March 17th, 2008 | by Andy | published in BWCAW, Environment, Hiking, Resources
It’s the perfect getaway plan: Simultaneously a way to give back to the BWCAW, and a valid excuse to squeeze in one more trip up north this summer. The American Hiking Society has posted their 2008 Volunteer Vacations schedule. Join a small crew to help maintain trails for about a week in August, paddling and [...]
March 14th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Outdoor Living, Resources
The MN-DNR’s site has a set of helpful tips for ice safety and recommended ice thicknesses, including a downloadable wallet-size reference card.
I would also add that you should never, ever, EVER do this.
March 10th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Resources, Survival Skills
While not 100% failsafe, here’s one way to find north using only a stick and the sun, should you ever lose your compass. Anyone out there in UpNorthica ever had to use this method in a pinch?
March 7th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Food, Outdoor Living, Resources
Holy buckets! Beginning March 8th, several Minnesota state parks will be teaching free classes on how to harness the pure, raw power of Maple. Learn about the history and process of maple syruping, or better yet, register to take part in tapping, collecting and boiling down a batch for yourself.
I was blessed as a kid [...]
March 6th, 2008 | by Arthur | published in Art, Resources, Wildlife
John James Audubon may have never made it to Minnesota, but he knew the birds of our state better than most any of us ever will. His seminal work Birds of America contains 435 incredible full color life size plates. The University of Pittsburgh, which owns a rare full copy, has made each plate available [...]
February 26th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Camping, Resources
Couldn’t believe this when I saw it: A tutorial on how to build your own portable Mongolian yurt. I’d also found a similar DIY using mostly using salvaged materials (that’s right: ‘how to green your yurt’.) However, judging from the picture on that one, I’d recommend the first tutorial.
February 25th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Camping, Food, Resources
Planning your menu? This article provides some solid tips on what kinds of foot to eat—and not to eat—when you’re camping in the cold.
February 15th, 2008 | by Andy | published in BWCAW, Resources, Winter Sports
Shoe up for a several upcoming events at Voyageurs National Park, including a guided showshoe hike and a bit of voyageur history for kids.
February 4th, 2008 | by Andy | published in Gear, Resources
If you’re in the market for a new canoe, Canoeing.com has posted big updates to their Canoe Guide and Paddling Section. The site is an ever-improving resource for paddle-folk, and I have to admit that I can’t stop looking at the gorgeous page design. Now, if they could just get those Gear Reviews up and [...]
January 29th, 2008 | by Andy | published in BWCAW, Quetico, Resources
Headed up into Quetico this year? Here’s a heads-up about new regulations, effective January 31, on acceptable forms of identification as you cross into Canada. Sounds like, “Hi, I’m Me, and I’m an American” won’t cut it anymore…
January 12th, 2008 | by Andy | published in BWCAW, Resources
A tip of the toque goes out to Voyageur Maps, who’ve just made their hot-off-the-press BWCAW maps, available to the public. I’d only heard about them recently, but if anyone’s been anxiously awaiting their release, it’s easy to see why. I love the clean, uncluttered design, paired with the comprehensive index of lakes on [...]