Rob Rossi Twin Cities, MN Gerry Boisjoli Duluth, MN Susan Cowan Conyers, Ga. (Here visiting sister) Rochelle Brodin Scandia, MN Q A Occupation: Canoe guide for Wilderness Inquiry and independent contractor in theatre design. Seen: Leading a canoe group of 37 people in Voyageur style canoes through the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area in the Twin Cities. Favorite river trip: Following the Lewis and Clark Route down the Missouri River in Montana. Great scenery and fascinating history, and I have to say the Big Salmon River in the Yukon. Miles a year: Make about 60 day trips a year and spend time in the Everglades over the winter. Gear: A 23-foot Northwest Voyageur canoe made of cedar strips. Best trail treat: Trail lasagna with fire-roasted peppers. Must have: Guides all have one special thing to bring along. Mine is a little wash basin with Dr. Bronner’s soap. Goals: I want to get a masters degree in social work and marry my interest in the outdoors with social work. Seen: Biking the newly-opened Brown’s Creek State Trail into Stillwater. Gear: Specialized Globe Sport Bike. Best trail experience:The kindness of strangers who helped me out when I got caught in a severe thunderstorm. Worst trail experience: Selfish race-type bikers who come up behind me and pass without warning at high speeds. Trail treat: Fresh fruit and a home-cooked meal. With $1000 I would: Trade in our old bike carrier for a better one and replace my daughter’s stolen bike. Advice: Hydrate and watch the weather. Occupation: Computer programmer. Seen on: Medicine Lake extension of the Luce Line Trail. What she likes about this trail: It’s so green, lakes so beautiful. Bike: REI Novara. Yearly miles: 200 miles a week. Favorite trail: I just love these Minneapolis area trails with their lakes, parks. I come here every year to bike. Favorite trail treat: Baker’s Square. Best ride ever: Biking over the North Georgia mountains. I like to finish a ride with: A swim. It feels good after biking 50 miles to move your arms again. What biking means to me: Freedom, being outside, in beautiful places and it’s good for you. Your friendly neighborhood bicycle shop! We feature quality bicycles from GT, Redline, Schwinn, Specialized, Sun, Torker & Worksman. Open 7 days a week. Children’s, Road, Comfort, BMX, Mountain Bikes & Unicycles 2661 County Road I - Mounds View MN 763.784.6966 CARSBikeShop.com Occupation: Self-employed stained glass artist. Seen: On a quiet, early- morning hike while camping at Bear Head Lake State Park with her husband, four grown children, two grandchildren and three dogs – “our circus goes camping.” Like about it here: Beautiful, quiet, good fishing, no bugs. Favorite campground: Whiteface Reservoir and Floor Lake Campground on Gunflint Trail. Best camp trip: Glacier – before the kids. Gear: One eight-man canvas tent and a pup tent, a kennel tent, Alumacraft boat, canoe and two kayaks. Favorite treats: S’mores of course. Everything tastes good out here. We love big breakfasts before an active day. Family camping advice: Keep the kids busy; swim, hike, bike. Our granddaughter has a pink Princess fishing rod that keeps her busy fishing with grandpa. Continued… Gerry Boisjoli cont. How often do you camp: Once a year, three to six days. Dreams: We get home and dream about camping in Alaska or having a cabin of our own on a spot like Bear Head Lake State Park, but that would cost a fortune. Home Sweet Biome Snapshots of people we meet along the trail Q A & Trails 8 Summer 2015 Minnesota Trails 1505Summer.indd 8 5/5/15 1:26 PM