Take the trip planning value of The Boundary Waters Journal to the highest level. All active 3 and 5 year BWJ subscribers qualify for our FREE T.R.I.P.S. Program. Consult one-on-one with BWJ Publisher/Editor/Guide Stu Osthoff. Get precious, hard-earned first hand advice on the best campsites, fishing holes, portage routes, historical sites, solitude areas and more. All FREE for being a loyal BWJ Subscriber.

The BWJ T.R.I.P.S. Program is simple to use and can make all the difference in the success of your next canoe country adventure.

T.R.I.P.S. Guidelines:

1. Select a basic route of interest to your group.
2. E-mail BWJ Editor Stu Osthoff
Give a general description of your route: entry point, the main lakes and exit point.
3. Wait for Stu to e-mail a “Yes, I can help,” Or “No, I can’t help,” response. I am only comfortable giving advice for what I have personally experienced first hand. If I am familiar with your route, I will share what I can. If I have not paddled that route, I’ll say so. Then we can try again with a future route plan.
4. If Stu e-mails “Yes,” go to the TRIPS Questionnaire.
5. MAIL your completed TRIPS questionnaire, a readable plain paper photocopy or the actual Fisher or McKenzie maps covering your route and a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage to:

BWJ TRIPS
9396 ROCKY LEDGE ROAD
ELY, MN 55731

6. Fisher and McKenzie maps for the BWCAW & Quetico are available for purchase from the BWJ Voyageur Trading Post.  Order online or call 800-548-7319. A map of your route is necessary for me to pinpoint important information.
7. I will return your TRIPS report on a first come, first served basis. (Allow 2 to 3 weeks for response.)

Here is an example of the kind of valuable information the BWJ TRIPS Program provides for a group going to the Darky/Argo Lakes area.

(scan of marked map image)

* Proven fishing spots by species
* Campsites rated
* Portage descriptions/recommendations
* Water level concerns
* Historical, scenic, wildlife locations, etc.

Through my Grand Slam Guide Service, I’m out in the Quetico/BWCAW guiding canoe fishing/hunting trips 8+ weeks each season. Together with my 30+ years experience up here and a unique association with thousands of BWJ subscribers, nobody knows the canoe country quite like I do. The BWJ T.R.I.P.S. Program is priceless advice for folks outfitting themselves. Even if using a commercial outfitter, chances are we can enhance your trip planning and help you enjoy your next canoe country adventure to the fullest.

TRIPS ELIGIBILITY:
Anyone in the BWJ subscription database with an ACTIVE 3 OR 5 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION.
Subscribers with less than 3 years may extend their subscription to the 3 or 5 year level at any time to immediately participate in TRIPS.
* REMEMBER: Renew for 3 to 5 years when your next renewal notice comes!!

PLEASE UNDERSTAND:
* I cannot respond unless you mail all 3 things:

1. Completed copy of TRIPS Questionnaire.
2. Plain paper copy of map(s) or actual map(s) of your route. I will be writing information on the maps.
3. SASE for my return response.

* You must MAIL all 3 of these items for me respond. I cannot be responding by phone or email.
* Don’t wait until the last minute. I’m guiding wilderness trips much of the summer and fall myself.

I’ve always found guiding others to the priceless rewards of wilderness adventure very gratifying. TRIPS is a way for me to give something back to this special place. I look forward to sharing my passion for canoe country with our loyal BWJ subscribers.

Sincerely,
Stu Osthoff
Publisher/Editor