The person who won the VNO package for a 3 day 2 nite, 2 person lightweight, complete canoe package has donated it back to the scholarship fund. So we decided to place it up for bid, in a silent auction. This is a $480 value, http://www.vnorth.com/outfitting_services/voyageur_lightweight_complete_outfitting.html
To place a bid simply e-mail me at valeheath@yahoo.com
We will take bids commencing immediately until midnight on June 2nd.
If you have any questions regarding details of this package I have posted the link above and of course you may contach Lynn or John and http://www.vnorth.com/, or 1-800-848-5530.
All proceeds from this auction will go to The Christopher Schmidt Wilderness Adventre Scholarship fund.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Scholarship Paddling Event Trip Report.
The weather for the event was not what was not exactly what was hoped, for with a soaking rain at the campground on Friday night and cool temperatures Saturday morning in the lower 40's. But the Saturday morning sun helped warm us make it feel pleasant.
We set out on the river with 9 canoes. There were about 10 canoes who did not show up, I believe due to Friday nights rain and Saturday mornings cool temps. However we were pleasantly surprised with the addition of two canoes, with 6 occupants and their dog, who showed up unexpectedly. They were the only aluminum canoes, but they were on the water and beat the rest of us back to the take out by a long shot. The lady who brought this group is a lurker from the CCBB. I had a chance to have a short visit with her and I hope to hear from her and visit with her again.
Kevin Callan was with us as you know, and made for a fun and unique experience for all of us. I didn't get to visit with him as much as I had hoped as I was busy attending to details most of the weekend. He posted a nice article and video of the event on his blog -http://explore.outdoorsica.com/blogs/paddlers_guide_to_happy_camping/2009/may/21/zumbro_river_paddle_video/#commentsThe Other paddlers included Tom Mings, President of MCA, Brian Schmidt, Bonham O'Hanlon (age 11, one of 2 youth on the trip), Katie age 10 who was with the 'lurkers' group. We also had with us, Old Scout, Jim Wi, Sue Plankis, Canoe Pam, Zippy, about 20 of us all together. Attending but not paddling were, Mrs. Troutbreath and family, Guidemesiter, (both who helped shuttle us). GSP, who provided a tarp to help keep us dry Friday night, the Canoearoo family, my daughter Cherries, her friend Josh, my grandaughter Haleigh, and Bonhams little brother Dakota.Others who helped and supported this event even though they couldn't attend were, PFP, Steve Dawson, who loaned us his beloved canoe for Kevin and Brian to paddle, Nibi, Larry Ricker who encouraged and supported me and said it wasn't a crazy idea at all, and several people who sent donations even though they couldn't attend.
Even though we had to fight the wind at times, I really, really, loved this river, with its clear water, wooded bluffs, abundant fish, the many beautiful eagles, and I can't wait to paddle it again.
After covering expenses for this event I am happy to report we are still in a position to award at least 2 scholarships at this point. I anticipate increasing this number as donations are still trickling in, and after I auction the gift certificate from Voyagers North Outfitters. I will be doing other fundraisers year around that I will be post on my blog, such as selling concesssions at a local grocery store that hosts a food stand every weekend for local non profit events and organizations.
We have received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement to do this event again next year, and it is our hope to do so. We already have an offer to group camp at the beautiful Camp Victory from Steve, which is just a few blocks from the canoe launch we used this year.
Thanks to Camp Victory, Wilderness Inquiry, Project Go, for their support of this event and for the awesome work they do with youth and their families to enrich their lives by providing wilderness and outdoor experiences.
Kevin was employed for several years in outdoor education and remains actively involved. Anybody who takes a child on an outdoor experience whether it be a wilderness trip or nature hike has shared a wonderful gift. I have found this sharing to be as much as a gift to myself as the one I am sharing it with.
Thanks also to all who supported this event by paddling, attending, camping, cooking, sending donations, shuttling, building fires, loaning gear, donating prizes, printing flyers, building a website, or publishing the event on their site, picture and videos of the event, or other shows of support.
I will post results as to scholarships awarded! It will be the most rewarding part of this event.
Heartfelt thanks from the family of Christopher Schmidt
We set out on the river with 9 canoes. There were about 10 canoes who did not show up, I believe due to Friday nights rain and Saturday mornings cool temps. However we were pleasantly surprised with the addition of two canoes, with 6 occupants and their dog, who showed up unexpectedly. They were the only aluminum canoes, but they were on the water and beat the rest of us back to the take out by a long shot. The lady who brought this group is a lurker from the CCBB. I had a chance to have a short visit with her and I hope to hear from her and visit with her again.
Kevin Callan was with us as you know, and made for a fun and unique experience for all of us. I didn't get to visit with him as much as I had hoped as I was busy attending to details most of the weekend. He posted a nice article and video of the event on his blog -http://explore.outdoorsica.com/blogs/paddlers_guide_to_happy_camping/2009/may/21/zumbro_river_paddle_video/#commentsThe Other paddlers included Tom Mings, President of MCA, Brian Schmidt, Bonham O'Hanlon (age 11, one of 2 youth on the trip), Katie age 10 who was with the 'lurkers' group. We also had with us, Old Scout, Jim Wi, Sue Plankis, Canoe Pam, Zippy, about 20 of us all together. Attending but not paddling were, Mrs. Troutbreath and family, Guidemesiter, (both who helped shuttle us). GSP, who provided a tarp to help keep us dry Friday night, the Canoearoo family, my daughter Cherries, her friend Josh, my grandaughter Haleigh, and Bonhams little brother Dakota.Others who helped and supported this event even though they couldn't attend were, PFP, Steve Dawson, who loaned us his beloved canoe for Kevin and Brian to paddle, Nibi, Larry Ricker who encouraged and supported me and said it wasn't a crazy idea at all, and several people who sent donations even though they couldn't attend.
Even though we had to fight the wind at times, I really, really, loved this river, with its clear water, wooded bluffs, abundant fish, the many beautiful eagles, and I can't wait to paddle it again.
After covering expenses for this event I am happy to report we are still in a position to award at least 2 scholarships at this point. I anticipate increasing this number as donations are still trickling in, and after I auction the gift certificate from Voyagers North Outfitters. I will be doing other fundraisers year around that I will be post on my blog, such as selling concesssions at a local grocery store that hosts a food stand every weekend for local non profit events and organizations.
We have received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement to do this event again next year, and it is our hope to do so. We already have an offer to group camp at the beautiful Camp Victory from Steve, which is just a few blocks from the canoe launch we used this year.
Thanks to Camp Victory, Wilderness Inquiry, Project Go, for their support of this event and for the awesome work they do with youth and their families to enrich their lives by providing wilderness and outdoor experiences.
Kevin was employed for several years in outdoor education and remains actively involved. Anybody who takes a child on an outdoor experience whether it be a wilderness trip or nature hike has shared a wonderful gift. I have found this sharing to be as much as a gift to myself as the one I am sharing it with.
Thanks also to all who supported this event by paddling, attending, camping, cooking, sending donations, shuttling, building fires, loaning gear, donating prizes, printing flyers, building a website, or publishing the event on their site, picture and videos of the event, or other shows of support.
I will post results as to scholarships awarded! It will be the most rewarding part of this event.
Heartfelt thanks from the family of Christopher Schmidt
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Zumbro River
Here is link to the map for Zumbro River. We would be putting in at the canoe launch on county road 7 just north of Zumbro Lake and off Hwy 63, and paddling to Zumbro Falls.
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe_routes/zumbro.pdf
http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe_routes/zumbro.pdf
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Area Attractions
There are lots of attractions in SE Minnesota, some that I recommend:
If you like whitewater trout fishing, SE Minnesota has some of the best you can findhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/trout_se.html
I heard the trout fishing is great, and crappie fishing is hot on Lake Zumbro along shoreline, right now.
Hwy 16 is a well known scenic by way, but almost every road is scenic in bluff country. http://www.exploreminnesota.com/experiences/byways/detail.aspx?EntityId=21867
Mystery Cave http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/forestville_mystery_cave/index.html
Niagra Cave http://www.niagaracave.com/default.asp
Lanesboro is a picturesque village nestled in a deep valley about 30 minutes south of Rochester. http://www.lanesboro.com/default.php
On Friday or Saturday you may notice the Amish out and about and possibly selling there baked goods and homemade wares in the Lanesboro Central Park or at roadsides to the tourists, and people like me who just like their food. :)
If you like whitewater trout fishing, SE Minnesota has some of the best you can findhttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/trout_se.html
I heard the trout fishing is great, and crappie fishing is hot on Lake Zumbro along shoreline, right now.
Hwy 16 is a well known scenic by way, but almost every road is scenic in bluff country. http://www.exploreminnesota.com/experiences/byways/detail.aspx?EntityId=21867
Mystery Cave http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/forestville_mystery_cave/index.html
Niagra Cave http://www.niagaracave.com/default.asp
Lanesboro is a picturesque village nestled in a deep valley about 30 minutes south of Rochester. http://www.lanesboro.com/default.php
On Friday or Saturday you may notice the Amish out and about and possibly selling there baked goods and homemade wares in the Lanesboro Central Park or at roadsides to the tourists, and people like me who just like their food. :)
Camping...
If you want to join us for camping some of us will be camping at Chester Woods County Park on Friday and Saturday night.http://www.co.olmsted.mn.us/parks/chester_woods.asp
Also nearby is the beautiful Whitewater State Park. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/whitewater/index.html
Further south you will find other state parks with campgrounds including:
Beaver Creek Valley, and Forestville
Also nearby is the beautiful Whitewater State Park. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/whitewater/index.html
Further south you will find other state parks with campgrounds including:
Beaver Creek Valley, and Forestville
Friday, April 17, 2009
Updates..
I am really pleased with the postive responses I have received to this event from day 1. The offers for support have been more than I expected, so things change from day to day, and I thought this blog would be a good tool to keep everybody updated on things. So check back frequently!
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