Horizons soaking in(to) the Big Bog

Last weekend I had the privilege to explore parts of the Big Bog State Park in northern Minnesota, located on Highway 72, north of Waskish.  And the thing is relatively huge -- one of the largest peatlands in North America.  While humans have been intrigued with the area throughout the 20th century, the recreation area is a recent addition (2006), encouraged by grassroots organization.

The artificial path was constructed to avoid most annihilation of the life lurking around underneath it.  I recall occasionally stirring up a few birds underfoot, finding nesting in the omnipresent sponge-like moss.  Indeed, even the path felt like it was soaking up some of this plant life, as if the bog wanted to consume it. 


Quite possibly one of the most fascinating views consists of a long corridor entrenched into the moss by humans in the early 20th century.  This Panoramio site gives an idea about the imprint left behind.  The view, opens up broadly across "islands" of black spruce and other evergreen trees.  The failed road, still remaining an imprint sinking into the peat moss, intersects with the boardwalk.  It is interesting how this bogscape swallows everything it touches into its spongey-core, including tools meant for human passage and industry.  This sponge has its own web of alliances and what felt to me like its own ideas.