Ben created MNCanoeing.com, the predecessor to Paddle Planner, in 2011. At first the website focused solely on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Then other areas and elements were added. In the meantime, Jay discovered the website and used it to plan a solo canoe trip. He was so impressed that he contacted Ben with a "thank you" and suggestions for making the website even more visible and effective. Ben and Jay hit it off as "brainstorming buddies" and began kicking more ideas around, including a new name and development goals. Auralee jumped in and created our wonderful logo and other icons on the site. In addition to being the graphic designer, Auralee also serves as a sounding board, writes trips reports, and puts up with Ben's obsession of rating campsites. Now we are pushing off together as "Partners in the Voyage," to quote the old Wenonah slogan. We are excited about the future of Paddle Planner and, most importantly, helping others make the most of their paddling experiences in the great outdoors.