- Estimated Cost: $20
- Max Trip Size: 5 people
Join us for a one-night shakedown or practice backpacking trip in beautiful Lake Maria State Park! All experience levels are welcome! Visitors who come to Lake Maria State Park will enjoy one of the few remaining stands of the “Big Woods,” a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern Minnesota.
We will hike 4-5 miles to a campsite, set up camp, and cook dinner using backpacking stoves. In the morning, we will have breakfast, break camp, and hike back to the cars.
Gear:
- You are responsible for packing and cooking your own meals (dinner, breakfast, snacks). This is a good time to practice with a backpacking stove.
- You must have a plan for protecting your food from animals overnight (bear cannister, Ursack or hanging- sleeping with your food is not permitted)
- Use the equipment locker for gear if you don’t have everything. To borrow equipment from the equipment locker, contact the equipment directors right away: [email protected]. Equipment is first-come, first-served. Available equipment: Backpacks, stoves, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, bear canister or Ursack. All other equipment is supplied by the participants.
- Wear good hiking footwear!
- Bring a blister kit/first aid kit. Hiking with a loaded backpack is hard on your feet.
- Be prepared for all conditions, rain or shine, warm or cold. However, we do not need to prove that we can handle miserable conditions (we can!) so this trip will be canceled if miserable conditions are predicted.
Email me to sign up and receive payment instructions. Your spot will be confirmed once I receive your $20 non-refundable payment. I’ll provide further information, including contact info (to make carpools) and a suggested packing list. If there is strong interest, I will reserve a second campsite so we can increase the maximum trip size.
Feel free to email me with any questions you have. Participants must be members of Rovers. You are responsible for transportation to the park (carpools, if desired) and state park vehicle fees.