Lessons Learned From the Mother of all Storms
Labor Day Weekend I went camping in the Boundary Waters with my son and 5 of his friends. We had an overnight boat and motor permit for Saganaga Lake and had a great campsite. Teacher that I am I never …
Year: 2013
Crave the Wilderness
It’s a craving like none other when you crave for the wilderness. It’s a deep and powerful yearning that is always in the back of your mind. Almost like an invisible magnet is tugging at you and all you would …
Brave or Dumb? A Cliff Jumper’s Dilemna
This summer I have been made aware of a few deaths of cliff jumpers. We’re not talking about divers far away in Acapulco but about one in the Boundary Waters and two in Lake Superior. I’m sure there could be …
I Saw a Waterspout
You would think I would have seen hundreds of waterspouts in my life but I haven’t. I did see one the other day though and it was really cool! I was outside working on the docks on a very calm …
Always Be Prepared in the BWCA
I have a day pack filled with items that I bring along when I go hiking, blueberry picking, day paddling or out in the fishing boat on Saganaga. I rarely use the items in the bag and lugging it around …
Wild Rice Canoe Camping Trip
If someone would offer a wild rice gathering canoe camping trip then I would sign up in a heartbeat. Wouldn’t it be fun to camp out and gather wild rice like was done in the past by Native Americans? I’ve …
Root Beer Lady of Knife Lake
Knife Lake wasn’t just where the last BWCA wildfire was it was also the home of Dorothy Molter. Dorothy lived on an island on Knife Lake and was the last person allowed to do so in the BWCA. I never …
Wolf Attack? Not in the BWCA
There has never been a fatal wolf attack recorded in Minnesota. If you get to see a wolf in the BWCA then consider yourself lucky because it is a rare opportunity. One year we had some guests who became frightened …
Noise in the BWCA Can Be Golden Too
“Shhhhh. Remember what I said? No screaming, this is the wilderness, we only scream if we are hurt.” Seconds later another blood curdling scream lets loose followed by loud laughter. “Shhhhh. Girls, there are other people out here trying to …
Silence in the Boundary Waters
I read an article the other day called, “Silence is Golden. It can also drive you crazy.” The article talked about how difficult it is to find true silence even when nature and animal sounds are included. There are very …