Mondays in June    DAY TRIP
Biking and Blading on the Gateway Trail. Meet at the DNR parking lot on the SE corner of Hwy 36 and Hadley Ave. in Oakdale between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. and hit the trail at 6:30 p.m. Relaxed or fast, as you desire. Estimated cost: None. Max trip size: Unlimited.

Fred F. • 651-777-1888

Mondays in July    DAY TRIP
Biking and Blading on the Gateway Trail. Meet at the DNR parking lot on the SE corner of Hwy 36 and Hadley Ave. in Oakdale between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. and hit the trail at 6:30 p.m. Relaxed or fast, as you desire. Estimated cost: None. Max trip size: Unlimited.

Fred F. • 651-777-1888

Wednesday, July 1    WEDNESDAY NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Crosby Regional Park in St. Paul. Meet at the picnic shelter at 7:00 pm. We will hike until aproximately 8:30 pm, and can go out for ice cream afterward, if people desire. We hike rain or shine, bring rain gear if necessary, and bug spray. Dogs are allowed on leashes, kids welcome. Come join us for a hike through this beautiful park by the river. Rovers membership not necessary since it is not an overnight trip.

Directions to Crosby Regional Park: The entrance is located South of Shepard Road between Highway 5 and I-35E in St Paul, and runs along the Mississippi River.

John F. • 651-699-3806

Wednesday – Sunday, July 1 – 5    
BWCAW Canoe Trip. Four days of canoeing over the Fourth of July weekend on the "Lady chain" in the BWCAW. We will travel each of the four days from the Kawishiwi lake entry to Sawbill lake, the difficulty of the trip would be considered moderate. Leave Roseville REI parking lot at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and return on Sunday evening. I might consider having Sawbill Outfitters shuttle us over to starting point on Kawishiwi lake, that would add $35 approximately to the trip cost per person. Estimated cost: $80. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 6.

Sponsoring organization: Northstar Chapter of the Sierra Club

Basil L. • 651-774-2640  (evenings only)

Friday – Sunday, July 3 – 5    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
Sailing the Apostle Islands. Sail three days at Apostle Islands. Go up Thursday evening, return Sunday evening. Estimated cost: $250, inc. boat, food, gas. Max trip size: 6.

Geoffrey S. • 651-698-5097

Sunday, July 5    DAY TRIP
Beginner Rock Climbing. Meet at drinking fountain end of the visitor center parking lot at Interstate State Park in Taylors Falls at 9:00 a.m. for setters, 10:00 a.m. and 12 p.m. for climbers. Wear clothing that allows full range of motion and can be damaged. Bring water, snacks, & cash (for optional dining after). We provide climbing gear (shoes,harness,helmet). Goal #1: Safety. Goal #2: Have some fun. Goal #3: Challenge yourself. Estimated cost: your own gas & food. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: 12.

Rob C. • 651-230-2277  |  Lori C.

Wednesday, July 8     WEDNESDAY NIGHT HIKE
Urban Hike along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. Meet at the west end of the Franklin Bridge, the next one south of the I-94 bridge, at 7:00 p.m. Park along Seabury Avenue, the frontage road of the West River Road, on the 2100 or 2200 blocks, just south of Franklin Avenue. Pets welcome. We'll hike an hour or an hour and a half, with optional socializing afterward.

Beth G. • 612-216-1201

Thursday, July 9  DAY TRIP  
Beginner Mountain Biking — Part 1. Mountain biking doesn't always mean hopping logs and avoiding collisions with trees. Join us for a great aerobic workout riding non-technical turf trails. Meet in the chalet/recreation area parking lot of Elm Creek Park Reserve at 6:00 p.m. HELMETS REQUIRED! Gloves and protective eyewear are highly recommended.

Part 2 of this Beginner Series will be on more technical (yet not difficult) trails at Murphy Hanrahan Regional Park, July 18.

Directions: Elm Creek Park Reserve is located on County Road 81 northwest of Osseo in Maple Grove, Dayton and Champlin (caution: Map Quest and Google maps do not reflect recent road changes.

Scott & Jodi S.

Friday – Sunday, July 10 – 12     SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
River Camping. River Camp along the Namekagon River, a National Scenic Riverway maintend by the National Park System. Enjoy some of the clearest water around while swimming, paddling, and just having a good time. Meals will be divided up among the group of 8. Both canoes and kayaks are welcome, along with beginners. We will paddle the lower section below Trego, WI ~ 20-25 miles. Interested parties contact Ansel for more details. Estimated cost: Food + Gas. Max trip size: 8.

Ansel K. • 952-913-7573

Friday – Sunday, July 10 – 12  
Camping at Wild River State Park. Come join us at Wild River State Park for a weekend of outdoor fun. Friday night: The main purpose is to be already up at Wild River State Park the next morning to participate in the St. Croix River Leisurely Paddle/Float/Swim.Saturday night: is to just relax after a day of floating and enjoy the rest of the weekend. More details to follow as the date approaches. To reserve your spot: e-mail or call Jen with the following information: name, phone #, e-mail address., and which nights are you staying. Your spot will be considered reserved when we receive your deposit. This is an overnight trip, so you must be a Rovers member to participate. We have a group campsite reserved. For the campers, breakfast will be provided for Saturday and Sunday morning, along with the wood for the campfire. This camping trip is pet free. Registration deadline: Tuesday, July 7. Estimated cost: $8–$10/night. Deposit: $10/night. Max trip size: 16.

Note: Registration for camping and the St. Croix River Leisurely Paddle/Float/Swim are separate. For information regarding the float, please refer to the posting below.

Jen O. • 612-202-6806  |  Anne M.

Saturday, July 11    DAY TRIP
St. Croix River Leisurely Paddle/Float/Swim. This will be a full day, casual, and relaxed event, with the option of having a picnic at Wild River State Park afterward. There are beautiful sand bars and swimming areas along this stretch of the river. We will put in at 11:00 a.m. at the Sunrise landing, and take out at Wild River State Park Landing. Renters will grab the 10:00 shuttle (be there by 9:30 a.m.). People with their own boats will need to be at the put in by 10:00 to do the "reverse shuttle." It takes about 1 hr and 15 min to get there, depending on where coming from, so, you might be meeting to carpool at 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. 20 canoes have been reserved with the rental service at Wild River (Eric's Bike and Canoe rentals). It was $35 per canoe/shuttle last year. For rentals, a shuttle service is provided to the put in at Sunrise. Instead of calling Eric directly, this year, I will handle the sign ups. Your cars remain at the take out, waiting for you when done. Estimated cost: $0–$35. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: 70.

John G. • 651-274-7124  |  Looking for a co-coordinator!

Saturday, July 11    BEGINNER SERIES
Day-Long Sea Kayaking Instruction. Location: Bush Lake in Bloomington — just south of 494 and west of Normandale (Hwy 100). Parking lot and launch area on southwest corner of the lake. Start and end time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Instructor: Jerome R., ACA Certified Sea Kayak instructor. Assistant Instructor: Mark Anderson (yours truly). I've just passed the first level ACA sea kayak instructor certification from UMD. My services are free.

Required equipment: kayak with forward and aft hatches/bulkheads (Hatches provide bouyancy to be able to practice safety re-entries and rescues in deeper water), paddle, PFD (life jacket), spray skirt, bilge pump, paddle float, water bottle w/clip or means to keep it from floating away, croakie if you'll be wearing glasses, lunch, clothes to swim in and a dry warm change of clothes.

Itinerary:

• Introduction to Sea Kayaking.
• Kayak equipment: the kayak and paddle, safety gear including PFD, paddle float, bilge pump, sponge, appropriate clothing, dry bags (dry clothes and food), water bottle.
• Communicating on the water.
• Kayak entry and exit on land.
• Kayak exit and re-entry on the water.
• Paddle strokes: straight ahead, turning, stopping reverse.
• Assisted and self-rescue techniques.(If you're a beginner, you're probably not ready to try the Eskimo Roll).
• Short paddle to practice your new skills with the group.

Beginner Series: This trip will be followed with later trips to a large local lake, day trip along the Lake Superior shoreline, and Apostle Island trip, crossing between the islands. This series of trips is provided to allow a paddler to develop skills through the summmer. Evidence of appropriate paddling ability and equipment will be required for the following trips. This will include additional paddling clothing for paddling on the cold waters of Lake Superior and the ability and willingness to accept the risk of paddling in this exciting, but potentially dangerous lake environment.

Please email to indicate your interest. Calls will be taken in the evening. Maps and deposit direction to follow. Estimated cost: $100. Deposit: $100. Max trip size: 10 to start, will get additional instructor as required.

Mark A. • 651-253-5962 (c)

Friday – Sunday, July 17 – July 19    
Trail Clearing on the Border Route. This will be a trail clearing trip to the Pigeon River Cliffs Section of the Border Route Trail located out of Grand Marais, MN. Trip highlights will include scenic vistas from the bluffs overlooking the Pigeon River valley, great food, camaraderie that can't be surpassed, plus the chance to see wildlife such as loons, black bear, moose, and fox. This is a great opportunity to experience some of the best scenery in the Upper Midwest and at the same time feel good about giving something back for all of the times that you've hiked or skied on well maintained trails.

Activities include doing a maintenance and flagging sweep from Portage Brook east past the overlooks along the Pigeon River Ridge to the connection with the Superior Hiking Trail at the Swamp River. Tools will include chain saws and power brush cutters (sort of a glorified weed whipper) as well as hand operated limbers. For those preferring to keep their distance from the power equipment, there will be plenty of opportunities such as flagging, throwing brush and deadfall pieces, limbing, etc. We'll also make sure that we get back to camp early enough for a swim in Otter Lake before dinner.

Our base camp will consist of car camping at the Otter Lake Access Trailhead primitive campsite located on Otter Lake just off the Arrowhead Trail / Cook Cty 16 out of Hovland, MN. Amenities include a lake to swim in, the possibility of tango on the bedrock, and a BWCAW style privy. There is no running water, but we'll bring enough to supply the group for the weekend. Bring your your personal gear and between meal snacks, we provide all meals and community gear such as stoves, cooking pots, and all trail maintenance gear. Contact the trip coordinator for a copy of the summer mechanized trail clearing equipment list for details on what personal gear to bring.

This trip is open to beginners but bear in mind that you should be in good physical condition with prior camping experience being an asset. We provide OJT for those new to trail clearing and those desiring to get the feel of running a brushcutter. Those using the chain saws must be USFS certified.

We'll depart from across the street from the Roseville REI at 6:15 p.m. on Friday and return at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Because this is a volunteer service trip, you need not be a member of Rovers to participate. Estimated cost: $49 (tax deductible and includes transportation and meals, except for stops on the way up and back). Deposit: $49. Max trip size: 12.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association & Minneapolis Hiking MeetUp Group

Ed S. • 612-822-0569

Saturday, July 18  DAY TRIP — BEGINNER SERIES  
Beginner Mountain Biking — Part 2. In the second part of the beginner mountain bike series we'll cover more technical (yet not difficult) terrain at Murphy Hanrahan Regional Park. Meet at 2:00 p.m., check back for more details. HELMETS REQUIRED! Gloves and protective eyewear are highly recommended.

Scott & Jodi S.

Thursday – Sunday, July 23 – August 2    
Canoeing Quetico Provincial Park. Join us for a 10-day canoe trip to Quetico Provincial Park; the Canadian side of the BWCAW. Leaving late afternoon on Thursday, and driving to the end of the Gunflint Trail. We'll stay in an outfitters bunkhouse that night and enter Quetico on Friday. We'll get a round trip tow across Saganaga to the border for our stop at the Cache Bay ranger station, and again when we return on Sunday, August 2. We'll be traveling through a combination of the Man Chain and the Falls Chain; two of the prettiest areas in the park. You'll be responsible for all of your own food and gear. You'll also need a Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) permit to cross the border by canoe ($30 Canadian). Allow three weeks for processing. A passport is not accepted to cross the border by canoe. If you have questions or wish to discuss further, please call Jane or Mary. Estimated cost: $260, plus food and transportation. Deposit: $150. Max trip size: 4.

Jane D. • 952-944-6241  |  Mary I. • 612-341-9044

Friday – Sunday, July 24 – 26    
Rock Climbing — Advanced. Climb at Palisades State Park, South Dakota. Each climber is responsible for their own camping reservations and safety gear. We'll try to coordinate car pooling and maybe some meals once people have signed up (via e-mail to Rob). Estimated cost: $50. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: unlimited.

Rob C. • 651-230-2277  |  Lori C.

Friday – Sunday, July 31 – August 2    
Wind Turbine Bicycing Tour. This is not exactly wind turbo-charged biking, but hopefully we’ll have the wind at our backs. It will be a three-day weekend at a tent base camp in Lake Benton with showers-toilets. We will bike roughly parallel to the Buffalo Ridge which has the greatest concentration of wind turbines in MN. Friday, the first day is not a biking day. Instead, arrive by 2:00 p.m. at Hole in the Mountain campground in Lake Benton. Then we can visit a huge 300-ft. high turbine in action. The musical Damm Yankees is being put on in Lake Benton evenings that weekend. Food is available locally in restaurants. Saturday we’ll bike to Pipestone, MN, with possible extension on the state Casey Jones bike path. We will bike past a wind turbine blade factory, which produces 141 ft long blades, at Suzlon Corporation in Pipestone, MN. Then Sunday from camp base to Hendricks, MN. Bring your Rover card to prove your membership is current. Distance will be approx. 50 miles each day. Cost: $15 for tenting and turbine visit Food, etc. is on your own. Carpool. Distance is 184 miles to Lake Benton. Please be saddle ready for this trip and know how to fix a flat tire. Estimated cost: $15. Deposit: $15. Max trip size: 12.

Jim H. • 612-290-1857  |  Pat R.

Friday – Sunday, August 7 – 9    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
Sailing the Apostle Islands. Sail three days at Apostle Islands. Go up Thursday evening, return Sunday evening. Estimated cost: $250, inc. boat, food, gas. Max trip size: 6.

Geoffrey S. • 651-698-5097

Sunday, August 9     DAY TRIP
Beginning Rock Climbing. Meet at Interstate State Park (Taylors Falls) 9:00 a.m. for setters, 10:00 a.m. for climbers. Wear clothing that allows full range of motion & can be damaged. Bring water, sancks, cash (for optional after climbing dining). WE PROVIDE THE GEAR (climbing shoes, harness, helmets...). Our priorities in order of importance, are: safety, safety, safety, fun, challenge. Estimated cost: $0. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: 12.

Rob C. • 651-230-2277  |  Lori C. • 651-340-7599

Friday – Sunday, August 14 – 16    
Rock Climbing — Advanced. Climb at the most dramatic climbing area in the upper midwest — Palasaide Head & Shovel Point at Tettegouche. Not for the faint of heart — bring cameras! We'll camp Finland campground about 3 miles west of Hwy 61 on Hwy 1. Each climber/group responsible for his/her/their own camping reservations, meals, climbing gear, and safety. We'll try to coordinate some carpooling and meal sharing as appropriate. Estimated cost: $50. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: unlimited.

Rob C. • 651-230-2277  |  Lori C. • 651-340-7599

Saturday, August 15   DAY TRIP
Eleventh Annual Summer in the Sticks. Join us at Elm Creek Park Reserve for biking, hiking, inline skating, swimming, picnic, etc. If you’re willing to make the trek all the way to the NW ’burbs to this terrific park in Maple Grove, meet at the recreation area near the beach and we’ll start there. Meet at 9:00 a.m. for a road bike ride (40–50 miles, route TBD) or inline skating, or later for other activities (e.g., shorter bike rides, inline skating, hiking, volleyball, swimming, or NEW IN 2009 — DISC GOLF!) . People willing to coordinate other activities would be appreciated*, otherwise just show up and decide amongst yourselves when you get there. | directions |

If you can’t make it during the day, join us later (~5pm), for a pot-luck BBQ. Bring something to grill and something to share. There are grills at the park, but feel free to bring charcoal and your own grill.

Elm Creek Park Reserve has 20 miles of paved trails that also connect to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park via the North Hennepin Trail Corridor (7 miles) or Fish Lake Regional Park on the Medicine Lake Regional Trail. These trails are all in excellent condition for biking and inline skating. There are also over 30 miles of turf hiking trails and 5 miles of mountain biking trails. Pets are allowed on designated trails only (5.4 miles). Don’t forget swimwear! There’s a man-made, chlorinated, and filtered swimming pond ($2 fee) with sand beach at the area we’ll be picnicking. Bring lunch/snacks, water, sunscreen, and maybe some bug dope if hiking.

Agenda (in progress, e-mail if you'd like to coordinate an activity!)

9:00 am	40–50-mile road bike ride, helmets are required!
TBD	Your activity here
TBD	Your activity here
5:00 pm	Potluck BBQ (bring something to grill and something to share)

All activities will meet near the Rovers banner on the hill overlooking the beach at the recreation area.

*Please let us know if you are willing to be a contact person for any other activities (hiking, mountain biking, etc.).

Scott & Jodi S.

Thursday – Sunday, August 20 – 23    
Beginner Backpacking Superior Hiking Trail. Want to try backpacking? Missed the spring trip? Join us for a long weekend of backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail. The route is yet to be determined, but the pace and distance will be appropriate for a beginner. We will leave REI Roseville at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, grab lunch on the way, and have a short hike to our first campsite. We plan to return by ~7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Participants will be involved in the planning and the coordinators will provide guidance regarding gear and clothing. A pre-trip meeting will be scheduled as the trip date gets closer. Because this is an overnight trip, you must be a Minnesota Rovers member. Estimated cost: $50. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 6.

Frank T. • 763-784-5901  |  Jen W. • 612-210-0385

Saturday – Sunday, August 29 – 30    FAMILY FRIENDLY
Family-Friendly Camping Trip. While not exclusive to those with kids — this is a great opportunity for those of you with kids to bring them on out and introduce them to camping. Rovers members have free use of cage items — there are canoe opportunities for those with older kids, and we have plenty of gear to help outfit your crew. William O'Brien State Park is a park with many wide, flat hiking trails; biking; a swim beach; fishing; a great ice cream shop nearby; Taylors Falls close (rock formations and/or boat ride); canoeing. It's only about an hour from the cities too. Cost of firewood will be shared, and included in camp cost. Meals are on your own, but there will be campfire s'mores for all. In the spirit of Rovers, we encourage you to bring reusable utensils. Estimated cost: $5–$10. Deposit: $5. Max trip size: 35.

Tess S. • 612-978-7906

Friday – Monday, September 4 – 7  
Itasca Hostel — Labor Day Weekend. Join us for the long weekend at the famed Mississippi Headwaters Hostel located in Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest State Park. Spend your day hiking, biking, or paddling and in the evenings socializing around a bonfire. Hike to Minnesota's record white pine and tiptoe across the Mississippi Headwaters, where the mighty river begins its journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available at Lake Itasca, just a short distance from our accommodations. There are many other area attractions that could be visited as well. Price includes three nights lodging, and three meals for Saturday and Sunday, along with Monday breakfast. Friday's meals are on your own. Rover membership is required. Reserve your spot early as we expect this to fill up quickly! Estimated cost: $90+/-. Deposit: $65. Max trip size: 31.

Barb S. • 952-888-6603  |  Shelly G. • 763-360-2849

Friday Sunday, September 11 – 20    
Advanced Rock Climbing. 9/11 & 9/12 camp/climb at Palisades State Park, South Dakota. First 2 deposits received get cabin — all others must make/pay for own camping reservations. On Sunday, travel to Stokade Lake Group camp in Custer State Park, SD. We'll set up a website to coordinate carpooling, meal coordination, and climbing groups. We'll be doing 'Trad' climbing in the Needles and possibly Devils Tower. Rain and rest days maybe Wind and/or Jewel cave etc. Will open trip to non-climbers after August 10. Estimated cost: $10 per person/per night + food. Deposit: $ 50. Max trip size: 40.

Rob C. • 651-230-2277  |  Lori C.

Friday Monday, September 25 – October 5    
Bike and barge 2009. The lakes of Mecklenburg and the National Park of Muritz, Germany, with two nights in Berlin. Round trip airfare, transfer to and from the barge, 7 nights lodging on the Gretha Von Holland, 2 nights lodging in Berlin, 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners, 7 you pack your own lunches, one 7-gear touring bicycle, tour guide for the week, and pre- and post- trip parties. Estimated cost: $2,800. Max trip size: 22.

Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities

Fred F. • 651-777-1888