I am heading to Ely this morning for and afternoon send-off Paddler's Meeting. Final details will be covered. Then a dinner at the Grand Ely Lodge and Saturday morning - they start!
Watch them on watertribe.com . Check the Tracking map. Remember to click on the "Regenerate" so it will bring up the paddlers you are tracking. I will try to keep an update on this site too. Some paddlers are starting at Sha Sha on Dove Point to go south thru Gold Portage and others are going out and around to Kettle Falls. The decontamination station there could pose a slowdown - but we will see. The staff at Kettle Falls are super helpful and are ready and waiting for our paddlers. I wish them luck to add to the high level of skill they each bring to the event.

watertribe.com

I find using the water tribe link quite difficult with my phone. Hard to enlarge the map and then when I click on a participant it doesn't enlarge that square to read who it is.

Anyway....from what I've made out with my trusty magnifying glass :) it appears beav is solo and quite far ahead of others who are paddling tandem or Triplett.

The weather seems good so that's a big help

It's always exciting to watch progress.

The one thing that would be cool it to have a camera at the finish. But I realize that is a very personal thing and likely should be shared only by those who chose tto participate.

Thanks, GrandmaL, for all your hard work, dedication and devotion to keeping this Challenge afloat!

They are on the trail!! Starting as early as 5:00 AM today. They each could decide their own start time. They started at Dove Point, Sha Sha Resort and headed across Rainy Lake or down Black Bay. Wind was not bad - and sun shining. Mocha, you are right, BeaV is running solo and is way out in front. They are all working hard and making good headway. Several of them are on Grassy Portage as I am typing (9:30 PM). The mud on Grassy is bad enough but in the dark??? They are strong willed adventurous travelers. Hats off to you all!!

Wow, Beav is really flying

all challengers are making VERY good time. Having done this route (challenge) 5 times before -- amazed at the time and avg splits. Currently (and I have to make this quick as I know personally it will not be long before the Raven Calls) - BeaV is holed up in the top of Wednesday Bay-- a nice 19-20 hour paddle.(avg near 4knots from Sha Sha resort) Meat Puppet is at Beatty Port after doing the BIG Part of Rainy and thus not the Gold port -- way ahead of the pace I had the honor of doing in 2019 with a team a 8 -- including BeaV- and no Big Rainy then. Team Green is still chopping at the mix nearly 24 hours into the mix and the rest are holed up somewhere in the S part of Sand Point or very near Harrison Narrows.

ALL are true Warriors. Conchistador is stand up paddle for those that don't know. That's another level I simply can't comprehend.

Writing this mainly for a data point as many are not having their spots send Time of actual arrival/depart etc. Expect them to moving shortly ( Team Green has not stopped) - if not as I type.
Wish I was there, but work called. Kind of fun being behind a keyboard knowing pretty certain what they are dealing with. But Damn-- these conditions are EPIC. ( though a little chilly AWAY from the water as temps in Ely and Crane Lake are in the mid to Upper 30's) ---- Expect a BIG push today before potential S winds arrive-- though they look lighter than what was forecasted. Get around US POINT on Basswood and any wind issues should be behind most of the challengers.

Thanks for the update. They had an incredible display of Northern Lights last night to paddle under and maybe again tonight! Chilly too. 34 in Winton this morning.
Really admire their fitness and grit!

Wow, everyone seems to be flying! I noticed there is a team nearing Sag Falls who will most likely be overcome by beav sometime tonite, there team name doesn’t appear on the lists on the watertribe site.

GrandmaL, do you keep track of everyone? Or maybe they aren’t doing this trip officially?

Mocha and Challenger followers,
We track every Challenger that is signed up with Water Tribe or gives us their Tracking info and wants to be part of the Challenge crew. Some paddlers are not interested in the standings and number of challenges that Water Tribe documents, some are. I keep a statistics Ledger so all those who paddle with us are recognized and remembered, Water Tribe or not!
This 2022 Challenge - we have 17 paddlers and numerous support crew members and a tracking team. The supporters are mostly family and friends. The tracking team consists of Marcie Anderson, Mrs. Voyager, Mary Kohman my sister and myself.
Kruger-Waddell Challengers- 5 solo paddlers, 2 trio teams, 1 tandem
Voyageur Challenge paddlers - 1 tandem team - not showing on Water Tribe tracking but very much a part of our crew!
Moose Lake Challenge - 2 solo paddlers doing a parallel.

I expect to see BeaV pass the Moose Lake paddlers, Straight Haired Curly and CanoeWNC, this evening. They are camped just north of Sag Falls. Lower Basswood Falls is popular. The Timm Brothers are camped there. Kendra, Todd and Dave are there too. Hope they at least wave at each other. It is hard to find fellow Challengers in the evening dusk or even the night. Most of the paddlers are carrying a small reflector to hang to alert other Challengers so they can "group up" for the evening, that is if they are stopping.
Fun fast group - great weather so far!

WW, Jeff,
Just a quick note - thanks for your input. As a Charter member of the Challenges (dating back to the first Challenge in 2015) your insight is valuable. Marcie, Mary, and Sandy are all at the Cabin with me, watching every move these paddlers make. Keep an eye on Mzee. He has changed his plan, thinking of a more casual pace.

Thanks GrandmaL!

BeaV is now in the Granite River. I get nightmares about that stretch at night.
My .02 is BeaV holes up somewhere on Clove or Gunflint for few hours later tonight-- (if he repeats last nights strategy) and than that will be the last significant shore rest for him. This has been what he has done 2 other trips- solo in 2017 and with a larger group in 2019. Probably finish in the 72-80 hour time frame. Nuts.

I'd expect the same from MeatPuppet- just about 20-24 hours behind or so. His group is currently resting on the side of the Horse Port.

MN Greene has still not taken a break!!! Maybe they are having the middle person sleep and switch off?? Either way- very impressive and I have no clue when they will finish but .02 says they may be wanting to go sub 84 hours (3.5 days).

Conchistador is holed up on the far E side of big LLC.
Clewless and Prospecter are holed up near center of LLC.
MZEE is holed up just N of Beatty Port but doing a more relaxed pace as GrandmaL states.
Voyager is making unreal time and is currently holed up about hour past Curtain Falls on the W Shore of Sunday Bay.
I think nearly all will have Personal Bests....

BeaV continues ON .... No words to describe this effort.

Holy Moly! He’s already doing the long portage? Will he be on the pigeon river tonite?

Everyone is moving right along, hopefully it’s not foggy this morning like it is in southern MN

The Kettle Falls Decontamination Station went well. (9 paddlers with 6 boats). Each took about 20 minutes for the decontamination and to walk the portage - about 142 Rods. The staff at the Falls were super helpful and ready for our crews. And, just for those wondering - the Kettle Falls Hotel is only accessible by water.

Got to go pack my bag - Looks like Marcie and I will be heading to Grand Portage early to meet BeaV.

He is paddling a blistering pace. Wonder o
If he’ll even rest at ft Charlotte before starting the portage ?

I’m gonna ask this question because I don’t know the answer…
The groups that are paddling tandem or in a 3 person canoe….how are they not keeping up with beav in a solo boat? No judgement on my part, I’m just curious

Mocha: "He is paddling a blistering pace. Wonder o
If he’ll even rest at ft Charlotte before starting the portage ?

I’m gonna ask this question because I don’t know the answer…
The groups that are paddling tandem or in a 3 person canoe….how are they not keeping up with beav in a solo boat? No judgement on my part, I’m just curious"

Simple answer. Cuz it's BeaV. And the other paddlers are elite paddlers/athletes.

Well, it is unofficially, official! BeaV, traveling solo and totally unsupported completed the full 2022 Kruger-Waddell Challenge from Sha Sha Resort on Dove Island to the Grand Portage Fort in 66 hours 47 min!
In comparison:
BeaV's 2019 Tandem record set with MAKK (Kendra) was 63 hours 16 min.
In 2019, Muddy Feet (Kevin) did the same route as a solo paddler in 84 hours 11 min.

Marcie and I met BeaV at the Grand Portage Fort at 11:47 PM. as he came sprinting across the lawn so fast, we couldn't keep up with him. We watched as he tucked his canoe away and we headed to the Casino to get him a comfy room and some well-deserved rest. He was looking pretty tough and worn - but understandably so.

Now to watch and cheer on the next teams and solo paddlers as they make their way across the historic Border Route! I marvel at each one of them! strong of body and stronger spirit.

Congrats BeaV. That was really something to watch.

paddlinjoe

Such great progress by all. Worried that mngreene missed the portage getting to the pigeon river

Well done BeaV!

Looks like MNGreen/Team is on the Pigeon. I believe they have , done the challenge previously so their knowledge should prove useful. The Pigeon River is low right now and their boat will take a beating. They will have to walk it during certain parts, which ain't no fun at night. I don't know their plan but they could finish tonight for sure if they are interested and all stay safe.

Having done Rove Lake to Grand Portage in one day during a prior challenge there is plenty of time for MeatPuppet, MAKK and Pigeon River Dave to easily finish tomorrow. Having a slight idea of their plan, my guess is they will stay on Mountain or Moose tonight. They may even pay homage to the large White Pine on Mountain.

All the others are making good time and look like, if current trends continue, that a couple will end up with personal bests, which is cool in its own right.

Best to all!

It is 4:30 AM and I am up checking the tracking on MN Greene to see how they are progressing. The 9 mile Grand Portage is tough even in the day light. They have not stopped their forward motion since their Challenge start on Saturday morning. Resting in a moving canoe is just not, "good sleep". Them must be super tired but still pushing to the finish. Go guys, go!! I will be at the Fort to document their finish and offer congratulations to these hearty Challengers!

Way to go!!

Hi everyone, I'm on day 2 of recovery and body/mind is quickly returning. Thanks for all the comments!

Challenge Update- MNGreene and BanjoRacer and Nomadmusky successfully made it to the finish (Grand Portage Fort) this morning shortly after 6 am. Congrats to them and they quickly got to sleeping. We haven't heard many of their stories yet but will have time for that later. We put their beer on ice, ready for celebrations when they perk back up. We do know they struggled with darkness on the Grand Portage as their battery power diminished in their flashlights. The moon set after midnight and stars/northern lights only give so much illumination...ie are you my friend standing next to me or a bear?

Banjo Racer (Kevin), Nomad Musky (Kevin), MN Greene (Doug)finished 96 hours 3 min

BeaV at finish:

Why do these guys not look tired?
Great job to you all.
Someone give Kendra a hug from me when the meat puppet gang arrives later tonite.

Mocha,

That's because my pics are 12 hours after I finished. And MNGreen's group are before the start.

How many teams are still out there?

How does conchistodor portage his SUP?

Mocha: "How does conchistodor portage his SUP?"

Uncomfortably. :) Based on memory, I believe he has a strap that he crosses over his shoulder and then it carries like a purse or Seinfeld's European carry-all. I could be wrong but that is what I remember him saying.

I am in awe of everyone doing this challenge and all those who have done it.

I like that the last two teams are traveling together. Hopefully they can make it to north or south fowl tonite yet.

All right. I'm all caught up with this thread. Can I just say WOW! Way to go everyone! Always fun to follow along. I missed the beginning but your responses have filled me in. Can't wait to see some of you and hear all about it at Wingnight!

JimmyJustice: "

Mocha: "How does conchistodor portage his SUP?"

Uncomfortably. :) Based on memory, I believe he has a strap that he crosses over his shoulder and then it carries like a purse or Seinfeld's European carry-all. I could be wrong but that is what I remember him saying. "

Not that there's anything wrong with that :-)

BeaV.
WOW!!

Well, I’m gonna guess everyone is finished. Can’t get on the watertribe site, message said it’s unsafe, might have been hacked.

Great work everyone. A very fun adventure to follow. Looking forward to the written stories!

Holy. Moly. Beav!

Congrats to all, extremely impressive!!!

B E A V G O A T

Wow, what a whirl wind of a week. This year we had a super group of paddlers! Our last challengers finished their route and crossed the "finish line" at the Grand Portage Fort this morning. Once at the fort, they proceeded to launch their canoes on Lake Superior for the short paddle to the G. P. Marina. It was great to hear their stories and watch them as they told of adventure. Their enthusiasm and wholehearted commitment to each other and the goal is so very inspiring. I am proud to have been able to support their efforts.
Thanks to all of them, their families who supported them and a special thanks to Marcie, Mrs. Voyager, for all her help as we monitored their progress and tracked their successes.
We are already planning for the 2023 Challenges. Join us!

Congratulations to all!!!

Thank you all for your hard work paddling, portaging, not sleeping, not eating, not whining, coordinating movements and transports and all the logistics that go into this challenge.

You all mean so much to the many of us who participate alongside you in spirit.

Such an impressive effort by all, true grit.

Such an impressive effort by all, true grit.

Mocha: "I find using the water tribe link quite difficult with my phone. Hard to enlarge the map and then when I click on a participant it doesn't enlarge that square to read who it is."

A little too late now for a reply on this...but maybe this will help for next year.

Yes, the WaterTribe Tracking Map can be hard to use on a phone. Best is on a computer.

Their website is based on some older technology, I am told, and sometimes I get a message that the site is "unprotected". I just hit the button acknowledging that and view it anyway.

BeaV: "Challenge Update- MNGreene and BanjoRacer and Nomadmusky successfully made it to the finish (Grand Portage Fort) this morning shortly after 6 am. Congrats to them and they quickly got to sleeping. "

Here's a finish pic for Team 3M, left to right- Nomadmusky, MNGreene, and BanjoRacer

Mocha: "How does conchistodor portage his SUP?"

Used an inflatable SUP. Here's his finish picture and you can see how he carries the deflated board.

Finish pics for my former team members Meat Puppet, MAKK, and PRD (aka Team BeaVless). They finished 3rd overall with a really fast time. Word in the Woods is that they navigated just fine without me, ate better meals, and didn't miss hearing my raven call alarm clock!

Our only Voyageurs Challenge participants, brothers Scott and Matt Timm (L to R), finished with a huge sense of accomplishment. I had the honor of meeting and getting to know their Dad while watching and waiting for his boys to finish. Dad's pride for them poured out at the finish line!!!!!!

Solo canoeist, Voyager, finished the Kruger Waddell Route with his fastest time ever. Way to go Russ!

He paddled in the Missouri River 340 race this year as a warm up to the MN event. So Russ....which was harder?

I'll post a finish photo of Voyager when I can find one (Grandma- do you have one handy?).

There were 2, solo paddlers that did the Moose Lake Challenge- StraightHairedCurly and Canoewnc.

StraightHairedCurly and Canoewnc formed an adhoc team just prior to launching from Moose Lake and traveled and camped together until Rose Lake. Canoewnc sustained an injury that forced him to paddle out to Hungary Jack Lake and out of the Challenge. StraightHairedCurly finished her event on Friday. Her canoe-country knowledge and experience is vast but she learned something new on this trip- that scratching the hull of a beautiful canoe is unavoidable when the flow on the Pigeon River is low. Below is StraightHairedCurly finish pic.


Canoewnc didn't finish this year but he learned a lot from his first trip here in the BWCA and from paddling with StraightHairedCurly. He's already planning a second attempt.

The last group of paddlers consisting of Mzee going solo, Prospector going solo, and Clewless and Mister C paddling tandem. However, these guys planned on paddling together as a group.

Roughly the story goes that Mzee, somewhere in the first half of the Challenge route, told the rest that he didn't think he could complete this year's route and that he was changing his paddle plan to a leisurely one (anotherwords not planning on completing the Kruger Challenge). Mzee stayed behind to recooperate some as the other three pushed on for another 14-hour day. The following day, the remaining three were shocked to find Mzee waiting for them at Lower Basswood Falls. Turns out Mzee changed his mind after resting and then proceeded to put in a 20-hour day and all night paddle to get in front of the group!!

This group of 4 could not be stopped now. Mzee struggling. Prospector later with stomach issues that procluded his eating anything for the last 5 days. Then the challenging Fowl Portage hike and Pigeon River dry rapids wading further depleted their reserves. Halfway down the Grand Portage, the group pondered their options and their condition. Mzee became more determined than ever to finish with no further delays. And his longterm paddling partner, Clewless, would continue with him. Mister C and Prospector would take a long rest before they continued down the Grand Portage.

After a grueling 12-hour hike down the Grand Portage, Mzee and Clewless emerged from the woods to the cheers of fellow paddlers, family and friends. Mzee with a weakened voice says to me, "I think we have a record....the slowest time to complete the Grand Portage". I smiled, shook his hand, and agreed with him. But inwardly I was really thinking that the record he and Clewless set was for the most grit to complete the Grand Portage!!

Six hours later, Prospector and Mister C did the same.

Pictures below are Clewless and Mzee standing in front of the Fort; and Mister C and Prospector standing with paddles.

Thanks, BeaV, for posting. I was busy putting the final touches on the statistics so Chief at Water Tribe could put out the 2022 Challenge Records for this, the 8th Annual Mn Border Route Challenge. Outstanding - that 4 of the 6, 2015 "Founding Paddlers" were able to do the Challenge again this year. Two of this year's challengers were 74 years old and did the entire Kruger-Waddell route. hats off to Russ and David! What a milestone. So proud of them all, new and returning! The speculations over "lollipops in their routes" and scrapping canoes in the low water on the Pigeon River dominated the evening conversations. It was sad to see the party end. Hugs and tears as we parted. Yes, I am already planning for next year! I wouldn't miss it for anything! Come and join us!

OOps - double post

Our one and only Moose Challenge paddler, Kris, Straight Haired Curly. had a drizzly rainy day to finish.

The Voyageur Challenge dynamic tandem crew - the Timm Brothers at their finish.



Wonderful group of paddlers!

yup, pushed the wrong button-oops

Lori,

I wanted to thank Marcie, Beav, and yourself for the beautiful support above and beyond what anyone would expect.

This is my first opportunity to paddle in this event with great teammates Doug, (MN Greene) and Kevin (Banjo Paddler). I told my family and friends that as much as I gush about the experience of an event like this; highs, lows, grueling portages, grinding rivers, surprising constant headwinds, (although slight still tweak the psyche when paddling into them), brilliant Northern lights, the fog that renders a late night light useless, hallucinations, and so much more, that as much as I love to tell a story, my words can't begin to grasp this experience.

Every paddler and support person I met was generous with a smile, a hello, and help if needed.

God willing I'll be back, (hopefully with more sleep!)

Kevin, Nomadmusky, (New Kevin)

Thanks BeaV, The K/W Challenge was definitely harder. I recommend everyone try the MR 340. It's a well- organized, fun event, but it was sure nice to be back in the B-dub, where you can drink from the lakes. Even Louis and Clark's journals complained about all the silt when trying to drink from the big muddy. I'm already planning for next year, thinking of doing the Voyager's Challenge. Starting at LIS and trying for a Weds. finish would give an extra day to enjoy the camaraderie.

Grandma L: "Our one and only Moose Challenge paddler, Kris, Straight Haired Curly. had a drizzly rainy day to finish.

The Voyageur Challenge dynamic tandem crew - the Timm Brothers at their finish.





Wonderful group of paddlers! "

We had an absolute blast, thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed pace with a campfire each night, suffered through a cold and rainy Pigeon River, and have many memories and stories that will be told for years to come. Can't wait to do it again! This is such a warm and welcoming group, I highly recommend that if you are thinking about doing it - join us! Organizers are super helpful, amazingly organized, and it's an experience you won't soon forget. Thanks to all who helped out!

I had so much fun and look forward to the day I can try the KW Challenge. But for my first time, the Moose route was a wonderful choice. Grandma Lori has the support system down to a science and it was a joy to watch her work. I would LOVE to see more women give this a try! Everyone seems to rise to the challenge and the whole group is incredibly supportive.

Congratulations, Conchistador! Another Krueger/Waddell Challenge under your belt. Bob
"SUP with Scott" on YouTube

BeaV: "Solo canoeist, Voyager, finished the Kruger Waddell Route with his fastest time ever. Way to go Russ!


He paddled in the Missouri River 340 race this year as a warm up to the MN event. So Russ....which was harder?


I'll post a finish photo of Voyager when I can find one (Grandma- do you have one handy?)."

Here is Voyager's finish photo-

And here's a couple teams earning extra credit (satisfaction) for paddling Lake Superior from the historic fort to the nearby marina where the canoes are temporarily stored pending the shuttle back to Ely.

Extra Credit??
Seems I've done that paddle on Gitchie on your team several times ( in 3' rollers) right after the finish ( the finish is the marina - right? ) and thought this is most dangerous part of the entire deal AND its needed for ANY credit ? :O)
All kidding aside- congrats to all-- especially those that kept on keeping on- no one in particular - except ( in this case) Clewless and MZEE. 74th birthday during it for MZEE and what a warrior !!! ( and a great individual ).

Wow, I was offline for a few days and I come back to this?!? What an amazing challenge by all! And BeaV, your achievement is simply stunning! Truly beyond words. We'll never be able to appreciate what you endured, but I hope that someday you sit down for us and try to describe it anyway.

straighthairedcurly: "I had so much fun and look forward to the day I can try the KW Challenge. But for my first time, the Moose route was a wonderful choice. Grandma Lori has the support system down to a science and it was a joy to watch her work. I would LOVE to see more women give this a try! Everyone seems to rise to the challenge and the whole group is incredibly supportive.
"

Thanks Kris, I appreciate your support. I also look forward to having you with us again!