I awoke to a call of nature at first light or soon after. This is the tenth and final morning of a canoe trek in the Boundary waters wilderness. I at first resisted exiting the tent and facing the blood thirsty mosquitos sure to be lying in wait but I did go out. I was greeted by a most spectacular sky of every imaginable shade of red and then some painted on a canvas of cottony clouds which were broken with patches of sky showing off all imaginable shades of blue. The entire spectrum was visible somewhere in the dramatic sky. I chose not to return to my tent and to just absorb this gift.

The silence was deafening with only the occasion soft wash of the lake water gently rippling on the rocks. I walked down to the small east-facing point where I had strung my hammock the previous afternoon and the lake and sky were mine to enjoy. The Boundary Waters slowly awakened to the sounds of birds. The ducks started it first with soft quacks repeated in different voices as if greeting each other good morning like a duck family Walton. The loons soon joined in with a brief symphony haunting and beautiful unique to this bird. I heard the thrumming of grouse or Paaa-tridge as my Vermont friends would say.

A non-descript black bird settled on a branch about 8 feet away and peered down at me pondering this intruder. Evidently satisfied that I belonged, he flew about 5 feet closer into the June berry tree next to me just beyond arm’s reachand proceeded to breakfast.

Meanwhile, as the sun rose, the colors evolved, the lake became still, and the silence returned.

It was not a call of nature this morning but rather Nature calling me.

Michael Marks, Ensign Lake, BWCA Wilderness
July 23, 2018

Yes, Michael. That is exactly what a BWCA morning is like. That is why I never sleep in. :-)

A remarkable time of day. I’m glad you had such a great experience. We recently got up before dawn and enjoyed the world waking up on our trip.

I always love it when people return from the BWCA with stories of inspiration and happiness.
It happens to me too. When I return, I feel that I have had an epiphany and see the world differently. When I am in the wilderness, a lot of things become visible that I cannot see in the real world.
Tom

Nice! But, now am even sadder having missed my spring trip. And more intent on getting out this fall. Thanks for sharing.