September 30 and October 1, 1934

Sigurd has been having a difficult time deciding about a job offer from the Soil Erosion Service. A day visiting Ernest Oberholtzer at Rainy Lake encourages him to see that his main calling in life is to interpret the wilderness canoe country in articles and essays.

Sept 30, 1934

Written at Ranier --Rainy Lake

I know now that my future lies in the Quetico-Superior Country, in the study and interpretation of the life I have learned to know and love. Here I will live and here I will die and here will I forego all else. My future will be in the study and understanding of this region and the further identification of myself with it. I feel happier and more settled than ever before.

Ely, October 1, 1934

I wrote this yesterday under the full influence of the sunlight on Rainy Lake, the beauty of the fall coloring and the peace, and decided then and there that there was only one thing for me to do and that to make myself an authority on this region. Sooner or later if I prepare myself, the time will come when I will be in demand. In addition to that is the immense personal satisfaction of knowing that I am doing something worthwhile. So far I have somewhat identified myself with the country. If I continue by means of study and articles, both of a scientific and philosophical nature, I will soon build up my reputation further.

I am supposed this noon to write Holt and cancel forever my chances with the Soil Erosion Service. Ober thinks it is the thing to do. I wonder. Yesterday I was sure. Today, I am a little uncertain. In fact I have a faint feeling at the pit of my stomach. Is it right or wrong, $3200 per annum, Spring Valley, going all of the time, moving from place to place, never at peace or at home. Still perhaps a step in the right direction. Perhaps I could come back here and get further with that training behind me. On the other hand my job is the interpretation of the beauty and the meaning of this country, by means of articles and essays. In that way, I can build myself up, keeping hold on the recreational aspects as well. Ober says, your fortune is in this country, don't leave it.

Keep my teaching just a means, get it standardized and work in the other on the side, never losing sight of the ultimate goal and the companionship that will be yours when you reach it.