Boundary Waters Base Camp: Potlikker and Smoke with Chef Lachelle

Overview

Explore and paddle from a base camp in the Superior National Forest. During the day, embark on canoe trips into the pristine and tranquil Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). As twilight descends, spend your evenings learning, cooking, and eating together with Twin Cities Chef Lachelle Cunningham, whose unique and inspiring approach to melding natural foods, plants/herbs, and the healing power of time spent outdoors will deepen your appreciation of this serene setting. Meals and conversations will be flavored by both campfire smoke and potlikker — a nourishing broth from stewing soul foods recipes. Chance York, a renowned yoga and mindfulness instructor and host of the TPT/PBS award-winning series, “Outside Chance,” will lead Movement/Stretching & Sound Healing sessions in nature, which include a series of gentle stretching and movement exercises designed to awaken the body and enhance flexibility, complemented by sound healing techniques that promote inner peace and well-being. This is a great trip for adults seeking a BWCA adventure and a meaningful exploration of natural foods.

Sample Itinerary

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Your adventure starts in the morning at Wilderness Inquiry headquarters in St. Paul. You’ll get to know the group driving to a campsite in the Superior National Forest, on the edge of the BWCA. Settle into your campsite, learn how to portage a canoe, and prepare your first campsite meal together - a great start to this immersive, culinary outdoor adventure.

After making an early, healthy breakfast of veggie tacos and fresh fruit, get ready for a day on the water. Spend the morning canoeing on the lake learning the basics of paddling, portaging, and navigating the waterway. We’ll also explore and forage the surrounding area - identifying and responsibly collecting edible plants. After lunch, Chance York will guide you through the basics of yoga, forest bathing, and breathwork - grounding you with the natural surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a dinner of jambalaya with a side of fireside discussion about natural herbs and healing while toasting vegan s’mores under the stars.

Head into the BWCA once again to explore a different lake for a peaceful paddle - be sure to keep your eyes peeled for eagles! Gather on the beach for gentle stretching, movement exercises, and a sound-healing experience before enjoying an on-trail picnic lunch of lentil sloppy joes. You’ll have time in the afternoon for a healing plant identification walk and exploration or a dip in the lake. After a dinner of soul curry, share your reflections around the campfire.

Break camp and go on one last hike to Temperance River to view the amazing gorge. We’ll make a final stop in Duluth on the way back to the Twin Cities.

Dates & Fees

Wilderness Inquiry leads trips to this area, but currently has no dates scheduled for this itinerary. If you have a group of people interested, we can set up a customized adventure just for you! Please contact us or request a trip quote below if you are interested in a group trip to this destination.

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What to Expect

TERRAIN/ROUTE CHOICES: At night you will camp in the Superior National Forest, which lies on the Canadian Shield, an area characterized by exposed granite with a thin layer of topsoil. This terrain is the result of glaciers scraping and grinding 10,000 years ago. The lakes and trails make this area one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the country.

TYPE OF TRAVEL/DISTANCE: This itinerary is intended for adults. You will go on day trips in 18-foot canoes, which hold two to three paddlers, plus all necessary gear. An average day’s travel consists of 2-4 hours of paddling or hiking. Expect 1-2 portages (short trail crossings) per paddling trip. Please note that the specific itinerary is subject to change based on weather, group size, and ability level.

WEATHER: Temperatures in the summer months range from 40 F to 95 F. Rainfall can vary, but you should expect at least a day or two of rain.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 3 to 12 participants, plus 1 or more Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities. Our trips are cooperative in nature. Wilderness Inquiry staff will assist you in whatever areas you need, however, most people pitch in where they can.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At night you will sleep in a comfortable 4-person tent with 3-4 people per tent (other arrangements can be made). Bathroom facilities consist of a USDA Forest Service outhouse. Campgrounds have potable water spigots, access to personal vehicles, and may have shower access for a fee (depending on the campground). Campsites typically do not have electricity.

MEALS: Enjoy preparing meals together using fresh, healthy ingredients for bountiful dishes. Rise to the smell of freshly brewed coffee to enjoy with your breakfast and pack trail lunches with hearty snacks before heading off to explore. In the evening, we’ll prepare our dinner together over stoves and campfires and then finish with s’mores. IF YOU HAVE SPECIAL DIETARY RESTRICTIONS, BE SURE TO LIST THEM ON YOUR REGISTRATION.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: Wilderness Inquiry will provide all group equipment. You will need to provide your personal gear as outlined in the packing list. If you are new to outdoor activities, you do not need to spend a lot of money. Wilderness Inquiry can usually arrange for you to borrow most items.

FISHING: If interested in fishing you are expected to bring your own fishing gear. We encourage you to bring a collapsible rod and reel. Don’t forget a Minnesota fishing license.

MEDICATIONS: Please list all of your medications on your registration form. Consider bringing two sets of your medications: one set that can be kept with you, and another set that will be kept by your trip leaders. If you need assistance taking your medications, please explain on your registration form. Wilderness Inquiry will bring a collection of over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, Advil, anti-nausea, etc.).

CELL PHONES AND OTHER DEVICES: You are welcome to bring cell phones and other devices like cameras, but they are your responsibility to take care of. You may have inconsistent cell service, so we encourage you to unplug! Wilderness Inquiry is not responsible for any lost or broken electronic devices.

SAFETY & EMERGENCIES WHILE ON TRAIL: All Wilderness Inquiry guides possess experience in administering First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety, carry fully-stocked first aid kits, GPS communication devices, and are trained on how to respond to emergencies while on trail. If a loved one is participating in a Wilderness Inquiry experience and you need to contact them due to an emergency, please call the Wilderness Inquiry main phone line at (612) 676-9400. We will work to get in contact with trip leaders as soon as possible.

COVID POLICY: We continue to monitor and update our COVID-19 policies. Wilderness Inquiry strongly encourages everyone to be fully up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination and take other necessary steps for the health and wellness of all. We ask you to self-screen for any signs of illness before your trip’s departure. Please contact Wilderness Inquiry if you are exhibiting signs of illness. We will also continue to follow all guidance and requirements of locations that we travel, keeping in mind some international destinations do require vaccinations and/or negative COVID tests. We will update this policy as new information and guidance become available.

GROUP EXPECTATIONS: To facilitate a safe and inclusive environment where we can all come together as our true selves, feel supported, and enjoy the outdoors in community, we have developed community agreements that align with Wilderness Inquiry’s core values and brand promise. We ask that you review these before your adventure so you can help Wilderness Inquiry create an inclusive environment for all.

COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS AS WE ADVENTURE TOGETHER
☐ We are safety conscious so everyone can have fun!
☐ We seek to understand each other and celebrate our differences.
☐ We are curious, open-minded, and communicate respectfully.
☐ We are open to trying new things and pushing outside of our comfort zone.
☐ We support each other and collectively contribute to group tasks.