In this information-packed talk, Bear will cover the 6 Ps of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, starting with the all-important pre-trip items of permits and planning, along with hints on avoiding crowds. Come to delve into packing strategies for portaging and paddling, as well as a wealth of wilderness tripping techniques. Learn ways to protect yourselves from bugs and your food from bears.

For two decades Bear dreamed about a long winter camping trip. He wanted to experience the arc of winter. The year before his son entered kindergarten, the dream came true. Bear, his wife, Claire, and son, Dashwa, paddled into the BWCA in October. They travelled slowly, exploring, and living in a 10x10 tent warmed by a wood stove. They skied out 130 days later having not seen another person.

Known throughout the canoe world as the engineering genius behind Cooke Custom Sewing for 40 years, Dan was Bear's very close friend and travelling partner. Together they spent over 100 nights canoeing and winter camping from the BWCA to the Arctic. When invited to be a special person in Bear's son's life, Dan anointed himself Grandpa Dan. Join Bear for stories about his long friendship and many travels with the canoeing legend.