ABOUT - How our canoeing trips got started

The best trip I ever did was in October just as the tempature began dipping below freezing. It was also the hardest. Since then I have desired to push the limits of how late or early I could do a trip. I've read about having to portage around ice dams! Now that sounds like my kind of trip! Early May should be free of ice but it will be chily (and almost completely void of bugs).

A couple years ago I went to the 95th Alumni reunion at YMCA Camp Icaghowan. I was a camper and canoer there for 7 years in the late 70's and early 80's. My two girls (now ages 7 and 9) are now following in that tradition. I went to a lot of camps as a kid but this was the best one. It's was very spiritual for me but they did not teach the bible. Instead they teach respect for nature. I did not know it then but the experiences I had there were life changing. This is my mission for Gods Country Canoeing. To share life changing experiences through challenges of the mind body and spirit.

"Big Bob" my guide from 1981 recognized me! 25 years since we spent 10 days on the river and we still share that bond! A year later I learned of The Hudson Bay Expedition www.hudsonbayexpedition.com and Eric Severides book of his 1929 trip from Fort Snelling. A 2000+ mile journey! Scott and Todd (and later Matt) repeated thier journey last year. They inspired me to start another venture of leading canoe trips. The name "Gods Country" comes from a quote from Severides book. On the Gods river north of Lake Winnipeg Severide and Walter Port are near thier breaking point. After many miserable wet days on the river they come into Gods Lake. Severide writes: "such beuaty is reserved for only those that suffer enough to behold it ... Gods Country indeed."

I called Big Bob after a year after our reunion and shared with him my idea for this venture. A year later and here we are ready to go on our first trip! I need help getting the word out! I expect many will be more likely to go on a later trip. Send me your conact info and I will notify you of details when they come available!