Details
This trip is full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please read this entire posting and contact Susan Pollock, crew leader.
All participants must be approved by the crew leader before registering. This is a remote trip on a wilderness route in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Email, call or text Susan Pollock, crew leader, and let me know you are interested in the trip. Susan dot Pollock at Boundary Waters Trails dot org or 612 644-4562. I will reply within a few days. Do not hesitate to contact me as soon as you can. This trip will fill and registration sequence will be in order of approval.
ITINERARY
This is a combination paddle and backpack work trip to the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW. Experience is not required. All tools, training and a gear list will be provided.
Wednesday afternoon we will carpool from the Twin Cities area to Ely, MN. We will stay at an Ely outfitter bunkhouse or 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 1-1/2 mile south to our three-night base camp at Rock of Ages Lake. There is a latrine and fire grate at Rock of Ages. Friday and Saturday we will clear fallen trees and brush. Sunday it's hike and paddle out and return to TC metro.
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 March or April to meet each other, conduct a gear check and to hash out trip logistics. BWAC is a holding required spring crew orientation virtually Tuesday, April 5. RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-BWCA-Trails/events/283705090/
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. Review forms at https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/
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, where safety is our #1 priority.