Clearwater Lodge Blog

2012 Sportshow Season

2012-01-14T22:13:00.000-06:00

Last year just before we closed on the purchase of the lodge we decided that we should do a couple of sport shows. I went to Madison where Ben Trace and some friends were nice enough to meet me and help with the show. I was nervous and excited for the show. While I had worked a couple of shows before never had I done it where the consequences were ultimately my responsibility. Then I went on a couple weeks later and tried the Minneapolis Show. This time it was just me. I found myself somewhat unprepared since my knowledge of the History of the Lodge and the area was less than I desired but both shows were good experiences. Neither Show filled all of our vacancies but we decided that they were worthwhile. This year we have decided to attend 6 shows. The first show is in Des Moine, where I just finished day two of the show. Then onto Chicago from January 26-29. Then La Crosse from February 9-12 and Duluth from February 15-19. From March 9-11 I will be back in Madison and finishing up in Minneapolis from March 28-April 1. This time I feel much better prepared and am very excited to meet new people and hopefully be successful at conveying to them what makes Clearwater Lodge so special. One of the new things that I have this year, is a new display!

Summer is winding down

2011-09-01T15:18:00.001-05:00

Labor Day weekend is upon us and as intense as the summer was at times it is still somewhat surprising to realize that fall is coming and things are slowing down. What a summer it has been. We had a week straight of 90 degree weather, we had one day where we got 7 inches of rain, we had a windstorm that dropped 12 trees on the property(one hit the transport van), we redid the store, built a shower house, redid the bunkhouse, put a couple of new kitchens in, remodeled a couple of bathrooms, restored suite B back to rental status, built a new dock, installed new water lines, put a new roof on the shop, bought new 4 stroke motors for the boats and so much more. Whew, no wonder we are tired. So many people have been asking us how the first summer went. Such a simple question, but not a simple answer. The only reasonable response I can come up with is that we learned so much. The long days added up and we are tired. But the satisfaction of doing what we love and meeting so many great people really feels good.

One of the best parts of the summer was Tuesday nights. Every Tuesday Harriett Boostrom Taus would come over to the lodge and tell stories about her parents(Charlie and Petra Boostrom) and about growing up in the Lodge. It was amazing. Harriett was born in 1928 and lived for 17 years in the lodge. Her story telling ability is excellent and the stories bring so much life to the lodge.

One of my favorite stories is about why her parents picked Clearwater Lake as the place to build the resort. Charlie found Clearwater Lake while living with the Indians and began to guide trips on Clearwater as early as 1912. In 1913 when he and Petra married he took her to Clearwater to see this lake, supposedly he told her that someday he wanted to own land there. Charlie and Petra were of the opinion that the view down the lake at the Palisades is the best view on the Gunflint Trail. Early in 1915 they were able to purchase a cabin on the lake and Clearwater Lake Lodge, the very first lodge on the Gunflint Trail, was officially started. Over the years he added a lodge, several cabins and outbuildings and we feel so privileged to have a small piece of history. One thing for sure, we are in agreement with Charlie and Petra that the view looking down the lake is the best on the Gunflint Trail!

More Summer Projects

2011-08-18T22:40:00.000-05:00

This summer has been a summer full of projects. One of the projects we did was redoing the bunkhouse. Our bunkhouse is one of the older original buildings on the property. It was originally used by a logging company. The logging company did a deal with Charlie and Petra Boostrom so that they didn't have to pay rent in exchange for the building when they were done with it. But it was in need of serious work. So we gutted it, built 3 new bunk rooms and a new shower house. Here is Mike working on what would later become a bunk.

For the stalls in the shower houses and the lumber for the bunks we used blow down lumber. People have been very positive about the new bunk house rooms and love that there are now 6 showers and 6 toilets for use.

We were running short on space for boats on the main dock. So we built a new floating dock. This took a bit longer than we anticipated but was really needed.

Here is the new dock, we will be putting tires and cleats on both sides. Now things aren't as congested and the boats don't have to be tied up so close that they bang into each other.

Canak test-drive

2011-07-22T18:32:00.001-05:00

One of the perks of working up in the northern wilds of the BWCA is testing out new equipment, so on my day off last week I grabbed our new Wenonah Canak for a 15-mile day-trip over to Crystal Lake, where I set up a hammock and did some reading, before catching a few nice smallies and heading for home.

The Canak is an interesting hybrid craft that meshes a kevlar 'canoe' bottom with a covered 'kayak' top, complete with hatch covers to keep out splashing water. It's shallower than a solo kevlar like the Encounter, and thus a bit more tippy, but it is also noticeably faster, too. This is the fastest boat I've ever paddled. It also worked well as a fishing boat, and I was easily able to drift along Crystal's steep-breaking shorelines while casting, only rarely using my paddle to make corrections. I especially liked the traditionally kayak-style bungee clasps on each side of the cockpit that held my fishing pole and paddle during portages.

While the Canak paddles very much like a normal kayak, it portaged smoothly with the 'snap-in' yoke (same one as the Encounter). Coming back out of Crystal, I ran into three regular kayaks and the three people driving them. Of course, they were awkwardly carrying the boats one at a time with a person on each end, essentially triple-portages the boats and then running gear. As I breezed into Canoe Lake and put the Canak into the water, one guy in the group asked what I was paddling and commented on how "cool" it looked. I chatted with him for a bit about the new craft, working up north, fishing and the weather, and then power-stroked out into the lake, leaving a wake behind.

I highly recommend this new boat for any solo paddlers visiting the Boundary Waters. If you are interested in taking the Canak for a spin, stop by Clearwater Lodge or call 218-388-2254 for rental information. We're one of the only outfitters on the Gunflint Trail that has one on our water-front.
-am

Paddle Boards

2011-07-09T07:23:00.006-05:00

Today we received some new toys at Clearwater Lodge. Two new Stand Up Paddle Boards!
Kids and adults seemed to have a great time on them. At least a dozen people tried them out yesterday afternoon/evening. On girl even asked her mom if they could take a paddle board next year instead of a canoe!
Brock was a bit upset that he couldn't go out and paddle around like his sister. But even he agreed that the boards were pretty cool and provided a great way to enjoy the lake on a beautiful day.

Made from scratch rhubarb muffins

2011-06-23T19:38:00.005-05:00

The big rhubarb plant at Clearwater Lodge produced its first crop of the season, just in time for the summer solstice. In celebration of the fresh rhubarb and the longest day of the year and a full breakfast dining room, I decided to bake up rhubarb and almond muffins to compliment our famous buttermilk pancakes, and the reviews from both customers and crew were jubuliant.

The recipe came out of the official Clearwater Lodge cookbook, and so the exact contents are - naturally - top secret, but I thought the base combination of eggs and buttermilk and brown sugar made a pleasing still-life along with the chopped rhubarb and almonds.

I was pretty happy with the final product, but I'm always tweaking recipes as I go and I'd like to try this again with about double the rhubarb content. Surely some folks might find this 'overly rhubarby' but I can never get enough of that amazing sour flavor.

You can bet we'll be doing lots more with rhubarb here at Clearwater Lodge over the next few months, and I'm especially looking forward to combination pies using locally-picked berries - strawberries should be here very soon with the abundant rainfall over the previous 36 hours.

-am

Pies at Clearwater and Cabin 2

2011-06-14T22:05:00.005-05:00

We have had many people ask us if we would be bringing back the old tradition of having pie served at the lodge. Well, today we are pleased to announce that this Thursday, June 16th, we will be serving pies in the afternoon and evening at the Lodge. We talked with our neighbor and the granddaughter of Charlie and Petra Boostrom, Gloria Johnson, who used to bake for several previous owners and she will be baking pies for us also! Pies will be available starting at 2 pm on Thursday and cost $3 a slice. Anyone is welcome to come over, have some pie, and see some of the changes that we have been working on. Such as...We finally finished redoing cabin 2. This is a picture of the new master bedroom. This beautiful log bed really changed the look of this room. All the furniture in the cabin is now log and matches. We have really enjoyed having many people come by just to look at the cabins and see the changes we have been making. So many people comment on cabin 2 now and we think that guests will love the changes.This is what the living room and kitchen now look like. We got rid of the orange dinette set that was in here and replaced it with a rustic log table and chair set. We got a new log futon some new artwork and a new kitchen. The other bedroom also got a new log bunk bed.

Someone has to do research

2011-06-10T09:11:00.004-05:00

As we prepared to take over operations at Clearwater my wife and I were very worried about being able to find time to get out and learn the lakes, fishing spots, portages, campsites and more. Last week I was able to slip away for an evening to try some fishing spots. And this week I took off for two days to learn more about a particular canoe route. While it may take a long time to learn as much as we feel is needed, at least the research is fun!
Ady really wanted to go on a canoe trip and I figure that she is now 4 years old and in my book that is old enough to go camping. So off we went. The first day we got started late since I was very busy at the Lodge and trying to get all my work done. So we ended up setting up camp and cooking dinner as it was getting dark. But she enjoyed sleeping in a tent and cooking over a fire. Kids sure love doing anything that gets them dirty!
The next morning we got up, finished paddling down Clearwater, across West Pike, portaged over into Pine Lake, and after fighting some wind, we made it over to Johnson Falls. Ady really loved the waterfall. Then we paddled to across little Caribou and over to Caribou Lake and finally portaged back to Clearwater Lake. We arrived back at the lodge tired but feeling that wonderful sense of accomplishment that always comes after a BWCA canoe trip.
And what a trooper Ady was, 15 miles of paddling and 3 miles of portages all in a single day, and still smiling at the end of the day.

New Dock and New Canoes

2011-06-01T21:41:00.005-05:00

We have been very busy at Clearwater the last month. Some of the changes have been big and some not as big. We decided to repaint the boats since they looked like this.
Then after getting the boats sanded and painted we didn't want to put them out at the dock since we knew that they would just get destroyed again. The dock had nails and stuff sticking out the sides. So we went and got some tires and lined all the docks with tires. Now the boats won't get beat up by wind and waves banging them against the dock!
After the tires went on we went and put new cleats in so that they all matched and boats could be more securely tied down. I thought the finished product looked pretty good.
We also got some new canoes. Last week we sent one of the staff to Mount Iron to get 4 new Wenonah Minnesota II's and two Souris River 3 man canoes. New canoes look great and will be heavily used this summer.

New Cabin Improvements

2011-05-28T22:23:00.004-05:00

We just finished upgrading two of the cabins. We put new kitchens in cabins 2 and 3, a new bathroom in cabin 3 and new furniture has been put in cabins 1 and 3. We also have new furniture that will soon be put in cabin 7 and 2. In addition we have put some new furniture in the one bedroom suite. Here is an example of one the new pieces of furniture. We now have some new log futons. Ady claims that this futon from Cabin 3 is very comfortable.
Here is the new bathroom for cabin 3. We rotated the shower 90 degrees, moved the toilet over away from the shower and moved the sink over to where the water heater used to be. Then we put in a new tile floor and a pocket door. In all the bathroom is about 2 feet bigger than it used to be.
And finally the new kitchen! We more than doubled the amount of cabinet space and think that the new cabinets look great in the cabin. We moved the sink over to this other wall and it really opens up the cabin by having the kitchen on the right side of the room.
We are very happy with how the new improvements look in the cabins and rooms. Anyone and everyone is welcome to stop in and take a look.

Today's Paddle

2011-05-20T21:00:00.004-05:00

As new owners of Clearwater Lodge we feel that it is very important that we get out and learn as much as possible about the area and things to do as we can. Today I had an opportunity to do just that. Joseph(the extremely skilled carpenter who did the work on the new store and new kitchen cabinets in cabins 2 and 3) and I set out today to look at a few portages and campsites. The water was absolutely perfect this morning. This is what it looked like as we got started.
After paddling across Bearskin, portaging to Duncan and then paddling across Duncan Lake we headed to Rose Falls. The water levels are really high right now and the falls were really pretty. Sorry, the photos don't do the falls enough justice for their beauty.
Then we decided to hike part of the Border Route Trail and explored some of the nice overlooks of Rose Lake. It was very enjoyable and refreshing to sit up on the cliffs and just feel the breeze as we looked out over the expanse of forest and Rose Lake.
After we finished checking out the falls and the cliffs we paddled across Rose Lake to Long Portage. Long Portage is 460 rods to where the Daniel Spur connects. Fortunately the portage is very flat and fairly well maintained. We finished up paddling across Daniels Lake and back to Bearskin. Wonderful day and can't wait for the next excursion.

First Timers

2011-05-14T18:46:00.007-05:00

They say that there is always a first time. Well, as the new caretakers of Clearwater Lodge and Outfitters we have had many "firsts" in the last couple of days. Yesterday we had our first customers. Today was our first fishing opener. We had our first difficulty with getting a permit printed. We shuttled our first canoe group across Clearwater Lake this morning. Last night we had our first evening of chatting with new friends next to the hearth after they checked into their Bed and Breakfast rooms. Today we sold our first t-shirt. We had our first fishing report come back this afternoon (7 Lake Trout before lunch).

After years of dreaming about the day that we would be able to experience these "firsts" we are so excited to actually be experiencing them. Some of the new experiences are anticipated, and some are not. But just the opportunity to have them is wonderful. We are very excited for the 2011 season and for many more "firsts". We look forward to meeting every single person that comes to Clearwater and our first meeting with them and the future memories of the first time we met new friends.

They say that when you buy a business not to change anything the first year. While we are aware of this old adage, we have made some changes. First off, we have a new store. Here is a picture of the old store.

And here is the picture of the new store. After much discussion and debate we decided to jump right in and make what we felt was a fairly significant change. The new store is more than twice as big and will allow us to carry more items. We intend to add a small grocery section, an increased assortment of clothing, more camping gear, a fridge for drinks, and even a freezer for ice cream. If you want to see more pictures of the project, check us out on Facebook. The new Facebook page can be found if you search Clearwater Lodge and Outfitters and click the like button.

Sports Shows!

2011-02-23T12:16:00.002-06:00

We are entering the sports show season. It is that little window of time when winter is still hanging around, and you are sick to death of it, but spring fever hasn't quite hit you yet.

Visit a few sports shows and you will long for summer!

We will be at two sports shows in the next month. The first is Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin on March 11, 12 and 13th. The second is in Minneapolis on March 30 - April 3. Both are great events so stop by and see us.

Rain Gear

2010-09-03T15:14:00.003-05:00

Yesterday and today rain gear was a requirement. Following a few weeks of very little rain we have had a steady rain for about 24 hours. If you didn't bring your rain gear, you can always fashion your own as modeled in this picture. Nothing should stop a good fisherman from going out!

Our weather has cooled off significantly and we are expecting clear skies starting Saturday with highs in the 50's to 60's and lows in the 40's.

Fireweed

2010-09-02T07:00:00.001-05:00

During the summers we have the constant color of fireweed along the trail. It turns reddish in the fall and then goes to seed. This is a native perennial that grows to 5 feet. Pink flowers with 4 round petals form on a tall, conspicuous spike which blooms from the bottom up. Common along roadsides. The stems are covered with alternate, willow-like leaves. The common name is derived from its responsive growth after fires. Fireweed is often one of the first species to colonize newly exposed areas.

Our Fireweed has started to seed but it is still very beautiful, just in a different way from the summer pink blossoms.

Bunchberries

2010-08-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

The path from the lodge to the main waterfront is through red berries at this time of the year. In the spring this dwarf dogwood aka bunchberry is covered in bright white star shape flowers. With fall the red berries come out and soon the leaves will turn purple.

When you are 5 - you can go on the canoe trip

2010-08-28T08:43:00.003-05:00

With these friends and family, when the kids are 5 years old, they can go on a canoe trip with the Dads. So we had 4 Dad's with 5 kids who were bouncing with enthusiasm and good cheer (the kids) having their pancake breakfast and heading out on their annual canoe trip.

There are still a number of little brothers and sisters at home who are waiting their turn when they turn 5 to join the annul fun.

Quiet, Quiet and More Quiet

2010-08-25T15:54:00.002-05:00

By sitting in the lodge, you would not know that all our cabins are full because that quiet time of the summer has started. Kids are back in school and this is the time for adults to get away to cabins and go on canoe trips.

I noticed that the fall colors are just starting on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais. Now every time we drive to Grand Marais we will see the colors move a little more up the trail coming towards us. It is right on schedule for peaking the third week of September. The bunch berries which start off in spring with small white flowers now have red berries and Moose have been spotted on the roads again.

It was in the 40's last night and about 65 degrees today. Half our guests came in to check the weather report and loved the cooler weather and the other half bemoaned the chilly air. I built a nice roaring fire in the fireplace and put on my favorite red clearwater sweatshirt and enjoyed every minute of the brisk morning. This is the time of the year that I am finally able to take a few minutes in the morning and use our fantastic lodge porch and drink my coffee while watching the lake. How I love these days.

Lynn

One Last Pie

2010-08-19T14:12:00.004-05:00

Today is my last day of work at Clearwater Lodge. The summer was wonderful. Canoeing, camping and walking in the woods with Erik will be greatly missed, as well as his companionship. I'll definitely miss Jim's singing(or whistling, humming, drumming, etc...)that was within earshot constantly. Kwas kept me on my toes as far as my gullible nature goes, and supplied laughter without a doubt. Lily will be missed the most. She taught me many valuable lessons that I will keep close to my heart. Needless to say I am not especially looking forward to another 9 months in the classroom, but I am already excited for a winter visit with the sled dogs in Ely.

I would like to thank Mike, Peggy and Lynn for two summers of employment in the part of the state I love most. I appreciate everything I have learned from living in the great white north.

I thought the pie was an appropriate treat for this afternoon.

Goodbye Clearwater,
-Tori

Downed Tree

2010-08-17T07:00:00.004-05:00

The weather front that came along and pushed out the hot weather brought us some strong winds. In addition to the normal trees down on the Gunflint Trail and Clearwater Road we had a double come down on top cabin 7. There was minor damage to the cabin and the guests in 7 were not even in at the time for the excitement. For minor damage, it was a major project to get it off the roof. Kwas, Erik and Jim had quite a bit of work to do to get it off the roof without causing more damage. Kwas is pretty comfortable on a roof since he has had several summer jobs roofing.

Tori was the official photographer of the event.

August Update Continued

2010-08-16T07:42:00.002-05:00

August is a busy month as you can tell if you read my last blog, which stopped mid-sentence. I am now getting back to it...

The past two weeks we have had kids and kids and kids at the resort. Last week I think I counted 16 youth under 12. Most of these little ones have been coming for years and we have watched them grow up. They also all know each other from year to year and have friends waiting for them to explore and play.

The pianos in the lodge got a good work out last week. Several of the kids have been taking lessons so we were treated to music recitals.

This is the last burst of freedom for anyone returning to school in the fall. Tori leaves us on Friday to return to Winona State. Tori has been nursing along some tomatoe plants this summer and she has 4 little tomatoes. I guess she is leaving the plants for the boys to finish harvesting.

Just to remind us that summer is winding down, we had a cold front push in yesterday. The high was 65 and last night it did get into the 40's. Today and for the next week it the highs will be in the 60's. Everyone has sweatshirts and jackets on today. We have noticed a slight turning of color on some of the trees. Accoring to our weather man, we have had our last heat of summer in the Northwoods and days and nights will be a lot cooler for the rest of the season.

I know last year in August we had a frost. In 2009 we had July as the only frost free month. It frosted in June, skipped July and frosted again in August.

We have a roaring fire in the lodge fireplace this morning. Chilly weather, warm fire, muffins baking in the kitchen and hot coffee in the dining room is a typical morning a the lodge.

Our guests have been visiting Chik Wauk Museum this summer and giving it rave reviews. Add it to your list of places to stop in and visit.

The mid-Trail sale and auction was Saturday at the Poplar Lake fire hall. As usual, Saturday is not a good day for us to slip away but we heard they had a lot of fun stuff to auction off and somone (wasn't me - although I try every year) won a hand made quilt in the raffle.

Well I have to get going now. We have a number of groups paddling out this morning and I need to issue some permits and probably do some other work. But for just these few minutes, I am enjoying this quiet in the lodge on a cool almost Fall morning.

Lynn

August Update

2010-08-11T09:07:00.002-05:00

It has been awhile since I blogged so here is just a little update of what is happening.

This week is what I call 'kids week'. Almost every cabin has 2 or more kids under 12 and they have a wonderful time. That age, they make instant friends for the week.

We also had a loon lure away a guest dog. There must be a loon next near our waterfront and she was protecting her young. She drew that dog pretty far out into the middle of the lake and finaly a boat rescue had to take place. The rescue was for the dog, the loon was just doing exactly what she needed to do.

Driftwood Duck

2010-07-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Our decor in the lodge and cabins is always being added to by folks who find little bits of interesting items on their visits. Someone added a nice piece of driftwood to the rock on the walk to the lodge and every time I glance out the window when I am in the gift shop it catches my eye. From the angle I see it, it looks like a duck taking flight. See what you think.

Chik Wauk

2010-07-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

I finally had some time and was able to drive up to Chik Wauk yesterday. It was a nice mild sunny day and the drive up the trail was a treat. The museum delivered as expected and had some really interesting displays and video's and interactive information. I think I will have to return when I have more time to walk the trails and enjoy the details.

Here are some photos from my visit.

Johnson Clan

2010-07-22T11:23:00.003-05:00

The last two weeks were filled with the Johnson Clan which includes the Julius, Johnson, Conroy, Green, Barta and Geneau Families (I hope I didn't miss anyone). Many years ago Grandfather Johnson had a cabin, also built by Charlie Boostrom, on McFarland Lake where the family would spend summer vacations. Recently they have been gathering at the Clearwater Cabins for a week or 2 enjoying the area, fishing, having a family dinner in the lodge.

Multi Generational Trip

2010-07-20T14:09:00.002-05:00

Darrell Buhler arranged for a canoe trip for the all the generations of his families. Darrell organized a canoe trip for his two sons, his son in law and his 5 grandsons.

Its Berry Season!

2010-07-09T09:05:00.003-05:00

You may have read our recent blog about strawberry picking and jam making. Now we have moved on to bigger, better and 'bluer' berries. Although I would like to tell everyone that we are having no luck with picking, and that this is a terrible blueberry season, that would surely be a lie. I'll say the blueberries are out in full force, but the location will not be disclosed. I made a blueberry crisp yesterday, and if I get time in the next couple days I will try a blueberry pie. We made two batches of jam last night before our sugar supplies ran low.

-Tori

Wild Strawberries

2010-07-02T12:59:00.007-05:00

June brought us wild strawberries and the crew didn't let that opportunity pass them by. They made strawberry jam and dried strawberries for baking.

Clearwater Lake Trout

2010-06-29T07:00:00.001-05:00

As the great, great grandchildren of the late Charlie Boostrom of Clearwater Lake were out fishing on Saturday 6/26/10, they landed this 15.9# and 36'' long lake trout in about 50' of water while trolling on a nice summer day at the family cabin. An impressive catch for Anders Zimmer (age 14) and Damian Zimmer (age 11).

Lily, Queenie and Lupines

2010-06-24T07:00:00.003-05:00

Last but by no means least our final staff member profile is of Lily Anderson. Lily worked with us last summer. If you remember, Lily is from China and has a cabin on Clearwater Lake. She has been the US now for 18 months and I could tell as soon as I got back this summer that her English had really improved over the winter months. Lily worked for Bearskin Lodge during our off season and has now officially wintered over two times. She also got her driver’s license over the winter and has taken several longer solo trips to see friends. Sometimes I see her zipping down Clearwater Road in her little car. She took to driving with great determination no problems. We did hear that her husband John did need to pull her out of a ditch during the winter on Clearwater Road, but frankly who hasn't that happened to at least once up here? If I can count right, I have experienced 3 headers into snow banks on Clearwater Road.

Lily is our chief breakfast cook. This summer she is cooking, housekeeping, baking, gardening and front desk and whatever else comes up. We think we are going to teach her how to stain decks in the next week also but we shall see how that works out. She is game for anything new but sometimes looks at us like we are a bit crazy.

Kwas and Jim configured a small hatchet for Lily as they think everyone in the northwoods should have their own hatchet handy. That hatchet now resides on the kitchen window sill as Lily is not quite sure what she should do with this tool. Even though she stands 5 ft and 80 lbs., I think she is fully capable of bringing the boys in line with her mini-hatchet should the need arise when she is trying to get breakfast on the table.

Every morning once breakfast is done, Lily makes a special breakfast for Queenie. Queenie gets several cooked carrots nicely chopped, an egg white and ½ a sausage. Needless to say Queenie longingly looks for Lily first every morning. If Lily is not here, Queenie gets a bit aggravated trying to figure out who will give her this nice meal. The rest of us fill her bowl with dog food and have to deal with the grumbling and barking from her expressing her disgust of dry dog food. How could we be so rude to just give her dog food!

We had a lot of fun introducing Lily to the concept of a garage sale during the Trash and Treasures day on the Gunflint. But once she caught on she loved it. She manned the porch sale and bargained with everyone buying something. She carried that cash box under her arm and made sure everyone walked away with something. How could any resist this pint size sales rep? She now wants to have a garage sale every week.

Paddling Out

2010-06-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

Matt Bremer brought a group up from Metropolis, Il. After driving all day, they had planned to spend the night with us and head out early the next morning. They made such good time driving here and were ready to get out on the water so we were able to get them a new permit for the date they arrived and they heading out in their canoes right away.

It was such a beautiful day for the to leave from the water front. The plan is for them to paddle towards West Pike Lake and set up a base camp there for a little fishing. As you can see from the photo, one canoe has left, one is leaving and the third is loaded and ready to go.

Jim Shefchik

2010-06-20T07:00:00.001-05:00

Jim is our only new hire this summer. He is a roommate of Mike Kwas from Wisconsin and decided he might like to try the wilderness for a summer. So far, it is working out well for all of us. In fact, it is hard to imagine that Jim has not been here for many summers already. Jim is NOT shy and makes friends with everyone. He is certainly embracing the wilderness experience and is right now off on an overnight canoe trip.

Jim has many hobbies and a lot of knowledge about natural and organic foods. He was eating our dandelions and drying some other sort of leaves for a natural tea. If only he could eat enough dandelion greens to clear them all out. We teased Jim because the first time he mowed, he kept skipping patches because there was something interesting growing there. We had to convince him that there are interesting things growing everywhere but there are areas we need to walk in so we do have to mow and weed wack some places. On the whole, we try to maintain the property in a natural state but we do have to be careful that the forest does not take us over (that is another blog topic altogether!).

We are glad to have Jim with us this summer. He is an exuberant addition to our staff.

A walk in the park

2010-06-19T11:11:00.004-05:00

Last Monday myself and a fellow co-worker took a walk through the park. We did the easiest trail first, the Daniel's Spur taking us right to the US/Canadian Border on the Long Portage. An absolutely beautiful trail skirting a small river and had a few small rapids. From that trail we connected with the Border Route which took us to Rose Falls. We stopped there to fill our water bottles and eat a little gorp taking in the deafening sound of water barreling over the rocks. From there we decided to take the short way home on the Caribou Rock Trail. The name reflects itself, a rocky animal path following Duncan lake for a few miles, then taking a steep uphill turn for glorious views from high upon the razorback rock outcrops. There I found the biggest wild strawberry this season, measuring about the size of your thumb nail. Crossing a rock portage I spotted the biggest snapping turtle I have ever seen. It was bigger than my cowboy hat!! Near the road we also met an elder-couple that wanted to know how far back down the trail to the road. We didn't quite know so we showed them the map and assured the pair that the trailhead was just ahead. It was about 1/4 mile to the road from where we met them. We saw them later relieved that the rock trail was behind them.

Jim

Fishing on Deer Lake

2010-06-18T07:00:00.003-05:00

Michael Semon and his son Christian took a few days out of their busy schedule of summer school and conferences to spend some quiet time at Clearwater Lodge. They stayed upstairs in the lodge and were off fishing most days before breakfast, returning for a hot breakfast and then heading back out.

They are primarily fishing catch and release but decided that the first fish they hooked would be dinner and the rest catch and release. Christian caught the first fish on one of his first casts on Deer Lake.

The Semon's brought us several jars of homemade pickles that Christian and Michael canned. We got to sample bread and butter pickles and garlic dill pickles. We introduced Lily to the concept of home canned pickles. These pickles are going fast. I carried them back into the lodge kitchen where Lily and Tori were then the boys came in and we opened all the jars and starting sampling. What a refreshing treat to have. Thanks for thinking of us!

Mike Kwas

2010-06-16T07:00:00.004-05:00

Mike is back for a second year at the lodge. He was here in 2008, in 2009 did a internship for college and returning to Clearwater for the 2010 season. Mike does a lot of our maintenance. He is pretty handy with a hammer, paint brush and any other tool he picks up. To distinguish him from the owner Mike, we call him Kwas. That saves us a lot of confusion on the walkie/talkies. Mike has tackled a lot of cabin maintenance this spring. I see cabin doors and windows lined up at the garage being scrapped and painted and repaired. I head the chain saw and see truck loads of brush going by. We hear Kwas radio for help now and again for some heavy lift project he has started.

Kwas attends University of WI, Whitewater and majors in Biology / Environmental Sciences.

Kwas is on his second overnight canoe/camping trip since he got here late May. The crew this year is trying not to waste one day off and taking advantage of the all that the BWCA has to offer. Today he and Jim headed out of Duncan Lake for an overnight and last week it was out of Clearwater Lake for a Johnson Falls trip. It is so nice to have returning staff like Lily,Tori, Erik and Kwas. Everyone knows what needs to be done and just tackles. We feel with such as experienced staff that we can leave the resort when necessary in their capable hands.

Moose on the Gunflint

2010-06-15T09:35:00.002-05:00

These photos taken last week were sent to us by Michael and Christian Semon.

Tori returns for a second summer

2010-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tori has returned to Clearwater Lodge for a second year in the woods. Like all our staff, she prefers to spend her free time out in the wilderness hiking and in a canoe. Tori is a Junior at Wenonah State majoring in Geology. After finishing up school this May she went to South Dakota for several weeks for advanced field work in the Black Hills.

You may remember Tori from her blogs last summer. Her most famous one was the story of her waking up in her trailer with a bear rummaging around in the kitchen.

Our gang is all here

2010-06-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Our staff for the summer are all here and we are getting into the swing of things.

Erik has returned for his 5th season at Clearwater. After 5 years he just shows up in the spring and starts opening the lodge and hooking up water connections and getting everything ready for our visitors. Erik was born and raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and grew up in a state of uneventful bliss. Little did he know that when he took a summer job outfitting and guiding canoe trips on the Gunflint Trail four years ago, that it would change his life. The allure of the north woods lifestyle was impossible to deny, and he turned his summer job into a winter job with dog sled guiding at White Wilderness in Ely, MN.

Erik has managed to spend most of his times out of doors in the BWCA either in a canoe or on a dog sled.

He did take a break from living and working up north to spend a winter in the Twin Cities, obtaining his EMT license. For the time being Erik is content working out of doors, and couldn't imagine spending eight waking hours indoors. In his free time he enjoys photography, hiking, fishing, laughing, learning to pick the banjo and unicycling. Knowing that there is always a high demand for banjo pickin' unicyclists, Erik is not worried about the future at all. He looks forward to spending another summer season outside doing what he loves.

Wouldn't you love it if you were a dog in the Northwoods?

2010-06-10T09:17:00.005-05:00

I think that the it must be wonderful to be a dog in the northwoods. You never get cooped up inside. It is a given that you are going to go on many, many car rides. You can open most of the screen doors so when you want to chase some wildlife or just lull in the yard all you have to do is push the door open with your head. There are staff and guests around that are willing to give you a rub down and sometimes a treat or just confirm you are a pretty puppy. And when all is said and done, you can sleep in the office underneath the desk of those you love.

Our Queenie dog is getting up in years and sleeping takes up more and more of her time. We did notice that her hearing isn't as good this summer. When we call her she looks around but has a little trouble discerning where the call came from. We need to watch her a bit more closely on the road that runs through the resort since she probably can't hear the cars. When we go out to the cabins she rides in the truck instead of running behind it. These days a moose could walk by her and she wouldn't try to chase it down or maybe not even bark at it. But she has her little spurts of energy. Yesterday she ran full speed down to the water front and rolled in the sand. The return trip was a lot slower and she walked right by me and didn't see me. But for that few minutes, she was a puppy again.

But I think all in all, this is the best place to share with our pet families. They may be slowing down, but the quality of life is unbeatable and we love them always.

Smile of the Heavens

2010-06-09T14:08:00.005-05:00

My dear dodo,

You went to the heaven two months ago. I miss you so much and I have been suffering since you left me. The winter is over, and Clearwater Lake has melted. The beautiful summer is coming already. I wish you were here. You would like to walk around again.

It seems like it is yesterday once more… in January 1994 a cold winter, god brought you into my life. You were just a cute little puppy. So many happy times and wonderful memories we shared during the 16 years. You had a long life for a dog, but for us that was never enough. We traveled so many places together in China, and spent good times and bad times with each other. You are an amazing dog with a sweet personality and I love you very much. I am glad you had a warm home and a dream life with everything I did for you. I am sure you were a happy dog, absolutely.

When you were 14 year old in 2008, you made it here to the USA from China. I was really proud of you. I would have never come to USA without you, you know that. I will never give up. That was a great experience for both of us on the trip. We stayed in the USA for two and half months then returned to China. In March 2009 we made it here again and decide stay forever.

Winter was very cold here in Minnesota. You had never seen snow in your life before. You were used to living in South China. Every day we went outside for a walk and I put pretty coats and boots on you. You looked like at little rabbit. You enjoyed the snow of course, and you enjoyed summer because swimming was your favorite. We had lots of fun.

Winter of 2010 was the last winter for you. Early March you were sick and things came up suddenly. You went to heaven before the night we were sleep together. I didn’t know this was the last night for us. The next morning the vet told me your kindeys failed already. I felt so guilty. I always have confidence in your health, and I should have known you were an old dog. I should have known that something was wrong with your kidneys when we visited the vet three months ago. I should have done something for you; it might have kept you here a little longer. I would give up everything I have if you could come back to me. I was really regretting that. Everything it was too late. I can’t forgive myself.

My dear dodo, you never had any suffering in your life. I can’t see you suffering, and I know you would not have gone, because you love me. You waited for me the first time I took my road test and I got my driver’s license. This was a painful decision. I never had it in my life, and my heart was broken. Finally I had to put you to sleep. I stayed with you until you went to heaven.

When I took you home for your last shower, I put new clothes and boots on you. You looked like a pretty sleeping angle. I have your ashes here with me now. I talk to you every day. I know you can hear how I miss you.

My dear dodo, heaven is a peaceful place for you to stay. You won't suffer anymore, and you can walk and eat again. You will be a lucky and happy dog again. You will meet so many of your old friends in heaven. I will see your sun shining smile in my dreams at night.

You’re such a wonderful boy and I remember how I love you. I will move on with you in spirit. You will always be in my heart, and you will be forever.

I love you my dearest dodo,
Your owner,
Lily

A Quiet Paddle on Clearwater Lake

2010-06-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Rebecca and Joe visited to spend a few quiet days in a cabin over the holiday weekend. Jim snapped this picture of them as they were paddling towards the shore.

Headed towards Mountain Lake

2010-06-06T07:00:00.004-05:00

Mike Moua organized this summer's trip for the gang from the Milwaukee area. About this time each June, they paddle out to the end of Clearwater to Mountain Lake and set up their camp on the island.

The bug report...

2010-06-04T07:00:00.005-05:00

We haven't noticed many of our normal June friends around the lodge, but we know they are out there. You can't enjoy this wonderful spring weather in Minnesota without experiencing a little buzzing around your head. You have to take the bad with the good.

Two of our staff members were out on an overnight to Caribou Lake and reported seeing the dragon flies hatching. My first thought is good, they will eat the mosquito's. In the wooded areas there are black flies out now and mosquito's but not too terribly bad. A little bug spray and maybe a head net and you will be fine.

I was curious about the dragon flies since they are hatching. They hatch in the slow moving waters and climb out on the rocks. The boys noticed them along the edges of the Caribou Lake. I did a little google research on our friendly mosquito eating friends.

Dragonflies and their close relatives called damselflies are ancient insects and prehistoric reminders of the age of the dinosaurs. Enormous dragonflies with a wingspread up to 30 inches across were part of the Paleozoic landscape about 300 million years ago. The largest insect ever known was a dragonfly called Meganeura monyi. It had a wingspread of 30 inches and a body 18 inches long. It lived until about 250 million years ago and then became extinct.

It is believed that prehistoric insects were much larger than modern day insects because of the high concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere, about 35 percent. That percentage has decreased since the days of the dinosaurs and is now about 21 percent.

Even with major changes in the landscape over millions of years, dragonflies have continued to adapt and are found worldwide. There are an estimated 5,500 to 6,500 dragonfly and damselfly species in the world. In Minnesota there are about 140 total species.

Dragonflies belong to the class Insecta and the Order Odonata. Odonata includes both dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies tend to be larger and have large eyes which meet in the center of their heads. The wings of dragonflies are transparent with assorted markings. They are not narrow at the base and the forewings and the hindwings are each shaped differently. When at rest, the wings are outspread. Damselflies are generally smaller than dragonflies and have a more slender body. Their eyes are widely separated, and they hold their wings together above their body when at rest.

Dragonflies are an aeronautical marvel. They can hover, glide, and pursue prey species like mosquitoes at speeds up to 29 inches per second. They are an aggressive and voracious predator that eats midges, mosquitoes, butterflies, moths, and even smaller dragonflies and fish.

The life cycle of a dragonfly has three stages: egg, larva, and adults. After hatching in a pond, dragonfly larvae become aggressive predators that eat "anything smaller than they are". The larval stage of a dragonfly's life can last anywhere from 2 months to 5 years. After emerging from the larval stage, adult dragonflies live only 4 to 6 months.

Although dragonflies are efficient predators, they also serve as prey for birds like purple martins, frogs, and larger dragonflies. They nymphs are eaten by frogs, toads, newts and fish.

The largest species of dragonflies are the Lake Darner and Arrowhead Spike tail which average 3.1 inches long and the smallest dragonfly in the state is the Elfin Skimmer which is only .8 inches long.

Dragonflies and damselflies depend on abundant and diverse types of wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Every species has special requirements related to water quality, aquatic vegetation, and natural shoreline vegetation where they may lay eggs, hunt, or rest. They serve as an important part of the food chain and comprise an important part of our natural biological diversity. There are about as many dragonflies and damselflies in Minnesota as there are butterflies, but butterflies are more well known.

In order to better understand Minnesota's dragonflies and damselflies, the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program has initiated an annual volunteer dragonfly survey so private citizens can help collect information on the distribution of the state's dragonflies. More information is available from www.mndragonfly.org.

catching a few rays

2010-06-03T14:39:00.000-05:00

The Staff Johnson Falls

2010-06-03T11:43:00.004-05:00

James, Mike, Erik and I had Tuesday off and of course we went camping. We enjoyed a slight tail wind on our way out to a nice spot on Caribou Lake on Monday afternoon. A lazy morning was spent cooking a greasy breakfast that would fuel our day at Johnson Falls. We got to the falls just in time to get sprinkled on, but the rain blended in nicely with the mist. We got to the top and bottom tier of the falls, and both were spectacular.

I look forward to getting out with the boys again soon.
-Tori

Fishing Update

2010-06-02T15:21:00.002-05:00

I have been quizzing everyone who comes off the water on how the fishing has been. The fishing varies from lake to lake and with the skill and knowledge of the fisherman. Since ice out was so early it is hard to predict. My reports have all been consistent, Lake Trout are elusive, Walleye are haven't been so great and everyone is catching smallmouth bass. That is of course coming off the lakes in the general Clearwater area.

The fishing highlights from the Cook County News Herald are:

Trout are at about 40 feet now and can be caught with some patience.
Walleye on smaller lakes are producing Walleye at 6 to 10 feet. In the larger lakes Walleye are 45 to 55 feet deep. Fish the weed beds for Northern with using raps or minnows. Smallmouth are at about 15 feet and doing well with night crawlers.

The bug report.....well, it is June. What can we say?

Busy holiday weekend!

2010-05-31T14:03:00.004-05:00

It's been unseasonably hot lately. A few scattered showers have blown through quickly and cleared up just as fast as they came. The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend the gunflint trail residents had a community garage sale all through the area. We were very busy selling surplus items and continued to sell into the evening. The other evening four of our staff took a quick paddle on Clearwater Lake. They promptly returned when spotting an approaching storm front. They instead made a fire to entice the incomming rain.

Our Pal Woody

2010-05-29T17:56:00.003-05:00

We feel like we have a new friend this summer. We always can hear woodpeckers and frequently see the results of all that pecking on the trees but this year we have one that just seems to be hanging out at the lodge. He doesn't startle when we walk by and totally unconcerned even if Queenie tries to check him out. Sometimes he is in the logs in the garden and sometimes on the trees around the lodge. Today it was about 10 feet outside the lodge door on the logs that line the driveway. I feel like we should name him! As long as he does not start on the lodge itself, we can live comfortably together.

All the new stuff

2010-05-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

One of the fun chores in getting ready for the spring is unpacking all the boxes of new items for the gift shop. We still have some surprises yet to arrive but were were pleased with our new bags. Perfect for books, a notebook, towel and a book for the beach!

Fishing on Clearwater

2010-05-17T12:41:00.004-05:00

Lily and John Anderson took advantage of fishing opener on Clearwater Lake and had pretty good success smallmouth bass.

This old pine

2010-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you have stayed in cabins 5 or 6, there was a rather good size pine tree between the two cabins. It was very majestic and we hated to have to take it down but it was past it's prime and threatening to take out one of the two cabins depending upon the way the wind blew.

Once down, we get 13 chairs out of it and lots of fire wood. 7 of the wood chairs are around the fire ring at the point and the other 6 will probably be at the fire ring at the lodge.

Bright and Sunny on Fishing Opener

2010-05-15T15:50:00.002-05:00

I don't have any fishing reports yet but people have been heading out in canoes, if not to fish, to enjoy this warm spring weather. Today was bright and sunny and with the rain the past few days no fire ban for those camping in the BWCA. We will experience a dramatic greening of the trees over the next week with this warmer weather.

Margaret Sims brought a group of friends from Germany up today and they all headed out for a day trip on Clearwater Lake. After looking at the maps, they decided to paddle to the Mountain Lake portage, hike to the portage and intersect with the Border Route Trail to do a little exploring.

Hand Made Septic Tank

2010-05-15T07:00:00.005-05:00

While digging to install the new septic tank, we ran into one of the original handmade septic tanks on the property. This one was made of the stone found on Clearwater Lake and mortared together. The top was made of cement poured onto chicken wire. Unused for at least 50 years, the tank was in pretty good shape before it was broken open with the digging.

Fire Restrictions Lifted

2010-05-14T12:28:00.001-05:00

Good News! The fire restrictions have been lifted effective noon today just in time for fishing open!

As of 12:00 noon, today, Friday, May 14, 2010, the Forest Service will lift current restrictions and to allow the use of campfires, charcoal, and wood-burning camp stoves on all national forest system lands at all times of the day within the Superior National Forest. Fire danger has been greatly reduced by recent precipitation across the Forest.

As always, visitors are urged to use care with campfires and use designated fire grates.

Rain!

2010-05-13T12:55:00.001-05:00

We are having some great rain today and tonight. We even have some mud puddles which is good news for our greening up and to lower the fire ban!

Project Time

2010-05-11T16:42:00.002-05:00

Other than enjoying not wearing a coat and the plants coming up and no ice on the lake, Spring is project time. This is the time for those bigger projects that we save up all year and attack each spring. We have a short window of pleasant weather to tackle the big ones before the our guests some and stay in the cabins.

One of this years spring projects is a replacement floor for the bathroom in cabin 1. Peggy and Mike's son, Adam Trace, is spending his vacation helping us with the one. He and Mike removed the toilet and started cutting out the floor.

Of course, Adam had to strike a pose where the toilet used to be.

Septic Project

2010-05-11T16:29:00.001-05:00

This is the one project I am sure everyone dreads. The Septic problem!!! We identified a cracked tank last spring and had to reroute some of our septic lines to get around this until we could do the final fix. With the wonderful early spring and the weight restrictions off the roads, we started our work.

Peggy poses on the new tank while everyone else figures out the logistics of getting it into the ground!

Gunflint Trail's First Annual Trash and Treasure Day

2010-05-10T15:30:00.003-05:00

60 miles of Garage Sale! May 29th 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM will be the first annual Gunflint Trail Trash and Treasure Day. Businesses and home along the 60 miles of the Gunflint Trail will be participating in a Gunflint Trail Garage Sale day!

You never know what you will find!

Packed Up and Headed back to MN

2010-04-13T12:12:00.000-05:00

The car is packed to the roof and I am on my way back to Minnesota to the Lodge.

Lynn

Fire Restrictions

2010-04-11T12:05:00.001-05:00

Due to the early spring and prior to the leafing out of the trees, a fire restriction has been announced.

Effective April 12, 2010
CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS
INCLUDES ALL LANDS OF THE
SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST
· Campfires are NOT allowed in dispersed areas of the Forest or in the BWCAW
· Campfires ARE allowed only in designated steel fire receptacles designed for such use and associated with residence, dwelling, campground or resort.

· Use of gas or propane stoves is allowed.

· NO use of fireworks allowed outside of municipalities.

For additional information plese check out the Superior National Forest website at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior/

DNR Announces Spring Fishing closures

2010-03-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will temporarily close several fishing areas in Cook County during the beginning of the 2010 fishing season to protect concentrations of spawning walleye.

Closures on Minnesota-Ontario waters are made in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and affect both sides of the border.

The following closures will take effect April 1:

· Sea Gull River from Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows, closed through May 28.
· Saganaga Falls on the Minnesota – Ontario border where the Granite River enters Saganaga lake - closed through May 31.
· Maligne River (also known as Northern Light Rapids) on the Ontario side of Saganaga Lake, closed through May 31.
· Channel between Little Gunflint and Little North lakes on the Minnesota-Ontario border, closed through May 31.
· Cross River (inlet to Gunflint Lake) from the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake, closed though May 28.

Because of an anticipated early spring ice-out in 2010 (and early completion of walleye spawning activity), the following areas, which are normally closed to fishing for one or two weeks at the beginning of the fishing season, will not be closed this year:

· Tait River from White Pine Lake to the Forest Road 339 crossing - not closed in 2010.
· Junco Creek from the first log dam above County Road 57 downstream to Devil Track Lake, and including a portion of Devil Track Lake near the river mouth – not closed in 2010.

Closures apply to fishing only; travel is permitted through these areas. The closures are intended to protect concentrations of walleye that may be vulnerable to over-harvest. All closed areas will be posted.

For more information contact the DNR office in Grand Marais at 218-387-3056, or Steve Persons, Grand Marais Area fisheries supervisor, at steve.persons@state.mn.us.

Ice Update on Seagull

2010-03-26T09:32:00.001-05:00

I will keep posting the ice updates as I get them from the forest service.

An ice update:
The ice on Seagull is starting to schism and the cracks are widening, but the cold weather last night and today sealed them up again. The ice is definitely moving though. If the weather warms up again and the winds stay up, we will start to see some serious movement and breaking up. We will be only crossing when we have to and I would recommend that no more vehicles of any kind (including snowmobiles) be on the ice.

How to change a permit you ordered.

2010-03-23T07:00:00.003-05:00

To get an overnight paddle permit either you or a cooperator have to reserve the permit on recreation.gov. We are more than happy to reserve your permit for you and we can also issue it at our lodge. Many people do like to order their own permits.

If you order your own permit, it automatically goes to the Gunflint Ranger Station to issue if you do not select another issue station. You can go back into your permit and select a cooperator as an issue station. So, if you ordered your own permit and would like us to issue it when you arrive to stay or get your canoes, go ahead and change the issue station to Cooperator: Clearwater Canoe Outfitters.

You cannot change your entry date or your entry point on your permit, but you can make several changes to your permit after you reserve it. You can...

1) change the issue station
2) change the exit date
3) change the exit point
4) change the number of watercraft
5) change the party size (changes in this category will adjust your credit card billing)

To make changes to your permit,

1) sign on to your account on recreation.gov
2) click 'see details' on your permit
3) click 'update reservation' in the upper right portion of the window
4) scroll down until you find the items you would like to change.
5) make and confirm your changes. Be sure to go to the bottom of the window and click the 'confirm changes' button. You will get a window that says 'Changes Complete'

If your entry point or entry date has to change, you will have to cancel your permit and reserve a new one.

Wolves

2010-03-21T11:01:00.002-05:00

This is wolf mating season. A pack of wolves is usually around eight and their is a strict hierarchy in the pack. Only the dominant male and the dominant female will have puppies during the mating season.

What is happening in the woods now

2010-03-18T07:00:00.002-05:00

Phenology is a word that I really didn't learn until I moved to the lodge in Minnesota. It is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate.

To me this translates into 'what is happening in the woods now'.

I try to listen to WTIP from Grand Marais streaming on PC and they have been giving phenology reports regularly. These are the changes we see every day in the woods but probably a little more interesting when someone else explains them to you and the reasons that they happen.

Tree Wells: Tree wells are when the snow melts at the bottom of the trees. Any woody growth above ground absorbs heat from the sun, uses some of that heat and emits some of that heat. The well of water that forms at the bottom a tree is from the heat of given off by the tree melting the snow at the bottom.

Update on Clearwater lake

2010-03-17T12:35:00.001-05:00

One of our Wilderness Rangers were out on Seagull, Sag and Clearwater this past weekend. From mid-trail and beyond there is very little snow on the ground and none on the lakes. The lakes do have 2 feet of ice as of Sunday March 13th. The lakes melt and get sloppy during the day but then they drain and dry up at night.

Tofte Road and Entry Point Update

2010-03-16T09:58:00.001-05:00

From one of the Wilderness Rangers: Yesterday (Monday) I did a run of the Tofte Entry Points. I was able to drive all the way to Homer and Brule, though the road was soft in a few places. No snow on either of the lakes but the ice still looked good. Sawbill looked the same. Also got in to Kawishiwi and Hog Creek. Again, the road was soft but the ice looked good.

Winter Photos of the Lodge

2010-02-23T10:22:00.002-06:00

Lily Anderson, who works with us in the summers and lives on the trail year round took several pictures of the lodge in the past few days an emailed them to me. In both photo's is Doo Doo in what looks like new leggins and coat and hood!

Yikes, phone lines!

2010-01-29T14:00:00.003-06:00

Although fully restored now, a significant line was cut in Duluth which left the majority of us on the Northshore with out phones for 11 hours the other day. There were no landline phones, cell phones and my email went down (and I am in Indiana) and business websites were down. It was a reminder of how dependent we are on our communication tools. Those that still use CB's in the area were the lucky ones and knew what was going on.

As the County representative said, all business stopped when the line went down and all emergency services were distrupted.

I have been thinking of adding a CB to the lodge. A CB tower was added mid-trail and it is a good way to communicate during service disruptions.

Lynn

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center Site Manager Needed

2010-01-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

CHIK-WAUK MUSEUM AND NATURE CENTER
SITE MANAGER

Interested in Gunflint Trail history? Love the north woods? A unique employment opportunity is available beginning in May 2010 at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.

Museum site manager needed for a full-time seasonal position. Varied duties include office work, gift store management, catalog/record-keeping, and most importantly, helping visitors enjoy learning about Gunflint Trail history. Being a self-starter and strong people skills are a must!

For more information, job description, and application, please go to: http://www.gunflinttrailhistoricalsociety.org/ or email info@gunflinttrailhistoricalsociety.org .
Application accepted until February 28, 2010.

BWCA Permit Lottery has run

2010-01-19T13:04:00.001-06:00

The BWCA permit lottery for 2010 is complete. Starting tomorrow we can start reserving the remaining permits. So, if you know of your dates for your canoe trip, give us a call!

Beargrease Dogsled Race

2010-01-18T07:00:00.001-06:00

Visiting the trail? Be sure to check out the information on the Beargrease Dogsled Race January 29th to February 4th.

2010 Gunflint Green Up Information

2010-01-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Gunflint Green Up Planting and Other Information

On Saturday, May 8, 2010 join the Gunflint Trail community in the third annual tree restoration and release (removing competitive foliage) event and Ham Lake Fire Recovery.

All release sites are within the Superior National Forest and in the area affected by the Ham Lake Fire of May 2007. Release locations include the vicinities of Trail's End Campground, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, Kekekabic and Magnetic Rock Trails, Round Lake public landings and the Iron Lake Campground. These are all public lands and participants will be able to visit the trees in the years and decades to come. Participants will be notified of their release location by email in April.

On May 8rd, we'll begin at 9:30 am with training and planting and releasing instructions at the various sites. We'll have team leaders to help the planters. Access to the planting sites will require hiking with your equipment. We anticipate that it will take 3-4 hours. A box lunch* will be provided to all participants.

After releasing you are invited to our Thank You Dinner* under the Big Top at Gunflint Lodge. A dance* with live music will follow dinner.

Early May is a time of great temperature swings on the Gunflint Trail. Participants should come prepared for all temperature options by dressing in layers. Be prepared for rain or snow and to get dirty!

What to Bring:
Personal, refillable water bottle
Sturdy boots
Gloves for planting
Warm hat
Rain gear
Warm jacket
Long underwear
Loppers or pruners (for up to 1" diameter foliage)

* 2010 Registration Rates
$45.00 weekend registration fee per person for Friday dinner & presentation, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner & dance and t-shirt
$15.00 Friday dinner, only, per person
$ 7.00 Saturday lunch, only, per person
$15.00 Saturday dinner, per person
$100.00 family registration fee for weekend with 1-2 parents and their children age 16 and under
$15.00 One T-shirt, picked up during the Gunflint Green Up event May 1-2, 2009
$20.00 One T-shirt, shipped

http://gunflint-trail.com/ggu/

Rendered Bear Fat....

2010-01-10T13:07:00.002-06:00

Every day I read the current Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail news on the website www.boreal.org. That includes the classified ads. This one today reminded me why our part of MN is unique.......

"You've all heard how using bear fat makes the flakiest pie crusts and lightest biscuits, right? Well, it's true, and it can be used just as you would use shortening. Also makes the crispiest fried potatoes! It is locally produced, organic, of course, and all natural. No trans-fats, no artificial coloring, no additives of any kind. Pure white, beautiful bear fat!!! Try it! $3.00 for a 16 oz container"

Gunflint Trail Volks Ski Fest

2010-01-05T11:30:00.001-06:00

Volks Ski Fest January 23 – 31, 2010
Events on the Gunflint Trail
www.volksskifest.com

Unless otherwise noted, activities are free. However, where indicated please register for the activities due to limited capacities. For more information contact Maggie at 218-663-8058.

Saturday, January 23, 2010
Volks Ski 400 Kick Off Ski Day
REGISTER YOURSELF OR A TEAM in advance and choose a segment of our 400 km of trails to ski. Our goal is to have skiers on every kilometer of trail on that day! This is not a race or competition, just a day to kick off Volks Ski Fest and raise money for Pancreatic Cancer. A $10 registration fee includes a colorful T-shirt. We encourage skiers to time their treks, we will post times that day at trail lodges and on www.volksskifest.com website. Donations will be accepted for Pancreatic Cancer Research at trail check-in areas and a Volks Ski 400 pin is your gift for your donation. Dress in purple to show your support!
REGISTRATION REQUIRED ON WEBSITE OR AT PARTICIPATING LODGES

Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Guided Snowshoe Hike, 1 pm
Meet in Bearskin Lodge at 1 pm. Must have own equipment and transportation to Lodge.
ACTIVITY REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Thursday, January 28, 2010
Guided Back Country Ski Tour, 1 pm
Meet in Bearskin Lodge at 1 pm for an exclusive adventure! You’ll head out with a guide into the winter wilderness of the Superior National Forest.
ACTIVITY REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides, 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Experience an old-fashioned sleigh ride through the woods at the Okontoe Family Homestead 22 miles up the Gunflint Trail, ending with hot chocolate around a bonfire. Rides are available FREE to guests of all Cook County lodging establishments.
Call 218-663-7804 for rates and reservations!

Friday, January 29, 2010
Waxing Clinic, 1 pm, Bearskin Lodge
Learn the best ways to apply wax for a more enjoyable ride!
Meet in Bearskin Lodge at 1 pm
ACTIVITY REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Saturday, January 30, 2010
Skijoring Clinic, 9 am-12:00 noon
Meet at George Washington Pines Trailhead 7 miles up the Gunflint Trail.
Must have own transportation to trail head. Limited to 12 participants
Human participants only, trained dogs will be provided for this how-to clinic!
ACTIVITY REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Book Signing by Andrew Slade
Author of Skiing the North Shore
Lake Superior Trading Post, 1 pm-3 pm, Grand Marais
Skiing the North Shore is the skier's ultimate guidebook.

Every Night!
Lit Night Trail Skiing
Every evening after dusk ski the lit trails at:
-Pincushion (1.5 k loop is lit, and warming house is open, until 9 pm)
-Bearskin Lodge (1.5 k lit until 1 am)
-Golden Eagle (1 k loop)

Ice Fishing....

2009-12-28T15:49:00.001-06:00

In case you are going to enjoy ice fishing on the Gunflint...

Minnesota conservation officers want to remind ice anglers and others that all shelters placed on the ice of Minnesota waters must have either the complete name and address, driver’s license number, or the nine-digit DNR number on the license of the owner plainly and legibly displayed on the outside in letters, and figures at least two inches in height.

This includes ice-skating warming houses and other traditional structures placed on the ice, either temporarily or overnight.
Other noteworthy shelter regulations include: Any shelter (fish houses, dark houses, warming houses, etc.) left on the ice at any time between midnight and one hour prior to sunrise must have a shelter license; the Department of Public Safety now requires trailers used to haul fish houses or dark houses and enclosed trailers or recreational trailers used for fishing to be registered. See your local Deputy
Registrar for trailer registration; a tag, furnished with a license, must be attached to the exterior in a readily visible location; shelters left on the ice overnight need to have at least two square inches of reflective material on each side of the house.

Guard Rails on the Gunflint?

2009-12-22T07:00:00.001-06:00

On the Gunflint Trail, we have remarkable stand old growth white pines called 'The Pines'. Because they grow so near the trail, they were threatened by the road work done on the Gunflint Trail this fall. For safty sake, the pines had to come down or guard rails had to go up in that area. So the next time you drive up the trail, you will see a short span of guard rails along the way.

Get your Christmas Tree in the Superior National Forest

2009-12-17T10:40:00.001-06:00

This sounds like a good get-a-way for the family tree search! Make some memories in the snow.

Superior National Forest Holiday Greenery

Christmas Trees
Cutting your own Christmas tree can be a festive outing to begin the holiday season. The ritual of hiking through the woods with your family and choosing your personal tree from among the millions of spruce, fir, and pine can greatly enrich a holiday season. A permit to cut one Christmas tree on Forest Service land may be purchased for $5.00 at any Forest Service office. Please follow the rules below while choosing your Christmas tree. There is a limit of two permits per family per year.

· Make sure you are on National Forest land, but not within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Maps can be viewed or purchased at Forest Service offices.
· Choose cutting areas away from plantations, developed recreation or administration sites, and Research Natural Areas.
· Walk well off the road side to select your tree.
· Select a tree the correct size for your home. Do not cut the top off of a taller tree. The maximum stump height is 12 inches.
· There is a two permit limit for each household per year.

Balsam Boughs
Gathering balsam boughs to make wreaths is becoming more popular each year. To protect the balsam fir trees on the Superior National Forest, bough gathering permits that specify where and how to cut boughs are issued by the various Forest Service offices in Aurora, Cook, Ely, Grand Marais and Tofte. Permits are required for personal or commercial use.
All bough cutting parties must have a permit. Parties can have up to 5 pickers listed. If you are cutting boughs for personal (non-commercial) use, you may purchase a permit for $20 and cut enough boughs for 5 wreaths. If you are picking commercially to supply commercial manufacturers, there is a minimum permit fee of $50 for two tons. Additional tons may be harvested at $25.00 per ton. Please follow the rules below while harvesting balsam boughs. Note additional rules on your permit.
· Make sure you are on National Forest land, but not within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Maps can be purchased at Forest Service offices.
· Walk at least 50 feet off the roadside, trail, lake, or recreation area before selecting the trees from which to harvest.
· Harvest boughs from trees that are greater than 7 feet high.
· Never fell trees to harvest boughs. You may only harvest branches from the lower half of the tree. Leave a portion of each pruned branch for regeneration.
· Harvested branches should have ends no larger in diameter than a pencil. As you harvest along the branch, leave part of the branch for growth and regeneration. Cutting at a fork will leave one side of the fork for regeneration.
· Keep your permit with you while harvesting boughs.
· Harvesting of Princess Pine is not allowed on the Superior National Forest.

Summer Staff 2010

2009-12-10T07:00:00.002-06:00

Another milestone this month is we start our search for summer staff. Every year we hire 5 or 6 college students to spend the summer with us and work at the lodge. At a resort, everyone shoare tasks and we cook, prepare food for outfitting, pack gear, transport to entry points, manage canoes and boats, helps guests, maintenance and lawn care.

If you know of any students interested in such an adventure, have them contact us for more information and an application! We provide the housing.

Sixteen Reasons......

2009-12-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

I got an email from Karen Geneau several weeks ago called 'Sixteen Reasons why the Johnson Clan loves Clearwater'. In it, she included 16 wonderful pictures of the visits the family has made over the past several years. The 'Johnson Clan' is composed of multiple families....Geneau, Julius, Green, Conroy, and Summer. It may include a few more as I see more of the family come each summer. Years ago, the family had a cabin on McFarland lake built by Charlie Boostrom.

You probably know, I am in Indiana again for the winter. One of the things I really miss about not being at the lodge during the winter is not having the opportunity for pictures to keep posting on the blog during the season. I also miss the extreme beauty of the winter landscape and the deep quiet when out in the snow. But if I am honest, I do like not having to plug in my car at 20 below so it starts the next morning, wondering if I will get 2 or 20 inches of snow and how long it will take me to get out and the cautious driving on the roads. I could go in with the pro's and con's but you get the general idea.

So, I really love it when I get these pictures from our guests from the past summers. I never get tired of seeing the wildlife, scenery and family shots. It always brings back the summer and I can just smell the lodge and campfires. I start looking forward all over again to returning to the spring and getting the resort open and running.

BWCA Permit Lottery Begins Today

2009-12-01T08:26:00.003-06:00

It is that time again, the BWCA Permit Lottery for 2010 permits begins today! From today through January 15, 2010 you can enter for the date and entry point. The lottery runs January 15th and permits are awarded. Following the lottery, permits are available based upon remaining availability.

For a BWCA canoe trip, we can help you decide the best route for your group. We can also arrange to order your permit and have it delivered to our location to issue upon your arrival. If you want to order your own permit or just check things out, the website is www.recreation.gov and BWCA permits are under 'Wilderness Permits'.

To enter into the lottery, you need the date that you want to start paddling and the entry point you wish, trip leader and alternate trip leaders. Starting this year, non-profit groups require the Tax Excempt number to order a permit.

Give us a call, we would be more than happy to help you arrange for your permit. You can reach us at 800.527.0554 or info@canoebwca.com.

This photo was sent in by the "Johnson Clan".

Deer Count Down

2009-11-12T10:03:00.001-06:00

This was on the newswire this morning and posted by WTIP. I thought it was interesting considering how many deer we have been seeing on the Gunflint Trail, mostly at the top of the trail.

Preliminary numbers are in from the first few days of the 2009 firearms deer hunting season in the Arrowhead. Those numbers show the harvest is down substantially across the northeast, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Overall across the northern part of the state, the harvest is down 16 percent compared to last fall. The 2008 totals were also down from 2007. Tough winters and increased predation have been sited as reasons for lower numbers over the past three years.

The harvest in the Northwestern part of the state is down as much as 36 percent at International Falls. Closer to home, the harvest is down 2 percent in the Duluth–Cloquet area. According to the official registration station at Buck’s Hardware in Grand Marais, over 200 deer have been registered as of Wednesday, which is the same or fewer than last year.

From Saturday through Monday of this week, the DNR reports 23,468 deer had been registered – down by 4,392 for the same period last year. Warm weather and the lack of snow for tracking have made the start of this year’s hunt even slower than usual.

Gunflint Trail Designated a National Scenic Byway

2009-10-16T16:46:00.001-05:00

The Gunflint Trail receives National Scenic Byway designation on October 16, 2009. Known for winding its way through the Boundary Waters Wilderness east-west corridor, the Gunflint Trail is a historic roadway, dating back to the 1800’s with origins as a footpath for Native Americans and geological surveyors. The Gunflint Trail is also known as Cook County #12, and is a paved, 57-mile long two-lane roadway, which begins at Grand Marais, Minnesota, and ends at Saganaga Lake on the Canadian border. The modern roadway serves 22 resorts, canoe outfitters, campgrounds, and bed and breakfasts, and numerous private residents who make the area their home.

“I know my guests start reconnecting with the woods as they drive up the Gunflint Trail,” states Nancy Seaton, Hungry Jack Outfitters. “It's an invitation to be part of our neighborhood; a natural neighborhood that flows through the boreal forest of Northeastern Minnesota; a neighborhood that's home to moose, wolves and loons; a neighborhood that encourages the visitor to enter a calmer time away from the hectic modern demands; a place to reconnect with the natural environment and recharge.”
For visitors who enjoy vacations centered on scenic byways, designation of the Gunflint Trail as a National Scenic Byway provides a natural route transition from the adjoining North Shore Drive, which has the National Scenic Byway designation of All American Road.

Pursuit of National Scenic Byway designation of the Gunflint Trail was primarily motivated by the dedication of local business owners and residents to forever preserve this historic and scenic roadway for current and future generations, while allowing a glimpse into the past of the forests, lakes, and geological formations which grace northeastern Minnesota.

“The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has funded 2,672 projects for state and nationally designated byway routes in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

For more information about the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway, please visit GunflintTrailScenicByway.com .

Reaching us during the winter months

2009-10-14T07:11:00.002-05:00

Our phones are forwarded to us during the winter months so you can continue to reach us at 800-527-0554 or 218-388-2254. You can also email us at clearwater@canoebwca.com.

Lynn

Cool Summer Canoe Trip

2009-10-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

Paul Cool sent in these pictures from his summer canoe trip with his son Cole and friend Ethan Erickson. The two dads and sons took a 4 man canoe out on Clearwater earlier in the summer. This is an annual adventure for Paul and Cole.

Tree Clearing

2009-10-13T12:29:00.003-05:00

I walked through the property this morning with Dennis and John to review what trees were being cleared out. It will look very nice when Dennis is done. It is mostly all balsam that is being cut. There are a few pines that have to come down because they are either dying or too close to buildings. I will be sorry to lose those pines but I would rather control when they come down then find them on a cabin after a wind storm.

It is only a few days since I have been up to the lodge but with a coating of snow and some ice on the roads, it is clear the first blast of winter is pushing in on us. As we were all standing on the point near cabin 6, we watched several canoes paddle by. Burr..... It is too cold for me for to be out on the water!

The Gunflint trail is now being repaved starting about Hedstrom Lumber for 5 miles. This work started early September and it was nice to drive on it, at least partially, with new paving.

Clearwater Road's county road number has been re-assigned from 66 to 22. The new signs are all up and there is a sign that says it is was formerly 66. I will need to incorporate that change into our 2010 brochures and website updates.

I saw Lily out walking her dog. I didn't have much time to chat. Dodo was frisking about in the snow in his little coat.

Clearing Trees on the Resort

2009-10-12T07:36:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons that I am staying in Grand Marais for a time after we closed is because we are starting a tree clearing project that I was hoping would start before I left for IN. In conjunction with a forest service grant, we are clearing all the balsam, dead and downed wood from our property. Balsam is extremely flamable and needs to be removed. This is being done for fire prevention.

Larger pines are being pruned 6 feet up from the ground. At first I didn't like this look when a couple of trees were cut back but I quickly got used to and like the look. It is also so much easier to keep the ground cleaned up below the trees.

We decided not to start the clearing during the season when guests would be visiting since it is a bit instrusive but I have to wonder now if we missed our window of opportunity with it snowing now.

Lynn

October

2009-10-10T07:28:00.002-05:00

I didn't realize I hadn't posted to the blog since the last week of September. What made me think of it this is morning is IT IS SNOWING OUT. This isn't unusual to have snow in October up here and I was expecting it but that first snow is always a bit of a shock when you wake up in the morning to white.

To catch up, we are closed now for the winter season. Peggy and Mike are already back in Ohio and I am staying in Grand Marais for a week before I head to Indiana for the winter. Since I live very close to Notre Dame University, I will be emersed soon in the ND Football season which seems to be going really well this fall. You can't live in the part of Indiana where I was raised without following ND as part of your daily life.

If my camera wasn't packed somewhere in my car I would head out and get some pictures of this snow. Luckily I visited Ben Franklin's yesterday and got my winter supply of Woolrich gloves and sweatshirts.

Lynn

The First Day of Fall

2009-09-22T16:13:00.002-05:00

Well, it had to happen. Summer had to end and the next season arrive. I am never sure how I feel about this. After a busy summer, I am usually ready for a bit of a break but it takes time to get used to a new pace and that we will be closing at the end of the month.

Fall colors have been marching up the Trail and they just reached us. This morning, and I swear this happens overnight, trees turned on the resort. It takes me about a week to obsorb another season is coming to an end. I find myself standing in the middle of the lodge kitchen thinking, now what?

This brings up serious questions! These are not questions I loose sleep over, but when they flitter through my mind, they seem serious at the time. Will my tomatoes EVER ripen? Will my flowers that I want to collect some seeds from go to seed before they frost? When will the construction on the Gunflint Trail be done so I can drive to Grand Marais without shaking my teeth out? What is that mouse doing in the office just looking at me? Why did that pinecone just hit me on the head? Who the heck left that canoe there?

All well, enough of my musings and time for a picture. This one was sent to us by Randy Wilson. Randy took a recent trip on Clearwater and north to Watap, Mountain and Rove.

Bald Eagle

2009-09-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

Photo by Richard Schramm. Richard took his pictures when staying in a cabin at Clearwater for the week. He got some very nice shots and I appreciate his sharing them with us for the blog.

Lynn

Clearwater Lake Loons Continued

2009-09-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photos by Richard Schramm

Clearwater Lake Loons

2009-09-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photos taken by Richard Schramm

Waterfront Wedding

2009-09-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

All the wedding guests have departed and although I think it will take a few days, we are settling back into a normal routine here. There are still small piles of wedding decorations sitting around to be taken care of and lots of food still to eat. Soon we will have a chance to sit down and enjoy the pictures of the wedding. Here are a few of our favorites....

Lynn

At the Dock

2009-09-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

When Isaiah (age 4) arrived for his aunt's wedding, he was giving a spiderman fishing pole by his Grandpa when he arrived. We have not seen him without that fishing pole since then. Thankfully it has a red rubber fish at the end or we would all be hooked. He has fished in the parking lot, in the lodge, on the porch. His cast is getting pretty darn good. Yesterday he discovered casting into the water (it takes small steps to build a good little fisherman). While sitting down a the dock, a canoe came in and distracted him momentarily from fishing.

Relaxing

2009-09-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

Normally when we are here, there is not much relaxation time. Relaxing on the porch and running a resort just don't seem to mesh well. With all family and friends here last week I think this was the first time this summer that I sat on the porch of the lodge and watched the water and the dock. It was very peaceful. There was a lot of activity at the waterfront so I just lazily took pictures when it looked interesting.

Here is Adam Trace in the Kayak, Alicia (the bride) sitting in the middle of the dock Cross legged, Ben and Dawn and their two boys Isaiah and Adrian. Faith, in the pink shirt, caught her first fish on this dock.

Another Fly Over Photo

2009-09-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

This one is taken from the lake coming into the lodge. You can see our docks at the waterfront center left. It is hard to see much else through the trees except rooflines.

The Wedding

2009-09-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

All the cabins and lodge rooms are full with Alicia and Jon's wedding guests. Tuesday is the rehersal and rehersal cookout and Wednesday at sunset is the wedding. Peggy is here in the garage decorating the wedding arch. It was made by Mike this summer and has been kept hidden until it is ready to go out on the dock for wedding.

Fly Overs with Anderson Aero

2009-09-08T08:06:00.003-05:00

One thing we like doing is taking fly overs with Anderson Aero. Dan Anderson runs Scenic Tours. This year he got approval to land his float plan in the Grand Marais Harbor. Ben Trace is here for his sister's wedding and since it happened to be his birthday, his gift was a flyover. He started in the Grand Marais Harbor at The Trading Post and flew up to the BWCA.

You can't really see them clearly but several people climbed the palasaides to wave to him as he flew over. He also got several nice pictures of the lodge from the air.

The second picture is of the resort and the soutwestern end of Clearwater Lake.

Packing up

2009-09-01T09:20:00.002-05:00

As every minute goes by today, it bring me that much closer to leaving Clearwater. Today is my last day at work, and it's scary how fast my time went here. It seems as though it was only a few weeks ago when my parents dropped me off, and now they are probably on the road heading north to pick me up. Like always, good things come to an end, and I have to face the fact that I can not rewind time to re-live this summer. There are a few things I am excited to be able to do back in the cities, but I will miss Clearwater greatly. I was joking around with Lynn, and I was telling her how I have been showering more lately to try to get into my old routine before I go back to Minneapolis, and I think it will take a little time to get used to living in the city again. Being up here has made me appreciate things that I have not really ever appreciated before, and I have learned a lot about myself living up here. Anyways, the lawn isn't going to cut itself today so I am going to wrap this up. I could go on and on with the things that make this place so special but the weather is to nice to be inside any longer. A few things I want to say before I go is anyone who is looking to work up North for awhile Clearwater is the place to be. I would give Clearwater two big thumbs up. I want to thank Mike, Peggy, and Lynn for being the most enjoyable bosses that I have had so far in my life. And for my co-workers (Micheal, Matt, Lilly, Eric, Tori) they helped make this one of the best summers of my life. I am truly going to miss this place, and it is hard to believe that the time has come to say good-bye.

Scott

First Frost

2009-08-30T10:04:00.002-05:00

I have gotten so lazy in my blogging that I forget some days to even post anything. Here are a few things going on...

We had our first frost last night. In truth, this is our first frost since the end of the June so only July was a frost-free month. Peggy covered all the flowers we have been nuturing along all summer.
It looks to be a beautiful week weather wise. Even though it is going to be a bit chilly at night, the days look warm and sunny. Thank goodness because I needed some sunshine!
There is a gathering and book signing at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center tomorrow. The perfect weather to get out for the afternoon.
Peggy and Mike are stepping up the wedding planning. Our wedding guests start arriving a week from tomorrow. Decorations are being organized and the final meetings on catering and cakes.

That's it for today..