Page 2 - Gunflint Outfitters | Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

Winter Trails on the Gunflint Trail

Monday, January 10, 2011 by Sue prom

     We're sorry you missed celebrating the 16th Annual Winter Trails Day at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters this year. There are so many great trails to explore on the Gunflint Trail we wished you could have been here on January 8, 2011. The good news is the trails are still here for you to enjoy and explore and we'd love for you to come and check them out.
     I've been visiting a few of the cross-country ski trails in an attempt to ski my 200 kilometers of different trails for the Volkski. This weekend Sheri Prom and I skied the famous Banadad Trail so I was able to mark another 28 kilometers of ski trails off of my list. It wouldn't take me long to ski all 400 if I could spend every weekend skiing.
     There are other trails I like to frequent in the winter and they aren't all cross-country ski trails. Snowshoeing is just as fun as cross-country skiing and sometimes even more so because you can go wherever your shoes will take you. Tomorrow my snowshoes will make some tracks behind the school as I help take Josh's class snowshoeing in the woods.
     It's probably a good thing I take a few days off of cross-country skiing. My feet put up a little bit of resistance and I have a couple of blisters to show for it. There are plenty of trails inside and outside of the BWCA for you to enjoy so give us a call and we'll point you in the right direction.

What BWCA outfitters look like in the winter

Make Tracks to the Gunflint Trail this Winter

Monday, January 3, 2011 by Sue prom

     The new year is here and it's time to make tracks to the Gunflint Trail. The annual Winter Tracks Festival is right around the corner in February. There are lots of exciting events happening during the festival so book a room at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and come stay and play.

     If you enjoy cross-country skiing then you won't want to miss out on the Volks Ski 400. Anyone can participate by logging their kilometers skiied in the county throughout the winter. On February 12th we hope to have every inch of all of the trails in Cook County skiied on just that one day. Come be a part of a fun and record setting event on the Gunflint Trail.

     Did anyone get outside and create any unique zoo snow sculptures like I suggested in a recent blog? If you're interested in creating snow sculptures then there's a unique opportunity for you to participate during Winter Tracks.

     There are plenty of other activities to enjoy during the winter in Cook County. Snowmobiling, dog sled rides, sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating, snowshoeing and more can be found on the Gunflint Trail during Winter Tracks and throughout the winter season. Come make some tracks of your own on the Gunflint Trail this winter.

New Zoo on the Gunflint Trail

Thursday, December 30, 2010 by Sue prom

     With all of the snow on the ground and the sticky snow coming down it's a perfect time to create a zoo filled with snow animals. Why make the traditional snowman when you could make so much more? There are plenty of snow creatures to be made for a zoo on the Gunflint Trail.
     I'm going to do my best to convince my kids to start working on the Boundary Waters area of the zoo first. They can make moose, otters, wolves, fish, beaver, deer, eagles and other animals often seen in the BWCA.
   To make the animals functional I'm going to request they use bird seed and other edible items on their snow creatures so the birds and Mr. Fox have a reason to visit the zoo. Maybe the Gunflint Trail Zoo at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters will become so filled with animals people will visit from all over the world.
     Now if I could just convince Abby and her friend to get out of bed they can start creating the critters of the BWCA.

A Gunflint Trail Christmas

Saturday, December 25, 2010 by Sue prom

     There aren't too many places on earth you can go to on Christmas and never hear the sound of a vehicle. That is the case today and yesterday at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail. We do have neighbors but they must be away for the holidays because we haven't heard another soul.
     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area surrounds us and envelopes us in quiet. No car alarms sounding, trains chugging on a track, planes flying overhead or semi trucks jake breaking. On really cold days the ice may moan or the deck may let out a crack but other than that it's pretty quiet. It's eery to stop in the middle of the lake when you're snowshoeing and not hear anything. Sometimes I have to take my ear muffs off and say something out loud so I know for sure I haven't lost my hearing.
     A few snowflakes fall to the ground on this Christmas day. Presents have been opened, games have been played and now we'll savor the peace and quiet of this holiday season and the Gunflint Trail.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas on the Gunflint Trail

Thursday, December 23, 2010 by Sue prom

     This year we are staying on the Gunflint Trail for Christmas. We usually venture south to spend the holidays with our relatives in central Minnesota but as luck would have it here we'll be. There isn't any place I'd rather spend Christmas than at home at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. We do have a lodge unit open so if you would like to see what Christmas on the Gunflint Trail is all about then come stay in the cabin, we'd love to see you here.
     The Gunflint trail is a magical place in the winter and we're grateful to live up here year round. Where else can you feed a fox on your deck, catch a pine marten in your dumpster, see a pack of wolves on a lake and watch moose slip across the road at night? Wildlife viewing on the Gunflint Trail is spectacular and the above occurences are common.
    Birding on the Gunflint Trail in the winter is also wonderful. Bird feeders are like Grand Central Station as the chickadees feed constantly. The whiskey jacks are just as busy and woodpeckers tap away at trees.
     The beauty of winter in the close by Boundary Waters is breathtaking. The color of the sky ranges from white, to grey to bright blue and everything in between. Winter sunsets are colorful and stargazing couldn't be better than it is in our vast wilderness.
     It's always magical on the Gunflint Trail and especially so at Christmas. If you want to get away from the city and experience a true northwoods Christmas then give us a call. 888-CANOEIT. If not, then wherever you are we wish you a very Merry Christmas from Voyageur Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Gunflint Trail Lodging

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 by Sue prom

     The peace and quiet on the Gunflint Trail this time of the year is wonderful. Most of the summer cabin owners are long gone and many of the Gunflint Trail resort owners have left the Gunflint Trail as well. All that remains are the hearty folks who call the Gunflint Trail home.
     This is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the solitude and silence of our area. We offer Gunflint Trail lodging year round at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and we welcome you here to enjoy the serene setting.
     This is the time of the year when you can hike in the woods and see for miles. There are no leaves left on the trees to obstruct the view and the vistas are spectacular. Woodpeckers and whiskey jacks can be seen flitting about and red squirrels chatter incessantly.
     Spend time relaxing at our Gunflint Trail lodging or pursue your hobby. Maybe it's writing, reading, scrapbooking, knitting or some other hobby you have wanted to try. Whatever it is there's no nicer place to be than at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Gunflint Trail Hiking

Saturday, November 6, 2010 by Sue prom

     While I don't necessarily recommend taking a hike in the woods on the Gunflint Trail today I do think you should drive up the Gunflint Trail tonight to attend a presentation about the hiking on the Gunflint Trail.
     TheKekekabic Hiking Trail can be accessed from the Gunflint Trail and from the Fernberg Road in Ely, MN. The trail meanders through remote areas in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As with most paths in the forests this trail has a story and the founder of the Kekekabic Hiking Trail Club will be telling it tonight.
     The Centennial Hiking Trail follows a portion of the Kekekabic Hiking Trail and is travels along an old railway bed. There's a rich history about this trail and mining on the Gunflint Trail that will also be discussed tonight.
     Today is the first day of deer hunting up here so if you do want to take a hike on the Gunflint Trail then be sure to wear blaze orange.  Otherwise just plan an evening on the Gunflint Trail.

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2010
　
The Centennial Trail is a loop trail of 3.3 miles. It incorporates 1.2 miles of the Kekekabic Trail and connects the Port Arthur Railroad bed built in the early 1890's. After the Ham Lake Fire, several of the old mine pits and railroad beds were exposed and that's how Tom Kaffeine, USFS Forestry Technician and wilderness guru, came up with the idea of this historical trail.　

8:00 pm "Kekekabic Trail from 1990 to present, 20 years of volunteer maintenance,"
by Martin Kubik, Kekekabic Trail Club Founder

The Kekekabic Trail is a 42 mile long deep wilderness trail. Built as an access trail for fire fighters in 1930’s, the trail became a recreational trail in the 1960’s. In 1980’s, the Forest Service abandoned the trail due to budget cuts. In an attempt to bring the trail back, Bill Rom, retired canoe outfitter from Ely, put up a reward of $500 to anyone who would clear the interior 20 miles in 1986.

Back then, the Kek as it is called, had between 2,000-3,000 treefalls blocking the path. In 1990, Martin Kubik recruited volunteer co-workers from 3M Company in St. Paul and together they cut a clear path between the two trailheads. Later, Martin Kubik founded the Kekekabic Trail Club and in 2002, the BWA Committee was formed to help maintain historic hiking trails.

The Kekekabic Trail remains a wilderness challenge. The 1999 storm decimated 2/3 of the trail. Following two major fires in 2006 and 2007, much of the path was burned to the rock bed and made it extremely difficult to follow even by experts. The trail gained nationwide attention in 2008 when two hikers from Duluth were lost on Kek for four days. Today, the Kekekabic trail is regenerating itself and is ready for those willing accept its challenge. It is currently maintained by several volunteer organizations working with the USDA Forest Service to keep trail over-growth in control.

Boundary Waters Advisory Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserve existing, historic and intrinsically beautiful wilderness hiking trails of the BWCAW in the Superior National Forest . It accomplishes its mission by organizing trail clearing trips in cooperation with the USFS, increasing awareness about the wilderness hiking trails, and by lobbying to preserve existing trails.

   at the Gunflint Lodge Conference Center
located 45 miles up the Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marais

7:30 pm "History of the Centennial Trail" by Tom Kaffeine, USFS Wilderness Ranger

Prescribed Burning in the Boundary Waters

Sunday, October 17, 2010 by Sue prom

     There's smoke in the air on the Gunflint Trail. The USFS is conducting prescribed burns in and around the Boundary Waters near the Gunflint Trail. The Kekekabic Burn unit is where the smoke is currently coming from.
     Two more prescribed burn units in the Boundary Waters will be lit on Monday of this week.  Both of these units are less than 2000 acres and will be ignited by a helicopter. A few BWCA routes and campsites are closed in the areas of the prescribed burns.
     Fire personnel will be staying at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters this week to monitor the controlled burns. There are aerial resources, ground crews and engine crews on the Gunflint Trail. We're hoping the smoke won't be too heavy and that all goes well.

Loving the Gunflint Trail

Thursday, October 14, 2010 by Sue prom

     What isn't to love about the Gunflint Trail? The only answer I have to that questions is when you have to leave the Gunflint Trail. There is so much beauty and peacefulness to experience on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
     Working on the deck of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters yesterday the whiskey jacks kept me from getting too much work done. They were looking for hand outs and I was able to provide them with exactly what they wanted.
     Walking home from the Gunflint Trail after getting the kids off of the bus we watched a bald eagle soar overhead. We didn't see our friendly fox or the moose family but we knew they were around as well as the 4 deer that live on our road. Chipmunks, seagulls, mergansers, martens and more are all a part of our daily life at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
     Loving life at the end of the Trail.

Feeding birds at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

Boundary Waters Permit Reservation Not Needed

Monday, October 4, 2010 by Sue prom

     Now that October is here a Boundary Waters permit reservation is no longer needed. Self-issue BWCA permits are available to fill out at the BWCA entry points but no reservation or payment is needed.
     That's just one of the great things about paddling the Boundary Waters in October. One look at this week's forecast for the BWCA had me jumping for joy and trying to juggle my schedule so I can get out on another Boundary Waters canoe trip.
     The forecast calls for temperatures in the 60's and sunny skies. Sounds perfect for canoe camping in the wilderness. I love to sit at a BWCA campsite and enjoy the fall scenery and smells that surround me.
     We had canoe groups out paddling the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park this past weekend. They enjoyed the sunshine, solitude and good fishing that October has brought. It's not every week a forecast in October looks this favorable for canoeing the BWCA so you need to take advantage of this rare opportunity.
     We're still open for business at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and we'd love to see you at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Call us today 1-888-CANOEIT and plan your canoe trip or resort stay, but hurry, this beautiful weather won't last long.

Did Someone Say Moose?

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 by Sue prom

     If you're traveling on the Gunflint Trail and come upon a scene that looks like a motor vehicle accident then relax. The vehicles with open doors left in the middle of the road most likely belong to the humans standing alongside the Gunflint Trail in a trance-like state. Overcome with awe they abandoned their vehicles and common sense to gaze at a famous Gunflint Trail moose.
     There's nothing guests of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters like more than to see a moose on their drive up or down the Gunflint Trail. Even after 17 years of living on the Gunflint Trail I still like to see moose and will even take pictures of them if the timing is right. This was the case on Monday just after my friends from the cities left our place and headed south.
     I had attempted to find moose for my friends to enjoy the previous evening and the morning they left without any luck. Sure enough, moments after they had driven away John gave us the news there was a moose hanging out.
     Elsa who had been complaining about not seeing many moose, was in the middle of some chore when I grabbed her arm and dragged her into my vehicle to go see the moose. There was the tell tale sign of the exact location of the moose; the empty vehicles and zombie like people standing motionless on the side of the road.
     This was a nice moose with a good sized rack standing in the sunlight on a beautiful fall day. What more could an amateur photographer ask for? He posed for us willingly, said hello and even stuck his tongue out at us. Now I'm hoping this nice looking guy makes it through the Minnesota moose hunt so you can enjoy him too.

Celebrate

Saturday, September 25, 2010 by Sue prom

     There are alot of good reasons to get outside on the Gunflint Trail today, two of which are it's National Public Lands Day and National Hunting and Fishing Day today. Northeastern Minnesota is full of public lands that are perfect for hunting and fishing so the Gunflint Trail is the perfect place to celebrate these two events.
     Resident angler at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters Josh Prom will no doubt celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day by fishing and hunting if he has his way. The grouse are abundant on the Gunflint Trail and just the other day he went hunting for the first time. After missing the first grouse be got the next three he shot at and didn't want to quit. We're lucky to live where we're surrounded by public lands and waters we can recreate on.
     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is less than a mile away. It's all set aside for folks who want to paddle and camp on public lands. In recognition of National Public Lands Day I may just have to get out and do some canoeing and fishing.
     There are places all over the United States sponsoring activities today. Check out the National Public Lands Day website to find out what is happening near you. And maybe next year we'll see you on the Gunflint Trail for one of these special days.

National Public Lands Day 2010 celebrates service and recreation on public lands while educating volunteers about the effects of climate change on our parks. NPLD engages a diverse audience of adult and youth volunteers to get to outdoors and improve their lands, whether at the grandest national park or at an urban park in their neighborhood.

NPLD inspires a new generation of volunteers committed to service on public lands. The event also encourages volunteers to explore and enjoy America's natural wonders through outdoor recreation. After working hard, volunteers can take a hike, a swim, a bicycle ride and get healthy in America's backyard.

Wildlife Viewing on the Gunflint Trail

Friday, September 24, 2010 by Sue prom

     Driving the Gunflint Trail is always a treat. This time of the year when the leaves are changing it's more beautiful than ever but what makes it exciting is spotting wildlife on the Gunflint Trail.
     It is difficult to drive the Gunflint Trail and not see any wildlife. While some of the animals blend in with the surroundings most let their presence be known by walking on or alongside of the Gunflint Trail. Different roads at different times of the year may be better for viewing specific wildlife but pretty much anywhere you go on the Gunflint Trail you'll see some sort of wildlife.
     The entire length of the Gunflint Trail is great for viewing a multitude of wildlife. Fox, deer, rabbits and grouse are most abundant along with tons of different species of birds in the summer. Bear can be seen sitting in the ditch eating grass or during the spring and fall you may catch them trying to sneak into garbage at a resort or outfitting business.
     The timber wolf population is thriving especially around the Gunflint Lake area. There's a large deer population thanks to the various resorts and cabin owners in the area who feed them in the winter.  Some of the deer will eat right out of your hand but be careful when driving on the Gunflint Lake side road in the winter, I've been hit by a deer running into the side of my stopped vehicle.
     The most popular or sought after wildlife to see on the Gunflint Trail is the moose. Many of our guests at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters get to see moose on their drive up to our place. Some of them just have to sit on their deck and gaze across the river to see them swimming to shore. The moose pond and moose viewing area near Swamper Lake are great places to see moose when visiting the Gunflint Trail.

Unless you're sleeping you're most likely going to see a plethora of wildlife while traveling on the Gunflint Trail. Have your camera in hand, keep your eyes open and you'll no doubt be treated to viewing some wildlife on the Gunflint Trail.

Weekend on the Gunflint Trail

Sunday, September 19, 2010 by Sue prom

     The Gunflint Trail is a great place to spend time. While I think a day or a weekend is much too short for a visit it is better than nothing. Guests of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters have been enjoying the Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this fall.
     It doesn't seem to matter what the weather is like because folks on the Gunflint Trail or out paddling in the canoe country just have a good time anyway. The wilderness fishing has been good, there aren't any bugs, the loons are singing and the stars and moon are shining bright. Camping in the BWCA this time of year is extra special because there are very few people paddling.
   Voyageur guests who spent time fishing on Saganaga in a light rain were rewarded with a couple of great catches.  When it's been too windy for paddling the Boundary Waters our guests have loved exploring the many hiking trails along the Gunflint Trail. Windy, cold and rainy weather has given our guests the perfect opportunity to visit Chik-Wauk Museum or relax in their cozy cabin.
     The Gunflint Trail is exploding with color and the leaf lookers are out looking. A few folks were lucky enough to see moose along the Gunflint Trail in addition to beautiful fall colors. Grouse hunters were surely successful on the Gunflint Trail since all one has to do is take a drive down a road to see a half of a dozen or more grouse out sunning themselves.

There is still time to enjoy a weekend on the Gunflint Trail or in the Boundary Waters. We would love to have you visit us at Voyageur yet this fall. Come see for yourself how wonderful

and peaceful a fall retreat at the end of the Gunflint Trail can be.

Fall Colors on the Gunflint Trail

Thursday, September 16, 2010 by Sue prom

     It's happening right before my very eyes at the end of the Gunflint Trail. The leaves are changing colors and the landscape is no longer a solid green. Splashes of yellow, orange and red can now be seen amongst the green pine trees and it's a beautiful sight.
     I'm not sure what it is about fall on the Gunflint Trail and in the Boundary Waters but it has a special appeal. The scent of fall is unique with the combination of the moist earth and dry leaves composting on the forest floor. The mornings are amazing when the cold air meets the warmer surface water to produce a fog that hovers above the BWCA lakes.
     The wildlife has been active along the Gunflint Trail and at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters with many recent visitors.  A black bear has been enjoying a nightly buffet and a family of grouse resides at the end of our driveway. I'm not sure they know Saturday is the opener of the grouse hunting season in Minnesota, so shhhh, please don't tell them.
     In the Boundary Waters you can find fall colors as well. Shorelines of the wilderness lakes show off their new look of yellow, orange and red. Especially beautiful to see are the Tamaracks as their needles change color and eventually fall from the tree.  It's so quiet in the BWCA this time of the year you can almost hear a leaf as it hits the forest floor.
     The drive up to the Gunflint Trail along the North Shore is also spectacular. Red maple trees can be seen from almost everywhere but the fall landscape is best seen from the top of a hiking trail where a forest of colors dance below.
     Voyageur Canoe Outfitters can help you enjoy Fall on the Gunflint Trail. We have cabins for you to stay in or we can set you up for a wilderness canoe trip into the BWCA. We're here enjoying the fabulous fall so you may as well join us.

Fall at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail

Taste of the Gunflint Trail

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Sue prom

     The Taste of the Gunflint Trail is this Saturday, September 11th on the Gunflint Trail. Voyageur Canoe Outfitters will be offering tastes of Aunt Bea's famous Sour Cream and Raisin Pie and other Gunflint Trail resorts and outfitters will be featuring other items to taste from the cookbook, "A Taste of the Gunflint Trail."
     "A Taste of the Gunflint Trail" cookbook has more than just recipes in it. It is a collection that contains information about most of the resorts and outfitters on the Gunflint Trail. There are stories from previous owners, history about the area and of course recipes from different Gunflint lodge owners.
     A Taste of the Gunflint Trail is an event sponsored by the Gunflint Trail Historical Society as a fundraiser for Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. Visitors to the different lodges will be asked to donate a dollar per taste and $5 for the pie and ice cream social at Chik-Wauk. This will also cover admission to the museum for the day.
     The museum will give visitors an even bigger taste of the Gunflint Trail. There are films, exhibits, books, displays and more about the different eras on the Gunflint Trail. It's a great place to spend a couple of hours or a couple of days.
     Take a drive up the Gunflint Trail on Saturday, September 11th for a Taste of the Gunflint Trail, we'd love to see you at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters.

A Taste of the Gunflint Trail Cookbook and Fundraiser

Fall Voyageur Vacation

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Sue prom

Boundary Waters hiking on the Gunflint Trail

It's not too late there's still time for a Voyageur Canoe Outfitter Vacation on the Gunflint Trail this Fall. Whether you want to paddle and camp or relax in a cabin we want you to visit us this Fall.

     There's always something to do on the Gunflint Trail no matter what season it is. My favorite activity is to explore the many hiking trails both inside and outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. There are hikes of all distances along the Gunflint Trail and at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters we can help you plan the right one for you. We've hiked the trails and know how difficult or how easy they are and are glad to share that information with you. The hiking is good up until around Christmas when the hiking boots are replaced with snowshoes. It's another world out there when the leaves are off of the trees and you can see through the normally hidden woods. I've rarely had to share a hiking trail on the Gunflint Trail except with four legged creatures.
     There's no better place to relax and get away from it all than at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. There are no telephones or televisions in the cabins to distract you and in the silence you can completely unwind. Cell phones don't work on the Gunflint Trail and only if you must will we allow you to check your e-mail and there's no surfing the web on our limited internet access.
     Sitting on the deck, lying on the dock or finding a nice rock to stretch out on you're sure to find the peaceful surroundings comforting. There aren't any bugs to bother you and there are very few people on the Gunflint Trail in late October and November.
     Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center will be open until mid-October. It's an incredible museum that people have really enjoyed visiting since it opened on the 4th of July. Hours can be spent watching the films, reading the books and hiking the trails.
     Canoe trips can be experienced well into the fall. When the visitor numbers dwindle the wilderness experience is doubled. Without the assurance of another group around the bend fall paddlers must be cautious and knowledgeable about cold weather conditions and safety.
     In October boat and motor camping can be enjoyed on Saganaga Lake. Set up a base camp for fishing or for just camping in the wilderness. You can bring along quite a bit of equipment when you've got a boat to haul it around with. If you're interested in renting a canvas tent and stove to stay warm then let us know, we can set you up for your ultimate comfort while camping.
     An afternoon paddle and watching the sunset on Saganaga are just a couple of the things you can experience while vacationing at Voyageur this Fall. Come see how wonderful it is for yourself.
     Mention this blog and ask for a special lodging package rate for new bookings in October and November. You'll be glad you did.

Greatness of the Gunflint Trail

Monday, August 23, 2010 by Sue prom

     The Gunflint Trail is a great place to visit and an even better place to live.  Even if you only have a short amount of time there are things to do and beautiful places to see. There are places to paddle, hike, swim and explore around every corner of the Gunflint Trail. The beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Superior National Forest surrounds the Gunflint Trail and there are many ways to experience the greatness of the area even if you are pressed for time.
     The Gunflint Trail offers both long hikes in the BWCA as well as short hikes just outside of the BWCA.  Northern Light Lake Trail is only 13 miles from Grand Marais and a short 1 mile trek round trip. The view from the top of its Blueberry Hill is beautiful as is the view from the top of Honeymoon Bluff. From Honeymoon Bluff you can see the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Hungry Jack Lake, East Bearskin, West Bearskin, watch spectacular sunsets and best of all you only have to hike about 1 1/2 miles round trip. This trail is located down the Clearwater Road about a half of an hour from Grand Marais.
     Quck paddling trips can be found everywhere you look.  Stop in at any of the outfitters on the Gunflint Trail or give us a call at Voyageur and we can meet you at any of the BWCA lakes. A short paddle up Larch Creek finds you in the BWCA's Larch Lake or a tow boat ride on Saganaga gives you a great idea of what the Boundary Waters is all about.
     A stop at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center is also a good way to get a feel for the Gunflint Trail. Even when time is short whatever you do and wherever you go you're bound to experience the greatness of the Gunflint Trail.

Portaging the Twin Cities

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by Sue prom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lori Schaefer

612-341-4185 / 651-303-7458 (cell)

lori@marketingmatters-mn.com

GUNFLINT TRAIL ASSOCATION SENDS CANOEIST PORTAGING ACROSS METRO

Boundary Waters’ canoeist takes to streets and venues announcing “Send Your Friend Packing” contest

GUNFLINT TRAIL, Minn. (Aug. 17, 2010) – Along with a farmer’s market, city beaches and a few innings of outdoor baseball, visitors to some of the Twin Cities’ most frequented summer sites might encounter a Boundary Waters’ canoeist from August 18 – 21 as he portages a red canoe and promotes a contest sponsored by the Gunflint Trail Association (GTA).

The promotion launches the association’s new tourism campaign with a tongue-in-cheek contest to ”Send Your Friend Packing,” complete with a fully outfitted, three-day, two-night guided trip for two to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), located within The Gunflint Trail region.

“We’re having fun with a play on words to raise awareness of our contest that gives Twin Citians the chance to ‘send a friend packing’ on a memorable trip into the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters,” said Mike Prom, owner of Voyageur Canoe Outfitters and member of the GTA. “The Gunflint Trail offers numerous entry points into the Boundary Waters, an area with wide appeal, not just to hardy outdoor enthusiast-types.”

Canvassing Uptown and appearing at Lake Calhoun, the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market, Lake Como, Como Park and Target Plaza during a Twins Game, the BWCA canoeist will be portaging across the Twin Cities from August 18-21 sporting Duluth Pack gear and spreading the word about GTA tourism. The Gunflint Trail and the BWCA are among the most visited wilderness areas in the United States, named by National Geographic as “one of 50 places to see before you die.”

To enter the contest, would-be senders visit www.gunflint-trail.com to tell the GTA in 200 words or less why their friend deserves to be “sent packing.” Individuals may enter as many friends as they like, but all entries must be received by August 30. The winner will be selected on September 6. For those wanting their own chance to explore the Gunflint Trail and BWCA, the association is also offering a “Get Yourself a Getaway” contest in which individuals can visit www.gunflint-trail.com to enter to win a three-day, two-night stay at a Gunflint Trail lodge. Entries must be submitted by August 30 and the winner will be selected on September 6.

About The Gunflint Trail

The 57 mile Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway is located in Cook County, passing through the northeastern corner of Minnesota to near the Canadian border. The Trail begins on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Minn., and winds through boreal forest and past glacial lakes to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Gunflint Trail Association (GTA), part of the Cook County Visitors Bureau, is dedicated to economic development and maintaining the vitality of The Gunflint Trail. For more information, call Jim Vick at (218) 370-9855 or visit www.gunflint-trail.com or www.cookcountymnevents.com.

Gunflint Outfitters