Boundary Waters, Trip Reports, BWCA, Stories

1st Solo
by ISRO

Trip Type: Paddling Canoe
Entry Date: 09/07/2023
Entry & Exit Point: Quetico
Number of Days: 5
Group Size: 1
Trip Introduction:
Having been to the Q and BWCA in tandems before and traveling with a partner I got the itch to solo last fall and scratched that itch with a Northstar Magic and here is how my first true solo went.
Day 1 of 5
Thursday, September 07, 2023.

PP- Man Chain - Falls Chain - McEwen Chain - Louisa - Sunday Bay - PP

Got my tow with Canoe Country Outfitters and they always provide great ontime service as I arrived at PP at 7:35 to check in with Jason when he opened at 7:45. Visited with him and a couple going into Agnes for a little bit then shoved off at 8:15 AM wtih a first night destination of Other Man Lake.

Had a slight head wind all day as I traveled up Birch-Carp- High Man lake portage which were small and not used often as it was evident. The scenery was beautiful with the high bluffs but the entire Man chain seemed to blend together as it reminded me of Kekekabic in a smaller package with the topography.

My plan was to travel no more than 8 hours per day and I initially planned on stopping on Other Man lake for my first night. Well I passed that sight at the 6:30 hr mark and kept on paddling eventually landing at Bell lake for the night.