Hi This is Erik from Clearwater Lodge and Outfitters and just wanted to share a new podcast I am hoping will be a place where fellow paddlers and BWCA enthusiasts can share ideas, experiences and stories. Though it is hosted through Clearwater Canoe Outfitters website it is a stand alone podcast that is meant to be as informative as possible and not just another form of advertisement. I would love to hear from you going forward. You can find us on all podcasting aggregators but here is a direct link. Direct Link

I hope you gain some momentum on the podcast.
I feel awkward in saying this, but I could not find where to register so I could comment. I could find Login - but not register.

Thanks for the information, Erik - I remember reading and enjoying your trip reports, so will want to check it out.

Hi Eric: Good luck with the new podcast and I hope you will post some new trip reports in the future, they were excellent!

I read there was a podcast out a few weeks ago, I finally listened to them this weekend. Well done and keep up the good work! The quick comments about cliff jumping and not taking a Clearwater boat close to shore add to it.

Maybe have a pre-podcast post here or somewhere every week, take a few listener comments about that lake or topic?

Thanks, I just subscribed to it. Sounds interesting.

cyclones30: "I read there was a podcast out a few weeks ago, I finally listened to them this weekend. Well done and keep up the good work! The quick comments about cliff jumping and not taking a Clearwater boat close to shore add to it.


Maybe have a pre-podcast post here or somewhere every week, take a few listener comments about that lake or topic? "

Thanks for listening! We definitely want to give people the opportunity to get involved with their thoughts, personal experiences and suggestions going forward. We are talking about Caribou Lake on the next podcast.

I've spent most of my trips from the middle of the park to the west. Only one trip about 15 years ago was off the Gunflint. Did Round to Tuscarora, Little Sag, Gabi, Ogish, etc up to Sag. Very cool area and very different from what I was used to.

Will you cover those other areas eventually? Maybe bring in a guest host from an Ely outfitter for those? Then I'd have input and feedback personally.

Subscribed and added to the list of various podcasts that I listen to.

cyclones30: "I've spent most of my trips from the middle of the park to the west. Only one trip about 15 years ago was off the Gunflint. Did Round to Tuscarora, Little Sag, Gabi, Ogish, etc up to Sag. Very cool area and very different from what I was used to.


Will you cover those other areas eventually? Maybe bring in a guest host from an Ely outfitter for those? Then I'd have input and feedback personally."

Yep, we are definitely planning on including areas west of the Gunflint Trail in the near future, and eventually work our way around Sawbill/Brule area, Isabella and Ely as well.

So, 4 episodes in I now have an urge to visit Clearwater someday.

Hopefully you can pickup a few sponsors and make a couple bucks. Good luck and keep them coming.

mirth: "So, 4 episodes in I now have an urge to visit Clearwater someday."

I haven't had a chance to listen yet (just subscribed), but I can't say enough good things about the people working at Clearwater. Went through them 3 times in the last two seasons to get our canoes/bunkhouse/shuttles/etc. and I will continue to use them anytime our plans take us near their part of the Gunflint Trail. The lodge alone is a beautiful place to spend an evening before heading into the wilderness! Erik and the team run a great operation there.




Thanks for the heads-up about the podcast Erik!

Glad to finally find a good paddling podcast! I'd love to see it hosted on an app (like Podbean) where I listen to the rest of my podcasts.

BlueSkiesWI: "Glad to finally find a good paddling podcast! I'd love to see it hosted on an app (like Podbean) where I listen to the rest of my podcasts."

Never heard of Podbean, but we will definitely be looking into it. Keep your eyes out for it.

MNIIHON: "Hi This is Erik from Clearwater Lodge and Outfitters and just wanted to share a new podcast I am hoping will be a place where fellow paddlers and BWCA enthusiasts can share ideas, experiences and stories. ... "

Erik,
I have enjoyed the first 5 episodes. Looking forward to more.

Thanks

My wife and I are bunking at your place in early July, basecamping in the area, hoping to do a day trip to Johnson Falls, and maybe find some Border Route Trail overlooks. Naturally, I have been all over the interwebs researching the area. Lo and behold, a pile of information right there on clearwateroutfitters.com. Reading your blogs, listening to your podcasts, and basically devouring the volume of info on your site. Nice stuff, Erik!

If it happens to be open, the campsite on Little Caribou is fantastic and gives you a central location from some days trips (Johnson falls, Brook trout fishing in Gogebic, etc). We had great fishing in that lake too. Caught a bunch of Walleye and one huge northern.

Erik and Adam,

Thanks again for the information you have made available through your podcast.

While I have been solo backpacking years, I have always found a comparable canoe trip into the BWCA intimidating; (limited permits, limited campsites, traveling deeper into the wilderness ect). Your podcast has addressed many of my concerns about trips into the BWCA.

I just got back from four days paddling the shorter Clearwater loop. Thanks to you guys, I enjoyed a great solo trip. Going in, I had a good idea how ambitious a trip I could attempt. Thanks to your campsite reviews, I found 3 spectacular campsites to set up my hammock.

My few lingering concerns caused me to overpack necessitating double portaging. And, I'll need to get comfortable with a lot of new scratches along the bottom of my canoe. Overall, a great experience that was made more accessible by your podcast.

Thanks

OCDave: "Erik and Adam,


Thanks again for the information you have made available through your podcast.


While I have been solo backpacking years, I have always found a comparable canoe trip into the BWCA intimidating; (limited permits, limited campsites, traveling deeper into the wilderness ect). Your podcast has addressed many of my concerns about trips into the BWCA.


I just got back from four days paddling the shorter Clearwater loop. Thanks to you guys, I enjoyed a great solo trip. Going in, I had a good idea how ambitious a trip I could attempt. Thanks to your campsite reviews, I found 3 spectacular campsites to set up my hammock.


My few lingering concerns caused me to overpack necessitating double portaging. And, I'll need to get comfortable with a lot of new scratches along the bottom of my canoe. Overall, a great experience that was made more accessible by your podcast.


Thanks"

Thanks for listening OCDave! So glad to hear our podcast and campsite reviews were a help in putting together a memorable and enjoyable trip. The mission of our podcast is to share our knowledge and the knowledge and experience of fellow BWCA campers to spread the word on the park and increase the awareness of its incredible wilderness opportunities. We're so happy to hear that it was helpful to you, let us know how your future trips turn out.

Thanks Eric for making the podcasts. I listen to them in the car. Very informative and interesting to listen to.

Thanks for putting out the podcasts. I listen to them in the car on my commute.

I now have a desire to go see "Big Winchy" and catch some rock bass on the south arm of knife. (These seem to be some recurring themes)

As far as the rock bass, I can't tell if you guys are being tongue in cheek or serious.

I've finally had a chance to get caught up on a few podcast so I've only caught the first 4 episodes so far. I like the format and the diversity of topics discussed so far.

On a side note, while I've not yet heard the SAK rock bass talk i can confirm their existence.

I've finally had a chance to get caught up on a few podcast so I've only caught the first 4 episodes so far. I like the format and the diversity of topics discussed so far.

On a side note, while I've not yet heard the SAK rock bass talk i can confirm their existence.

I've quite enjoyed them keep up the good work!!

I'm enjoying the cast as well, thanks for making & distributing it. Any luck attracting official beer sponsors yet?

I have really enjoyed these podcasts so far.

The “airing of grievances” is one of my favorites :) Also liked the Quetico/BWCAW comparison, but they are all good.

T

Great podcast! keep it up. I'll be bringing up some beer sponsers in july for you guys.

mirth: "I'm enjoying the cast as well, thanks for making & distributing it. Any luck attracting official beer sponsors yet?"

Unfortunately no official beer sponsors as of yet, but we have had some kind listeners unofficially sponsor us thirsty boys with a gifted six pack here and there.

Thanks for listening everybody!

Because of this thread, I discovered your podcast today. I've only gotten through 3 episodes, but I like it. I like the systematic approach to discussing the lake, sites, portages...I like the anecdotes and tangents. I like hearing your take as a couple of guys who live there and have spent such a tremendous amount of time sharing your thoughts and hearing you contextualize all the facts with your own experiences.

And I love that one of the reasons you're doing this is to raise awareness. I have limited time and resources, but I have a personal quest to raise awareness for places like BW and others as well as introducing people to activities like paddling, camping, backpacking for their first time. I'm currently also striving to change my career (actually started my own business and trying to grow it to a point where I can quit my other job) in order to regain the means, opportunities, and freedom to go on trips to places like BW. Every day/month/year that I don't get to go is another day/month/year that I never went, and I don't want to find myself looking back at my life with regret.

My wife and I are avid listeners. We don't always listen to each one together but always keep current. I liked this latest one reviewing the guided trip and commenting on the $!&" show on your way out on portages.

Permethrin treated clothes works best for us. Also an all natural product called bug soother is made in her hometown in IOWA that works we'll for flies, gnats, etc.

Was listening to the solstice episode on the way to work today. Too bad the USFS shut down your Clearwater challenge... maybe to your point it was "too organized" versus the more loose Dairy Queen challenge or even the Voyageur Challenge (which, is highly organized IMO).

Hope the wine turns out well once finished!

Out of curiosity, why all the love for Reddit and elsewhere but never a mention of this site? I can understand "cross promotional" issues if that's the case, but just seems odd given this is one of the most highly traveled sites about the area.

mirth: "Was listening to the solstice episode on the way to work today. Too bad the USFS shut down your Clearwater challenge... maybe to your point it was "too organized" versus the more loose Dairy Queen challenge or even the Voyageur Challenge (which, is highly organized IMO).


"

or it could be the fact you asked for permission (good thing to do) and that brought it to their attention enough they had to respond?

T

timatkn: "

mirth: "Was listening to the solstice episode on the way to work today. Too bad the USFS shut down your Clearwater challenge... maybe to your point it was "too organized" versus the more loose Dairy Queen challenge or even the Voyageur Challenge (which, is highly organized IMO).
"

or it could be the fact you asked for permission (good thing to do) and that brought it to their attention enough they had to respond?

T"

True. Sometimes 'tis better to ask forgiveness and all that.

Also Erik - thanks for the insight to your handle here! :)

mirth: "Was listening to the solstice episode on the way to work today. Too bad the USFS shut down your Clearwater challenge... maybe to your point it was "too organized" versus the more loose Dairy Queen challenge or even the Voyageur Challenge (which, is highly organized IMO).


Hope the wine turns out well once finished!


Out of curiosity, why all the love for Reddit and elsewhere but never a mention of this site? I can understand "cross promotional" issues if that's the case, but just seems odd given this is one of the most highly traveled sites about the area."

Thanks for listening and for the luck cast towards the maple wine. We really do wish this site could be more involved in terms of sharing listener/paddler experiences especially because of how popular it is as you mentioned. At the start we reached out to the community and Adam in regards to regularly involving bwca.com and its members in parts of the show. The sponsor(Clearwater) of the podcast was deemed a conflict of interests to the paying advertisers(who are mostly other outfitters) on the site, which we completely understand and have respected that decision.

For what it's worth we never wanted to, and will never try to use the podcast as a marketing tool for Clearwater and if i'm being completely honest we used the existing Clearwater website for hosting the podcast because it was easier than building another site specifically for it.

For now reddit and facebook seem like fine alternatives and maybe sometime in the future we can look into the matter again. Either way we have been amazed at the feedback and responses we have gotten from people thus far and look forward to recording more of them in the future, we really have a ton of fun with them.

Thanks for the clarification, I had a feeling it might be something along those lines. Guess I'll have to start watching for posts on Facebook.

At the start we reached out to the community and Adam in regards to regularly involving bwca.com and its members in parts of the show. The sponsor(Clearwater) of the podcast was deemed a conflict of interests to the paying advertisers(who are mostly other outfitters) on the site, which we completely understand and have respected that decision.

As one of the other outfitters on Gunflint Trail, it's a great 'small town' community here and we all help each other with promotion through the Gunflint Trail Association. Clearwater is a great place and their pie is -Ah-MAZE-ing- and the lodge is beautiful. To me, at least, it seems like all the outfitters on the Gunflint Trail are here to help each other, not a winner take all competition. I hope it stays that way, and I will continue to reach out to other businesses on the Gunflint Trail in hopes that it does. We love this area, and think it's special.
I do listen to this podcast and the one put together by WTIP / Joe Friedrichs. Both are great!
-Carl

Carl........... over the years I've noticed how much the Gunflint Trail Outfitters work together and I think that's so cool.

I listened to a couple of the podcasts today and they are helping me plan my upcoming daddy/daughter trip. Thank you Eric

Thanks - it is crazy how fun it is to listen to even if you have no plans to visit the lake they are reviewing! I'm hooked.

Hey there everyone!
I just wanted to bump this post as a friendly reminder if you haven't heard of us and needed some help in day dreaming your next open water trip. It has been two years since we started our little podcast and we're still going strong. April is a hard month regardless of the current situation, hopefully you can find something of interest in our 100+ episodes. You can find us anywhere you get your podcasts. Thanks if you're already a listener. Happy Paddling! https://tumblehomepodcast.com/

I really enjoy your podcast! Thanks!

Hey great Podcast. I just started listening about 3 months ago. You and The Office Ladies are my go to podcast right now. A lot of questions asked on this message board are often thoroughly answered in your podcast. So I've directed some people to you

I'm currently "binge" listening to your podcast as I fell way behind. Just listened to the Hog Creek / Perent episode today and loved the story with the rangers. I really like the range of BW related topics you guys cover, keep up the great work.

MNIIHON: "Hey there everyone!
I just wanted to bump this post as a friendly reminder if you haven't heard of us and needed some help in day dreaming your next open water trip. It has been two years since we started our little podcast and we're still going strong. April is a hard month regardless of the current situation, hopefully you can find something of interest in our 100+ episodes. You can find us anywhere you get your podcasts. Thanks if you're already a listener. Happy Paddling! https://tumblehomepodcast.com/ "

That reminds me, I need to go back and check my final 4 and champion predictions to see how I compared to the actual voting! Keep up the good work! -Ethan

MNIIHON: "Hey there everyone!
I just wanted to bump this post as a friendly reminder if you haven't heard of us and needed some help in day dreaming your next open water trip. It has been two years since we started our little podcast and we're still going strong. April is a hard month regardless of the current situation, hopefully you can find something of interest in our 100+ episodes. You can find us anywhere you get your podcasts. Thanks if you're already a listener. Happy Paddling! https://tumblehomepodcast.com/ "

Thanks for bumping these to my attention. I have cabin feever bad and these are great and just what I needed! Keep up the good work. - Jackpine Jim

Tumblehomies Unite! Enjoy the podcast so much. Really fills the void during the off season. Keep up the good work.

I've been listening for about the past 6 months, usually when I'm on the exercise bike trying to get into BWCA tripping shape. I'm still working out, but I'm not expecting to be doing a mid-May trip this year - I suppose no one is at this point.

Still, it's a very enjoyable podcast and it's even got me to thinking about trying tree dwelling in the future. Still not persuaded to carry a cast iron pan in with me, but I could always put it in one of my sons' packs. Hmmm.... that could work!

#pbnaysh!