The Dates are: April 27th, 28th and 29th

If you are reading this, you are invited to the Minnesota Spring Wingnight - Yes, that means you!

This is a weekend campout at a private site, at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve in Rockford, Minnesota. You will not be charged any money to camp with us. This event is paid for, through the bwca.com members and their fundraising efforts. Again, this event is free to all members and guests of the bwca.com forum.

When you camp with us, we will not ask you to pay for camping fees. Donations are always accepted but you will be camping with us for free. You will not have to pay State Park Vehicle License Fees either.

Again, donations are welcome but not necessary.

The dates are April 27th, 28th and 29th. You may arrive anytime on Friday April 27th. The gates will be open at 6am. The Wingnight Committee will be present and available for any assistance.

Children are most welcome! Parents, remember that weather conditions change without notice in Minnesota, so please pack extra warm clothes for your little ones.

**Children are not allowed to play or tend the fire without a parent present. Please talk to your children before the gather so they understand this.

Parents - please clean up after your munchkins and keep a watchful eye on 'em.

Last spring was a muddy cold weekend so plan accordingly.

The site offers a large, very private area that is permitted for our use only. There is not a 10pm "Quiet Time" enforced because there are no other campers to disturb. Which means, late night fire chat is allowed. This site is very private.

The large building on the site is also ours to use. It offers protection from severe weather (I've rode out a nasty tornadic storm in that building) and it was invaluable at our last few gathers because of the cold and rain and wind....and snow.

The bathrooms were maintained daily by the park personel and are located in our camp area. There is plenty of parking but remember that this area can get muddy during the spring.

The lake is non - motorized and is canoe and fisherman friendly! .
Volleyball and horseshoe pit at campsite.
Several fire pits
Tent space city!
Trees for hammocks
No balloon head rangers!
Close to shopping and stores
Close to the Twin Cities
Wildlife abundant
Alcohol allowed in bottles or cans. (No kegs - No hard liquor)
---------------------------------------------------
Trails galore!

Mountain Bike Trail (3.5 miles) - This trail begins at the Lake Rebecca rental building. Most of the trail winds through old fields and remnant maple-basswood forest. The trail passes an overlook of the swan refuge pond where birds can regularly be seen.

Paved Bike/Hike Trail (6.5 miles) - This trail is a single loop through the park with rolling hills and scenic views. There are rest stops along the trail. This trail serves as a connection to the north edge of the park reserve.

Turf hiking trail (3.9 miles) - In addition to the paved trail, these turf trails are self-guided nature trails through hills, prairie marsh and upland woodlands. A map is available at the rental building.

Horse Trails (9.8 miles) - Lake Rebecca offers scenic trails for horseback riders. Trailer parking is available. User fees apply for each horse and rider age 16 or older. Three Rivers Park District does not rent horses.

For a complete trail map, visit ThreeRiversParks.org
---------------------------------------------------------
River Access - There is an access point for canoes onto the Crow River in the southwest corner of the park on County Road 50.

Play Area - Newly renovated, the Lake Rebecca play area has a “Big Woods” theme featuring components such as a tree house, several ground climbers, and slides fabricated to look like fallen trees and roots

Fishing - For tiger muskies, largemouth bass, walleyes and pan fish are available in Lake Rebecca. There are two accessible fishing piers along the shores, with one located in the bay and the other near the swimming beach for shore fishing.

Pets in the Park - Pets are allowed at group camp areas; however, pets are not allowed in picnic areas, beach areas or play areas. Pets are allowed on paved trails at Lake Rebecca Park Reserve, but they are not permitted on turf trails. Pets must be attended at all times and on a maximum of a 6-foot leash.

Please Leave no Trace! This area has a large abundance of wildlife, including coyotes, raccoons and skunks.

Potluck will be on Saturday afternoon - so bring a dish to share. All I can say is that if it's good and you like it...bring it. The variety of food will amaze you.

There is no electric. I'll bet you can work around that, 'eh? Bring a lantern if you have one.

The Lake is very canoe friendly. No motorized boats, electric only. Bring your canoes or kayaks and your fishing gear. The Muskies are HUGE in there!
-----------------------------------------------------------
Directions:
Lake Rebecca Park
9831 Rebecca Park Trail
Rockford, Minnesota 55373
(763) 694-7860

South of Rockford -

Take 494 North to Highway 55 West. (Left)
(Stay on 55 West approximately 15 miles)

Take a left on County Road 50 (Rebecca Park Trail)

You will go over a set of railroad tracks and the road will curve hard to your left.
One block down, the road will curve hard to your right. Do not go right!!!
You will see a dirt road in front of you. This is actually the road you want to be on. Watch for traffic!

You will see the group camp ahead about 4 blocks on the left.
____________________________________________________________________

North of Rockford -

Take 94 East to the Monticello exit 193 - Which is Highway 25.
Take a right and follow 25 for approximately 9 miles to Highway 55.
Take a left and follow 55 for another 10 miles to County Road 50 (Rebecca Park Trail).
Take a right.

You will go over a set of railroad tracks and the road will curve hard to your left.
One block down, the road will curve hard to your right. Do not go right!!!
You will see a dirt road in front of you. This is actually the road you want to be on. Watch for traffic!

You will see the group camp ahead about 4 blocks on the left.
_________________________________________________________________
Feel free to ask any questions!

You all know how to use maps so I think we are set! See ya very soon paddle pals!

My understanding is that you guys generally have a raffle of some kind. I don't usually come to these things (work!), but I have hammock gear I would like to contribute if you guys don't mind.

In deed we do have a raffle. Any donations will be welcome. If you have something setting around the garage, workshop or shed that some one could use, please feel free to contact Diva or myself.


Thanks.

JB

ill have more stuff to donate again.

Wow! Three months.

I plan to donate a couple Bob Dustrude Saws.

coming up fast. :)

Counting the months! Hopefully I can make it. Planning on it so far.

What is the Objective for the funds for the raffle?

All items donated will be placed into the raffle which will happen on Saturday afternoon. You must be present to win. No purchase necessary. You will have opportunities to win tickets throughout the weekend. All items donated will be enjoyed by those attending the wingnight.

There will not be a silent auction.

I nominate Outward Bound and its At Risk Youth Programs for our raffle proceeds.

outward bound at risk youth

it sounds like a great organization to donate money to.

We are not doing a fund raiser at this time.

quote Divainthewild: "We are not doing a fund raiser at this time. "

i hope at a future time that changes.

We would like to try to make this Wingnight about those that are present and on the gathering, rather than a fundraiser being the focus of the event. There are many legalities to fundraising, plain and simple and this definitely falls from the original concept of what "Wingnight" is.

This year will include a few different surprises and every single person who attends will benefit from it.

We haven't forever ruled out fundraising but have turned our focus more on the short weekend we have together.

I can see where Diva is coming from. Maybe a fund raiser in the fall if everyone is inclined. But Spring, we need to be out paddling and enjoying the weekend more... It ain't going to rain is it? Bring your tow straps! If in fact a fund raiser is initiated I'd be in, but I'm just saying I'm not expecting it as it is a lot of work for those putting on the event.

quote Divainthewild: "We would like to try to make this Wingnight about those that are present and on the gathering, rather than a fundraiser being the focus of the event. There are many legalities to fundraising, plain and simple and this definitely falls from the original concept of what "Wingnight" is.


This year will include a few different surprises and every single person who attends will benefit from it.


We haven't forever ruled out fundraising but have turned our focus more on the short weekend we have together. "

i totally understand nana. thanks for clarifying.

quote Divainthewild: "We would like to try to make this Wingnight about those that are present and on the gathering, rather than a fundraiser being the focus of the event "

Totally agree with this. People can give funds to charity any time they want, no need to do it at Wing Night.
If there was another fundraiser in the future, I would say it should to some group that works in and for the BWCA. Like those that clear portages. Better yet, it should go toward a Wing Night Christmas party at a northwoods lodge!

1/25 - I have to add to my original comment. After I wrote it I thought I should add more and then JB hit on what I was thinking. This should be about the group. About like-minded individuals that share a connection to something beautiful and wonderful. A time to get-together and meet those one hasn't met yet and rekindle friendships that began online or at a previous wing. To build and form a strong camaraderie in a group. A group of really great people!

Thank-you to Mr and Mrs InTheWild for all your hard work organizing the Wing Nights. And to the others on the committee. I think there's a committee.

Jeff I agree with you on the donating anyone can donate at any time.

Let's make WingNight about our group and have fun.

Christmas party sounds good.

This spring should be a lot of fun.

We have a great committee that do a great job. I wish Darys would reconsider and join us. Ask Diva I don't do this very often unless soup is involved but PLEASE join us.

Thanks Jeff

JB

I hope everyone understands that I do speak for the committee and many other members of this forum. We are totally dedicated in making this a Wingnight you wont forget...it's gonna be hard to top the last few....but we have every intentions of doing so. Stay tuned for some really cool details..........

I love your hearts and I'm thrilled that this is such a giving and caring group! For real!

Hugs!

Bump!!

Figured I might throw in a few pics for anyone who might not have attended before.

I hope this helps to give you an idea what we have to work with. Yes their will be a raffle. If you can't attend and want to donate any old gear get a hold of Diva or myself.

The time draws near.

JB

With this "Awesome" weather we are having, I am so in the mood and ready to do some camping.
So I thought I would bump this up as a reminder.

Hope this weather lasts through our spring wingnight.

Hope to see many of you there!

My two boys are already asking about when they get to back and make stick forts at Rebecca.

Hope its not TOO HOT! ;)

quote Soledad: "My two boys are already asking about when they get to back and make stick forts at Rebecca.


Hope its not TOO HOT! ;)"

I just hope it's dry... but not too dry! :) I'm comin' rain or shine though. If Butthead brings a turkey, I'll bring the thermometer. :) and something else. For those who have never been there, the food on saturday is to die for. If you live in the cities, you need to cancel all other plans... to good to miss!

quote nctry: "

quote Soledad: "My two boys are already asking about when they get to back and make stick forts at Rebecca.



Hope its not TOO HOT! ;)"

I just hope it's dry... but not too dry! :) I'm comin' rain or shine though. If Butthead brings a turkey, I'll bring the thermometer. :) and something else. For those who have never been there, the food on saturday is to die for. If you live in the cities, you need to cancel all other plans... to good to miss!"

Thanks Ben! My old one is still somewhere in MN, and not much use.

butthead

I have a 30 qt fryer I have never used!! I will bring it if butthead can give me a lesson! Pete

Where is Minnesota?

quote SunCatcher: "Where is Minnesota?"

You remember where the big muskie live!

JB

Anybody notice that Midwest Mountaineering moved their expo to the same weekend as wingnight. They normally have it two weeks sooner.

quote TwoByGreenCanoe: "Anybody notice that Midwest Mountaineering moved their expo to the same weekend as wingnight. They normally have it two week sooner."

your right chuck-bummer-i was looking forward to both

Well THAT stinks... what were they thinking! Do we have the option to change our weekend?

Well that sucks! I'll miss both this year as I will be on St Louis. Bummer

quote kanoes: "ill have more stuff to donate again."

If it’s your red beer koozie I'm in for sure, that thing looks to belong in a museum!

quote tg: "

quote TwoByGreenCanoe: "Anybody notice that Midwest Mountaineering moved their expo to the same weekend as wingnight. They normally have it two week sooner."

your right chuck-bummer-i was looking forward to both"

+1

Sorry - our dates are solid and paid for. We've had our dates since last fall. No possible way in the world to switch it. We are only a half hour west of the Twin Cities so I'm sure some of you can dart off the MM for their show.....if you wish.

quote Divainthewild: "Sorry - our dates are solid and paid for. We've had our dates since last fall. No possible way in the world to switch it. We are only a half hour west of the Twin Cities so I'm sure some of you can dart off the MM for their show.....if you wish. "

Just looking that option over right now. Thanks

quote luft: "Well THAT stinks... what were they thinking! Do we have the option to change our weekend?"

Change the weekend for the MM show? Really? If you've been to one MM expo...you been to all of them. Same crowds, same deals that really don't exist, same information seminars that are overcrowded...

I think MM should change THEIR date, so they don't loose so many customers :)

Probably hit MM on Sunday... Need a place to keep canoe trailer though.

I'm gettin' excited!

quote Divainthewild: "I'm gettin' excited!"

+1

tony

+2!!!

MAJOR BUMP!

quote luft: "Well THAT stinks... what were they thinking! Do we have the option to change our weekend?"

FIELDTRIP!

I will be there this year to try out the new CCS Lean 1 Plus.

Hopefully butthead will be there to show me some tips and tricks for setting it up!

have fun in my absence.

quote kanoes: "have fun in my absence."

WHAT? Who's going to yell "Car" everytime someone drives in on Friday?

wing will survive just fine without me.

You aren't going to be there Jan??????????

April 1st.

quote snakecharmer: "April 1st."

nope.

Unable to attend. My son Will gets his Eagle Scout on that weekend. Happy mom and proud dad. His mom is the scoutmaster. Proud of them both!

quote kanoes: "

quote snakecharmer: "April 1st."

nope."

:-(

quote nctry: "Probably hit MM on Sunday... Need a place to keep canoe trailer though."

Ben,
You can park your canoe trailer in my driveway if needed. The house is sitting empty in a quiet neighborhood less than 10 minutes from downtown. If interested, let me know. I'll give you the address and send a picture so you will know where to go. I'll also inform the neighbors so they'll know you'll be there.

quote dicecupmaker: "Unable to attend. My son Will gets his Eagle Scout on that weekend. Happy mom and proud dad. His mom is the scoutmaster. Proud of them both!"

Congratulations to him! That is a tremendous accomplishment. I know it to be true. Destined to be one of the most memorable and important days of his life.
Congrats again. To both.

I'm torn. I want to attend Wing Night, but I have an opportunity to do an early season trip into the BWCA with a buddy on the same weekend (Friday through Monday). What to do...?

quote HikingStick: "I'm torn. I want to attend Wing Night, but I have an opportunity to do an early season trip into the BWCA with a buddy on the same weekend (Friday through Monday). What to do...?"

I could too, but the lure of Wing Night is to great. I figure I have all summer to paddle. But only a couple occasions to hang out with the awesome bwca.com folks. You'd be missed as well as you'd be missing out. Have fun if you go to the BW... I'm sure your friends would be welcome at the gathering also.

quote nctry: "

quote HikingStick: "I'm torn. I want to attend Wing Night, but I have an opportunity to do an early season trip into the BWCA with a buddy on the same weekend (Friday through Monday). What to do...?"

I could too, but the lure of Wing Night is to great. I figure I have all summer to paddle. But only a couple occasions to hang out with the awesome bwca.com folks. You'd be missed as well as you'd be missing out. Have fun if you go to the BW... I'm sure your friends would be welcome at the gathering also."

Yes! Bring your buddy to Wing NIght and paddle Rebecca! Ya got all summer for the bdub.

quote HikingStick: "I'm torn. I want to attend Wing Night, but I have an opportunity to do an early season trip into the BWCA with a buddy on the same weekend (Friday through Monday). What to do...?"

Know what I'd do- experience the BWCA vs, talking about it. Me, I'll be going to watch the Grand March of my daughter's prom that weekend. Glad I didn't have to choose between a trip and that event.

quote HikingStick: "I'm torn. I want to attend Wing Night, but I have an opportunity to do an early season trip into the BWCA with a buddy on the same weekend (Friday through Monday). What to do...?"

Andrew, bring your guitar and let's swap some songs there. After that, paddle your butt off all summer!

Someone take good notes at this spring wing. I'll be in St Louis

quote OneMatch: "

quote HikingStick: "I'm torn. I want to attend Wing Night, but I have an opportunity to do an early season trip into the BWCA with a buddy on the same weekend (Friday through Monday). What to do...?"

Andrew, bring your guitar and let's swap some songs there. After that, paddle your butt off all summer!"

That's the opportunity I'll miss the most if I skip wing night.

My daughter is ambassador for our town (think "princess"--not a royalty program, but the same job description), so we have weekend events just about every weeekend from the end of May through August. Between that and my teaching schedule, I have few options for going in during the summer.

I'm torn!!!

hoping to make it myself this year but naturally i am in another city for the entire week prior which could have an impact on my plans. Ordered up some Burts Bees "Tips n Toes" kits, if they ship on time i will donate, in case i can't make it assume i can just give to Jan and he can deliver. i've ordered like 70 kits that you guys could hand out. not sure how many folks are planning to attend.

KT - I really hope you can make it but if you cant we will make arrangements to have someone pick it up. Jan isn't attending this wingnight. :-(

You are the BEST!!

quote KTorell: "hoping to make it myself this year but naturally i am in another city for the entire week prior which could have an impact on my plans. Ordered up some Burts Bees "Tips n Toes" kits, if they ship on time i will donate, in case i can't make it assume i can just give to Jan and he can deliver. i've ordered like 70 kits that you guys could hand out. not sure how many folks are planning to attend."

KTorell, I can pick the stuff up if you cannot attend. I see your profile says your from Eagan. I'm just south of you in apple valley. I hope you can attend though. Let me know.

tony

I might make it, waiting to see what happens with work the week before.

Diva, Jan also shot me an email letting me know he isnt going. going to do my best to make it, if not, I'll take Tony up on his offer

quote KTorell: "Diva, Jan also shot me an email letting me know he isnt going. going to do my best to make it, if not, I'll take Tony up on his offer"

That is perfect! Thanks to you too Tony. Can't wait to see ya!

quote bobbwca: "I might make it, waiting to see what happens with work the week before."

It would be great to see ya Bob. We really wanted to come to your camp but Mark and I are going to just be coming back from my daughter and my son's weddings in Florida. Have a super good weekend!!!!!!!

Bump! Only 10 days away! DO you all have your camping gear ready? As of now possible rain so bring your rain gear. It is Minnesota tho, so anything can change.

quote KTorell: "Diva, Jan also shot me an email letting me know he isnt going. going to do my best to make it, if not, I'll take Tony up on his offer"

I'll put money on Jan being there, he can't help himself when it comes to playing in the mud:)

JB

quote jb in the wild: "

quote KTorell: "Diva, Jan also shot me an email letting me know he isnt going. going to do my best to make it, if not, I'll take Tony up on his offer"

I'll put money on Jan being there, he can't help himself when it comes to playing in the mud:)


JB"

Yeah, I kinda miss him. He has forgotten about me :(
We used to be so close............

quote floatstanley: "

quote jb in the wild: "

quote KTorell: "Diva, Jan also shot me an email letting me know he isnt going. going to do my best to make it, if not, I'll take Tony up on his offer"

I'll put money on Jan being there, he can't help himself when it comes to playing in the mud:)



JB"

Yeah, I kinda miss him. He has forgotten about me :(
We used to be so close............"

Float, Maybe he will surprise us :)

Only A Week away People! Weather forecast as of now looks Great!

im going to try to stop by saturday to camp, on the way home from the trip. i have two bridges that i broke, they really need to be mended. not 100% sure if i will make it...hope it works out though. if it works, id be stinky and gross...that ok? :)

Aren't you always stinky and gross?

quote mr.barley: " Aren't you always stinky and gross?"

bite me.

btw? will you have any beer left? squirrel a few away for me...just incase. lol!

quote kanoes: "im going to try to stop by saturday to camp, on the way home from the trip. i have two bridges that i broke, they really need to be mended. not 100% sure if i will make it...hope it works out though. if it works, id be stinky and gross...that ok? :)"

Yeh! The B's will have another big kid to make marshmallow taffy with! : )

Stinky and Gross? We can fix that with a mud bath!

quote kanoes: "im going to try to stop by saturday to camp, on the way home from the trip. i have two bridges that i broke, they really need to be mended. not 100% sure if i will make it...hope it works out though. if it works, id be stinky and gross...that ok? :)"

Jan, we will make room for you and I am sure the majority of us will be gross and stinky too!

quote kanoes: "

quote mr.barley: " Aren't you always stinky and gross?"

bite me.

btw? will you have any beer left? squirrel a few away for me...just incase. lol!"

Me? Run out of beer? That's a good one.

Who's bringing the bloody mary's? S says she is going. She will drink a beer in a pinch. We are staying right across from the duluth pack store this weekend! Looking forward to some good company!

So has anybody seen bigfoot out wandering? He has to be getting close as he did say he was going to make it to our wingnight.

We shoulda had bfoot wear a tracker so we can see his progress. OMG - I have to unpack so I can pack. I'll get to that right after work tonight. I can't WAIT to see you all!!!

quote Divainthewild: "We shoulda had bfoot wear a tracker so we can see his progress. OMG - I have to unpack so I can pack. I'll get to that right after work tonight. I can't WAIT to see you all!!!


"

Agreed. bigfoot needs a tracker. Don't forget float Diana! He has been very antsy while you were gone.

No way I could forget him. He's quite excited.

Bump

Bumpity Bump!

Bumpity, Bump, Bump!!!

I'm On My Way! If you see me along the roadside could ya pick me up? I really didn't think I would have to portage to wingnight