Ann began paddling in 2001 with YMCA Camp Menogyn. She has been part of the Menogyn community for the last 15 years, first as a camper then as a guide. Through Menogyn, Ann has been on several 30+ day expeditions including trips through Wabakimi Provincial Park in Ontario, the Kazan and Kunwak Rivers in Nunavut, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. Beyond these foundational experiences, Ann has been on two record setting canoe trips. First, along with Natalie Warren, she became the first women to paddle 2,000 miles from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay, recreating Eric Sevareid’s route from Canoeing With the Cree in 85 days. Second, along with Claire Jencks, she paddled 212 miles across the BWCA in 100 hours, currently holding the record for the fastest tandem women’s team. These wilderness experiences nurtured Ann’s curiosity in nature and continue to drive her dedication to learning. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Notre Dame where she builds ecological models that use paleo-ecological data to inform climate change predictions.
Why this trip?
Canoeing is the most intense form of teamwork you can participate in in the wilderness. Racing raises that intensity to the maximum level and will allow our team to see our limits. I am doing this race because I believe I have assembled the best team to rise to the occasion. I view the Yukon River Quest as our first team challenge and as a stepping stone for future, unsupported expeditions in the far north.
