Canoe for Sale (SOLD)

We recently purchased a new canoe, so we are selling "Rachel," a 16 foot Old Town Penobscot canoe.  Rachel is 58lbs, holds up to 1100 lbs, and is great on moving or still water.  

We've had many memories with Rachel (i.e. a paddle down Minneahaha Creek, a day trip on the Crow River, a blood moon eclipse viewing party on Cedar Lake, many boat picnics on Brownie Lake, and a proposal no less)! 

Rachel retails new for $1800.  She is well used, so we are selling her for $600.  She comes with a small Indian Flag sticker on one side, and a small Croatian flag sticker on the other.  There is one considerable dent in the bottom, but overall, the boat is in good condition and is a great canoe for anyone who wants to be out on the water.

We could sell Rachel on Craigslist, but our hope is to sell her to a friend - someone who would be a good steward and appreciate Rachel as much as we do.  Please take a look, let me know if you want to take her out for a test paddle, and share with friends who might be interested.  

Thank you! 

May 7th

Saturday, May 7th is just around the corner.  Why is this date important?  Because the weather should be better than last month, and it's about time to get together and have some fun outdoors, and it's the next Fiwygin Outdoors event,

Here are the details: 

Who: You.  Anyone, and everyone.  Especially the folks who have ever felt like they didn't belong outdoors, weren't welcome in outdoor spaces, or are afraid to spend time/be active outside.

What: Anything outdoors.  Want to run 5 miles?  Go for it!  Want to hike 100 meters?  Cool!  Want to ride a mountain bike or paddle a canoe?  Why not (we'll have 2 bikes, and 1 canoe to share -- bring yours too if you have one).  Want to sit on a bench and draw some of the beautiful wildlife?  Please do!  Have kids (or not) and want to play on the playground?  Why not?!  Want to go fishing?  Wirth Lake is right there (and if you're under 18 you don't need a fishing license).  Want to play volleyball or basketball?  Bring a ball and a few friends!  Interested in checking out the spring flowers at the wildflower garden?  You can - and we have a naturalist to serve as your guide.   

Where: Theodore Wirth Park - meet at the Beach House (3200 Glenwood).  

When: Noon on May 7th.

Why: Because spending time outdoors is good for the body, mind, and spirit.  And Fiwygin Outdoors is all about making spending time outside a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all folks to thrive.  

Bonus: Whoever posts the best photo with the hashtag #FiwyginOutdoors on Saturday during the event - will win a copy of James Mills "The Adventure Gap -- Changing the Face of the Outdoors."  Snacks will be provided for all who attend.  

The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors

By James E. Mills

Hope to see you on Saturday, May 7th at noon.  All are welcome and encouraged to come exactly as they are.  

PS - If you are planning on watching the Kentucky Derby -- rest assured, it doesn't start until several hours after Fiwygin Outdoors.  You'll have time to do both! 

Inaugural "Fiwygin Outdoors" Event

This Saturday is the first ever Fiwygin Outdoors event! 

What is Fiwygin Outdoors?  Well, first of all, it's pronounced the same way you'd say "fusion" in English or "few-zhin" if you spelled it out phonetically.  Secondly, it's a concept/group in response to and in solidarity with all the people who have ever felt like they didn't belong or fit in outdoors.  A big part of the purpose of Fiwygin Outdoors is to eliminate the fears and barriers that folks have to getting outside, and making it fun, accessible, and welcoming to all people! 

Here are the details for our first ever event: 

Who: Anyone.  But especially those who don't usually feel comfortable or welcomed in the outdoors or outdoor activity.  Nervous about going to things like this alone?  Bring a friend!  

What: An hour (or more or less if you want) to play outside, alone or ideally with other people.  You can run, walk, play frisbee or football, fish, birdwatch, visit the wildflower garden and more!  There will also be a photo challenge, which will be explained the day of.

Where: Meet at the beach house on Glenwood at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis.

When: Saturday, April 2 at noon.

Why:  Because there's a lot to do and see outside, and sometimes we don't always feel safe, comfortable, welcomed, or knowledgeable to do these things on our own. Saturday (and every event thereafter) will be a space/group that is intentionally welcoming and safe for you to come as you are, and enjoy yourself in whatever way makes sense to you.

As Fiwygin Outdoors grows in popularity/attendance, there will be opportunities for more activities, overnight trips, people to take on leadership or teaching roles, and for us to really get creative with what we do!  

Hope to see you on Saturday, April 2nd.  If you have questions, you can reach me at ashashoffner@gmail.com or shoot me a text message.  

PS Don't forget a water bottle!  I'll bring some snacks to share, but you may want to eat something before you arrive.  

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Event Planning

I received great support and feedback about the unnamed group I proposed a few weeks ago.  In planning the first event for the unnamed group, I am hoping to have it coincide with my 12th Annual Celebration of Winter.

February 15th is President's Day, and is also my birthday.  What better way to celebrate winter, my friends, family and community than spending time outside together?  Well, perhaps there is a better way....

Please take a moment to fill out the 2 question survey below, to help with planning the event.  If you don't like the ideas/format, please suggest something else.  

Thanks!