ViDEO: 3 Night Winter Backpacking in BWCA

**Tpatter** · 12-05-2020, 15:47

Originally Posted by cougarmeat

Shug - when I retired, people wondered how I’d “keep busy”. Absolutely no trouble with that. In fact, given how many “chores” are on the list, I’m amazed I was able to do anything when I had an 8-5/M-F job.

The biggest change was realizing I didn’t need to wait for the weekends to have an adventure. Now, I purposely avoid planning things on the weekend. I’d rather leave those trailhead parking spaces for people who only have Sat/Sun off and instead focus on more mid-week adventures.

When my Dad first retired I asked him about keeping busy. He said, I’m busier in retirement than I ever was at work, I just take my time!

**Shug** · 12-05-2020, 16:02

Originally Posted by cougarmeat

Shug - when I retired, people wondered how I’d “keep busy”. Absolutely no trouble with that. In fact, given how many “chores” are on the list, I’m amazed I was able to do anything when I had an 8-5/M-F job.

The biggest change was realizing I didn’t need to wait for the weekends to have an adventure. Now, I purposely avoid planning things on the weekend. I’d rather leave those trailhead parking spaces for people who only have Sat/Sun off and instead focus on more mid-week adventures.

Originally Posted by Tpatter

When my Dad first retired I asked him about keeping busy. He said, I’m busier in retirement than I ever was at work, I just take my time!

Seriously....I feel very busy. No urgency.
I'll wait to see what life brings me.

**Canoefor2** · 12-09-2020, 22:16

Looks like a great trip and by the way caught you on canoe hound and it was a great show. Love those BWCA

**GeneH** · 12-10-2020, 12:17

I need to get out more. Love your videos. I thought I have all the equipment I could possibly want but now I realize I need better lightweight boots for this snow-less cold weather. My old GoLite boots are finally wearing out.

**Shug** · 12-10-2020, 12:35

Originally Posted by Canoefor2

Looks like a great trip and by the way caught you on canoe hound and it was a great show. Love those BWCA

Thanks. We talked for an hour and a half in the green room after the broadcast. Looks like I have a canoe trip with Dennis, Kevin and James coming in Canada sometime!!!! At least it was discussed.

Originally Posted by GeneH

I need to get out more. Love your videos. I thought I have all the equipment I could possibly want but now I realize I need better lightweight boots for this snow-less cold weather. My old GoLite boots are finally wearing out.

The boot choices at that 32º mark are tricky.

**Phantom Grappler** · 12-10-2020, 20:59

Fit were me, I’d get a very light kayak-boat-canoe and it’d have2B wide, so maybe it would resist tipping over. And just in case it does spill your gear, you might want everything in dry bags.

Phantom: scairdycat

Good luck Shug, I know you’ll have a blast!

**Shug** · 12-10-2020, 21:47

Originally Posted by Phantom Grappler

Fit were me, I’d get a very light kayak-boat-canoe and it’d have2B wide, so maybe it would resist tipping over. And just in case it does spill your gear, you might want everything in dry bags.

Phantom: scairdycat

Good luck Shug, I know you’ll have a blast!

I am going canoe I think. But I'll rent the first few times out.

**PatapscoMike** · 12-11-2020, 09:46

Super enjoyable video as always. Your joy in being outside is infectious! I've never been a winter camper but you make me reconsider. Thanks for taking the time to film and share.

I think the dessert reviews and comments are my favorite part of your videos. People who don't camp probably never realize the outsized importance that a small treat like that takes on when you are in the middle of nowhere. Hiking deep in the Adirondacks one year a bear at all of our snacks while we were off hiking. It was like being punched in the gut discovering that for the rest of our trip there would be no tasty treats.

**Shug** · 12-11-2020, 10:42

Originally Posted by PatapscoMike

Super enjoyable video as always. Your joy in being outside is infectious! I've never been a winter camper but you make me reconsider. Thanks for taking the time to film and share.

I think the dessert reviews and comments are my favorite part of your videos. People who don't camp probably never realize the outsized importance that a small treat like that takes on when you are in the middle of nowhere. Hiking deep in the Adirondacks one year a bear at all of our snacks while we were off hiking. It was like being punched in the gut discovering that for the rest of our trip there would be no tasty treats.

So true. That lil' treat in the dark is good for the soul. And palate.
Bet that was a satisfied bear though! Yogi.....Boo-Boo

**Tpatter** · 12-11-2020, 16:02

When I was a kid, we came back from a hike one time and the bear was eating our snacks still in the tent! My dad put us in the truck and we drove out of there. Always called that spot bear camp after that. Not an area known for bears, but they get around.

I'm always surprised how relaxed they are - an apex predator with no insecurity issues at all. Walks around without a care in the world - totally friendly as long as you don't try to get in the way of eating the food.