The idea of the Crossing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) using Snow Kites powered by the wind was influenced by several other prior and more difficult expeditions. Liv Arneson and Ann Bancroft used snow kites in their 2001 attempt to be the first women to cross Antarctica. The 2008 “To Cross the Moon (2XtM)” an eco-friendly snow kiting expedition across North Dakota raising awareness about wind energy and climate change, and several other kiting expedition in Greenland and Alaska harnessed the wind complete their expeditions.
Why did we choose to attempt to cross the BWCA? The BWCA is a one of a kind location for any outdoor enthusiast, but to visit the area in the grip of winter, when the area is isolated by its cold temperatures and fierce winds, not to mention the frozen lakes that run in a northwest/southeast direction, make it a perfect place to plan a kite expedition.
Every expedition has obstacles and challenges to overcome to complete the adventure, otherwise it would be call a trip. Right? Well, like most great expeditions in the last 50 years, ours starts off with the challenge of permits and government approval. Our first goal is to convince the BWCA / US Forest Service to let our expedition to us snow kites to aid in our travels while in the BWCA. As of now there is no rules allowing or disallowing the use of snow kites to travel within the BWCA, but when we ask the BWCA their position on kiting, it is unclear if the will allow to use snow kites. We have great respect for what the BWCA stands for in the preservation and conservation of the area. We will wait patiently for an official ruling where or not we are welcome.
2 comments:
yeah! you rock! I was part of the education team during the 2XtM expeditions. After our first expedition in 2007, I was telling everyone that being part of an expedition is one of the most incredible (and grueling) experiences of a lifetime. In many ways, my life can be measured as BE and AE (before expedition and after expedition).
Best of luck. I'll make sure to pass this on to others on the 2XtM crew.
I am glad to see some more mid west adventures. Promoting adventure in the midwest is one of my biggest passions... As part of the 2XtM crew I/we would be glad to help you out anyway we can. I agree with what Jason said as well you will never be able to fully expressyoyr experience it is something that becomes a part of you...totaly serious about lending a hand if you need it I will be in the area from Oct 23rd to Nov 3rd, shoot us an email at 2xtm08@gmail.com good luck I am a bit jellous the BW are high on my list of places to explore with a kite...
Sam Salwei
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