June 10, 2008
An Explorer's Life
I live in one of the greatest places on the planet. Northern Minnesota. That is if you don't mind bird-sized mosquitoes, long cold winters and an hour and a half drive to the closest movie theater (which is in Canada).
My home is on the edge shore of Lake Superior, tucked along the Sawtooth Mountains (hills really) and a 10-minute drive from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, this place - my home, is my ultimate favorite place on the planet.
On my way to the North Pole in 2006 and stuck in hundreds of miles of Arctic Ocean sea ice, I dreamed of going on a summer canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. I longed for the carefree aspects of summer wilderness travel here - casually sitting on a rock, watching a campfire, paddling headlong into a warm breeze.
Last year, wildfire raged across a large section of the BWCA. While initially appearing as a scar on the landscape, fires are an important part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem in this region. I had wanted to visit the Ham Lake burn all winter but was traveling and never had enough time. Last week, after almost a year, I did a short canoe trip on some lakes near and in the area of the fire.
I have to say the scene was breath taking and quite beautiful (see picture). The landscape was so striking - standing charred trees contrasted with an vibrant green emerging layer. Impressive to say the least.
The canoe trip itself was more than a dream come true. I love the lakes of the boundary waters. I love canoeing. I love sleeping in a tent. I love eating camp food. Is there really any other watch than that of measuring time by the height of the sun over the horizon? Traveling quietly through this magnificent landscape, we heard the snort of the moose, cry of an eagle and lonely call of the loon.
I've had a tough spring. On the road for meetings and presentation, I haven't spent more than a few days at time in Grand Marais. Now with over a month of summer ahead, I am looking forward to more interactions into land that I am continually drawn. To have this place is a great privilege.
Perhaps this is one of the many reasons for the Save the Poles expedition. Preserving the integrity of this area is ultimately connected to you and I and how we use and conserve resources. Increased drought, frequency and severity of storms and wildfires are only a few of the many consequences of not acting to reduce world wide carbon emissions.
On a more business related note, I have postponed my trip to Denali in lieu of major fundraising efforts. The Save the Poles expedition departure date is creeping near and I am still looking for major sponsors. Please feel free to contact me if you know of any interested organizations.
My home is on the edge shore of Lake Superior, tucked along the Sawtooth Mountains (hills really) and a 10-minute drive from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, this place - my home, is my ultimate favorite place on the planet.
On my way to the North Pole in 2006 and stuck in hundreds of miles of Arctic Ocean sea ice, I dreamed of going on a summer canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. I longed for the carefree aspects of summer wilderness travel here - casually sitting on a rock, watching a campfire, paddling headlong into a warm breeze.
Last year, wildfire raged across a large section of the BWCA. While initially appearing as a scar on the landscape, fires are an important part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem in this region. I had wanted to visit the Ham Lake burn all winter but was traveling and never had enough time. Last week, after almost a year, I did a short canoe trip on some lakes near and in the area of the fire.
I have to say the scene was breath taking and quite beautiful (see picture). The landscape was so striking - standing charred trees contrasted with an vibrant green emerging layer. Impressive to say the least.
The canoe trip itself was more than a dream come true. I love the lakes of the boundary waters. I love canoeing. I love sleeping in a tent. I love eating camp food. Is there really any other watch than that of measuring time by the height of the sun over the horizon? Traveling quietly through this magnificent landscape, we heard the snort of the moose, cry of an eagle and lonely call of the loon.
I've had a tough spring. On the road for meetings and presentation, I haven't spent more than a few days at time in Grand Marais. Now with over a month of summer ahead, I am looking forward to more interactions into land that I am continually drawn. To have this place is a great privilege.
Perhaps this is one of the many reasons for the Save the Poles expedition. Preserving the integrity of this area is ultimately connected to you and I and how we use and conserve resources. Increased drought, frequency and severity of storms and wildfires are only a few of the many consequences of not acting to reduce world wide carbon emissions.
On a more business related note, I have postponed my trip to Denali in lieu of major fundraising efforts. The Save the Poles expedition departure date is creeping near and I am still looking for major sponsors. Please feel free to contact me if you know of any interested organizations.