Past Trips—2007

Use these pages as a reference for trips you would like to coordinate. The first name of the trip coordinator is listed, but the other contact information has been removed for privacy/security. If you would like more information about a particular trip, just ask around at a meeting and you should be able to find the person. Or send an e-mail and we’ll try to help.

Monday – Tuesday, December 31 – January 1    SOCIAL EVENT
New Years Eve Gathering. We're hosting another in a long line of Rovers New Years Eve Gatherings at our house at 3701 Pillsbury Avenue in beautiful South Minneapolis. The door opens at 8:00 p.m. and closes whenever the last reveler makes it back out into the cold. Unless of course they decide to crash on the library couch, in which case the residents lock the door and go to bed. BYOB plus some food to share. Feel free to bring your favorite CDs, cassettes, or vinyl — you know, those black plastic flat plate like things with grooves and the hole in the middle - sorry we can only deal with 33's and 45's — no 78's or cylinders. We'll fire up the wood stove just to make sure that anyone that crashes on the couch stays warm.

RSVP using the contact information below.

Ed S. &  Chris F.

Monday Tuesday, December 31 – January 8   
Downhill Ski / Avalanche Course. We are flying to Denver Monday night, getting a car, then driving to Georgetown to spend the night. Tuesday we will drive to Leadville Co. and start skiing. We will spend some time at Ski Cooper, a small hill close to Leadville, but there are large hills not too far away. We will start an avalanche level 1 course Thursday night, then ski to a remote hut for the next three days for the course. We will ski out on Sunday afternoon and return to Leadville to do more skiing. If you want to come just for the skiing that is fine. We will drive back to Denver on Tuesday and fly home. The cost of the avalanche course is $215. All costs except the car are on your own.

Tom H.

Friday, December 28    NIGHT SKI
Cross-Country Ski Lighted Trails at French Regional Park. Meet at 6:00 p.m. at the visitor center (early start time, but come on, you can bust out of work early on December 28!). Rentals are available. All ability levels welcome. Cost: $4 or buy an annual TRPD ski pass for $50 ($25 for additional people in your household).

Directions to Clifton E. French Regional Park Reserve: Located on County Road 9 in Plymouth. From I-494, take County Road 9 (Rockford Road) east 1 mile to the park entrance. From Highway 169, take County Road 9 west 2 miles to the park entrance.

Matt T.

Monday, December 17    NIGHT SKI
Cross-Country Ski Lighted Trails at French Regional Park. Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the visitor center and ski for a couple hours and socializing afterward. Beginners welcome. Rentals available. Cost: $4 or buy an annual TRPD ski pass for $50 ($25 for additional people in your household).

Directions to Clifton E. French Regional Park Reserve: Located on County Road 9 in Plymouth. From I-494, take County Road 9 (Rockford Road) east 1 mile to the park entrance. From Highway 169, take County Road 9 west 2 miles to the park entrance.

Matt T.

Saturday, December 15    BEGINNER SERIES!
Beginner Cross-Country Ski at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the visitor center. We'll go over the basics of cross-country skiing for those who are new to the sport or want to give it a try. Please contact me if you plan to attend so I know how many people to expect. Rental packages are available $8 for traditional $14.25 for skate. Trail fee: $4 or buy an annual TRPD ski pass for $50 ($25 for additional people in your household).

Directions to Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Take Hwy 169 south past 494; left onto Highwood Drive. Stay on Highwood Drive to the stop light, which is East Bush Lake Road. Take a right; the visitor center will be 1 mile south on the left side.

Melissa K.

Thursday, December 13    NIGHT SKI
Cross-Country Ski Lighted Trails at French Regional Park. Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the visitor center and ski for a couple hours and socializing afterward. Beginners welcome! Rentals available. Cost: $4 or buy an annual TRPD ski pass for $50 ($25 for additional people in your household).

Directions to Clifton E. French Regional Park Reserve: Located on County Road 9 in Plymouth. From I-494, take County Road 9 (Rockford Road) east 1 mile to the park entrance. From Highway 169, take County Road 9 west 2 miles to the park entrance.

Scott & Jodi S.

Tuesday, December 11    NIGHT SKI
Cross-Country Ski Lighted Trails at French Regional Park. Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the visitor center and ski for a couple hours and socializing afterward. Beginners welcome. Rentals available. Cost: $4 or buy an annual TRPD ski pass for $50 ($25 for additional people in your household).

Directions to Clifton E. French Regional Park Reserve: Located on County Road 9 in Plymouth. From I-494, take County Road 9 (Rockford Road) east 1 mile to the park entrance. From Highway 169, take County Road 9 west 2 miles to the park entrance.

Matt T.

Friday – Sunday, December 7 – 9    
Sno-Daze 2007 at Giant's Ridge. This is a joint trip with the Rovers that was run in 2005 and 2006 also. The price includes RT motor coach transportation, 2 nights lodging at the LODGE at Giant's Ridge (ski in-ski out), 2 days lift tickets, and Saturday evening happy hour and dinner.. . Lodging: $155 Quad (4 people per suite); $175 Triple (3 People per suite); $85 Double (2 people per suite). Meet at Honeywell Parking Lot (I-35 W and Stinson Blvd) at 5:30 p.m, returning 8 p.m. Estimated cost: $155 - $185 . Deposit: Full Amount. Max trip size: Open.

Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities

Fred F.

Saturday – Sunday, December 8 – 9    BEGINNER TRIP
Winter Camping. Beginner winter camping at Banning State Park, about 100 miles north of the cities. We will camp in the car campground, which allows you to bring as much clothing/gear as you want to spend the night out comfortably, The Rover cage has cold weather sleeping bags, I can help you with clothing/gear questions. This is an open outing, you can choose to show up when you want or travel with others depending on your schedule, I can arrange for people to get together. The deposit covers cost of food, there will be shared costs for park weekend permit, camp site, and transportation. We will be hiking the trails along the historic quarry and Kettle River, the area is very scenic and cliffs and rocks should be covered with ice formations. If there is snow bring your skis and enjoy the trails, but buy your ski license before you leave the cities.

Sponsoring organization: Sierra Club

Basil L. • 651-774-2640 (evenings)

Wednesday, December 5    NIGHT SKI
Ski Lighted Trails at Elm Creek Park. Now that we have snow, let's get out and enjoy it! Meet at 7:00 p.m. at the visitor center and ski for a couple hours and socializing afterward. Look for more upcoming weekly ski events! Beginners welcome! Rentals available. Cost: $4 or buy an annual TRPD ski pass for $50 ($25 for additional people in your household).

Directions to Elm Creek Park Reserve: From Highway 169, take County Road 81 west to to Elm Creek Blvd. Turn right at Elm Creek Blvd; take second right out of roundabout into park and follow park signs.

Scott & Jodi S.

November 30, 2007    SOCIAL EVENT
Phloatin into Christmas Pub Crawl. Starts at the Happy Gnome at 498 Selby Ave in St. Paul at 6:30 pm. The second stop is Fabulous Fern's Bar & Grill at 400 Selby Ave. and the 3rd stop is at Costello's Bar & grill at 393 Selby Ave. This is a social event to bring together old friends and new before the Christmas holidays. Meet at Happy Gnome at 6:30 pm, returning 11:55 pm. Estimated cost: Whatever you want to spend. Deposit: none. Max trip size: no limit.

Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities

Fred F.

Saturday, November 24     DAY TRIP
Hiking at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. We will hike for about three hours. Meet at Richardson Nature Center at Hyland Lake Park Reseve in Bloomington at 12:00 p.m. Note that we will meet at the Richardson Nature Center, not at the park's main visitor center. We can stop at the visitor center for refreshments during the hike. Please note: Dogs are not allowed on the trails we will be using on this hike.

Directions to Richardson Nature Center: From I-494, go south on Normandale Blvd. to 84th Street. Turn right and follow 84th Street, which becomes East Bush Lake Road. Follow East Bush Lake Road to Richardson Nature Center.

Susie H.

Sunday, November 11     DAY TRIP
Intro to Ultimate. Meet at 1 p.m. Lexington & County Rd B in Roseville. Ultimate is a fun sport that is a bunch is adult age kids running around playing with a plastic disc (i.e., frisbee). It is very similar to soccer but a disc is moved by passing to another player (hopefully on the same team.) You try to pass the disc so another team mate catches it in the opposing teams end zone.

Here is an overview of the games — Ultimate in Ten Simple Rules: The most important rule of Ultimate is the "Spirit of The Game" which means have FUN and play fair. The only skill needed is the ability to have fun — soccer cleats are very helpful but not needed. So, if you know how to have fun please join us. And - for future broomball players — this is the site of our upcoming broomball games.

Deb G. &  Chris F.

Saturday, November 10    DAY TRIP / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Whitewater State Park Recovery. Whitewater State Park was devastated (and is still "closed") by a recent flash flood in southeastern Minnesota. Here is an opportunity to help in the Park's recovery! This Volunteer Work Day, planned together with Whitewater's DNR personnel,is Saturday, November 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Meet at REI Bloomington and carpool to Whitewater State Park. Bring: work gloves, sturdy footwear, and a lunch/snack for yourself. Dress for the weather! Bring spade shovels and/or hard tined rakes if you have any (evidently the park does not have enough for everyone. There will be several projects going on to choose from! We could have dinner together once we return to the TC, for those that are interested. Meet at REI Bloomington lot for carpooling at 7:00 - 7:30 a.m., returning 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Estimated cost: share driving expenses. Max trip size: 20. | map |

You do not have to be a Rover member to go on a Service Trip. Teenagers who like to do physical work are strongly urged to sign up along with a responsible adult! Sorry, no pets.

Pat R.

Saturday, November 3     SOCIAL EVENT
Third Annual November/December Birthdays Celebration. You are invited (whether or not your birthday falls in November and December) to a pre-Winter get together - the birthdays are just an excuse. Meet at Karen's house anytime after 7:00 p.m. Eat dinner at home, then bring your beverage of choice and an appetizer or dessert to share. Contact Karen to RSVP, get directions and to let her know if you are a birthday boy or girl and your birth date. (email preferred).

Karen G.

Saturday, October 27     SOCIAL EVENT
Halloween Party. Pot luck — bring a dish to share and beverage of choice. Costumes perferred. We will have a costume contest and a pumpkin carving contest. Call or e-mail for directions. Starts at 6pm until whenever.

Laura A. & Pat R.

Thursday – Sunday, October 25 – 28    
BRT Trail Maintenace. We welcome you to join us on the 2007 edition of the end of the season Halloween Border Route Trail maintenance trip to Heston's Resort on beautiful Gunflint Lake just outside of the BWCAW. We welcome both beginners and experienced trail hands to help with the annual fall brushing and deadfall removal on these Upper Gunflint ski trails built by Rover crews in the late seventies and early eighties.

We'll concentrate on the Border Route Trail from its connection with the eastern terminus of the Kekekabic Trail just west of Gunflint Lake, past Magnetic Rock, around the west end of Gunflint Lake and up to the South Rim with its fantastic views across Gunflint and Magnetic Lakes and on into Canada. From the South Rim, our crews will continue towards the shore of Loon Lake, and then back to the ridge line overlooking the eastern end of Gunflint and onwards through the Ham Lake burn area, past Bridal Falls and on to the BWCAW boundary. We'll also do a maintenance sweep on the exceptionally scenic Bryce-Breon and Middle Cliffs Trails. As all of these trails are outside of the BWCAW, for the sake of efficiency, this will be a mechanized trip using chain saws (current USFS certification necessary) and power brush cutters (OJT training provided). For those wishing to keep their distance from the power equipment, there'll be plenty of opportunities such as flagging, throwing brush & cut up deadfall pieces off the trail, helping with proposed reroute layout, etc. We'll get a chance to see how last spring's Ham Lake Fire affected the BRT and how the new vegetation is doing. We guarantee that you'll return home with a sense of having given something back in exchange for all of the times that you've enjoyed well maintained trails.

Lodging, equipment etc.: We'll be staying in modern cabins and have access to the best sauna on the lake. As well as providing the cabins, Barb and Greg, the owners of Heston's, will also host the annual Saturday night lasagna dinner and Halloween costume party. We'll provide transportation, meals from Friday morning through Sunday noon and community gear such as trail clearing equipment. A listing of recommended personal equipment is available from the trip coordinator. As a volunteer you need not be a member of Rovers or the trip cosponsor, the BRTA , to participate. Beginners are always welcomed.

Departure Details: Most people will be meeting at 6:25 p.m. on Thursday at the parking lot across Roseville REI. You may also meet us at 3701 Pillsbury Ave. So. in Mpls at 5:45pm. Just let the trip coordinator know which location. Return ~10:00 p.m. on Sunday night. If there is interest and car-pooling works out, there will also be a 2-day option leaving Friday night.

Costs: The BRTA is a 501(c)(3) organization meaning that your trip costs are fully tax deductible as charitable contributions. The trip cost/deposit of $70 covers transportation and all meals except those on the way up and way back (which are also tax deductible). If you provide your own transportation, you would be charged for meals only. Full refunds will be made if cancellation notice is received via either email or telephone conversation on or before October 18. The amount of refund available beyond that date will be dependant upon the costs incurred at the time of cancellation.

This trip has a limit of 20 people and always fills up so be sure to get your deposits in early in order to avoid disappointment. To sign up, contact the trip coordinators and send a check for $70 payable to BRTA and mail it along with your name, address, phone, and email address to BRTA, 5904 Lee Valley Rd., Edina, MN 55439. You may also give your check to Ed or John at a Rover meeting. Your spot on the trip is not assured until your deposit is received at which time we’ll send a confirmation via email.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Ed S. & John E.

Wednesday, October 24     NIGHT HIKE
Summit Ave/Mississippi River Hike. Meet at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot at the West end of Summit Avenue and Mississippi River Blvd. (free parking). There are many nice options for hikes from this area. Trip leader will decide which route to follow later. If the lot is full, parking is available along Summit Ave. We'll hike on the sidewalks above the river. This loop could take up to two hours, so we'll finish about 9:00 p.m. Even though this is an urban hike with street lights, bring a flashlight. We hike rain or shine.

This will the The last hike that I intend to lead for 2007, but would like to see others continue our Wednesday night hiking traditons and put some hikes together. There are many great hikes on the Archive page of this Web site to choose from.

| Map to get there |

Jim

Saturday, October 20  SEMIANNUAL EVENT
Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup. Bring your work gloves and lend a hand for just a few hours cleaning up Rovers’s designated road. Meet at 10am at County Road 202 (corner of 109th Lane N. and Zachary Lane) in Maple Grove. Pizza lunch afterward for all volunteers. For more details, check out the Special Events page of the site.

Saturday, October 20     DAY TRIP
Sandhill Crane Viewing — Crex Meadows, Grantsburg, WI. Experience the distinct call of a sandhill crane —once heard it will not be forgotten. Join us for a day trip to Crex Meadows, one of the premier wildlife viewing places in Wisconsin, located about 75 miles north of the Twin Cities.

Peak numbers of sandhill cranes and snow geese are present this time of the year and fall colors will be near their peak. At 30,000 acres Crex is the largest state owned wildlife area in Wisconsin and is home to 270 species of birds and 600 species of plants. The rare sedge marsh and brush prairie habitats make the area a utopia for wildlife. The extensive road system offers excellent access and great vantage points for wildlife viewing. The trip leader has 1st-hand knowledge of the road system and the best wildlife viewing areas. There will also be an option to hike for a few miles during the middle of the day.

Bring snacks, a bag lunch, binoculars, hiking boots, and water. There will be several opportunities to resupply with water during the day. We'll stop for dinner on the way back. Meet at REI Roseville for carpooling at 5:45 a.m., returning 8:00 p.m. Estimated cost for gas & dinner: $15 – $20. Max trip size: 12 – 15.

John G.

Friday, October 19    SOCIAL EVENT
A Pub Crawl. A social event with Phloatin Activities consisting of stopping a four bars in Nordeast Mpls., Elsie's (729 Marshall St. NE, NE Yacht Club (801 Marshall St. NE), 1029 Bar (1029 Marshall St. NE), and Dusty's Bar (1319 Marshall St. NE). For more info go to www.PhloatinActivities.org. Meet at Elsie's Restaurant at 6:30 p.m., returning 11:30 p.m. Estimated cost: Pay as you go.

Sponsoring organization: Phloatin Activities

Fred F.

Friday – Sunday, October 12 – 14    
Camp & Bike. Camp at Nugget Lake County Park in Wisconsin's bluff country. Bike 30 to 60 mile loops Saturday and Sunday; up & down big hills in peak fall color. Group meal for Saturday night and both breakfasts. Car pool to minimize vehicle permits: $8 for two days. Drive one hour east on I-94 to Woodville exit #24. Go south 7 miles on "B" to Hwy 29. Turn left (east) on 29, 1 mile to "CC". Turn right (south) on "CC" 9 miles to "HH". Turn left (east) 2 miles on "HH" to Nugget Lake County Park. We'll have sites 38 & 39; more if needed. Estimated cost: $25. Max trip size: 13.

Julie R. & David B.

Wednesday, October 17    NIGHT HIKE
A Night Hike Through Central Park. Mostly paved paths but some dirt. There is a small nature center along the way-bring a head lamp. Meet at Central Park in Roseville at the corner of Lexington and County Rd C at 7pm, returning 8:30pm. I plan to coordinate hikes through Oct 24th, and hope that after that another Rover or Rovers will continue the Wednesday night hiking tradition.

Jim W.

Thursday – Sunday, October 11 – 14    
Trail Clearing on the Border Route Trail. Trail clearing on the Border Route Trail. We will drive up to the Gunflint Ranger cabin Thursday night, stopping for dinner on the way. Friday morning we will drive to Clearwater Lake pick up our tools and canoe about 4 miles to our campsite. After setting up camp we will paddle to the trial and start clearing. We will work on the trail all Saturday, then paddle back out to the cars Sunday. On the way home we will stop for dinner. Trip costs include all meals except those on the road and travel expenses. Tools and eye protection are provided, you should bring a good pair of work gloves. Meet at REI Roseville Thursday evening, returning Sunday evening. Estimated cost: $65. Deposit: $65. Max trip size: 8.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Tom H.

Thursday – Sunday, October 11 – 14    
Border Route Trail Maintenance. We welcome you to join us on a trip to enjoy the beautiful fall weather of the Minnesota Arrowhead country. No bugs, cool weather, no tourists, great company, excellent food, experienced coordinators, and best of all you can go home feeling good about having made a positive contribution towards the type of outdoor recreation that we all enjoy.

Trail Background and Trip description: The excuse for the trip is to get in a bit more maintenance on the eastern end of the Border Route Trail - a trail running 65 miles through some of the most beautiful country in the Midwest. The BRT was laid out and constructed by the Minnesota Rovers between 1972 and 1980 and has been maintained primarily by volunteer crews from Rovers and its sister organization, the Border Route Trail Association ever since. The Pigeon River Section runs 12.6 miles from McFarland Lake eastward along ridges overlooking the Royal River, South Fowl Lake, along the Pigeon River as it empties out of South Fowl Lake, across the meadows and through the forested areas between the Stump River and Portage Brook, then up along the ridge overlooking the Pigeon River and down to the northeastern terminus of the Superior Hiking Trail at the Otter Lake Road. The SHT, BRT, and Kekekabic Trails will become part of the 4600 mile long North Country Trail once the approval of the Arrowhead Reroute makes it through the bureaucracy of Washington, DC.

On this trip we'll be camping next to our vehicles at the Otter Lake trailhead located northeast of Grand Marais off of Cook County 16, a.k.a. the Arrowhead Trail. We provide transportation, meals from Friday morning through Sunday noon and community gear such as cooking and trail clearing equipment. If you're in need of a tent, they are available to Rover members through the equipment cage. A listing of recommended personal equipment is available from the trip coordinator. While you need to be a member to checkout equipment, as a volunteer you need not be a member of Rovers or the trip cosponsor, the Border Route Trail Association, to participate.

As the Pigeon River section of the BRT is outside of the BWCAW, we'll be using power brushcutters and chain saws in order to maximize our efficiency. While current USFS certification is required for operation of chain saws on Federal property, we'll provide onsite OJT for those wishing to learn the safety precautions, operational procedures, and mechanical fine points involved in running a Jonsereds RS52 brushcutter which does not require USFS certification. For those wishing to keep their distance from the power equipment, there'll be plenty of opportunities such as flagging, throwing brush & cut up deadfall pieces off the trail, helping with proposed reroute layout, etc. Beginners are always welcomed.

Departure Details: Most people will be meeting at 6:25 p.m. on Thursday at the parking lot across Roseville REI. You may also meet us at 3701 Pillsbury Ave. So. in Mpls at 5:45pm. Just let the trip coordinator know which location. Return ~10:00 p.m. on Sunday night. If there is interest and car-pooling works out, there will also be a 2-day option leaving Friday night.

Costs: The BRTA is a 501(c)(3) organization meaning that your trip costs are fully tax deductible as charitable contributions. The trip cost/deposit of $50 covers transportation and all meals except those on the way up and way back (which are also tax deductible). If you provide your own transportation, you would be charged for meals only. Full refunds will be made if cancellation notice is received via either email or telephone conversation on or before October 4. The amount of refund available beyond that date will be dependant upon the costs incurred at the time of cancellation.

To sign up, contact the trip coordinators and send a check for $50 payable to BRTA and mail it along with your name, address, phone, and email address to BRTA, 5904 Lee Valley Rd., Edina, MN 55439. You may also give your check to Ed or John at a Rover meeting. Your spot on the trip is not assured until your deposit is received at which time we'll send a confirmation via email.

Max trip size: 12.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Ed S. & John E.

Wednesday, October 10    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. Meet in the Jensen Lake parking lot at 7pm and hike until at least 8:30. We hike rain or shine. Bring water and rain gear. After the hike, socializing nearby for those who are interested. Bring Flash lights.

Directions to Lebanon Hills Regional Park: Take 35E South to Eagan. Exit at Cliff Rd and go East. Turn right on Pilot Knob Rd. The park entrance will be on your left.

Suzanne M.

Saturday – Sunday, October 6 – 7  
Pannier Bike Ride to the Extravaganza. 30-mile route from my house to William O'Brien; 40 miles coming back on Sunday. Panniers available from the Rovers’ cage. Meet at St. Paul-Midway at 8 a.m. Max trip size: 50.

David B. & Julie R.

Saturday – Sunday, October 6 – 7    SEMIANNUAL EVENT
Fall Extravaganza. Save the date for this year’s Fall Extravaganza at William O’Brien State Park. Many activities to participate in. See the Special Events page for more details, sign-up information, and agenda. 

Volunteers are needed to organize activities, greet partipants, cook meals, and clean up afterward.

Friday – Sunday, October 5 – 7  
BWCAW Canoeing. Weekend canoe trip in the Ely area of the BWCAW. Route not selected yet but we'll only go in one or two portages at the most, which will give us time to day trip, relax or fish if you like. Estimated cost: $60. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 6.

Basil L.

Wednesday. October 3    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Fort Snelling State Park. Hike around Pike Island for about 1 1/2 hours. Meet at the visitor center at 7:00 p.m. Bring a flashlight.

Directions to Fort Snelling State Park: From Hwy 5 by the airport, take the Post Road exit and enter the park at the stone gate. Follow the main road approx. 2–3 miles. The road will end in the interpretive center parking lot. A state park sticker is required. | Map of park |

Jim W.

Sunday, September 30    DAY TRIP
Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Car pool to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. We will leave about 8:00 a.m. in order to arrive at the site by 8:00 a.m. We will leave from the REI Bloomington. Cost, other than sharing with cost of gasoline, will be personal and should include entry of $18.50 at the gate. There may be locations where the ticket price is lower such as at a SA Gas Station. Other costs will be what you want to spend on food and related extra curricular entertainment, toys and tipping. Return time will depend on individual needs and available drivers. Estimated cost: $50.

Mike S. & Stacey G.

Friday – Sunday, September 28 – 30
BWCAW Backpacking. Weekend backpacking on the Angleworm Trail in the BWCAW. The trail is a 14-mile loop, is hilly, and has a lot of scenic overlooks. We should catch some of the last maple color and the main birch/aspen color hopefully. Difficulty: beginner/moderate. Equipment available in the Rovers’ cage. Max trip size: 6.

Basil L.

Thursday, September 27    SOCIAL EVENT / FUNDRAISER
Mississippi Headwaters Hostel Oktoberfest Fundraiser and “Retirement” Party for Tom Cooper. This is a fundraising event for much needed renovations of the Mississippi Headwaters (Itasca State Park) Hostel and the "retirement" of devoted hostel manager, Tom Cooper. Purchase ticketsin advance through HI-Minnesota, 651-251-1495. Music, food, and beverages provided, plus a silent auction! Meet at Summit Brewery, 910 Montreal Circle; St Paul at 6:30 p.m., returning 9:00 p.m. Estimated cost: $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Max trip size: Unlimited, but must sign up first.

Pat R.

Wednesday, September 26    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul. Meet in the parking lot on Lower Afton Road at 7:00 p.m. We'll hike until approximately 8:30. Bring a flashlight/headlight.

Directions to Battle Creek Regional Park: Take 94 east past downtown St. Paul; exit at McKnight Road and go south about 1+ miles to Lower Afton Road. Turn left onto Lower Afton. Look for the parking lot on your left a block or so down the street.

Jim W.

Tuesday, September 25    SEMIANNUAL EVENT
Rovers Fall Intro Show. Find out more about Rovers and/or see what we’ve been up to lately at the Fall Intro Show at 7:00 p.m. at REI in Bloomington. Visit the Special Events page for more information.

Sunday – Saturday, September 23 – 29   SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN
BWCAW Canoe Trip. Capture water glistening off a sunset from a lake while sitting in your campsite in the BWCAW, read a book leaning against a tall pine as a loon cries out or fish off a big rock in the late afternoon along a jagged shoreline. This is a six-day BWCAW canoe trip with two layover days built in and a possible flexible canoe route. I could take a beginner or two as well. If interested, contact me.Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 6.

Mike S.

Saturday, September 22    DAY TRIP
Duathlon. Run 3 miles, bike 12 miles, run 3 miles. Cost $40 to enter per athlete. Registration online at Midwest Events. T-shirt to all athletes. Top three in each age group will receive an award. Lots of fun in a beautiful setting close to St. Paul park. Come out to cheer on other Rovers even if not racing. Meet at Lake Elmo Park at 8:00 a.m., returning 12:00 p.m. Estimated cost: $40 registration fee.

Walt J.

Friday Sunday, September 21 – 30    
Utah Hiking. Hiking trip through Southern Utah. Fly into either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, and visit the Moab region (including Arches Nat'l Park). Then spend some time in Canyonlands and Capitol Reef Nat'l Parks before heading down the Escalante to Bryce Canyon and Zion Nat'l Park. Dates somewhat flexible. Some experience hiking/camping in the desert preferrable. Estimated cost: $600 – $650 (includes airfare, camping, and park fees). Deposit: Airfare. Max trip size: 6.

Suresh S.

Friday – Sunday, September 21 – 23   
Seakayaking. Weekend seakayaking on Birch Lake south of Ely. We will paddle about 15 – 20 miles over two days and hopefully catch some maple color. Birch Lake is a motorized lake outside the BWCAW and has resorts, cabins, and a forest service campground. We will camp Saturday night on one of the sixteen backcountry sites, similar to a BWCAW around the lake. I have an extra kayak that another paddler can use.

Basil L.

Friday – Sunday, September 21 – 23    
Trail Maintenance. Join us in a trip to enjoy the beautiful fall weather of the Minnesota Arrowhead country. The leaves were just beginning to turn last week and should be even better by this coming weekend. No bugs, cool weather, no tourists, great company, excellent food, experienced coordinators, and best of all you can go home feeling good about having made a positive contribution to the type of outdoor recreation that we all enjoy.

The excuse for the trip is to get in a bit more maintenance on the eastern end of the Border Route Trail - a trail running 65 miles through some of the most beautiful country in the Midwest. The BRT was laid out and constructed by the Minnesota Rovers between 1972 and 1980 and has been maintained primarily by volunteer crews from Rovers and its sister organization, the Border Route Trail Association ever since.

This weekend we'll be car camping at the Otter Lake trailhead located northeast of Grand Marais of off Cook County 16, a.k.a. the Arrowhead Trail. We provide transportation, meals from Saturday morning through Sunday noon and community gear such as cooking and trail clearing equipment. If you're in need of a tent, they are available to Rover members through the equipment cage. A listing of recommended personal equipment is available from the trip coordinator. While you need to be a member to checkout equipment, as a volunteer you need not be a member of Rovers or the trip co-sponsor, the BRTA, to participate. Beginners are welcome.

As the Pigeon River section of the BRT is outside of the BWCAW, we'll be using power brushcutters and chain saws in order to maximize our efficiency. Current USFS certification is required for operation of chain saws on Federal property. OJT is available for those wishing to learn the safety precautions, operational procedures, and mechanical fine points involved in running a Jonsereds RS52 brushcutter which do not require USFS certification. We normally have two people removing the cut brush & deadfall for each equipment operator so there are plenty of opportunities for those wishing to stay away from the equipment.

We've decided to turn it into a 2-day trip with a Friday night departure instead of the originally scheduled Thursday night. (Unless of course there are five other people that let me know by Tuesday that they are interested in leaving on Thursday night. In that case we would have a Friday night option if transportation was available.) Trip cost will be a flat rate of $50 payable by Tuesday night, 9/18. If you provide your own transportation, you would be charged for meals only. As the BRTA is a 501(c)(3) organization, your trip costs are fully tax deductible as charitable contributions.

Departure is at 6:15 p.m. from the parking lot across Prior Ave. from the Roseville REI located at 1955 Co Rd B2 in, you guessed it, Roseville. You may also meet us at 3701 Pillsbury Ave. So. in Mpls at 5:45pm. Just let the trip coordinator know. Return time is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. on Sunday night or earlier if we do a three day trip.

Estimated cost, including deposit: $50. Max trip size: 10.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Ed S.

Thursday – Sunday, September 20 – 23    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Backpacking. This will be a leisurely 3-day backpacking trip along one of the most scenic portions of the Superior Hiking Trail from Tettegouche State Park to Beaver Bay. We will leave from the Twin Cities by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday and spend the first night camping along Lake Superior in Tettegouche State Park. On Friday, we will hike 5 – 6 miles, exploring the waterfalls along the Baptism River and climbing Mount Trudee, which affords beautiful views of the lake as well as inland. Saturday will consist of a 4- to 5-mile hike with ample opportunity to relax on Round Mountain and on the shores of Bear & Bean lakes. Friday & Saturday nights will be spent in backcountry campsites. Sunday we will follow the trail 5 miles along the ridgeline between Silver Bay & Beaver Bay which also provides great views of Lake Superior. There will also be an option to shorten the Sunday hike if people need to get back early. Plan on one pre-trip meeting the week before to discuss gear, meals, and logistics. The trip is open to beginners but we're hoping for at least a couple of experienced backpackers to make things easier for us new Rovers. Estimated cost: $30. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 6.

Chris T. & Diane O.   Trip report

Wednesday, September 19    NIGHT HIKE
Summit Ave/Mississippi River Hike (Lake Street Bridge to Ford Parkway Bridge Loop). Meet at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot at the West end of Summit Avenue and Mississippi River Blvd. (free parking). If the lot is full, parking is available along Summit Ave. We’ll hike on the sidewalks above the river, across the Marshall Avenue bridge to the West side, then back around the Ford Parkway bridge to complete the loop back to the parking lot. This loop will take approximately two hours, so we’ll finish about 9:00 p.m. Even though this is an urban hike with street lights, bring a flashlight. We hike rain or shine. Socializing afterward at Izzy's Ice Cream for those who are interested. This will be the last hike for this season, so don't miss it. | Map to get there |

Karen G.

Friday – Sunday, September 14 – 16    
Northshore Inline Marathon. Come participate in or cheer on fellow Rovers in the largest inline marathon and ARC (American Roller Cup) Series event in the U.S.A. Following the same scenic course Grandma's marathoners have run along for the past 30 years, nearly 4,000 inline skaters will test their endurance in the 12th Annual Northshore Inline Marathon. Enjoy the country's most scenic and exciting inline skating event along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior! The 26.2 mile marathon begins just south of Two Harbors and continues along Scenic Hwy 61, rolling through the I-35 tunnels, and finishing at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). We will gather for dinner and prepare for the race Friday night. The race begins at 7:30 Saturday morning. We will explore Duluth, hike, bike, or whatever suits us Saturday night and Sunday. Some rooms have been reserved at the Holiday Inn Downtown Duluth. These will be available on a first come first served basis for those who sign up early. Register for the race at the link below.

Sponsoring organization: Northshore Inline Marathon

Melissa H.   

Thursday, September 13    DAY TRIP
Skating the Chain of Lakes. Meet at Lake Harriet Band Shell at 7:00 p.m. Please let me know if you plan on skating in case of cancellation.

Kathy E.

Saturday, September 8    DAY TRIP
Volunteer at Square Lake Triathlon. Many jobs need to be done at a triathlon event. You could set up areas, mark athletes, hand out water, give directions on the course, cheer for athletes, plus much more. By volunteering you will receive a t-shirt, earn a free entry into another race event. This is a great value as events cost $40–$120. Registration is now full for the square lake triathlon . Walt Johnson will be racing. This volunteer job shows you the inside look at a sport. Contact rfulton@vacationsports.com to sign up to volunteer. Meet at Square Lake North East of St. Paul at 6:00 a.m., returning 12:00 p.m.

Walt J.

Thursday, September 6    DAY TRIP
Inline Skating. Meet at Cedar Lake Beach at 7:00 p.m. intersecting roads are Sunset Blvd. and Cedar Lake Parkway. This is the beach near the rail road tracks (this is not the beach that some of us have met for kayaking). Please let me know if you plan on skating in case of cancellation.

Kathy E.

Wednesday, September 5    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Fort Snelling State Park. Meet in the interpretive center parking lot at 7:00 p.m. We will hike the 3.5-mile Pike Island loop that goes through the woods and follows along the river. We should finish around 8:30. We hike rain or shine, so bring your rain gear. Bring bug dope, water, and a flashlight for the end of the hike as it will be fairly dark for the last half hour of the hike.

Directions to Fort Snelling State Park: From Hwy 5 by the airport, take the Post Road exit and enter the park at the stone gate. Follow the main road approx. 2–3 miles. The road will end in the interpretive center parking lot. A state park sticker is required. | Map of park |

Karen G.

Monday Tuesday, September 3 – 11    
Sightseeing, Camping, Exploring in California. Fly to San Francisco, rent a car, then make our way north via highway 1 exploring on our way ( kayaking tomales bay near San fran) to King Range National Conservation Area in Northern California. We will hike the Lost Coast Trail from Mattole beach to Shelter Cove, a 24-mile coastal hike. This section would be a three-day hike from end to end with a shuttle trip back to our car. Backpacking experience is a must with own gear.

From there we will explore our way through the Trinity Alps for sightseeing, driving and possibly whitewater rafting. other ideas include Yosemite, Redwood Natl. Park and interesting back roads. Folks open minded to road tripping as an adventure along with the unexpected would be helpful.

Estimated cost: $600 + gas, food, etc. Deposit: $250 (airfare). Max trip size: 4.

Bryce K.

Monday, September 3    DAY TRIP
Inline Skating and Tailgating. The Minnesota Rovers have been invited to skate with the Minnesota Inline Skate Club this Monday (Labor Day). There are two skate routes/times to choose from, both start at the Calhoun Executive Center (northwest corner of Lake Calhoun).

Route #1: Grand Rounds (intermediate or better skater) — 9:00 a.m.
Some skating on streets in NE Minneapolis required. Skate is done at an easy pace. Approximate route: Theo Wirth Victory Memorial Cross Mississippi to NE Minneapolis Follow trail and streets around loop and back to downtown Mississippi river to Minnehaha Falls Minnehaha creek to the lakes Back to Calhoun

Route #2: The Lakes (beginners okay) — 3:00
Skating around Calhoun and Harriet. Low level beginners can stay around Calhoun to avoid the hill between the lakes.

Tailgating: After we get back from The Lakes. The club brings grills. People bring their own food (or pick it up at the nearby stores and restaurants) and beverages. We find a spot around on the lawn near the Calhoun Executive Center parking lot.

Contacts if people get there late or need to contact us on the Grand Rounds. Jerry Hoffman @ 612-382-0772, Bill Fuhrmann @ 763-234-3575.

Sponsoring organization: Minnesota Inline Skate Club

Kathy E.

Friday – Monday, August 31 – September 3    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
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 afternoon, returning late Monday evening. Entry point to be determined. Estimated cost: $80. Deposit: $30. Max trip size: 6.

Louie T.

Thursday, August 30    DAY TRIP
Skate the Minnehaha Trail. Meet at the Sea Salt Eatery: Address: 4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis at 7:00pm. Directions for parking: take Highway 55 (Hiawatha Avenue) to 46th Street in Minneapolis, turn east on 46th, then turn south on Minnehaha Avenue. There is free parking along Minnehaha Ave. The Sea Salt Eatery is in the main building in the park near the falls. We'll meet right outside from there by the falls. Please let me know if you plan on skating in case of cancellation.

Kathy E.

Wednesday, August 29    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Snail Lake Regional Park in Shoreview. Meet at 7:00 p.m. in the parking lot and hike until around 8:30 p.m.

Directions to Snail Lake Regional Park: From 694, go north on Victoria St. Cross Gramsie Rd., then take a right on Snail Lake Blvd. Meet in the parking lot on the left, directly off Snail Lake Blvd.
Note: we are meeting at Shoreview part of Snail Lake Park not Vadnais Heights.

Marissa R.

Saturday, August 25    DAY TRIP
Bike Ride — River Falls Roller Coaster. “Heartstopping hills punctuate this classic cow and coulee tour of the Wisconsin bluff country.” So reads the discription of this ride in the tour book.

Meet at Glen Park, east lot, River Falls, WI at 10:00 a.m. We will ride 44 miles along country roads leading from River Falls to the Mississippi and back again. River Falls is about 35 minutes from St. Paul. If you would like to meet in St. Paul to carpool, call us at 651-646-5807 and we will see what we can set up.

Directions: Take I-94 18 miles east from St. Paul and exit on Wisconsin Hwy. 35 south. Go 8.5 miles into River Falls and through downtown. Turn right (west) on Park Street and go two blocks to Glen Park, east lot.

David B. &  Julie R.

Friday Saturday, August 24 – September 1    
Quetico Canoe Trip. One-week canoe trip to Quetico Provincial Park. We’ll leave Friday, 8/24 and drive into Canada via International Falls (you'll need a birth certificate or passport). We'll camp that night near our entry point. We’ll enter the park on Saturday, 8/25 for seven nights. We’ll return on Saturday, 9/1 and drive home that night. We expect to arrive home very late on the 1st. We will enter on Beaverhouse Lake and proceed East. Our loop will take us through Quetico Lake, Jean, Bentpine, Badwater and back into Quetico Lake. Along the way we’ll check out four sets of pictographs and plan one layover day. You will be responsible for your own food for the trip and sharing all transportation costs. Estimated cost of $160 is for camping permits, fees, and estimated round trip gas costs. Meet at REI Roseville for carpooling. Estimated cost: $160 + food. Deposit: $160. Max trip size: 4 or 6.

Jane D. & Barb S.

Wednesday, August 22   NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Sucker Lake Recreational Area/Vadnais Regional Park in Vadnais Heights. Meet at 7 p.m. in the parking lot and hike until approx 8:30. We hike rain or shine, until about 8:30. Bring water and bug dope. Socializing after the hike for those who are interested.

Directions to Snail Lake Regional Park: From 35W go East on County 96, or from 35E go West on Hwy 96 (County and Hwy 96 are the same). Turn South on Rice St. (Cty 54). Go one block and take the first left to the park. It should be marked by a sign that reads “Sucker Lake Recreational Area.” Meet in the left parking lot.

Diane O. • 612-807-6378 

Sunday, August 19    DAY TRIP - SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Sailing. Enjoy a casual day sail on lake Calhoun in 18ft Flying Scot. No experience necessary, except willingness to help work the sails and join in good company. After cruizing the lake we can find a nice spot to drop anchor, have some lunch, take a swim, and just relax. Meet at Lake Calhoun Docks at 10:30. Max trip size: 6.

Bernie W. 

Saturday, August 18    SOCIAL EVENT
Volleyball & Pool Party. Formerly "Fred's Hot Tub Party" (for 18yrs) now called Fred's Volleyball / Pool Party since the Hot Tub has been replaced with a Swimming Pool. Cost included some food, good keg beer, wine, pop and water. Sports include all night (went until 4am last year) Volleyball on lighted court, pool, bocce ball, croquet, ladderball and maybe even a Poi demo. You bring yourself and all your friends since this is an open event, water weapons, and your favorite dish to pass. Contact Fred for directions or more info. Meet at Fred's Den at 5:00 p.m. Estimated cost: $5 Advance / $7 Walk On. Deposit: $5.

Fred F.

Thursday Saturday, August 18 – 25, 2007  SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Hiking Glacier Peak Wilderness. The trip is out of Lucerne, Washington which is a remote Wilderness Area in the North Central Cascades. Only accessible by small plane or Ferry it is truly remote. Holden Villlage is what is left of a Copper Mining operation with its housing. There are modest accommodations with dorm like environment and common meeting areas where one can relax when we arrive and before we depart. The food is simple and the fruit spectacular—best I've ever had anywhere! There are several challenging hikes from this point and two I'd like the group to consider accomplishing. There is 3,200-ft elevation gains and mountain lakes and streams with cutthroat trout and spectacular views. Would recommend experienced hikers or those used to working out regularly. The food is all you can eat and the village will assist in providing our food for overnight camping. Estimated cost: $900. Max trip size: 6.

Anne W.

Saturday – Thursday (or Friday), August 18 – 23/24   
BWCAW Canoe (and Day Hiking). Carpool from TC with all gear to entry point which is East Bearskin Lake (part way up Gunflint Trail). Canoe in big loop with new lakes and portages each day. One layover day on Pine Lake for a day hike on the Border Route Trail or do whatever you like. Pre-trip group meeting to plan specifics of route, food, divide up gear, etc. Meet in the Twin Cities to carpool at 7:00 a.m. returning TBD. Estimated cost: $60+. Deposit: $30. Max trip size: 8.

Pat R.

Thursday – Saturday, August 16 – 18   
Whooping Crane Viewing. This is a trip to see captive raised Whooping Crane chicks as they are being trained to survive in the wild before their assisted fall migration to Florida. August 16: Meet and travel to and camp at Petenwell Wilderness County Park, Juneau county, Wisconsin August 17:

1. Before daylight, drive to the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge headquarters by 5:30am
2. Ride in vans to a blind to view and photograph crane chicks—a half-hour event
3. Visit the pilots of Operation Migration who will assit the crane migration in their ultralight airplanes.
4. Tour the Refuge in vans with a naturalist to view habitats and wildlife on the refuge.
5. Brunch at the famous Little Crane Cafe.
6. Travel back home or maybe stay another day for photography buffs and hiking.

Meet at REI Bloomington at various, returning various. Estimated cost: $50. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: 14. More info: http://www.bringbackthecranes.org/

Sponsoring organization: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Mike S.

Wednesday, August 15    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Resevior Woods in Roseville. Meet at 7pm in the parking lot and hike until approx 8:30. Bring water, insect repellent and rain gear.

Directions to Reservoir Woods Take I-94 to I-35E in St. Paul and proceed north on I-35E to the Larpenteur/Wheelock Parkway exit. Proceed west on Larpenteur, the second street connected to the intersection, about two miles, past Rice Street, to the trailhead parking lot, on the north side of Larpenteur, just across from (due north of) the intersection with Mackubin Street, about eight blocks west of Rice Street and two long blocks east of Dale Street. The trailhead parking lot is marked as the Woodview Open Space. | map |

Karen G.

Monday, August 13    DAY TRIP
Inline Skating. Intermediate to advanced skate at Elm Creek Park Reserve. Distance and route to be determined by the group. Bring water. Helmet and wrist guards recommended. There are several hills on this trail. Please call or email if you plan to attend in case of cancellation. Meet at beach parking lot at Elm Creek Park at 7:00 p.m.

Melissa H. 

Sunday, August 12    DAY TRIP
Sailing. Enjoy a casual day sail on lake Calhoun in 18ft Flying Scot. No experience necessary, except willingness to help work the sails and join in good company. After cruizing the lake we can find a nice spot to drop anchor, have some lunch, take a swim, and just relax. Meet at Lake Calhoun Docks at 10:30. Max trip size: 6.

Bernie W. 

Saturday, August 11    DAY TRIP
Road bike ride. Road bike ride of approximately 45 miles. We'll take the Gateway Trail to Pine Point Park, then do a 25-mile loop on roads through Scandia and Marine on St. Croix, and return on the Gateway Trail. We can stop for lunch in Marine on St. Croix at approximately mile 25. Bring water. Helmets are required. Meet at Mills Fleet Farm, 5635 Hadley Avenue North, in Oakdale at 10:30 a.m.

Directions: Mills Fleet Farm is at the intersection of 694 and Hwy 36. Highway 36 is currently closed for construction west of Fleet Farm. To get to Fleet Farm, take 694 and exit on Hwy 36 West, then turn right on Hadley Avenue.

Susie H. 

Friday – Sunday, August 10 – 12     SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN
Astronomy Weekend 2007. Join us for Astronomy Weekend 2007 at Baylor Regional Park in Carver County (brochure). During the day, we will hike along 5 miles of trails (including a boardwalk trail over a cattail marsh), road bike 20–30 miles, do water sports on beautiful Eagle Lake (bring your kayak, canoe, and boat!) or just lay at the beach. During the evening...there will be telescopes present to do some sky-watching (galaxies, nebulae, clusters, planets, etc.). The Minnesota Astronomical Society's Onan Observatory is just a short hike up the hill from the campground overlooking Eagle Lake. They have major equipment for public use, including 16" Cassegrain and high-end refracting telescopes. We will join them for a public viewing event.

Wait...there's more! The real show-stopper of the weekend — the Perseid Meteor Shower. Bring a lawnchair and watch 60 – 80 meteors streak high overhead per hour. This annual meteor shower puts on a consistent display of orange and yellow colored, bright meteors each year. The Moon will be out of the sky during this year's event, so we will have ideal dark skies. Baylor Regional Park is about 45 minutes west of the Twin Cities, so you can come and go as you please. We have reserved campsites for both Fri. and Sat. nights. Estimated cost: $20 (plus food & gas). Deposit: $10. Max trip size: 40.

Other comments: Food and gas are not included in the trip cost (gas should be $5 – $10). Due to campsite rules, we may utilize larger tents and have 3 – 5 people per tent.

Suresh S.   Trip report

Wednesday, August 8    DAY TRIP
Mountain Biking at Hillside in Elk River. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Hillside Park and ride 7 miles of fun, challenging, and twisting singletrack. Please e-mail if you intend to be there in case of cancellation or change of locale. Helmets are required. We will not ride if the conditions are wet. Click here for directions to mountain biking locations.

Scott & Jodi S.

Wednesday, August 8    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Meet at 7:00 p.m. in the visitor center. We'll hike for approximately an hour and a half.

Directions to Hyland Lake Park Reserve: (Note: The following directions apply due to road construction on 84th Street, which is the usual access road to the park from Hwy 100) Take Hwy 169 south past 494; left onto Highwood Drive. Stay on Highwood Drive to the stop light, which is East Bush Lake Road. Take a right. The Visitor Center will be 1 mile south on the left side.

Susie H.

Sunday, August 5    DAY TRIP
Road Biking. Road bike ride of approximately 50 miles, on roads and paved trails. The route goes through Coon Rapids Dam Park, Elm Creek Park, and French Park. We'll stop for refreshments at a convenience store at approximately the halfway point. Bring water. Helmets are required. Meet at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis, at the main parking lot in front of chalet at 11:00 a.m.

Susie H.

Saturday, August 4    DAY TRIP
Little Canada 5K (3.1 miles). Footrace with free pancake breakfast following the race at nearby Spooner Park. Registration opens 7:30 a.m. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. The $15 dollar advance registration fee ($18 race day) also includes T-shirt and water bottle for the first 175 participants. In addition, Bagpipers from Thunder Bay, Canada perform before the awards ceremony. Since it's a small race you might even medal. Register online or download a form and mail in, or register in person at Little Canda City Center. Directions, parking, and course info can also be found on the website. Meet at Pioneer Park, Little Canada at 7:30 a.m. Estimated cost: $15 in advance/$18 day of race. | Map to start |

John B.

Thursday, August 2    DAY TRIP • INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
Inline Skating at Baker Park Reserve. Intermediate to advanced skate around Baker Park. Meet at the small bike/hike lot on Cty Rd. 19 by Hwy. 12 at 7:00 pm. Bring water. Helmet and wrist guards recommended. There are several hills on this trail. Please call or email if you plan to attend in case of cancellation.

Directions to Baker Park Reserve: Coming from 55 heading W turn Left on 24 (south/west). Turn Left at 19 at the T in the road. The lot is easy to miss on the east side of 19 (left side if heading south). This is not the main entrance but by the group camp. It is immediately before Highway 12.

Melissa H. & Kathy E.

Wednesday, August 1    DAY TRIP
Mountain Biking at Lebanon Hills in Eagan. Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Lebanon Hills Park and ride for 1 or 2 hours. The park has a variety of trails varying from beginner to double-expert. There's fast, smooth, and winding singletrack with a good mix of everything…trees, rocks, and roots. Please e-mail if you intend to be there in case of cancellation or change of locale. Helmets are required. We will not ride if the conditions are wet. Click here for directions to mountain biking locations.

Scott & Jodi S.

Wednesday, August 1    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Tamarack Nature Center. Located in White Bear Township. Meet in the parking lot off of Otter Lake Road at 7pm. We hike rain or shine, until about 8:30. We’ll do the full loop around both Tamarack and Fish Lakes. Bring water, insect repellent and rain gear.

Directions to Tamarack Nature Center: From Downtown St. Paul, take I-35E North to Highway 96, go east on Highway 96 to Otter Lake Road, go north. Tamarack is located approximately 2½ miles on the left-hand side at 5287 Otter Lake Road.

Karen G.

Saturday, July 28    DAY TRIP
Road Bike Ride. In honor of the final weekend of the Tour de France, join me for a Tour de Twin Cities ride. This route through St. Paul and Minneapolis is approximately 45 miles, on roads and paved trails. We'll stop for lunch at a "sidewalk cafe" at Seven Corners in Minneapolis. Harriet Island Park is at Plato Blvd. and Water Street in St.Paul. Meet at Pavilion Building at Harriet Island Park in St.Paul at 11:00 a.m.

Susie H.

Thursday, July 26    DAY TRIP • INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
Inline Skating at Hyland Lake Park Reserve. Intermediate to advanced skate around Hyland Park. Meet at the visitor center at 7:00 pm. Bring water. Helmet and writst guards recommended. Please call if you plan to attend in case of cancellation.

Directions to Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Located at 10145 Bush Lake Road in Bloomington. From I-494, go south on Normandale Blvd. to 84th Street. Turn right and follow 84th Street, which becomes East Bush Lake Road. Follow East Bush Lake Road pass the Richardson Nature Center and take left into the Hyland Visitor Center (same area that they rent x-country skis).

Melissa H. & Kathy E.

Wednesday, July 25    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Carver Park Reserve. Meet at the Lowry Nature Center at 7:00 p.m. and hike for approximately an hour and a half in Carver Park Reserve in Victoria.

Directions to Lowry Nature Center: Take Highway 5 twelve miles west from I-494 to County Road 11. Turn right (north) onto County Road 11 (at the Dairy Queen), go 1.6 miles, and turn right onto the access road for the Nature Center. The Nature Center is about a mile up the road.

Susie H.  

Sunday, July 22   DAY TRIP
Ninth Annual Summer in the Sticks. Join us at Elm Creek Park Reserve for biking, hiking, inline skating, swimming, picnic, etc. If you’re willing to make the trek all the way to the NW ’burbs to this terrific park in Maple Grove, meet at the recreation area near the beach and we’ll start there. Meet at 9:00 a.m. for a road bike ride (~40 miles, TBD), or inline skating, or later for other activities (see agenda below). People willing to coordinate other activities would be appreciated, otherwise just show up and decide amongst yourselves when you get there. | directions |

If you can’t make it during the day, join us later (~5pm), for a pot-luck BBQ. Bring something to grill and something to share. There are grills at the park, but feel free to bring charcoal and your own grill.

Elm Creek Park Reserve has 20 miles of paved trails that also connect to Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park via the North Hennepin Trail Corridor (7 miles) or Fish Lake Regional Park on the TRPD Regional Trail. These trails are all in excellent condition for biking and inline skating. There are also over 30 miles of turf hiking trails and 5 miles of mountain biking trails. Pets are allowed on designated trails only (5.4 miles). Don’t forget swimwear! There’s a man-made, chlorinated, and filtered swimming pond ($1 fee) with sand beach at the area we’ll be picnicking. Bring lunch/snacks, water, sunscreen, and maybe some bug dope if hiking.

Agenda

Please let us know if you are willing to be a contact person for any other activities (hiking, mountain biking, etc.).

Jodi & Scott S.   

Thursday – Sunday, July 19 – 22    POSSIBLE FRIDAY DEPARTURE
Trail Maintenance. Join us for a fun summer trail maintenance trip to the eastern portion of the Border Route Trail. Not only will you get a chance to enjoy part of the great Minnesota north woods but you'll have the added bonus of feeling good about giving something back for all of the times that you've benefited from maintained hiking and backpacking trails. Plus, since the trip is run under the auspices of the Border Route Trail Association, a 501(c)(3) organization, the trip cost is tax deductible. Such a deal!

We'll be installing a kiosk at the McFarland Lake trailhead and doing brushing and deadfall removal to the east. In order to make the trail easier to follow, we're also planning on doing signing at various spots as well as scouting for a possible route correction on the hill leading out of McFarland.

You'll find this trip is suited to both beginners and old hands with on the job training being provided for those new to trail maintenance. We'll also include instruction in the use of power brush cutters. While both brush cutters and chain saws will be used for the sake of efficiency, there are a variety of opportunities such as scouting and signing as well as the installation of the kiosk for those that prefer to stay away from the power equipment.

Estimated cost: $65. Deposit: $65. Max trip size: 15.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Ed S. & John E.

Wednesday, July 18   NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul. Meet in the parking lot on Lower Afton Road at 7 p.m. We'll hike until approximately 8:30. We hike rain or shine, so bring your rain gear. Bring bug dope, water, etc. Socializing after the hike nearby for those who are interested.

Directions to Battle Creek Regional Park: Take 94 east past downtown St. Paul; exit at McKnight Road and go south about 1+ miles to Lower Afton Road. Turn left onto Lower Afton. Look for the parking lot on your left a block or so down the street.

Diane O. 

Sunday, July 15     DAY TRIP
Road bike ride. Road bike ride from Minneapolis to Excelsior and back. The loop is approximately 40 miles, and includes a few substantial hills. We will stop for refreshments at Adele's frozen custard shop in Excelsior. Bring water. Helmets are required. Meet at In front of Barnes and Noble at Calhoun Village shopping center, 3216 West Lake Street, Minneapolis at 11:30 a.m.

Susie H.

Saturday, July 14    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Canoeing/Kayaking on the St. Croix River. This is a paddle, float, and swim trip. The trip will start at the Sunrise boat landing just outside of the town of Sunrise and we will pull out at the boat landing in Wild River State Park. Bring enough beverages and food for the trip. Also, bring rain gear, a swimsuit, and other clothing depending on the weather. Have money for eating out afterwards if you want to do that.

Friday – Sunday, July 13 – 15    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Camping Wild River State Park. Camp at Wild River State Park on Friday and/or Saturday night. On Saturday, July 14 paddle the St. Croix (see separate canoe day trip activity below). Contact trip coordinator as soon as possible so that a group site or individual sites can be reserved. Estimated cost: cost of campsite, food. Deposit: TBD. Max trip size: TBD.

Diane O. • Karen G.   Trip report

Wednesday, July 11   NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Long Lake Regional Park. Join us at this 218-acre park in New Brighton as we hike through woods, marshes, and along the water. Meet at 7 p.m. in the first parking lot on left. We will hike until ~8:30, rain or shine. Bring water, bug dope, etc. Socializing after the hike for those who are interested.

Directions to Long Lake Regional Park: From 35W, exit at County 96. Go West on 96 for 1/8 mile to Old Hwy 8. Turn left, and follow Hwy 8 for 1/3 mile to the park entrance. Meet in the first parking lot.

Diane O.

Sunday, July 8    DAY TRIP
Bike Trip. A UFO hotspot is just an hour's drive away. Join us on a 55 mile route through Wisconsin's Coulee Country, that ends with a 50 mph downhill. A 45-mile option avoids that hill. Pack a lunch and, if its hot, a suit. Contact Susie or David for carpooling from the Cities or meet us there. Meet at Elmwood, WI at 10:00 a.m.

Directions: Go east on I-94 to exit #28, then south 10 miles on 128 to Elmwood. Turn left (east) on 72 for 2 miles, then right (south) half a mile on P to Butternut Park. Check out the link to a map of the route I created on Google Maps.

David B. & Susie H.

Saturday, July 7    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Afton Trail Race Volunteer. The Afton Trail Run 25k/50k is July 7. The race director is looking for volunteers to help out an an aid station from 5:15 a.m. to noon. Free Nalgene bottle and lunch afterward. Park entrance fee is covered as well. Fun group of people — good time! Meet at Afton State Park. Contact John for details.

Sponsoring organization: Afton Trail Runs

To volunteer, contact Scott Wagner • 651-429-8342 (8am – 5pm)

John T.

Thursday – Sunday, July 5 – 7    
Kayak or canoe. Kayaking trip to Brule Wisc. The Bois Brule is a BEAUTIFUL meandering river for both the beginner and the expert, memories of which will be with you for a long time. We'll paddle through a beautiful presidential retreat where Five Presidents stayed. The town of Brule is located 35 miles east of Duluth. Plan to arrive Thursday, July 5 afternoon or evening andreturn Sunday, July 8. Three nights in a campground on an inland lake at Top of the Morn Campground, 6 miles E. of Brule.

Bring your own kayak, borrow or rent in Brule (shuttle also provided). No experience necessary. On Friday we'll kayak into the town of Brule and dine at the campground. On Saturday we'll kayak to Lake Superior play/relax on the beach and enjoy a beach-bon-fire-dinner with a sunset over the lake. Bring kayak (preferred), or canoe, bathing suits & camera.

At the Rovers meeting on July 3 we'll meet at 6:30 p.m. to plan meals, kayak rentals, and carpooling. Estimated cost/deposit: $100 for 3 nights with food + gas. Max trip size: 14 (7 tent spaces have been reserved so far).

Ed S.

Saturday – Saturday, June 30 – July 7  
BWCA Canoeing. Entering at Poplar Lake. Fishing, exploring, and fun. Meet at Roseville REI at 6:00 a.m., returning 8:30 p.m. Estimated cost: $70. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 8.

Scott M. &  Frank T.

Wednesday, June 27     NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Hyland Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington. Meet at Richardson Nature Center at Hyland Lake Park Reseve in Bloomington at 7:00 p.m. and hike until about 8:30 p.m. Note that we will meet at the Richardson Nature Center, not at the park's main visitor center.

Directions to Richardson Nature Center: From I-494, go south on Normandale Blvd. to 84th Street. Turn right and follow 84th Street, which becomes East Bush Lake Road. Follow East Bush Lake Road to Richardson Nature Center.

Susie H.  

Saturday – Wednesday, June 23 – 27   
BWCA Canoe/Camping Trip. Depart from Lake One (east of Ely on the Fernberg Road) and proceed through Lakes 2, 3 and 4. Final destination is Lake Insula. We'll be canoeing a half day on Saturday and Sunday, then rest on Monday, and canoe half days back on Tuesday and Wednesday. Time for fishing and relaxation. Beginners are welcome. We'll get together at least once to prepare for the trip. Meet at TBD at 7am, returning 7pm. Estimated cost: $80. Deposit: $25. Max trip size: 6.

Ken J.

Thursday June 28    BEGINNERS SERIES (DAY TRIP)
Beginner’s Inline Skating. Come join us for a 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. People of all levels are encouraged to come. There will be an option for a longer and shorter skate. We will take a leisurely skate on the Greenway and then go out for ice cream.Wrist guards, knee guards, and helmets are recommended. Bring water. We will reschedule in the event of rain.

Calhoun Cycle (612-827-8231) on the corner of Lake and James in Uptown is renting inline skates for $7.50 an hour between 10-8 every day. If renting skates please plan to arrive at 6:45 p.m. with your skates. Call Kathy or Melissa if there is a delay at Calhoun Cycle. Meet at Greenway entrance/back parking lot of Calhoun Village in Uptown (behind Punch Pizza, 3226 West Lake Street in Minneapolis. Take Lake to Market Plaza. Park behind Punch) at 6:45 p.m. Estimated cost: $7.50 if renting skates + money for ice cream if desired.

Melissa H. & Kathy E.

Thursday – Monday, June 21 – 25    
Sea Kayaking Voyageurs National Park. This trip requires a spirit of adventure! We will leave the Twin Cities early Thurs am and head to the Ash River Visitors Center for put-in by early afternoon. Our tentative route is to head away from the more populous areas of the Park towards Kettle Falls, and from there to the south shore of Rainy Lake, which is reputed to be very beautiful. We plan on paddling 5-6 hours a day or 8 - 12 miles, with one layover day. However, the route will be changed to accommodate weather, campsite availability, and group preferences, as needs be. Bring your own breakfasts and lunches, group dinners to be determined.

Being that much of Voyageurs is considered big water, it is recommended to use sea kayaks. You should have paddling skills and be able to preform a self rescue. We will meet as a group sometime in June and paddle togather and do a self rescue togather. If you have never done this, there is plenty of time to learn. Costs will include driving, food, and other personal needs. Estimated cost: $100 – $150 Depoist $25. Max trip size: 6.

Rod J.  &  Cathy O.

Wednesday, June 20    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Fort Snelling State Park. Meet in the interpretive center parking lot at 7pm. We will hike the 3.5 mile Pike Island loop that goes through the woods and follows along the river. We should finish around 8:30. We hike rain or shine, so bring your rain gear. Bring bug dope and water also. Note: You must purchase a state park sticker to enter the park.

Directions to Fort Snelling State Park: From Hwy 5 by the airport, take the Post Road exit and enter the park at the stone gate. Follow the main road approx. 2-3 miles. The road will end in the interpretive center parking lot.  | Map of park |

Karen G. 

Sunday, June 17     DAY TRIP
Road Bike Ride. Road bike ride of approximately 50 miles. We'll take the Gateway Trail to Pine Point Park, then do a 29-mile loop on roads through Scandia and Marine on St. Croix, and return on the Gateway Trail. We can stop for lunch in Marine on St. Croix at approximately mile 30. Bring water. Helmets are required. Meet at Mills Fleet Farm, 5635 Hadley Avenue North, in Oakdale at 10:00 a.m.

Directions: Mills Fleet Farm is at the intersection of 694 and Hwy 36. Highway 36 is currently closed for construction. To get to Fleet Farm, take 694 and exit on Hwy 36 West, then turn right on Hadley Avenue.

Susie H.

Saturday, June 16  SOCIAL EVENT
Tropical Potluck Dinner. Please join me on Saturday, June 16 from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. to welcome the summer. Festive tropical attire welcomed. Eat, drink, gab and just hang out on the deck and patio. Play bocce ball/croquet in the yard.

We will have a potluck dinner, so bring a dish to share and your beverage of choice (blender available for those who wish to make something tropical). Let me know what you plan to bring so we can make sure we have all our bases covered &38212; we will need main dishes, side dishes, desserts, appetizers, munchies, veggies, fruits, etc.

Karen G.

Friday – Sunday, June 15 – 17    
Inland Sea Kayak Symposium Trip. The Inland Sea Kayak Symposium will be held in Washburn, WI, just south of the Apostle Islands this June 14-17. The Symposium will have activities for beginners through expert paddlers. Activities include classes in safety and self/assisted rescue, paddle strokes, bracing, and rolling, women's classes, GPS, on the water photography, kayak fishing, yoga for paddlers. Kayaks, paddles, etc. will be available to rent at the symposium. Contact the symposium to reserve equipment

Seminars will discuss keynote speakers on trips they've done, paddle and boat selections, boat fit, nutrition and first aid. There will be paddle tours of the Apostle Islands and sea caves. There are also sailing and rowing classes, and kayak races. George Gronseth is one of the keynote speakers.

I took a tidal rapids class from him when I was on my San Juan Island trip several weeks ago. He is a very good instructor. The Symposium starts Thursday night, June 14, but I am planning on driving up Friday evening June 15, and coming back on Sunday afternoon, June 17. There will be a weekend full of activities and classes left. I have registered for classes and a tent spot. The rolling classes will fill up early, but I asked them to pre-register them for me for the rolling class since some of those classes are small and I'm arriving on Friday. The other classes are all large. I received a 1 1/2 day deal for $150, which is pretty good for a lot of instruction, Though you can set your own itinerary (obviously).

Location/Accommodations: "Thompson's West End Park (Symposium site) has 45 campsites, boat launch, fishing pier, dump stations, artesian well, electric hook-ups, handicap accessible bathrooms, showers, sandy beach, picnic tables, pavilion, and playground. This lake side park is located within city limits and is connected to the Washburn Lakeshore Parkway and Walking Trail. Camping with hook-ups is run on a first-come, first-serve basis for $20 per site, per night. Or, you can pre-register to camp in one of the overflow areas at Thompson's West End. We have "leased" these areas for Symposium primitive camping. We offer a square big enough for a tent and an easy chair that is near a port-a-john, and has a great view of the lake. It's on-site and near the showers and bathrooms. You may pre-register with us for camping at $12 per tent site in this designated area". Hotel accommodations are also available in Washburn.

For more information check out: www.inlandsea.org The symposium link is on the opening page. If interested contact me and let me know to discuss carpooling, camping and food. I'd recommend contacting them directly to get your reservation online at the website or at (715) 682-8188 or (715) 373-5565. Meet at my place or somewhere convenient at 5 p.m., returning 5 p.m. Estimated cost: $250. Deposit: register with symposium. Max trip size: none.

Mark A.

Thursday – Sunday, June 14 – 17    
Backpacking on Superior Hiking Trail. Leaving on Thursday, June 14 later in the afternoon and heading north. We'll camp that night along the north shore and start our hike on the Superior Hiking Trail Friday morning. We'll put in a full day of hiking on Friday and Saturday, with a half day on Sunday. We plan to return to town (not late) on Sunday evening. We're estimating 5–7 miles per day, with something around 13–18 miles total. The exact route is still to be determined, but will offer a variety of terrain. Not all rugged and not all flat, but this will not be a death march.

Each person will be responsible for their own food and snacks, and will be asked to carry a few items of group gear. Packs and other gear will be available from the cage.

Shared costs will be transportation, one night camping fee, and cooking fuel. If we only take one vehicle, then we'll also share the cost of the shuttle fee for one person. If we take two vehicles, we'll do our own shuttle. Meet at REI Roseville for carpooling (late afternoon), returning early evening. Max trip size: 2–3 tents.

Jane D. & Mary I.

Wednesday – Sunday, June 13 – 17    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN
Beginner BWCA Canoe/Camping Trip. For those new to canoeing & camping in the Boundary Waters. You'll get a good taste of paddling, portaging, hiking, and of course some rest & relaxation in the beautiful wilderness that is the BWCA. We'll get together a few times to prep for the trip, plan our route, share ideas for meals, and practice paddling. You'll come off this trip ready for other Rover BW trips, or even coordinate a trip of your own! Meet at tbd at afternoon, returning evening. Estimated cost: $80. Deposit: $25. Max trip size: 4.

Cari G.

Wednesday, June 13    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Meet at 7pm and hike until approx. 8:30pm. Bring water and bug dope. Sorry, dogs are not allowed in the garden.

Directons to Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden: Exit I-394 at Penn Avenue and follow the south frontage road (Wayzata Boulevard) turn Left at the first stop sign (a three way stop) follow curve up to the right to a stop. Turn right onto the Wirth Parkway connection. Then drive north on Wirth Parkway 1/2 mile to the driveway entrance to the garden. Or exit Hwy. l00 at Glenwood Avenue. Drive east on Glenwood to Wirth Parkway. Turn right on Wirth Parkway and then take a left into Eloise Butler Drive.

Susie H.

Sunday, June 10     DAY TRIP
Bike Ride. This is about a 60 mile bike ride in and around the beautiful Minnesota River valley. We will begin in Chaska, then cross the Minnesota near Jordan, then bike to Belle Plaine, and on to Blakely, cross the Minnesota again and then return to Chaska. There are at least two DQ's along the way. Either bring a lunch or plan to eat at a DQ. Call me or e-mail me if you plan to come. Meet at Chaska, gazebo in the park in the center of downtown at 10:00 a.m.

Julie R. 

Sunday, June 10    DAY TRIP
Beginner's 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 is renting inline skates for $7.50 an hour between 10-8 every day. 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.

Melissa H. & Kathy E.

Saturday, June 9    DAY TRIP
Canoeing/Kayaking on the Crow River. You'll need to bring your own canoe or kayak for this trip. If you don't have a canoe check with our cage guy Rob 651-340-7599 or try and find someone who going on the trip who has an open spot in their canoe for someone. Bring food and beverages for lunch on the river. Bring rain gear if needed and bring money for eating out afterwards. If people check a canoe out from the cage, at least one person in the canoe should have river canoeing experience. Max trip size: open.

Mike S. & Tom M.

Friday – Sunday, June 8 – 10    FUNDRAISER FOR MS
MS 150 Bike Ride. Some Rovers are forming a team for this 150-mile bike ride to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. In 2005 we were called the “Rolling Rovers.” Saturday's ride will take cyclists from Proctor near Duluth to Grand Casino Hinckley on the beautiful Willard Munger State Trail. Sunday's ride will feature the Sunrise Prairie Trail to the finish line at the National Sports Center in Blaine. This event is fully supported and provides participants with all the necessary amenities and more. Participants receive motor coach transportation from the National Sports Center in Blaine to Proctor High School near Duluth on Friday (departure 2pm - 7pm) or on Sunday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided both Saturday and Sunday, and fully stocked rest stops are planned every 10 to 15 miles to offer water, energy drink, fruit and an assortment of snacks. Don't worry about a thing during your ride; the safety volunteers, support vans and bike mechanics have everything covered. Most people will be camping (bring camp gear). Must wear a helmet. You can register by email or telephone: 612-335-7950 or 1-800-FIGHT-MS.

Once you register, contact Frank to be included in practice rides, headcount, etc. This is a great experience! Call or email Frank with any questions. Estimated cost: $45 + $300 (min.) in pledges. Deposit: $45 ($35 by May 8).

Frank T.

Wednesday, June 6   NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Snail Lake Regional Park in Shoreview. Meet at 7pm in the parking lot. WeÇll hike until at least 8:30. We hike rain or shine. Bring water, insect repellent and rain gear. After the hike, socializing nearby for those who are interested.

Directions to Snail Lake Regional Park: From 694, go north on Victoria St. Cross Gramsie Rd., then take a right on Snail Lake Blvd. Meet in the first parking lot on the left, directly off Snail Lake Blvd. Note: we are meeting at Shoreview part of Snail Lake Park not Vadnais Heights.

Karen G.

Wednesday, June 6    DAY TRIP
Skate the Chain of Lakes. Meet at Lake Harriet Band Shell at 7:00 p.m. Directions: Take 35W to 46th St. exit. Go West on 46th St. to Lake Harriet (about 1 mile). Turn right on Lake Harriet Pkwy. Head down the Parkway you will see the Bandshell in less than a mile. Park along Lake Harriet Pkwy.

Kathy E.

Friday – Sunday, June 1 – 3    
Camping, Paddling, and Hiking. Camping at Nerstand-Big Woods State Park. Nerstrand-Big Woods is one of the last stands of "Big Woods" left in Minnesota. Saturday we will paddle the Cannon River from Faribault to Dundas. On Sunday we will hike this beautiful park. The small group campsite is reserved for up to 16 people. Saturday night's dinner is pot luck so bring something to share. Estimated cost: $10 + food + transportation. Deposit: $10. Max trip size: 16.

Ansel K.

Wednesday, May 30   NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley. Meet at the trailhead at 7pm and hike until at least 8:30, rain or shine. Bring water and bug spray. Socializing nearby afterwards (probably ice cream).

Directions to Springbrook Nature Center: From 694, take the University Ave NE exit (Hwy 47). Go north to 85th Ave and turn Left on 85th. Watch for the park on your left. | map | 

Karen G.

Sunday, May 27  DAY TRIP
Urban Hike. Let's meet at my house at 10 and hike from there. It's about 2 blocks to the Mississippi River and Lock and Dam #1. We'll visit the dam and then hike to Minnehaha Park and along the creek to the confluence of the creek and the Mississippi River. We'll walk back to the waterfall area and decide where to hike next. BRING A SACK LUNCH & DRINK. We could stop at Dairy Queen at the end of the hike.

Call for directions to my house.

Joanie J.

Friday – Monday, May 25 – 28    MEMORIAL WEEKEND
Backpacking. Backpacking trip to Porcupine Mountains in Michigan's Upper Peninsula over Memorial Day weekend. Come join the fun and view Lake Superior from a different vantage point. Moderate backpacking trip, probably 5 – 6 miles of somewhat rugged hiking per day, will teach if little/no backpacking experience. Details of trip TBD, we will have a couple meetings in May to go over what to bring and to plan the route. Estimated cost: gas + food + $10. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: 6.

Sacha P.

Thursday, May 24    DAY TRIP
Skate the River Parkway. Skate The River Parkway from the Lake Street Bridge Meet outside Dunn Bros. at 7:00 p.m. Address: 4648 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis (park along the River Parkway).

Kathy E.  

Thursday – Monday, May 24 – 28     SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Ever wondered if there was anything to do in North Dakota? Well, there's Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Join us as we traverse the North and South sections of this park. They are filled with wildlife (including bison) and have 100 miles of hiking trails (some through the North Dakota Badlands), horseback riding, road & mountain biking, as well as paddling/fishing along the Little Missouri River. Meet at TBD at 8am, returning 9pm. Estimated cost: $100–$150. Deposit: $20. Max trip size: Currently limited to 20, though this may change depending on campsite availability (currently checking).

Website: http://www.nps.gov/archive/thro/home.htm

Website: http://www.nps.gov/thro/index.htm

Suresh S.

Sunday, May 20    DAY TRIP
Bike the River Falls Roller Coaster. 44 miles through Wisconsin's bluff country. Take I-94 east and exit on Wisconsin Hwy. 35 south just past Hudson. Go 9 miles into River Falls and through downtown. A block after the DQ turn right (west) on Park street and go two blocks to GLEN PARK. Meet in the east parking lot at 11 a.m. Or join us there at 9 am for an extra 16 mile loop. Bring a bag lunch.

Julie R. & David B.

Saturday, May 19    DAY TRIP
Day Canoe and Kayak Trip. We will canoe and kayak the Cannon River or the Rum River depending which river has the better water levels for canoeing or kayaking. Bring your rain gear and your own lunch and enough beverages for a day on the water and your own canoe or kayak. The decision as to which river we will go with will be made a few days in advance of the trip. If severe weather is forecasted for the day, the trip will be canceled. If water levels on both rivers happen to be too high or too low to safely travel on them, the trip will be canceled. For additional information contact the trip coordinator. Max trip size: Open.

Karen G. & Mike S.   Trip report

Saturday, May 19    DAY TRIP
Geocaching. I am planning to participant in the 2nd Annual Chippewa Valley Geocache Hunt. Tentative schedule is to carpool from my house in Hudson, leaving around 10 a.m. and returning around 5 p.m. but am open/flexible on time. I am planning to bring a picnic lunch or, ideally, share a potluck. I'd love for others to join me, newbies welcome. You must pre-register for this event. The weblink is listed below. Meet at My House in Hudson WI at 9:30 a.m., returning 5:00 p.m. Estimated cost: Minimal (gas & food). Deposit: $0. Max trip size: Open.

Website: Geocaching Wisconsin

Monica E.

Friday – Monday, May 18 – 21 
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 afternoon, returning late Monday evening. Entry point to be determined. Estimated cost: $80. Deposit: $30. Max trip size: 6.

Louie T.

Thursday Sunday, May 17 – 20   
Backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail. We will leave Thursday afternoon and car camp that night. Friday through Sunday we will hike a yet-to-be-determined section of the Superior Hiking Trail. Experience is necessary and you will be responsible for your own food. Meet at Roseville REI for carpooling. Estimated cost: $60. Deposit: $35. Max trip size: 6.

Jim M.

Wednesday, May 16    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Resevior Woods in Roseville. Meet at 7pm in the parking lot and hike until approx 8:30. We hike rain or shine, so come prepared. Bring a flashlight, bug dope, etc.

Directions to Reservoir Woods (West of Dale St., North of Larpenteur in Roseville): From Hwy 36, take Dale Street Exit. Go South on Dale Street. Take a right on Dale Ct, go about a block and take a right on Alta Vista Drive. After about a block, before the road curves, you will see a parking lot with a stone entryway. If you accidentally pass Dale Ct, but see Alta Vista Dr, take a right on Alta Vista Dr and go about two blocks when you will see the parking lot with a stone entryway. If you reached Larpenteur Ave., you have gone too far.

Karen N.

Monday, May 14    DAY TRIP
Skate the Chain of Lakes. Meet at Lake Harriet Band Shell at 7:00 p.m. Directions: Take 35W to 46th St. exit. Go West on 46th St. to Lake Harriet(about 1 mile). Turn right on Lake Harriet Pkwy. Head down the Parkway you will see the Bandshell in less than a mile. Park along Lake Harriet Pkwy.

Kathy E.

Friday Friday, May 11 – 25    
Bicycle Pannier Trip in Holland. Tour the northern half of Holland through a variety of coastline and woodlands on relatively flat terrain on designated bike routes. We will be staying in a combination Hostels and B&B's. We are also planning on taking an extended canal tour as well as visiting other historic sites. More information is forthcoming. Estimated cost: $1,000 (plus airfare). Max trip size: 8.

Tom M. & Larry B.

Thursday – Monday, May 10 – 14    Pine Lake (Trip 3)
Trail clearing on the Border Route Trail in the BWCAW using hand tools. Tom Harris will be leading a trail clearing trip to the BWCAW leaving the evening of Thursday May 10, returning Monday May 14. They will drive up to McFarland Lake and camp there Thursday night. 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.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Tom H.

Friday – Monday, May 11 – 14   Gogebic Lake (Trip 4)
Trail clearing on the Border Route Trail in the BWCAW using hand tools. Scott Murray will be leading a trail clearing trip to the BWCAW leaving the evening of Friday May 11, returning Monday May 14. They will drive up to the ranger cabin on Bearskin Lake and stay there Friday 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.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Tom H. & Scott M.

Thursday, May 10     DAY TRIP
Skate the Minnehaha trail. Meet at the Sea Salt Eatery: Address: 4825 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis at 6:45pm. Directions for parking : take Highway 55 (Hiawatha Avenue) to 46th Street in Minneapolis, turn east on 46th, then turn south on Minnehaha Avenue. Parking is available where Minnehaha Parkway crosses over Hiawatha. Skate from the Minnehaha fall to Lake Nokomis (do a loop around the lake) and back to the Falls. (about 6 miles) 3 additional miles if we do two loops around the lake. Please let me know if you plan on skating in case of cancellation.

Kathy E.

Wednesday, May 9    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan. Meet in the Jensen Lake parking lot at 7pm and hike until at least 8:30. We hike rain or shine. Bring water and rain gear. After the hike, socializing nearby for those who are interested.

Directions to Lebanon Hills Regional Park: Take 35E South to Eagan. Exit at Cliff Rd and go East. Turn right on Pilot Knob Rd. The park entrance will be on your left.

Karen G.

Saturday – Sunday, May 5 – 6    
Weekend Canoeing. We will canoe 16 miles over the weekend on the Cannon River from Fairbault to Northfield. There are campsites on state land nine miles down from the put in. Easy/moderate in difficulty. Although the river goes under several bridges its always surprising how wild southern Minnesota rivers are. Call for meeting place. Meet at 8:00 a.m., returning 3:00 p.m. Estimated cost: $20. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: open.

Basil L.  

Friday – Monday, May 4 – 7    McFarland Lake (Trip 2)
Trail clearing on the Border Route Trail using hand tools. John and Barb Taylor will be coordinating a trail clearing trip to the BWCAW leaving the evening of Friday May 4, returning Monday May 7. They 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.

Tom H. & John T.

Thursday – Sunday, May 3 – 6    Gunflint Lake (Trip 1)
Trail Maintenance. Join us on a Border Route Trail maintenance trip to Heston's Lodge on Gunflint Lake. We'll concentrate on the sections from the western trailhead where the BRT meets the Kekekabic Trail through to the South Gunflint Rd and from Heston's eastward past Bridal Falls to the BWCAW. We also expect to put up more trail markers as well as do scouting and preliminary flagging for possible rerouting of the BRT off of the double track ski/horseback/mountain bike, etc. trails around the west end of Gunflint Lake.

Ed S. & John E.

Saturday – Sunday, May 5 – 6  SEMIANNUAL EVENT
Spring Extravaganza. Save the date for this year’s Spring Extravaganza at Afton State Park. Deadline to sign up: Thursday, April 26. See the Special Events page for more details and contact information.  

| agenda |   

Thursday, May 3     DAY TRIP
Skate the Chain of Lakes. Meet at Lake Harriet Band Shell at 6:45 p.m. Directions: Take 35W to 46th St. exit. Go West on 46th St. to Lake Harriet (about 1 mile). Turn right on Lake Harriet Pkwy. Head down the Parkway you will see the Bandshell in less than a mile. Park along Lake Harriet Pkwy.

Kathy E.  

Wednesday, May 2    NIGHT HIKE
Hike along the River in St. Paul. We will be hiking in Hidden Falls Regional and Crosby Parks in St Paul which are along the Mississippi River. Meet in the parking lot at the bottom of Hidden Falls Drive at 7pm. We'll briskly hike rain or shine until 8:30 or 9:00 PM. Dress appropriately and bring water, etc. After the hike, socializing nearby for those who are interested. Dogs OK.

Directions to Hidden Falls Regional Park: From the Ford Parkway Bridge (which is called 46th St in Minneapolis), go south on East River Road/Pkwy., Take a right at the stop sign, which is Hidden Falls Dr.

Pat R.

Saturday – Sunday, April 28 – 29    
Weekend canoeing. Two days of canoeing on the Rum river about an hour drive north of the cities. We will paddle about 15 to 20 miles in two days and camp at a DNR or county campsite. Easy/moderate in difficulty. Have extra clothes in a waterproof bag. Supper and breakfast provided, bring own lunch and beverage. Bring life jacket and padddle. Meet at call at 8:00 a.m., returning 4:00 p.m. Estimated cost: $20. Deposit: $0. Max trip size: open.

Basil L.

Saturday, April 28    DAY TRIP / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
United Seminary Planting. To usher in the Spring season, community volunteers will team up with students, faculty, and staff from the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities to plant native prairie, oak forest groves, and rain gardens on the Seminary's campus in New Brighton. The planting will form an educational landscape highlighting the use of native plants and sustainable design and will be utilized as an outdoor classroom by students and staff. It will also improve the water quality of nearby wetlands and Rice Creek, which drains into the Mississippi River. Tools, work gloves, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers must pre-register through Great River Greening's volunteer events calendar, the link is provided below. Meet at United Seminary. 3000 5th St NW, New Brighton at 8:30 am, returning 12:00 pm. Estimated cost: Free. Must pre-register through Great River Greening.

Melissa H.  

Friday – Sunday, April 27 – 29  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo. Want to check out our club? The Outdoor Adventure Expo’s fifty plus exhibitors can help you find your true passion for the outdoors. Check the Special Events page for more information.

We need volunteers to help staff the booth and to help with the canoe/kayak auction. Please contact Mark A. to sign up for a 2-hour time slot.

Thursday, April 26    DAY TRIP
Skating at Hyland Park. Skating around the Hyland Park area. Meet Hyland Park Visitor Center at 6:45pm. Please call in case of cancellation.

Directions to Hyland Lake Park Reserve: Located at 10145 Bush Lake Road in Bloomington. From I-494, go south on Normandale Blvd. to 84th Street. Turn right and follow 84th Street, which becomes East Bush Lake Road. Follow East Bush Lake Road pass the Richardson Nature Center and take left into the Hyland Visitor Center (same area that they rent x-country skis).

Kathy E.

Wednesday, April 25    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking at Tamarack Nature Center. Located in White Bear Township. Please meet in the parking lot off of Otter Lake Road at 7:00 p.m. We will hike until approximately 8:30 p.m.

Directions to Tamarack Nature Center: From Downtown St. Paul, take I-35E North to Highway 96, go east on Highway 96 to Otter Lake Road, go north. Tamarack is located approximately 2½ miles on the left-hand side at 5287 Otter Lake Road.

Marissa R.

Tuesday, April 24  SEMIANNUAL EVENT
Rovers Spring Intro Show. Find out more about Rovers and/or see what we’ve been up to lately at the Spring Intro Show at 7pm at REI in Bloomington. Visit the Special Events page for more information.

April 23 – May 6     
Transatlantic Cruise. April 23 from Galveston, TX on the ship, Splendour of the Seas to May 6 or thereafter from Barcelona, Spain by air. This is a very reasonable cruise on Royal Caribbean International costing under $50 a day for a transatlantic crossing which includes meals and lodging. I hope you will join me for this exciting Rovers trip. Estimated cost: $499 for Interior Stateroom, $599 for Oceanview plus airfare to Texas (I have booked a one way flight for $109) and return from Barcelona. Deposit: $450 due by February 10. You will probably want to make your own flight arrangements. Max trip size: Unlimited — as long as the ship doesn't fill up.

Laurel M.

Sunday, April 22    DAY TRIP
USFS Saw Certification. Spring Saw Certification Courses will be held on both Saturday, April 21and Sunday, April 22 this year. It is a one day course and you may choose whichever day best suits your schedule. Those that wish to use cross cut saws or chain saws on federal property must be certified by the USFS. This session will allow you to become certified for the first time and will also allow you to renew your certification. The BRTA will provide crosscut and chain saws plus the necessary safety equipment, fuel, tools, etc. You should bring leather work gloves and a bag lunch.

John E.

Saturday, April 21    DAY TRIP
USFS Saw Certification. Spring Saw Certification Courses will be held on both Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 this year. It is a one day course and you may choose whichever day best suits your schedule. Those that wish to use cross cut saws or chain saws on federal property must be certified by the USFS. This session will allow you to become certified for the first time and will also allow you to renew your certification. The BRTA will provide crosscut and chain saws plus the necessary safety equipment, fuel, tools, etc. You should bring leather work gloves and a bag lunch.

Ed S.

Saturday, April 21  SEMIANNUAL EVENT
Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup. Bring your work gloves and lend a hand for just a few hours cleaning up Rovers’s designated road. Meet at 10am at County Road 202 (corner of 109th Lane N. and Zachary Lane) in Maple Grove. Pizza lunch afterward for all volunteers. For more details, check out the Special Events page of the site.

Friday – Sunday, April 20 – 22    
Prairie Chicken Viewing. Watch the prairie chickens "booming" at Glacial Ridge NWR, one of the nation's largest prairie restorations by The Nature Conservancy. Two blinds have been reserved for April 21 and 22. We need to be in the blinds 1/2 hr before sunrise around 5:00 a.m. - for 2 to 4 hours, depending on when the prairie chickens leave. Need warm clothing & waterproof boots. Also bring binoculars/cameras. We will be staying in a hotel or B&B nearby. There are a number of places to hike/bird watching in the area on Saturday at Rydell NWR, Agassiz Dunes SNA, or Pembina Trail SNA. Meet at Roseville REI at 9:30am, returning pm. Estimated cost: TBD. Deposit: TBD. Max trip size: 6.

Karen B.

Thursday, April 19    DAY TRIP
Skate the Chain of Lakes. Skate Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. (about 12 miles) Make it shorter if you want to skate one or two of the lakes or longer if you want to do extra loops around Lake Harriet. Meet at Lake Harriet Band Shell at 6:45 p.m.

Directions: Take 35W to 46th St. exit. Go West on 46th St. to Lake Harriet (about 1 mile). Turn right on Lake Harriet Pkwy. Head down the Parkway you will see the Bandshell in less than a mile. Park along Lake Harriet Pkwy.

Kathy E.

Wednesday, April 18    NIGHT HIKE
Hiking in Minnehaha Park and Beyond. Hiking in Minnehaha Park and maybe down the trail toward Pike Island. Meet on the bridge over Minnehaha Falls at 7pm. We'll briskly hike rain or shine until about 8:30 PM. Dress appropriately and bring water, etc. After the hike, socializing nearby for those who are interested. Dogs OK.

Directions to the park: from 46th St E.(which is the Ford Bridge in Saint Paul) and Hwy 55 (north of crosstown/62... east on 46th street, Right (south) on Minnehaha Ave and keep straight once you go through the "round about." Park near the pavilion or on Minnehaha Ave and walk toward the creek.

Pat R.

Saturday, April 14    DAY TRIP
A Night at the Xcel Energy Center. Catch the buzzzzzzz of the Minnesota Swarm Lacrosse team at the Xcel Energy Center. We will either purchase tickets ahead of time or at the ticket window the night of the game. Please respond so we know how many are interested. Meet at Xcel Energy Center at 7 p.m. Estimated cost: $12 –- $17 + concessions. Max trip size: unlimited.

Jim W. • 651-290-2255   |   Tom M. • 763-416-3951

Saturday, April 14    DAY TRIP
Chain Saw & Brushcutter Training. If you're interested in learning the dos and don'ts of chain saw and brush cutter operation as it pertains to trail maintenance or if you just want to get in a little practice before taking the USFS certification course the following weekend, this is the trip for you.

We'll leave from the Birchwood Cafe, 3311 E. 25th St., Mpls, at 9:00 a.m. sharp. Arrive between 8:00 and 8:15 to enjoy one of their fine breakfasts. The drive to the farm outside of Plum City, WI will take a bit over an hour. There should be plenty of miscellaneous deadfalls and brush that we can practice on. Lunch will be provided.

If people want we can stop at Maiden Rock Bluffs on the way home for a short day hike.

Estimated cost: $7, includes lunch and tranportation (deductable from the cost of any Spring trail maintenance trip). Cost does not include breakfast. Deposit: $7. Max trip size: 12.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Ed S. &  John E.

Saturday, April 14    DAY TRIP — VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
St. Paul Spring Parks Cleanup. Come join us for a few hours for the Annual St. Paul Spring Parks Cleanup. This year Rovers will be cleaning up Henry Park, near Pig's Eye Lake. This is the newest park in St. Paul, so we'll be helping clear off old building materials and such from the former homestead. This is a great chance to give back to the outdoor community, no matter where you live. Wear comfortable clothing for the weather that day, (I suggest long sleeves and pants no matter what). You will be walking off trail to some level, so comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots are a good idea. Kickoff is at Mounds Park 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. St. Paul Parks Department will provide breakfast foods and a raffle at the kickoff. In order to reduce the amount of waste generated at this event, bring your own reusable gloves and reusable beverage container, if you have them. They will provide us with trash bags. Meet at at 8:30 AM, returning 11 AM. Estimated cost: $0.

Directions: From I-94 Exit on Mounds Blvd, Go South to Mounds Park. Meet at the picnic pavilion for the kickoff at 8:30. Just check in as part of the Rovers. After that we'll head down to Henry Park. From the kickoff continue on Mounds Blvd to 61. Take that South to Lower Afton Road, turn left. Take the first right, Point Douglas Rd. That will end and turn into Highwood Ave. Follow that until it breaks off and go straight onto Skyway Drive. The entrance to Henry Park is a dirt road near the southernmost tip of Skyway Drive. See map.

Sponsoring organization: St. Paul Parks and Recreation

Scott S. & Joanie J.

Saturday, April 7    DAY TRIP
Hike and Pizza Party. Build an appetite and then help make pizzas and then eat pizzas. Come and hike from where I live down to Lake Harriet and around the lake and back and then we will socialize and make pizzas and eat pizzas, or just join us for the pizza making and pizza eating portion. Come with a food item to put on the pizzas we will make from scratch. Pre-made pizza crusts and pizza sauce will be supplied. Also, bring a beverage of your choice. The hike will start at 4:00 p.m. and the Pizza Party will start at 6:00 p.m. Call or e-mail for directions.

Mike S. & Ed S.

Saturday, March 24    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY & SOCIAL EVENT
Community Service, Movie, and Socializing. We will begin the day with community service. From 9:30 a.m. through about 12:45 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in downtown Minneapolis (101 E. Grant St.), we will cook and serve a meal to 125 people who live in poverty, many who are homeless. Directions and parking info are on their website. Afterward, we will go to a movie and then out for dinner, details to be determined closer to the event. Suggested donation towards the cost of the meal served at Wesley is $20. Although there is a limit for the number people needed to cook & serve the meal, the rest of the days activities are open to as many as wish to join us. Estimated cost: $20 donation. Max trip size: 15.

Suzanne M.

Saturday, March 17    DAY TRIP
Downhill Ski, Snowboard, Telemark. Enjoy one of the last days of winter on the slopes at Afton Alps. Tailgate BBQ for lunch. Bring a lawn chair, something to grill, something to drink, and something to share. I will provide the grill and charcoal. Meet at the parking lot in front of the Meadows Chalet (far end) at 10am. Eat lunch at around 1pm. Ski some more after lunch and stay as long as you feel. Estimated cost: $35. Deposit: 0. Max trip size: unlimited.

Tom M.

Thursday – Sunday, March 15 – 18     SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Spring Crane Migration. Some people say it's a spiritual experience. You don't have to be a birder to appreciate this. The spring migration of the sandhill cranes in North America produces the largest and most spectacular concentration of cranes in the world. Up to 500,000 birds linger along an 80 mile stretch of the Platte River in central Nebraska each spring. Come experience them up close—in a Nature Conservancy blind at sunrise.

During the day—we will look for cranes dancing in the fields, and other migrating birds (eagles, ducks—and if we are really lucky— whooping crane). It's a nine hour drive—but from everything I've heard—well worth it! Deadline for sign up is December 1st or 14 people—whichever comes first. Estimated cost: lodging (TBD), gas, and food. Deposit: $50. Max trip size: 14.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission  |  Nature Conservancy

Deb G.  

Saturday, March 10    DAY TRIP
Hike from Como to St. Anthony Park Area. We'll start in Como Park. This walk has it all lions tigers and bears just like the Wizard of Oz. You will visit woods, old street car trails, abandoned bridge, many ball fields. Go West is what Americans do best and West we will go. Through the fair grounds with ghosts of past fairs in every step. Don't expect any cheese curds today. Onward to College Park first mountain biker in USA biked these hills in 1967. You will walk by first orphanage in Minnesota. Services to adopt are still in this area. See a log cabin timber church from early 1800s. See haunts of lost school, gas stations, grocery stores, drained lake. Hike will return to Walt's place for apple cider. Total miles ~8. Meet at Churchill Street and Horton St. Paul at 12 noon, returning 3pm. Call or e-mail Walt if you plan on going. Estimated cost: $0.

Walt J. • 651-488-4007

Saturday, March 10    DAY TRIP
Nordic Ski Day Trip. Enjoy the snow before it goes. Pack a lunch to eat on the trail and bring your classic skis. No skate ski trails here. The trail center rents ski equipment. Wild River State Park is more than an hour north of the Twin Cities. Take I-35 to North Branch and head east on 95 12 miles to Almelund. State Park vehicle sticker required and MN ski pass is $5 daily. Meet at Wild River State Park trail center at 10:00 a.m.

Julie R. & David B.

Sunday, March 4    DAY TRIP
Triathlon Swim Training. Swim workout geared toward triathlon distance. Located at Oak and Washington Ave. Minneapolis U of M Aquatic Center pool. Bring towel, swim suit, goggles, and $2. Training will include warm up, main aerobic set, cool down. Total distance swimming 2,500 yards. Great pool fun and hard work. Time to get ready for summer triathlon events. Will lunch after at near by restaurant. Meet at University of Minnesota Aquatic Pool at 12 noon, returning 2pm. Call or e-mail Walt if you plan on going. Estimated cost: $2. Deposit: none.

Walt J.

Friday – Sunday, March 2 – 4    
Downhill Skiing. Lutsen guarantees snow well into April. Come enjoy the lengthening days on the best ski slopes around. We'll be staying in Lutsen Mountain Inn, at the foot of the mountain. Once we get there, we won't need to drive at all if we don't want to. Includes lodging Friday and Saturday nights, lift tickets for Saturday and Sunday, continental breakfasts, whirlpool and sauna. Carpooling and meals are extra. Cross country skiing is also an option. Meet at Roseville REI at open, returning open. Estimated cost: $200. Deposit: $100. Max trip size: 12.

Lusten Mountain Links: Virtual tour | Lutsen Home Page | Ski runs

Norm S. & Barb S.

Friday, March 2    DAY TRIP
Friday Night Ice Skating. Friday night ice-skating was so popular we're doing it again! We'll go back to The Oval, the largest outdoor refrigerated skating facility in the world. They have a bonfire area, bathrooms indoors, etc. You can get driving directions from their website. Meet inside, where you sit to put on your skates. I'll be in the blue striped hat. We'll go to some local watering hole afterwards, for drinks and eats. Meet at John Rose Oval skating rink in Roseville at 8 pm, returning 10pm. Estimated cost: $5 for skating, an extra $4 if you need to rent skates.

Laura J.

Thursday, March 1 – Sunday, March 4   
Winter Tracks '07. Join us for the Winter Tracks Festival—A Festival to Celebrate Winter on the Gunflint Experience classic Minnesota winter at its best with unique winter fun and recreation at the second annual Winter Tracks celebration on the Gunflint Trail. We'll be staying at Heston's Resort on Gunflint Lake. Amenities include modern log cabins, the best sauna on the lake plus direct access to the Border Route Trail and a selection of ski trails to suit every taste from skate skiing to non-groomed backcountry. Ace chef Trish Hannah of last fall's Heston's Halloween trip fame has agreed to be in charge of food. We guarantee that you won't be disappointed. This will be a 3-day trip leaving Thursday night, March 1st and returning Sunday night, March 4th.

Visit www.hestons.com and www.wintertracks.com for further information on the lodge and the Winter Tracks Festival. You'll be happy to note that the '89 Black Maria Dodge Maxi-Van has been sent off to Van Hades and has been replaced with a '01 Maxi-Van! Positive cushy luxury in comparison. Co-Sponsored by Minnesota Rovers and the Border Route Trail Association. Meet at Roseville REI at 6:20PM, returning 9:30 PM. Estimated cost: $230/person including transportation, food, and lodging. Deposit: $50 to hold your reservation with a further $50 due 2/15. A full refund will be available if you cancel no later than February 15th or if your spot is filled from the waiting list. Max trip size: 16.

Sponsoring organization: Border Route Trail Association

Ed S. & John E.

Sunday, February 25    DAY TRIP
Downhill Ski, Snowboard, Telemark. Enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding on fresh snow at Afton Alps. Meet at the Alps Chalet (main chalet, lower level) at 10am. Plan on eating lunch in one of the chalet's. Stay as long as you feel. Estimated cost: $35 + Lunch.

Tom M.

Saturday, February 24    DAY TRIP
Snowshoe Hike/Social. Come out enjoy a snowshoe hike along the Minnesota River valley. If there is no snow we will hike on the trails. Hike starts at 3:00 pm and will go until dusk. Meet at Glen's place 2:30 p.m. then we will walk two blocks to the trails. Social event starting at 6:00 p.m. and ending at 11:00 p.m. Bring a dish to pass and beverage of your choice. Racquetball, swimming pool, and hot tub available for fun. Full locker rooms for changing including a sauna. Park in the back and walk through the courtyard to the big glass windows, enter door on right side. Follow this link for directions: Village Park Apartmens, 1900 E. 86th St. Bloomington.

Glen C.

Saturday, February 24    DAY TRIP  
Triathlon Training Running. Run training on Mississippi River Road. Distance 6 to 11 miles total. No cost for this day trip. Bring good running shoes and dress for outdoor running. Helps to have dry shirt available at finish. Meet at 28th and Franklin Ave. Los Campeones Gym at 11am, returning 2pm. Estimated cost: $0.

Walt J.

Friday – Monday, February 16 – 19    ANNUAL EVENT
Cross-Country Ski/Snowshoe. Eighth Annual President's Day Weekend at National Forest Lodge. Great skiing and snowshoeing. The Isabella area consistently gets enough snow to ski and there are miles of trails for all levels of skiers. Enjoy the stars and tall pines while you relax in the outdoor hot tub after a hard day of skiing. Or enjoy a hot sauna and cool dip in the lake if you prefer. Play games or socialize in the main lodge at night. Stay in rustic cabins. The food is prepared by the lodge and includes meals from Friday dinner through Monday lunch. NO CHORES REQUIRED! Meet at REI in Roseville for carpooling. Estimated cost: $260 + transportation. Deposit: $130. Max trip size: 16.

Other comments: Get a 5% discount if the balance is paid in cash. Bring your sleeping bag, toiletries (including towel & face cloth), and any personal beverages.

Tom M.  

Friday, February 16    DAY TRIP
Friday Night Ice Skating. We haven't had a Friday night skate yet this year, so it's time! Since this weather is just too iffy to count on the lakes, let's go to the Oval, the largest outdoor refrigerated skating facility in the world. They have a bonfire area, bathrooms indoors, etc. You can get driving directions from their website. It's $5 to skate, an extra $4 if you need to rent skates. Meet inside, where you sit to put on your skates. I'll be in the blue striped hat. We'll go to some local watering hole afterwards, for drinks and eats. Meet at John Rose Oval skating rink in Roseville at 8 pm, returning 10pm. Estimated cost: $5 for skating, an extra $4 if you need to rent skates.

Laura J.

Sunday, February 11    DAY TRIP…WITH SPECIAL GUEST!
Broomball. We have a special guest joining us—former Rover: Doug Noel. Doug is visiting from the Southwest and wants to see if broomball is as fun as he remembers it—let's show him what fun he's been missing out on!

Hope to see a big turnout! All experience levels welcome. We provide brooms and ball. Padding is a good idea - we have a limited supply on hand. If you have these items yourself—it's a good idea to bring: shin pads (soccer style work), knee pads (volleyball or rollerblade style work), elbow pads (rollerblade style work), helmet.

Deb G. & Bob N.

Saturday – Monday, February 10 – 12    SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL
Downhill/Cross-Country Skiing near the Upper Peninsula. Leave early Saturday morning to a lodge in Whitecap Mountain resort. Downhill ski right outside the door. Within a few miles of Whitecap Mountain are several groomed cross-country trails for the Nordic lovers. Returning Monday afternoon. Estimated cost: $129 lodging + food, gas & ski passes. Deposit: $129. Max trip size: 6.

Amy E. • & Kathy E.

Saturday, February 10    DAY TRIP
13-mile Hike. Cross over Mississippi River 8 times, a favorate run route of Walt’s (this time a hike). Very beautiful trip seeing Minneapolis river area. Crossing Franklin, Washington, Dinkytown, 10th, Stone Arch, Central, Hennepin, Boom Island bridges return to Franklin and 28th Street. Dress warm, wear good shoes. About 13 miles, 2 hours to run estimate 3.5 hour hike. Ever wanted to go distance of half marathon? Here is one way to do it. Contact Walt if you plan on going. Meet at 28th and Franklin Avenue. Los Campeones Gym at 11am, returning 2pm.

Walt J.

Friday – Sunday, February 2 – 4     SORRY, THIS TRIP IS FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN
Cross Country Skiing in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Friday: Stop for lunch on the way up to Bayfield, WI. Check out Ice Caves if Lake Superior is frozen. Supper at Maggie's (alias the Pink Flamingo). Saturday: Ski at Mt. Valhalla Winter Sports Area and/or check out the dog sled race. Sunday: Drive or ski over to Madeline Island and ski and have lunch if Lake Superior is Frozen. Or check out Dog Sled Race. Staying at Seagull Bay Motel's Cottage and an old bed and breakfast that Seagull Bay owns; it has a small sauna); both overlook Lake Superior. Meet at Parking Lot across from REI in Roseville at 9:30 a.m., returning 8:00 a.m.. Estimated cost: $65. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 18 people. NO PETS.

Frank T. & Rob C.

Friday, January 26 – Sunday, January 28    
14th Annual Hostel Take Over X-Country Ski Trip To Itasca State Park. If you can't make it on Mike's trip then reserve your spot now for the famous Hostel takeover trip! We will be staying in the fabulous 5-star Youth Hostel. Itasca State Park is the oldest and largest State Park in Minnesota and has a great trail system for skiing, hiking and snowshoeing (if we get a lot of snow). Saturday meals are provided and Sunday breakfast and lunch. Most people will head up Friday and some will be heading up Thursday (additional lodging fee for extra night). Estimated cost: $60. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 31.

Louie T.

Friday – Sunday, January 26 – 28    
Ice Skating/Ice Fishing at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve near Hackensack, Minnesota (skiing and snowshoeing if possible). Hedge your bets at this comfy environmental-learning center near Hackensack in northern Minnesota. Try ice fishing or skating on the center's six lakes; all equipment is provided. If there's snow, ski on 20 kilometers of groomed trails or snowshoeing on 10 square miles of forest (skis and snowshoes provided). There's an indoor climbing wall and naturalist hikes to join. The center includes a lodge with fireplace and library and interpretive center. Transportation by carpooling. Estimated cost: $100. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 40. Meet at at 2 p.m., returning 5 p.m.. Estimated cost: $100. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 40. | Deep Portage website |

Beth G. & Torsten M.

Sunday, January 14    DAY TRIP
Broomball. Come play broomball—there might even be ice! All skill levels welcome. Fun is practically guaranteed! We provide the brooms and ball. Bring along—if you have shin pads (soccer okay), knee pads and/or elbow pads (volleyball/rollerblade). We also try to have extras on hand. A great way to enjoy winter! Meet at Lexington & County Rd B in Roseville between 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Bob N.

Friday – Monday, January 12 –15    
X-Country Ski Trip to Itasca State Park. Get away from the rat race, the traffic and your job and enjoy the rolling hills and tall majestic white and red pine trees of a sprawling Itasca State Park, Martin Luther King weekend. We will cross-country ski, snowshoe, or hike depending on the snow conditions. At night, we will sit around the in fireplace room and socialize or you can play cards or table games with others in the dinning area at the Itasca Hostel. It is a three-night commitment. Deposit $60. Deposit: $60. Max trip size: 31.

Mike S. & Jim W.

Friday – Monday, January 12 – 15    
Cross-Country Skiing. Stay at Black's Cliff Resort near Minocqua, in northern Wisconsin over Martin Luther King weekend. Skiing is 15 minutes away at Minocqua Winter Park & Nordic Center, a private XC ski area with 75 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Some of the best trail grooming in the Midwest. Great fun, scenic trails for all skill levels, with trail center for warming up, eating, and relaxing. Usually there is plenty of snow, but if not, we'll drive a hour north and ski in deep powder snow from Lake Superior. Each person brings a meal to share with the entire group. Nice cabin with fireplace, by the lake, also a sauna at the resort. Meet at Depends on carpooling at 5:00 PM, returning evening. Estimated cost: $120 for lodging + gas, food, ski permits. Deposit: $60. Max trip size: 7.

Chuck H. &   Peter H.

Sunday, January 7    DAY TRIP
Broomball. Come play broomball—there might even be ice! All skill levels welcome. Fun is practically guaranteed! We provide the brooms and ball. Bring along—if you have shin pads (soccer okay), knee pads and/or elbow pads (volleyball/rollerblade). We also try to have extras on hand. A great way to enjoy winter! Meet at Lexington & County Rd B in Roseville between 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Bob N.

Friday – Sunday, January 5 – 7    
X-Country Ski and Snowshoe. Another Rover Trip Revival! We have the rustic cabins at Tettegouche State Park for the nights of Friday Jan. 5 and Saturday Jan. 6—three cabins, a total of 18 people. Leave Friday morning, return Sunday evening. You can read about Tettegouche Camp (click on link, see page 2): It's really a cool place! Old wood cabins, propane heated to 40 degrees, wood stove to bring up temp to comfy level. Cook stove—but No running water–yet there is a heated shower/toilet building on the property. There is also a log building "lodge" used for common space/gathering. The hike in is a hilly one and one-half mile hike. Depending on snow conditions—you can ski in, snowshoe in, or hike. Many people bring a small sled to haul gear. The cabins are right on the ski trail. There is great x-country skiing up there—and/or great snowshoeing! My first priority will be for people who have never been there. Exceptions will be made for 1) two people who are willing to take care of menu planning and shopping and 2) two people who are willing to be cabin coordinators. I anticipate the cost to be approximately $65, plus transportation. Deposit $40. Estimated cost: $60 – $70. Deposit: $40. Max trip size: 18.

Deb & Lauren G.

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E-MAIL: info@mnrovers.org   .  E-GROUP: MNRovers  .   UPDATED: 1/3/12