Friday – Sunday or Monday, February 3–5 or 6     SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing in Bayfield, WI. Join us for 2 or 3 days of cross country skiing and/or snowshoeing, watch the start of a dog sled race, and if Lake Superior is frozen we will go to the ice caves and drive out to Madeline Island. We are in an old bed and breakfast (which has a 4-person sauna) that Seagull Bay Motel bought. It overlooks Lake Superior and you can snowshoe from the motel. There are also five motel rooms that we will be occupying. We have the option of staying an extra night (Sunday, Feb. 5 for the Super Bowl). It's a fun trip that fills up fast!

Estimated cost: $65 (Fri. - Sun.) or $90 (Fri. - Mon) + gas (each car takes care of the cost; encourage to car pool) + 3 meals (lunch and supper on Friday and a meal on the way home). Deposit: $50 (you lose your deposit if you back out of the trip after Jan. 16, 2012). Max trip size: 24.

Frank T. • 763-784-5901

Saturday, February 4     DAY (NIGHT) TRIP
Moonlight Snowshoe Afton State Park. Enjoy a refreshing walk or snowshoe trek in the moonlight along a trail lit by candlelight (6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.). Refreshments will be served at the visitor center. The park has a limited number of snowshoes available for rent by advance reservation. Approximately a three-mile hike with a bonfire in the middle.

Directions to Afton State Park: From St. Paul, go 9 miles east on I-94, then 7 miles south on Highway 95 and three miles east on County Road 20. Meet at visitor center at 6:00 p.m. (I'll have a Rovers sign) and sign in with the Rovers, then have fun.

Estimated cost: state park pass.

Les T. • 612-529-8301

Sunday, February, 5     DAY TRIP OR OTHER INFO HERE
Downhill Skiing at Welch. More interested in riding the back bowl than watching the Super Bowl? You're not alone and the slopes will have fewer people. Meet to carpool from the Twin Cities at 11, or meet us there at 12. Potluck dinner with option of grilling if people are interested. Please coordinate before Saturday if interested in joining us.

Melissa H. • 952-240-6130  |  Amy C. • 612-868-6416

Monday – Sunday, February 6–12     REGISTRATION CLOSED
Dogsledding & Winter Camping in the BWCAW. Ready? Hike! Were you bitten by the dogsledding bug last winter? Are you ready for more dogsledding? Travel the Boundary Waters Canoe Area by dogsled, camp by firelight, and enjoy one of the most popular areas in Minnesota free of crowds, bugs, and bears. This trip will be arranged through Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge, owned and operated by famed polar explorer Paul Schurke. We’ll spend Monday night at the Wintergreen Lodge on White Iron Lake, then set off for a guided adventure in the BWCA in one or two groups with two Wintergreen guides, two freighter sleds and dog teams per group. We’ll spend four nights on trail, then return either to the Wintergreen Lodge or another Ely area lodge (frequently Timber Trail on Farm Lake) on Saturday where an optional sauna and plunge in the lake await. An optional outing to the International Wolf Center can also be arranged, free of charge.

All personal and group gear is included: skis, snowshoes, polar sleeping bags and bivy sacs, tents, meals, even water bottles, bowls and silverware! All you need to bring is your winter clothing and boots. Even boots and winter outerwear can be rented from Wintergreen Designs in Ely.

All meals and snacks are included. Wintergreen Lodge boasts 5-star French chef Bernard Hermann for lodge meals, and trail meals are prepared by wonderful Wintergreen guides. With advance notice, special diets are easily accomodated.

Cost: $1,075. Deposit: $100. Max trip size: 12, 10 remaining (minimum 4). REGISTRATION CLOSED OCTOBER 1.

Audrey S. • 612-874-7321

Tuesday, February 7    DAY TRIP / SOCIAL EVENT
First Tuesday Rover's Social (Associated with Regular Meeting & Bar). On the first Tuesday of each month, we're having a special event to engage new and younger club members. The goal of this event is to encourage all Rovers, young and seasoned, new and not so new, to join each other for the program and socializing at the bar after the meeting. This is an evening where you can count on people going to the meeting and/or bar. This ongoing event takes place the first Tuesday of every month during the regular meeting and bar time. The meetings are located at Macalester College in St. Paul and the bar is Billy's on Grand. Feel free to attend just the meeting, the bar, or both. Check the programs schedule for details of the program.

Melissa H. • 952-240-6130  |  April O. • 651-675-8290

Saturday – Sunday, February 11–12      SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
2nd Annual Duluth Winter Triathlon. Not your regular triathlon—instead we will participate in 3 grueling events of skiing/boarding, bar crawling, and indoor rock climbing! Drive up Saturday morning to ski/board at Spirit Mountain. Enjoy the nightlife in Duluth and stay at a downtown hotel. After breakfast Sunday, climb at Vertical Endeavors Duluth, then head back to the Twin Cities by early evening. Lodging is $20–$30 per person, lift tickets $42, VE admission $10. Rentals and gas extra, discounts may be available.

Estimated cost: $100. Deposit: $30. Max trip size: 16.

Jane P.

Thursday – Sunday, February 23–26      SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
Downhill Skiing and Snowoarding. A three-day weekend of skiing and boarding at Lutsen, overlooking Lake Superior. Includes lodging Thursday through Saturday nights, lift tickets for Friday through Sunday, generous continental breakfasts, whirlpool, sauna. Staying in Lutsen Mountain Inn, at the foot of the mountain. Free shuttle buses take us the 1/4 mile to the chairlifts and gondola. We'll have lunches on the slopes, evening dining out. Some experience necessary.

Estimated cost: $250. Deposit: $250. Max trip size: 8.

Norm S. • 763-427-2827  |  Barb S. • 952-888-6603

Friday – Sunday, February 24–26    
Third Annual Spirit-Munger Trip. New Rovers, beginners and all levels welcome. Fun, casual winter weekend trip in Duluth area with options to downhill ski/snowboard at Spirit Mountain and cross-country ski at Willard Munger State trail, Superior Hiking Trail, or other nearby trails. We'll stay in the Historic Willard Munger Inn, including the Fireplace room, relax, play games or music and otherwise socialize when we come in from outside. Trip cost includes 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts at the Munger, and Rover family style dinner Saturday night. Munger Inn also offers discounted lift tickets for downhill skiing.

Estimated cost: $45-$60. Deposit: $35. Max trip size: 14.

Cari G. • 651-253-1113  |  Kathy E. • 612-803-9738

Saturday – Saturday, February 25 – March 3    
Windsurfing at Padre Island, TX‏. Padre Island is the best place for windsurfing of USA. A shallow saltwater lagoon with a sand bottom and unobstructed wind, the Laguna is the perfect teaching classroom and a favorite location for sailors of all levels. We'll stay on oceanfront campground, rent gears for windsurfing, kayaking or stand-up paddling. Beginners are welcome. The schedule is a little flexible depending on airfare. View the Padre Island website for more information.

Estimated cost: $800. Max trip size: 6.

Jerry L. • 612-968-8233

Sunday – Saturday, February 26 – March 3   
Ski Mammoth & June Mountains in California. Over 4,000 acres for all DH ski abilities as well as XC skiing. The trip includes round-trip airfare, motor coach transfers to/from Mammoth Mountain, five nights ski in/out lodging (4 per 2-BR/2-bath condos at the Juniper Springs Lodge at the Eagle Base, one night in Reno before the return flight to MSP, and pre-trip party, opening party and a post party. Bulk lift tickets are extra and available for about $50 per day. Sign up and payment due January 3, 2012. Estimated cost: $1,380. Deposit: Contact Fred. Max trip size: 20 (6 spots currently open).

Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities

Fred F. • 651-777-1888

Thursday – Sunday, March 1–4   
XC Skiing & Snowshoeing at Heston's on Gunflint Lake. We welcome you to join us on the annual early March trip to Heston's Lodge on Gunflint Lake for three days of excellent XC Skiing and Backcountry Snowshoeing. You'll enjoy excellent trails, some of the most spectacular scenery in the Midwest, great food, camaraderie that can't be beat, plus the best sauna on the lake. We have Diamond Willow, Spruce and Tamarack cabins reserved. Transportation will be via car-pool. Leave Thursday after work, return Sunday evening.

Estimated cost of $185-$195 includes Lodging plus meals from Friday breakfast to Sunday lunch. Actual cost may vary to some extent dependent upon the actual cost of food. Transportation via car-pool will be in addition with payment made to the owner of the car.

Those that have participated in trail maintenance trips during 2012 are normally exempt from paying for the Upper Gunflint Ski Pass. A $100 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Please check the Border Route Trail Meetup site for space availability. You may sign up and pay via PayPal on the meetup site or write a check post dated to February 15th, 2012, made out to Ed Solstad, and mailed to John Elliott, 5904 Lee Valley Rd, Edina, MN 55439. Another $85 will be due on Feb. 20th with the remaining amount due or over paid to be settled up by 3/11/12. You need to be in reasonably good physical condition to join this trip. For further information, please contact Ed via email or talk with John Elliott.

Estimated cost: $185 to $195 + Trans. Deposit: $100. Max trip size: 17.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail association

Ed S. • 612-822-0569 after 2/16/12  |  John E. • 952-829-5142 (w)

Friday, March 2    DAY TRIP
Snow Tubing at Elm Creek. Meet at the Chalet around 6:30 to get tickets, get bundled up, etc. We'll head out about 7:00 p.m. for 2 hours of tubing on Elm Creek's 10-story tall hill. There is a moving sidewalk to take you back up the hill for your next ride.

Estimated cost: $12.

Jane P.

Friday – Sunday, March 2–4  
Skiing, Snowshoeing, and other fun at Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center! This is a pleasant and inexpensive weekend! Come to Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center in Hackensack (north of Brainerd) for winter fun! Deep Portage’s 54,000 sq ft Heritage Center has two great halls, a climbing wall, and library. Delicious home cooked meals are provided buffet style.

Activities include skiing (11 miles of groomed trails for traditional cross-country), snowshoeing, ice fishing (you just need your license), climbing wall, stargazing, reading or socializing by the fireplace with a glass of wine, enjoying the outdoor campfire ring. Ski equipment or snowshoes available for $10 for the weekend. Other nearby ski trails: Hiram Ski Trail and Goose Lake Trail (in Chippewa National Forest).

What if there isn’t enough snow to ski or snowshoe? Possible options may include wilderness orienteering course, geocaching, tomahawk or atlatl throwing, cultural history, and hikes (including to the tower or animal ecology hikes). And that’s in addition to the general camaraderie and inventiveness of the Rovers — who always find something to do.

Dorm-style rooms (with bunks) have their own bathroom with shower and sink area. (Four or so people in each room.) $115 for weekend includes Friday and Saturday night’s lodging, activities, and five meals (breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and Saturday dinner). $80 for 12 and above, $50 for 5 to 11, and no charge for toddlers.  $10 ski rental for the weekend, $10 snowshoe rental for the weekend. 

$60 deposit will be due in early February. Remainder due weekend of event. Carpooling to be arranged closer to the event.

Estimated cost: $115. Deposit: $60.

Stacey G. • 612-207-2806

Friday – Sunday, March 9–11    
Basic Wilderness First Aid Class. 16-hour, Basic Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course at the Gander Mountain Store in Blaine, MN. The Basic (and Advanced) Wilderness First Aid classes are designed for anyone who recreates in the outdoors, with or without any prior training.

March 9: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
March 10: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March 11: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Application Deadline: March 2, 2012

The cost is $130 ($200 for basic and advanced). Rovers members are eligible for a $15 discount, plus possible rebates (details below). Price includes the textbook and classroom/field training materials.

You must send full payment as directed by Backcountry Trail Patrol, rebates only offered upon completion of course. $40 rebate available from Rovers if you were a Rover in the last year, and/or $40 from Border Route Trail Association if you went on a trail clearing trip in the past two years. Contact John Elliot if you are interested in the rebate program.

Cosponsoring organization (and more details):
Backcountry Trail Patrol & Emergicare Medical Training

John E.

Saturday – Saturday, March 17–24      SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN  
Desert Adventure. Backpack in the Anza Borrego Desert, a 500,000 acre desert park with palm oases, year-round water, abundant wildlife, and archaeology. Prior backpack experience, broken in tough hiking boots, and hiking poles required. Be able to carry all your gear plus at least 1 gallon of water. No trails: we'll be using map and compass over sometimes rough and prickly, (but beautiful!) terrain. CURRENTLY airfare is cheapest into Phoenix: 365$ roundtrip Pre trip meeting to discuss details and simultaneously purchase airfare is very important. If you are on facebook, I have many photo albums from past trips that I have made public. Also a wonderful web site about Anza Borrego: http://www.abdnha.org/

Estimated cost: $600. Deposit: $100. Max trip size: 4.

Elisha P. • 612-532-2954 (e-mail preferred)

Friday – Sunday, March 23–25    
Advanced Wilderness First Aid Class. 16-hour, Advanced Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course with CPR certification at the Gander Mountain Store in Blaine, MN. Designed for anyone who recreates in the outdoors, with or without any prior training.

March 23: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
March 24: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March 25: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Application Deadline: March 2, 2012

National certification will be awarded through the AAOS-Emergency Care and Safety Institute to those who successfully complete the class and practical sessions, and pass the written examination. We will be using the third edition of "Wilderness First Aid" by the Wilderness Medical Society, as our textbook for this class. 

See application for cost structure. Rovers members are eligible for a $15 discount, plus possible rebates (details below). Price includes the textbook and classroom/field training materials.

You must send full payment as directed by Backcountry Trail Patrol, rebates only offered upon completion of course. $40 rebate available from Rovers if you were a Rover in the last year, and/or $40 from Border Route Trail Association if you went on a trail clearing trip in the past two years. Contact John Elliot if you are interested in the rebate program.

Cosponsoring organization (and more details):
Backcountry Trail Patrol & Emergicare Medical Training

John E.

Friday, March 30 – Monday, April 16    
Trekking & Touring Bhutan. This is my third trip to Bhutan and second trek of 5-6 days. We visit Merek-Saktang, the Yeti trails with the Brokpa people, nomadic yakherders and a wildlife sanctuary. It has been closed by the government for 30 years. Bhutan is truly the last Himalayan Shangri-La, and the balance of the time we visit dzongs, temples and other cultural sites traveling East from Trashigang, through Bumthang, Punahka, Thimphu and Paro. I am 62 and the trek is quite manageable for me. Pack ponies are used and the guides all speak English. Come join me for the trip of a lifetime!!! Estimated cost: $3,270/person. Deposit: $200. Max trip size: 8 people.

Sponsoring organization: Windhorse Tours

Cindy JS. • 952-938-8392

Friday – Saturday, April 6–7    
Camp With Wolves! Ever wanted to howl at the full moon? Ever wanted to howl with a pack of wolves? We can do just that on an overnight at the Wildlife Science Center (WSC), less than an hour north of the Twin Cities in Columbus. This is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in Minnesota wildlife, photographers or families to learn more about the predators in our state. We’ll spend the night in the safety of the common area, while surrounded by as many as 43 wolves and other wildlife (kept in secure enclosures). Naturalists will introduce us to the wolves, bears, mountain lions, lynx, raptors and other wildlife that live at the WSC. We’ll have a bonfire in the evening and sleep in tents (or on the floor of the Visitors Center where there are flush toilets). We’ll cook our own BYOB: Bring Your Own Breakfast in the morning, then have another presentation by the WSC naturalists. We’ll depart after the presentation in the morning. WSC staff will be with us at all times during this event. Family members are welcome at this event. More information will follow as the date gets closer.

Estimated cost: $25. Deposit: $25.

Audrey S. • 612-874-7321

Monday – Saturday June 18–30    
Taste of Alaska. This trip is designed to experience a wide range of Alaskan activities, scenery, and wildlife viewing and photography. It will not be a “high adventure” trip, but rather a “high enjoyment” trip. The two main locations for the trip will include the Kenai peninsula and Denali National Park (Mt. McKinley area). The Kenai peninsula, “some 200 miles long and 100 miles wide, has been called “Alaska in miniature”—every Alaska wildlife habitat type except Arctic tundra is represented here. It also boasts an extensive network of roads, waterways, and hiking trails that offer ample opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural surroundings.” The peninsula is south of Anchorage and is the size of Connecticut. Activities on the peninsula will primarily be in Seward, Homer, and Soldotna. Denali National Park is 265 miles north of Anchorage, halfway to Fairbanks. “Denali National Park & Preserve features North America's highest mountain, 20,320-foot tall Mount McKinley. The Alaska Range also includes countless other spectacular mountains and many large glaciers. Denali's more than 6 million acres also encompass a complete sub-arctic eco-system with large mammals such as grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, and moose.”

The trip will occur in late June. Exact dates are not yet caste in stone. The estimated cost includes flight, transportation while in Alaska, lodging (hostels), and normal food costs. Some activities are optional and will have additional costs. They are the responsibility of participants and may include wildlife boat tours (to view seabirds, whales, sea otters, etc.), visiting museums and nature centers, kayaking, fishing, clamming, etc.

Estimated cost: $2,000. Deposit: Not yet determined. Max trip size: 6.

Mike S. • 952-997-2986