Travel Permit Lottery

[Dr.Bob]

Just a reminder folks:  Jan 15th is the last day to put applications in on-line for the 2007 BDub travel permit lottery.  I believe tomorrow (1/10) is the last day they are accepting them by phone or mail.  If you are hoping to lock in a permit for that specail trip, now is the time to roll the dice. 

Its funny how fast that date creeps up on me every year.  Seems to creep a little faster each year as a matter of fact. ::)

[Lee Borgersen]

Hey doc, good luck on your permit requests. If all goes well me and my bride will be stopping over to your campsite for a pot luck shore lunch and a cold one.

Your right about the time flying by. Time keeps moving faster and I keep moving slower. As a matter of fact we'd better start packing now.

[Dr.Bob]

Thanks Lee, that sounds like a plan.

[Fawkinnae]

Hi Dr. Bob How are you doing?

I don't know anything about this process. Do you have to apply now for any trips you are planning next summer? Does it cost anything? Are there any opportunities to make last minute plans or make changes to plans made now? What percent of applicants get what they apply for. Sorry for all the questions but I know I'm talking to the right man.

Hope you get the dates you need.
Enjoy the winter. Thanks.
Doug

[Lee Borgersen]

http://www.bwcaw.org/

This site should give you most of the answers your looking for. Permits are not easy to come by, but Dr Bob knows the best way to approach the situation.

When I go up to the BDub I stay at a resort and they can hook me up with permits as long as I give them notice as to my needs. Also multiple boats can go up on the same permit.

I just get the day use trip permits and those are in and out on the same day. Then you have the camping permit and that's the kind the Good Dr. usually obtains.

I'm sure Bob will be able to give you any of the fine details. Just remember not to hesitate to apply right away.

"He who hesitates is lost" :'(

[Dr.Bob]

Thanks for the follow up Lee.  I have been too busy this morning to respond. 

Hi Doug.  I am doing okay thank you.  Hows the yoga going.  You get lucky yet???

Here is my response to your questions: permits are hard to come by.  There are a limited number allowed at any given time and you must reserve them for when you want to go.  The area that I go into on Basswood Lake is the most heavily used entry point to the BDub.  It is just about impossible to get permit unless you reserve them this time of the year.  I have not applied yet so I do not know if they have changed or not, but in the past they required $12 for the reservation fee and $20 more if you are applying for an overnight permit.  This is because they charge $10 per person these days ($5.00 for kids) for camping.  There are more people wanting permits than there are permits to go around so each year they have a lottery system to determine who gets what.  After the lottery has been drawn you can go on-line and pick from what is left if you want.  It stinks, but what can you do.  I ususally get in there 4 or 5 times a year but am not sure how much I will be able to do this year due to this damned divorce.  I am also looking at doing more of my extended family camping trips in the Voyageurs National Park just because it is a great deal easier than going into the BDub.  I still plan to go to Basswood, but they will be lighter, shorter and more serious fishing trips than they have been in the past.

Oh, I almost forgot, I have no idea what the % of successful applicants there are.  I usually get pretty lucky on my dates unless I let Harold apply for me.

[Fawkinnae]

Thanks for the feedback Dr. Bob
I had no idea that they now charge a per person fee for camping. I obviously haven't been to the BWCA for a while.

I do a somewhat similar trip to the English River out of Grassy Narrows - similar camping fees and I can bring my bigger boat. Might be another alternative for you.

Take care.

[Fawkinnae]

Oh and the yoga...

I now have the flexibility of a 52 year old man (in a 54 year old man's body).

And it helps relieve stress.

[Dr.Bob]

Uffda............... ::)

[grandpa jack]

Hi Dr Bob! this old grandpa made a trip into Brule lake in June last year. it was the first time  I have been in a canoe in over 40 yrs. Dan came with and we caught and releases over 75 smallies and brought home our limit of walleyes. the kid kept me in that canoe from 8:30 am till 10:30pm  OMG what a long day. :o it was a good time. we are going to try it again only in may instead. later Jack

[Dr.Bob]

Sounds like a blast Jack.  I think that long in a canoe and they would have to surgically remove me from it :o.  Good to see you here buddy.  How's da famibly? 

I applied for my permits today so we'll see how I do.  One of them I put in for is the 4th of July.  That is a great time to catch those Basswood HAWGS on the rocks.  I can hardly wait to get back.

We'll I better scoot!  I am supposed to be headed out for the Triangle as I type........

[Dr.Bob]

D*mn permits are getting harder to get each year >:(.

I applied for three and only ended up with one.

I guess I'll just have to watch for cancelled permits on the Reserve America web site and jump on a couple of more if they become available.

At least I got the 4th of July permit that I wanted.

[Lee Borgersen]

Glad to see you got the permit for the 4th Doc, but sorry to hear of your bad luck with your other dates. Unfortunately all the hassles and lack of permits is restricting access to a lot of disgruntled BWCA enthusiasts.

So, what are your dates for the 4th weekend? Are you going to fly the Norwegian flag aside the American flag on your camp site?

Maybe Ragnar would lend you his Viking suit during the off season. Check on that during your next Ely visitation day.

I can see you now. Standing at your camp site with the Viking outfit on holding the Norwegian flag in one hand and your fishin rod in the other.

It would be like Mosses standing upon that big rock when he parted the Red Sea.

It gives me chills just thinking about it ::)
Not to mention all the chicks you'll attract. What a Kodak moment 8)

[Dr.Bob]

 

Your post reminds me of this photo of my  daughter sticking the Norske flag in the face of my German Cousin-in-law:

[Lee Borgersen]

     "A picture is worth a thousand words"

     We sure are a proud and stubborn bunch .

[GRIZ]

I had a girlfriend tell me once you can always tell a norwegian, but you can tell em much. I think she may have been right.

[Dr.Bob]

One thing I learned from my dad:  When I meet a young woman, if the timing is right, I like to ask if she has any Norwegian in her. 

If her answer is no - I always ask if she would like some.   

This has had positive results at times.........