The 10th annual Border Route Challenges are a go! The dates are as follows: meet up in Ely on Friday afternoon August 30th, get shuttle ride to entry point(s) on Saturday August 31st, and paddle/portage like heck to get to Lake Superior at Grand Portage Monument no later than Sunday September 8th to catch shuttle ride back to Ely. So where is the start you may ask? This can vary depending on your goals (these are the same as last year).

1) “Kruger Waddell Challenge”- 260 mile route International Falls through Voyageurs Nat'l Park and ALL of the BWCA
2) “Voyageurs Challenge”- 205 mile route Crane Lake(or Little Indian Sioux North as an alternative start) though ALL of the BWCA west to east
3) “Moose Lake Challenge”- 125 mile route Ely @ Moose Lake

The above start dates are going to be flexible due to Entry Point permit availability. All the Challenge routes finish on Lake Superior at the historic Grand Portage Fort. The route to be followed should generally be the international boundary with Canada. Of course, longer routes are fine and maybe needed if the wind is blowing hard when you want to paddle one of many big lakes.

A group called WaterTribe has set up the details and making shuttle arrangements. More details are given at the WaterTribe website at the link below. All participants who need shuttling help will equally split shuttling costs.

WaterTribe has a customized satellite tracking map that will show all groups as they progress along the route. This is why each group needs to bring and use a Spot or an InReach. WaterTribe has a $100 membership fee for this service (per group not per paddler). This fee is optional. You can do this Challenge at no charge. But you won't show up on the tracker or be listed in the WaterTribe Roster or Record Book.

This is an unsupported challenge. Unsupported means no preplanned assistance such as a support crew, phone calls to home for navigation assistance, and food resupply. Take what you need from the start. What really makes this a challenge is the time constraint component. The harder you push the greater the challenge. The first recorded record of 6 and a half days was set by Sir George Simpson of the Hudson’s Bay Company and his hand-picked team of Voyageurs in the 1800's during the fur trade era.

Feel free to express your interest in doing this and post any questions you may have here, or you can email me direct. Grandma L from this site is also available to help with questions and with keeping us organized.

Post here if you’re looking to form a team, join a team, or have room for someone to join your team.

The WaterTribe site is where you register and see the current roster list. You will need to create an account with WaterTribe to register and show up on the roster list. However, this is not a WaterTribe sponsored event this year so you are not required to join (if you don’t register with WaterTribe, email myself or Grandma L).

WaterTribe Website

I'm in for a section if not the whole route. I'll see as timing gets closer.

HighnDry: "I'm in for a section if not the whole route. I'll see as timing gets closer."

It would be great to have you back again!

So, if you're reading this post and are new to BWCA.com or just never understood what this "Border Route Challenge" thing is all about....let me explain.

Are you a person who:
-likes the outdoors
-enjoys paddling
-when paddling, likes to look to see what's around the next point of land, ponders how far this bay goes , or looks up a little creek and wonders where it goes
-ever wondered how far you could paddle/portage in a day
-interested in history, as in, fur trade era history of the native americans and voyageurs. Birch bark canoes, ancient paddle routes, and red-bladed paddles.
-has a little competitive streak, whether it's against yourself or others
-longs for adventure
-needs a vacation that has more meaning
-and likes to hang out with people of similiar traits

I think that's the kind of person that might like a long-distance paddle along the border of the US/Canada. The distance and the somewhat arbitrary requirement of doing it in 8 days or less creates the sense of a challenge. Doing this unsupported and under your (and your teammates, if you have them) own power, dealing with whatever comes up makes it an adventure. An "adventure challenge".

We align our schedules to make it easier logistically to coordinate shuttling needs before and after the Challenge. And we gather together at the end to hear the stories of each others' trips.

One of these years I'm going to come be part of the send off or the welcoming committee at the other end. It is very fun to watch the trackers and I really enjoy the stories and trip reports at the end.

I'll chime in as someone who has now done 2 of the challenges. I started small with the Moose Lake Challenge and had so much fun that I came back the next year and did the Voyageur Challenge.

I cannot emphasize how much fun this group is. They are super supportive and the party at the end is well worth any challenges you faced in getting there. I found it physically and mentally challenging, but so satisfying. I loved seeing the BWCA from end to end and experiencing the Grand Portage.

If anyone has questions, I'm always happy to answer them.

BWPaddler: "One of these years I'm going to come be part of the send off or the welcoming committee at the other end. It is very fun to watch the trackers and I really enjoy the stories and trip reports at the end."

Yes, you should. I'd suggest going to the end at Grand Portage instead of at the send off. The send off is usually at 3 or 4 different locations and the Challengers are pretty focused on getting ready for the start. Not alot of socialing time. If you're in the area though, at that time, by all means show up at one of the starting locations and give them a cheer.

Grand Portage- everyone ends at this same location. Friends and family will join Grandma L to cheer on the finishers as they emerge from the Grand Portage Trail and end at the historic fur traders' fort. And then those finishers join in on the welcoming crowd. And in between those moments of cheering, we hang out in a hospitality room in the hotel. Challengers are able to eat and drink their fill to recover and in between tell stories of their adventures. This is where you will want to be.

The group is forming, and paddlers are starting to register. We have about 15+ paddlers and our support staff. Time to start making plans. Hope to see you there.

Me and two good friends of mine are considering doing the Voyageur's challenge this year. One reason we are hesitating is a matter of how much time off work we will need (and thus how much time we are losing to take other BW trips this year). All three of us are fit and in our 20s and have previous canoe challenge experience (to Ely and back from Sag). That being said, we won't know what the weather will be like and certainly can't predict injuries or other setbacks. I'd hate to take off the whole week from work but that seems to be the most proactive way to go. The WaterTribe website shows common times for the Kruger Waddell challenge with 3 folks to be 4 days. So a little over 3 days for the Voyageur + 1 day recovery?

Morchella: "Me and two good friends of mine are considering doing the Voyageur's challenge this year. One reason we are hesitating is a matter of how much time off work we will need (and thus how much time we are losing to take other BW trips this year). All three of us are fit and in our 20s and have previous canoe challenge experience (to Ely and back from Sag). That being said, we won't know what the weather will be like and certainly can't predict injuries or other setbacks. I'd hate to take off the whole week from work but that seems to be the most proactive way to go. The WaterTribe website shows common times for the Kruger Waddell challenge with 3 folks to be 4 days. So a little over 3 days for the Voyageur + 1 day recovery?"

A little over 3 days to complete the Voyageurs Challenge is doable but a VERY aggressive goal. You would need to be moving nearly 24-hours per day. And things would have to go all as planned to do it. Sometimes things happen that add time to your planned itinerary and then what? A week of time off sounds better.

Edit- I want to add, to the above- not trying to discourage the plan you three are thinking of in any way. I'm just trying to encourage your group to allow for more time just in case. And if you make your goal, then you have more time to have fun in Grand Portage:)

1) “Kruger Waddell Challenge”- 260 mile route International Falls through Voyageurs Nat'l Park and ALL of the BWCA
2) “Voyageurs Challenge”- 205 mile route Crane Lake(or Little Indian Sioux North as an alternative start) though ALL of the BWCA west to east
3) “Moose Lake Challenge”- 125 mile route Ely @ Moose Lake

A few dumb questions here:
For options (1) and (2), does the shuttle service drop you off at the starting points? If so, what are the 'official' starting points? (I believe Sha Sha Resort is the starting point for (1), but want to verify).

Do people try and target a starting time at the drop off?
What time does the shuttle leave Ely?
I'm guessing all of this is flexible, but with some type of structure in place.
How does it work if you wanted to start the trek on Fri, when there is a meeting on Fri?

Thanks a bunch!

SammyN: "

1) “Kruger Waddell Challenge”- 260 mile route International Falls through Voyageurs Nat'l Park and ALL of the BWCA
2) “Voyageurs Challenge”- 205 mile route Crane Lake(or Little Indian Sioux North as an alternative start) though ALL of the BWCA west to east
3) “Moose Lake Challenge”- 125 mile route Ely @ Moose Lake

A few dumb questions here:
For options (1) and (2), does the shuttle service drop you off at the starting points? If so, what are the 'official' starting points? (I believe Sha Sha Resort is the starting point for (1), but want to verify).


Do people try and target a starting time at the drop off?
What time does the shuttle leave Ely?
I'm guessing all of this is flexible, but with some type of structure in place.
How does it work if you wanted to start the trek on Fri, when there is a meeting on Fri?


Thanks a bunch!
"

Yes, shuttle arrangements will be prearranged for you to get yourself, gear, and canoes to your starting location, if doing the Kruger/Waddell or Voyageurs Routes. Participants will meet at Piragis Outfitting early
saturday morning (5 am in the past) to catch the shuttle to our start locations. Shuttles vans with canoe trailers will leave from Piragis Outfitting in Ely. Come ready to throw your boat and canoe packs into the shuttle van and go. There is no time to be checking gear or packing. If you choose to start earlier or later than the designated Saturday schedule, you'll have to arrange for your own transportation/shuttling.

Starting Locations: Kruger/Waddell Challenge is at a boat ramp adjacent to Sha Sha Resort, Rainy Lake. Voyageurs Challenge is either at Crane Lake or Little Indian Souix Entry Point depending on which permit you purchased.

Starting Times: Based on when the shuttle gets to a starting location. Those challangers typically quickly unload and setup their boats. A group photo is usually taken and that group starts. Each individual's start time is based on when they launch though.

Friday Meetup: Reach out to Grandma L if you can't be with us on Friday.

Time to get organized and make more firm plans for the:
2024 -10th Annual MN Border Route Challenge!!
Starts, August 31 and finishes by September 7, 2024

This year we have paddlers in all categories. Some are doing the full Challenge, the Kruger Waddell from Sha Sha Resort on Rainy Lake, some the Voyageur route from Crane and other the Moose Lake start. All the routes finish at Grand Portage.

We even have some supporters coming up to the send-off meeting with the group in Ely (Friday, August 31) before the Challenges starts or waiting for us at Grand Portage to cheer for paddlers as they finish.

There is still time to join the group to paddle or offer support! If you are interested, just send me a message and I will get you started. BeaV and the paddling gals and guys can answer paddle and route questions. I do the coordinating, tracking and offer general help to paddlers.

Time to participate, complete the Voyageur or Kruger-Wadell route and earn your Bear Claw necklace! (Yup, REAL bear claws).

Hope to see you this year!
Once a Challenger always a Challenger!

Count me in

GREAT - you are on my list and should receive an e-mail with details soon!

CatchMe: "Count me in"

Welcome to the fun! Have you decided which one you'll be doing?

BeaV: "

CatchMe: "Count me in"

Welcome to the fun! Have you decided which one you'll be doing?"

Beav,
I am planning on doing the full Kruger Waddell. Unless departure day has a bad wind forecast, then I will start from Crane Lake instead.

CatchMe: "

BeaV: "

CatchMe: "Count me in"

Welcome to the fun! Have you decided which one you'll be doing?"

Beav,
I am planning on doing the full Kruger Waddell. Unless departure day has a bad wind forecast, then I will start from Crane Lake instead."

Sounds good.

OPEN INVITE

I may be looking to add some new paddlers to my team for this year. If you're interested keep reading.

-Currently my team number is at 3 paddlers, counting me (2 guys, 1 gal). Still have some undecided.
-We'll be doing the longest route called the Kruger Waddell Challenge.
-We're not looking to set any speed records, but will still be pushing hard enough.
-It will be hard, fun, and rewarding.
-There's only a month left until we launch...not much time to add to your current physical fitness level. So, you need to be pretty good at paddling and portaging already.

If interested, get ahold of me promptly by sending me an email. My address is over on the left hand side of this reply.

If this was too short of notice to work for you but you'd like to do it, reach out to me too. We can start planning for next year as a possibility.

Don't think I'm in the kind of shape I would want to be to do the challenge, but I will be in Ely on the 30th before I start my solo trip to EP4 the next day. Curious if there is going to be any kind of gathering that wouldn't mind a party crasher.

Cricket67: "Don't think I'm in the kind of shape I would want to be to do the challenge, but I will be in Ely on the 30th before I start my solo trip to EP4 the next day. Curious if there is going to be any kind of gathering that wouldn't mind a party crasher. "

The group always has supper at Grand Ely Lodge on Friday evening. I'm sure you'd be welcome.
Don't discount what you do...I started with the shorter Moose Challenge and worked my way up. This group is a blast! I'm sad that work commitments are keeping me away this year.

Cricket67: "Don't think I'm in the kind of shape I would want to be to do the challenge, but I will be in Ely on the 30th before I start my solo trip to EP4 the next day. Curious if there is going to be any kind of gathering that wouldn't mind a party crasher. "

The best chance to meet and greet in Ely would be at our gathering we call the Captain's Meeting, 3 pm in the City Whiteside Park. It only lasts maybe an hour.

BeaV: The best chance to meet and greet in Ely would be at our gathering we call the Captain's Meeting, 3 pm in the City Whiteside Park. It only lasts maybe an hour."

Thanks! I had reached out to GrandmaL and she filled me in. I definitely plan on being there! Really thinking I'm going to give the challenge a go next year.

Arrangements are being made and paddlers are planning. See you all in Ely. Questions, give me a call or e-mail. We would love to chat and see more folks join us.

so excited for this challenge to begin. i love following along on the tracker and envisioning what they are seeing as they paddle, finding while portaging, ... it's big excitement for late summer.

If you have the time, come on up and join the tracking team.

Ten Days to the start - Paddlers meeting in Ely, Friday evening - Whiteside Park!

Cricket67: "BeaV:

The best chance to meet and greet in Ely would be at our gathering we call the Captain's Meeting, 3 pm in the City Whiteside Park. It only lasts maybe an hour."


Thanks! I had reached out to GrandmaL and she filled me in. I definitely plan on being there! Really thinking I'm going to give the challenge a go next year. "

Hope you do it next year! I found that planning for the challenge was a great incentive to get in shape and improve my paddling and portage technique and efficiency. Happy to talk about my experience with it anytime.

To all considering next year...Just Do It.
Make it whatever type of adventure/challenge you want...it will be worth it.

IT'S ALMOST TIME!!!!!!!!

Mocha: "IT'S ALMOST TIME!!!!!!!!"

I KNOW !
I'm having those pre-Challenge jitters. Just little butterflies. Doesn't matter if I've done it before, I still get them. The challenge to put in the long days necessary to finish on our schedule remain the same- a 60-mile day on the water never gets easy.

My team will be launching from near International Falls sometime around 8:30 am this Saturday.

Team BeaVer Fever 2024 introduction- Four people paddling 2 MN2 canoes. Todd (Meat Puppet), Kendra (MAKK), Dave (PRD), and me. Paddler nicknames in parentheses. Here's a picture of them from the 2022 Challenge that the 3 of them finished together.

Have fun everyone...wish I was there with you!

Good luck all, our ranger crew cleared the Long Portage, Sag Falls Portage and Monumet Portage last June and August. The Long Portage was a mess after the June storm.

Thanks Lindy for helping with the clearing work. Everytime we pass by one of your sawed logs we'll say out loud "Thanks Lindy".

That's awesome Lindentree. Thanks.

Good luck. This sounds kind of fun for next year.

LindenTree: "Good luck all, our ranger crew cleared the Long Portage, Sag Falls Portage and Monumet Portage last June and August. The Long Portage was a mess after the June storm.
"

those are some big logs!!!