Torry Fish Camp, Namakan Lake
Voyageurs, July 22-25 2022
Join us on Lake Namakan in beautiful Voyageurs National Park July 22 - 25. We have the Torry Fish Camp site for 3 glorious nights in the wilderness and plenty of time to explore the isles of Namakan.
We will launch from the Ash River boat launch at 10:00 a.m. on Friday the 22nd, returning early afternoon of Monday the 25th. (In case of weather conditions preventing a safe return on Monday, we’ll stay over. Pack an extra day of food.) You’ll want to get up to the area Thursday evening to be at Ash River by 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Launch time is 10:00 a.m. This is fishing season, and carpooling is recommended.
A full trip will have 8 paddlers. We have 4 tent pads. Each can accommodate 2 2-person tents.
If you’re somewhat new to kayak camping, don’t worry. We’ll have a pre-trip meeting and paddle to make sure everyone feels prepared and excited about our adventure together. Expect a weekend morning paddle on Minnetonka to be scheduled when the trip fills. You’ll get to pack your kayak and paddle it loaded on this practice run, while getting to know your trip mates.
I strongly encourage you bring a Voyageurs National Geographic Map (#264). It’s fun to figure out where we are, where we want to go, and how many miles we’re logging.
Expected conditions for this trip are ISK Level II.
Winds <14 mph, scattered whitecaps, waves up to 2'.
Total distance each day up to 12 miles.
Prerequisites:
- Wet suit or dry suit for cold water conditions*
- Wet exit & T rescue
- Ability to paddle ~3mph
- Ability to paddle up to 12 miles in a day
- Ability to paddle in wind and waves
- Ability to cool weather camp (average low 55°)*
- Ability to paddle kayak loaded with 4 days worth of camping gear
*Weather in July could be surprisingly hot, but that far north you must be prepared for cold water and cool weather.
Cancellations are only allowed up to July 1st. After that you will be responsible for selling your spot to another member. Contact me.
Questions? Email Alida, alidawintern99@gmail.com
In the spirit of the original Voyageurs, we will have Campfire Stories. Please bring a poem, song, or short story to share with your fellow explorers around the campfire. After all, who doesn’t love a good yarn?
(No, it’s not required.)
“I could carry, paddle, walk, and sing with any man I ever saw. I have been 24 years a canoeman and 41 years in service. No portage was ever too long for me. Fifty songs I could sing. I have saved the life of ten voyageurs. Have had twelve wives and six running dogs. I spent all my money in pleasure. Were I young again I would spend my life the same way over.”
~ a Voyageurs Oldtimer
Want to read more about Voyageurs? https://www.nytimes.com/1979/08/19/archives/paddling-the-waters-of-the-voyageurs-a-new-national-park-that-is-a.html