Posted in Activities & Events, Adventure, Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, Outdoors for Kids, Photography, tagged Canoeing, Crow River, Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, FML Outdoors, Guide Services, Map, Minnesota, North Fork, Trail on October 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Today‘s Featured Canoe Trip (Crow River, North Fork): Unseasonably weather brought 80-degree temperatures on this fall canoe trip. Friday we ventured to Lake Maria and boiled up Crayfish with Mussels, while roughing it with some homemade brew. Saturday was a tummy-buster with Pot Roast, carrots and potatoes. The half-mile trek to our campsite kept us in shape for dessert — Homemade Apple Crisp!
Crow River, MN
Posted in Activities & Events, Adventure, Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, Outdoors for Kids, Photography, tagged Canoeing, Crow River, Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, FML Outdoors, Guide Services, Map, Minnesota, North Fork, Trail on September 4, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Today‘s Featured Canoe Trip (Crow River, North Fork): A one-hour drive west of the Twin Cities puts you in your canoe and paddling one of Minnesota’s best rivers. This narrow river, with a procession of large oaks and maples trees along it’s banks, challenges paddlers attention. Dead-fall and low hanging branches are around every corner — making manoeuvring this river a fun attraction in low water months.
Crow River, MN
Posted in Activities & Events, Adventure, Camping, Canoeing, Lake Trout, Outdoors, Outdoors for Kids, Photography, tagged Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Brule Lake, BWCA, Canoeing, Eden Prairie Outdoor Center, Ely, FML Outdoors, Guide Services, Map, Minnesota, Outfitter, Sawbill, Superior National Forest, Trail, Zumbro River on August 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »
Today‘s Featured Canoe Trip (BWCA): This was my third trip into Minnesota’s largest untouched ecosystem, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. With my guiding hat on — seven hardy paddlers from Eden Prairie, Minnesota’s Outdoor Center, set out to explore and experience this large majestic forest. Along our trek we found many kinds of mushrooms, moss and granite protrusions.
Preparing for any trip outdoors requires planning and preparation. Knowing that conditions can — and most often WILL change require you to respond and act appropriately when conditions turn unpleasant. On the fourth day, we had rain, lightning and hail. By having a shelter, such as a lean-to tarp or canopy, everyone was able to enjoy a hot meal.
Brule Lake, MN
Posted in Activities & Events, Adventure, Canoeing, Outdoors, Outdoors for Kids, Photography, tagged Canoeing, FML Outdoors, Guide Services, Minnesota, Zumbro River on August 1, 2012| 1 Comment »
On The Itinerary: Today, I guided three lovely ladies for a sun-soaked day canoeing on Minnesota’s Zumbro River. The river was filled with summer-seeking individuals and a doe — wading to cool off.
Zumbro River, MN
Posted in Activities & Events, Adventure, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors, Outdoors for Kids, Photography, tagged Minneapolis – Saint Paul, Minnesota, Outdoors, Recreation, Saint Paul Minnesota, Twin Cities, Twin Cities Outdoors Adventures on April 18, 2011| 1 Comment »
Come visit Twin Cities Outdoor Adventures Group (TCOA) new site. It’s the best way to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts!
Located in the heart of the Twin Cities Metro area, TCOA consists of a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts who thrive on sharing new experiences, while building camaraderie with others who also appreciate the great outdoors.
Get Off the Couch
If it’s exercise you’re after…come breath in the fresh, clean air and feel rejuvenated. Join us in planning fun-filled activities such as hiking, biking, camping and many other exhilarating outdoor pleasures.
Outdoor Learning Activities
If you’re interested in knowing more about the outdoors…growing TCOA connections in the community have led to a plethora of learning opportunities, including how-to camping seminars, wildlife identification field trips, local geocaching events and more.
The Right Gear
Having the proper equipment is essential to every safe, successful outdoor experience. If you’re a little low in the outdoor gear department, don’t worry. TCOA’s 1000-plus membership allows us to pool our efforts, so participants have access to the appropriate equipment for their event. Additionally, local sponsors offer informative seminars highlighting equipment, tips and techniques to further ensure that our outings proceed as planned.
Community-Grown Success Starts with our Members
As the foundation of our growth and success, TCOA members are committed individuals who generously share knowledge, volunteer and help plan outdoor activities while engaging others to do the same.
Join us in pursuing our mutual passion for the outdoors! FREE! Join TODAY!
Posted in Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Canoeing, FML Outdoors, kinnickinnic river, Paddling, Wisconsin on September 19, 2010| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Camping with Kids, Cannon River, Gooseberry Falls, Jay Cooke, Lake Carlos State Park, Long Prairie River, Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Outdoor Camping, Reservations, State Parks on June 30, 2010| Leave a Comment »
It was my turn to plan this years springs canoe trip. After searching the Minnesota DNR’s website and fumbling through piles of river maps, I narrowed my search to two rivers.
The first river I chose was the Cannon River, located 60-miles south of the Minneapolis. Like the Jay Cooke and Gooseberry Falls State Parks this river has Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and Rice Lake State Park, which are easily within driving distance.
The second river called, “Long Prairie River” located north of Alexandria Minnesota is approximately 3 hours and 142 miles from Minneapolis. So, why did I pick one river so close to home — and another so far away? (more…)
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors, tagged Blaze Orange, Camouflage, Clothing, Gear, Hunting, Jacket, Prepare, Season on January 18, 2010| 1 Comment »
The hunting season has ended and it’s time to collect piles of camouflage and blaze orange laying on the floor and behind the seat of your truck. You’ve listen to complaints from your spouse all season-long, and finally — you decided it’s time to pick up your gear! Sound familiar? This scene is repeated daily in many hunting households.
Before you purchase your next jacket, I want to share with you simple advice that will keep your investment long-lasting and in great shape. (more…)
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Boundary Waters Canoe Area, BWCA, Camping, Canoe, Canoeing, Minnesota, Most Popular Tents, Paddling on June 28, 2009| 1 Comment »
Chris Walden continues his quest to help others plan and prepare trips to the majestic waters and rugged lands of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area.If the canoe is not the most important piece of gear on a BWCA trip, your tent is. Anyone who has sat inside a tent during a rainy night understands this completely. Whether you were wet or dry, you understood the value of a quality tent.
Posted in Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Boundary Waters Canoe Area, BWCA, Camping, Minnesota, Paddling on June 18, 2009| Leave a Comment »
By Chris Walden
Continually renting from an outfitter is like golfing with rental clubs. It’s OK the first few times, but you end up needing your own custom gear selected for your own needs. The first – and arguably most important – piece of equipment is the canoe itself. Let’s discuss some of the materials and lengths to consider, and a few other important features to keep in mind. (more…)
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Canoeing Videos, Fishing, Fishing Videos, Hunting, Hunting Videos, Outdoors, Recipes, tagged www.fatmanslanding.com on June 17, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Fat Man’s Landing Logo
Do you have a memory of your father fishing or perhaps an old hunting story that gets a few laughs each year at deer camp?
I invite others to share your experiences, tips and pictures that will help others appreciate and enjoy the great outdoors.
Please respond within Comments (shown below) and I’ll get right back to you as soon as possible!
A great way to relive and archive precious moments with family and friends.
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Canoeing Videos, Outdoors, tagged Boundary Waters Canoe Area, BWCA, Camping, Canoeing, Minnesota, Paddling on June 15, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Camping, Canoeing, Paddling, Upper Iowa River on June 12, 2009| Leave a Comment »
On this years spring canoe trip to the Upper Iowa river we experienced something called, “Fresh-Air Apnea” a condition sometimes brought on by over-paddling, staying up late and consuming numerous beers by the fire.
What’s the cure? Apparently, a good dose of antiquing, breakfast at the local bakery and an a espresso in the neighboring town of Decorah, Iowa. Everyone recovered and is feeling OK now.
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Boundary Waters Canoe Area, BWCA, Canoeing on June 12, 2009| Leave a Comment »
The first thing to do when planning a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is to plan your entry point and route as soon as possible. This should be done several months in advance allowing you to reserve the desired entry permit. Some points only allow one access per day, so the earlier you decide the better. So, what should you consider when deciding where to go?
Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Outdoors, tagged Boundary Waters Canoe Area, BWCA, Canoeing, Minnesota, Paddling on June 11, 2009| 1 Comment »
By Chris Walden
A few summers ago a friend invited me on on a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for a six night trip. I had not been camping in twenty years, and never in a wilderness setting like BWCA. Reluctantly, I agreed. Fortunately, I loved it! I’ve been there a few times since and am eagerly awaiting my next trip later this summer.
Having a good plan is paramount to a successful trip.
I’ve learned a lot about what to do (and not to do) while in the BWCA — some thing’s I wish I would have known before heading out. Having a good plan is paramount to a successful trip. In this series of articles I will to share some tips about wilderness camping.
Articles will include how evaluating your group and planning a route. How to choose a canoe — including: materials, types of canoe, sizes, and just enough technical information to understand rocker and weight distribution and even a video about paddling basics and what do if you capsize. We will talk about tents, tarps, and other necessary equipment. I will discuss choosing a good campsite and how to pack enough food without having too much.
With good plans and correct expectations — you can have great trip. A bad plan can ruin a vacation quickly. Fat Man’s Landing wants you to enjoy your wilderness adventure and we are here to help. Check back soon for the next article.
Dedicated to those who love exploring, being active and always outdoors.
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