Open to appreciators of poetry--be they poets themselves, would-be poets, or those that simply love to listen to poetry. As with all Wild Institute trips, we'll share poetry each day. On this trip, we'll also build in a little more time for your own writing or reading, if you choose, or for exploring the Boundary Waters from our base camps.
With over one million acres of protected wilderness, the Boundary Waters includes hundreds of lakes and rivers and has 1200 miles of canoe routes. Only 20 lakes in the entire park allow motors, leaving large wilderness areas free of human sounds other than our own laughter and conversation.
Though it's a rare treat to see them, the Boundary Waters is home to timber wolf and moose, white tailed deer and lynx, black bear and otter. More often we see their signs—tracks or scat or feeding areas. Our regular companions are the loons, with their echoing calls, the eagles and hawks, and the beaver who call the northwoods home.
You do not need any previous canoeing, camping, or writing experience. This trip is designed to inspire you, inside and out, in a beautiful and wild setting. We'll pack up camp some days, other days we'll stay set up at a campsite for 2 nights and take optional day trips from there. Women of all shapes, sizes, and ages travel with us. This trip includes longer and shorter days of paddling, and some portages (where we carry packs and canoes across land to the next body of water) each day, so you'll want to be in moderately good shape, able to paddle for several hours and carry weight for about a half mile.
Your guides are The Wild Institute's founder and poet, Chris Heeter, writer of Weekly Wild Thoughts, her poetry that is sent out every Wednesday via email, and author of the book of poetry, "Wild Thoughts: Just Outside the Window." She is joined by Marsha Berry, a guide and lover of wild words for over three decades. Combined, their love of the outdoors and generous, inspirational teaching styles create a welcome environment for fun and comfortable canoe travel as well as the opportunity to go deeper into your writing in a safe and fun environment.
*Our canoe trips follow the American Canoe Association standards for instruction and safety
What to bring: When you register, you'll receive a detailed packing list, so you'll be sure to have what you need. You bring only your personal gear, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Tents are provided at double occupancy. Though we try to keep the weight down for the packs, you are welcome to bring a small solo tent if you prefer.
Can I sign up on my own: All women are welcome, and many sign up on their own. Others register with friends, partners, sisters.
Weather: July is a spectacular time to be in the Boundary Waters. Days are in the 80's (and sometimes 90's), nights can get down to the high 50's.
Meals: Food matters! We bring hearty and delicious primarily vegetarian fare. Many women are surprised by the amount of fresh vegetables and mouth-watering menus prepared outdoors.
What does my trip fee cover: Your trip fee of $675 includes all canoe and camping equipment, poetry instruction/encouragement, permits, all meals from lunch on Thursday through lunch on Monday, and your guide team of Chris and Marsha.
Schedule: We'll meet at 11:00 on Thursday, July 19 at our put-in location (directions to follow when you register). We'll gather, pack gear into Duluth packs, and eat lunch. From there, we'll be on northwoods time! On Monday, July 23, we'll paddle a few short miles to the take-out, have a picnic lunch, and plan to be heading home by mid-afternoon.
Group size: Minimum 5, maximum 7
Transportation: Closer to the trip, we'll send out directions to the put-in, as well as the names of other women registered for the trip so you can carpool and/or share car rentals or hotels/campsites the night before the trip if you like. It is about a 5 hour drive from Minneapolis/St Paul, about 2 hours from Duluth, MN. If you are flying, the closest major airport is Duluth, MN. Plan your return flight for Tuesday, July 24.
Payment information:Your deposit is not refundable. If you must cancel, please do so in writing. If you cancel 50 days prior to the trip or more, the balance of your trip fee is refundable; 30 to 49 days, the balance of your trip fee is transferable to any other Wild Institute trip through the end of the following year; 0-29 days, the trip fee is not refundable or transferable.We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance so that you can recover your losses should you need to cancel your trip.. Some companies that Wild Institute participants have used are: CSA Travel Protection (800-348-9505) www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort; and Travel Insured, 800-243-3174. The Wild Institute reserves the right to alter trip plans due to severe weather, water/snow conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
How do I sign up: A deposit of $200 holds your spot, and payment in full is due by June 7, 2012. With your deposit, please send name, address, phone, and e-mail address.
The Wild Institute
16401 Buchanan St NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
Click Here to view and print registration form
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