The Way of the Wilderness

Are you ready for a wilderness adventure? 

Are you ready for an adventure? Is the wilderness calling you? Does your desk job have you yearning for some time in nature to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the earth? The Way of the Wilderness August journey is for wilderness seekers of all types. No experience is necessary. Come with your spirit of adventure and a positive attitude and you will go far. Learn wilderness skills and ways as you merge into a rhythm with nature. Our planned route will have us traveling through the remote Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for total immersion.

Dates

August 26-31, 2023   6 Days, 5 Nights

Logistics

Maximum group size is 9. (5 Openings Remain) Travel out of Ely, MN. Accommodations are Backcountry Base-Camp Style Tenting, Shared Space. The route we’ll be taking is a planned loop and has us visiting numerous lakes with some longer portages. A moderate amount of physical conditioning is recommended although, rest assured, a positive attitude and can-do spirit will take you far. Yes, you can do this! You don’t have to be X-style-fit but be ready for a fair amount of physical activity. The bonus is you won’t be worried about the bears because we’ll have you sleeping like a baby.

Cost

*** Register early and save $150***

Early bird price $1200. Cost after February 28th $1350. A non-refundable deposit of $150 secures your space on this journey. The balance is due June 20th. Personal checks are the preferred method of payment of the balance. Credit card payments outside of the initial deposit will have an additional 3% charge. Cost includes experienced guide, all food, group equipment, emergency equipment, permits, activities and all instruction while on trail. You will be provided with a packing list and additional information upon confirmation.

Details:

Following is a tentative itinerary.  The woods are unpredictable so find ease in flexibility.  Subject to change with weather, group energy, location, etc.

Day 1: Meet at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely, MN at 2pm. Travel to forest campground for dinner, gear shakedown, portage practice and safety talk.

Day 2: Break camp, have breakfast and travel to entry point. Paddle, portage, and explore to an open BWCA campsite. Lunch, camp set up, fishing, exploring, hammock time, dinner, campfire.

Day 3: Pack camp and explore further into the BWCA wilderness while stopping every so often to take pictures, sight-see, and hopefully spot an animal or two. We’ll land at a new campsite, have lunch, set up camp, stretch our legs and enjoy dinner and a campfire.

Day 4: Layover day with many options to swim, fish, explore, day trip, and hike.

Day 5: Break camp, paddle, portage and explore the lakes while looking for our next campsite closer to our exit point.

Day 6: Pack camp and complete our planned loop back to the parking lot. Goodbyes and farewell. Plan to be out by 3pm weather permitting.

Travel to and from Ely and entry point is not included. Carpooling may be an option. The trip ends the afternoon we exit the BWCA wilderness. We recommend an extra night in Ely before or after your trip to have dinner, visit the quaint shops, find your souvenirs, or support the International Wolf Center or Bear Center which can enhance your Northwoods experience. See FAQ’s for more helpful information or email guidingspiritjourneys@gmail.com

To join this Journey, click the button below to pay the deposit and reserve your spot now. Please feel free to email Melissa with any questions or to set up a payment plan.