which to spend their first night. The crew has dinner, participates in an orientation program, and can visit the trading post. On the Trail For a crew that is leaving the Sommers base and entering the Quetico Provincial Park, groups often make an effort to finish the 3 hour paddle to reach the Canadian customs office before it closes for lunch. During the summer, the sun comes up at 5:30 am and doesn't go down until about 9:30 pm. Long days are not uncommon. BWCAW vs. Quetico While both areas are designated wilderness areas, Quetico Provincial Park is often considered to be more remote and challenging than the Boundary Waters. The Boundary Waters also receives far more visitors than the Quetico. It is not unusual for crews not to see another person for several days in the Quetico. Whereas the Boundary Waters' portage trails are generally well maintained, Quetico's trails are often unmaintained. This means that in Quetico there are no boardwalks as there are in the BWCAW for swampy portages, and there are fewer park wardens clearing the trails of fallen timber and debris. Likewise, the campsites are rather different between the two wilderness areas. Boundary Waters' campsites have designated fire grates in the fire ring and a small unenclosed fiberglass latrine "throne" set back in the woods. Quetico's campsites are far less used than BWCAW and many are not marked on maps. The sites themselves do not have a latrine (participants must dig a cat-hole at least 150 feet away from water and camp) nor do they have a fire grate. Return to Base Upon returning to the base at the completion of their journey, crews return the gear issued to them and retrieve personal items. In the evening, crews enjoy an outdoor barbecue followed by a show put on by camp staff consisting of skits and songs, known as "Rendezvous." In between these events, crews may avail themselves of the base amenities: sauna, toilets, hot showers, a sweet shop, and a trading post. Wilderness Grace Participants recite an adapted version of the Wilderness Grace. The summer version is as follows: For food, for raiment, For life and opportunity, For sun and rain, For water and portage trails, For friendship and fellowship, We thank thee, O Lord. Amen. The winter version replaces "rain" with "snow" and "water and portage trails" for "ice and ski trails." Alumni Association The