From the Muddy Banks of the Mississippi to the Pristine Waters of the BWCA
by Jamie Cooper
Growing up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, my family outings and Boy Scouts experiences laid the groundwork for my love of the outdoors. Those early days were characterized by exploring the Midwest landscape, filled with rolling bluffs and countless meandering rivers and streams. These adventures, often packed into our family Suburban, paved the way for something more—a journey into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), a region straddling the Minnesota-Canada border.
The red tub, what my younger brother (Casey) and I affectionately called our families plastic-hulled Red Coleman Canoe, was our trusty canoe that we learned to navigate the Mississippi River back in La Crosse. The days paddling the great Mississippi and its many tributaries around La Crosse, conversations fantasizing over larger canoe trips began a regular. We had a goal to build a cedar stripe canoe and paddle it from source to sea of the Mighty Mississippi. Unfortunately we weren’t able to complete both together - Casey went on to paddle the entire Mississippi River and I went on to build a cedar stripe canoe. But the days as boys fantasizing about adventure on the water laid the foundation of a desire to explore and the skills needed that we took north to the BWCA.
The process of building the cedar strip canoe, from selecting lumber to the maiden voyage, took over a year. It became a symbol of determination, craftsmanship, and shared aspirations. Its first journey? A memorable trip to the BWCA with my now-wife, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our adventures.
While researching on how to build a cedar stripe canoe, I was convinced by my parents to start with some a project that was less time consuming and easier to get started in. Canoe paddles. My goal to build a canoe was put on hold as I quickly went down the rabbit hole of paddle making. What started out as a small hobby and process to better hone the skills needed to build a canoe turned into a small company from humble beginnings with the BWCA being the focal point of most of the blade designs. The company was named to pay homage to Sigurd Olson, a pivotal contributor to the wilderness act and activist of the BWCA. This venture became intertwined with my explorations of the BWCA when, for the first time, I headed north with a good friend, Landen, for a paddlesports show on the edge of the BWCA. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of my annual pilgrimages to the Boundary Waters.
One particularly memorable experience occurred on that trip with Landen. We paddled across Seagull Lake by moonlight. The evening was perfectly still, with a full moon casting its glow upon the water. In silence, we navigated the lake, the only sounds being the gentle dip of our paddles and the canoe moving through the water. It was a moment of pure connection with nature, a silent communion with the wilderness that left an indelible mark on my soul. We met up with some others from the paddlesports show to sit around a campfire telling stories and sharing laughs while some played guitar and banjo by campfire.
The BWCA isn't a picturesque postcard; it's a practical sanctuary with a real impact. It's a place where time feels different, away from the hustle of the modern world. Sigurd Olson and other advocates had their voices heard, emphasizing the need to preserve this wilderness, making it more than just a collection of lakes and trees.
Venturing into the BWCA is more than just paddling. It’s about taking time to reset to a time where responsibilities of modern life can be turned off. It’s a place where fishing isn't just about casting a line; it’s about patiently waiting and trying to convince a hungry walleye or lake trout to take your lure. The satisfaction of a successful catch blending seamlessly with the thrill of the chase. And when the day’s adventures wind down, campfires aren’t just for storytelling; they become the heartbeat of our evenings, casting warmth and fostering camaraderie under the expansive, starlight sky.
Swimming in the clear lakes isn't just for leisure; it’s an immersion in the untouched beauty we fight to protect. Portages aren't just physical challenges; they are our passage through the heart of the wilderness, where the thought of our “red tub” made us joyful for the modern lightweight canoes. Laden with memories, bridged the gaps between lakes, connecting us to the untouched beauty beyond.
Paddling is more than a poetic endeavor; it’s a practical means of navigation through the tranquility of the Boundary Waters. This region isn't just a destination; it is a practical classroom teaching us about the delicate balance of nature. It underscored the importance of preserving unspoiled landscapes, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same raw beauty that has shaped our connection to the outdoors.
From the familiar waters of La Crosse to the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters, our annual canoe trip isn't a pilgrimage; it's a yearly encounter with a place that encapsulates the essence of untouched beauty and tranquility. The Midwest, in all its unassuming charm, has granted us the privilege of navigating the wilderness—a privilege we hold dear, understanding that the significance of the Boundary Waters goes beyond the strokes of our paddles. It's a real-world testament to the enduring spirit of conservation and the practical harmony between humanity and the wild.
