Trip #2 Backpack to Quadga on the Powwow Trail with Caitlin, Brian, and Angela

YOU MUST SPEAK WITH A TRIP LEADER PRIOR TO TRIP REGISTRATION.

MESSAGE Caitlin Tegels (caitlin.tegels@boundarywaterstrails.org) AND/OR Brian Meyer (nutz4crappie@gmail.com) AND/OR Angela Tilbury (amtilbury@outlook.com) TO EXPRESS INTEREST OR ASK ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRIP - INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND A GOOD TIME TO REACH YOU.

TRIP OVERVIEW
Crew members will backpack 9.5 miles from the trailhead to Quadga Lake on the Powwow Trail. We will set up a basecamp and clear brush in the southwest portion of the trail, working rain or shine. This trip will be early in the clearing season, with everything that comes with that - expect a wet trail but few bugs.

WHY VOLUNTEER?
You will meet other like-minded hikers, share your skills and learn new skills from your crew, and have an unforgettable experience helping maintain one of the few hiking-specific trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

ITINERARY

Thursday, May 7 (Day 1)

• In the early morning, carpool from the Twin Cities to the BWCAW.
• After checking individual gear, distributing tools, and discussing safety, we will backpack 9.5 miles to camp (approximately a 4 hour hike). Be prepared for multiple water crossings, potentially knee deep.
• After arriving at our destination, we’ll set up camp for the evening and tuck in for dinner.

Friday & Saturday, May 8-9 (Days 2-3)

• In the morning we'll discuss safety, tool usage, and USFS trail standards. Then we'll make our way to the work area and clear trail, taking time for breaks, until 4-5 pm (crew leader discretion).
• Dinner and tales of the trail at camp.

Sunday, May 10 (Day 4)

• Clean up camp and repeat the backpack back to the entry point.
• Carpool back to the Twin Cities. We may arrive back late.

NEED TO KNOW
Pre-requisites:

1. Prior backpacking experience is desired.
2. Physically able to backpack 9.5 miles in 4 hours on rough terrain.
3. Attend the required Crew Member Orientation (April 14th at REI Bloomington).
4. Attend a required local hike and gear shake-down event before the trip with your crew and trip leaders.

Personal Gear: Gear lists will be provided and a gear shakedown meeting will be held to assess team members’ gear needs. Each team member will be responsible for carrying their own pack, shelter, sleep system, food, water, personal gear, borrowed trail tools, and their share of group gear. If there is something you do not have, please let the crew leaders know well in advance of the trip.

BWAC Gear: BWAC will provide: McKenzie maps, safety glasses, hard hats, trail clearing tools, safety training, and BWCA permits. Water sterilization devices and bear canisters are available for use as needed.

Anticipated Temperatures/Weather Conditions: Crew members should prepare for anything from hot to rainy or cold days and/or nights. Also be prepared for bugs. Portions of the trail are likely to have standing water in early May. Crew leaders will discuss specifics closer to trip dates.

Food: Bring your own easy-to-cook, or no-cook, food to enjoy during the 4 days. Confirm your food fits inside your IGBC-approved, bear-proof container or Ursack with odor-proof liner. Pack plenty of snacks; this is hungry work. You will not be able to hang food in this area.

Costs:

• $40 registration cost on Meetup (to offset admin, tool and map costs) and
• $20-30 carpool gas money

THE FINE PRINT:

• Participants are required to sign a (1) liability release form, (2) confidential health form, and (3) USFS trip form prior to the trip. This is a pet-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free trip.
• Participation is subject to BWAC rules, i.e., trip leaders can deny participation to anyone for any or no reason. If you sign up for this trip without prior approval of the trip leaders, your sign-up is considered a donation to BWAC.
• Please note the trip could be cancelled due to bad weather, fire danger, or other circumstances beyond the control of BWAC.

Thank you for considering this trip. By investing your time you will be creating lasting value for wilderness hikers and helping preserve this trail for future generations!