BWCA Backpacking Trip In April

“I would be south of that, pretty much in Monticello which is on Interstate 94. It usually takes me about 45 minutes to get to Princeton I think. Certainly not out of my way at all.”

“Shadowhiker - sounds great, you're welcome to join us. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail.

And Mozark - I doubt that I'll be around in June, I don't have my plans finalized yet, but my apartment lease ends in May, and I'll probably start my summer job sometime around then, though it doesn't officially start until june 7th.”

“Really looking forward to this one. Give me a call next week mountainrunner, we'll make plans to ride on out to Minn.”

“Do me a favor. I am hiking the Kek going east to west and coming out on the Snowbank Trail the week after you guys go. Let me know what the conditions are like. I have heard from the Kek club and the Forest Service that they did a controled burn on the west side of Snowbank last fall. The trail may be hard to follow there.

Have a great time - the area is beautiful.

Hikergerb”

“No problem, will let you know the trail conditions.

One thing I forgot to mention and I hope nobody has a problem with it that is planning on this hike. I have a dog, He's a great dog and he gets along well with everybody - I just hope nobody is terribly against dogs on the trail.

This trip is coming up quick, only a few weeks away. I'm looking forward to getting on the trail. Been stuck inside for way too long.

As for weather - all the snow appears to be melting at a very quick rate, if this keeps up we won't have to worry about snow, but mud season is just around the corner.
last edited: 3/28/05 8:00:13 PM”

“I live in Delano so we are kinda neighbors. Maybe we can hook up some time. I am always looking for hiking partners. I typically go solo and my wife and family isn't too keen on that.

Hikergerb”

“I work in Delano- wonder if we have met? We could talk about hiking over a coke/beer after Applebees opens.
last edited: 3/30/05 10:01:29 AM”

“Neighbors... I work in Loretto, during the summer - I wouldn't exactly be available for a backpacking trip, though I'd have free time to talk about hiking over a coke.
last edited: 3/30/05 10:18:13 AM”

“Last year I didn't even have a vehicle, I biked over to Delano for the 4th of july celeberation.”

“Small world isn't it! The Applebee's thing sounds great. I have a couple of SHT weekends planned with my kids in May and June. I'd sure be up for something in mid to late Sept - either BWCA or SHT.

I also love to just reminise (sp) about past adventures. It keeps me workingout so I can be ready for the next one.

I had two partial knee replacements in 2003. The road back has been hard but fufilling. I am also looking to do some biking this summer (when the bugs are bad) to keep in shape. Just some other options.”

“I'll be in Loretto, Camp Ihduhapi actually, in mid May - the first month or so I have no idea what my schedule looks like. After June 7, my schedule is pretty tight, with a weekend off every once in a while, and a one week break in July, during which I'm probably going to sonshine with my parents' youth group.”

“Hey, everyone! I'll be ready to rock and roll!! Sorry I've been quiet, we've had some people at work lose loved ones - has been a difficult couple of weeks.

Looking forward to the trip - weather is supposed to be decent.”

“From the 10 day forecast, it looks like we can expect highs 55-60 with a chance of rain (don't forget raingear) and lows around freezing - you can plan your sleeping arrangement around that. I'm sure there will be some snow still on the ground, but we'll probably have to worry more about mud. It's coming up quick, I'm excited.

You maybes - everestnut and shadowhiker, are you still thinking about this trip? Let me know what's up.

I'll be sending out an e-mail about the logistics soon.”

“Simer,
I can't make it this one. Am really interested in getting active with you MN hikers when you go. PLEASE keep me in mind. I hope you have a great safe trip and look forward to hearing about it. Thanks J”

“Simer190
you have mail.”

“back at ya.”

“In case I don't get back to this forum before you leave good luck! I am pretty excited to be going the following week.”

“Lorax - received the email. Thanks for sending it along to me. I've been trying to call you to set up plans for Wednesday.... give me a call.

Simer190, we're good to go. Yes, we are coming! I received your email from the Lorax. I'm not sure what our sleeping plan is right now for Wednesday night. Eating before and after the trip sounds great, just let us know when and where and I'm sure we'll be there.

Mountainrunner”

“Looks like we're going to see some rain. Should make things interesting :)”

“I've heard about you, mountainrunner... your fast reputation precedes you. LOL!

Have fun gang!”

“Lizs, how ya doing!! Hey, be careful with the "fast reputation" thing.... could be taken the wrong way ;)

Sorry I missed the trip at Yellow River, we've had three deaths within my work group - has made everything a bit challenging.

Make sure to ask Firebug and theGriz about Griz's fire dance... which he last performed down at Kettle Moraine! It's a wonderful performance ;)

Oh, one last thing.... what did firebug bring for dinner on the Yellow River trips? Rack of lamb? He eats quite well on the trail!!”

“Alright, it's coming up quick. I'll post this on TT and e-mail the same information out so nobody misses it.

I'll try to finalize everything up right here, if you have any questions - e-mail me.

We discussed going out for breakfast before hand, if that works for you, go ahead. But, I think we'll just meet at the trailhead at 10:00am as planned. We can go out for lunch on completion of the trip for a big meal together.

The trailhead isn't too hard to find, maybe you already know where it can be found, some people have some difficulty reaching it. Assuming you're coming in on 1/169 (the main road into town) from the West you will follow that road straight through Ely, On the edge of town Highway 1 will turn South(right), continue straight towards Winton - Winton is 3 miles past Ely, hardly a noticible town. After Winton, the road turns into The "Fernberg" Continue down the road for ~20 some(?) miles until you reach a sign for a road that leads to Snowbank Lake(trail) the trailhead is located not too far up that road on the left side. If you reach Lake One, you've gone too far.

We will meet at the trailhead at 10:00am, and hit the trail as soon as everybody is ready. I hope that all makes sense, I'm excited for this trip.

~Matt”

“Just found this website and have been dreaming of doing the kek for years. Unsure because I always travel solo. wish you Guys lots of luck”

“Simer, I think we're going to need to plan on meeting at the trailhead. We're not leaving here until 8:00pm.

My cell # is 906-748-0034. Feel free to call if you need to get a hold of us.

Lookin forward to the trip!!”

“Hey nealaustin,

I'll be hiking the Kek (swinging around the north end of Snowbank) Apr 21-26 if everything goes to plan. I'll let you know what its like! I too have dreamed of hiking the Kek for a long long time.

Good luck to you guys going with Simer.”

“See you all at the trailhead!

I don't know if I made it clear enough in my directions, but when I mentioned "Go straight towards Winton" DO NOT turn right on Highway 1, stay straight on 169, which will eventually turn into the Fernberg.

I just don't want anybody to get confused. See you all there on Thursday morning.”

“Tomorrow's the day. Looks like most of the threat for rain is gone for the weekend - but don't dismiss the chance of rain. Now they're calling for highs approaching 70, for everyone that was worried that it would be too cold, should have been worrying that it will be too HOT, lol.

I'm about packed and ready to go... still debating a few things, such as which sleeping bag/pack/boots to bring, we're right on the border weather wise. I'll figure it out before I head for the trailhead, well, if not I'll figure it out before I hit the trail, lol - that's the way it goes i guess.

See you all tomorrow!”

“I know what you mean about gear. I will be bringing two packs/shelters and decide when I get up there. Still have to get to the grocery store for some last minute items.

Work is now done, can't wait to get into mpls traffic.”

“Leaving now to pick up mountainrunner. See you in the a.m.”

“Have a good trip.”

“ha! you fast thang! LOL, I heard about the fire dance. Will see if I can get an encore sometime. ;-)”