As we paddled and portaged through Horseshoe, Brewis, Harbor, and North Wilder Lakes we could count the mature trees on our hands. The Pagami Creek Fire transformed this landscape in 2011. Only a handful of trees survived the flames and the fire left a stark barren landscape. Five years later, the ground is carpeted in tiny jack pine. Their towering, charred ancestors are slowly crashing to the ground.
It is always interesting to travel though a Wilderness landscape that has burned somewhat recently and watch its rapid transformation, but I always find myself wondering what it looked like before the fire or how fast it will regrow. I try to encourage myself to remain in the moment and enjoy the stark beauty of the exposed rocks and towering trunks and I am reminded of a quote: “It was not long ago you could count me among those men who live their lives in endless rehearsals for tomorrow. It was in remote places like these where my awakening to the present replaces the fears and desires of rethinking the past or planning the future, leaving only this infinite now.” – James Baldwin (Across Islands and Oceans)
It is always interesting to travel though a Wilderness landscape that has burned somewhat recently and watch its rapid transformation, but I always find myself wondering what it looked like before the fire or how fast it will regrow. I try to encourage myself to remain in the moment and enjoy the stark beauty of the exposed rocks and towering trunks and I am reminded of a quote: “It was not long ago you could count me among those men who live their lives in endless rehearsals for tomorrow. It was in remote places like these where my awakening to the present replaces the fears and desires of rethinking the past or planning the future, leaving only this infinite now.” – James Baldwin (Across Islands and Oceans)
Wilderness helps us achieve balance and live in the moment. It is one of the many priceless gifts that Wilderness affords and we must pass on to others by protecting the wild places that remain for future voyagers. Today is the 224th day of our #wildernessyear to @savetheBWCA. Please sign the petition at http://ift.tt/1x2erSX and be a strong voice for the Wilderness that gives us so much and asks for little in return. #savethebwca #BWCA #bwcaw #onlyinmn #captureMN #boundarywaters #adventure
