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Upcoming Trips
Trip policy reminder: It is the responsibility of both the trip coordinators and the participants to discover and share information related to each others’ experience and capabilities regarding trip-related activities and responsibilities.
Monday, May 12 MONDAY EVENINGS IN MAY
Biking/Blading on the Gateway Trail. Oakdale to Pine Point Park North of Stillwater. For social and aggressive bikers and bladers. Meet at 6:15 pm at the MN-DNR parking lot on the frontage road SE of the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hadley Ave. in Oakdale. Biking/Blading from 6:30 pm til about 8 pm. Socializing location afterward to be determine by the participants. To join us at the socializing location, call Fred to find out where we will be (probably the Tap & Grill at the NW corner of McKnight and Hwy 36 on May 5. In the event of questionable weather call Fred for up-to-date info.
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Wednesday, May 14 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS IN MAY
Biking and Blading around Lake Phalen in St. Paul. Meet at 6:15 p.m. Leave at 6:30 p.m. Meet in the parking lot near the Beach House on the West side of the lake North of Maryland and Johnson Pky.
Can't get there until after 6:30 p.m.? We will be going clockwise around the lake so head counter clockwise to meet up with the group on the Trail or call Fred at 651-428-2101 to find out where on the lake we are.
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Thursday – Sunday, May 15 – 18
Beginner Bicycle Touring. Route is from Mountain Lake, MN (SW of New Ulm) to Dundee area to Walnut Grove and back to Mountain Lake (within a couple hours drive of the Twin Cities).
Thursday – Monday, May 15 – 19 HESTONS LODGE
Mechanized Trail Maintenance. This is a great opportunity to experience some of the best scenery in the Upper Midwest including views from the spectacular High Cliffs overlooking Gunflint Lake and the intimacy of the Brice-Breon Hiking Tail along Loon Lake. At the same time you’ll be personally rewarded by feeling really good about giving something back for those times when you've hiked or skied on well maintained trails. You’ll be in the company of some of the same people that helped build the BRT on a trip easy enough for beginners while at the same time being challenging and interesting enough for experienced hands.
We'll be staying at Heston’s Lodge (cushy), home of the best sauna on the lake and enjoy some of the best food that you’ll find on a Rover trip. We’ll be doing maintenance sweeps on the BRT from its connection with the Kekekabic Trail through to the BWCAW boundary to the east. We'll also be doing the Bryce Breon trail. Both of these trails were designed and built by Rover crews in the late 70's and early 80's. USFS certification required for chain saw operation, OJT provided for brushcutter operation.
This is a public service trip therefore you need not be a current Rover member to participate. Please contact the trip coordinator for a copy of the registration form, itinerary, and packing list or for the answers to any trip questions which you may have.
Great food, camaraderie that can't be surpassed, cushy lodging, and the entire trip cost, which includes all food from Friday breakfast through Sunday lunch, transportation, and lodging is tax deductible. The trip will depart the Twin Cities at 6:15 p.m. on Thursday evening and return at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday evening. What more could you ask for. Sign up today.
This trip is sponsored by
the Border Route Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to the promotion and
preservation of the Border Route Trail. Estimated cost: $75. Deposit:
$75. Max trip size: 12.
Ed S. •
612-822-0569 | John E. • 952-941-4040
Thursday – Sunday, May 15 –18 GOGEBIC LAKE
Border Route Trail Clearing in the BWCAW. On Friday, the group will drive up to the ranger cabin on Bearskin Lake and will canoe/boat shuttle 6 miles to the east end of Clearwater Lake, then hike 1.5 miles to camp at Gogebec Lake. They will work to the east from camp. Transportation and all meals except those on the road will be provided.
Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association
Tom H. • 763-391-0774
Thursday – Sunday, May 15 –18 PINE/PIKE LAKES
Border Route Trail Clearing in the BWCAW. The group will drive up to McFarland Lake and camp there Friday night. If the ice is out, they will canoe 6 miles to camp on Pine Lake near the Pine / Pike portage. A short hike up the portage will get to the Border Route Trail where they will work to the west.
If the ice is not out they will work from the McFarland trailhead and stay at the Mcfarland campsite. Transportation and all meals except those on the road will be provided.
Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association
Tom H. • 763-391-0774
Thursday – Sunday, May 15 – 18
Backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail. The hike will be from Co. road 58 to Judge Magney park.
We will go up early Thursday afternoon and spend Thursday night at a camp site on the trail.
Experience is necessary and you will be responsible for your own food.
Estimated cost: $70. Deposit: $30. Max trip size: 6 people/3 tents.
Jim M. • 612-869-0221
Friday – Sunday, May 16 – 18
Bike & Camp. Nugget Lake County Park is a gem on the rim of Wisconsin's driftless area, just an hours drive away. We'll camp here and bike loops of up to 60 miles on scenic back roads to historic waysides, UFO sites, Lake Pepin, and a 50 mph hill! We'll provide meals, but may eat out for lunch; BYOB. Drive east on I-94 to exit 3 past Hudson. Take Hwy 35 around River Falls & Hwy 65 on to Ellsworth. Then go east on Hwy 72 and follow signs to Nugget Lake County Park. See link for more details.
Estimated cost: $33. Deposit: $3. Max trip size: 13.
David B. • 651 646-5807 | Julie R. • 612-214-3219 (cell)
Friday, May 16 SOCIAL EVENT
Phloatin to Seven Corners. (Washington Ave. / Cedar Ave. Mpls.). 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Bullwinkle's Saloon (1429 Washington Ave. South). 6:30 pm to 8 pm Minneapolis Town Hall Brewery (1430 Washington Ave. South). 8 pm to 9 pm Sgt. Preston's Saloon (221 Cedar Ave.). 9 pm - ??? Grandma's Saloon and Grill (1810 Washington Ave.). Stop at one location or two locations or all locations — whatever your up to or have time for.
Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Saturday, May 17 DAY TRIP
Cannon River Paddling. We will paddle the Cannon River about 13 miles. The river portion of the canoe trip will take about 3-5 hours depending on how often people stop along the way. For those that wish, there is a bar/restaurant in Dundas where we can eat after the trip. To RSVP and receive additional information, please contact the trip coordinator. See last year's trip and trip report from May 13 in the activities archive. People who want to carpool will be meeting around 9:15 a.m. The shuttle at the put-in will be at 10:15 a.m. Plan on this being a full day event.
Karen G. • 763-591-9623 | Mike S.
Saturday, May 17 DAY TRIP
Hike St. Croix Regional Bluffs. This Washington County Park is an unexplored treasure on the St. Croix River.
Meet up at 10:00 a.m. Common Grounds Coffee shop in Lakeland at the Lakeland Plaza.
Bring water, lunch, and tick replellant.
For those interested in more fun we can stop at Carpenter Nature Center, Afton Berry patch, and wine tasting at Afton May Fair 2 p.m.
Estimated cost: $5.00 for Washington County park day permit.
Karen U.
Monday, May 19 MONDAY EVENINGS IN MAY
Biking/Blading on the Gateway Trail. Oakdale to Pine Point Park North of Stillwater. For social and aggressive bikers and bladers. Meet at 6:15 pm at the MN-DNR parking lot on the frontage road SE of the intersection of Hwy 36 and Hadley Ave. in Oakdale. Biking/Blading from 6:30 pm til about 8 pm. Socializing location afterward to be determine by the participants. To join us at the socializing location, call Fred to find out where we will be (probably the Tap & Grill at the NW corner of McKnight and Hwy 36 on May 5. In the event of questionable weather call Fred for up-to-date info.
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Wednesday, May 21 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS IN MAY
Biking and Blading around Lake Phalen in St. Paul. Meet at 6:15 p.m. Leave at 6:30 p.m. Meet in the parking lot near the Beach House on the West side of the lake North of Maryland and Johnson Pky.
Can't get there until after 6:30 p.m.? We will be going clockwise around the lake so head counter clockwise to meet up with the group on the Trail or call Fred at 651-428-2101 to find out where on the lake we are.
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Thursday – Monday, May 22 – 26 PINE/PIKE LAKES
Border Route Trail Clearing in the BWCAW. The group will drive up to McFarland Lake and camp there Thursday night and will canoe 6 miles to camp on Pine Lake near the Pine / Pike portage the next day. A short hike up the portage will get to the Border Route Trail where they will work to the west. Transportation and all meals except those on the road will be provided.
Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association
Tom H. • 763-391-0774
Thursday – Monday, May 22 – 26 GOGEBIC LAKE
Border Route Trail Clearing in the BWCAW. group will drive up to the ranger cabin on Bearskin Lake and stay there Thursday night. They will canoe/boat shuttle 6 miles to the east end of Clearwater Lake, then hike 1.5 miles to camp at Gogebec Lake. They will work to the east from camp. Transportation and all meals except those on the road will be provided..
Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association
Tom H. • 763-391-0774
Friday – Monday, May 23 – 26
Beginner Backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail. Hike the Superior Hiking Trail section close to Gooseberry Falls. Hike 5-7 miles per day. There are backpacks and sleeping bags available for use at the Rovers Cage. You will need broken-in hiking boots. The Superior Hiking Trail has many hills and hiking/backpacking can be strenuous at times. Frank & Scott are normally at the meetings if you would like to address us with questions or meet them in person otherwise give the a call or e-mail. We will meet a couple times in May after the meeting to go over packing and to get backpacks from the cage. Leaving Friday morning, returning Monday evening. Contact Frank to sign up and put down a deposit.
Estimated cost: $45. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 8.
Frank T. • 763-784-5901 | Scott M. • 612-387-8303
Friday – Monday, May 23 – 26
Backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail. Three days of backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail for people with backpacking experience. The route is from Lake Cty 6 through Section 13, past Egge Lake, Sonju Lake, then through Crosby Manitou State Park, ending at the Caribou State Wayside. 27.4 miles total. Includes excellent moose habitat, cedar groves, wide variety of terrain, dramatic topography, and views.
Leaving Friday late afternoon, returning Monday late evening. Estimated cost: $50. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 6.
Chuck H. • 651-697-9194
Friday – Monday, May 23 – 26 SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN
Beginner Boundary Waters Canoeing. Have you always wanted to experience one of the
most beautiful, pristine, peaceful wilderness in the country? If you have never
experienced the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, this is the trip for you. We
will meet prior to trip date and go over everything you need to know about canoeing,
portaging, and camping in the BWCAW. Leave the Twin Cities Friday around noon,
returning late Monday evening. Entry point to be determined. Estimated cost: $80.
Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 6.
Louie T. • 651-249-8448
Friday – Monday, May 23 – 26
Big Cabin — Voyageurs National Park. We will be staying in a large Cabin (Timberwolf Cabin) at Moose Horn Lodge on the southwestern shore of Lake Kabetogama in Voyageurs National Park. The cabin is on the lake on the border of the park. The resort supplies all the boats (kayaks, canoes, pontoon). There will be several departure times on Friday - 2:00, 5:30-6:00, and late night. There will be a reserved pontoon ride on Saturday. The weekend activities will be loosely organized, and everyone can play at their own pace and choice. Go with the flow or create your own flow.
There will be lodging and food costs, and determining carpooling/gas costs. Please provide a $50 deposit to reserve a spot.
Estimated Lodging Cost: With 8 people = $170 per person for 3 nights. With 14 people = $123 per person for 3 nights. Less $ if we have more people. (14 beds = 14 people, and each person has their own bed). Food Cost: Exact $ TBD. Weʼll have a spaghetti dinner, and another pot-luck grilling dinner.
B-fast and lunch details TBD.
*Allergy Allert: Please do not bring any peanut products or fish.
Estimated cost: $170. Deposit: $50. Max trip size: 14.
Kathy L. • 612-396-2065 | Kelly C. • 612-437-0911
Wednesday, May 28 WEDNESDAY EVENINGS IN MAY
Biking and Blading around Lake Phalen in St. Paul. Meet at 6:15 p.m. Leave at 6:30 p.m. Meet in the parking lot near the Beach House on the West side of the lake North of Maryland and Johnson Pky.
Can't get there until after 6:30 p.m.? We will be going clockwise around the lake so head counter clockwise to meet up with the group on the Trail or call Fred at 651-428-2101 to find out where on the lake we are.
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Friday, May 30, 2008 SOCIAL EVENT
Square Dancing. Come do some square dancing with your fellow Rovers. It will be fun and quirky, guarenteed! You will get great exercise, meet cool people, and help a good cause. All proceeds will go to benefit Camp Bovey, a camp in Northern Wisconsin.
Location:East Side Neighborhood Services Gym 1700 2nd Street, NE
Minneapolis, MN
Estimated cost: $15. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: 200.
Michelle L. • 612-269-8475 | Amy E. • 651-402-8196
Saturday, June 7 BEGINNER SERIES
Inline Skating. Beginner's inline skate along the Greenway trail. While everyone is encouraged to join us, this trip is ideal for those who are new to the sport, sometimes don't feel they can keep up with the group (we won't leave you behind), or have not been out much on their skates this year. The Greenway trail is a particularly wide, smooth, and flat trail, ideal for beginning skaters and/or social skates.
We will take a leisurely skate on the Greenway and then have a late lunch at Punch Pizza. Wrist guards, knee guards, and helmets are recommended.
Calhoun Cycle (612-827-8231) on the corner of Lake and James in Uptown rents inline skates, call and check closer to date (they are selling the business and hopefully will be renting skates again this year). If renting skates please plan to arrive at 10:30 with your skates. Call Kathy or Melissa if there is a delay at Calhoun Cycle. Meet at the Greenway entrance / back parking lot of Market Plaza in Uptown (behind Punch Pizza, 3226 West Lake Street in Minneapolis) at 10:30. Kathy E. • 612-803-9738 | Melissa H.
Sunday, June 15 DAY TRIP
Biking. Meet at Tuggs Tavern on Main St. on the Mississippi (St. Anthony Main) at 3:15 pm for a social bike ride along the Mississippi river and returning to Tuggs around 4:30 pm or so. Stay to eat and listen to live band music.
Estimated cost: None.
Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 (h) | 651-428-2101 (c)
Saturday, June 21 DAY TRIP
Boat Cruise. Includes three-hour cruise on Lake Minnetonka's "Lady of the Lake," two drink tickets (beer or wine), complementary soft drinks, food, music/dancing. Meet before 6:00 p.m. at the Port of Excelsior Bar and Lounge at 1 Water St., Excelsior (across from the docks). No canoeing, kayaking, or boating experience required. Estimated cost: Advanced tickets: $25 before May 18, $28 from 5/18 - 6/14. Deposit: Full Amount. Max trip size: 125.
Send checks payable to "Phloatin Activities" to:
Phloatin on Lake Minnetonka
304 Northland Ave.
Stillwater, MN 55082
Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities
Fred F. • 651-777-1888 | Cheryl W. • 651-275-4001
Friday – Monday, June 27 – 30
Beginner Boundary Waters Canoeing. Entry point Brule Lake. Meet for carpooling at Roseville REI Friday morning,
returning Monday evening. More details to follow
Estimated cost: $70. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 8.
Scott M. • 612-387-8303 | Frank T.
Saturday, July 12 DAY TRIP
St. Croix River Leisurely Paddle/Float/Swim. This will be a full day event, with optional picnic afterward at Wild River State Park. Canoe rentals and "paddling partner coordination" will be available. Route is Sunrise landing to Wild River State Park Landing. More details to follow. Please see last summers July 14 trip and trip report in the activities archive.
Max trip size: unlimited.
Karen G. • 763-591-9623 | Mike S.
Thursday – Sunday, July 24 – 27
Biking, Hiking, and Camping. Staying at Blue Mound State Park in Wisconsin, near Madison (~4.5 hour drive from the Twin Cities). Activities may include biking (road, trail, or mountain), hiking, bird watching, or just relaxing and taking in the views. The park is the tallest hill in southern Wisconsin, and offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding areas.
Biking options:
Easy: The Military Ridge Trail (flat, rail-to-trail)
Moderate:
6-mile, challenging off-road trail
Challenging: Join us riding the course of the Horribly Hilly Hundred 100k bike race (which occurs in June), involving 5,700 feet of elevation gain in 67.1 miles.
We'll be camping in the park campground three nights. Showers are available, because after the 100k ride, you'll need 'em.
Estimated cost: $50. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 12.
Scott & Jodi S.
Friday  Monday, August 15 – September 15
Hiking the John Muir Trail. The John Muir Trail is about 230 miles through Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and ends after climbing Mt. Whitney. If someone wants to come less time than the entire trip, that would be fine. There are sections of 1 - 2 weeks that allow for access back to a car.
Estimated cost: $500. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: Open.
Ken P. • 651- 631-2804
August (2 weeks)
Canoe / Kayak / Camping — Katmai National Park, Alaska. Canoeing and kayaking in Katmai National Park is traveling back to the time when bears, wolves, eagles, and salmon were abundant, and humans were few and far between. We will see distant glaciers and volcanoes while we paddle. Drop off is by bush plane on Grosvenor Lake and then paddle our way back to civilization at Brooks camp via the Grosvenor River, Savonoski River, and the Illiuk Arm of Naknek Lake. Once at Brooks Camp we will have access to restaurant food and showers. The remainder of our time we will day hike the Valley of 10,000 Smokes, to the top of Dumpling Mountain and watch salmon leap into the mouths of Alaskan brown bears at Brooks Falls. The Savonoski is a Class II river. No large waves, but the river flows fairly quickly and there are tree snags in the river and islands to paddle around. We will paddle folding canoes and kayaks. On days with wind we will stay in camp to avoid white caps. We will paddle about 55 miles over the course of 6-8 days (weather dependant).
Difficulty level: Medium. (No Portages).
Must have good experience wilderness camping.
Must have good experience canoeing or kayaking.
Estimated cost: $1,400 - $1,800. Deposit: $200. Max Trip size 7-8: We will use two bush planes if more than 4 people sign up.
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John R. • 763-424-7973
Saturday Sunday, August 30 – September 7
Whitewater Rafting in Grand Canyon. Exciting whitewater rafting trip on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon! The outfitter is Arizona River Runners. This is a motorized raft with room for 30 people, includes food and camping gear. The trip starts in Las Vegas with a short (optional) flight to Lee's Ferry on August 31, 2008 and ends at Whitmore and a bus ride back to Las Vegas. Not for the faint-hearted! This 7-day trip includes more hiking opportunities than the other trips offered by this company.
Costs: $2,275 to outfitter; optional flight from Las Vegas to Lee's Ferry is $212 and the state park pass is $12. The total is $2,502 plus airfare from Minneapolis to Las Vegas and optional nights and meals in Las Vegas before and after rafting trip. Deposit: $400 paid directly to outfitter. Max trip size: 28.
Joanie J. • 612/812-6445
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