Trek the Kek Trail

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/5/7/a/event_10678746.jpegAccept the challenge and backpack the Kekekabic Trail with the BWA Committee crew.

The Kekekabic Trail was damaged by the 1999 Storm of the Century and several years later by Cavity and Ham Lake fires. Yet the Kek is coming back, thanks to volunteers and USFS Minnesota Conservation Crews that cleared several segments of this 42 mile long wilderness trail.

The plan is to have half the group start on the East end and the other half of the group to start on the West end.

We will encounter rocky trail hiking from the east trailhead (scarred by the fires), cross the Agamok bridge and hike the hills and ridges of the central section before descending to western segment. This part of the trail looks similar to what the trail looked like 30 years ago. Our job, aside of surviving, will be to count the number of tree-falls, track and note the condition of the trail and campsites. After the trip, one of the crew volunteers will write a trip report for the USFS.

Interested parties need to be in excellent physical condition, capable of carrying 35 lbs. pack for up to 15 miles per day (we will hike in range of 12-15 miles per day), and have proper gear (including sleeping bag rated to 25 deg F, rain gear, tent, etc.) and participate in Saturday pre-trip hike. The lighter your pack, the more you will enjoy the trip, or the less you will hate yourself...;-) This trip will challenge you physically and mentally, quitting is not an option. BWAC will provide 3 McKenzie maps, share stoves and cooking gear, water filter, tarp, first aid kit, and 2 dinners.)

Expected cost is $110 -$140 depending on the number of participants in addition to registration cost of $25. That includes shuttle service fee (if needed) and gas for carpooling.

Small print: Subject to BWAC trip policy, pet, tobacco and alcohol free trip, electronic devices not allowed except for GPS and heavy DSLR cameras. (or any cameras)

Permission to register is required - Email Martin Kubik or call 651-214-5849.

Please Note Revision 1: The East Team is planning to do this in 3 days and to be headed home on Sunday night while the West Team is still reserving Monday, the 4th day, Just In Case. Also note the new start time of 12:30pm Thursday from the NE Metro. Martin Will send out a Detailed Trip plan in the near future.