Tag: #Savetheboundarywaters

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #naturelover, #signs, #teamwork

Prove It First

Emy Minzel

There was a public hearing at the Minnesota Senate Building Monday February 24th, 2025. It was to bring awareness and support for proposed Legislation drafted to protect Minnesota from the threats from Copper-Nickel Sulfide Mining.

I was born in Virginia, Minnesota raised on the iron range during the boom. My family has many connections and years of experience in iron ore mines. We are a working-class family, full of sportsmen and women, with respect for the jobs that support us. My connection to the arrowhead region is my heritage. I grew up swimming in the delightfully cold Lake Vermilion with my family.

I cherish the memories I continue to enjoy while visiting the pristine waters in the BWCA each year. We are blessed in Minnesota. Sometimes I think we may be so used to these blessings that we take for granted the quintessential Minnesota way of life. Lake life.

If we are not careful, we will lose what makes our beloved state so great. Look around the nation my friends…

Our fresh water is dwindling quickly. Fact: Over half of the water in Minnesota is already too polluted to eat the fish or drink from. Statistics say that by 2050 over half the population in the nation will have difficulty finding clean drinking water!

This is why I am so passionate about protecting the water in Minnesota. The desire to protect the BWCA is what inspired me to run for the State House of Representative in 2018. Then again for Minnesota State Senate in 2022. Though I did not win, I am still a passionate environmental advocate. Which is why I attended this hearing and support these bills. Now I would like to offer a summary of what I learned.

This is a summary; I will provide a link for the full 52 pages of hearing testimonies below. I am sharing so that you can contact your state representatives and ask them to support these very important pieces of legislation. This is not a democrat nor republican issue; this is a Minnesota issue.

Our water is what makes Minnesota special. We all understand that water is life. Even if we don’t see eye to eye on other subjects. Most of us agree that protecting our Minnesota way of life from foreign invasions with nefarious intentions is something that needs to happen.

Here’s what you should know.

The Prove it First Bill SF1382 /HF 954. Simply request that an applicant seeking a permit to operate a copper-sulfide mine must prove that such a mine can be operated and closed without causing pollution. They must prove an example of a copper-sulfide mine that has been operated for 10 years and has been closed for 10 years without causing pollution.

Bad Actor Bill SF 1744 / HF 1197. This bill would ban Minnesota from issuing nonferrous mining permits to ‘bad actors’ who have already violated specific international laws. Including corruption, bribery, or destruction of natural resources. This common-sense legislation would ensure the legacy of Minnesota’s clean water is not placed in the hands of notorious international mining conglomerates with no regard for Minnesota’s environment or its residents.

Taxpayer Protection Act SF1383 / HF955. Taxpayer protection act would require nonferrous (non-iron) mining companies to fully fund any financial assurance package upfront and in cash. This would protect Minnesota taxpayers from being forced to pay for any environmental clean-up resulting from the nonferrous mining operations. Currently the regular operating methods of these companies are to leave a toxic mess and the clean up bill to the taxpayers by simply declaring bankruptcy.

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Executive Director and Lawyer Chris Knopf shared his personal story that led him to this fight to protect the Boundary Waters.

Chris grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Which became world famous when its river was so polluted it caught fire. That is not the kind of legacy we want to be famous for in Minnesota. He then informed us that Minnesota does not currently have laws to protect its clean water against industrial invasion. Secondly Minnesota regulators are unable to properly enforce the flimsy laws already in the books. That is why they need public support and help reach lawmakers in all districts of Minnesota.

Minnesota State Senator Jen McEwan gave a passionate speech in support of keeping the Minnesota we know and love safe from foreign land grabbers only here to take, pollute and leave. She reiterated that the false narrative that this mine is needed to support green energy is just a marketing wordplay to confuse citizens and lawmakers too. In no way is copper sulfide mining a reasonable way to support green energy simply by how it is produced.

Senator McEwan’s speech was inspiring, and heart felt. Leaving us all with the important task of making sure we do the work of contacting our local representatives and telling them to support this bill. She told the large crowd in attendance. It’s important for you to make noise and get this issue the attention it needs to pass bipartisan legislation!

Dr. Steven Emerman has been a professor of geology for over 30 years and worked in issues related to water and mining for over 40 years. His three main points to share were:

  1. Sulfide-ore mining poses a threat to clean water
  2. The sulfide mining industry has a perfect track record of water pollution
  3. The pollution caused by sulfide mining lasts forever.

He ends his testimony stating. The notion that this kind of mining has been done without polluting the surrounding water systems is simply a myth. The toxic tailings will be a permanent catastrophic curse left for every future generation to come to Minnesota.

Fred Campbell is a retired hydrologist who worked with the MN DNR on the Regional Copper Nickel Study. He’s worked in copper nickel mineral exploration data for numerous mining companies including AMAX, Polymet, Twin Metals and Talon. Proving the tailings of these mining operations are indeed toxic everywhere and do not ever dilute or diminish.

These pollutants have been proven to have effects on human health and the environment with catastrophic impact. His research proves the legacy of sulfide mining sites and districts are all now included on the EPA’s National Priorities Superfund List. (Superfund site is taxpayer-funded environmental cleanup caused by industrial corporate pollution.)

Campbell says Minnesota’s existing legal and regulatory framework cannot protect us from the dangers of sulfide mining. Minnesota needs to enact “Prove it First” and other legislation to permanently protect the BWCA and other sensitive areas.

The Commissioner of Natural Resources for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Kelly Applegate spoke on the long history of sulfide mines irreversibly damaging watersheds. Leaving a legacy of contamination long after the mines are closed or abandoned. He reminds us that water has no boundaries and ripple across the environment into our wetlands, communities and drinking water.

Critical drinking water sources will be in danger throughout the watersheds to the Mississippi river, St. Croix River watersheds and Lake Superior. Without proof that pollution free operations are possible, allowing sulfide mining in Minnesota is a high stakes experiment for the entire ecosystem they are not willing to be part of.

Applegate declared “Our efforts are grounded in our community to preserve Minnesota’s natural environment and water resources for generations to come. There is an Anishinaabe teaching that our people have. We care for our Earth, for those yet unborn and the next seven generations to come. If we make good decisions, we can protect the earth and water and know the next seven generations can have a good life.”

Bob Tammen from Soudan, MN worked on the iron range in the mines. He states. “I worked during the boom of the 1970’s and the bust of the late 80’s and the ups and downs afterwards. During a lifetime of mining I’ve gathered a lot of knowledge of the environmental consequences of our mining activities.”

Referring to the Dunka mines that were closed in 1994. The runoff from that Duluth complex materials is still degrading Birch Lake and running into the Boundary Waters. The State of Minnesota and the mining industry have had over 30 years to work on that problem! And they still don’t have it cleaned up.

Minnesota’s three major watersheds come together on the property of the Hibbing taconite plant. Rainfall at that junction will partly go north to Canada and Hudson Bay, east to Lake Superior, and South to the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Our water is moving. The failure to clean up Dunka should be a warning that the State of Minnesota is not likely to be able to regulate Twin Metals, PolyMet or Talon, which would respectively pollute The Boundary Waters, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. When we fight to protect Minnesota’s water, we’re also fighting to protect the water flowing to Detroit and Winnipeg and New Orleans. When we defend Minnesota’s water, we’re defending everybody’s water.

With the wisdom of all his years Bob made a point nobody can argue with, he said. “Eventually, someone else is going to get our water. Let’s be good stewards and send them clean water. Pass Prove It First.

Mike Maleska is an Iron ore miner of 42 years now retired and the local Union President. In his statement in support of the Prove It First bill he says.

Consider this; the companies that intend to undertake this venture are in it for profit. Without proof or evidence these companies make claims such as ‘modern technology and science have made pollution a thing of the past!’ believe me, I hear it all the time.

Now what if the citizens come to believe that copper-nickel mining can be done without polluting without proof. Then our state and federal agencies come to believe it too?

If these false claims are taken to be true by the state and federal agencies gullible enough to permit these mines. We end up allowing the world’s most polluting industry, operating a mine in the most pristine part, of the most pristine state in the USA…

As a former miner and elected union rep, I know that shutting down a mine is incredibly difficult, one might say impossible, never mind how dirty it is. What I want to see is some courage from our legislators to make the mining companies do one simple thing. Show proof that they won’t pollute before they’re allowed to put a shovel in the ground.

Eric Ini.

Eric Ini, Chief Equity and Partnership Officer for the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy.

Eric Ini is from Cameroon, a country in Central Africa with diverse economy and like Minnesota, rich in natural resources. He spoke with a powerful message of caution.

“With companies like Glencore doing business with the government of Cameroon, the potential to alleviate poverty is almost impossible. Glencore’s track record of corruption is alarming. I have witnessed firsthand the corrupt practices of Glencore in my home country.

Glencore’s bribes to government officials were not limited to securing oil and gas contracts but also to secure deals to pay reduced taxes and royalties. In Cameroon the company flew millions of dollars on a private jet to bribe government officials, securing lucrative contracts.

This corruption perpetuated poverty, inequity and environmental degradation, causing irreparable harm to our communities. Glencore’s corrupt practices are not limited to Cameroon. Accusations of bribery and corruption are filed in Nigeria, Gabon, other African countries, globally in England, Brazil, UK and America.

NJ Ayuk, a Cameroonian and Chairman of the African Energy Chambers has publicly stated that Glencore is the worst company in the Energy Sector. It’s surprising that countries continue to do business with them.

By barring corrupt and polluting companies from operation in Minnesota. The Bad Actor Bill is designed to prevent what happened in my native county from happening in Minnesota.

I urge you to prioritize the wellbeing of Minnesotans over the profits of this Swiss-based company. Our state’s environment and communities deserve better than to be put at risk by a company with a proven track record of pollution, corruption and disregard for the law.”

Alan Thometz is a Senior Finance Lecturer for the University of Minnesota. He told us he grew up in Butte Montana, home of the largest mining Superfund site in the US. Butte has been at the center of America’s most extensive industrial cleanup efforts for decades. This former copper mine remains one of the most toxic sites in the Nation. Summary of his statement says.

“Superfund designation is proof that financial assurance has failed. There are 1,340 Superfund sites across the country, representing 1,340 instances where companies have avoided their financial obligations, leaving taxpayers to bear the cleanup costs.

Here is an extraordinary fact; Mining companies use bankruptcy as a strategic tool to avoid their environmental cleanup responsibilities. This is not an accident. THIS IS HOW THEY DO BUSINESS.

The five largest global mining companies with Glencore being the biggest, collectively generated $427 BILLION in revenue and $52 BILLION in operating income over the last 12 months…. These companies are far from struggling. Mining companies are incentivized to file for bankruptcy when the ore runs out. The law allows them to return profits to shareholders while leaving environmental liabilities unpaid. Debt obligations should be paid before investors receive returns.

Minnesota’s current financial assurance laws fail to protect its environment and taxpayers.  It’s time to fix this broken system. We must require mining companies to fully fund their cleanup responsibilities in bankruptcy-proof escrow accounts. This is financial assurance that works. This is how we protect our environment and our taxpayers. Let’s get it done!”

In contrast to the older men who spoke before her. The last person to testify in support of these important bills was a fresh-faced 18-year-old.

Clair Peterson is a freshman attending the University of Minnesota. She is studying to be an Environmental Engineer. I am quoting most of her testimony verbatim because she moved familiar emotions in many.

Clair said, “Two years ago I was able to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for the first time in my 16 years of existence. It might be confusing as to why someone who has just started college, has only been to the Boundary Waters once, and has little experience in political activism, is here to speak to you today. Despite this, I know, without a doubt, that the Boundary Waters is a special place.

It has the ability to connect people to each other and the world around them in a way that not other place can. While I was in the Boundary Waters I got to see loons, and snapping turtles, beavers, minks and garter snakes and eagles. I even got to hug a 1,000-year-old cedar tree!

I hauled 30-pound bags and canoes through the wilderness for four days. My crew and I woke up at 5am every morning so we could get an early start on paddling. We had to work together to support and motivate each other through long portages. It was hard, but through it, I got to connect with my peers. It was a beautiful and wonderful experience that I am deeply privileged to have shared with my friends. I know I will cherish the memories I made in the Boundary Waters for the rest of my life.

My hope for the future is that young people like myself, can continue to discover and fall in love with the Boundary Waters. Where they can witness unspoiled beauty year after year. The decision to pass these bills – Prove It First, the Bad Actor Bill, and the Taxpayer Protection Act will not only affect the next 20 years, it will affect the next 70 years of my life. I, for one, would much rather spend the rest of my life planning trips to the Boundary Waters with my family rather than trying to cleanse it of sulfide sludge.

I urge you to act.

The Boundary Waters is a sanctuary that should be preserved for the future. Just as people need the Boundary Waters, the Boundary Waters needs us.”

Out of the mouths of babes… Clair’s testimony moved me to tears with her earnest passion and love for nature. There were dozens of children in attendance at the hearing. Reminding us it’s more than just the facts that are important. The future generation needs us to do this right now.

Clair understood how to articulate the feeling you get after your very first visit to the BWCA. It only takes one trip to feel there is a sacredness in the pristine waters and forest of the beloved Boundary waters Canoe Area.

After my first visit to the BWCA I came home telling everyone I was certain. That’s where God lives.

What Minnesota has is more than clean water and mineral resources. We host the responsibility to protect the sacredness of its purity. A place so special nowhere else in the country can boast. One that must be protected by the Prove it First bill.

Link to Hearing minutes:

Friends of the Boundary Waters Proposed Legislation – Google Drive

Educational video link:

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #bwcadventuresisters, #lessonsthroughjoy, #lifelessons, #naturelover, #spiritual

Billy Goat Trail Portage

Emy Minzel

Lessons Through JOY!

Chapter 8 ~

Authored by Emy Minzel

On the 2nd trip to the BWCA, Stacy and I had been calling in adventure! Excited by how transformational last year was. We were thrilled to go back for more lessons.  Craving excitement we spent a lot of time planning the next “Great Adventure into the Wilderness”.

This book is about lessons through joy; I can honestly say that this 2nd BWCA Adventure was not always joyful. I realize now that somewhere along the way. I had conditioned myself to believe the only way I learn a lesson was the “hard way”. Maybe this is why I was asking for hard games??? Silly girl.

This journey would help me rewire this programming… the hard way.

The second year we had packed a cooler with wheels. When we got to the outfitter, they told us wheels of any sort were not allowed in the BWCA.

He then said “It really won’t matter if you had wheels on that portage anyways. The trail is just too rough and uneven.”

Stacy and I looked at each other and asked, “how are we going to bring our food along?”

He said, “No problem, we have a pack for that.” Then disappeared into the back room. Coming back with a big army green soft sided backpack cooler. “If you want to keep it cold, I recommend you go across the street and get some dry ice too.”

That’s what we did. We came back with 6lbs of dry ice and proceeded to empty the contents of our roller cooler into the backpack cooler.

I had frozen water bottles because hot tea is sometimes not appetizing on a warm summer day. And lake water tastes like lake. I had chopped and packed a whole lot of veggies and a large container of watermelon, for hydration. 5lbs of potatoes, some orange juice, a box of wine and a whole lot of miscellaneous grocery items.

The people at the outfitters were kind of giving us the side eye. Looking at each other with their eyebrows up. Did they know we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into? Yes… yes, they did.

Yet we assured them. More than once mind you. That we knew it was going to several trips to portage, but we were ok with it.  (Insert hindsight facepalm here!) They politely let us carry on emptying our cooler into the insulated portage pack. Then went up to the bunk house to rest up for our 5am departure.

In the bunk house we shared the main quarters with a group of men. We had our own bunkbed bedroom as did they. They were very polite upon introduction. We went to bed early and they left. A few hours later they came back to the bunkhouse tipsy. One of the men hopped on the bunk located on the other side of the wall we shared. CREEEEEEEEAAAAAK!!!! EEEK!!! EEEK!!! SQUEEEEEEEEEEAAAAK!!!

For the next 2 hours the bed creaked and squeaked each time he even blinked. He continued to perform the Olympic version of bunkbed fancy flip flop. A little-known bounce house boing and roll sleeping technique.  A method reminiscent of a rotisserie chicken style performed with panache and sound effects flair.

I lay there praying for him to fall asleep or at the very least, stop moving every 2 minutes for the sake of my sanity. “Ugh… my dude… It’s 2:30am now and we gotta be up in 90 minutes. For the love of Pete…. pleeeeeease sleep.”

I was about to lose my cool then finally he got tired of performing. At last, he got up and crawled into a different bunkbed that was not nearly as obnoxious. I slept lightly doing my best to get at least a little bit of rest. When the alarm went off at 4:00am we showered and packed up. Stepping out into the cool predawn morning at 4:45am closing the door behind us. I hope they got more sleep than we did that night.

Time to go! We were so stoked about this Adventure that nothing was going to get us down. We waited for the shuttle van at 5am, tea in our thermoses and a black bean brownie muffin my mom had made in our bellies. Excitement filled the air as we chatted with our driver Lawrence. He was also a guide and helped with BWCA rescues. He had lots of stories to share, we listened intently learning more about this ruggedly beautiful yet sometimes dangerous wilderness.

We pulled into the entry point. There is nothing better than being dropped off at 5:30am when the sun is coming up and hopping right into the canoe and on the calm lake kissed by the morning mist. That was not going to happen this time. The trip was going to start with a portage.

The driver pulled up the parking lot and pulled our supplies out of the trailer. Pointing down a tall grass lined path he declared. “The first portage out to the water is that way.”

“O.K! Thanks!” We tipped him and waved as he hopped back into the van to leave.

This Adventure we had planned was to include 6 or 7 portages. When the outfitter drops you off in the middle of nowhere, really your only option is to GO!

Car loaded with all the cargo we needed to portage.

By the time we got all our packs to the first water way, it had taken us 3 trips each. The 2 cots weighed 20 pounds apiece and the stuck out the opening on each side of one of the packs. We were able to team lift the food cooler pack on this trail while confirming this was going to be a long hard haul…

Still neither of us were discouraged. It was early morning, and we were bright eyed and roaring to go. We had planned on this hard work, claiming our comfort came first! We loaded up our freight into the canoe for the first time. Pushing it out to test float the balance it was nice and level. Though we were quite certain the canoe was at its weight capacity once we climbed in.

The first paddle to the second portage was very peaceful and picturesque. Reeds and wild grasses towered over our heads. The river way was very shallow; the water clean and clear enough to see little fish swimming all around. Occasionally a boulder barricade would imitate a speed bump and slow us down. We would have to hop out of the canoe standing on the giant rocks to carefully steer our cargo ship/canoe around them.

Just before the shallow river way opened to the lake. We came to a beaver dam. As we were crossing over it, I was standing on top, guiding the canoe and hurdling the strong structure.

Crossing my fingers and sending prayers that my foot wouldn’t fall through into to the beaver’s living room. The story my imagination made up was. After my foot poked through it roof. The upset beaver would then of course promptly chew my leg off, for breaking and entering!

Anyone else have a fun imagination too? Stacy giggled at the story I told while navigating over the sturdy den.

What a cool experience! This was already an adventure and we’ve only just begun!

The next leg of the journey was a peaceful 1-mile paddle on a long narrow lake. Intuitively paddling slowly to enjoy a beautiful sunrise service. There was mist at the edge of where the water meets the forest. The surface of the lake reflected diamond like sparkles courtesy of the orange sun guiding in a new day.

I tell people. “It’s where God lives.”  Because this is where I can feel spirit the most.

That morning felt as if ‘God’s country’ had a choir and was singing us a personalized sermon. We paddled silently absorbing this moment. It felt as if Creation herself showed up just to say. “Hello ladies! Welcome home.” I felt my soul let out an audible exhale of relief to finally be back.  

As we paddled on until we came another new experience. There were boulders under the canoe, and they were humongous! We would have to be very careful navigating slowly through them. At times having to both get out of the canoe. Stand on the boulders and push the canoe over or in between to pass.

My intuition told me the boulders were alive with sentience. The oldest beings of creation. I can’t help but believe that these Ancient Stone Spirits supported us on our journey.

At last, the water ran shallow, and we were at the 3rd portage. On the map it looks tiny, less than a quarter mile, totally no big deal. Trails on these maps are quiet deceiving. This was an obstacle course with steep inclines and even more steep drops going back down. The shoreline was made of extra-large jagged edged stones that shifted when you stepped on them. We had to navigate at this portage carefully so as not to twist an ankle. We could have easily gotten hurt trekking through this wobble stone agility test.  

We set to work bracing for another 3 portages each carrying something big and heavy. Stacy seemed to like to carry the canoe first. We concluded after the previous portage she couldn’t carry the canoe while I carried the food. Because the food pack was so heavy I needed assistance. When possible, to walk side by side, we would carry it together. That was a rare occasion this year.

Luckily for us the Gods up above were offering a little help. Just ahead there were a group of men coming back toward us going the opposite direction.

Deciding we better survey the situation before tackling the heavy baggage. We portaged the ‘lightest’ packs weighing no less than 50lbs and our oars. We hiked until we found water. The men we ran into had light gear like most do. Some of them made navigating this jagged optical course of impending broken bones look like it was a cake walk.

The oldest of the men sounded as if he had a southern accent and surveyed us quickly. “How are you ladies doing today?!”

“We are great and yourself?” I offered with a smile.

“Do you mind if we grab something and help you?” He replied. Without waiting for an answer, he hollered.  “Fellas! You guys run up a head and grab their thangs, help these lovely ladies out!”

Before we knew it, he had grabbed the canoe. The other hikers grabbed the rest of our comforts and “necessities”. Setting our packs on the wiggling rocks. Just far enough away from the canoe in the lake so they wouldn’t get wet.

Looking back, I wonder if they thought there was a dead body in that cooler pack. It was crazy heavy. We thanked them all profusely for their chivalry as they left us in their dust.

Already starting to get hungry and fatigued muscles. We celebrated our luck by being very grateful. Carrying each bag together trying not to trip the other or get hurt on the slanted, shuffling razor-edged rocks. Carefully we got the canoe loaded and shoved off to the next portion of the journey. Which seemed to come up in to time at all. Just a few minutes later we got to the 4th portage.

It was going to be the longest portage of the trip. I tried not to complain. After all, Stacy was carrying the canoe and heavy packs too! Neither of us was slacking in the portaging department. But when we pulled up and saw a staircase of rocks going 40 feet up at a steep angle. I tried to fend off a mild panic attack.

My inner child wanted to stomp and throw a fit. “I don’t wanna and you can’t make me.”

We decided this would be a good time to take a break resting and eating more breakfast muffins. We needed to refuel and rehydrate. It was now late morning, and the day was warming up. After our “2nd breakfast” we weren’t going to dilly dally we had places to go. Fairy Lake was waiting for us!

We put the lightest portage packs on and headed up the stone staircase to investigate the long portage. Follow the winding narrow path upwards. “I’m already beginning to feel the burn.” I commented.

Stacy was just ahead of me and was starting to feel some fatigue too. “Mind over matter, we can do this, we ARE doing this.” She said over her shoulder.

“Right!” I said.

This path was paved with haphazard stones jutting out at random. Seemingly at just the right spacing so that you couldn’t keep a steady pace. I had to be fully present. Observing where to put each foot next so I didn’t trip. Adding to the atmosphere there was a steep drop off descending down the mountain we were climbing. Only a foot or so off the path.

Keeping my gaze down and my focus on my red water sandals. I tried to take brief looks at the geographical beauty around us. We didn’t talk much because we had to focus. This trail seemed to keep going up, then we would have to go down to go back up again. Even with our lightest packs this portage was long and hard as hell!

Just when you think the end of the lane is just ahead. Low and behold it is only an illusion my friend. We had to keep going. Up and down. Then up and down some more. Dodging low hanging branches snagged our full-size fishing pole lines that stuck out of one of the packs. We had large cots sticking out each side one portage pack. We came to a narrow corridor stone mountain face on each side. Cots bashing into the stone back and forth with each step as we made our way through. I laugh out loud at this memory. (Insert yet another facepalm moment!)

About 30 minutes later we see water! “Yay! We made it!” Stacy celebrated our achievement as we set our first load down. We gave each other a high five and turned around empty handed to grab another load of baggage.

This time we took in the scenery a little more, unencumbered by the weight of our necessities. I really enjoyed the jaunts back, although we still had to be diligent and very careful with our footing. This trail was tricky, and at times very scary.

Ugh… Here we were at the beginning already. Our pile of stuff still looking extremely heavy. When we started that morning Stacy estimated that the cooler pack weighed at least 100lbs!

It took two of us to lift it onto a tall rock. When it was elevated enough, I could crouch down to slip my arms into the straps. Slowly I stood lifting its weight my back, buckling the waist strap around my middle for more support. I had to walk slowly and bent over while carrying it. It never even crossed our minds when packing that one person would have to carry this load. We were the Queens of teamwork.

I am 5 feet nothin’ and at this exact time in my life, I was not “in shape”. I was carrying well over half my body weight on my back. At least the cooler never complained when I fell over or had to drop it. Saying a prayer to Mercury the God of transportation for swift movements. Maybe Pan the Goat God of the forest would bless me with graceful footing. Praying for help as I ascended the staircase again.

“Goodness sakes! Stace, I’m going to need some help.” I exclaimed, trying not to panic.

We had only just begun, and I was falling backward, forwards and sideways from the burdensome weight on my back. I thought my legs were burning before! Ha!

I felt clumsy trying to gain control of this unyielding bulk on my body. Many, many times Stacy had to push up on the pack from behind, so I made it up the pathway. If she would accidentally help too much, I would easily fall over in random direction.

“What have we gotten ourselves into?!” I asked, only a short way into the trek. “Would you like me to try to carry it?” Stacy offered.

I tried to reassure us both. “No, I got it.” I said.  While simultaneously falling over and almost down the side of the mountain. This was a scary moment for both of us!

Reacting quickly and saving me from what would surely be a painful steep tumble. Stacy grabbed the pack with all her strength, pulling me back to the safety of the trail.

Muscle fatigue had set in challenging my whole body, my legs wanted to give out. I truly had not been physically nor mentally prepared for what we were doing.

I was embarrassed about falling and then I got mad. I thought to myself. “You can and you will do this.” And with a little help from my friend, I did. My thoughts changed from being annoyed, that I had to watch my footing so intently. To considering it was a blessing. For it gave me something to think of besides this beastly burden on my back.

Many thoughts ran through my head, as we journeyed up, up, up, down, up, down. Sometimes falling up the boulders I was trying to climb. This trail experience happened to me for a reason. I contemplated why as we hiked in silence.

Clearly the Universe was telling me to keep focus on what was right in front of me. If you look too far ahead, I get distracted, look too far ahead, I will lose focus, fall off the path. It sounded right at the time. As I was concerned about having to restart my business after moving to another city just a few months before.

This was not the complete life lesson taught by Billy goat Portage. But learning to keep my focus and continue putting one foot in front of the other; has been a repeat lesson over the years.

At last reached the end of Billy Goat Trail. Whew! Finding a taller boulder, I sat it down and unbuckled the cooler pack with a sign of relief. I felt 100 pounds lighter. After a short pause for a water break, we headed back for our last portage pack and the canoe. I was afraid if I sat down, I wouldn’t get back up to continue on.

“Let’s DO this!” I said as we headed UP the path for the final fourth lap. This time it felt much easier than the first two trips.

I never in my life have done something as adventurous, that dangerous, or that physically challenging. Pushing myself to the point of exhaustion, muscles shaking with fatigue… I had very much proven to myself what I was capable of. I was far from the pillar of health at this time. Billy Goat Portage was the initiation I needed. It led to the desire to reclaim my health. It showed me how capable I truly was.  

 After this death-defying feat, we still had another 4-mile paddle to get to our next destination. We paddled those 4 miles taking our sweet time, staying close to shore on the large lake. We finally reached the cove in which our next portage was supposed to be. We paddled back and forth for almost an hour, even shoring up the canoe to climb a hill in search of this mysterious missing portage. Which we couldn’t find the entry point for the life of us!

After a while we concluded we were both too fatigued to go on anyways. It would be best to find a place to camp before we both expired from exhaustion. We found an open campsite almost immediately. It was the large “5 star” rated campsite the Guide at the outfitter told us about last night. We had dismissed his suggestion because we had plans to keep going. Was that coincidence? I think not.

As soon as we saw the campsite a wave of relief flooded my nervous system. We were so very sore from that journey and needed to be done for the day. Our bodies needed nourishment and nurturing. After eating we decided to soak our aching muscles in the lake to cool them down. The lake was cold, but I have no doubt in mind that if we were to opt out of some cold-water hydrotherapy; I would not have been able to move for the whole entire week.

In the end we got the adventure we were calling in that year! Although it didn’t come in a way we expected it. The definition of adventure says there must be elements of danger in the experience to be called an ‘adventure’.

I’d say hurdling a beaver dam and navigating an obstacle course made of razor-sharp shifting rocks. Experiencing Billy goat portage 4 times and almost falling down a mountain side wearing a 100-pound backpack. Then waking up in the middle of the night soaking wet in a flooded tent and on the brink of hypothermia would qualify for danger. Don’t you?

Yet, without this challenge I would have never started my journey back to wellness. Something had changed deep inside me after that. I realized I was not doing my body any favors by going so easy on myself. My muscles were weak, my balance off, and my joints achy. We had spent our whole BWCA vacation resting and recuperating our battered bodies, preparing for the return journey.

After we got home; instead of going back to my old routine consisting of an abundance of couch and TV time. I started using my gym membership, challenging myself physically for the entire next year. Instead of TV I started to write. I consistently challenging myself, leveling up in life and on the elliptical. This led to jogging on the treadmill. Which turned to running and then weight training.

I was determined to prepare myself for the 2015 BWCA trip. I wasn’t going to be caught off guard again, no Siree!

As I write this. We just returned home from the 2015 BWCA adventure about a week ago. Where I learned the Universe has a wonderful sense of humor. Because this year; we didn’t portage. Not even once.

This lesson taught me how strong I really was. How capable I am when I truly focused. Gaining the desire and determination to maintain wellness has been a blessing in many ways.

This experience started the journey to a healthier version of me. The me I want to be. I want to be active and able to do all the adventuring I desire as I get older. Staying strong and fit is a necessary component to making that possible. Especially as I age.

Over the years I have completed 500hours of yoga training and I am a Certified Yoga Teacher. My thoughts on exercise have transformed to gratitude. I love to be active; I love moving my body, and I am grateful for all it can do. I am always thanking my body for what it does for me. “Thank you, body for doing what I ask you to do. Today and every day. I appreciate you.”

I thank myself for the will and focus to continue moving in healthy ways. After all, my subconscious can hear me. And I am purposely reprogramming my beliefs and requesting easier games now!

Although this was a lesson that felt like it was taught “the hard way”. I now know it was a gift of realignment back to wellness. Which brings me gratitude and great joy!

Wishing you big love and many blessings,

Emy Minzel

Heart Centered, Nature Lover, Writer, Advocate, Adventurer, Yogi, and so much more…

EmyMinzel.com

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #lifelessons, #naturelover, adventure, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Innerwork

Boundary Waters Solo Adventure Day 3

Emy Minzel

Last night was rough, I woke up wanting to go home, like right now. During the late-night, I had a tummy ache and needed to climb the hill with a flashlight, not once but three times! Ugh! I was doing my best to be brave while making a lot of noise at 1 am in a dark forest alone.

Listen I like to rough it, I don’t mind getting dirty, fighting dangerous waves, caring heavy loads or even sitting out a thunderstorm in a tent. Turns out that this girl draws the line at tummy tribulations in the Boundary Waters! I know I am not alone here.

I was feeling better when I got up at 6 am with the dawn, even though the skies were clear the sun did not peek over the treetops until around 8:00. As I sat drinking coffee, soaking in the scenery and contemplating if I was going to stay the one more day as intended or pack it all up. It was hard to decide.

Slim Lake sunrise
Emy in contemplation
Ride back home
Slim Lake Entry/Exit Point

The weather was warming up, and the sunshine was trying to talk me into staying. I wanted to stay, and I wanted to go home too. The weather was not going to be warm enough to swim for very long. Which was a bummer because that’s one of the reasons I go up the Boundary Waters to get some very needed hydrotherapy.

About an hour later, while I was cooking breakfast two canoes full of a family with mom and dad and three children family paddled by. They inquired if I was leaving today and I told them I was thinking about it. The other campers at the campsite they passed to get to me told them they were going later as well.

I felt terrible that they didn’t have a campsite free, and I think they were also bummed to have to paddle all the way to the other end of the lake to see if possibly the last of the three campsites on the lake would be open. If not, they would have to wait it out while we packed up.

As they paddled by me again, I felt the urge to tell them I would be packed up by noon. Giving the family at least some hope of getting settled soon if they could not find another open site. Had they not paddled by would I have stayed? I don’t know. Maybe I used their search as an excuse as I convinced myself I was being kind by making sure that family had a place to sleep tonight. Or perhaps I really had been there for long enough?

I certainly proved to myself what I knew I was capable of all along. What else did I need to prove? Going into the Boundary Waters alone was something I did for me. I needed to push myself in a way that was not connected to others needs. I needed to level up my courage and confidence for my personal development to prove to me that I can do the same in other aspects of my life.

The Boundary Waters is a holy place, you may think you come for the beauty of it and to get away from it all. What you don’t anticipate is how it changes you so profoundly in just the short time you are there. Having the time to be alone with only your thoughts and allowing the tranquility to seep into your soul that enables you to listen to your own inner knowing is powerful stuff.

The solo excursion I embarked on this year is no different. I knew inside that it was okay to leave because I had gotten what I came for. I had reconnected with myself and allowed the spirit of nature to reconnect with me. That morning I realized I could stay, but I wanted to go home.

As an only child of a single mother, I have always been fond of my alone time. I get cranky without it. Yet while out in the wilderness, I did not feel afraid or lonely, I did think that something was missing. I missed my husband and my dog, and this just confirmed that even though I don’t mind being alone, my life is much more enjoyable sharing it with those that I love. I learned that I must work at bettering myself without help, but it sure is nice to have support on the sidelines of life.

As the family paddled away to leave me to pack up in peace, I did just that. I did not rush myself. I did my best to enjoy the end of my journey. Even taking the time to put my swimsuit on and get into the lake one last time. The water was warmer than the air temp, so it was steaming as it was chilly only 59 degrees.

I did not allow the weather to detour me from getting the swim in I needed. I am Minnesota tough dontchyaknow and did not flinch as I made my way down into the water via the boulder shore. Where I could fully submerge allowing the healing stillness of the big water to wash away all that I did not need to bring back home with me. That last swim felt great and gave me the emotional boost I needed to get going.

After all, my gear was packed and loaded into the canoe. I sent a prayer of gratitude up once again. “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!” This experience had all the emotions and tests that I needed and came for. The Boundary Waters Wilderness never lets me down and always centers me to a much calmer space deep within. I am beyond grateful and blessed for this experience once again.

The wind was picking up, but this time the waves on Slim Lake carried me back to the bay. I took my time enjoying one last paddle soaking in all the scenery and the musical harmony of nature I could possibly absorb. As I pulled into the entry point, I was a little melancholy not wanting this healing time to end, yet also happy to be on my way to home sweet home.

Thank you, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Thank you for all the lesson’s past, present and future you continue to bless me with. Until next time my friend, you still hold a part of me.

Sending joy and blessings to you,

Love, Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

Visit me at :

EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

Uncategorized

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Solo Adventure Day two!

Emy Minzel

It’s six a.m., and I wake up with the dawn, excited for the new day. I clear the sleep from my eyes and set about making coffee. It was overcast and a bit chilly, it also seemed quite windy again even early in the morning. I had a feeling a storm was on the way, so set about my morning duties, grabbing some food, and the most crucial chore on my mind was getting my coffee fix. I tried to ignore the signs of the weather, but I know when it’s time to retreat.

 

Startled by the Thunder God’s and some warning raindrops that sent a firm signal to get to it; I knew I had better hurry and put things away to stay dry. I quickly tucked my camp chair under the canoe, filled my coffee thermos, and headed for the tent. Just as it started pouring hard lighting lit up the tent feeling way to close for comfort.

 

Zipping the rainfly down tight to prevent the water from coming in, but it also prevented me from seeing out. Sometimes not knowing is worse than anything! For hours I was stuck in the tent while Mother Nature reminded me who was in charge here. As if I needed reminding. Luckily even though cell service was very spotty, I was somehow able to make a call to my husband so he could check the weather for me.

 

He had said that it was going to be a couple hours be for it passed so I might as well get comfortable. Also, he let me know to expect another spot of rain that afternoon. This gave me plenty of time to think, lying in bed with my thoughts. This was when it occurred to me that I should make some videos of my solo adventure to share with our friends on our Adventure Sisters Facebook community. I recorded myself and my thoughts, and it felt comforting like I was able to talk to someone while I was a bit scared and wishing for company.

 

The storm passed without incident, thank goodness, and I emerged from the tent ready to do some exploring. It was crazy how just an hour before the wind was howling and now the calm after the storm turned the water as still as glass. Since I had nobody to entertain but myself, I took this opportunity to go for a paddle and explore Slim Lake scenery. It was a nice break in the day that allowed me to keep my mind and body active.

I paddled for about an hour or more until the wind changed directions and started to pick up again. The lake began to sway with force, and I turned the canoe around to head back to the safety of my campsite. When I got back to the site, all I had to do was wait for the rain to come, so I made lunch and sat back to relax. Interestingly, I was starting to get antsy, I felt that I was over the rain, but there was nothing I could do about that!

 

Inevitably it started to sprinkle then come down harder, and I had to retreat to the tent yet again. This time I took the opportunity to journal and gave myself a tarot card reading. When there are no distractions, it’s easy to get into the flow of creativity, and I began to write and write. Even after the storm had passed, I felt moved to keep writing as I sat out and watched the scenery sitting close to the water on the boulder point.

 

I have always thought that the best conversations happen on rainy days, it seems that it is true when I am alone as well. The quiet time allowed me to hear myself, to listen to my gut and time to digest what it is trying to say. This was why I went out to the Boundary Waters in the first place. To reconnect with myself, and this is what happened.

 

I was missing the comfort of my family. The BWCA reminded me just how important they are when I am going through the metaphorical storms in my life. We tend to retreat into who and what is comfortable when we are scared or confused, and this experience reminded me not to take my blessings of my great family for granted.

 

Some days it’s easy to let the dumb annoyances of life get in between relationships and happiness. This time alone helped to take responsibility to catch those times when I get back home. There is real spiritual healing that happens when I go into the vastness of the Boundary Waters. Every trip I make changes me deep inside and for the better. I come home with a new appreciation for my life, tending to see situations from a different perspective that I had not seen before.

 

Inevitably I miss the solitude and the healing power of the big water and vast forests. The slow time of nature and quite relaxed pace of living isn’t so easy to bring home with you. There is lots of noise in the world we’ve come to know, most of it is just that, noise. I miss the realness of just being. I find it hard to keep centered when I return to home from the BWCA.

 

My wish is to embody that Zen flow of poignant peace folding into myself so securely to be mine forever. If I were able to do bottle that feeling of serenity, I would be rich! What I can do is continue to go to the places and do the things that allow this feeling as much as possible. To make sure I do the things that feed my soul is just as important as caring for my body or my work.

 

Mind, body, spirit is all of me, neither more important than the other. It’s up to me to take care of all three. As day two ended with clear skies, a peaceful campfire, and a nightcap, it was clear to me this solo excursion into the wild was precisely what I needed to do so. I felt the peace I had been craving, I felt the gratitude for just being, I was genuinely relaxed and connected. Yes. This is the stuff that helps make life great.

Good night friends.

I hope my words help you or even allow for a short escape while you envision peace and serene solitude. Thank you for sharing my journey with me.

 

Sending joy and blessings to you,

Love, Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister

 

Visit me at :

EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel

Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters

www.AdventurewithEmyandStacy.com

Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister

https://stacycrep.com

 

 

#BoundaryWatersCanoeArea, #naturelover, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Innerwork

Boundary Waters Solo Mission Day 1

Emy Minzel

I will not lie. I was a little nervous as my favorite Guide Lawrence, drove me and the rented solo canoe to Slim Lake. Pulling into the tiny parking lot and setting all the gear down, he said. “The most important thing to remember is to always wear your life vest and take your time. Don’t hurry, that’s when you make mistakes.” I thought this was sound advice, and since I was planning to stay for four days, I was not in any hurry.

When I got all my gear and the canoe to the lake, I had noticed it was windy, and the waves were strong. Luckily the water was flowing north to the direction I had planned on paddling, which is a plus. I loaded my canoe with two portage packs, a soft-sided backpack cooler, and my trusty brown backpack that has accompanied me on all my BWCA adventures. I pushed off and went feeling adventure calling me home.

My heart was racing, but the majestic beauty of the landscape seemed to calm me, reminding me to relax. I knew deep down that I got this. The waves were strong, and it took some effort as I paddled to my intended campsite, I saw that it was already occupied by two women. I asked if they knew if the next site to the north was open and they said they had not seen anyone else all day. Perfect!

I kept going north hoping that the campsite was free; otherwise, I would have to turn around and fight the waves all the way back down to the southern end of the lake where there was another site. Thankfully when I arrived, I saw the site was free, and it looked perfect for me. It was on a point, and I noticed it even had a lovely small sandy beach where I could pull up the canoe. There was a lone butterfly that fluttered around me the whole time I was setting up as if to say. “I am so happy to see you!” I took this as a good omen and continued on.

Welcoming committee!
Private Beach
Picture of Contentment
Solo swim smile!

Deciding that when I had set up the tent and got situated, I knew this beach is where I would be sitting that evening. By the time I was done, I was warm and needed to cool off. I decided to put my swimming suit on and test out the water to enjoy my own little piece of heaven. The water was warm, and the wind had died down considerably. It was if Slim Lake was giving me a warm, gentle welcoming because the first day was the best weather of my stay.

The campsite was so peaceful I did not once feel scared! I felt secure knowing that experience had taught me enough to stay warm, watch my footing, and like Lawrence said, take my time doing everything! As I sat in my camp chair on the mini beach, eating a peanut butter sandwich, I couldn’t help but feel anything but gratitude for this moment. Appreciation for being in the middle of a postcard picture moment and being brave enough to journey to that spot alone.

As dragonflies zoomed by taking care of the flies that may have bugged me, I felt contentment seep into my body. The peace and calm I felt was the exact reason why I love the BWCA as much as I do. I am telling you, nowhere in the world do I feel as connected and centered to my self and Spirit as I do when I am there. I kept repeating my mantra for my stay, which was simply. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

As the sun sank behind the giant pines and the dusk grew into darkness, I noticed that I was tired, so got ready for bed without having a campfire. I put everything away and tucked my portage packs under the rainfly. I used bungee cords to secure my cooler to a pine tree that was farthest away from my tent. It wasn’t hanging or fancy, but it would help to detour forest critters from food theft. Besides, I figure if a bear wants my food, I’m going to just let them go ahead and have it!

As I lay in the tent alone, the sound of the nocturnal critters coming alive kept me up for a bit. Beavers came to the campsite and chatted so loudly that I thought it was a gang of raccoons! I clapped my hands a few times and said. “Hey, you! That’s mine!” to detour them from my cooler tied to a tree. It seemed to work just fine, and after a bit, they skedaddled. I fell asleep and woke up around midnight to see the moon shining brightly through the screen window of my tent. It was so pretty I tried to take a picture, but of course, you cannot capture the beauty of the moon on a camera.

Moon in the tent

This first day was so enjoyable and fantastic!  Again, I just have to say. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” I felt that I had indeed made the right choice to go out on my solo adventure. That was until the next morning when the tides will change. But I will save that story for tomorrow! Hope you enjoyed the story and pictures of my first alone in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area as much as I enjoy sharing my love with you!

Wishing you a beautiful blessed day,

Love, Emy Minzel

Visit me at EmyMinzel.com

EmyMinzel.AdventureSister@gmail.com

@EmyMinzel