Scrambling to the top of a hill to find an intermittent cell signal to call tech support, climbing down to the water’s edge where we have a clear view of the sky to test the terminal, only to climb the hill again and again and again throughout each day. Waiting, cursing, trying as we might, the little gray box won’t play nice.
The words that a woman shared with us at a send off party two months ago help us keep our focus. “We must speak loudly for a quiet place.” That is why Amy and I are here, to share the Boundary Waters with the world. To protect the Boundary Waters we must speak loudly and the satellite terminal helps us do that, so we will keep climbing the hill.
A Year in the Wilderness is our attempt to speak loudly for the Boundary Waters, but we all voice support for the Boundary Waters in different ways and encounter challenges along the way. Maybe it’s friends, family, or coworkers that feel differently about this issue and make it hard for you to voice your opinion. Maybe it’s hard to find the time to volunteer, sign petitions, write letters to the editor, or call your elected officials to voice your support for the Boundary Waters. For many of us it also includes tightening our belts and making a significant financial contribution. One of the many valuable lessons that Wilderness has taught us is to remain focused and keep working towards your goal in the face of obstacles.
Please join us in speaking loudly for a quiet place and help protect the Boundary Waters from the sulfide-ore copper mines proposed along the edge of the Wilderness. Go to @savetheBWCA to sign the petition, contact your elected officials, donate, and learn more. #BWCA #wildernessyear #savetheBWCA #BoundaryWaters
