Solo expedition build

[Guest]

Sorry for not responding to more directly but I've been quite busy. I'm ready for bed but still have some more cooking to finish up before loading the dehydrator tonight. I suppose I should eat some supper too.....

Plenty of time to order doohickies when you get back. And by then you’ll know exactly what outfitting changes you might want to make, where and how. The first trip in a new/newly outfitted canoe is always revealing and my trip journal typically has a full page devoted to outfitting improvement ideas.

Alan, not to throw more tasks your way, and I’m sure the answers are in this thread somewhere, but it you get a chance please post a trip plan synopsis or general ”proposal”; intended duration, how far/long upstream and back you hope to travel, etc.

Not a suggestion by any means, and not data I would share at large, but a friend who does insanely challenging month(s) long trips carries a SPOT (or some similar device) that plots his position every hour, maybe more frequently, on a viewable map that friends and family can access.

It is always fun to “tune in” and watch his speed and progress, and try to guess why he is stopped, stalled or speeding.

Must be getting close. When do you leave?

 

[Alan Gage]

Alan, not to throw more tasks your way, and I’m sure the answers are in this thread somewhere, but it you get a chance please post a trip plan synopsis or general ”proposal”; intended duration, how far/long upstream and back you hope to travel, etc.

About the only thing I know for sure is that I'm leaving the weekend of Aug. 15th, hope to be back in a little over a month, and I plan on paddling the full length of the Bloodvein river, both upstream and down.

One option is to start near Red Lake in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. This would entail 3-4 days of paddling/portaging to reach the headwaters and then downstream to Lake Winnipeg, about 185 miles from the headwaters. Then turn around and paddle back upstream. When I reach the junction of the Bloodvein and Gammon rivers on the upstream leg I'll probably jump on the Gammon for a change of scenery. It's also a more direct line back to my car. If water levels turn out to be too low or if I decide upstream travel will be too difficult I can alter my plans and spend the entire trip exploring WCPP.

The other option is to start at Lake Winnipeg and paddle upstream first. This makes it easier to bail out if I should run into problems but doesn't give me as many backup options. If the water is too low, the current too strong, or me too weak about all I can do is turn around and paddle back downstream.

So far the logistics and $$$ are in favor of a Red Lake start. I'll likely make the final decision near the departure date.

The only direct access (vehicle) to the entire river system is a newly completed road at the river's mouth. Otherwise it's paddle or fly-in only. It's known for lots of class I/II rapids and a few larger ones, something like 85 total, and while not heavily traveled it has enough paddlers each summer (around 200 I've heard) to keep the portages clear and well marked.

Not a suggestion by any means, and not data I would share at large, but a friend who does insanely challenging month(s) long trips carries a SPOT (or some similar device) that plots his position every hour, maybe more frequently, on a viewable map that friends and family can access.

It is always fun to “tune in” and watch his speed and progress, and try to guess why he is stopped, stalled or speeding.

I really debated about taking something like a SPOT along but decided I will and am renting one from a fellow in Minneapolis. I'll pick it up en-route along with any last minute gear/supplies at Midwest Mountaineering. I won't enable the tracking function simply because of the reduced battery life. I don't plan to check in on a regular basis either simply because I don't want people to worry/panic if the unit fails and I suddenly stop checking in every day. I'll check in every now and again, like when I hit a milestone or if a bad storm should pass through and I want to send an OK signal after it's passed. Otherwise it will be for emergency use.

Alan

 

[Guest]

About the only thing I know for sure is that I'm leaving the weekend of Aug. 15th, hope to be back in a little over a month, and I plan on paddling the full length of the Bloodvein river, both upstream and down.

One option is to start near Red Lake in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park.

Options be good. Even when I have a good Plan A I like having a Plan B, especially when undertaking a trip far from home and distant on the calendar.

I don't plan to check in on a regular basis either simply because I don't want people to worry/panic if the unit fails and I suddenly stop checking in every day. I'll check in every now and again, like when I hit a milestone or if a bad storm should pass through and I want to send an OK signal after it's passed.

Despite my confidence in his capabilities and experience I did worry about his “track” a few times, especially on the last day when he seemingly wandered in circles. That was day 28; he was one day away from being out and spent the day wandering and exploring.

Parts of that track were revealing, or amusing. It was easy to tell by the topography on the map why he had slowed down, or was probing to find a route. Day 29 was amusing; he got a ride and left the tracker on. His average speed suddenly jumped to 40pmh and he zinged across the map.

 

[Jim Dodd]

Beings your traveling upstream, have you given any thought to poling ?


Jim

 

[Alan Gage]

Beings your traveling upstream, have you given any thought to poling ?


Jim

Briefly in the beginning but I haven't done any practicing and have my doubts that I'd be able to find a suitable pole in a short amount of time each time I'd need it. While I feel pretty comfortable standing in my boat I don't know that it's got quite the stability, or me the balance, for standing in moving water.

I do think it would be a fun skill to learn though. Have you ever tried it?

Alan

 

[Iskweo]

Starting at Red Lake could be your best bet. We are actually going to be in Ear Falls from Sept 5-11 for a fishing holiday. If you got to Bloodvein village before then and wanted a ride back to Red Lake we could probably manage that for you. In fact, three weeks to Bloodvein might be a pretty realistic scenario? Think about it.
Last minute points.....camping is free on the MB side but you need a permit to camp in WCPP, so much per night. You are also supposed to use designated campsites and there is a map you can get to plan your route. Manitoba is a bit more free and easy so you have to watch for the sites yourself.

So far, you can use fires to cook in ONtario. Manitoba on the other hand has an open fire ban in place from April to October every year. Take a stove. You can sneak a small fire in on rainy days but they are pretty militant about it ...especially as it is soooooo dry this year.

It can get cold here in Sept...in fact the temp dropped like a stone tonight and the wind is blowing like a hurricane. Take a fleece with you just in case.

Have a great trip and take your time, be safe. It will be a blast.

Christy

 

[Jim Dodd]

I do think it would be a fun skill to learn though. Have you ever tried it?

Alan

Just in an old aluminum canoe. Had just a wood pole, in shallow rapids. Standing lets you read the water, and saves on paddle wear. Also faster going up stream.
Just a thought.

Jim

 

[Mihun09]

If you do head up the Gammon on the return portion of the trip, you will need to cross Aiken's Lake. It is about 5 miles long and wide and you need to allow a minimum of one day for wind. It is 260 feet deep and kicks up in a big way with wind. Not being able to cross it is pretty normal and most travelers will build in a day of being wind-bound on that lake. It is a trophy fishing lake with a 5 star lodge on it, so don't expect a wilderness experience. There will be much float plane traffic, many boats zipping around and all the reefs marked with bleach bottles. There is also a fair amount of trash and old derelict shore lunch sites which they likely have not cleaned up since I asked them to several years ago. It is American owned and Bluewater out of Bisset flies in daily with anglers and supplies.

There are two ways to approach Aiken's coming upstream, and the West branch is likely your best bet as the East tends to dry up totally later in the season.

Karin

 

[Alan Gage]

If you do head up the Gammon on the return portion of the trip, you will need to cross Aiken's Lake. It is about 5 miles long and wide and you need to allow a minimum of one day for wind. It is 260 feet deep and kicks up in a big way with wind. Not being able to cross it is pretty normal and most travelers will build in a day of being wind-bound on that lake. It is a trophy fishing lake with a 5 star lodge on it, so don't expect a wilderness experience. There will be much float plane traffic, many boats zipping around and all the reefs marked with bleach bottles. There is also a fair amount of trash and old derelict shore lunch sites which they likely have not cleaned up since I asked them to several years ago. It is American owned and Bluewater out of Bisset flies in daily with anglers and supplies.

Thanks. Good to know what to expect there.

I've been watching Mike heat shrink all his cut ends and it looks so nice I thought I should do that too. So I bought a bunch in different sizes and had a little shrinky-dink party for all my ends:

20150802_006 by Alan, on Flickr

Then I gave them a little tug and they all came off!

20150802_007 by Alan, on Flickr

So what gives, Mike? Are you using the stuff with adhesive inside the tube?

The final lacing is in the hull now. I couldn't find black in the right size so I'll have to lose style points for poor color coordination, but I'm used to that. Tied in the bags and tossed the dog in the bow for a test fitting. Looks good so far:

20150802_002 by Alan, on Flickr

20150802_003 by Alan, on Flickr

20150802_009 by Alan, on Flickr

20150802_014 by Alan, on Flickr

Was wondering how to keep my bailer line from floating around loose and tangling with everything while still making it readily accessible so I tied a loop of shock cord around the line:

20150802_004 by Alan, on Flickr

Pinch the coiled line with the loop of shock cord and it's kept on a short leash:

20150802_005 by Alan, on Flickr

But all you have to do is pull on the bailer and the loops of line pull free from the shock cord when it's time to use it.

I've spent so much time in the shop there must be more I've gotten done but I don't remember what it was. Lot's more to do as well if I can only remember what it is.....

Alan

 

[Guest]

I've been watching Mike heat shrink all his cut ends and it looks so nice I thought I should do that too. So I bought a bunch in different sizes and had a little shrinky-dink party for all my ends:
20150802_006 by Alan, on Flickr

Then I gave them a little tug and they all came off!
So what gives, Mike? Are you using the stuff with adhesive inside the tube?

Alan , no adhesive that I know of in the tubing.

I’ve been hitting the shrink tubing with a heat gun until the weave of the rope or bungee is plainly visible, imprinted on the heat shrink tubing. I just gave some a good tug and twist and they stayed on. I do use bungee that has a visible weave, not the slick stuff.

I’ve also been cutting them short after the heat shrink is installed, maybe ¼ inch long. And then hitting the newly exposed rope/bungee end with a lighter.

 

[Mihun09]

This from the Manitoba Government news site as a reminder for Alan as he preps for his trip up here...


Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship reminds Manitobans that black bears are currently increasing their food intake to prepare for hibernation later this fall. As autumn approaches, black bears may travel through populated areas in search of ripening fruit and acorns. Residents and visitors to bear country can reduce the risk of an encounter by removing all food attractants.
People are encouraged to:

• remove all ripened or fallen fruit in the morning and before dusk;
• remove all birdfeeders until November when bears have entered their dens;
• store garbage in a sealed, bear-resistant container or secure building until just prior to pickup;
• feed pets and store their food indoors;
• clean barbeques thoroughly after every use, including the grease trap; and
• compost food items indoors.

Bears are wild animals and must be respected. When in bear country:

• always assume bears are in the vicinity, even if no recent sightings or problems have been reported;
• never approach or feed a bear;
• carry bear spray and know how to use it;
• keep dogs on a leash and do not let them run toward a bear; and
• be aware of your surroundings, make noise, travel in groups and do not use earphones to listen to music when outdoors.

For more information about how to reduce conflicts with black bears and what to do during a bear encounter, visit www.manitoba.ca/blackbear.

 

[memaquay]

You know Alan, if you had fewer shrinky-dink parties, it might be easier to find friends, lol!

 

[Alan Gage]

Bears will steer clear if they know what's good for them. I'll be carrying a knife that gets rustier every time I look at it so even if they eat me and Sadie tetanus is sure to get them in the end.

Alan

 

[memaquay]

Lol, don't cut any onions with it, it will totally dissolve. Threaten the bears with a shrinky-dink party and pull out the rusty Mora, they'll run like crazy. On the reverse side, that Black Bart is still working great, although I finally got over my new found fear of wood and bought a Grey Owl Sugar Island straight shaft. My solo really likes that one.

 

[Alan Gage]

Alan , no adhesive that I know of in the tubing.

I’ve been hitting the shrink tubing with a heat gun until the weave of the rope or bungee is plainly visible, imprinted on the heat shrink tubing. I just gave some a good tug and twist and they stayed on. I do use bungee that has a visible weave, not the slick stuff.

I’ve also been cutting them short after the heat shrink is installed, maybe ¼ inch long. And then hitting the newly exposed rope/bungee end with a lighter.

Must be cordage dependent and I wonder if your final fire treatment of the ends is helping. Mine easily pulls off that smoothish shock cord pictured above as well as Dan Cooke's yellow tarp line, which is also pretty smooth. I'm using 1/8" tube on those lines which is a very tight fit before shrinkage. I'm also using quality tube that I'm pretty sure is a 3:1 shrink ratio.

I have some dyneema that I shrunk the ends of and last night I gave one of those a tug and it wouldn't come off. Slick rope but no stretch and decent texture. It won't pull off my painter lines either but I'd already melted the ends so they had a mushroom shape to begin with. That must be the only thing keeping them on since it's obvious the heat shrink isn't staying tight to the cord when it's pushed/pulled/flexed.

I guess the shock cord should come as no surprise since the diameter will decrease as it's pulled and stretched.

I'll try some fire treatment or maybe just grab the hi-test stuff from work with adhesive.

Also, the short length of shrink tubing seems to hamper the ability to repeatedly tie/untie some of the non-permanent knots. I think on those I'll stick to simply melting the ends or else a dab or two of epoxy on the ropes that don't melt well (dyneema).

Alan

 

[Jim Dodd]

Just an old school thought, but it's easy to serve the ends with monofilament fish line.

Might not work on shock cord. Unless you double over the shock cord end, you could serve that up fine !

Not everything new is better.

Love to come up, but my Watco is taking forever to dry ! Other than that Pearl is ready.


Jim

 

[Alan Gage]

Love to come up, but my Watco is taking forever to dry ! Other than that Pearl is ready.

That's great! Do you have them both done? Happy so far? I say scrub off the tacky stuff and get them on the water. You can recoat later and let them dry all winter!

Alan

 

[Jim Dodd]

Hoping to glue and screw inwhales on the Kevlar tomorrow. I weighed the wood trim for it today, 15#.

I'll have to look into my crystal ball. It's cloudy, but clearing up towards Sunday.


Jim

 

[Alan Gage]

Finally put a tripping load in the canoe tonight for a test paddle. I was worried it would lose most of it's maneuverability but it still felt good. I was happy with it although a short sunset cruise around a pond isn't much of a test.

Tonight was also a test of me and the size of my packs. Other than first aid kits for me and the boat, cooking oil, and other odds and ends this should be the load I'll be carrying north. I'd guess another 10-15 pounds will be added to the packs when all is said and done. Should be plenty of room in the CCS Pioneer pack but the 60L barrel is maxed out capacity wise. The external pockets on the CCS barrel pack are still empty although.

Once it was all loaded up I triple portaged 3/4 mile to a gravel pit behind my house. Portaging there wasn't so bad but portaging back, in the dark, wasn't quite so pleasant. Taking your toys out to play is more fun than putting them away when you're done.

The packs balance the boat out perfectly. Gear pack right ahead of my feet and the barrel right behind my seat. The barrel will be slid farther back to keep trim adjusted as it empties out.

No problems with the carries other than I could feel some hot spots on my feet on the last trip home.

20150805_001 by Alan, on Flickr

Alan

 

[stripperguy]

Alan,
I know you're younger and fit, but your mention of foot hot spots gets me thinking.
My SIL, who we lovingly call "tenderfoot" is prone to blistering. I tell him to spend more time barefoot, to build thicker skin, but invariably he ends up with near crippling blisters.
Are you gonna be OK with respect to blisters, shoulder strap rubs and so forth?

You probably don't need to prepare the same way that I do, your age will compensate. But as I continue to age (thankfully, what would be the alternative?), I need to prepare for longer, more difficult trips by using the same equipment for training. In the month or so before a bigger trip, I will load my pack and do 4 miles during lunch, or carry my boat for 2 miles on the bike path. After a week or two, any localized soreness is long gone, maybe I just go numb, but it really helps me. This includes foot wear and clothing too. I get some strange looks from other walkers, runners and cyclists, but hey, it's what I need to do to ensure a pleasant trip.

Other than that, It looks like you've prepared in every way possible for your trip, hope you have a great time.