Things you will want to know about the 2010  Forests of the Far North trip...... 

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Registration includes: Tuition includes seven nights lodging, all curriculum, all entrance fees, and all meals from the Saturday evening's dinner through the following Saturday's breakfast on departure day EXCEPT for dinner at the Chocolate Moose which is on your tab.

Please plan for the following expenses in addition to your registration cost: Participants provide their own car (and flight should you choose) transportation to Ely, Minnesota, as well as any driving that occurs during the event. Car-sharing with other participants will be facilitated if you are interested. Please also plan for the tab of one dinner at the Chocolate Moose ($15-$25) Restaurant at Ely.

Registration Fee for Event. Cost of the program is as follows:

• $875.00/person with double occupancy lodge room (may choose two single beds or one double bed),
• $1500/person with private room OR
• $650/person for full curriculum and meals but no lodging (if you wish to camp it might be able to be arranged for a surcharge. Please inquire.)
• $450/person for full curriculum without meals or lodging

Lodging: Because our lodging rooms are very limited and therefore so is our attendance, we regret that single occupancy rooms must carry the same curriculum costs as a shared room. For this reason, for the best rates possible we highly recommend that you find a friend with which to share lodging, or ask us to match you up with a person of your own gender. If we aren't able to find you a partner and we reach full occupancy in all of our rooms, we will notify you and let you decide whether you wish to either decline participation or pay the standard single occupancy rate. If you don't mind sharing a bunk bed (two twins), we can actually get three people in a room. In such a case, the double occupancy rate can be reduced by $90.00.

NOTICE: We have a single female registrant who is looking for another single woman to share a lodge room with. Each room has two or three beds, so you have the privacy of your own bed. This room can be shared with one or two more females. If you are interested, let us know when you register.

Camping. If you are interested in camping at Smitty's at Snowbank, please inquire. We might be able to work out something for you. However, there may only be one space, so no guarantees it is available. But if it is, with your acceptance, we will add the camping fee on top of the no-lodging per-person registration fee.

Deposit and Cancellation Policy  A $300.00 deposit is due to hold each person's reservation if you are registering before May 10, 2010. After that time, full registration is due. Sorry, no guarantee on a full refund for cancellation after May 10th, unless your space can be filled by another registrant.

Nearest Airport  The nearest airport is Duluth, MN, approximately 100 miles from Ely. See http://www.duluthairport.com/  The nearest large city with nonstop flights to many destinations is Minneapolis/St. Paul, approximately a 5 hours drive from Ely. Se  http://www.mspairport.com/

Insects Ticks are not often encountered in mid July and there are no venomous snakes in our destination. Black flies will be over with by July and mosquitoes will be on the decline, but given the proper conditions might still be a nuisance.  By July, open forested areas during daylight hours are somewhat bug-free but even this varies from year to year.  Participants should be prepared to use some kind of repellent unless their personal experience in the north country gives them the confidence to go without. If you are really sensitive to insects, consider bringing a bug net to cover your face and head.

Physical Condition Required Participants should be able to hike sustainably over uneven ground for up to 3 miles a day without any discomfort, and be able to be on their feet most of the day. If you can occasionally "push" up to six miles a day without injury or discomfort in your daily life, you should be able to handle the demands of this trip. The Ely region is  offers fairly level ground so there will not be much climbing. If you participate in the paddling, basic paddling skills are all that is needed. There will be no white water.

Things to Bring We will send you a detailed checklist. But generally: bring informal outdoor clothing for both wet and dry weather. A day pack to carry your lunch and water on the all day paddle. Sunscreen and a light-weight broad-banded hat to cover your head. Water bottle. Hiking boots and at least one pair of lighter shoes you can walk in. Daily change of socks. Casual shoes and casual wear for evenings and time off. Pack several pair of lightweight shorts and pants and lots of layers. It can get cold in Ely, even in July. Insect repellant is recommended for ultimate comfort insurance. Water sandals (Chacos, Tevas, etc) or boating shoes are recommended for the paddle. Flashlight --VERY important. Your own first aid kit as you think appropriate to your needs. Cell phone might be handy, at least during your initial transport, but don't count on it working in the field --it probably won't. There is a land line at the lodge -- bring a calling card. Enough money to cover costs outlined above plus extra for comfort.

Questions? Call the Arc of Appalachia Field Trip Coordinator, Director Nancy Stranahan at 937-365-0101, or write her at director@highlandssanctuary.org. 

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