Slowfoot…More BWCA Thoughts

Posted byGary FultzPosted inaccomplishment, adventure, Boundary Waters, perspective, wilderness adventure

Tim in the massive rocks BWCA 2014 panWe get alone in the wilderness.  Words, pictures, memories and a couple of scars are imbedded in us. We are subtly changed. Canoe in the mist emailWe find out who we really are and discuss who we are becoming.
An early misty morning view brings out new yearnings inside us. One gets the feeling that the amount of beauty here overflows our human capacity to take it in.

Wolf in the Picture BWCA 2014 email      The large Timber Wolves howled and moaned as they gathered each evening a little too close to our tents.

We embark on a journey to find a lake with no trail or waterway over a bogs beaver dams and harsh terrain. Looking back I would like to have been more prepared with more food, more bug dope, and better clothing for this north-woods jungle. I cannot help but think our jaunt back to Slowfoot lake (as it’s called on the aerial map) had many of the same ingredients as life itself. In that sense we reached a wilderness heaven (the bugs did too). I think we all stopped and took a picture at first glimpse.

Slowfoot Lake BWCA 2014 email     We were so unprepared to enjoy this lake. I have since recognized some ways I am unprepared for the last quarter of my life here on earth. I want more capacity for my important relationships with family, friends and My creator. Three of us dads and sons were here beyond the paths and trails; I’m sorry all you get is the picture and a few words. We bonded and experienced the Slowfoot lake Journey. You get some crumbs.

Maybe we all have our “Slowfoot” place on earth. What is yours? How does the wilderness affect you?

Gary

Published by Gary Fultz

Outdoors Man, Hunter, Fisherman, Guide, Writer / Author, Photographer, Public Speaker, Musician, Song Writer, Story Teller, Follower Of Jesus. Love God and family and total strangers

9 thoughts on “Slowfoot…More BWCA Thoughts”

  1. Keep the “crumbs” coming, Gary. Simply amazing pics and narration. It incites worship in truest form! Anthony ( aka Tony ) 🙂

    Sent from my iPad

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  2. Hi Gary
    I have been looking for just such a lake and journey into the BWCA. Something I can bring my young, 14 year old brother, on a journey to. Looking at the hard to reach lakes in the PMA I have been looking at Museum and Slowfoot as possible options him and I can reach. Would you be willing to email with me about this lake?
    Thank you
    Josh
    (Escape with Jay)

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    1. Thanks for reaching out Josh. I am all about sharing what I know and what I think I know.
      I do hope you get there with your brother for an awesome time. By the way, I live near Itasca…you have great video.

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  4. Thankyou Cindy. I have a feeling that my best talent is paddling a canoe to beautiful places deep in the wilderness, while taking along a good camera…this give one inspiration not normally felt. It’s a worthy theory I keep working on.

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    1. Thanks Ann. The BWCA stands for Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s a huge area set aside to remain unchanged by humans. Located in Northern Minnesota bordering Canada. The Canadians have set aside an equal amount of connected area as well. Lots of rules. One must have a permit (only so many given per entry point per day) to travel and camp. There is more water than land but there are only narrow trails (called portages) to carry one’s gear and canoe from lake to lake or to river routes. a maximum of 4 watercraft and 9 people can be in any place at a time (even on portage trails). A few areas allow motors and portage wheels but most areas are “paddle only” and “on foot” only. I should have just said “click this link” https://www.flickr.com/photos/superiornationalforest/52102076440/in/album-72177720299275631

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