- Estimated Cost: $75
- Deposit: $30
- Max Trip Size: 6 people
We’ll drive up Sunday & take in a hike/sights on the way, camp, paddle into the BWCAW on Monday & out the next Saturday morning to be back in the Cities early/mid evening. Our entry is #41 Brule Lake & we’ll be taking a loop to Lake Winchell and the lakes around that area camping at 2-3 different sites. Although not too many portages there is one a bit more challenging & Winchell can be quite windy so we will be offering some activities prior to the trip to get us ready & excited for the trip.
More details: A trip to the BWCAW has got three exciting phases and you’ll be part of all three of them:
- Preparing: a) Prior practice paddles around town to tone those muscles & hone some paddle strokes. Establish where we are at with skills & what we still need to practice before the trip. Comfortably portaging a canoe. These sessions are posted separately. b) Hiking with portage packs with some weight in fun locations close-by on different kinds of terrain to get those leg muscles & lungs used to carrying load. These sessions will be posted separately. c) Review route to activate that mental athlete & know what to look forward to and what gear/attitude we’ll be bringing along & how to get it there. We’ll be tweaking the route according to the skill level/mix of the group. What to pack and how. d) Organizing the food. What’s light, keeps well, is tasty and easy to cook and clean up. Getting it there & keeping it and us bear safe.
- The trip: a) Ice-breaking on the ride up. Taking in a hike/sights on the way. b) Camping & final packing while enjoying that anticipatory prickle over a fire and maybe some games. c) Loading & pushing off into the adventure. Orienteering at each put in. d) Paddle, camp, fish, hike, sleep, read, cook, hang a bear bag, games, yarn at the fire…
- Reliving and retelling: You won’t need any help with that 🙂 Bring a camera if you like and by all means share your pictures!
Estimated cost: $75 +gas +3 meals on the road. Deposit: $30. Max trip size: 6 (may be increased to 8 depending on skill mix within the group).
Rosemarie D.&Ron T. 
Trip report