2023

Happy Holidays (and Boxing Day) !!

Online via Zoom

Many of us love the outdoors, yet we find human presence to have a huge impact on our experience.  The Leave No Trace Foundation is dedicated to the ethic of minimizing the effect we have on natural spaces.  But what does that mean? What can we do? How do we engage in ethical decision making around our outdoor activities? Fran, a Leave No Trace Master Educator, will discuss and present situations to help us minimize our impact when we are out in wild spaces.

Hybrid program
In person at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and also being presented over Zoom

In this presentation, Sam will share information on how to successfully prepare to lead a group in the outdoors.  He’ll discuss how to select and plan a route, assess potential risks or hazards, and notice changes in the environment.  These skills can be applied to any outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and paddling.

Sam Grubisich is a lifelong enjoyer of outdoor activities, whether it is cycling, hiking, anything on the water, or exploring new neighborhoods in search of ice cream.  In 1999, Sam discovered sea kayaking and fell in love with the freedom and the sense of adventure the craft allowed for.  He pursued leadership and coaching certificates from the American Canoe Association and British Canoeing, obtaining the BC Advanced Sea Leader award in 2019 and is currently working towards the ACA L4 Coastal Kayak Coach Award.  In 2020, he started FreshWater PaddleSports, a Twin Cities kayak and leadership training business (www.freshwaterps.com).  Sam believes that the idea of  adventure is open to individual definition and with a bit knowledge, anyone can share their adventure with others.

Online via Zoom

Two Rovers hiked the Grand Canyon from the North Rim to the South Rim over four days, camping along the way.  This was a trip they  had wanted to do for a while and were able to secure the required backcountry permits that year.  They also did a number of side hikes off the main trail each day.  Enjoy photos from their trip as well as hear about the logistics of putting the trip together and the best time to do it.  Presented by Barry and Jen.

Online via Zoom

Among the oldest state parks, Whitewater’s history is one of change.  The influence of worldwide events and an evolving park system acted to guide the development of this amazing park.  The park we see today was further shaped by the efforts of hundreds of young men and the power of the natural world over the years.  During this presentation we will explore this rich history and learn the story of southeastern Minnesota’s first state park.

Presented by Jeremy Darst, Interpretive Naturalist at Whitewater State Park.

Online via Zoom

Mike and Nori cycled eight days in southern Albania followed by eight days of trekking in the Accursed Mountains, which Albania shares with Kosovo in the northeast and Montenegro in the southwest.  Mike is a long-time Rover who has been on many backpacking and trekking trips, solo or with Rovers, both internationally and domestically.

Hybrid program
In person at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and also being presented over Zoom

Join Rovers for our Tuesday presentation, where one of our fellow Rovers will share her experienced solo hiking the Lycian Way in April 2023.  Come learn about what it takes to plan an international long-distance hiking trip.  Discover the natural beauty, historic sites, and spectacular views along the way.  Gain some insights about the delights of Turkey, including its people, culture and food.  Plus, hear about some of the challenges along the way.

The Lycian Way is a long-distance footpath around the Mediterranean coast of Lycia in southern Turkey from Fethiye to Antalya.  The trail consists mainly of Roman roads, old footpaths, and mule trails, lying between the coast and mountains.  The Lycian Way passes through ~25 historic remote sites from the Greek culture and Roman Empires dating back to 8 BC, including Xanthos, Patara, Myra, Pinara, Tlos and Olympos.

Laura is a Rover who appreciates exploring in nature, especially the wilderness, and learning about different cultures.  She enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, paddling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Online via Zoom

This was the second year of Pat’s plan to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in ten years. He has done a total of 470.1 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Damascus, Virginia.

Pat has been a Rover for at least 15 years.  He’s a climber, canoer, kayaker, hiker, winter camper, and overall adventurer.  His latest project is to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in ten years, and he’s on track to get it done in nine years.

Online via Zoom

Rovers, here is your opportunity to learn and influence the direction setting of Rovers! Please join your fellow Rovers members who have volunteered to participate in the Strategic Planning Process as they update you on their activities and results.  We will share:

• why we are going through strategic planning at this time and provide an overview of the process
• our proposed mission and vision statements, as well as our Rovers’ values
• our top three issues and goals, followed by an update from the goal committees on their proposed approach to achieve these goals

The presentation will be followed by breakout sessions where we will ask for member feedback and answer any questions.

Online via Zoom

In February of 2023, Doug and his son-in-law spent a week bicycling the backroads of Cambodia and Vietnam.  This talk along with a photo-filled slideshow tells of that experience and gives tips for preparing for one’s own biking experience in this colorful, interesting part of the world.

Doug is a retired educator and life-long bicyclist, hiker, and world-traveler, having visited over 60 countries.  He has climbed Kilimanjaro, hiked the Inca Trail, backpacked Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon, and participated in five boat/bike cruises in Europe.  But most of all, he enjoys Rover hikes!

Online via Zoom

Join Voyageurs Conservancy’s Education Specialist and Dark Sky enthusiast, Jesse Gates, to learn about Voyageurs’ place as an International Dark Sky park.  Learn about the adverse effects of light pollution, what makes Voyageurs dark skies so special, and what fascinating astronomical events to look out for next year!

Jesse has worked as a seasonal education technician and interpretive park range for the National Park Service for the past four years.  His favorite type of educational program involves teaching about and observing the starry night sky. At his most recent assignment at Voyageurs National Park, he discovered the Voyageurs Conservancy.  As an advocate for science and stewardship of the land, he quickly realized that this organization’s mission closely aligned with his own values.

Hybrid program
In person at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and also being presented over Zoom

Learn more about the mysteries and histories of Jordan and Egypt .  Rover Sue W. spent a month exploring these two countries and will share her stories, pictures, and experience.

Online via Zoom

Jill and Kurt Jewell are new Rovers members who enjoy long distance running, biking, and camping.  They got to experience the “once in a lifetime” trip of a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2023.  In their presentation, they’ll share what led them to the highest mountain in Africa, their preparation, and adventures on (and off) the mountain.  Perhaps after their talk you will set your sites on this bucket-list experience!

Online via Zoom

In this presentation, Bruce will describe four backpack hikes within easy driving distance of Medford OR:

• The Rogue River Trail, a National Recreation Trail that stretches about 40 miles. It is easily the best known and most iconic trail in SW Oregon. It’s a great multi-day backpack with different start, stop and directional options.
• The Wild Rogue Loop includes a part of the Rouge River Trail along with a higher altitude passage along Panther Ridge and stunning views from Hanging Rock.
• The Lake to Lake Traverse uses the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails to connect Fourmile Lake in the Sky Lakes Wilderness with Crater Lake in Crater Lake NP. A short side hike to the summit of Devil’s Peak affords an expansive view over the entire wilderness.
• The Butte Fork Loop reaches some of the most sublime terrain in the Red Buttes Wilderness, which straddles the California/Oregon border.

Bruce is originally from California, where he spent an inordinate amount of time climbing and backpacking in the High Sierra, Death Valley, and the Mojave Desert. He climbed 16 of the major peaks in the Pacific Northwest and hiked extensively in the Columbia River Gorge, the northern Oregon Cascades, and in southern Washington.

Online via Zoom

Border to Border Ski is a 7-day, 400 km ski tour (not a race) that traverses Finland south of the Arctic Circle from near the Russian border to the Swedish border. In March 2023, twenty-five Minnesotans were the largest contingent in our international group of 74 skiers. They included David (our current Equipment Director) his brother Jon, and Jon’s daughter Addie, who will also be presenting.  David is a long-time Rovers member and bikes in spring, summer, and fall to stay in shape for skiing in winter.

Online via Zoom

A program all about the MN Rovers, with a slide show featuring the amazing activities that our members coordinate. Come check out our favorite pictures, hear about our wide variety of outdoor adventures as well as the many ways you can participate: join a trip, learn or teach new skills, help with conservation and trail clearing, and other fun events. You’ll also have an opportunity to visit with Rovers afterwards about your favorite way to play outside.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Come to the gear swap! Twice a year the Minnesota Rovers host a gear swap.  Anyone who has outdoor equipment they are no longer using can bring it to the swap and either sell it outright or make a trade with someone else.  The gear is in good shape and usually the owners have simply chosen to upgrade or no longer have a need for that particular piece of equipment.  It’s a great way to get your hands on used gear if you want to try it out without making an investment in brand new equipment.  Both selling and buying is open to the public.  Bring plenty of cash in case something catches your eye.  Some sellers may also accept electronic forms of payment (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal).

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Participate in our 2023 Backcountry Cook-Off and help other outdoor enthusiasts expand their backcountry cooking repertoire! Show off your “old reliable” or try an interesting new recipe before you take it out on the trail. Here are the guidelines: It’s day three of a wilderness backpacking or canoe/kayak camping trip. Recipes should be appropriate for the backcountry, take 20 minutes or less to prepare, and require only a single-burner stove. We’ll need lots of delicious entries, so we hope you’ll consider entering. The winning chef will receive a prize and bragging rights!

If you plan to enter, email Fran at [email protected] with your name and title of what you will prepare (Easy-Peasy Nut and Fruit Couscous, Spaghetti with Dried Veggie Sauce, etc.).  Please bring everything you need (ingredients, stove, pots/pans, etc.). Water is available from the sinks in the nearby restrooms.  Cooking will begin as soon as the meeting part of our night is concluded (around 7:20). Sampling and voting should start by about 7:40.

We also need taste testers!  Bring your plates/bowls and utensils to sample the offerings and vote for your favorite.

Will YOU be the Minnesota Rovers 2023 Backcountry Cook of the Year?

In person at Como Park in St. Paul – West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

We are visually and auditorily bombarded with an overwhelming amount of noise every day. Using a simple cardboard viewfinder, we are going to practice filtering our view. By walking around the space around us, we will slow down and focus on the simple beauty and curiosity all around us.  We are then going to capture those images and ideas on “film” by creating handmade Polaroid pictures.

What to bring:
* Sketchbook, journal or paper to draw on
* Your favorite drawing pens / pencils
* Your favorite coloring tool(s) such as watercolors, colored pencils or markers
* A 3″ x 5″ piece of cardboard with a 2″ square cut out of the middle (a few extras will be available for use)
* Your camp chair and sturdy surface such as clipboard or book

Molly Anthony is a writer and mixed-media artist living in Richfield MN. She loves exploring art in all forms, sharing her ideas with others, and is constantly looking for new ways to be curious about the world around her.  You can find her artwork on Instagram at @mkranthony and on her website TheFoundArtWalk.com.

In person at Como Park in St. Paul — West Picnic Grounds, near the SE corner of the parking lot (near the restroom building).

Shinrin yoku, literally “bathing in the forest atmosphere,” developed as a Japanese public health practice in the 1980’s.  This practice emphasizes slowing down and experiencing the senses, which nicely complements the outdoor adventures the Rovers are known for!  This event will include an orientation to this practice, sensory invitations, and sharing invitations.  We will conclude with a local tea.  Please dress for the weather, bring something comfortable to sit on, and a camping mug for tea.

Kirsten Welge is certified as a Forest Therapy Guide through ANFT, Assistant Lecturer in Mind-Body Oneness through Shinshin Toitsu Aikido, and Tracker Level III through Cybertracker Conservation International.  She regularly volunteers with the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project and teaches Ki Aikido through the Minnesota Ki Society.  Through her business, Natural Awareness LLC, she guides experiences to help others relax and thrive through connection with themselves and the natural world.