One of my favorite quotes comes from Aldo Leopold
"There are some who can live without wild things, and some who cannot."
I cannot.
The essence of life in its purest form is intertwined with the presence of wild creatures. Each day I wake up, I am enveloped in a profound sense of gratitude for the myriad of wild critters that choose to call our property home, however temporarily. Our living space is nestled right in the heart of their territory, yet they seem to hold no enmity towards us. Instead, they come to graze, to play, and then to depart, leaving behind an indelible mark on our lives. Their existence transforms the ordinary in to the extraordinary, elevating our surroundings into a vibrant tapestry of life.
Recently, I took a short trip up north that enhanced this appreciation tenfold. I was fortunate enough to bask int he company of numerous feathered friends; there were mallards gliding gracefully across the water, geese honking overhead as they flew in formation, and mergansers diving with purpose, while gulls danced playfully on the shores. These avian creatures inhabit both the town dan the forest, embodying the wild spirit that enriches our daily lives. They are a constant reminder that beauty exists all around us, just waiting to be noticed. As I reflect ton my encounters with these wild neighbors, I am reminded of the delicate balance of nature and the joy it brings. Here are a few photos of my feathered companions and the stunning scenery that accompanies them - a testament to the wildness that fees my soul.
Me just admiring the beautiful scenery at Grand Portage state park.
A mallard and her ducklings. We encountered this bunch on a walk in Grand Marais.
An overlook near the Grand Portage reservation.
A ring-billed gull we encountered walking around in Grand Marais.
A waterfall at Devil's Kettle
Mama mallard and her babies.
The bay in Grand Marias at dusk.
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