Expedition Overview
Yet again, this year’s international expedition will take us to one of the earth’s most mystical places, the great expanse of the American Southwest.
“In this glare of brilliant emptiness,” writes Edward Abbey,” in this arid intensity of pure heat, in the heart of a weird solitude, great silence and grand desolation, all things recede to distances out of reach, reflecting light but impossible to touch, annihilating all thought and all that men have made to a spasm of whirling dust far out on the golden desert.”
May 2008: Ten type-1 adventurers of all ages and nationalities will to come together as the newest Team Insulindependence. In this land of profound serenity, we’ll indulge ourselves with two weeks of experiential diabetes education, never to be forgotten.
The team will meet in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Wilderness Inquiry World Headquarters. From there, two days of land transportation will be provided over the Rocky Mountains to Moab, Utah. After seven days of majestic paddling, pristine hiking and focused team building, we’ll have accomplished the goals of our expedition: reaching the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers; conquering a disease that is said to control our lives. Before returning to Minneapolis, we’ll have plenty of time for some or the world’s best hiking in Canyonlands and Grand Canyon National Parks.
The Green River, where we’ll be spending most of our time.
 
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FAQ
Who can come on this trip?
Anyone over the age of 16 with type-1 diabetes may apply. We welcome individuals from all corners of the globe and walks of life. Don’t be shy!
What are the dates of the expedition?
The expedition will officially begin at 7:00 a.m. on May 28 and end in the late evening of June 5 (roundtrip from Minneapolis, MN). If you are interested in joining us, but have a scheduling conflict, let us know. There is always a chance we might be able to accommodate your specific needs.
Do I have to be fit or technically skilled?
No, just ready and willing to challenge yourself. The river moves fairly slowly. Even if you consider yourself to be a novice paddler, a guide will be there to coach you through the first couple of days. By day seven you’ll be a pro.
What does it cost if I’m selected?
Because we have an early start this year, Best of the Southwest 2008 will be free for all selected Insulindependence team members. Once your application has been approved, you’ll get your own “Sponsor an Adventurer” page at www.insulindependence.org. It will be up to you to generate $2,000 of support through your personal page, where sponsors can contribute directly by credit card. Insulindependence will work hard to ensure that your goals are met without trouble.
When do we find out if we’re on the Team?
Team members will be selected on a rolling basis from November 1, 2007 to February 17, 2008. Insulindependence will contact you immediately after we’ve received your application to offer a more personalized timeline.
Who is Wilderness Inquiry?
Wilderness Inquiry is an award-winning Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which specializes in offering outdoor adventures to people with disabilities. In 2006, Insulindependence President Peter Nerothin was hired onto their staff as a guide. Peter was so impressed by WI’s work that he began contracting Insulindependence trips through them the following year.
To find out more about Wilderness Inquiry and their typical trip along the Green River, visit their site here.
Will there be medical staff along with the guides?
Wilderness Inquiry will provide a professional trail guide, who is certified in Wilderness First Aid and specially trained to work with various disabilities, including diabetes. Both Insulindependence staff members are certified as well, having worked together in the past at WI.
How do I apply?
Click here to begin your application.
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How do I contribute?
You can contribute to an athlete or the whole team here.
Itinerary
Coming Soon. . .
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