Septemer 23-26, 2022
Diamond Island South campsite on Rainy Lake
Join us on Rainy Lake in beautiful Voyageurs National Park September 23 - 26. We have the Diamond Island South site for 3 nights of camping. We will launch from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center at 10:00 a.m. on Friday the 23rd, returning early afternoon of Monday the 26th. (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 the visitor center by 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Launch time is 10:00 a.m. Carpooling is recommended as parking can be limited.
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 (expect temps in the 60s)*
- Ability to paddle kayak loaded with 4 days worth of camping gear
*That far north you must be prepared for cold water and cool weather regardless of the month.
**You must perform a T rescue with Alida or be vouched for by another board member to participate on this trip. If you want to set up a time to perform your T rescue or have questions about your paddling skills and whether this trip is a good fit for you, email Alida. alidawintern99@gmail.com
Please attend social paddles and/or Monday night skills sessions to help prepare for Voyageurs.
Cancellations are allowed until September 16th. After that, it is your responsibility to sell your spot to another member.
Need help getting through the registration? Here's a quick tutorial to guide you through the options and getting signed up. How to Register Guide
In the spirit of the original Voyageurs, we will have Campfire Stories. Please bring a poem, song, or 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