NORTHERN TIER 2009: A Trip of a Lifetime

Ten scouts and six adults ventured into Canadian waters from 4 - 9 August as part of two separate three-canoe Northern Tier crews. The group flew into Minneapolis-St Paul airport, and then made the long 4 hour drive to the Scout Base north of Ely, Minnesota. Then, the real fun began. The scouts were processed through the many stations necessary to ensure all the gear was in order for their departure the next day, including food, tents and cooking gear. After a wholesome dinner in the dining hall and mandatory orientation film, each crew retired to their yurt-like cabin for a personal gear check. After the final check and pack up, it was time for bed, and the last night of sleeping inside for a week.

All six canoes set off for their adventure within 30 minutes of each other, and raced to the Canadian border crossing station. On the way, we figured out how to row properly, and how hard the week ahead was going to be. Once we reached the Canadian border crossing, the groups split up, one going east and one going north. We would not see each other until the final day, upon our return to the Base camp.

The adventure was fantastic. Each group has a different story about the week, but there are some common threads. Everyone stroked, and stroked, and stroked....at least 50 miles for each crew! And everyone had an opportunity to carry the food pack (way too heavy), the gear pack, and the "elephant packs" containing our tents, sleeping bags, and clothes. The fishing was fun, the camaraderie excellent, and the scenery breathtaking.

It was the experience of a lifetime, one that no one will forget anytime soon.















Posted by Michael Lodge, ASM

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