Find Your Happy Place

The Canadian Boundary Waters is a place unlike anything I’ve ever seen. You’re surrounded by nothing but nature; no people, no cars, no internet. It’s hard to find a place like that nowadays - so when you do, you have to cherish it. Since summer is officially over, I thought it would be best to reminisce about my favorite part of it.

First off, let me explain to you why this trip was so amazing and so monumental. At the camp that I go to there is a trip called the Canadian, which is an eight-day trip to the Canadian Boundary Waters. In order to be able to go on this trip you have to pass at least three levels of canoeing, which took me about seven years. It was such an amazing honor to get invited to go on this trip, especially since eight of some of my closest friends were going with me. It was an experience that changed my life and my outlook on things, and one trip that I will certainly never forget.

   I think the most memorable part of the trip was when we stopped at a waterfall on Eddy Lake. The waterfall was absolutely breathtaking, and the best part of it was that I was able to experience being there with some of my best friends. We all carved our names into a fallen tree at the base of the waterfall, which is so cool to think about. My name is and forever will be carved in a tree at a waterfall in the Canadian Boundary Waters. How many people can say that? I didn’t swim in the waterfall because I didn’t have a swimsuit on and I wasn’t willing to get my clothes wet. Other than that this little excursion was the most memorable part of the trip for me.

   Overall, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier or more at peace with myself then when I was on this trip. There’s something about being so cut off from the rest of the world and being surrounded by nature that makes you take a hard look at yourself. I came to several realizations about myself that I never would’ve come to if I hadn’t gone on this trip, and it changed some parts of me. I was kinda gross after not showering for eight days and only changing my clothes once, but other than that I felt good and I felt strong. I can’t describe how proud I was of myself for going and completing this trip. It was something I never ever thought that I’d be able to do, but I did it. I showed myself that I can do anything I put my mind to, which is something I will never forget.

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