Northwoods Memories Multimedia Productions

Our Northwoods Pictograph project is based on our commitment to revisit every pictograph site seen in the past and visit those we have not yet seen.  On our first trip in 2007, we visited 13 sites through 4 entry points in Quetico and two entry points in the Boundary Waters.  This trip consisted of four individual trips of one or more nights and two day trips of a few hours each.  In this report on the first part of the trip, I will cover the day trip to the Sea Gull Lake pictograph site (in the BWCA) and the overnight trip to the Cache Bay site across the Canadian borderOrder Cache Bay and Seagull Lake Bulletins.

Northwoods Pictograph bulletins used on this trip:  Saganaga Lake, Cache Bay and Seagull Lake  (one bulletin covering two sites).  Order Bulletin here .
 

 Fisher Map used on this trip:  F 19

McKenzie Map used on this trip:  Map 6

  I also provide some information for future paddlers or those interested in simple trips, pictures of the Cache Bay Ranger Station, a video clip of the Quetico sea plane resupplying the Cache Bay Ranger station,  and the account of a completely unexpected and exciting encounter with a group of paddlers who reported a new petroglyph site. (more…)

No.  Though it may make you more confident to do so, and certainly the more experience you have the better, outfitters will train you before you go out on the trail.  When you first talk with your outfitter, let them know about your experience or lack of experience.  Outfitters generally will plan into your time ahead of the trip enough for some training and practice. 

Not only will they teach you the paddling skills but also canoe safety.  They will teach you how to carry your canoe over the portages from lake to lake and let you practice while they supervise.  Many outfitters are close to water and have places for you to “put in” and practice.  Others will gladly take you to a close body of water to practice. 

What is most important is that you ask for a route to be planned appropriate to your skill level.  Outfitters will be glad to help you here, and if you discuss this with them when you first make contact, they will be able to help with a permit that has appropriate trips.

Outfitters depend on your business to stay in business.  They are eager to train you well and plan a great trip for you so that you will become a repeat client, and will tell others what a good job they did.

Communication is the key!