2018

At 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park has places for everyone to explore. Voyageurs is known for its amazing water-based recreation and camping experiences, pristine lakes and world-class fishing, boreal forests, calling loons, winter ice roads, and starry skies.

Come hear Christina Hausman, executive director of Voyageurs National Park Association, share ways you can make the most our of a visit to Minnesota’s largest national park.

Voyageurs National Park Association is the nonprofit partner of Minnesota’s National Park. VNPA works to connect more people to the park through education, stewardship, and outreach efforts, and to protect Voyageurs through restoration and conservation initiatives.

This past winter MN Rovers Trailhead Adventure was set up to encourage people to get outside, discover, and explore 9 destinations in the state. Winter can’t hold you down! Come hear about the adventures of the participants, enjoy submitted photos, learn a bit more about the locations, and – of course – be present for the prize drawings!

Presented by Shelly G. & Debra G.

This is a presentation of traveling around the South Island of New Zealand in a camper van in February of 2017. Earlier this year I talked about the North Island and a 10 day kayak trip. This is the second half of the trip in the South Island. While there, we hiked in the rain forest, swam with dolphins, explored and experienced geological instability and the earthquakes that hit Christchurch 6 years before, and Kaikoura 3 months before my visit. We also visited the Mt. Johns observatory, where they search for exoplanets, and we explored Maori history and culture.

This presentation will also discuss trips to New Zealand, cost, other opportunities, like whale watching, hiking hut to hut, travel issues, paddling in Fjordland, and exploring caves with glow worms. It’s an amazing country with lots to see.

Presented by Fran L.

Ever enter a contest…and win? This vacation started when Sue won a trip for two by entering a Facebook contest through Bicycling Magazine & Exodus Travels! So many places to choose from, but the lure of Barcelona and the Catalan countryside were too hard to resist! Come see the architectural beauty of Barcelona (some say the most beautiful city in the world), as well as the beauty of the coastline and the rolling countryside dotted with medieval villages in Catalonia.

Presented by Sue W. and Debra G.

In September 2017, two Minnesota women, Alison Young and Brenda Piekarski from Adventure Minnesota Films, thru-hiked the BRT. Join them as they share their hike story. Moose tracks, great friends, crossing beaver dams, old-growth pines, a broken bear box, foggy and soggy vistas, getting lost, amazing fall colors, thick brush — their hike had it all. They’ll discuss their day-by-day itinerary complete with photos, tips, their packing list, as well as suggestions for how to plan and get there, and will pleased to answer any questions that you might have including:
• What to bring
• Important things to know

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient spiritual pilgrimage dating back to the middle ages.  Nowadays the many routes have become popular with hikers and bikers from around the world.  Jeff Nelson completed the Portuguese route from Lisbon Portugal to Santiago de Compostela Spain in October of 2017.  He will speak about, the historical significance, how to prepare for the trip, the unique lodging and culinary opportunities, and the amazing scenery along the entire route.

Steven Malikowski previously presented about his cycle trip across Britain. This time, he’ll describe a cycle tour through small French towns and WWI battlegrounds. The battlegrounds still show the scars from that war, in the landscape and in history. In contrast, this presentation will also show quiet French towns and farms, between the battlefields. If time is available, Steven will also share pictures and stories of a peaceful bike tour in Belgium.

Join us as veteran snowcamper Martin Kubik pushes his luck and physical limits during a winter journey on and along the incredibly beautiful Cascade River.

Martin carefully picks the route, crosses the river back and forth guiding novices to Shrike Lake and then ascends Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota, via the tenuous “Czech Direct”/SW face route.

Whether it is twenty above or twenty below, Martin, survivor of many plunges into icy water, has many tips and a humorous story to tell that will make you want to follow the snowshoe tracks in white snow.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific the TransAmerica Bike Trail was developed in 1976 to commemorate the nation’s bicentennial. It follows low traffic roads through scenic and historic areas. It was a “bucket list” adventure Rover Steve Mueller and a friend had to check off. Hear about, see photos and learn the planning and costs involved with this exciting self-supported trip.

Presented by Steve Mueller

Taff Roberts will talk about hiking in the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales, and along the Welsh Coastal Path. Wales is the only country in the world that has a coastal path the entire 870 miles of the country. Taff will also talk about walking along ancient pathways and visiting holy wells along the way.

Recently Taff started his new business “Wild Wales Tours & Walkabouts”
www.wildwalestours.com

One of the strangest adventures I’ve ever been on was visiting a hotel with no electricity or cell service in the middle of the Bergslagen Forest in Sweden. A mere two hour drive or ride on public transportation will give you a once in a lifetime experience of sleeping in the Swedish wilderness surrounded by wolves, moose and capercaillie. The staff takes you on excursions to view wildlife and learn how to survive on the food and shelter resources around you. A unique and fulfilling outdoor experience!

Presented by: Sharon S.

The Apostle Islands offer a wide range of some outstanding geological features. Most of these are easily found if you know what to look for and where. Learn about the 1 billion year geological history of the National Lakeshore: how the islands were formed, how different features were formed, what these features look like, and where you can find these features. Enhance your experience in the Apostle Islands by joining Dan in a geological treasure hunt.

Presented by Dan Morrison.