Monday, February 21, 2011

MCA’s FAR NORTH SYMPOSIUM

MCA’s FAR NORTH SYMPOSIUM will be held Saturday March 26th at Metropolitan State University 700 7th Street East, St. Paul, MN

Sponsored by Minnesota Canoe Association, Inc. Co-sponsored by: Cooke Custom Sewing, Canoeing.com, Metropolitan State University

Registration opens at 8:15 am, Program begins at 9:00 am

Topics: (not necessarily in order of presentation)
Kayak Admiralty Island Alaska John and Kyle Rust, on the Seymore Canal. Admiralty Island is a 1 million acre wilderness known as the “The Fortress of the Bears”

Canoe from MN to Churchill on Hudson Bay Lucas Olson, part adventure-part research MN to Norway House and then the Churchill river to the Bay.

Canoeing Across the Barrens Jumping Watersheds Rob Kesselring, jumping watersheds on the Taltson, Elk, Thelon in search of Caribou, a diminishing 3resource.

Kazan River, Nunavut Brad West--a unique trip with no wind bound days, high water, fast travel, great rapids and good wildlife.

Rafting in the Arctic National Refuge Alaska on the Kongakut River Clarence Chaplin, one of the most remote areas of the north that few people ever get to see.

Technology and Outdoor Travel Andrew Jenks, a how to/awareness incorporating many facets of the digital world into outdoor travel.

Tripping across Northern Saskatchewan Jim Murphy--up the Wheeler river then cross country to Cree Lake and headed south. Paddled past the abandoned Hudson's Bay Post and then the old Fish plant. Went up the Brustad River over the Height of land and then down the Gwillim, Ithingo and Mudjatic Rivers then up the Churchill into Patchunak. This was part of JB Tyrell's Route to the Barrens.

The Back River Peter Marshall, a great voyage the entire back ending in Gjoa Haven on King William Island. The Back is the “premier arctic river” in Nunavut.

Program ends about 4:00 pm
Lunch on your own. Bring a bag lunch or sample one of several nearby restaurants.

Directions to Metropolitan State University:
From West: I-94 east to Mounds Blvd. Exit (#243B, left lane); straight ahead on Sixth Street one block to Maria Avenue and turn left; parking lot on right.
From East: I-94 west to Mounds Blvd. Exit (#234C, right lane); straight ahead on Mounds Blvd. ~ five blocks to Sixth Street and turn right; one block north on Sixth Street to Maria Avenue and turn left; parking lot on right.

From North or South: I-35E to I-94; east on I-94 to Mounds Blvd. Exit (#243B, left lane); straight ahead on Sixth Street one block to Maria Avenue and turn left; parking lot on right.

Parking at Metro State: Get ticket as you enter lot on Maria Avenue; pay $2.50 as you leave.

Directions to Auditorium: From Metro State parking lot on Maria Ave., cross Maria Ave., head southwest, walk through center of campus with St. John’s Hall on your right and Founders Hall on left. Auditorium is in far end of Founders Hall.

Need More Information? Bob O’Hara: bobscanoe@comcast.net or call 952-927-0874

Registration: MCA’s Far North Symposium 2011 Preregistration is encouraged and appreciated for beverage/snack planning.
Admission: $15 on or before March 22 --- $20.00 after / at door Students pay $8.00 in advance or at the door. MCA Members special discount --$12 before March 22 or $20 at door MCA membership form located at www.canoe-kayak.org

You will not be sent a confirmation, unless an e-mail address is included and readable. Save money and guarantee your seat with preregistration. Preregistration also helps for beverage and snack planning.