Seeking solace in nature and finding smoke instead

A smoky sunrise on Lake Superior

Last summer, I completed a backpacking trip in Northern Minnesota on the Superior Hiking Trail. The views were stunning, and this became the smoggy highlight of my summer, but the experience was tainted by poor air quality. Canadian wildfires more than 1000 miles away blew smoke south to us. I picked up a bothersome cough which persisted for two months. Despite rain, mud, and two sprained ankles, our group of 16 completed the hike, covering over 50 miles of trail. This experience taught me how to persevere and maintain positivity through challenging times. This also was the first time climate change had directly impacted me. Living in the Midwest, prior to this experience, I had been mostly sheltered from the majority of the effects of climate change. To further pursue my interest, I have undertaken a research project on indoor and outdoor air quality to measure the content of the air I breathe and to better understand factors contributing to poor air quality.