Yesterday morning I ferried my two sons up to Moose Lake near Ely, Minnesota for the start of their boundary waters trek. Over the course of three days they are skiing and snowshoeing 40 miles through the BWCA. No motorized travel is allowed in this wilderness area, and there are no roads. Saturday afternoon I will pick them up at the end of the Gunflint Trail. The only other mode of transportation used in the winter in the BWCA is travel by dog sled teams.
While both boys are experienced outdoorsmen, northern Minnesota is an extreme environment in the dead of winter. I insisted that if the bus would run for their trip (i.e. me) for their trip, a satellite radio was a required addition to their kit. Thankfully, a family friend who has trekked in the Arctic and canoed twice to Hudson Bay had such a device that could be borrowed (thanks Bob!).
Ultimately our family will evaluate the satellite radio / beacon at the end of the trip, but I am quite convinced I will purchase the Garmin InReach Mini in the near future. The device costs $350 at present on Amazon, and communicates via the iridium satellite network. In addition a monthly communications contract is required. For approximately $15 per month, one has access to a SOS satellite beacon, the ability to send an unlimited number of 3 pre-defined texts, and free form texts (max ten per month, then a nominal charge applies). Last night we received a text with location information from the boys. They were safe and snug in their winter camp (i.e. tent).
If you wish to learn more about the Garmin InReach system (three models), The Hiking Guy has published some fantastic and detailed reviews. My own research indicates the Garmin devices are more reliable than the leading competitor which is named SPOT, but check for yourself. All my serious outdoor friends who have trekked in the Arctic or tundra regions of Canada have the Garmin devices. Given how often I am off the grid either birding in northern Minnesota, or when bicycle touring throughout North American, I am thinking this may be a wise purchase. Here are the reviews from HikingGuy.com. (edit: if you are interested in these devices, make certain you read this post’s comments … good discussion and additional linked reviews)
I had warned the boys that during the drive up, we would be driving through prime Spruce Grouse habitat, and I reserved the right to make quick stops if a photo opp arose. Well, shortly after sunrise a pair of Spruce Grouse were planted right in the middle of the road. Carl and Erik commented that these birds must not be too smart given their perching location. I responded that a prime predator for Spruce Grouse were in fact logging trucks!
Here are the two Spruce Grouse … the temperature was -15F
Finally, here are a few pics and videos from the boys starting out on Moose Lake. In case you are wondering, even though I put these boys on their first skies when they were just toddlers, at two weeks shy of my 63rd birthday, I had no desire to join them in this trek! LOL.
Starting Out at Moose Lake Landing
Entering the BWCA
