Outdoor Adventure Expo Presentations

Paul Kautz Camino de Costa Rica

Eric Krantz Making Adventures Happen At All Costs

Peter Nordgren Exploring the North Country Trail in Wisconsin

Al MacDonald The Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Aaron Rodriguez Camino De Santiago - 101

Theodore Rick Peak Performance for Your Outdoor Adventure

Ron Turney Findings from Waadookawaad Amikwag (Those Who Help Beaver)

Natalie Meger Tanzania Africa and Everything It Has To Offer

Mike & Annabelle Odberg Bloodvein River, Manitoba-The Empty-nest Couple Expedition

Rudi Hargesheimer The NEW Superior Hiking Trail Story

Vern Fish Paddling Emergency Preparedness (PEP)Are You Ready?

Vern Fish Wabakimi Wilderness

Alison Young Te Araroa, New Zealand's Long Pathway

Paul Siegel Canoe Adventures on the Namekagon

Scott Beauchamp

Update: Toxic Mining Near thr Boundary Waters

Craig Carlson Hiking the Canadian Rockies: Banff & Mt. Assiniboine

Jon Ciatti Tiny Backcountry: Wilderness Tripping with Kids

Rusty Lane Summits on the Air

Beauchamp, Scott

Update: Toxic Mining Near the Boundary Waters

HH, Room 103 Sunday April 30, 3pm

With limitless opportunities for exploration and some of the cleanest water in the country, the Boundary Waters is a national treasure. But proposed copper-sulfide mining threatens to pollute these pristine waterways. Come hear the good news on how the tide is turning in the fight to protect clean water and how people are working to ensure the BWCA stays wild for this and future generations.

Blacklock, Craig

LIGHT WAVES—Abstract Photographs of Reflections from Lake Superior

HH, Room 102 Saturday April 29, 1pm

Lake Superior photographer, Craig Blacklock will present a program featuring portions of his video on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and on his just-released book (you will be the first to see it!), LIGHT WAVES—Abstract Photographs of Reflections from Lake Superior.

Carlson, Craig

Hiking the Canadian Rockies: Banff and Mt. Assiniboine

HH, Room 105 Sunday, April 30 3pm

Join us for a trek to Mt. Assiniboine, the "Matterhorn of the Rockies". Craig will present a slide show of a multi-day trek into the Mt. Assiniboine region, followed by some recommended day hikes in and around Banff, Lake Louise, and the Columbia Ice Fields. He will also provide some recommendations for traveling in grizzly country.

Ciatti, Jonathan

Tiny Backcountry: Wilderness Tripping with Kids

HH, Room 103 Sunday, April 30 4pm

Having kids along in the wilderness can be intimidating for first timers, as it brings its own challenges in addition to a normal wilderness excursion. But the experiences kids have far outweigh the extra effort, if you're prepared. Come along for an encouraging presentation about bringing your little ones on your favorite backcountry adventures, from how to plan,

Davis, Matthew

Trails need you: volunteer opportunities on hiking trails in the region

HH, Room 105 Saturday, April 29 1pm & 2pm

Did you know that there is a great chance that volunteers - people just like you - are responsible for stewarding your favorite hiking trail? This program will highlight how hikers can make a huge difference by volunteering on their favorite trails in the region in a variety of ways. Leaders from trail organizations in the region will be on hand to talk about their trails, how volunteers build and maintain them, and specific volunteer needs they have. Specific trails to be covered include the Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route Trail, Kekekabic Trail, North Country National Scenic Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and other BWCAW hiking trails.

Fish, Vern

Paddling Emergency Preparedness (PEP) – Are you ready?

HH, Room 102 - Sunday, April 30 3pm

Have you ever had to deal with a serious injury on a canoe trip? Have you ever been truly lost in the “wilderness”? If it breaks, can you fix it? Have you ever had to make either an emergency or a non-emergency exit? Do you carry a whistle and are you PEP’ed and ready? Meet my Guardian Angel and understand the difference between “next of kin” and “friends & family”. Experience an emergency exit and see the value of a satellite phone. Dig into my first aid and repair kit and tell me what you carry. In the past five years I have had to do one emergency and three non-emergency exits. Together, we can both learn how to prepare for these unplanned adventures.

Fish, Vern

Wabakimi Wilderness

HH, Room - 102 Sunday, April 30 4pm

The Wabakimi Area is a vast, virtually-roadless wilderness that includes almost 10,000 Because of its sheer size and complexity, the Wabakimi Area is a daunting area to explore. Fewer than 700 paddlers enter this wilderness annually. The Friends of Wabakimi is an international organization that was created in 2014 to advocate for the protection of this wilderness complex. To do this we offer a detailed planning map and five map volumes that provide portage and campsite details for this wilderness. To help the first time paddler or the veteran voyageur plan a trip into this remarkable wilderness, we will share our experience and insight. Explore and protect Wabakimi with us.

Hargesheimer, Rudi

The NEW Superior Hiking Trail Story

HH, Room 102 Saturday, April 29 12pm

HH, Room 102 Sunday, April 30 2pm

Hot off the press! Bigger, better, more photos, more stories! The Superior Hiking Trail Story, The Trek Continues / Expanded Content is the sequel to Rudi Hargesheimer's first book. Rudi introduces Minnesota's 300-mile long trail explaining with award winning photos why it is cherished by both day hikers and backpackers from all over the world. The story of how the trail came to be with secret bits of history most hikers know nothing about – knowledge that enriches the experience on the trail – is featured in the book and this presentation. Rudi will also stress the need for volunteers to keep the trail rated one of the best in the nation.

Johnson, Rod and Sharon

Glacier Nat. Park / Waterton -Hiking, backpacking and Grand National Park Lodges

HH, Room 102 Saturday, April 29 11am

Rod started Midwest Mountaineering 53 years ago to help others have great outdoor adventures. Sharon joined him 22 years ago with a thru hike of the John Muir Trail. Together they have trekked on 6 continents letting our customers know how to trek there too.

Kautz, Paul

Camino de Costa Rica

HH, Room 102 Sunday, April 30 11am

If you like bananas, coffee, pineapple, and sugar cane, this is an adventure for you! Paul & Kelly hiked 170 miles across Costa Rica from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean on the Camino de Costa Rica. With lodging each night and a sag vehicle most days, this "supported" thru-hike is a new way to hike for us. Join us for highlights, challenges, and logistics of the trek.

Knutson, Gayle & Jim Maher

Europe By Bike - 5000 Miles & Only One Flat

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 2pm

Join bikepackers Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher as they talk about their VERY doable bike trips across Europe…..from careful planning, to the adventures, wrong turns, mishaps, and one flat tire in 5000 miles. Gayle and Jim will cover bike rental, gear to take, how to pack, maps to bring, and routes to travel. Inspired by a Midwest Moutaineering Expo talk in 2013, they are happy to share their knowledge and humor about biking across France, Portugal, Luxenbourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

Krantz, Eric

Making Adventures Happen At All Costs

HH, Room - 102 Sunday, April 30 12pm

A misadventure story of my seeming inability to make it west of the Missouri River without my dream adventure rig breaking down. My children’s High School graduation gift is a week long trip with dad wherever they want to go, whatever they want to do. This is a story of 2 graduation gift adventure trips and the vehicle that made it or .. actually didn’t make it. The trials, the obstacles, the successes, the failures, lessons, love, and a father/daughter relationship rebuilt. The memories and moments will be indelibly etched in the hearts and minds of two young people and their father forever.

Kroll, Karl

Crossing the Americas by Bicycle

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 5pm

I would like to present on my trip across North and South America by bicycle, spanning over 3 years. It was a trip which prioritized taking off road routes (at least 50% of the time) and completely avoided the use of motorized transport overland (I did take some ferries). I climbed some 6,000m peaks from the bicycle carrying mountaineering gear and have plenty of stories to tell about my trip. Here is an article featured in bikepacking.com about my trip: https://bikepacking.com/bikes/rider-and-rig-karl-kroll/

Lane, Russell (Rusty)

Summits on The Air

HH, Room - 105 Sunday, April 30 4pm

New to SOTA? SOTA (Summits on the Air) has been carefully designed to make participation possible for all Radio Amateurs and Shortwave Listeners - this is not just for mountaineers! There are awards for activators (those who ascend to the summits) and chasers (who either operate from home, a local hilltop or are even Activators on other summits). Come and learn about the 33 summits in Minnesota, this is a great way to enjoy your climbing and hiking activities while talking to people all over the world!

Maccabee, Paula

Can we protect the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers from toxic sulfide mining?

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 12pm

Nickel sulfide ore mining toxic pollution threatens the St. Croix Wild and Scenic River and the Mississippi River. Based on 13 years working with WaterLegacy to stop sulfide mining pollution in the Lake Superior and Boundary Waters watersheds, Paula Maccabee will explain Talon Metals' plans to mine a "massive sulfide mineralization” for nickel and other metals. Learn what you can do to protect wild rice, fish, health, and the downstream St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers.

MacDonald, Al

New Zealand: An Adventurer's Paradise

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 11am

Diverse is the best way to describe New Zealand’s topography and adventure repertoire. The 2 islands are about the size of California with beaches, volcanoes, caves, mountains, glaciers, fjords and rainforest so don’t be late. We have a lot to talk about. See the fruitful photography from Thrive Adventures guide Al MacDonald and learn why he keeps going back.

MacDonald, Al

Rugged and Stunning Southern Patagonia

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 1pm

The roads are rough and the towns are few and far in between, but the mountains, glaciers and wildlife are world class. Take a photographic journey with guide Al MacDonald through this stunning location.

MacDonald, Al

The Sacred Valley and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

HH, Room 103 Sunday, April 30 12pm

After multiple adventures to Peru, Al has a lot to share about the history and mystery of the Inca and the steep terrain they built on. To this day, farmers still live off Inca land and farm Inca terraces in the highlands of the Andes Mountain.

Marshall, Pete 25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip

HH, Room 102 Saturday, April 29 3pm

Drawing from his experience of paddling hundreds of days through the Northwoods, Pete Marshall, Communications Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, will go over 25 tips for a better Boundary Waters canoe trip. This presentation has a bit of everything in it, from how to travel more efficiently to simple niceties that make any canoe trip just a little bit better.

Marshall, Pete

Arctic Quebec's The Nastapoka River

HH, Room 102 Saturday, April 29 4pm

Located on the Ungava Peninsula in Arctic Quebec, the Nastapoka River tumbles through a remarkable landscape of eskers, canyons, and waterfalls. It's a land and river that's as beautiful as it is harsh. Enticing to anyone looking for a true wilderness canoe adventure! In August/ September, 2022, Pete Marshall and Zach Fritz set out to canoe this remote river. Water levels were high, the portage trails were nonexistent, and they saw the sun for a total of three and a half hours! Hear all the stories about this incredible route that goes through Canada's Tursujuq's National Park, a true gem of a wilderness

Meger, Natalie

Tanzania Africa and Everything It Has To Offer

HH, Room 103 Sunday, April 30 1pm

Dreaming of going to Africa? Why not go to Tanzania? At Ayubu's Tanzania Safaris (www.AyubusTanzaniaSafaris.com), we offer wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, cultural exploration and experiences, Zanzibar beach holidays and so much more. Our presentation will offer tip and suggestions to help you begin planning your trip. The slideshow is full of pictures and will have you planning your trip to Africa instead of just dreaming about it.

Meger, Natalie

Tanzania Africa's Wildlife Safaris and Beyond

HH, Room 105 Saturday, April 29 5pm

Have a dream or a bucket list item of going on an African Safari? Our presentation will offer you trip and suggestions on how to plan your trip. At Ayubu's Tanzania Safaris (www.AyubusTanzaniaSafaris.com), we offer wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, cultural exploration and experiences, Zanzibar beach holidays and so much more. Our slideshow is full of pictures and will have you planning your African Safari instead of just dreaming about it.

Meyer, Gary

Twin Cities Bicycle Touring

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 4pm

In this talk I will describe how I used my speed limited e-bike to progress from credit card touring in local hotels, to overnight camping in Twin Cities parks, to cross country adventures with national bike touring organizations. I will cover the equipment necessary to outfit yourself for introductory levels of bike touring including the type of bike, cargo carrying gear, camping equipment, and navigation devices. This talk is aimed at the recreational bike rider who wants to expand their appreciation of the Twin Cities off-street bicycle path system with some new day trips and, potentially, an overnight or multi-day tour.

Neiger, Michael

How to assemble and carry an In-pocket survival kit for a wilderness expedition

HH, Room 103 Saturday, April 29 3pm

This high-quality digital presentation by a wilderness guide and SAR operator will discuss how to assemble and carry an in-pocket survival kit for an expedition. If you’re lost in the bush, these items will help you to survive until rescuers reach you: a sheath (bowie) knife; pocketknife; whistle; signal mirror; butane lighter; waterproof, windproof lifeboat matches; spark-ignitable waterproof fire-starters; ferro sparking rod; magnesium tinder rod; scraper/striker; waterproof flashlight; emergency blanket signal panel; compass; map. www.MibSAR.com

Neiger, Michael

Spelunking in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

HH, Room 102 Saturday, April 29 5pm

This high-quality digital presentation chronicles the adventures of 12 backpackers on a 4-day off-trail caving trip in the backcountry of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with the author of "Exploring Pictured Rocks." They explore dozens of the 550 little-known wilderness caves, some over a mile back in the bush from the Lake Superior shoreline, including the mother of all grottos — the seldom-visited 2,000-person Amphitheater, which frames a 50-foot waterfall. www.ExtremeTrailMaps.com

Nordgren, Peter

Explore the North Country Trail in Wisconsin

HH, Room 103 Sunday, April 30 11am

The North Country National Scenic Trail continues to grow in Wisconsin, with new miles to hike or backpack, new trail campsites, and new trailheads for access. Waterfalls, prairies, a historic fur trade route, deep woods and rock outcroppings are all part of Wisconsin’s section of this longest hiking trail in the US. Get an update on this hiking/backpacking/camping destination less than a half day’s drive from the Twin Cities.

O’Hara, Bob

65 Years Canoeing in the BWCA

HH, Room 102 Saturday, April 29 2pm

Starting in 1959 the first Boundary Water trip saw just the Canadian Ranger. Times have changed but the BWCAW is still a magical place. Presentation is how to best enjoy the area, how best to be prepared and some comparison of the past and present. Learn some history, see some of the wildlife and plants you will encounter

Odberg, Mike and Annabelle

Bloodvein River, Manitoba- The Empty-nest Couple Expedition

HH, Room 105 Sunday, April 30 1pm

Three 50something, empty-nest, couples with a variety of experience levels embark on a bucket-list paddle on Manitoba's famed Bloodvein River. While traveling thirteen days without seeing another soul, they form a deeper appreciation for their mates, their fellow couples and a remarkable wilderness river. Themes: -Rookies learn whitewater- by necessity! (Gary and Anne Marie) -Rediscovering the wilderness leader within! (Rob and Jackie) -Veterans

Paulsen, Bear

Paddle Home

HH, Room 105 Saturday, April 29 10am

The COVID-shrouded summer of 2020 demanded a trip near home. My wife, Claire, and I decided to canoe from International Falls back to our home in Chisago City. The trip spanned 38 days, 600 miles, and all three of Minnesota’s watersheds. We followed the international border to the Grand Portage. That 8.5 mile portage consumed three days for two reasons: first, we did the trip without resupply, so we walked a total of 68 miles; second, our 22 month old toddler, Dashwa, accompanied us. We got to share with him the thundering of Manitou Falls, the majesty of Palisade Head and the Duluth-Superior Skyline, all from the water. From Gitchi Gummi we slogged up the Bois Brule River, and cruised down the St Croix back to our home turf. We paddled home. After almost six weeks of traveling, it sure felt surreal to arrive on our own beach.

Paulsen, Bear

BWCA: What You Need to Know

HH, Room 105 Saturday, April 29 11am

Find out everything you need to know about paddling in the BWCA. Bear will share his knowledge of permits, routes, wilderness tripping techniques, and mix in a dose of BWCA history. He'll give you hints on avoiding the crowds whether you're base-camping or traveling daily. He'll also share ways to avoid the two most threatening parts of canoe country - bugs and bears.