The BWCA has some basic rules: you must have a permit, what you take in you must take out, crews can not have more that 4 canoes / kayaks, and no more than 9 people per crew. The easiest way to get a permit is through an outfitter. We will be using Hungry Jack Outfitters, Grand Marais, MN (HJO.com). Currently, I have 6 people signed up - so I'll be looking to add additional crews if more sign up.

The reason for going in September is to avoid the crowds that flock to this Mecca during summer vacation - and be able to get in and out before the temperatures start dropping.

Canoeing in the BWCA usually means cruising through the lakes and camping at a different spot every evening. But nothing says that you have to move daily. So far we plan on covering about 30 -35 miles over 7 days and doing some fishing along the way. The fishing is usually good to excellent.

Canoeing in the BWCA will require "portaging" but with several trips under my belt I can advise you on how to make it easy - especially if you ever done any backing. Portaging is less effort than a back packing trip. We also plan to take along a reasonable amount of gear so we can be comfortable. To do this we will be doing a "double haul" portage - that is making 2 trips at each portage point. Basically. one person makes 1 trip with a light pack and a canoe (30 to 44 lbs) and the second trip with a heavier pack - the second person will make 2 trips carrying medium to large packs. We plan on using packs with hip belts to save our backs and to make the portage as easy as possible. The amount of portages and their lengths will vary on specifics routes.

The plan is to rent "ultra light" canoes from Hungry Jack Outfitter and bring our own food and gear. Hungry Jack's can provide food and gear if your are interested. Also for those interested I can go over what gear to take and how to pack to make portages a breeze. The scenery and wildlife are beautiful and plentiful so plan on bringing your camera.

This is wilderness camping so I recommend that you get a check-up before September and that you take some training like wilderness survival, water safety / rescue, and first aid.

Anybody interested in this trip should RSVP via e-mail to Dale by March 1st so that appropriate planning can be done in advance of the trip date.

Gear Requirements:

We will be renting canoes (single or double), PFD's (lifejackets), paddles. Each person needs to bring a whistle or other signaling device, throw bag, tent, ground pad, sleeping bag, clothing for hot, cold, wet and dry conditions, camp chair (we use a small beach chair), headlamp, plate(s), flatware, drinking cup, personal toiletries and other items that you may want to have with you.

Meals:

Everyone will be responsible for their own food (read "freeze dried"), although if the fishing is good still plan on bringing food. Bring, or plan on sharing, water purification equipment, but remember - NO GLASS, POLYSTYRENE, or STYROFOAM.

Back-up Plans:

There is no backup plan for this trip. If, for any reason, the trip to BWCA cannot be made, then it will be cancelled.

Trip Arrangements:

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.