Gusties backpacking in the Boundary Waters during fall break.
First-time backpackers Brittney Johnson (’20), Kiara Krippner (’20), and Emma Jones (’18) joined Professor Jeff La Frenierre for a Fall Break 2017 exploration of the Angleworm Lake Trail in northern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. This 14-mile loop meanders through a gorgeous area of small lakes, tall pines and granite outcrops and was the perfect destination for one last Northwoods adventure before winter settles in. Other than rain on Saturday, weather conditions were ideal with sunny days and cool (but not freezing) nights. The trip offered students an opportunity to try backpacking with an experienced trip leader while enjoying a long weekend off campus and learning something about the natural history of the region. Emma notes, “backpacking has long been something I have wanted to experience but never had the opportunity to do. This trip confirmed that I am capable of hiking 9 miles with 20+ pounds of gear on my back and still be able to enjoy the adventure at the end of the day.” According to Brittney, “as a first backpacking experience, hiking Angleworm Lake Trail was great! The highlight of the trip was crossing the lake on a beaver dam and viewing the beautiful scenery as we hiked along the trail. This experience was a great introduction to backpacking and has inspired me to go on more trips in the future.” Overall, we ate well, slept (mostly) well, and laughed a lot. We were also lucky enough to wake on Monday morning to the distant serenade of howling timber wolves. Most surprising thing about the trip? Still having to swat away mosquitoes in the last week of October!
If this sounds like an enjoyable experience to you, keep your ears open for future spring and fall break backcountry adventures with Professor La Frenierre.