4th of July in the Boundary Waters

I can’t think of a more perfect place to celebrate the 4th of July than in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. And in spite of the fact we have owned Voyageur Canoe Outfitters for over 20 years we’ve been able to spend quite a few 4th of July’s camping and canoeing the BWCA.

How could we be out paddling when guests were needing our outfitting services? Most years the time around the 4th of July isn’t a popular time in the canoe country. Why not? There aren’t parades in the BWCA on the 4th of July, unless you count merganser ducklings swimming behind their momma or grouse chicks trailing theirs. There aren’t fireworks either, unless you compare them to fireflies flickering or the millions of stars sparkling in the dark night sky. There aren’t big picnics with loud music out in the wilderness but there is food cooked over a campfire and the sound of the loons or wind through the trees.

I know where I would rather spend the 4th of July, how about you? Have a safe and wonderful one wherever you may be.