Boundarywaters

     There aren't too many places on earth you can go to on Christmas and never hear the sound of a vehicle.  That is the case today and yesterday at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail.  We do have neighbors but they must be away for the holidays because we haven't heard another soul. 
     The Boundary Waters Canoe Area surrounds us and envelopes us in quiet.  No car alarms sounding, trains chugging on a track, planes flying overhead or semi trucks jake breaking. On really cold days the ice may moan or the deck may let out a crack but other than that it's pretty quiet.  It's eery to stop in the middle of the lake when you're snowshoeing and not hear anything.  Sometimes I have to take my ear muffs off and say something out loud so I know for sure I haven't lost my hearing.
     A few snowflakes fall to the ground on this Christmas day.  Presents have been opened, games have been played and now we'll savor the peace and quiet of this holiday season and the Gunflint Trail.