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Monthly Archives: August 2008
UpNorthica Interviews: Canoeing Rockstars Bloomfield and Witte
Earlier this summer, two teens from Chaska, Minnesota finished a paddling voyage from their hometown, all the way to Hudson’s Bay. Why? Because they could, of course! During the trip, Sean Bloomfield and Colton Witte found thousands of fans and supporters, well before shattering the time set by Eric Sevareid’s similar route documented in his book Canoeing with the Cree. But it won’t be the last time they’ve had all of Minnesota (and beyond) cheering.
Sean and Colton sit down with UpNorthica, where their journey began along the Minnesota River, to share this most ultimate of trip reports. And they reveal plans for their next ‘Because We Can.’
We have posted here, the full podcast interview: Bloomfield-Witte Interview (17mb)
Outdoor skills legend to teach in Grand Marais
Want to learn how to live “comfortably in the bush on an indefinite basis with a minimal dependence on technological materials and tools?” Or maybe just how to go winter camping, without ending up as the next Jon Krakauer book?
Mors Kochanski is the author of the classic instructional book, “Bushcraft.” And I was thrilled to read today, that he’ll be teaching this fall at Grand Marais’ North House Folk School. Participants of the Wilderness Living Skills course will get to assemble 2-kg Wilderness Skills Kits, [presumably] test them out, and earn one crapload of Manly-Man Points to boot.
While the classes are still a ways off (not until November), slots are filling quickly. Details here (scroll to the second course from top).
The history of the Duluth Pack
If you’ve ever wanted to know, here’s a brief but interesting history of the Duluth Pack, perhaps one of the most enduring symbols of the Boundary Waters experience.
Say what you will about the pimped-out canoe packs of today (yes, I have a few myself). But they can’t touch the beauty, character and old-world craftsmanship of these things. Plus, they’ll never permeate your gear closet with the smell of moss-scuffed duck canvas and old leather (do i detect undertones of rich mahogany?)
Kibosh on campfires
Yesterday, the Forest Service announced campfire restrictions for the ‘blowdown’ area and other portions of the BWCA:
Beginning Thursday morning (12:01 am) August 21, 2008, the Superior National Forest will prohibit the use of campfires and charcoal or wood burning stoves in the blowdown area inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This restricted area includes portions of the eastern two thirds of the BWCAW. In addition, the Kekekabic Trail (east of Disappointment Lake) and the Border Route Trail (with associated connecting trails) will be closed to visitor use.
Wondering if the restrictions affect your route? They’ve provided several maps and lists of affected lakes, so have a gander and plan accordingly.
Moose and Deer Trophy Puzzles
Gonna have to bag me one ‘o’ these. Eco-safe cardboard and, like the product description says, no taxidermy required (available in Deer or Moose flavors). Now I just have to get me a cabin to put ‘em in…
A Boundary Waters in upstate New York?
I’ve always thought of the Boundary Waters as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ wilderness, but I’m glad to see there’s hope for more places like it in the States.
This article describes a campaign afoot to increase the number of “quiet zones” – lakes restricting gas-powered boats – in New York’s Adirondacks. I was proud to read that advocates for the Quiet Waters Campaign are looking to the BWCAW’s history as a model of how their aims could be achieved. Much of the opposition to the campaign comes from sportsmen (as opposed to coming largely from resort owners in the BW’s early days). I’ve a feeling this will be an interesting bout over the next few years to watch.
Any Boundary Waters history buffs care to chime in?
Portaging politely: Tips on trail etiquette
If your trip route were a drive through Twin Cities roadways, portages would be the Crosstown Interchange. There’s rush hour, there’s painful bottlenecking and gridlocking… I’ve never encountered trail rage (have you?). But portaging is much less a headache if you adopt a few common sense guidelines. Read on to get yourself schooled.
Observe the rules of traffic
When encountering larger groups, step to the right of the trail and let them through first. And if that faster group behind you catches up, be ready to let them pass on your left. Another rule of thumb: Yield to the person with the heavier load. If you’re carrying one pack, yield to the person with two. If you’re not portaging the canoe, yield to anyone who is.
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Print your own free topo maps
One of the best trends to hit the interweb in the last several years is the democratization of maps. Used to be that even folding maps was impossible; now you can name them, edit them, share them… Making your mark on the world has never been so easy. Case in point: Kevin at Cool Tools shows us DIY free topo maps. Great ideas are even greater-er when they’re free!
UpNorthica Reviews: Vasque Breeze XCR men’s boots
Friend or Foe? Take a new pair of boots over a few days’ worth of root-tangled trails and soggy portages; before long, you’ll know which camp yours fall under. And you’ll spend the rest of the trip either swearing by them, or swearing at them. We canoe campers demand a lot from a boot: Must give firm support, but be flexible and comfortable. Must have sturdy traction without being lunky and cumbersome. Must shed water like a sieve.
I’ve been warily testing a pair of Vasque’s Breeze XCR boots this season, hoping to make a new ally. After several months, here is where our relationship stands.
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Hikes from Hell
Everyone has a ‘camping trip from Hell’ story or three. But I’d way rather hear about yours, than mine.
Hiker Hell is a blog dedicated to “learning from other people’s mistakes, so you don’t make the same ones.” Topics tackled include animal attacks, getting lost from your group after pooping behind a tree and the classic conundrum of drinking unsafe water vs. risking dehydration. Some are entertaining, others a bit harrowing, but there’s a free nugget of wisdom to be had in each one.
Got a ‘hell trip’ story to share? We would A-L-L love to hear it [heh heh], so tell us already! but honestly – God help you if you’ve truly, actually gotten lost on a potty break.
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