This week we have a brand new, never-before-sent group of trips from our evacuation locations at Camp Foley! Fishing, Paddling, Hiking, and Biking! All trips left 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.
Mississippi Paddling Trip #1 – 3-Day Trip
This group is guided by Puddin’ (left) and Luigi (right).
Our boys showed so much interest in paddling the Mississippi River that we decided to send two trips this week! Each group is running the same route but camping in different locations. This trip will be full of river exploration, fishing for fish we never see in the BWCA, as well as seeing some of the historic landmarks the Mississippi has to offer. The trip starts with a drive to Bemidji, MN, and starts at the east side of Lake Bemidji where the Mississippi turns back into a river. The river will wind through many small towns as well as areas where people rarely go. The trips will camp at designated sites along the river, and will be able to wade and swim in the cool water. The trips will each end on Cass Lake.
Follow them on their journey here: https://share.garmin.com/GXMPD (Birchwood 1)
Mississippi Paddling Trip #2 – 3-Day Trip
This trip is led by Birchwood counselors Ryder (left) and Perry (right).
Our boys showed so much interest in paddling the Mississippi River that we decided to send two trips this week! Each group is running the same route but camping in different locations. This trip will be full of river exploration, fishing for fish we never see in the BWCA, as well as seeing some of the historic landmarks the Mississippi has to offer. The trip starts with a drive to Bemidji, MN, and starts at the east side of Lake Bemidji where the Mississippi turns back into a river. The river will wind through many small towns as well as areas where people rarely go. The trips will camp at designated sites along the river, and will be able to wade and swim in the cool water. The trips will each end on Cass Lake.
Follow them on their adventure: https://share.garmin.com/XXT8Z (Birchwood 2)
Jay Cooke Hike and Fish – 3-Day Trip
This trip is led by co-counselors Nacho (left) and Beagle (right).
These Birchwood boys are headed to the beautiful Jay Cooke State Park, where they’ll spend three days hiking and camping at various locations within the park. On day one, they’ll get to cross the iconic Swinging Bridge across the St. Louis River. They also will have the opportunity to fish for the elusive brown trout at two small creeks. Jay Cooke is an old-growth forest with a 13-mile-long rocky gorge and some beautiful waterfalls. They’re in for some stunning scenery!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/E95B6 (Birchwood 4)
Cuyuna Biking – 3-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Frizz (left) and Wheeler (right).
These boys are heading to Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area near Crosby, Minnesota — one of the best mountain bike destinations in the Midwest, and a great place for kids of every skill level to have an experience of a lifetime. Cuyuna isn’t a single track or a single hill; it’s a network of over 50 miles of trails across 800 acres, so tons of new trails to explore and try out. Our campers are staying overnight at Portsmouth Campground, on the shore of Portsmouth Mine Lake, just minutes from the trails, so there’s no long shuttle in and out each day, and they can swim after a long day on the trails. These boys are getting one of the best bike experiences MN has to offer!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F (Birchwood 8)
Whitefish Isles Paddling – 3-Day Trip
This trip is led by counselors Boots (left) and Sunny (right).
This trip starts here at Camp Foley! From the wilderness dock, the group will head Southwest to the Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area, where there are 11 campsites to choose from. On their way, they will fish, sightsee, and swim in the Lower Whitefish Lake. On day two, they paddle along the northeast shore all the way to the Isle of Foley, where the group will spend the remainder of the day fishing and exploring the local islands. Day three, the group will pack up and head back to Camp Foley!
Follow them on their adventure here: https://share.garmin.com/N4V2F (Birchwood 6)
As our campers set their sights on adventure, let us wish them calm waters and starry skies! In every walk, bike, or paddle with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.
Happy Trails,
Ashley, Director
