Dear John,
Meet Barry and Jerry, the pair who built this canoe for the Boundary Waters.
For decades, Barry Christenson and Jerry Fruetel have paddled the Boundary Waters. They’ve heard the call of loons echo across still lakes, paddled under endless skies, and portaged canoes down the same trails explorers have used for generations. |
And when they decided to build another canoe together, they knew exactly where it belonged. The pair have built canoes together in the past, but this one felt different because it was built with a cause in mind. For them, canoe building is more than a hobby – it is a passion. “We both wanted to build another canoe but since neither of us really needed another canoe, we decided to build one and donate it to Save the Boundary Waters.” – Barry
Barry, who studied loons for his master’s degree, designed the canoe with a loon theme from the start. To him, “the call of a loon on a quiet wilderness evening is the quintessential sound of the wilderness.” The final step included Tom Richards, local friend and artist, painting the design on the bow.
Jerry, who has been paddling the Boundary Waters for over 50 years, put it this way:
“I’ve paddled in the BWCA for over 50 years, and firmly believe it must be protected for the next 50 years and beyond… A BWCA canoe trip is unmatched in anticipation, adventure, and lifetime memories.” – Jerry So they spent countless hours crafting this cedar and canvas canoe, hand-painted with the Minnesota loon – a boat built to honor the past and protect the future. |
