Mona Gauthier completed a 200-mile solo trip last summer across the border lakes of the Boundary Waters. It was her first solo adventure after completing nearly 70 trips to the BWCA.

In a new episode of the Paddle and Portage Podcast we share Mona’s story, including the highs and lows of her first solo trip and how it intersects with decades of introducing others to wilderness paddling.

Mona, who first traveled to the BWCA in 1983, will be presenting this weekend (March 13-15) at Canoecopia. Be sure to catch her presentation on Saturday afternoon. And swing by the P&P booth and say hello if you’re at the expo this weekend!

This episode is sponsored by Loons Nest Coffee and Sawtooth Outfitters.

Special thanks to Mike Gauthier, Sue Sullivan, Paula & Fred Furlich, Lisa DeLaney, Joanie Ouellette, Ruthie Davis, and Kevin Kenow for supporting Mona’s trip and helping to make this episode possible.

Watch a video of Mona’s trip on YouTube channel.