This week we have a lot of epic wilderness trips in motion! Each camper had the opportunity to choose which of the six trips he wanted to sign up for. The first trip left on Monday and the sixth trip left this morning (Tuesday). Everybody will return on Friday afternoon to share their tales from the trails but we won’t leave you hanging that long! Keep reading to discover which adventures our Birchwood boys have set out for this week.
Voyageur Highway 1 – 5-Day Trip
This trip is led by Birchwood counselors, Hemi (second from left) and Lobo (front), with Senior Leadership Campers – Luca (left), Finn (back row, third from right), and Shea (second from right).
This group was dropped off in Ely, MN with the task of paddling back to camp along the Canadian border! Roughly 50 miles, this route was a traditional trade route of the French-Canadian Voyageurs. This is a trip with two large lakes (Knife Lake and Saganaga) and many small intimate lakes strung together by small portages. Their route is full of fun landmarks in between like Dorothy Molter’s island and Benny Ambrose’s old foundations. Google those names for some fun local stories.
Follow them on their adventure: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F (Birchwood 7)
Canadian Fishing 1 – 5-Day Trip
This trip is led by Birchwood counselors, Ghost (back left) and Dragon (right), with Senior Leadership Camper – Carter (second from right).
This group is in search of monsters! Canadian monsters! And by monsters, we mean bass and pike and walleye that take two, maybe even three, hands to hold! We fully expect they’ll find many monsters and many fish fit for eating on this adventure into the Canadian Crownlands just northeast of our home lake, Lake Saganaga. They’ll be taking the northern route into Northern Light Lake via the Northeast Arm. Aside from fishing, there are countless bays to paddle, old campsites to explore, and even some pictographs to visit!
Follow them on their adventure: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F (Birchwood 1)
Canadian Fishing 2 – 5-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Frosty (back left) and Gatsby (back right) with Senior Leadership Camper, Ethan (middle row, left).
This group is also in search of Canadian monsters but they are taking the southern route into Northern Light Lake through Red Sucker Bay. At some point, they may cross paths with the other group going into Canada! These boys are top contenders for the Stevesie award (biggest fish) but, at the very least, we expect they’ll fill their bellies with lots of fresh-cooked fish on this adventure into the Canadian Crownlands just northeast of our home lake, Lake Saganaga. Aside from fishing, there are countless bays to paddle, old campsites to explore, and even some pictographs they plan to visit on day two of their trip!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/XXT8Z (Birchwood 2)
Hike and Bike – 4-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Nairo (back row, left) and Hercules (front, kneeling), with Senior Leadership Campers – Luka (back row, second from left) and Jack (front, laying).
These adventurous campers are headed to the north shore of Lake Superior to do some hiking, biking, and base camping! We love this trip because it allows our campers to get out of the canoes and try their hand at some other skills. Campers love this trip because they get to do some more serious cooking with the Dutch oven! Big meals and an even bigger adventure!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 3)
South Lake Thru-Paddle – 4-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Puddin’ (left) and Mac (right).
These campers are being dropped off at South Lake, a short drive from camp, and planning to paddle all the way back to camp, which means they’ll get to paddle the Granite River! The Granite River is a classic trip offered at Birchwood but these boys are making it even longer by tacking on South Lake, North Lake, Little North Lake, and Little Gunflint Lake to the traditional route. Let’s wish them warm days and clear skies as they make their trek across lakes and down rivers back to camp.
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 4)
Eddie Falls Expedition – 4-Day Trip
This group is guided by Frizzle (left) and Gov (right), with Senior Leadership Campers – Rollin (back row, center) and Philip (front row, right).
These campers have their sights set on the pristine Eddie Falls as a destination for their four-day paddling adventure. They’ll paddle from camp into the expansive Seagull Lake then weave through a chain of lakes before arriving at Eddie Falls on day three where they’ll get to scramble around and let the falls shower them with its’ refreshing waters!
Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/65CZR (Birchwood 6)
As our campers set their sights on adventure, let’s wish them clear skies and calm waters! May lifelong friendships be forged and a stronger sense of self be discovered!
Happy Trails,
Ashley, Director
