Exploring the Boundary Waters: A Camping Adventure

My Time in the Boundary Waters

I love camping and spending time outside, but this summer I had a completely new experience when I visited the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Before leaving, I had very little knowledge of the Boundary Waters. After getting advice from friends and purchasing some special equipment, I realized that camping there was going to be much more complicated than I had thought.

I was dropped off at my good friend Siri’s house, where I met the rest of the people going on the trip. We had a group of eight, which included three dads (each with one of their kids), plus me and another guy named Lindsay. He was oldest person in the group, and had lots of experience backpacking. Lindsay and I would be paired-up in one of the canoes

We could hear a waterfall in the distance, with the sound of crashing water continuing around the clock. There were different types of moss everywhere, and it seemed to be covering almost everything. When we did some climbing, it was nice to have the moss there as a soft, spongy cushion for our hands. Later that first day, we decided to go swimming. We canoed into a little bay on the Canadian side of the lake, and I was the first to jump into the water. My body started to shiver instantly from in the cold, clear water, but after adjusting to it for some time I ended up feeling refreshed. The following day we went on a long hike to a spot with a beautiful view of the Canadian border. Lindsay pointed out a maroon, barnacle-like growth on a rock along the way. He explained that the fur-traders used to eat it, so I tried a piece. It had no flavor, but had the same texture as a potato chip. After a couple hours of difficult hiking, we reached the overlook and found a spectacular view of distant Canada. The orange sun was just beginning to set over the lakes, with trees covering the land like a blanket. It was the most beautiful view I have ever seen within Minnesota.

I came home smelling of pine trees and campfires. I made so many memories and had so many new experiences in just a brief visit. It was unlike any camping experience I had been through before. In a way, it was life changing. I’m looking forward to exploring more of the Boundary Waters with others, and I hope to give them the same kind of experience I