SIRT and I were comparing notes in the trip report section. Both of us have arrived at campsites where the previous occupants (?) have left a gift on the firegrate -- a cedar sprig weightdown by a small rock to keep it place. Sometimes, in addition to the cedar sprig, there may be a single small flower. I've always thought of it like a mint on your pillow in a hotel. It kind of says, "Welcome. I was here before you and took care of the place, cleaned it up a bit, and got it ready for your arrival." When it was time for us to leave. I'd replace it as I found it.

At first I though that SIRT and I were at the same sites on consecutive days, but as it turns out we were there a month apart.

Furthermore, it has happened to me now a couple times at different times of the year on different sides of the BWCA.

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

Do you think it could be the same individual doing this? A group/club? Do you think it is a SNF thing, like a campsite clean up crew doing it?

It is kind of a fun little thing. Each time the campsite has been in good shape, so maybe the "mint-on-the-pillow-from-the-maid" feel is right on.

Cute idea, though a neat pile of dry split wood with birch bark underneath is also nice!

Beemer- I'll vote for the wood and birch bark! I always try to leave some. in case the next group to paddle up is cold and hungry.

Found the cedar sprig on the fire grate up on Sag last year, thought it was nice enough to warrant a photo!

Once I found a penny balanced on the top of a rock in the center of a campsite, and once there were two pennies right next to each other on the firegrate. (That's my 3 cents worth.)

I just wanted to keep this thread fresh. Im going in a week (snowbank) and if I find the mint on the pillow so to say id love to know some history on it.

thanks to all,
travis

I like to leave a penny on the firegrate when I stop at an unoccupied campsite to use the latrine. ; )

I think this is kinda a cool tradition. I wonder if one person has been doing it and it is just a coincidence, or it kinda multiplied after others found it and thought it a good idea.

I wonder if the forest service would say not to because it isnt "leaving no trace" and the person picked a live wild flower? Either way i would have no problem with finding it. Or putting it there.

I'm Beemer on the fire wood. I always try to leave at least enough to start a fire there when I leave. I'll have to do the cedar sprig thing when I go next week.

just curious.....doesnt the cedar sprig violate the "live vegitation" law? Jan

All-
I was told that the sprig of cedar on a fire grate is a welcoming symbol. This tradition is rooted from the fur traders days when different groups of Voyageurs would frequent known campsites along established routes (sound familiar?).

The cedar was an important resource to the Voyageurs as it provided wood for fuel, paddles, and canoes parts; roots for lacings and ropes; and tree sap for sealing leaks in the canoes. There are probably a thousand more uses too.

Also if you crush the green leaves slightly between your teeth - not chew but crush - it will freshen your breath or at least change it. I think this is an acquired taste however!

So by finding a sprig of cedar you are essentially telling the next group "Welcome Home."

I left enough split fire wood on angleworm to last a week. I had a new axe and saw, so it was fun for me. I am sure someone appreciated it.

wow thanks Bigzig! thats just the definition i needed! I would still like to know "who" a group,one person? i understand campers but Ive only started seeing this in the last couple of years!

I feel that despite the vast majority of visitors doing their best to follow the "Leave No Trace" philosophy, we still have a pretty significant impact on the wilderness when we visit in the numbers that the BW sees. Therefore, I think that traditions of leaving "gifts", signs, etc. are best avoided. After all, one persons gift may be viewed as litter by the next visitor. Just my 2 cents.