UpNorthica

While many expo-goers are adventuring vicariously this week, one man has quietly embarked upon a dream of his own.

On Wednesday, Duluth-born Erik Simula launched his canoe into Lake Superior on a 1000-mile paddle that will touch on voyageur routes as it weaves through the Arrowhead Region.

But he voyageur detail is no ‘angle’ or novelty here, no mere point of trivia; it’s at the very heart of both the trip — and the man.

Erik is a birch-bark canoe builder who works by day as a park ranger at Grand Portage National Monument. He’s also an instructor at the North House Folk School. And the sled dog musher for the Bearskin Lodge. And wilderness guide. And all of this, before breakfast.

But that’s not all! If you haven’t already dubbed him a modern-day voyageur, just check out his bio:

Erik lives in the bush, subsisting largely on harvesting wild rice, netting fish, hunting, and gathering. Erik keeps a 10-dog team of Alaskan Huskies for hauling firewood, freight, and wilderness guiding.

He’s paddling in a craft of his own making, along with his trusty canine companion (what, only one of them?) and about 14 times his weight in Duluth Packs. Along the way, he aims to stop in Grand Rapids for his daughter’s graduation, then finally arriving during August’s Rendezvous in Grand Portage.

You can follow the journey via his blog and Flickr photostream; this guy is one to watch. Already, the blog’s comments are abuzz with well-wishes and cheers from the likes of Jim Brandenburg and others. We’re looking forward to when he finally returns to the Rendezvous — hopefully just in time for breakfast.

(Special thanks to Sue at Bearskin Lodge!)