This week we have six paddling trips spanning from the end of the Gunflint Trail all the way to the Tofte, MN area off the north shore of Lake Superior. Some groups are in search of the biggest fish while others are looking for rocks to climb and horizons to chase.
The first trip left on Monday, and the sixth trip left this morning (Wednesday). 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.
Saganaga Expedition – 5-Day Trip
This trip is led by Birchwood counselors, Puddin’ (back left) and Waldo (back right), with Senior Leadership campers, Shea (back row, second from left) and Charles (front right).
These ambitious outdoorsmen are headed into the mighty Lake Saganaga right from our docks with the wind at their backs! They plan to spend their first night close to Esther Lake and paddle into many small lakes that we haven’t explored much on day two! They’ll pop out on a big lake, Knife Lake, and follow the border back to Saganaga and on to camp on Friday afternoon. We can’t wait to hear all about it when they return
Follow them on their adventure: https://share.garmin.com/XXT8Z (Birchwood 6)
Frost River to Camp – 4-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Oaken (back second from right), Dragon (back right), and Ryder (back left), with Senior Leadership camper Oliver (front left)!
This group was dropped off on Brule Lake, paddling towards the Frost River! Once they reach the river, they’ll spend the rest of their trip navigating through this narrow waterway until they reach a chain of lakes that will bring them back to camp on Friday, ending with a 400+ rod portage!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/E95B6 (Birchwood 1)
Hike + Bike – 4-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Nairo (back, second from right) and Frizz (back left) with Senior Leadership Camper, Rex (back, third from left).
This trip is embarking on a new adventure to base camp at the Flour Lake campground here on the Gunflint Trail. From this base camp, the mountain biking and hiking opportunities are endless! We’ve hiked many of the trails in this area but never biked, so this is a true expedition! If you’d like a taste of some of the views they’ll see – search Honeymoon Bluff and Caribou Rock Trail!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F (Birchwood 4)
Granite River Paddle – 3-Day Trip
This group is guided by Hemi (back left), Hero (back, second from left), and Samba (back, third from left).
These young men are in for an extra special trip that Birchwood has loved since 1968 – the Granite River Trip! This is a route along the US/Canadian border from Gunflint Lake into Lake Saganaga and back up the Seagull River to Birchwood. They will get to see some beautiful waterfalls and paddle narrow rivers followed by big open lakes!
Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 2)
Seagull Lake Climbing – 3-Day Trip
This group is guided by our counselors, Luigi (back left) and Flash (back, third from left), with Senior Leadership Camper, Simon (back row, second from right).
A classic Birchwood trip, these paddlers will get to experience the big and beautiful Seagull Lake! They’ll get to experience a little bit of a lot – like rock climbing, fishing, paddling, star gazing, and base camping. This is the perfect BWCA sampler trip!
Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 8)
The Alpine Loop – 3-Day Trip
This group is guided by our counselors (and brothers !! ), Wall-E (left) and Mac (front), with Senior Leadership Campers, Maddox (back right) and Donnie (center).
Another classic Birchwood trip, these boys will start by paddling into Saganaga Lake today, where they will camp on Long Island. On day two, they will paddle from Long Island all the way to Seagull Lake where they’ll camp before closing the loop on Friday. If they can paddle through Red Rock Bay and Alpine Lake on Thursday, then they can spend Friday chilling at their campsite until they paddle back to camp that afternoon.
Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 8)
As our campers set their sights on adventure, let us wish them calm waters and clear trails! May the path of the paddle and the way of the trail lead them to self-discovery and shared purpose! In every walk or paddle with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.
Happy Trails,
Ashley, Director
