Author Frank Bures joins us on the podcast to discuss his compelling new book, Pushing the River: An Epic Battle, a Lost History, a Near Death, and Other True Canoeing Stories.Frank shares riveting tales from a century of canoe racing, including the forgotten history of the Paul Bunyan Canoe Derby—a grueling 450-mile race on the Upper Mississippi that changed modern canoeing forever. The conversation takes a personal turn as Frank recounts his own harrowing rescue on the Mississippi and other contemporary stories of adventure and survival, including the terrifying escape of two kayakers from the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire in the Boundary Waters.Learn More about the Book and Author at FrankBures.comDave and Frank explore our essential connection to natural spaces and the urgent need to protect these environments in today's political landscape, whether it be the Boundary Waters or the mighty Mississippi River.Drawing from his background as a former trips director and camp naturalist at YMCA Camp Olson, as well as his experience supporting Guinness World Record paddling teams on the Mississippi, Frank offers unique insights into the transformative power of river journeys.Support the Friends of the Boundary Waters' Open Water Spring Fundraiser and have your gift doubled with generous match!Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website:https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
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57:17
Dark Sky Photography with Marc Rassel
Discover the mesmerizing world of dark sky photography with renowned astrophotographer Marc Rassel as he shares expert tips, memorable stories, and essential techniques for capturing the night sky. From the pristine dark skies of Minnesota's Boundary Waters to international stargazing destinations, Marc reveals how to create stunning images of the Milky Way, aurora, and other celestial wonders. Marc also describes the growing challenge of light pollution and how photographers can help preserve our vanishing dark skies. Whether you're a complete beginner with just a smartphone or an experienced photographer looking to refine your nighttime techniques, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone interested in photographing the stars. Follow Marc Rassel on Instagram at @marcrasselphoto and connect with him at marcrasselphoto.com.This podcast is part of Boreal Stargazing week, February 10-17, 2025.Embrace the winter darkness and discover the magic of Minnesota’s starbright skies! Join us for a week of free activities for students, families, and friends that will immerse you in learning and stargazing. These free events are friendly for all ages and feature captivating night sky tours, snowshoe hikes, live conversations with astronomers, and more!Find more information at Friends-BWCA.org/stargazingVisit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website:https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
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46:18
Winter Camping with Kids
Want to introduce your kids to winter camping but not sure where to start? Join us as we chat with Anthony Quill, an adventurous Minnesota Dad who's mastered the art of getting his young children excited about camping in Minnesota's winter wonderland. Anthony shares how his family transitioned from international living to embracing the frozen wilderness, starting with backyard adventures and working their way up to dog sledding expeditions and hot tent camping near the Boundary Waters. Then we join the Quill family to hear from the kids themselves at their winter getaway in Ely, MN!Follow the Quills' adventures:Website: FromTenttoTakeoff.comFacebook:Â https://www.facebook.com/fromtenttotakeoffInstagram: @fromtenttotakeoffVisit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website:https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
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58:51
What does the 2024 Election mean for the Boundary Waters?
How might the recent election results impact the future of Minnesota's cherished wilderness? In this timely episode, Steve Schultz, Government Relations Manager at Friends of the Boundary Waters, examines the shifting political landscape and its implications for the Boundary Waters. The discussion explores both federal and state-level changes, with particular focus on proposed legislation that could affect mining restrictions near this pristine area. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, Schultz outlines practical ways citizens can help protect the wilderness, from grassroots activism to engaging with elected officials, along with a broader reflection on why the Boundary Waters matter and the importance of preserving this unique wilderness for future generations.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website:https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
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34:57
Biking for the Boundary Waters
Two adventurous cyclists embark on an epic journey from Minnesota to New York, pedaling around Lake Superior through Canada, all to support Friends of the Boundary Waters. One of the riders, Mike Quirk, joins us to tell tales from the trip.The ride was to take 30 days and cover almost 2000 miles. But like any true adventure - things didn’t quite go as planned. And before the trip was over, Mike found himself swapping out his bike for a canoe to cover some of the middle-Canada miles on the Ottawa River – then having more unexpected adventures before getting behind the handlebars again to finish the ride to New York.Listen in with us as Mike shares the twists, turns (and near misses!) of this eventful, scenic and charitable ride.Inspired by their dedication? You can make a difference too! If you have a unique fundraising idea to support the Friends, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to learn how you can help protect the BWCA. Together, let’s ensure this incredible wilderness remains pristine for generations to come.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website:https://www.friends-bwca.org Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW Twitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/ Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
About Big Red Canoe - Friends of the Boundary Waters podcast
On Big Red Canoe, the podcast from Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, we introduce you to captivating people and intriguing stories from America's treasured wilderness, covering a wide range of recreational topics. The podcast features scientists, political figures, wilderness and outdoor recreation experts to help you experience new aspects of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the most visited wilderness in the United States. For over 45 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has connected people, communities and the wilderness. Our purpose is to inspire more people to connect with the pristine beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and preserve this priceless place in perpetuity. The Friends work to protect the wilderness from toxic copper-sulfide mines, introduce a new generation to the wonders of canoe country and share recreational resources on canoeing, camping and hiking trips. For more information, visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWBlueSky:https://bsky.app/profile/bwca.bsky.socialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
New Zealand