Boundary Waters 101 - Wilderness Canoeing & Camping
BWCA, Ely, MN
July 20-28, 2019
Co-Trip Leaders: John Carlson and Barb Shanks
Type of Trip: Paddling/Camping
Trip Cost/Deposit: $600/$300
Cancellation Date and full payment: May 20, 2019
Wilderness Level: 4 Very Remote, EMS may be more than a half day away
Trip Difficulty: Intermediate (participants must be cleared by a Trip Leader to be qualified for this extended canoe trip)
Group Size: 8/7 Maximum/Minimum
Adults Only
A Boundary Waters canoe trip is the ultimate wilderness adventure experience! Located in Minnesota and bordered by Canada, the Boundary Waters has over a million acres of clear lakes and deep green pine forests, and is unlike any other wilderness area in the world. There are hundreds of lakes to explore along with many species of wildlife, birds, fish and wildflowers. Traveling by canoe will allow us to get deep into this remote and scenic area more quickly than on foot. While this area can be rugged the route selected by your trip leaders should prove to be an enjoyable experience even if this is your first Boundary Water experience.
Who Should Participate in this Trip:
This trip will be suited for those new to the Boundary Waters or those with canoe tripping experience. The route is planned for a beginner friendly group. However you should have some backcountry camping experience. At times we will be two days or more from a road access. You will need to be a good physical shape in order to carry weight over portages and be able camp in remote places over the better part of a week. See prerequisites below. If you want to experience wilderness travel at its best you’ll want to go canoe camping in the Boundary Waters. If needed, Introduction to Canoe Camping (June 22-23) can be your qualifying event.
Prerequisites:
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Introduction to Canoe Camping or similar experience (check with leaders)
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Ability to Carry 40-45 lb. Packs and Canoes Over Portages
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A pre-trip meeting may be necessary to go over gear needs, packing requirements and trip logistics in general.
Trip Content:
Departure will be on Saturday morning, July 20, 2019. We will drive the club van all the way to Ely, MN in two days and stay at the outfitter’s bunk house before we hit the water. We will spend about 4 days and 3 nights in the Superior National Forest canoeing and camping. Portages will be “2-pass” and participants should expect to carry packs and boats weighing in the 40-45 pound range. The average portage length in the Boundary Waters is about ¼ of a mile but anticipate the longest could approach ½ mile. Emphasis will be on exploring, scenery and camp life. Either upon arriving or after exiting, we will tour the town of Ely. And we may be able to stop at the Duluth Pack store in Duluth, MN. We’ll stay in a motel en route home. The planned return home date is flexible but either Saturday, July 27 or Sunday July 28.
Trip Price Includes:
Your trip price will include outfitter fees, bunkhouse, equipment rental, access permits, club van transportation expenses, the use of club gear, breakfast and dinner meals in camp, plus hotel accommodations.
Trip Gear:
At a minimum you should expect to bring a tent (the club may have a few to loan), sleeping bag and sleeping pad, a meal kit (plate / bowl / cup / utensils), spare clothes, rain gear and toiletries / meds. A whistle is a great safety items to have. Bring sun and bug protection including a wide brim hat. Also bring a headlamp or flashlight. A more detailed gear list to be announced.
Trip Food:
Bring your own lunches and snacks. Breakfasts and Dinners on the water will be group meals prepared together. If anyone has allergies or special needs just let the leaders know, we’ll try to make adjustments, if possible. While traveling to Ely, MN and returning home there will be meals on the road that will be the responsibility of each individual and are not included in the trip.
All trip participants must fill out and submit a CIWC Medical Form and Long Waiver Form.
