IMPORTANT: ☛☛☛ You must be approved by Susan or Chris before registering for this trip. We require a brief phone check in to make sure the trip is a good match. Meetup message one of the event hosts with your phone number and a good time to call.

ITINERARY

This is a combination paddle and backpack work trip to the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW.

Wednesday afternoon we will carpool from the Twin Cities area to Ely, MN. We will stay at Kawishiwi Lodge on the shore of BWCAW Lake One.

Thursday morning up and at 'em for our paddle through Lakes One, Two and Three to the rugged west side of the Powwow Trail. We will stash our canoes at Lake Three then backpack south 3.5 mi. to our three-night base camp at Mirror Lake. Mirror is a beautiful remote Boundary Waters lake featuring a fire grate and plenty of flat spots to pitch a tent. It is unrestored and there is no latrine.

Friday and Saturday we will clear new growth and downed trees from the trail between Path and Mirror Lakes.

Sunday we'll pack out and return to the Twin Cities. It will be a six to eight hour travel day out of the wilderness.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each participant will carry their own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, personal gear and a clearing tool. You should be in good physical shape for full days of travel and working, and have a "can-do" attitude for unknown trail and weather conditions.

Recommended gear list: https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/gear-list-for-trail-clearing-backpacking-canoeing-april

A required local hike will be scheduled in August to meet each other, conduct a gear check and to hash out trip logistics. Trail clearing experience is not required or expected. BWAC provides all tools and safety training.

OTHER STUFF TO KNOW:

All participants must sign the BWAC liability release, BWAC medical health form, and U.S. Forest Service volunteer agreement before trip departure.

The $25 registration fee includes a Mckenzie map of the Powwow Trail and offsets a portion of administrative and tool costs for BWAC. Additional costs will be $25.00 bunkhouse, your trip food, and c. $20 shared gas for those not driving. Our trail partner, the U.S. Forest Service, provides the wilderness permit for BWAC volunteer crews. Kawishiwi Lodge generously provide canoes and a discounted bunkhouse for our first night's stay.

Thank you for choosing to volunteer with the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee.