In life, people tend to get consumed by the concept of how something can be done, without giving thought as to why something should be done.

When the Paddle and Portage Podcast first heard about the Boundary Waters paddle known as the Ely Challenge, we were guilty of this notion. We became fixated on the how.

The idea for the Ely Challenge is simple: Paddle across Saganaga Lake at the end of the Gunflint Trail to Moose Lake on the Ely side of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Go to Ely and drop a postcard in the mail. And then paddle back to the Gunflint. Do it in less than 24 hours and you "win."

There are no prizes. There's no trophy.

An overnight paddle across the Boundary Waters without sleeping or stopping to enjoy the experience? Why?

On a warm Sunday night at the end of July, two staff members from Voyageur Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail set out to complete the Ely Challenge. Their names are Jake Weyrauch and Bradley Sage. This is their story.

This episode is supported by:

Tuscarora Lodge and Canoe Outfitters

Sawbill Canoe Outfitters

Friends of the Boundary Waters

REDBUDSUDS

Sawtooth Outfitters

Ely Outfitting Company