Wilderness Journey H.A.W.K. Soars!

Honoring Ancestral Wisdom & Kinship

Wilderness Journey

I have been listening to this little voice deep inside of me that keeps whispering, "Nedra, it's time to take another group on a wilderness journey." I have guided and facilitated more than 20 journeys into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness since 1999 for both adolescents and women. I love sharing my experience and this amazing place ~ the peace, the beauty, the challenge, the wildness. I am looking for the interest level for such a journey ~ 7 days (2 days travel to & from Ely, MN + 5 days in wilderness) in mid to late June, 2019.
There is something mystical about a wilderness canoe trip. Maybe it is in the haunting cry of the loons calling from lake to lake. Maybe it is in the stillness of the night when one hears the slapping of beaver tails. While sitting on a rock gazing at a zillion stars , something reaches through time and connects us with the deep roots to all things that have gone before us. One discovers a harmony and peace within oneself. One returns home tired, yet soul refreshed and relaxed.
During these 5 day canoe and camping adventures in the BWCAW in northern Minnesota, participants accomplish much and learn the simple language of personal success. Even though we practice Leave No Trace, wilderness journeys leave a lasting impression on all that take such a journey. This is a physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional journey as one leaves their comfort zone to travel into the wilderness and a place unknown to most. All electronic devices are left behind and all that one needs is carried in one pack. Life is experienced at a slower, simple pace.
Everyone will be expected to fully participate in the adventure. We will canoe, portage, and camp – learning skills along the way. After all, the best way to learn is by doing! We will work together, laugh together, and meet each new challenge together. Each day will be a celebration of all we have achieved within our selves and with the whole group. Along the way, everyone will be taught basic wilderness cooking and camping skills, map reading, and the Leave No Trace wilderness ethic. We will travel approximately 20 – 25 miles, camping at different sites, and gradually building portaging skills. Which route we take will depend on Mother Nature, weather issues, and the physical makeup of the groups. Again, these are beginner level adventures, one need not have any experience in camping and/or canoeing.

Roots and Shoots ~ Journey for Parents & Teens ~

Summary: Trip departs & returns to Voyageur North Outfitters in Ely, MN. Teens (ages 13—17) must weigh at least 100 lbs. and be able to carry 40 lb. pack on back while walking over uneven terrain. Parent(s) must be able to carry 55 lb. canoe on shoulders while walking over uneven terrain. Alcohol, drug, tobacco, and cell phone free journey.

This journey is an amazing opportunity for parents and teens to build a strong(er) relationship around a shared experience where respect, trust, mutual regard, realistic expectations, and healthy interdependency can grow. This is a ‘level playing field’ where both parent and teen are in unfamiliar territory and the best in both will shine. Moms and daughters ~ you will share the same tent with your teen.

The Wilderness Within ~ Journey for Women
Summary: Trip departs & returns to Voyageur North Outfitters in Ely, MN. Adults must be able to carry 50 lb. canoe on shoulders over uneven terrain. Alcohol, drug, tobacco, and cell phone free journey. Participants must be in good physical condition and not have any medical issues that may negatively impact their success on the trip.
Even though a challenging journey, there will also be time to simply be ~ whatever that means to you! Whether you want to learn more camp skills, spend more time on a rock contemplating life, yoga at dawn, stargazing, there will be time on this journey for you to get to know that wilderness within you as you become familiar with the wilderness we travel through. This journey is designed for first timers who have always wanted to come and experience the Boundary Waters ~ a journey filled with new learning, skill development, and grounded in a sense of success. 

If you'd be interested for 2020, please let me know. 

Group size for either of these journeys is only 6 participants + 2 guides (myself and another guide). This program is open to the general community ~ it is NOT limited to client base nor is it designed to be therapeutic.

Contact Me

LOCATION

Availability

Primary

Monday:

12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

10:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Thursday:

Closed

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed