: " a whole bunch of great friends! And solo paddling is much more popular than I ever thought.

butthead"

+1..... and picked up a few new ideas too

"I am haunted by waters"~Norman Maclean "A River Runs Through It"

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dicecupmaker

05/09/2012 04:25AM

More than one tarp (Tyvek)
BB net for an anchor
got some great,used gear from ewes people

Joy is a great teacher, but so is dispair. Wonder is a great teacher, but so is confusion. Hope is a great teacher, but so is disillusionment. And life is a great teacher, but so is death. To deny yourself any of those in any aspect is not experiencing life totally.

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