Canadian Waters Research Expedition 2010
Welcome, here is where you can find almost all of the information our about Canadian Waters Expedition 2010. The trip in the summer of 2010 was Luke and Lindsey's first major expedition and we went about it much differently than the second. The Canadian Waters Expedition was a yearlong project where we went about the process of building support and press, successfully seeking sponsorships, doing the trip while collecting water quality samples, returning home and presenting our water quality study in Logan, Utah in May of 2011. Below you will find information about the entire process!
Expedition Mission Statement
The 1500 mile journey was an attempt to learn from two distinct perspectives. First, from that of a scientist, exploring human influences through an extensive transect of priceless waterways. Second, from that of the adventurer, to learn in little ways the life lessons and fundamentals of our lands.
Objectives
- To travel by canoe through the Rainy River to Lake Winnipeg and north to Hudson Bay at Churchill, Manitoba
- To connect with the spirit of adventure synonymous with the “Canadian Wilderness”
- To conduct a baseline water quality study of an extensive transect of the Canadian Wilderness
Route Summary
Though originally set to begin in the BWCAW, near Ely, MN, we had to move the departure date forward two weeks due to family health issues. To make up for lost time, the trip began on the Rainy River from Fort Frances, Ontario and days later made it to Lake of the Woods. From there, it traveled northwest, through Lake of the Woods and into the Winnipeg River System, following the river to Lake Winnipeg. After crossing the vast Lake Winnipeg, we landed at the historic Norway House. Because the waterways do not connect there, we were driven north to the city of Leaf Rapids. We then entered the Churchill River System via Southern Indian Lake. After traveling through Southern Indian Lake we reached the Churchill River itself, which took us the rest of the way to their destination, Churchill, Manitoba at Hudson Bay. In 1500 miles, the route covered the majority of the Hudson Bay watershed.
All in all, from the day we pushed off in Fort Frances (June 6th) till the day we made it to the bay (August 6th) till the day we arrived at our doorsteps in the cities (August 9th) 65 days had passed. We were not ready to be done, nor do we think this will be our last expedition style paddling adventure;).
All in all, from the day we pushed off in Fort Frances (June 6th) till the day we made it to the bay (August 6th) till the day we arrived at our doorsteps in the cities (August 9th) 65 days had passed. We were not ready to be done, nor do we think this will be our last expedition style paddling adventure;).
Pictures above were taken by Lindsey's grandparents during food drop #1 in Kenora on day 9 and are the only pictures we have of us both in the canoe!
Letters of Support
We recieved support from the following people and organizations: Will Steger and the Steger Foundation. Tom Hickson and Jennifer McGuire- Professors at the University of Saint Thomas. Furthermore, we have met with the following people, all of who have run multiple successful extended expeditions. They have given us priceless advice, shared their experiences, connected us with contacts and even shown willingness to lend us gear. For all of this, we are deeply appreciative:
Bob O'Hara- Legendary Arctic Paddler
Todd Foster and Scott Miller- Completed the historic Sevareid route in 2005. To learn more about their journey, see their website: www.hudsonbayexpedition.com. Their support and generosity has been highly influential in our expedition planning and we greatly appreciate all that they have taught and shared with us. Todd's generosity cannot be overemphasized-time, gear and personal advice.
Gary Johnson- family friend and avid outdoorsman. Gary is a doctor by profession and helped prepare us for a safe trip-designing and outfitting us with medical supplies for our first aid kit, giving us an introductory level lesson to wilderness first aid and lending us multiple first aid guide books for the trip. He also set us up with a free consultation with a physical therapist who taught us how to avoid or care for overuse or other injuries. Luckily, the worst injuries sustained during the trip were cuts and bruises. We are deeply grateful for his help and that of his physical therapist co-worker Kim.
Bob O'Hara- Legendary Arctic Paddler
Todd Foster and Scott Miller- Completed the historic Sevareid route in 2005. To learn more about their journey, see their website: www.hudsonbayexpedition.com. Their support and generosity has been highly influential in our expedition planning and we greatly appreciate all that they have taught and shared with us. Todd's generosity cannot be overemphasized-time, gear and personal advice.
Gary Johnson- family friend and avid outdoorsman. Gary is a doctor by profession and helped prepare us for a safe trip-designing and outfitting us with medical supplies for our first aid kit, giving us an introductory level lesson to wilderness first aid and lending us multiple first aid guide books for the trip. He also set us up with a free consultation with a physical therapist who taught us how to avoid or care for overuse or other injuries. Luckily, the worst injuries sustained during the trip were cuts and bruises. We are deeply grateful for his help and that of his physical therapist co-worker Kim.
Press
We are excited that people have been very supportive of the trip! Our story was featured on the front page for the Fridley Sun- Focus and Apple Valley Sun- Current Newspapers. Also, the University of St. Thomas’s “Tommie Media” posted a piece on our trip, found by clicking this link: http://www.tommiemedia.com/news/geology-students-to-trek-1800-miles-by-canoe/. The story featured on Tommie Media has also been picked up by Paddling.net, which has produced hundreds of hits from the paddling community.
Now in the post-canoe-expedition stages, we are still actively seeking ears to listen. We had a unique and amazing experience and are interested in sharing. If your organization is interested in our story please contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
Now in the post-canoe-expedition stages, we are still actively seeking ears to listen. We had a unique and amazing experience and are interested in sharing. If your organization is interested in our story please contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!
Fridley Sun Focus and Apple Valley Sun Current Article
http://mnsun.com/articles/2010/03/25/headlines/fw_av_fr25canoetrip.txt
Sun Newspapers Article: April 15th, 2011
http://mnsun.com/articles/2011/04/15/headlines/fw_av_fr14canoetrip.txt
Water Quality Study
Field data collection was a success, albeit challenging at times! Collection of near 100 data points through over 1500miles of precious waterways is something we are very proud of. Water quality data points were collected twice daily between 2 and 15 river miles apart and consist of basic water parameters taken with a sonde which measures momentary water parameters including temperature, specific conductance, blue-green algae, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity. Additionally, a 3ml sampling of surface water was collected for laboratory analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis in the laboratory upon return. Notations were also made on precipitation, temperature, cloud cover and wind, proximity to shoreline, speed of current, description of shoreline and other possible relevant aspects such as forest fires, high boat traffic, presence of hydroelectric power stations or tributaries. As originally planned, we presented our findings at the Geological Society of America annual meeting in Logan, Utah in May of 2011.
Below is the abstract submitted to The Geological Society of America conference which we presented at in Logan, UT in May of 2011.
Expedition Gear
Here is an exhaustive spreadsheet of all the items we thought we would need for the trip. If you are in the process of planning your own trip, please feel free to contact us and we can send you better information. If you are in the Twin Cities area, we would love to meet too! We were very organized throughout the planning stages (thanks to Lindsey!) and are deeply pleased at any chance we have to help others plan their own experiences.
Top 3 Tips if planning your own canoe trip:
1. "Expedition Canoeing" By Cliff Jacobson (also called the "expedition canoe bible")
2. Meet with people who have done it before (paddling people are passionate about it, many would love to meet)
3. Headlamp, Bugshirt/face net, journal, camera...... It is not about the stuff. Just Be Safe, make good choices.
Top 3 Tips if planning your own canoe trip:
1. "Expedition Canoeing" By Cliff Jacobson (also called the "expedition canoe bible")
2. Meet with people who have done it before (paddling people are passionate about it, many would love to meet)
3. Headlamp, Bugshirt/face net, journal, camera...... It is not about the stuff. Just Be Safe, make good choices.