The Changing Northwoods: Up-close & Hands-on

August 25-September 1, 2012

Introduction | Details & Tuition | Schedule | Registration | Course Leaders | Recommended Reading

Registration includes
Seven nights lodging, all curriculum costs, all entrance fees, canoe rental fees, local group transportation to course study sites, all meals starting with Saturday’s evening dinner through Saturday’s breakfast on departure day.

• Exception is Tuesday’s dinner, which will be on your own. You will enjoy a free evening of musical groups at a variety of restaurants and stores in Ely.

Tuition

• $1195.00/person with double occupancy
• $1695.00/person with private room
• $ 900.00/person for full curriculum and meals but no lodging

Early sign up offer:

Register and pay $300 confirmation deposit by June 1 and receive $100 discount.

Additional expenses
Participants provide their own transportation to and from Ely, Minnesota, as well as Tuesday Night Live evening visit to Ely. Car-sharing with other participants is encouraged.

• Gratuity for lodging, serving staff as well as canoe guides is not included.

Lodging
Accommodations will be on pristine, 4600-acre Snowbank Lake, two thirds of which actually lies within the protected Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Visit for  http://www.smittys-on-snowbank.com   for more details.  Many participants choose to be matched with a random roommate of the same gender. We encourage you to try it, as you may find a new friendship is developed.  If you do not have a lodging partner but want us to help you look for one, please sign up for shared room lodging, and request that we look for a partner on your behalf. If we can't find you a roommate, so long as you remain willing to share, even at the last minute, we will honor your shared rate. Camping: If you are interested in camping at Smitty's on Snowbank, please let us know. If there is space we will add the camping fee on top of the no lodging registration fee.

Payment and Cancellation Policy
A $300.00/person deposit is due at time of registration to confirm your participation and if before July  1, 2012. Final payment balance is due July 1, 2012. Full tuition payment is due if registration is received after July 1. There is no guarantee of a full refund for cancellation after July 1, unless your space can be filled by another participant.

Nearest airport
Airports  serving  the Ely area include Duluth, MN, approximately 100 miles away , a two hour drive time, from Ely. Also Hibbing/Chisholm, approximately 60 miles, about 75 minute drive time . The nearest large city with non-stop airport service to many destinations is Minneapolis/St Paul, approximately 5 hour drive time to Ely.

Area weather and clothing requirements
August average temperatures are a comfortable 46-73 degrees, but can rise into the 90s on occasion. Evenings cool off rather quickly due to the large number of area lakes.  Come prepared for wide fluctuations by dressing in layers for more comfort.  Mosquitoes and biting flies can be a nuisance, but using bug repellant, long sleeve shirts and a hat will make your experience more comfortable. Rainfall for June averages about 4 inches. So of course a good rain jacket and pants should be part of your gear.  We will make a number of outings that will require you to bring along rain gear, hat, insect repellent and use foot wear that can get wet as you will be using canoes and launching from shore without a dock.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Outdoor Store, our sponsor, along with other local stores in Ely carry many items catering to wilderness travelers and visitors.  Plan to arrive early in Ely if you plan to shop as there will be little free time during our course and our lodging is located over 20 miles out of town.

Insects and other pesty creatures: 
Late August is one of the more insect-free times of the season in the Northwoods.  Black fly season is historically early Spring and therefore limited during August.  Having a head net readily available during outtings is advised. Better to have one and not use it than to need one and be pestered and uncomfortable.  Mosquito spring hatch should be on the decline by late June.  But be sure to bring along insect repellant just in case. There are no venomous snakes in our study area.

Physical Condition required:
Participants should be able to hike over uneven ground for up to 3 miles a day without discomfort and be able to be on their feet most of the day. We will be paddling Kevlar canoes and portaging between lakes on our day-long trip in to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Basic paddling skills are all that is needed. You should be able to lift 45 pounds with assistance.  There will be no white water travel.

What to bring:

• Day pack – for carrying your lunch on the all-day canoe trip as well as personal items for wilderness travel
• Small flashlight with extra batteries
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Sunglasses with glass band
• Broad rimed hat
• Head net – loosely fits over your hat and covers your face from insects
• Hiking boots or footwear preferred for forest trails.
• Boating or canoe footwear – your feet will get wet so footwear that is comfortable, that drain and dry readily is preferred. No open toe footwear, as you will be stepping into the water with rocky bottom.  Please do not bring “water socks” as they do not hold up to the terrain and activities we will cover.
• Daily change of socks
• Rain jacket and pants -  prefer this versus a poncho for staying dry
• Jacket, vest and/or coat for layering. Wind-block fleece jacket is an excellent choice
• Casual shoes or sandels for free time in the evenings
• Bed linen is provided by our lodging host, guests must provide their own towels and soap
• All lodging includes shared use of the kitchen – keep in mind 3 meals are provided each day and is included in your registration fee. Only exception is Tuesday dinner on your own at a local restaurant.
• Comfortable casual clothing for relaxing at the Lodge, mealtime and indoor programming.
• Extra cash for shopping.  All costs for scheduled outings are included in your registration fee. We will be visiting several facilities which host gift shops if you desire to purchase a rememberance of your experience. Field guidebooks of local natural history are also available as well as artwork from several local artists.
• Binoculars for birding
• Hand lens for close-up observations
• Cellular phones reception is limited in the BWCA surrounding area.
• Personal first-aid kit
• Camera in a watertight bag

Additional questions?  Contact  Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters at 800-950-2709 or 218-365-3149 or email info@elycanoetripos.com.

Thanks to our photgraphic partners for donating so many fine images. Check out more fine works at:

• http://www.rootriverphotography.com