Canoeing Portaging Fishing Live Wolf Study Photography Exploration TLS Voyages North Woods Wilderness Canoe Adventure Boundary Waters, Minnesota e 22- July 6, 2015 Offered this summer through TLS Voyages is a unique opportunity to experience one of the world s finest canoe-wilderness areas, The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, of Minnesota. (BWCAW) YOU are invited to retrace the legendary routes of the Ojibwa and French voyageurs by paddle, pack and portage; to enter the land of the bear and the eagle; to tread softly amidst the tall pines and tender mosses and thus learn, first hand, the powerful message of wilderness. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP INCLUDE: * 8-Day Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe-Camping Trip. * Live Wolf Observations. International Wolf Center, Ely, MN- * Black Bear Research Center, Ely MN. * Legendary Town of Ely, MN Explore the Gateway to The Boundary Waters. * The Root Beer Lady Dorothy Molter s Wilderness Cabins- Lived 58 years alone in the backwoods. * Jim Brandenburg s Gallery National Geographic Photographer. * Soudan Underground Mine Tour - World s Richest Iron Mine, ¾ of a mile deep into the earth. (Adjacent to University of MN Neutrino Research Lab). * Great Lakes Fresh Water Aquarium, Duluth Inner Harbor, & Unger Tower, Duluth MN. * I Survived the Woods Annual Bowling Match at Ely Lanes and more!
THE TRIP: e 22- July 6th, 2015 Participants travel by passenger van on this 15-day journey, which includes an 8- day canoeing/camping adventure through the lakes and rivers of Minnesota s magnificent Boundary Waters. Also included are a number of stops of historical and scientific value along the way. See the trip itinerary below. THE BOUNDARY WATERS: The BWCAW, as it is called, is a 1 million acre wilderness preserve along the Minnesota-Canada border. It is one of the very few places in the country designated solely for canoe travel. It borders another amazing 1.5 million acre park, Canada s Quetico- Superior. While in the BWCAW, we will be tent camping the entire 8 days. There is no plumbing or electricity; therefore we carry everything we need into and out of the backcountry in our canoes. It is truly an adventure! While in the woods, base camps are established from which specific field studies and related activities are conducted. Day trips include: Warrior Hill, Curtain Falls, Native American Pictographs, Rebecca Falls and The Enchanted Cove. Participants will develop skills in canoeing, map reading, tent camping, wilderness cooking, first aid, photography, group decision-making, leadership, personal responsibility and teamwork. There is plenty of wildlife to observe and photograph along the way such as moose, beaver, eagle, and even an occasional black bear. Wolves are even more elusive and rarely seen but we will stop in to the International Wolf Center in Ely MN to see live wolves and learn all about their struggle for existence. Fishing in the BWCAW is some of the best in the world so bring your rod and reel! Plenty of free is set aside for relaxing, fishing, swimming, exploring, reading a good book and personal reflection. To record our experiences, a personal/scientific journal is highly recommended. SLIDE SHOW: Visit the YouTube slide show LINK: TLS Voyages North Woods Canoe Wilderness Adventure PROGRAM HISTORY Mr. Thomas Novitsky is in his eighth year at TLS, with 31 years of science teaching experience. Mr. Novitsky has over 25 years of experience guiding trips to the Boundary Waters and has shared the journey with many of his students. Trips are typically coed and include the help a second adult guide. A female chaperone will also assist as needed. Mr. Joe Griggs, TLS math teacher, is assisting this year. Joe has numerous wilderness adventures under his belt such as hiking both the Sierra Crest and the Appalachian Trails, and has also lead numerous outdoor trips with TLS students over the years. Joe is certified in wilderness first aid. The COST for the entire 15-day program is $2175. Price includes van transportation, bunkhouse and hotel accommodations, campground and park fees, all travel meals, all backcountry food, complete outfitting equipment, canoe rental, wilderness permits, travel insurance, museums, special program admission and tour fees. Souvenirs, gifts, and personal expenses are the participant s only extra costs.
REQUIREMENTS: Both GUYS and GIRLS are invited to participate. The trip is offered to rising 8 th grade though rising 10 th grades students with possible exceptions being made to fill the trip. Some aspects of this trip are physically challenging and will require a bit of sweat equity to accomplish, but it is not impossible for those of average physical condition. Portaging requires that participants must be able to safely lift and carry a canoe weighing up to 70 lbs (or) carry a packed Duluth pack weighing up to 45 lbs up to one-half mile. On some days, we will be canoeing and portaging for up to 6 hours to get as far into the woods as possible. A positive attitude and willingness to try something new is really all that is needed. Participants do not have to be a TLS student or graduate. Friends or relatives of participants may also qualify. INFORMATIONAL MEETING: Once the trip has been secured, there will be an informational meeting for participants and their parents approximately 3 weeks prior to departure to answer questions and to discuss details, personal packing and the trip itinerary. RESERVATIONS: Space is limited to the first 7 qualifying participants. Early reservations help to ensure a spot on the trip. The trip must fill in order for it to run. Acceptance into the program will be at the discretion of the trip director with the safety and well being of the individual and the entire group the foremost consideration. Complete and submit application (upon request) with a $575 deposit by December 15 th. APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 15, 2014 CANCELLATIONS: Full or partial payments may be refunded if your space can be filled in a ly manner or the director cancels the trip. Full refunds will be given if the trip does not fill. For Reservations and More Information Contact Tom Novitsky, Director 313-729-2333 tnovitsky@thelexingtonschool.org
Date DAY ACTIVITY Time LODGING Details OTHER Mon. 22-1 LEX - Great Bluffs S.P. 10.5 hrs travel Great River Bluffs State Park WI Meet 5:30 AM, Lower Parking -Depart TLS Lot @ 6 AM Please be on so we can stay on schedule. Thanks! Tue. 23-2 Great Bluffs S.P. - DULUTH 4 hrs travel Duluth Inner Harbor, Lift Bridge, Unger Tower; Fresh Water Aquarium 3 hrs Camp breakfast, Lunch in Duluth DULUTH - Split Rock Light House 1 Hr travel PM: Split Rock Light House Tour, 1.5 hrs Split Rock MN 1.5 hr travel Canoe Country Outfitters Check in, Shop, Wed. 24-3 AM- Soudan Mine PM Gear Prep Lunch in Ely Breakfast at Briton s PM -Final Gear Prep Thur.25-4 AM- Wolf Center Tour Lunch in Breakfast at Briton s PM: Pack and early to bed. Load Gear in Trailer Early to Bed... Early Rise Fri. 26-5 Day 1 Woods Early Rise :) Lake Agnes Camp Day Paddle Agnes Sat. 27-6 Day 2 Woods Base Camp Lake Agnes Camp Activities, Tip Drills, Swim fish Explore Agnes
Sun. 28- Mon. 29- Tue. 30- Wed. 1- July 7 Day 3 Woods Move Camp Lac La Croix Warrior Hill Sig Island 8 Day 4 Woods Base Camp Lac La Croix 9 Day 5 Woods Base Camp Lac La Croix Day trip Curtain Falls and Rebecca Falls Day Trip Day Trip Enchanted Cove Trip Sand Castle Competition 10 Day 6 Woods Base Camp Lac La Croix Special Activities Sig Island Sig Island Thur. July 2 11 Day 7 Woods Early Rise Move Camp NINA MOOSE Lake Return Paddle Last night in the woods. Fri. July 3 12 Day 8 Woods Easy out AM: Exit Moose River #16 C.C.O, Bunkhouse, Ely MN * Sir G s Italian Restaurant *Black Bear Research Center PM Bowling -Ely Lanes 11 am Pickup Sat. July 4 13 AM Dorothy Molter Cabin Tour Brandenburg Gallery Lunch With Charles Kuralt July In Ely Minnesota C.C.O Bunkhouse, Ely FIREWORKS CELEBRATION!!! HAPPY 4 th of July! Sun. July 5 14 - Ely to Starved Rock State Park 9 hrs travel Starved Rock Utica, IL. State Park Site 49 and 50 near playground with flush toilets & showers 2 tent/sites Mon. July 6 15 Starved Rock State Park to Lexington 6.5 hrs travel Return Home to tell Great Stories! Arrive TLS Parking Lot ~4pm, will text exact arrival Contact Tom Novitsky, Director, For Reservations and More Information 313-729-2333 tnovitsky@thelexingtonschool.org