I've been a pastor since 1983. I love it. But from time to time I need some self care time where I can get away and decompress. Paddling does that for me. Especially paddling in the BWCA/Q.

September 3rd following morning Worship a fellow pastor and I leave for Ely and on the 5th we begin a 15 day journey in Quetico around the Hunter Island route.

Lord Jesus, I need this time with you and fellowship with a brother. Care for my congregation while I am away.

I bought a Garmin InReach Explorer+ and I am allowing those in my congregation who are interested to log onto the map page where they can follow along on my route.

That is cool! I recently started co-teaching an mid aged couples class, and talked last night to the leader of the class about a men's mission trip to the BWCA and they said they were in if I would plan it all!

Bruce

Welcome Grey Owl nice to have you here. It's always nice to run around in Gods playground, it is very good for the soul. Other than church, being in the woods gives me the most comfort and peace that I experience at any time. Have a great time on your trip !
P.S. That is one monster Pike in your photojournal !

Before senior pastoring my own church I ran an outdoor ministry and was a youth pastor for over 30 years. During that time I took hundreds of youth and adults on BWCA/Q trips every year. Sometimes as many as 50+ people at a time. Divided into trail families of 9-10 (depends upon how long ago it was), of course, with each group going their own route. It was sort of fun being paid to go canoeing but we did our own outfitting using the outfitter only for lodging and canoes so it was a lot of preparation work.

Now-a-days, its just vacation with fewer people which is nice. In fact this coming trip will be the first time I've gone with just one other person. I did do a solo once 17 years ago, too.

I just love laying out on a granite shelf of rock looking up into the night time star filled sky knowing that I'm personal friends with the one who created it all!

I feel the closest to God when I'm in the outdoors. Maybe it is because I'm usually unplugged from my job and other responsibilities. I then can slow down and appreciate even the littlest things! I remember my first trip to the BWCA and how I just took in the splendor of being there in God's creation. I was very thankful!

Mike

Welcome! I was a part time Children's Ministry Director for 9 years at our church up until a month ago. The church has grown and they needed to make that job full time. I homeschool my kids so I couldn't make that kind of commitment. There is nothing like working at a church, it is amazing watching God work. I also recharge in the BWCA or any wilderness area. I feel a special closeness to God when in the woods and on the water. Enjoy your vacation :)

quote Arkansas Man: "That is cool! I recently started co-teaching an mid aged couples class, and talked last night to the leader of the class about a men's mission trip to the BWCA and they said they were in if I would plan it all!

Bruce"

It's great that you are getting the time to recharge.

I have been leading trips to the BWCA for guys at church for several years now. Mostly different guys on each trip and they have been some of my favorite trips. One of the coolest parts is seeing the support that most of the guys have from their wives to go. Wise women.

I have been doing this as a ministry and want to do my best to make it a meaningful experience. I would be very interested in ideas from any of you on how to make it a mission trip. Not to hijack the thread.

Hope your vacation went well!