Photos from Year in the Wilderness and a message to WTIP listeners from Dave Freeman

To conclude their year spent entirely within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Dave and Amy Freeman paddled out to some 100 friends, fellow adventurers, activists and curious people on Friday, Sept. 23 on the Kawisihiwi River south of Ely. An even larger crowd waited back on the mainland.

The large flotilla left in kayaks, canoes and a collection of boats from River Point Resort and Outfitting Company located on Birch Lake. Joining Dave and Amy in their canoe was their loyal companion, a sled dog named Tank.

All the photographs in this collection were taken during the exit party held at River Point in honor of the Freemans and during the flotilla event.

The Freemans paddled some 2,000 miles and visited an estimated 500 lakes and rivers during the past year. They traveled by canoe, skis, snowshoes and dog team, in addition to walking countless rods on portage trails.

Dave and Amy dedicated their year in the wilderness in support of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters’ efforts to protect the region from proposed copper-nickel mines in the BWCAW watershed.

And while the Year in the Wilderness is now complete, Dave and Amy continue on. The couple will travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers on Monday, Sept. 26.

Below is an audio message from Dave Freeman to listeners and supporters of WTIP and the weekly podcasts the Freemans provided this station during their Year in the Wilderness.