"The same thing that makes you live can kill you in the end." - Neil Young
In this episode, we sit down with Northwoods reporter and author Joe Friedrichs to discuss his new book, "Last Entry Point." Friedrichs shares real-life accounts of those who have faced life-threatening situations and tragically lost their lives in the serene yet unforgiving Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Through his years of writing, exploring, and researching this iconic region, Friedrichs reminds us that even the most well-prepared adventurers can encounter unexpected challenges when venturing into the great outdoors. Join us as we delve into the risks of wilderness travel and the stories that inspired Friedrichs to write this compelling new book.

Order the book from Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais.
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Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.

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https://www.friends-bwca.org

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On this episode of the Big Red Canoe podcast, we're joined by Devin Brown and Cory Maria Dack to discuss their remarkable paddling journeys down the Mississippi River.

Devin Brown is preparing to become the first Black woman on record to solo kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River, from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Her trip planned for 2024 is driven by a dream over a decade in the making - to find healing and connection for self, and to connect with African American history along the Missisippi.

Cory Maria Dack might be Devin's biggest cheerleader. She has already accomplished the incredible feat of paddling the Mississippi River in a canoe in 2022. And she brings her experience of a relationship with the land, water, and people along the way while increasing representation of diverse identities on the river.

As Devin and Cory share their powerful stories, we learn about their experiences as paddlers and the survival trips of navigating the river and its communal network of River Angels that will help make Devin's upcoming solo journey a success.

Their conversation touches on themes of healing, nature connection, ancestral history, and being a role model for future generations.

You'll leave this podcast knowing more about what it takes to travel on such a monumental paddle, the logistics and community support required, and the physical and emotional journeys represented by descending this iconic American river.

Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-er-down-the-river to support Devin's upcoming trip.

Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW

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On July 4, 1999, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a bizarre confluence of meteorological events resulted in the most damaging blowdown in the region’s history. Originating over the Dakotas, the midsummer windstorm developed amid unusually high heat and water-saturated forests and moved steadily east, bearing down on Fargo, North Dakota, and damaging land as it crossed the Minnesota border.

Author Cary Griffith joins us to talk about his book Gunflint Falling, the story of this devastating storm from the perspectives of those on the ground before, during, and after the catastrophic event—from first-time visitors to the north woods to returning paddlers to Forest Service Rangers. And host Dave Meier discusses the climate impacts that contributed to the blowdown and changing landscape of the Boundary Waters, while telling his own blowdown story.

Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.carygriffith.com for more information on his other books, and how to buy a copy of Gunflint Falling.

Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/