This year in order to accommodate more participants of varying
abilities, paddlers can choose between four different routes. We hope
the options, ranging from 32 to 63 miles, make this event accessible to
families and beginning paddlers while providing the challenge for those
who want to break the 100km barrier (62.5mi).
All routes begin and end at the Moose Lake Boundary Waters entry point
so that partners can determine their route with a few mileage check
points along the way. All routes continue up Knife Lake, pass Dorothy
Molter's islands (sorry cold rootbeer is not sold there anymore), and
go to Thunder Point. From there divergent paths begin. Some may be
climbing Thunder Point and turning around. Others will be paddling
beyond and choosing which loop to add on to the Knife Lake stretch.
Beginning in familiar Boundary Waters territory for many, these routes
will lead canoeists into new waters and experiences as well.
Celebration
Ah! The celebration afterwards. It perhaps isn't the best part, but it
comes rather close. This year we dined at Chapman Street Market which
was quite delictable. We were grateful for the small crew there to
wiggle us in during a busy day. Previous to lunch, some were gifted
with a 10-minute chair massage offered by Pebble Spa of Ely. Most of
those folks were ready to get right back in a canoe and do it all over
again! (That might be a slight exageration). From there it was back to
camp to celebrate the gifts that our business sponsors and donors
offered. Thank you. Lastly, but certainly not least, a few of us
ventured out to enjoy a sauna. We realized that some of us have a much
higher tolerance for extreme heat than others. Overall, it was simply a
good day to relax, laugh and play together. Thank you to all who
participated in their various ways.
