March 19, 2016 at 06:07PM

A fresh blanket of snow and several cool nights transformed the Boundary Waters into a wintery Wilderness once more. What a contrast to the water-covered ice and bare ground that smelled like spring. We are excited that winter will continue a little longer. Yesterday we traveled into Disappointment Lake with Kevin from @seekoutside . The wet snow clung to the trees. We found ourselves breaking out our trail saw four times to clear trees that had fallen across the portage.

Otter, fox, pine marten and red squirrel tracks dotted the lakes, but no other humans had cut across Disappointment. An eagle circled overhead and a brisk wind whispered through the pines. Tina, Tank, and Acorn leaned into their harnesses. We glided silently across the white Wilderness. Each day in the Wilderness provides us with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this special place.
We have a responsibility to protect the water and natural beauty of the Boundary Waters Wilderness. That is why we need permanent protections from the threats posed by sulfide mining. There is just too much at stake. Leaving the Boundary Waters Wilderness contaminated with toxic chemicals and mine waste is not the legacy we want to leave our children.

Today is the 179th day of our #wildernessyear to @savetheBWCA! Please join us in protecting this national treasure.

#savetheBWCA #wilderness #BWCA #BoundaryWaters #onlyinMN #getoutstayout #WeAreTheWild

Daily Data

Date: 3/19/2016
Days spent in the Wilderness: 179
High Temperature: 35 F
Low Temperature: 3 F
Miles Traveled: 8
Number of Portages:1
Number of Lakes visited: 2

Animals Encountered:
Raven 2
Red Squirrel 3
Gray Jay 1
Bald Eagle 1
Black-capped chickadees 8
Pileated woodpecker 2