The drive to the Boundary Waters got just a little shorter Wednesday.

Well, at least it seemed that way for some Twin Port-area students, thanks to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. They once again partnered with Duluth Parks and Recreation and the UMD Recreation and Sports Outdoor Program to put on Paddle Day at the Bagley Nature Center.

Without having to make the two-hour-plus drive, this was a chance for these kids to practice aspects of a Boundary Waters adventure. The day included the opportunity to practice paddling, portaging, setting up camp, and building a fire, complete with S’mores.

“So folks can come out and get a little taste of the Boundary Waters,” said Alison Nyenhuis, education director for the group.

Organizers of Paddle Day -- part of their “No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters” program -- say by bringing students’ local parks into the Boundary Waters experience, they alleviate the barriers of doing something new in an unfamiliar place.

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