Canadians for 2009

"What trips are going out next summer?" you ask. Great question!

It is a bit early to nail down all of our routes, but the plans are underway. In particular, we are still exploring the options for our longer trips. Three very exciting ideas, however, have come to the front. First, a possible return to the Missinaibi River. It has been over 20 years since our canoes made their way towards James Bay on this Canadian Heritage River, so we are thrilled about this possibility. We are also exploring river descents in the province of Saskatchewan...a first for Chippewa. Several routes have been identified, though we have not yet finished the logistical study for the trips. The grandfather of Chippewa's remote Canadian canoe trips, the Bloodvein, is also a likely candidate with its challenging portages and huge rapids. These are some amazing options for you guys.

For those of you who just completed your first Canadian last summer, plan on heading to the Wabikimi Provincial Park. Whether it be the Flindt, Allanwater or Kopka Rivers, true adventure awaits!

I'll be sure to keep you all posted. In the meantime, don't hesitate to email me or Sam with questions. It's going to be an awesome summer for Canadians.

Photos from the Summer

We are working on posting many of the photos from summer 2008 on the camp website. I am hopeful that they will be posted within a couple of weeks, but I'll be sure to let you know once they are up. In the meantime, here are a few fun ones to pass the time.

The Bannockburn Tam - A Study

Looks like Joe Margolies is up to his ears in school work. I recently received this interesting study of the bannockburn's color pallet. You may recall that this was the inaugural summer for the bannockburn tam. Does this mean you like A&W rootbeer, Joe?

Planning for Camp 2009!

The first enrollments for summer 2009 are arriving at the camp office. The first enrolled for next summer? Joe Margolies! Welcome back Joe!!!

It's not too early to make your plans to join Joe! The camp website and online enrollment form have been updated with next summer's information. Join the adventures now!

Chippewa Website Hits the Top Ten

A recent call from a fellow camp director shared news that Chippewa's website is rated among the Top Ten Best Camp Websites. Awesome!

Looks like we cracked the list at number ten. Not too bad, considering all the great websites out there. Of course, I'll need to get to work so we can claim that #1 spot.

You can check it out at the Ultimate Camp Resource website.

Late spring makes for excellent fishing all summer long!

Last winter had temps and weather patterns relatively close to historic averages here in Minnesota which led to a later ice out and cooler water temperatures throughout the summer. "What does that have to do with anything?", you may ask. Well the pictures should answer that for you! It led to what I can confidently say was one of the best fishing summers we have had in decades. From the first trips to Gull Lake for giant crappies, to the legendary exploits of Sam Kohler on Buck Lake dock and right on to the HUGE bass on the oddly named Little Bass Lake, it was a summer of spectacular fishing. The boys up at Hook Island caught record numbers and the first session Voyageurs trip managed a huge fish fry. It seemed no matter where you went the fish were biting. I was lucky to be there and happy to be a part of it. Let's hope next year is even better!