Are you ready for an adventure? Is the wilderness calling you? The Way of the Wilderness is the Adventure you are seeking.
Learn the ways of the wilderness and fall into a rhythm with nature. This inclusive journey is open to anyone over 18 years old. Created for both the seasoned backcountry traveler looking to hone their skills and for the beginning adventurer who comes with a positive attitude, ready to learn and have fun. The goal is not to conquor, but to work with wilderness. Find a rhythm with nature and flow with your fellow travelers.
Our planned route on this ultimate summer adventure is the perfect balance of challenging terrain and soul-soothing scenery through remote Boundary Waters Wilderness. You will be much more comfortable if you have a good level of physical conditioning before embarking on this adventure, especially endurance and upper body strength. Rest assured, there are days built into our itinerary for recovery and relaxation. Food is expertly planned and prepared to keep you fueled throughout. Your head will hit the pillow each night with a smile of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment in your heart.
Dates
August 20-26, 2024 7 Days, 6 Nights
Logistics
Maximum group size is 7. (5 Opening Remaining) Travel out of Ely, MN Accommodations are Backcountry Base-Camp Style Tenting, Shared Space
Cost
***Register before March 31 and SAVE $300***
Early bird price: $1050. Cost after March 31st $1350. A non-refundable deposit of $150 secures your space on this journey. The balance is due June 15th. 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 all meals, experienced wilderness guide, group equipment, permits and all instructional sessions while on trail. A packing list and additional information will be provided 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 in Ely, MN at 2pm Kawishiwi Ranger Station. Travel to forest campground and set up camp. Practice portaging, use of gear and packing along with a safety briefing and review of wilderness travel ethics using best practices. Dinner and Rest.
Day 2: Break camp, have breakfast and travel to entry point. Enter the Wilderness. Paddle, portage, and explore to an open BWCA campsite. Lunch, camp set up, collect firewood and water, time for exploring, relaxing, dinner, rest.
Day 3: Early wake, pack camp and breakfast. 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, collect firewood and water, stretch our legs, enjoy dinner and a campfire.
Day 4: Layover Day. Wake and breakfast. Many options to rest, swim, fish, day trip, hike the shoreline or explore the lake.
Day 5: Wake and pack camp. Paddle and portage to new lake and set up new campsite.
Day 6: Optional layover day or paddle day. Depending on route.
Day 7: Wake, pack camp and Breakfast. Paddle and portage back to the parking lot. Arrive @ 3pm. Goodbyes and Farewells.
Participants are responsible for travel to and from Ely, MN and subsequent campground and entry point near Ely. Carpooling may be an option. The trip ends the afternoon we exit the BWCA. An extra night in Ely before or after your trip to have dinner, visit the quaint shops, find your souvenirs, hike the Kiwishiwi Falls Trail, or support the International Wolf Center or Bear Center can enhance your Northwoods experience. Please see FAQ’s for more helpful information or email Melissa at guidingspiritjourneys@gmail.com
To join this Journey, click the button below to pay the deposit and reserve your spot. Please feel free to email Melissa with any questions or to set up a payment plan.