I have been reading an article written by the famous Sigurd Olson. In this article he states there are three types of paddlers in the Boundary Waters. I figure just like personalities most people are a weird combination of two of these types.
1. The Fisherman
This is the kind of guy that goes to the BWCA to catch fish. Big fish. Loads of fish. His trip is judged by how much fish he catches, if the fish do not bit, then the trip was a waist. I'm not like this at all, if I don't catch a single fish it has no bearing on the trip. I even went a few years back with no pole, so obviously fishing is not my top concern.
2. The Long Distance Traveler
Get as far back at the quickest pace is the aim of this fellow. He wants to travel some distance, see what is behind that next portage. Keep going, and going, and going. Sometimes this guy turns the trip into a competition of endurance, trying to prove who is the tougher man. He sees the BWCA as some sort of work out with a good view. I'll have to admit I'm a lot like this guy. I feel good at the end of the day if I've covered some good distance on the map. I like grabbing the biggest pack and canoe at the same time. I don't back down from a mile or more portage.
3. The True Woodsman
This fellow is content to just be in the out-of-doors. He does not think it a waste of time to admire the rocks, trees, and squirrels. Everything is a celebration of the goodness of life. If the fish are biting, good, if not, the true woodsman will fill his time with other pursuits. The true woodsman will stop to take in the smells, the sites, and the sounds without worrying about the lack of distance that is traveled. I have a little of this in me. I can sit on a placid lake for hours, just drifting and watching. Dreaming about what might be just in the woods at that far shore.
What kind of voyageur are you? Are you content with yourself, do you need to change some of your goals when entering the BWCA?
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