a couple thoughts on said topic;

For alot of people the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Area is a very, very special place. It is almost a spiritual thing for some folks and it can produce grand feelings. This shouldn't be underestimated, because it is emotion that garners great things. The federal gov thought enough of the place to make it a wilderness area and there is literally no place on this earth like it.
Personally, I remember when my son, now high school grad, was in the stage where he wouldn't say anything to me. I remember the first time we set up the tent together on our first trip together, and he was acting like he wasn't interested. At the end of the trip, and really since then, we understand each other, and enjoy hanging out together.
That is one example, but I know part of the deal was seeing nature untouched by man, and just hanging out like a real person. I have to believe for alot of people that the wilderness setting alone is enough to set the heart racing.
For people that live there year round I can understand it's not the same. It's just water, trees and rocks. I get that, but please remember for alot of folks it's alot more than that. Peace out.

Yes, I agree - it is a very spiritual experience for many. My solo trip last year was a very enlightening, spiritual and peaceful experience. Tomorrow I am taking my daughter for the firt time and ou German exchange student for her first (and most likely only) time to BWCA. She is so very excited and I haven't been able to describe to her in words what the experience is like because for each of us it is so different.

No matter how many times I've been camping or up to BWCA there's always a new and different experience and element to it. I hope that she is able to have a similar experience and that she comes away with an appreciate for the beauty that we have close to our home. I knowthat there are others not as lucky as some of us to live as close.

When I returned from my first trip last year I was ready to go back immediately-actually as we were driving down the road on the way home. Experincing the BWCA has been the best thing that I've done for myself - it has made me grow as a person and given me a new confidence in what I can accomplish alone. I hope that my girls get to share that experience.

Oh, it's spiritual. I need a constant dose of the Boundary Waters to keep my head straight. I plan my next trip to the wilderness while I am camping. I can't explain why I am so drawn to it. It calls me.

Tom

As Sig Olson said, "I go to iron out the wrinkles in my soul". My soul is quite wrinkled so need lot of ironing.
Solo trips are, in my opinion, even more Zen-like.

Oh, it's spiritual, like the round part of a basketball.

quote CaptnDan: "As Sig Olson said, "I go to iron out the wrinkles in my soul". My soul is quite wrinkled so need lot of ironing.
Solo trips are, in my opinion, even more Zen-like.


"

I just returned from a trip last Saturday, and I feel totally relieved of all the stress that I felt before. I'm still in vacation mode, even though I've been home a full week. What work stress?
I love what Sig said, and couldn't agree more>

For me it not only recharges my soul but allows some great father- son time. My son is totally hooked on going up north with dad! Catching and cooking fish over a fire, cutting wood and maintaining camp is a joy.