Flying Over the Boundary Waters - Rescue & New Book

About this episode

This episode discusses a helicopter rescue in the Boundary Waters and features guest JT McMillion sharing his aviation experiences and new book.

In this two-part episode, we hear of a helicopter rescue from May 2026 when two paddlers capsized in the BWCA near Ely. The podcast duo break down the situation, including the public's response to the incident. We also hear from Gunflint Trail resident JT McMillion in the episode. JT is a retired pilot who recently wrote and released a book about his experiences in the sky, "Arctic Circle Dreams." JT got his start in the outdoor industry at Gunflint Lodge in the 1970s. He shares his story on the podcast, while also taking us up above the Gunflint in his plane. This episode is supported by Loons Nest Coffee and Ely Outfitting Company.

People in this episode

Guest: JT McMillion

Topics covered

• helicopter rescue
• paddling
• outdoor industry
• aviation
• personal stories
• Boundary Waters
• book release

Keywords

• helicopter rescue
• Boundary Waters
• JT McMillion
• Arctic Circle Dreams
• outdoor industry
• Gunflint Trail
• paddlers
• Ely

Sponsors

Loons Nest Coffee, Ely Outfitting Company

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Arctic Circle Dreams

Places: Boundary Waters, Gunflint Trail, Ely

More episodes of Paddle and Portage Podcast

• Paddling a Lake Superior Estuary Near Duluth · June 10, 2026 · 39 min
• The Magazine Story That Brought an Ohio Kid to the Boundary Waters · June 1, 2026 · 22 min
• Cold, Snow, Ice, and Untimely Death Mark Another BWCA Fishing Opener · May 13, 2026 · 29 min
• Talking Gunflint Trail Coffee and BWCA Paddling with Bob from Loons Nest · May 10, 2026 · 34 min
• The Ties of a Hybrid Fish to the BWCA · April 23, 2026 · 28 min
• Forest Service to Utah Update & Talking BWCA and Books with a Duluth Writer · April 10, 2026 · 27 min