2009 April-May, The Minnesota Paddler

April-May 2009 • Vol. 45 No. 3 • $2 • Official Publication of the Minnesota Canoe Association

E-PaddlerM I N N E S O T A

Bob O’Hara Honored pages 4

Getting Involved pages 15

River Rambler Summer Trips pg 20

http://www.canoe-kayak.org

Page � April-May �009 • Minnesota Paddler

See Yourself in Minnesota Paddler!Minnesota Paddler promotes paddling in

the Upper Midwest, and supplies MCA members with useful and fun information about paddling. We welcome your paddling-related stories, articles, gear & book reviews, and photos. We’re especially interested in sharing information about upcoming events, good places to paddle, helpful tips and techniques, and interesting trips you’ve taken recently.

Want to see your smiling face on the cover? It’s a little easier than seeing it on the cover of Rolling Stone. Just send the editor your photo(s) along with a story of what happened. Did you make the best whitewater maneuver of your life? Are you building your canoe from scratch? Send us a photo!

Send the editor your plain text or Word files (for articles) and JPEGs (for photos). Please do not embed photographs in your Word documents; send them as separate attachments in the e-mail.

E-mail your photos, articles, and stories to [email protected] or mail electronic copies of them on CD to: Editor, Minnesota Paddler; PO Box 13567; Dinkytown Station; Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Official publication of the Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc.

The Upper Midwest's Paddling Resource

Contact Information

Editor(Send Minnesota Paddler articles to)Jay Hawkinson715/[email protected]

Calendar InformationAndy Bergstrom612/[email protected]

Trading Post (Classified ads)[email protected]

Advertising ManagerPam McDonald612/[email protected]

Web MasterJoe Conrad715/[email protected]

Minnesota Paddler © 2009 Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

ISSN 0739-7445

The views expressed in Minnesota Paddler are not necessarily those of the MCA Board of Directors or of the MCA as a whole.

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http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page �

InsIde

Photograph by David L. Conrad. River Ramblers on the Vermillion River, 2008

4 • Bob O’Hara Honored at Far North6 • Proposed Merger of Wild and Scenic River/Shoreland Rules6 • Proposed TMDL for Turbidity on the Lower Vermillion River8 • Mankato Paddling & Outing Club11 • Why Travel North12 • Conducting a Safe Canoe Trip Into the Far North14 • From the Stern15 • Getting Involved

15 • Opportunity: Advertising Manager16 • Elk River Spring Cruise18 • Down the Creek in the Dark20 • River Ramblers Summer Trips24 • MCA Calendar33 • MCA Application34 • Minnesota Canoe Association35 • Trading Post

.com.com.com.com

e s t . 1 9 9 5

T H E U LT I M A T E G U I D E

®

T H E U LT I M AT E G U I D E T O C A N O E I N G O N L I N E W W W. C A N O E I N G . C O M


http://www.canoeing.com


After Bob introduced Lee Sessions as the supposed presenter for the Hood River

trip, the game was on. With some help from Tom Mings and Randy Strobel, Lee’s first slide popped up after Bob’s introduction: it said, “We interrupt this program to bring you a surprise recognition for Bob O’Hara.” The Hood River was actually on the agenda, and Conrad Schiebel delivered a great presentation....

Plans for this were hatched over a year ago. A number of people gathered at Bob’s house at the last Far North Symposium and decided it would

be fun to recognize Bob this year, as this is Bob’s 50th year of paddling in the Boundary Waters. We all wanted to recognize his contributions to paddling, as he has so generously shared his knowledge and experience with hundreds, if not thousands of people over the years. A large number of Bob’s friends kept this a secret since January. We are happy the cat is out of the bag now.

“Many of Bob’s trip partners contributed to a book of stories and memories since he has so generously shared his knowledge and experience with us and hundreds of others”

Bob O’Hara Honoured at Far North

Dan Cooke, Bob O’Hara, David Burkhart, Brian Johnston, Tim Eaton, and Lee Sessions.


noted Kay Getting who assembled the memory book spanning O’Hara’s 50 years of paddling.

Lee Sessions delivered a 15 minute presentation at the beginning of the day and a group of Bob’s paddling friends presented him with a canoe paddle, a caricature and flag, several congratulatory notes and posters, and a memory book filled with photos and

stories from the canoeing community. Recognition of Bob’s contributions to wilderness canoeing and exploration of the Far North came from near and far. Bob was recognized by the MCA, YMCA camp Menogyn, Northern Tier High Adventure/Sommers CanoeBase, BSA, Canoeing.com, Les Voyageurs, the Canadian Heritage Rivers Association, and the prestigious Explorer’s Club.

Bob O’Hara speechless, for as moment.

The lecture stage at Metro State filled with friends of Bob



Proposed Merger of Wild and Scenic River/Shoreland RulesBy Mel Baughman, MCA Conservation Director

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites citizen feedback

through April 17 on its proposed plan to incorporate the rules governing state-designated wild and scenic rivers into new shoreland rules. This change will simplify the rules and eliminate rule duplication and inconsistency for local governments and natural resource man-agers.

The potential merger would entail moving and renumbering the

statewide wild, scenic, and recreational river rules, as well as individual rules, for these six state-designated rivers: Kettle, Mississippi, North Fork of the Crow, Minnesota, Rum, and Cannon Rivers.

Citizens may submit written or verbal comments to:

Jenny Shillcox DNR Division of Waters Box 32 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4032 phone: 651-259-5727 [email protected].

While the purpose of the potential merger is primarily to move the WSR river rules without changing them, several material changes to WSR river rules could result from the merger. Potential changes include greater flexibility in local ordinance administration, imposition of impervious surface limits, and clearer guidance and standards for planned unit developments and conservation subdivisions.

The DNR is also considering administrative changes including the review and certification of local land use decisions. More information on the potential merger is available online: www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section /shoreland/shoreland_rules_update_project.html.

http://www.cookecustomsewing.com


Proposed TMDL for Turbidity on the Lower Vermillion RiverBy Mel Baughman, MCA Conservation Director

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is requesting comments on

the Total Maximum Daily Load for Turbidity in the Lower Vermillion River (LVR) Watershed. Aquatic life is impaired because the LVR does not meet water quality standards for turbid-ity. Both point and non-point sources of pollution contribute to this excess turbidity. A draft report is available at: www.pca.state.mn.us/water/tmdl/tmdl-draft.html.

Written comments on the TMDL

Report must be sent by April 22 to:

Justin Watkins MPCA – Southern Region18 Wood Lake Drive SE Rochester, MN 55904 phone: 507-281-7763 [email protected].

You also may request that the MPCA hold a public informational meeting. There are further guidelines for sub-mitting written comments or request-ing a public meeting.

The Vermillion River Watershed

is located southeast of the Twin Cities

metropolitan area. Its 59 mile course begins in southeastern Scott County, near New Market and ends at the Mississippi River, south of Lock and Dam Three. The river below Hastings is popular with whitewater kayakers.

Coming Soon to the DNR Water Trails Website

• Subscribe to Audio Podcasts on 28 of Minnesota Water Trails

• Subscribe to semi-annual Water Trails E-newsletter

• List Your Paddling Event on a Schedule of Events

• Report on Conditions on Water Trails

• Volunteer to Provide Recreational Interpretation of River Level Gages

http://www.mndnr.gov/watertrails

The functions might not be up and running when you receive this issue of the Mn Paddler, but will be coming soon over the course of the next couple of months.


http://www.mndnr.gov/watertrails


By Brand Frentz, MPOC Secretary

Winter on the Southern Prairie has come and gone and come and gone

again. It has been like watching a game of ping-pong – here it comes, whoops, there it goes again! Most people I asked are tired of it: cold December, early January thaw wiping out record snowpack, then Deep Freeze (72 hours below zero – for here that’s cold) in mid-January, some more winter until early February when another thaw opened the small riv-ers feeding the Blue Earth. It broke open and began rising, and paddlers perked up (two brightly colored kayaks were seen playing in the open water of the Blue Earth at Sibley Park). No luck, more cold and snow, then more warm, and now it’s a muddy, damp March 5 (the deadline for the MN Paddler). March came in like a lamb, prob-

ably will go out like a lion. You can almost count on it.

So most of the action was indoors. The favorite trip meeting (where members tell about their

most interesting, unusual, or fun experiences in 2008) saw a full range of stories. Local? A trip down the Blue Earth Gorge that identified 14 waterfalls. Exotic? An MPOC member walking the Great

Wall of China! And everything in between, including

Alaska, the Canyonlands region, and a live demonstration of a new Cabela’s one-man tent.

But there was even more food for the armchair paddler, the winter dreamer, in the program presented in February by author Rob Kesselring. Rob is the Great

Brand Frentz is the Secretary of the Mankato Paddling & Outings Club.

RepoRt fRom

mankato paddlIng & outIngs Club

by Brand Frentz

http://www.hickorytech.net/~mrbscr/

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page 9

Northern Traveler; he has made 15 canoe trips above 60 degrees North and speaks with real authority. The subject was his 2008 expedition on the Mara-Burnside river system, which flows into Bathurst Inlet on the Arctic Ocean in Nunavut. His pictures showed us the endless flat landscapes of the barren lands, cut by low-ridged valleys and a river with plenty of whitewater. The trip began at ice-out, in July, and was the earliest known descent. Oh, and caribou … for days they saw none and wondered if they had missed the herd; then they saw thousands and thousands and wondered if the

herd would ever end. The talk drew the largest crowd in memory. They had plenty of questions for Rob afterward and plenty of images and ideas to take home for contemplation.

But at some point the winter will end once and for all. Maybe it already has. I know that a lot of MOPC members are looking fondly at their boats, hefting favorite paddles, and eagerly awaiting the new season. We’ve listed some club trips on the MCA calendar – come join us!

Left to right: Lindsay Wood-Davis, Board Chair of the River Alliance, Dave Shanteau, MCA Safety Director, Denny Caneff, Executive Director, and Gary Hennes, MCA Membership Director. Dave and Gary went down to Canoecopia at Madison to visit with the River Alliance of Wisconsin and check out the progress on the old Chestnut canoe from the MCA.


Page 10 April-May �009 • Minnesota Paddler

Don’t Miss: The Midwest Mountaineering

oin all of your like-minded outdoor friends atthe Midwest Mountaineering store, the big-top

tents and the University of Minnesota campus for

OVER Exhibitors,including the MCA

OVER Presentations,Radical Reels Film Festival, and the world’s biggest Canoe and Kayak Auction.

Plus huge canoe / kayak demo on Thurs. 3pm-8pm at Lake Nokomis.

Featuring paddlesport presentations by: Bear Paulsen, Lena Conlan, Grant Herman, Cliff Jacobson, Erik Wrede, Heather Cichanowski, Steve

Scherrer, Dale Cox, Rob Kesselring, BruceHyer, Phil Cotton, Amy Voytilla, Lee Frelich, Betsy Daube,

Kim McClusky, Stu Ostoff, Bert Heep, Kevin Callan, Doug Gilmore, Valerie Fons and MORE!

A n d E V E R Y T H I N G

Details in the mail April 1st to all on our mail list or @www.midwestmtn.com starting late March.

1-888-999-10776 1 2 - 3 3 9 - 3 4 3 3

309 Cedar Ave. So. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454

Locally owned and operated since 1971

JJApril 24-26

Friday, 4-9 Sat. 9-6 Sun. 11-5Closed Wed. at 5pm thru Fri. at 4pm

for Expo set-up.

http://www.midwestmtn.com


People travel the arctic for many reasons:Adventure, Escape, Personal Challenge, Solitude,Seek Knowledge, Cultural Awareness, Isolation,Retrace previous Explorers (History), Introspection,Love of Travel, Love of White Water, Love of the Outdoors.

“Arctic travel is more of an endorphin high rather than an adrenaline rush”Jerry Kobalenko from the Horizontal Everest(Canadian Geographic March/April 2002 )

Defining a sense of purpose:“For some of us, what Inuit call a journey in pursuit of its tail--

one that has no purpose other than its own completion--holds more meaning than practical goals.” J.K.

What has changed:

Canoes: wood & canvas–has changed to–Aluminum and Poly, Royalex, Kevlar-Composites.

Paddles: wood, straight shaft–have changed to–bent shaft, carbon fiber, etc.

Tents: canvas, with no floor–have been replaced with–nylon tents, using bendable poles, with floors and mosquito netting.

Packs: canvas–are now–nylon and various kinds of boxes or barrels.

Life Jackets: no PDFs –has changed to–body fitting foam.

Sleeping Bags: down, early fiber fill–has changed to–thin synthetic fibers, nylon or breathable shells, foam pads for insulation.

Food: dried-bulk, flour, rice, beans–has been replaced by–freeze dried, new choices of dried foods. More variety, better packaging, bigger selection.

Stoves: limited stoves or fires–have changed to–small/compact stoves, that burn hot, using a variety of fuels.

Clothes: cotton & wool–have been replaced with–many new fabrics including wicking underwear goretex, polar fleece and improved footwear.

Cameras: clunky with low speed film–are now–single lens reflex, high speed film or digital. Also, video instead of movie film.

The Land: scattered people, with limited outside influence–are now mixed with–established settlements, mining of minerals & diamonds, lodges & outfitters.

Why Do People Travel North? By Bob O’Hara


Page 1� April-May �009 • Minnesota Paddler

Notes from Bob O’Hara

There are a number of considerations to explore when organizing a canoe trip

of your own into the far North of Canada. The following are not in any order of importance, for all are equally important.

CREW SELECTIONMany a trip has had problems because the crew was not compatible. You must work as a cohesive group with a common goal. Choose carefully. You will live very close to each other in an isolated area.

FINANCESYou do not have to travel in style, but skimping on the basics is an invitation for disaster. Take the trip that you can afford or save until it is possible. Nothing replaces good equipment, adequate food, supplies and safe canoes to travel in. Each of these has a cost.

SKILLS

The more the better. In your crew you need a navigator, a cook, a medic, a dishwasher, paddlers with canoe skills to match the river (flat or white water), an organizer, an improviser, a storyteller- musician, joke teller, photographer.

NAVIGATIONAL AIDSGood and up to date maps including some or all 1:50,000 topo series. More than one set, also an alternate route. Bring a GPS and compass.

EMERGENCIESA good medical First Aid kit, Satellite phone, PLB(personal locator beacon), signal mirror, smoke flares. Possibly a legal gun. (rifle or shotgun) The knowledge of how to deal with an emergency of a medical nature, broken canoe, lost equipment, being way overdue, food shortage. Register your trip with the RCMP or similar authorityEQUIPMENT

Conducting a Safe Canoe Trip Into the Far North

continued on page 13

http://www.boundarywatersjournal.com

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page 1�

Must be new or in excellent working condition. Must be designed for your specific type of trip. You must know how to use it. You may need a repair kit or spare parts to fix items.. You need to work off checklists to be all inclusive. It must safely fit into your canoe. Many groups have problems because of ill selected equipment, loss of equipment or destruction due to wear on the trip.

FSC–FOOD, SHELTER, CLOTHINGThe big three, keeps you warm, and protected. Must be ample for your type of trip. Essential to maintain a clear state of mind. Make good investments and plan for an increased caloric intake. Stay warm, dry and well fed. Conditions change fast in August so be prepared. Plan for lots of hot fluids. Carry extra died soup/tea.

Some key items you will need

Tent with excellent fly for wind and rain. Must have netting for bugs. Needs to be low to the ground but have sufficient room to sit up in.

Full sized thermarest type pad. Warm, synthetic/down sleeping bag.

Bring a folding foam chair for your back.

Rubber/Chota boots, hiking boots, warm socks, wind pants, wind anorak. Warm headgear and headgear for sun. Poly underwear, gloves, mittens. Bug jacket of some kind. Sunglasses, lip balm, personal hygiene items. Make an

effort to stay clean. Wool or polar fleece jackets, vests.

Cook kits with sufficient pot space, stove, gas, repair kit, utensils.

Insulated mugs, bowls and associated spices. Saw if in wooded area.

Tarp for weather: sun-rain-wind. Possibly a screen tent.

Canoes with covers. Lining ropes with low attachment, possibly knee pads, thigh straps. Good paddles, proper size. Bent and straight shaft.

Ability to waterproof food, either with heat sealing, seal tight bags, tight sealing buckets or barrels. Keep your essential foods dry.

Consider a small reference library: birds, flowers, history of river etc.

Camera-digital or film ( 200/400 ASA.) Two zoom lenses 20-85 mm, and 75-300 mm work well, pack in a waterproof container.

Waterproof your maps (paint on Thompsons water seal).

Personal medications waterproofed, with extras in another canoe.

See your doctor for help with a First Aid Kit, which must be waterproof.

Repair kit with tape, glue, wire, epoxy, pins, etc.

Crew ConcernsDevelop a communication

mechanism. Possibly a chain of

continued from page 12




From the SternBy Jay Hawkinson

These days I am not sure if I should be writing ‘From the Bow’ or ‘From the Stern’. As the Vice-President I am trying to back-up Tom Mings as the President. I guess this means I could be writing the bow piece. However, while editing the newsletter the stern article still feels valid. Getting on with the news....

Pam McDonald is resigning from the position of Advertising Manager after 7 years. She has done a great job and we will all miss her. In this hard economy, I am glad to hear that she is too busy at work to continue volunteering for the club. The alternative is not very pleasant. This leaves the club looking for a new Advertising Manager. We are very fortunate that Pam is willing help the next person to get started.

Andy Bergstrom has stepped in to the position of Treasurer. He may need some help with the calendar. We are always open to what people are doing around the state. If you know about an event, please let us know.

Carl Shaffer has come forward to be the Racing Director. He has been racing canoes for years and knows much of the community. I look forward to hearing his suggestions. He has already shown good insight and has brought new ideas to the board.

Don Ternes has volunteered to work as the Building Director. We get plenty of requests for help. He is now surveying the clubs assets.

Being ‘between jobs’ myself, I was hoping to work on the MCA web site. Maybe learn a little HTML

and improve my web design skills. However, it was pointed out, that I may be spreading my time too thin and far. This may become especially true when I get back to work. So, we will be leaving the web site to Joe Conrad and the help he has hired.

The club works best with a variety of people. A mix of talent following some sort of central plan. Not a handful of individuals, each with a private plan and their own interests. So, I am more than willing in to follow the board. Furthermore, no single person should try and carry the club. This burns out precious volunteers. And martyrs are no fun to be around.

I am out of photographs for the newsletter. We could really use some new material.

If you are interested in getting out, the club is looking for people. We would love to see some of the experienced paddlers in the community host a cruise or a day trip. Share your experience, meet some new people.

We could also use some people to introduce paddling to newcomers. We often get requests from new paddlers looking for somebody to paddle with.

Also, there are a lot of community events that are happening on and around the water. From dragon boat festivals to community races. It would be great to join in and let others know about the Minnesota Canoe Association.

Dave Shanteau is always looking for instructors. If becoming a certified ACA instructor piques your interest, give Dave a call.

Let’s share the work, make the jobs easier and have some fun. I hope to see Pam and all of you on the water this summer.


DNR Seeks Volunteers for Frog, Toad SurveySt. Paul, Minn. (AP)

The Nongame Wildlife Program and the state Department of Natural Resources are recruiting volunteers to help with a statewide frog- and toad-calling survey. Since 1996, volunteers have collected data by listening to and identifying frog and toad species. The results show where species are located and how their populations change.

Volunteers are especially needed in the southwest portion of the state for this year’s survey, which begins April 15. Volunteers would make stops along their assigned routes and listen for calls to identify frogs and toads on three nights a year, during specified periods. Volunteers get a CD of Minnesota frog and toad species’ calls, a map of their routes and instructions to get started.

To volunteer, contact Krista Larson by e-mail at [email protected] (source, Minnesota Public Radio)

Getting Involved

Citizen Monitoring Open House

The in Brown-Nicollet-Cottonwood Water Quality Board is looking for 15 volunteers to help assess the streams in the Middle Minnesota River Watershed. This is covering an area from Le Sueur to Morton along the Minnesota River. Please forward this invitation to any individuals or groups that might be interested.

• Thursday, April 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the New Ulm Civic Center, room 203

• All interested parties should contact: Ed Hohenstein with the BNC WQB

• For more details, 507-934-4140 or http://mavdisk.mnsu.edu/kudels/volunteerinvitation.pdf.

Opportunity: Advertising Manager

From Pam McDonald

I joined the MCA in 2002. While improving my paddling skills at Canoe-U. I met some great folks who were involved in various roles supporting the organization. Interested to become more involved in the organization and the paddling community I volunteered for the Advertising Manager position.

It’s a great opportunity to be involved without making a significant time or schedule commitment. No marketing or advertising experience necessary. It takes less than 2 hours a month. If you are interested to know more, please call 612-618-0308 or E-mail [email protected].

Thank You.




command. Have common goals. Have time on task and time off. Be realistic about miles you can travel in a day. Be flexible on when you may have to sleep and paddle. Stay on focus as to why you came. Enjoy to the max for you may never be back. Accept the weather for what it is. Enjoy wildlife when it presents itself. If you want to see the land, you need to walk it.


Wolf River GuidesWhite Water CanoeAnd Kayak School

Beginning Kayak& Canoe Classes

Tripping WhitewaterClasses

River Rescue

Kids Classes

Advanced Playboating

Look us up on the web at:

www.wolfriverguides.com

or call us at: 715-882-3002

By Gary Hennes

Elk River day trip on Saturday May 2nd. This cruise will start approximately 9 miles upriver

from the town of Elk River. The Elk is a quiet woodland river tailor-made for a day’s paddle. The river glides through several shallow riffles and passes marsh-es, rolling hills, and forested bluffs. This trip combines both river paddling and lake paddling. We will be paddling approximately 8 miles, putting in at the canoe landing at the end of 166th street and then paddling down river to Orono Lake.

Meet at Orono Lake Beach at 9:30 am and The Park is on the west side of the town of Elk River, on your left just past the bridge over that part of Lake Orono (actually a dammed up portion of the Elk River).

We will be using a reverse shuttle,

due to the high traffic in the area (US Hwy 10) and the probability that development will have obscured the directions to the put-in from last year. Be prepared to double up or load your gear onto a trailer so we can minimize the number of vehicles going up to the put-in. Lunch will probably be in the area of the Wapiti Park Campground, about mid-way.

This is a River Ramblers trip; anyone is welcome to join us. If you are interested please contact Gary Hennes:

Office: (763)537-2945 ext. 203Home: (763)425-5645E-mail: [email protected]

Elk River Spring Cruise

http://www.wolfriverguides.com


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By Joe Conrad

The Kinnickinnic River below River Falls, Wisconsin is a scratchy run in low water and

more hazardous in higher water. Yet it’s sudden vistas around sharp corners, it’s sheltered mini-valleys and high cliffs, and rather wild character invite pad-dlers to escape the mundane world any time of year….or day.

Charlie Rader and I have run the Kinnickinnic together a couple of times. First time was his double canoe...more durable than mine. Good thing. We planned to start at 4:00 PM. (Standard time....late Fall) He had an appointment that went late—and it dragged on. We started about 5:30 PM....very close to sundown. We went off at speed, thinking to have yet some daylight. However, before we were halfway down, it was full way dark.

I was in bow. Once, going along the more undercut bank, I yelled, “Tree!”, and dropped backwards into the canoe as this 6 inch horizontal trunk appeared 2 feet from my face. I feared Charles could not flop backwards in the stern, as I had just flopped into the bottom of the canoe. Somehow he made it—and maintained steerage. My life jacket felt quite snug and nice. We started going more slowly then...and also tended to keep close to the shallow sides of the river. The faint yellow of dead weeds helped our vision and the sandbars there

would reveal their presence by a slightly lighter shade of ebony. It was better to risk grounding out than to risk a sudden blow to the face by a tree.

Needless to say, we saw no birds, deer, otter, beaver or other wildlife.

At one point he asked me if I had a flashlight. No. I did have my cell phone and the screen is so bright that I wondered if it would help. Holding the open phone screen pointed down stream? And still do a quick draw stroke? Hmmm, no. So I didn’t try it. Now here is a new guide for gear…a

simple LED light clipped to the life jacket. Cliff Jacobson, are you listening?

From many former runs down the river, both of us had a good feel for the general character of the gravel bars, the rocks, the major sharp turns and rapids as well as the cut banks where trees

became river strainers. Most important was that Charlie had been down at least twice that summer and had a younger man’s short term memory of the major tree blocks. If it had been me that had done the summer runs, my brain would have conflated them with trips 30 years previous.

Feel for the river is what it was. There were dense clouds in the west, so we had virtually no dusk and no sky light. The river helped with gurgles and burbles when rocks were ahead....and we did graze a few....but no horror shows. Once, we grounded out and had

Down the Creek in the Dark


to wade. Charlie’s memory got us out of the canoe early for successful lifts around a couple of serious major trees. No other trees materialized at head level. We finally reached the sounds of the weeping cliffs near the end of the run. The dribbling trickles were music to our ears. Soon we could relax with the canoe on the bank.

Charlie’s wife, Nancy was waiting, as arranged, in the parking lot at the County F bridge. What she might have been thinking with her beloved still on the river an hour after darkness with an unknown old river rodent, I can only guess. They are a quiet couple, pretty non-flappable. I could only hear a subdued sort of silence between them as we loaded the canoe between the necessary “lift here, tie

there” statements and then drove home. However, I had to wonder what she might have had to say later about his sanity and/or ask about my evil influence on his otherwise good judgment.

But such is the Kinnickinnic. Light, dark, sheltered, mysterious, sunlit and shadowed, playful, yet dangerous in its ever changing cut banks and strainer trees, gravel bars and fast rocky ripples and drops. It has claimed only one life in the last forty years, and that in strange circumstances.

I can say now, that it is runnable in the dark...at least the lower half.... in low water… by experienced paddlers, familiar with the river... with excellent night vision... a sturdy canoe…and good luck (lots of that).


http://www.kettercanoeing.com

Page �0 April-May �009 • Minnesota Paddler

River Ramblers Summer Trips

2009 SUMMER WHITE WATER

JULY 11-12, BRULE RIVER, Class 4C - 1K (Kayaking, must reserve early) Have you ever thought you would like to try kayaking? The Brule is the place to be on this weekend for rookie and veteran alike. There’s no need to cart your equipment around, we have an outfitter to do it for us. The outfitter provides: kayak, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, helmet and shuttle service. All you need to bring is your camping gear. Every year, beginners try kayaking and have fun on the river. Being a daredevil is not required, just an ordinary person who wants to try something new. On Saturday we put in on an easier section of the river to get the feel for currents and mild rapids. The entire Saturday trip takes about four hours, which allows time at the campground for a fire as well as a swim in a beautiful lake. Sunday we run several enjoyable rapids. Cost for the Saturday night camping fee and kayak rental for two days has been approximately $55. For guaranteed spots reserve four (4) weeks prior to trip; later reservations ONLY if space is available.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952-888-4797

2009 SUMMER QUIET WATER TRIPS

JUNE 6, ZUMBRO, Class 1C - 1KThe Zumbro is a scenic river with an active current, and easy Class 1 rapids. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the occasional bluff, and other natural scenery. This is a great trip, just 70 miles south of the cities.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: KEVIN HANNON AT 612-824-2241

JUNE 13, CROW WING RIVER, Class 1C - 1KThis river is easy enough for beginners and family groups but scenic enough to attract the most experienced paddlers. Other than county parks and a few cabins, there is relatively little shoreline development. The Saturday route flows through sandbanks and evergreens while the Sunday section is mostly hardwood bottom-lands, creating the impression of paddling two different rivers. We will be car camping in one of the county parks on the riverbank.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: TOM MINGS 651-460-4096

JUNE 20 & 21, UPPER ST. CROIX RIVER, Class 1C-1KThe Upper St. Croix offers something for everyone: Beautiful scenery, swim spots, novice rapids, slow currents, and free camping. Saturday, the lazy paddling from Riverside to just above St. Croix State Park takes about 4 hours. Here the river offers a current strong enough for an easy paddle most of the way. The clear water and sandy bottom allow swimming almost at will. Sunday, the trip on the Lower


http://www.river-ramblers.org/Ramblers09.html

http://www.canoe-kayak.org Page �1

Namekagon from the Namekagon Trail Bridge back to Riverside features small rapids and easy paddling through heavily wooded wilderness. This section takes about 3 hours. The estimated times include time for a lunch stop each day. You may camp either at Riverside or Old Howell Landing on this trip.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: JOE REISCHEL AT 651-702-1136

JUNE 27, KINNICKINNIC RIVER, Class 1C-1KJust East of St Paul, and across the St Croix River into Wisconsin. This river is just south of Hudson. Nice easy paddling extremely close to the Twin Cities.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: HANK WELLS AT 651-638-1913

JULY 4 & 5, ROOT, Class 1C-1KThe Root River has a gentle to moderate flow with a few riffles. The water level varies substantially with rainfall. This trip offers you the opportunity to paddle, bike and tour lovely Lanesboro (which is south east of Rochester Minnesota). The Root River winds through towering bluffs and wooded rolling hills. Camping is recommended at Eagle Cliff Camp Grounds, where you will need to be responsible for your own reservations.FMI AND A TRIP PACK CALL: VICKI CHAMPEAU AT 651-351-1324

JULY 11, MIDDLE ST. CROIX RIVER, Class 2C-1KThe Middle St. Croix offers a beautiful section of the river with great scenery and a few rapids to keep things interesting. If water levels are too low, an alternate trip is planned.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARY HOFFMAN AT 612-327-2311

JULY 18 & 19, LOWER NAMEKAGON RIVER, Class 1C-1KThe Lower Namekagon offers a slow pace to give you time to enjoy the scenery, bask in the warmth, observe the animals, and celebrate the hazy days of summer. Saturday, we will be canoeing the shallow, sandy-bottomed section downstream from the campsite. Lunch will be at a halfway point where there are picnic tables, or you may sit on the bridge and watch other canoes float by. After lunch, we will be going past the highest sand dune in northern Wisconsin. We will also have many swim stops where the water deepens. Saturday evening we will have time at the campsite for renewing old friendships and reminiscing around the fire. On Sunday, we will put in upstream and paddle back, after a lunch/swim stop, to the campsite take-out. Camping will be at the Howell Landing group campsite.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: JOE REISCHEL AT 651-702-1136

JULY 25, LOWER CANNON RIVER, Class 1C-1KThis trip is a two-for-one special! We will be paddling two rivers: downstream on the Cannon from Welch to the confluence with the Vermillion and upstream through quiet forests on the Vermillion to the takeout. This stretch of river is new to the schedule and should avoid tubers and traffic from the outfitter in Welch. Come explore the Cannon River delta!




Page �� April-May �009 • Minnesota Paddler

FMI AND A TRIP PACK CALL: MARK DEBOER AT 952-926-4675

AUGUST 1, RED CEDAR RIVER, Class 1C-1KThis river is about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from the Twin Cities. We will be paddling from Riverside Park in Menomonie to the County Road Y Bridge near Dunnville (approximately 14 river miles or 4 hours). This river offers sections of fast moving water for the beginner as well as the experienced canoeist to have fun paddling. Bring a lunch for a mid-trip break. Wildlife abounds along the river, so bring your camera or binoculars. After take-out, we will visit “The Creamery” in Downsville for dessert.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: HANK WELLS AT 651-638-1913

AUGUST 8 & 9, UPPER CHIPPEWA RIVER, Class 1C-1KCome paddle in the beautiful Northern Highlands Region of Wisconsin. This 11 mile section of the Chippewa is described in the Rusk County brochure as “one of the clearest and most prestigious rivers in the State.” The scenery is woods with a few scattered but unobtrusive houses. The river has a good current, but is suitable for beginners, and features many attractive wooded islands. Bring lunch for a half-way stop. The estimated drive time from the metro area is about two hours. The mileage from the Wisconsin state line at Taylor’s Falls is about 67 miles to the meeting place near Bruce, and another 11 miles to the put in just above Imalone. There are many inviting natural attractions in this area. Camping options are available for Friday or Saturday nights. This trip has been extended to be two days, with the details for the second day not finalized, when this needed to go to press.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CONTACT: SEPTEMBER STEINOLFSON AT 952-934-7278

AUGUST 15 & 16, UPPER NAMEKAGON RIVER, Class 1C-1K The Upper Namekagon between Hayward and Earl, Wisconsin has a swift current with a series of moderate (Class I-II) rapids - just enough to keep it enjoyable. This is the section that has the old osprey/eagle’s nest atop a high power line pole right at rivers edge. We have been fortunate almost every year with seeing at least one osprey or one eagle, and sometimes the parents. Bring your camera and telephoto lens to capture the beauty of one of America’s most scenic wild rivers. Wildlife abounds on this trip, and if you and others are not making too much noise, deer are often seen. Saturday night we lounge around the rustic campground at Earl that is encircled by the river. The current is slow here



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giving children of all ages the opportunity to step into the river on the front side of the camp and float (body surf) a good quarter mile and then step out at the backside of the campground. What a way to relax before snuggling into your sleeping bag. We will be canoeing for about 4 hours each day.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: JOE REISCHEL AT 651-702-1136

AUGUST 22, LOWER CHIPPEWA RIVER, Class 1C-1KThe lower part of the Chippewa is a scenic river with pretty hills that become more prominent as you near the Mississippi River. The river has a sandy bottom with a steady current strong enough for easy paddling. Numerous sand bars offer great opportunities to play in the water. Pack a lunch for a mid-trip snack.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: TOM MINGS AT 651-460-4096

SEPTEMBER 5, UPPER CANNON RIVER, Class 1C - 1K This is a trip for the whole family; for everyone who enjoys the scenery and wildlife that only a river can provide. Below Faribault the Cannon twists and turns, at times wide and quiet, at times narrow and fast on its way to Northfield. In many places trees overhang the river forming a lacy green canopy. Along this 6- hour trip, bank swallows dart into cliffs of sandstone and limestone, oxbow ponds harbor wood ducks, teal, and mallards. Bring your camera. If the river is low, we will paddle from Northfield on down.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: RON DAHL AT 952-888-4797

SEPTEMBER 12, MINNESOTA RIVER, Class 1C-1KCome paddle the river that was named after this great state. Wide and scenic with plenty of wildlife, this river flows through the south metro and should have much less water than when run in the spring. It is only a short drive from the Twin Cities metro area. We will be paddling from Thompson Ferry Unit to Highway 41 in Chaska, a section with little visible development along the river. Paddle both the spring and fall trips and see how the river changes through the season. FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARK DEBOER AT 952-926-4675

SEPTEMBER 19, ZUMBRO RIVER, Class 2C - 1K, (River Ramblers’ Fall Color Trip)The Zumbro is a scenic river with an active current and easy Class I rapids. This trip may overlap the trip that was done in June but this time the trees might be in fall color. Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the oranges, reds, yellows (if it is an early fall), and the occasional bluff. This is a great trip, just 70 miles south of the cities.FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: MARY HOFFMAN AT 612-327-2311

SEPTEMBER 25-27, KICKAPOO, Class 2C - 2KThis is the Steuben trip resurrected. It is a 5 to 5 1/2 hour drive to get to Steuben.


continued on next page



Date Type Sponsor Description For More Information

4-April Trip Rivers Ramblers Minnesota,1C-1K, White Water

Mark Debohr(952) 926-4675

5-April Pool Session Rapids Riders 5:00 - 7:00 PM $10/boat. Brooklyn Center pool.

www.rapidsriders.org

7-9 April

Canoe Paddle Workshop

Urban Boat Builder

6:00-9:00 PM, Build your own canoe paddle, Expedition Room, at Midwest Mountaineering

www.urbanboatbuilders.org, www.midwestmtn.com

11-April Trip Rivers Ramblers Rice Creek,2C-2K, White Water

Ron Dahl(952) 888-4797

13-April Social Dinner

Inland Sea Kayakers

6:30 PM Bascali’s Brick Oven. Get together and talk about kayaking. Non-members welcome.

www.inlandseakayakers.org

14-April Dressing for Cold Weather Paddling

Midwest Mountainering

6:30 PM Learn how to dress for a variety of weather conditions. Jerome Rausch in the Expedition Room.

www.midwestmtn.com

18-April Trip River Ramblers Snake River, 2C-2KWhite Water

Jim Krueger(763) 784-5319

18-April Race Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association

Burlington C1 Pursuit Challenge, C1-K1 mara-thon race, no open class. Burlington, WI.

http://www.c1pursuit.com/

19-April Skill Session Inland Sea Kayakers

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Cold Water Immersion


Send calendar additions/corrections to the Calendar Editor listed on the inside front cover. For the latest

mCa CalendaR

Steuben is located twenty miles into Wisconsin from the Mississippi River between La Cross and Prairie du Chien. Because of the long drive time I suggest that you take at least a half day off of work on Friday. Camping will be in the Steuben town park (only fee is if you need electricity). Saturday we have three trip length options, a 7 hour paddle, a 5 hour paddle, or a 4 hour paddle. A reliable source told me that a lot of the trees that used to obstruct the river has been removed by floods the past two years. Saturday night can be spent in either of the two bars in town. Sunday we will go to Readstown and have breakfast and then to Ontario for a short paddle and then head home. FMI AND A TRIP PACKET CALL: HARLAN NICKERSON AT 763-535-1373



21-April Boundary Water Advisory Committe Volunteer Training


6:00 PM, Learn how the BWAC clears and preserves hiking trails in the BWCA. Presentaions, opportu-nities, and trail safety, Expedition Room.

bwac.homestead.com

23-April Boat Demo Midwest Mountainering

3:00 - 8:00 PM, Factory reps with canoes and kayaks. Lake Nokomis, NW beach.

www.outdooradventure-expo.com

23-April Solo Canoe Control


3 classes: 4:00 PM, 5:15 PM, 6:30 PM, Dan Cooke will teach how to coax the most out of every stroke. Preregistration required, limited to 7 participants. Lake Nokomis, NW beach.

www.midwestmtn.com, 612-339-3433

23-April Efficient Tandem Canoe Paddling


2 classes: 4:30 PM & 7:00 PM, Mike Cichanowski, founder of Wenonah Cannoe will teach paddling techniques. Preregistration required, limited to 11 participants. Lake Nokomis.

www.midwestmtn.com, 612-339-3433

24-26 April

Outdoor Adventure Expo

Midwest Mountaineering

Exhibitors, Presentations, Film Festival and canoe/kayak auction.

www.outdooradventure-expo.com

25-April Trip Rivers Ramblers Flambeau River, 2C-2K White Water

Ron Dahl(952) 888-4797

25-April Race Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association

Manitowish Waters Paddling Criterium, Point to point down the Manitowish, Pro C-1+2 and amateur canoe & kayak.

Allen Limberg, 715-845-1637, [email protected], badgerevents.com

www.canoefrontier.com • 1-866-285-8618

Canoe FrontierEXPEDITIONS • BROOK TROUT ADVENTURESP I C K L E L A K E , O N T A R I O C A N A D A

Ontario’sTrueNorth

Ontario’sTrueNorth

Provincial Parks week long packagesAlbany – $285Otoskwin – $330Pipestone – $400Keezhik/Albany – $512Winisk/Polar Bear Park – $1625(Rates based on per person,party of 6, plus tax and includeflights and shuttle.)

Canoe Rental

Also Available!

CanoeFrontier_MP 11/13/06 6:44 PM Page 1


http://www.canoefrontier.com



25-April Race Pewaukee Kinwanis

Kiwanis River Run, All types of paddle craft on the Pewaukee River.

Mary Krasinski (262) 691-4693, [email protected]

26-April Race Grafton Jaycees Grafton River Race, recre-ational and touring canoes. Fredonia to Grafton, WI.

Lara Zwick, 262/377-5327, [email protected], www .graftonjaycees.org

25-April Race Sheldon Canoe Races, Jump River to Sheldon, multiple classes.

[email protected], (615) 452-5639

28-29 April

First Aid / WFR Recert CoursePart 1

Wilderness Medical Institute & Crossing Latitudes

WMI Of NOLS Wilderness First Aid / WFR recert course. Bloomington, MN at the Hyland Lake Park Visitor Center. Pre-regis-traion required.

http://wmi.nols.edu, (406) [email protected]

30-April Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

5:45 PM Three Rivers trip, easy float.

Dean Peterson: (507-345-8701) or Peggy Kreber: [email protected]

1-3 May Race & Rodeo

Kettle River Paddle Festival III

Down river race and kayak rodeo. Sandstone, MN

Tony Vavricka; www.kettleriverpaddlefest.com; [email protected]

2-May Trip River Ramblers Elk River, 1C-1K Gary Hennes(763) 425-5645

2-May Trip River Ramblers Kettle River, 4C-3KWhite Water

Ron Dahl(952) 888-4797

2-May Race Snake River Canoe Club

28th Snake River Canoe Race, Mora Minnesota.

[email protected], (320) 679-4748, www.snakerivercanoerace.org

2-May Race Bear Paw Outdoors

Marge Cline Memorial Spring River Race, slaom and downriver race. Wolf River, WI

[email protected], www.bearpawout doors.com

2-3 May First Aid / WFR Recert CoursePart 2

Wilderness Medical Institute & Crossing Latitudes

WMI Of NOLS Wilderness First Aid / WFR recert course. Wilderness Inquiry HQ in Minneapolis, MN.

http://wmi.nols.edu, (406) [email protected]

19-April Skill Session Inland Sea Kayakers

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM “As If” Drill


5-May Deadline Minnesota Paddler

Article Submission and Advertisement Deadline for June/July Minnesota Paddler and Trading Post.

[email protected]

6-May Wednesday Night Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers

6:30 PM Lake Calhoun, Thomas Beach, paddle, play, work on new skills. Non-members welcome.


7-May Board Meeting

Inland Sea Kayakers

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, REI Bloomington Community Room. All Club memebrs welcome!




8-May Clean-Up Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

1:00 pm Spring clean-up on the LeSueur River


9-May Clean-Up Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

9:00 AM Spring clean-up on the Blue Earth River


9-May Trip River Ramblers Rum River, 1C-1K Mary Hoffman(612) 327-2311

9-May Trip Inland Sea Kayakers

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spring Flora Trip

Carolyn, [email protected]


Inland Sea Kayakers



16-May Trip River Ramblers Lower Minnehaha Creek, 2C-2K

Mark Deboer(952) 926-4675

16-May Family Event Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Lake Phalen, St. Paul Exhibits, skits, canoe rides, fishing lessons & activities

www.rwmwd.org

16-May Race Buttercup Series Apple River Slalom, Somerset, WI.

[email protected]; www.sws- wis.com/buttercup

16-17 May

Class Rapids Riders Canoe-U Weekend www.rapidsriders.org

16-17 May

Festival Laacke & Joys Paddlefest, Demos, reps, clinics. Milwaukee, WI

www.paddlefest.net

18-May Program: Home-Built Boats And Paddles

Inland Sea Kayakers

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, REIBuilding methods and design for home-built boats and paddles.


19-May Outing Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

5:45 PM Swan Lake is a bird watchers paradise.



Inland Sea Kayakers



23-May Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

LeSueur River, some mild rapids.


23-24 May

Trip River Ramblers Vermillion River, 3K-4RWhite Water, Limited Places for kayaking and rafting, please reserve early.

Ron Dahl(952) 888-4797

23-25 May

4th Annual Memorial Day Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers

Apostle Islands, paddling camping or just hanging out. Membership required.





23-25 May

Trip River Ramblers Cloquet River, 3CWhite Water

Hank Wells(651) 638-1913


Inland Sea Kayakers



30-May Trip River Ramblers Upper Minnehaha Creek, 2C-2K

Paul Streeter(651) 765-2546

30-31 May

Class Rapids Riders Canoe-U Graduation Weekend

www.rapidsriders.org

3-June Wednesday Night Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers



4-June Board Meeting

Inland Sea Kayakers



6-June Trip River Ramblers Zumbro River, 1C-1K Kevin Hannon(612) 824-2241

6-June Recreational Water Release

Wausau Kayak/Canoe Corp.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wausau Recreational Whitewater Release, $10 for ACA mem-bers.

Julie Walraven, 715-574-5263, [email protected]

7-June Race Darlington Canoe Fest, racing and recreational classes, Pecatonica River.

Bill North (608) 776-4788 (evenings) [email protected]


Inland Sea Kayakers



12-June Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

5:30 PM Watonwan River, easy float.


12-14 June

Trip SKOAC Oak Island Trip [email protected]

13-June Trip River Ramblers Crow Wing River, 1C-1K Tom Mings(651) 460-4096

13-June Recreational Water Release




13-14 June

Race Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association

Callie Rohr 5th Memorial Canoe Race, 2-day benefit for American Brain Tumor Association. Conover, WI

http://www.rwtcanoe.com/ Maria Rohr, [email protected], (715) 547-3639



13-14 June

ACA Intro To Kayaking

Inland Sea Kayakers

A two-day introduction course to coastal kayaking. $50/$65 for members/non-members. Shady Oak Lake, Hopkins, MN.

Peter Kuhn,www.inlandseakayakers.org

14-June Madison Paddle Fest

Wilderness Inquiry

Free canoe & kayak tryouts, instruction & information about outdoor activities. Wingra Park, Madison, WI

www.wildernessinquiry.org


Inland Sea Kayakers



18-21 June

Inland Sea Kayak Symposium

Inland Sea Society

Symposium on sea kayak-ing., Keynote Speaker: Nigel Dennis. Washburn, WI.

www.inlandsea.org

19-June Cruise MCA Full Moon CruiseMinneapolis Chain of Lakes, Lake Calhoun

Jay Hawkinson, 651-206-3939, [email protected]

19-21 June

Festival North House Folk School

Wooden Boat Show & Festival, speakers, demos, workshops, displays. Grand Marias, MN

www.northhousefolk-school.com

20-June Race Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association

Surfski Race Around Washington Island, A new race. Washington Island, WI

www.wicanoeracing.com

20-21 June

Trip River Ramblers Upper St. Croix River,1C-1K

Joe Reischel(651) 702-1136


Inland Sea Kayakers



27-June Trip River Ramblers Kinnickinnic River, 1C-1K

Hank Wells(651) 638-1913

27-28 June


Peshtigo River Canoe Race, C1 races and C2 Pro races. Peshtigo, WI.


28-June Race Friends of Brice Prairie

Brice Prairie Canoe & Kayak Race, Black River & Lake Onalaska

Sue Schultz, (608) 781-1662, www.briceprairiecano-erace.org

1-July Wednesday Night Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers



2-July Board Meeting

Inland Sea Kayakers




Page �0 April-May �009 • Minnesota Paddler


2-5 July Trip Inland Sea Kayakers

Inner Islands on Lake Superior

Michael, [email protected]

4-July Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

12:00 Noon, Blue Earth Gorge, moderate rapids.


4-5 July Trip River Ramblers Root River, 1C-1K

Vicki Champeau(651) 351-1324

11-12 July


The Big Five Challenge, 3 downriver races that all end Muscoda, WI. This year there will be C1 & K1 races.


5-July Deadline Minnesota Paddler

Article Submission and Advertisement Deadline for Aug/Sept Minnesota Paddler and Trading Post.

[email protected]


Inland Sea Kayakers-



11-July Trip River Ramblers Middle St. Croix River,2C-1K

Mary Hoffman(612) 327-2311

11-12 July

Dragon Festival

American Dragon Boat Assoc.

Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, Food, art, culture, with dragon boat races. Lake Phalen, St. Paul

[email protected]

11-12 July

Trip River Ramblers Brule River, 4C-1K, White Water (Kayak only, please reserve early)

Ron Dahl(952) 888-4797

12-July Recreational Water Release




12-July Race Wisconsin Canoe Racing Association

Muscoda - Wisconsin River Race, new C1 race for 2009. Spring Green, WI.



Inland Sea Kayakers



18-July Race Wisconsin Sports Developement Corp.

Paddle and Portage, Large variety of paddlers and classes. Madison, WI.

www.paddleandportage.org, 608-226-4780

18-19 July

Trip River Ramblers Lower Namekagon River, 1C-1K



Inland Sea Kayakers





24-27 July

Festival North House Folk School

North Shore Dragon Boat Festival, races and festival. Grand Marais, MN

www.northshoredragon-boat.com, [email protected]

25-July Trip River Ramblers Lower Cannon River, 1C-1K

Mark Deboer(952) 926-4675

25-26 July

Mississippi River Challenge

Friends of the Missisippi River

Two paddling event pro-moting a cleaner, healthier river.

www.mississippiriver challenge.org651-222-2193

26-July Recreational Water Release





Inland Sea Kayakers



1-Aug Trip River Ramblers Red Cedar River, 1C-1K

Hank Wells(651) 638-1913

2-Aug Race Rock River Regatta

Race the Rock, Variety of classese. Mayville, WI.

www.racetherock.com/

5-Aug Wednesday Night Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers



6-Aug Board Meeting

Inland Sea Kayakers



7-Aug Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

6:00 PM, Full moon evening trip on the Minnesota River.


8 & 9 August

Recreational Water Release




8-9 Aug Trip River Ramblers Upper Chippewa River, 1C-1K

September Steinolfson(952) 934-7278


Inland Sea Kayakers



15-16 August

Trip River Ramblers Upper Namekagon River, 1C-1K



Inland Sea Kayakers



22-Aug Trip River Ramblers Lower Chippewa River, 1C-1K

Tom Mings(651) 460-4096





Inland Sea Kayakers



28-Aug Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

12:00 Noon Eagle Lake, easy paddle on an unde-veloped lake.


2-Sept Wednesday Night Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers



3-Sept Board Meeting

Inland Sea Kayakers



5-Sept Trip River Ramblers Upper Cannon River, 1C-1K

Ron Dahl(952) 888-4797

5-Sept Deadline Minnesota Paddler

Article Submission and Advertisement Deadline for Aug/Sept Minnesota Paddler and Trading Post.

[email protected]

5 & 6 Sept





9-Sept Wednesday Night Rendezvous

Inland Sea Kayakers



11-13 Sept

South Dakota River Challenge

South Dakota Canoe Association

Race from Bob’s Resort (North of Hwy 212) to Lake Oahe west of the Dam, 80 miles.

http://sdcka.blogspot.com, Jarett Bies, [email protected] Dahlmeier

12-Sept Trip River Ramblers Minnesota River, 1C-1K

Mark Deboer, (952) 926-4675

19-Sept Trip River Ramblers Zumbro River, 2C-1K

Mary Hoffman(612) 327-2311

19 & 20 Sept





21-Sept Trip SKOAC Oak to Stockton Paddle Adventure, Apostle Island National Lake Shore.

Courtney, [email protected]

25-27 Sept

Trip River Ramblers Kickapoo River, 2C-2K

Harlan Nickerson(763) 535-1373

26-Sept Trip Mankato Paddling & Outing Club

12:00 Noon Color Cruise on the Minnesota River.



M innesota Canoe Associat ion, Inc.www.canoe-k ayak.org

The MCA is an all volunteer organization.Please tell us about activities and volunteer opportunities that interest you.

® Administrative Support / Serve on the MCA Board® Staff / Organize MCA Exhibit for Public Events / Symposia® Conservation and River Clean-ups® BWCAW Trail Clearing Trips® Boat Building® Day Trips / Cruising®Marathon Canoe Racing® Sea Kayaking® Whitewater Paddling®Wilderness Tripping® Teaching Paddling Technique / Safety & Education® Photograph / Videotape MCA Activities® Write Articles or Trip Reports for the Minnesota Paddler® Other

MCA chapters and affiliate clubs offer count-less opportunities for paddle-sport recreation.I’m also a member of:

® Inland Sea Kayakers (ISK)®Mankato Paddling & Outings Club® Rivers Council of Minnesota® Rapids Riders® River Ramblers® South Dakota Canoe Association® Superior Kayak & Outdoor Adventure Club

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Headwaters Canoe Club



MCA Chapter/Affiliate RepsInland Sea Kayakers (ISK) Jeff [email protected]

Mankato Paddling & Outings ClubPeggy Kreber507/[email protected]

Headwaters Canoe Club Fannie Tjader218/4445477

River RamblersMary Hoffman612/327-2311www.river-ramblers.org

Minnesota RiversBruce Johnson320/[email protected]

Rapids RidersChad Kehn612/[email protected]

South Dakota Canoe Assoc Dave Greenlee 605/[email protected]

Superior Kayak and Outdoor Adventure Club (SKOAC)Jerome Rausch(612) [email protected]

Whitewater ParkBill Tilton651/[email protected]

Link to many of these organizations through our web site www.canoe-kayak.org

MCA Mission StatementThe MCA serves paddlers in the upper Midwest by promoting safe, enjoyable, and quality pad-dling opportunities on our region's waterways.

Minnesota Canoe Association

The MCA is an affiliate club of the American Canoe Association and the United States Canoe Association and member of the American Whitewater Affiliation

P.O. Box 13567 • Dinkytown Station • Minneapolis, MN 55414www.canoe-kayak.org • [email protected]

PresidentTom Mings651/[email protected]

Vice PresidentJay Hawkinson715/[email protected]

SecretaryLloyd Brandon [email protected]

TreasurerAndy Bergstrom612/[email protected]

Building DirectorDon Ternes651/[email protected]

Conservation DirectorMel Baughman651/[email protected]

Cruising DirectorOpen

Education & SafetyDavid Shanteau651/[email protected]

Membership Director Gary Hennes763/537-2945 [email protected]

Racing DirectorCarl Shaffer763/[email protected]

Public Relations DirectorOpen

Publications DirectorOpen

Volunteer DirectorOpen

Director through ‘09Kenn [email protected]

Director through ‘10Karl Wilson651/[email protected]

Director through ‘11Joe Conrad715/[email protected]

2009 Board of Directors


For Sale: Thule roof rack with locks and key (50” bar), $95. Ski rack for 4 to 5 pairs with locks and key, $90. Fit kit for Chev Lumina and many others, $35. All in excellent condition; selling only because won’t fit new vehicle. Call Don @ 651-483-3868 or email [email protected].

Wanted: Used Flashfire canoe. Contact Robyn or Doug at [email protected] or 715-262-4340.

For Sale: BELL, MERLIN II, 15 1/2 ft. solo canoe. Lightly used. Kevlar, wood trim. Owners manual included. Reason for selling: I need a tandem. Price: $2,000. Call 651-777-1224 and leave mes-sage for Art with best time to call you back. All calls will be answered.

Trading Post ads are for boats, camping equipment, and related gear. No ads will be considered for real estate, cars, auto parts, etc. Ads run for 2 issues unless the editor is notified otherwise. Special ads for cabins, special events, etc., can be purchased for $3.75 per line. Email or mail your ads; no telephone ads will be accepted. To place ads send copy information to the Trading Post editor. Contact information and deadlines are listed on the inside front cover of this issue.

Northwest Canoe Co. 308 Prince StreetSt. Paul, MN 55101 651-229-0192 www.northwestcanoe.com

Bemidji Woolen Mills 301 Irvine Avenue NWBemidji, MN 56601 888-751-5166 www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com

Kickapoo Canoe & Kayak N3257 State Road 71 Elroy, WI 53929 608-462-5065 [email protected]

Vacation Sports 4461 Lake AvenueWhite Bear, MN 55110 651-653-7401www.vacationsports.com

North Bay Canoe MW Territory 205 7TH Street Bemidji, MN 56601 218-444-7777www.paulbunyan.net/users/nbcanoe

Cambridge Custom Boatworks763-286-8973

MCA Discount VendorsThe following vendors give a 5% discount off the regular retail price of certain building materials:

Index to AdvertisersBoundary Waters Journal • 12

Canoe Frontier Expeditions • 25

Canoeing.com • 3

Cooke Custom Sewing • 6

Ketter Canoeing • 19

Midwest Mountaineering • 10

Wolf River Guides • 16

For Sale

tRadIng post

Free classified adsfor MCA members.



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Documents

2009 April-May, The Minnesota Paddler