Near the Canadian Border in Northern Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is a 1,090,000 acre wilderness area within the Superior National Forest. It is a popular destination for canoers and hikers in the spring, summer and fall. Far less people feel comfortable going out in subzero temperatures and winter camping.

Our group was originally planning for a longer excursion, however with windchills forecasted for -50 degrees fahrenheit, we changed our plans up for a shorter trek. The shorter walk would allow more time for gathering and processing wood and quicker emergency exit.

On day 1, we ventured from our hotel in Ely to Hegman Lake and set up camp. Two of us slept in hammocks and two were in a tent. Temperatures started at -5 F and never rose above 0 degrees. We also had a larger tent with a small propane heater set up in case we needed a respite. We had to ration propane so we only ran the heater occasionally. After setting up camp, we gathered and processed wood and enjoyed dinner around the warm campfire.

On day 2, we woke up to -15 F temperatures and a howling wind. We ate bacon. Got fire wood. Ate more bacon. Got more wood and then finished the bacon. Our fire was really big and hot. We eventually broke away from the fire for bed knowing it was going to get even colder over night. While we were warm, we put away everything we could so we didn't have to do in in the morning cold.

On day 3, we woke up to a chilling -27 degree F temperature and the wind provided a -47 wind chill. We built a fire and took many warm up breaks while tearing down. With a hammock, exposed hands were necessary. We packed up, doused the fire with snow and made our way out.

In these temperatures, team work and helping each other made things safe, easier and enjoyable.