Myself, and 3 of my companions (all of us male- in our 20's) will be heading to the Grand Marais area in the beginning of June (probably a Thurs-Sun). We are looking for a bit of help in outfitting (or any other suggestions any of you may have). We know that we will definitely need 2 tandem canoes, an extra bag for food, cooking kit and stoves, paddles, life vests (they are required by law I believe?). We aren't so much into fishing- as to photography and such. Is there anyone out there that can aid me in my search for more knowledge? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I assume you will use an entry off of the Gunflint trail? If so you can use any of the outfitters along the trail. Depending on where you go in you may be able to narrow your search. Any of the outfitters will be bale to help you with the gear and canoes you need. Start looking for outfitters and call and ask them questions about your goals for the trip, the gear you need, what you do know so they can help teach you what you do not know. It is sometimes hard to know what you need to ask if you did not know it was important.

The other thing to do would be to get a book or two on wilderness canoe camping. If you have never done it before you can learn alot from the books out there. Books by Beymer, Furtman, Jacobson etc. can teach you alot. Do not take everything they say and do it, learn what makes sense to you and try it. You're next trip will be different than your first guaranteed as you learn what worked and did not work the first time.

Attend Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin if you can. It is in March and the speakers will teach you a lot. Plus many outfitters will be there and they are also very helpful.

Ask the board questions as you come upon them-this group is very helpful and will answer your questions. Also check out other canoeing bulliten boards for help. There are 4 or 5 good boards out there do a search and check them out.