This trip was like nothing our Troop had ever done before. 19 Scouts and Leaders traveled out to Ely, Minnesota to take part in a canoe wilderness adventure for ten days. We were headed to the Charles L. Sommers canoe base, the original base of Northern Tier and where we would launch into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Scouts wait for the rented Budget vans at the Duluth airport. We headed north to the Giants Ridge Resort in Biwabik, MN where we had a very nice stop-over day. The resort offered us a sports dorm building where each room held 4 bunk beds. The boys were able to go swimming, shoot pool and explore the grounds around the beautiful Lodge building.

Mr. Fox, Mr. Bailey & Mr. McCarthy relax next to the indoor pool. Scouts attempt to "hustle" Mr. Fox later on.

We had the dining room all to ourselves for dinner and breakfast. The resort also provided us a box lunch for our trip to Ely.

Thanks to Mr. Vogeli, the Troop was able to make a stop at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park where we were able to take the mine tour. We learned that the iron ore mine was in operation from 1882 until 1962. To get to the deepest part of the mine, we entered the same cage elevators that were once used by the miners. We descended 2700 feet and loaded onto a train which took us another 3/4 mile deep into the mountain. The exhibits and our guide described how the miners were able to work in the dark and the noise.

After the mine tour, the Troop was treated to a snack stop at Soudan's Only Store! The cashiers were thrilled to see us!