Four women have returned to the United States after an 80-day, 1,380-mile canoe journey from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay in Canada. The group, who call themselves the “Hudson Bay Girls,” believes they are the first publicly documented all-women crew to complete the historic route.

But the trip was about more than just paddling. The crew aimed to raise awareness about environmental stewardship and encourage more women to reclaim space in paddle sports.

Two members of the team, Abby Cichocki and Helena Karlstrom, joined MPR News host Nina Moini to share their experience.