Diamond Willow

During the winter months after the lodge was built, Charlie Boostrom and his friend Bill Needham would work on building furniture from wood collected over the summers. As a result, Clearwater Lodge has one of the best collections of diamond willow furniture, made with no nails and still sturdy after 75 years.

Diamond willow is a tough fibrous wood which is native to this area. It is most commonly found growing in clumps. The leaves are long and narrow and the bark is dark gray, rough and very tough.

The diamonds are formed from a fungus which kills the sapwood in the affected area. These areas become dormant and the rest of the tree keeps growing leaving the diamonds.

The willow is picked between July and August when the sap is running. It is then peeled, revealing the diamonds. After drying for a year, the wood is ready to work.

The photo is diamond willow plant stand in the lodge. It actually started out many, many years ago an ashtray but works best for us with as a plant stand.

A little ski break...

The Flieder family was here for a visit in Suite A. The family got new cross crountry skis and were eager to try them out. I snapped this picture as the older son was helping his younger sister get her skis on for the first time.

There is a 70% chance of snow tonight and snow in the forecast for the next few days so we are all keeping our fingers crossed for good ski weather and conditions.

Clearwater Lake does have about 5 inches of ice for the Lake Trout Fishing Opener tomorrow.

Trout Season in the BWCA - December 30th

Trout season opens on December 30th in the Boundary Waters. Since no motorized vehicles are allowed in the BWCA, you can cross-country ski or snowshoe across frozen lakes or snow covered portages to get to some idea fishing spots. Take your camera and enjoy the winter wildlife you will see in these remote areas.

Central Gunflint Trail Ski Report

Central Gunflint Ski Trail Report-12-26-06 from Golden Eagle Lodge

New Snow Last 24 hours: 0"
New Snow Last 7 days: .25"
Trail Base: packed with snowmobile: 3-4"
Snow in Woods: Low: 5 1/2; High: 8"
Groomed for skating: 77km
Groomed for classic: 10% of system
Surface Conditions: hard pack with 1/4" snow on top
Snowshoe trail: Open
Total snowfall since Nov. 1: 17.65"

Comments: The whole system has been snowmobile packed for skating and about 10% of the system has been groomed with tracks using the Pisten Bully. It is a hard packed base with 1/4" new snow on top. There is a little bit of stubble on some of the trails, especially those in the BWCA, but considering the low snow, trails are not too bad. The temperature this morning was 2 above. Daytime temps have been above normal but with the sun low in the sky, we have been holding in the low to mid twenties. The lakes have minimal snow but no slush

Clearwater Lodge

It was a peaceful holiday here. Although the promised snow did not come, we still have a few inches on the ground so we did have a white Christmas. The photo is of my great -nephew Anthony's first Christmas with Santa. Anthony lives in MI with his parents. His mother, Peggy's and my neice Bec, worked at Clearwater in 2003.

Happy Holidays

We will have a white Christmas, but we did not get the expected 5 inches of snow last night. Be safe during all your holiday travels and enjoy!!

Happy Holidays,

Lynn

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

For all of you bird fans, the unofficial tally is in on the MN Audubon Christmas Bird Count. I will have to say, I only recognize the names of the about 1/2 of these birds on the list. There are 3 types of woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy and Pileated), 14 Bald Eagles, Red and White Breasted Nathatch, Cedar Waxwings, Dark Eye Junco, Pine Siskin, different kinds of Jays and Ravens and Owls. This is not a complete list. If you want to see the results, you can go to http://www.rohair.com/CBC/rslt/cy.php and look under Cook County.

Lynn

Clearwater Lodge Heritage Walkway

We have our first 'official' paver stone in for the Heritage Walkway. It is a tribute to the founders of the lodge, Charlie and Petra Boostrom.

If you are interested in ordering a paver for someone for Christmas, give us a call at 800.527.0554. It is going to be a very special walkway when completed.

Lynn

Holiday Baking

Stephanie is taking advantage of the lodge kitchen and has been baking a different type of cookie every day. Whenever I go down to the kitchen there are new cookies being decorated and spread out on the table. The lodge has a wonderful scent of holiday about it.

Lynn

Audubon Christmas Bird Count

The Audubon Society Christmas Bird count is Saturday. Birders will count birds with a circle 7.5 mile radious with the center south of Devil Track lake. After the count is finished, birders will meet at the Java Moose Cafe for a cuppa and to review the list. Any additional species not seen tomorrow but seen in the 3 days before or after the count will be included in the tally. It will be interesting to see what the results are.

More snow......

When I went on my weekly town run this morning, there was no snow in the forecast. That changed over the 4 hours I was in town because I drove back up the Trail in a little snow storm. There was 3 inches of snowfall while I was gone and more falling.

I always try to have my camera with me where ever I go. I forgot it last week and saw two moose on the Gunflint. Of course, today when I have it with me, no moose or wildlife at all. I keep trying for the elusive moose photo or lynx photo. .....Lynn

Ice Fishing

We have had enough cold weather to put solid ice on the smaller lakes. Howeover, the larger lakes still have open water. Clearwater Lake has a very thin coat of ice on it and needs some more cold weather to freeze over.

This ice fishing house was put out last weekend on Aspen Lake, off of Clearwater Road.

Use extreme caution on any of the lakes until you are positive how much ice there is.

Icicles

The view from my living room on the second floor of the lodge several days ago. Today it is close to 40 degrees out and all the icicles came crashing down.

I am going to enjoy a little warm weather while I can!

Lynn

BWCA Permit Lottery

For those of you planning a 2007 canoe trip, now is the time to contact us about getting a permit in the 2007 BWCA Permit Lottery. The lottery has been accepting applications since November 1st and will continue to accept them up to November 15th at 5:00 CST. To get your application into the lottery, we need your entry point and the start date of your trip.

The lottery will run and permits awarded January 15, 2007. Starting January 20th we can get permits first come/first serve based upon remaining entry point quotas.

If you need some ideas on canoe trips give us a call to discuss experience levels and desires of your trip. We would love to help you plan a great BWCA canoe trip to remember for years to come.

Lynn

Bundle up for cold weather!

For your winter visit, remember to plan out your clothing. You can get quite warm while out enjoying the winter activities but cool off really quickly when stopping to rest. Layer your clothing with wool and wicking materials to maintain your body temperature.

Always bring a hat or stocking cap. 60% of your body heat can be lost through your head if not covered. Don't forget the sunglasses or goggles and have good gloves and back up pair.

Wool socks and shoes/boots to keep your feet warm and dry are a must. Gaiters are helpful to keep snow out of boots or shoes.

Stephanie tackling the first big snow

Stephanie and Travis were out this afternoon at 10 degrees to clear out the first big snow or our season. Here is Steph.........

Lynn

Return to the Lodge

I am back from my Thanksgiving trip to Indiana. I had a wonderful two weeks with family and friends and met a new great-nephew. In Indiana, we had record warm temperatures and it was pleasant to get out each day without a jacket. It sure makes Christmas shopping easier! I took advantage of close shopping and movie theaters, something I don't see much of up here in the northwoods.

I drove back to the lodge right before a storm moved through my driving route and dumped some serious snow in Chicago. Driving around Chicago is always the most challenging part of the drive but I was very glad I didn't have to do it in the first snow storm of the season.

We also got snow today in MN. We are expecting 6 inches today and maybe the same tomorrow. It has transformed the woods, as it always does, from the bare brown of early winter to the wonderful white that makes me think of the holidays to come. If this is the same as past years that I have been here, this is the snow that will not melt and is the start of our winter base of snow. This photo is of the boat house with the aluminum canoes getting their blanket of snow for the winter. .....Lynn

A Snowy Morning

We woke up to a nice coating of snow this morning. It is so pretty and blankets the entire area.

This is my last blog entry until the first week of December. I am taking a road trip with my puppy to visit friends and family.

Stephanie and Travis will be here and the lodge enjoying the first snow.

Lynn

Brule Lake Entry Point

In order to keep our guests informed about new route opportunities and/or updates in existing routes – Clearwater staff frequently take their own trips to gather information and enjoy the surroundings at the same time.

Last month, Mike took a solo trip out of the Brule lake entry point. The entry point is a bit over an hour drive from Clearwater lodge – but well worth the drive (with several moose sighted along the way). It is near Eagle Mountain, and is north of the Caribou trail which originates out of Lutsen.

Brule is one of the largest lakes in the eastern region of the boundary waters. Motorboats are banned on Brule, and it has an excellent population of walleye, smallies, and northern.

Given the size of the lake – winds can be a challennge. If that is of a concern, conoers can chart a course when they leave the Brule lake entry point based on what the winds are doing since there are many options north, east and west out of Brule.

Mike went out heading towards the east end of the lake, which has many islands that offer protection and provide some excellent campsites. At the east end of Brule you can take a short but remote trip coming out on Bower Trout lake.

What is nice about Brule, though, is that there are many other options as well given its size. You can make your way north through a chain of smaller lakes to the beautiful Winchell and Omega lake region. From there you can head east coming out on Morgan or Ram lakes; can make your way east and then north coming out on Poplar lake; or can head west and north thru Long Island lake making your was to Cross. Or, you can head west and then turn south, looping back down to Brule lake. These all offer a wide range of scenery, wildlife, and remoteness.

The main attraction of Brule, therefore, is the numerous camping options it offers itself – as well as the diversity of shorter and longer routes that can be accessed. depending upon your interest. You are also close to the Homer lake entry point, which is partially motorized but affords access to many of the same areas as out of Brule (but avoids the challenges of Brule if it is windy).

All in all – it is an excellent choice if you want to access some new and varied areas – or want to access soome more familiar areas but coming in from the south. Clearwater is happy to develop individualized options for those who are interested.

Skijoring

Skijoring was a sport (and word) I had never heard until last winter when I was working on the Winter Tracks Festival committee. The sport began in Scandinavia and it combines cross country skiing and dog sledding. Your dogs are attached to a harness that attaches to your waist and you are on skis. The dogs provide extra power to the skiers and have a blast at the same time. It is great quality time and excercise for you and yourdog.

I say it is a great sport for some dogs. My dog, Sarah, much prefers riding in the back seat of the car and would look at me like I had lost my marbles if I expected her to pull anyone on skis.

For more information you can visit www.skijor .org. This photo is from the photo collection on their website.

Lake View Dairy

Grand Marais has a dairy farm. On the Gunflint Trail behind Pincushion Mountain is the Berglund family farm. This family farm was established in 1886 and up until the 1950's did include a dairy farm. From the 50's until recently, the family kept just enough dairy cows to keep themselves supplied. In 2006 the Berglund family has increased milk production to a dozen cows, distributing the milk, cream and butter on the premise with a self-serve donation.

I have never had unpasturized milk and am planning to stop by the diary the next time I drive into Grand Marais. I want to try the milk and see the view of Lake Superior that those cows get to enjoy.

Weather Update: We are having a little heat wave today. For the first time in about 3 weeks the temperatures are up over freezing. According to the paper this past week, we might still have a little warm up in November. Sarah and I took advantage of the warmer weather and took a walk today.

Winter Tracks Festival 2007

The Gunflint Trail Association is working on the planning for the annual Winter Tracks Festival. In 2007, the dates are March 1 - 4.

As in the past two festivals, we will have events and contests for all the winter sports. This is a prefect way to experience those sports you have always wanted to try.

The schedule of events will soon be listed at www.wintertracks.com. The photo is from the 2006 Winter Tracks snow sculpture.

Halloween

Even though we are a little too far out of the way for anyone to ‘trick or treat’, Stephanie and Travis did carve their pumpkins. This photo of Steph is right before the first cut. After carving the pumpkins, Steph roasted the pumpkins seeds. Since it was so windy on Halloween, we put glow sticks in the pumpkins to light them up instead of candles.

Today the pumpkins have little snow caps on them. It has been snowing all day.

Permit Lottery Begins November 1st

Entries for the BWCA Permit Lottery begin November 1st. The way the lottery works is that entries are made from November 1st to January 15th. After January 15th the lottery is closed and permits are awarded. After February 1st, permits are awarded on availability remaining after the lottery.

If you are thinking about a canoe trip in 2007, now is the time to think about setting your dates to get your application in the permit lottery.

Sarah

This is just one of my favorite pictures of Sarah. Sarah is Shepard and Rottweiller mix (and I suspect that there are a few other dogs mixed in also) that came to live with me when I moved to the lodge. Her family was moving overseas and she needed a new home. I thought it would be a perfect place to have a dog. Since that time, she has been my constant companion along with my two cats.

As you can see from the picture, Sarah was a bit confused one day and tried the cat door to my room. She missed the sign over the cat door that said 'kitties only'.

Wolf

No, I am not confused. I know this picture is of a fox and not a wolf. Several folks have sighted a wolf on Clearwater Road recently and I have been taking my camera where ever I go in case I see him. On a drive up to Gunflint Lake this morning, this was the only little furry animal I saw and he posed nicely for the photo you see at the right.

Boy Scout Troop 11 - Madison WI

This is a photo sent to us by Boy Scout Troup 11 from Madison WI. Twenty four of the scouts came up this past August for a 7 day canoe trip. They divided into 3 groups of 8 and went in at Sag. This picture is of the group at the Blankenburg Landing on Seagull Lake. One of the group leaders, Randy Baldwin, has been taking canoe trips out of Clearwater Outfitters for several years. This was his first trip in awhile with younger scouts. It was a great introduction to the BWCA for the scouts. They all had a very good time and they sent me some wonderful pictures to document their experience.

Brother Canoe Trip

Brothers Rick and Mark Love took a canoe trip starting at Clearwater Lodge earlier in September. This picture is of the two brothers on the portage between Caribou Lake and Pine Lake.

Grand Marais Water Tower

The newly painted Grand Marais water tower was unveiled a few days ago. Many thanks to both Grand Marais and the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway committee for boldly featuring the byway logo. The sign has very good lighting on it at night at night. The primary Gunflint Trail entrance was moved north of town several years ago and this water tower is shortly after the the spot where the 'new' Gunflint Trail meets the 'old' Gunflint Trail so there will be no doubt what road you are on when visiting this wonderful area.

It is snowing out again today mid-trail. It will not accumulate much and the snow has melted from our little storm last week but I am ready for a week or two of warmer weather before winter really moves in to stay.

What is Taconite?

When we bought Clearwater Lodge in 2003, it was my first expience living in Minnesota. Each state is unique and are always expressions or words that are new. Taconite was a new one for me.

The Gunflint Trail is at the very western edge of the Mesabi Iron Range. To the west of us is iron ore, and areas to the north of us in Canada there is gold and silver. It is probably good for us as a wilderness area, but the Gunflint area was pretty much a bust when it came to any of these minerals. In the late 1800's many, many areas were drilled or mines built looking for the riches. None lasted long. One mine actually had a railroad line built to it to haul out the ore. The first carload revealed Taconite and that was the one and only load taken out. Taconite was pretty useless at that time.

As all the pure iron ore got scarce a way to mine iron from Taconite was invented. Taconite is an iron bearing, high silica, flint like rock. There are iron rich layers in between layers of shale and quartz. To process taconite, the ore is ground into a fine powder, the iron is separated from the waste rock by using strong magnets, and then the powdered iron concentrate is combined with bentonite clay and limestone as a flux and rolled into pellets about one centimeter in diameter that are approximately 65% iron. The pellets are heated to very high temperatures to oxidize the magnetite (Fe3O4) to hematite (Fe2O3) for further processing.

The Mesabi Iron Range region of state of Minnesota is a major production area. The taconite iron concentrate is shipped by railroad through Silver Bay, Two Harbors and the Twin Ports of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin, all on Lake Superior. The ore is generally shipped to other locations on the Great Lakes. Many steelmaking centers are located near Lake Erie. From about 1900 through 1992, great machines called Hulett ore unloaders performed the task. Self-unloading ships later made the Huletts obsolete.

Mist on West Pike Lake

This photo was sent in by Rick Love. It was taken on his canoe trip on September 8, 2006 and is of the morning mist on West Pike Lake.

Snow, Canoes and Permit Lottery

I am sitting here in the lodge watching the snow fall and it is beautiful. I know it won't last and we will still have some mildly warm weather ahead of us, but I am thankful that all out buildings are closed down for the winter and all the canoes are racked up and the motor boats are in from the lake. I can sit in the lodge, which is nice and cozy, and just watch it snow outside.

Last night, according to the weather forecast, we had gale force winds that caused drifts with the 6 inches of snow that we got. The drifts make it look like we had a lot more snow that we really did. It is just is a hint of what is to come but that first snowfall is always a bit of a surprise.

It is hard to believe that the 2007 BWCA permit lottery begins on November 1st!

First Snow

We had our first snow last night and a winter snow warning to go with it. Based upon which snow forecast you are reading, we could have anywhere from 1 to 12 inches over the next 48 hours. As always, the snow is beautiful.

Caring for a National Treasure

"Caring for a national treasure" was the title of a story that the Cook County News Herald ran last week on the lodge and on the Heritage Walkway that we are putting in. It was a great article about the history of the lodge and a little about us and our journey to get here. It was a bright and sunny day and the photos all turned out really well.

If you are interested in reading more, you can see the article on the internet at http://www.grandmarais-mn.com/placed/index.php?story_id=226164.

Snow

Just as a result of living in the northwoods, we expect snow sometime late September or early October. This first snow is the not the one that sticks, that comes in late November, but it sure is a warning that winter is close. This week we have snow in our forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. I was driving up to the top of the trail this morning and almost all the fall colors are gone and the trees are bare. Winter is just around the corner for us.

The photo is of the continued work on getting the waterline heated from the well to the lodge. I guess digging the trench was the easiest part of this process.

Fall Days

We are all taking the opportunity to enjoy the warm days we are having this October so far. It is a beautiful Columbus Day Weekend with the daily temperatures being in the high 60's.

According to our local weather, it will cool off sometime next week, but in the meantime, we are taking advantage of it.

The photo is of Peggy stacking some firewood for the winter.

Ditch Witch

I had not heard of a ditch witch before today. We have to dig a trench to put the winterized waterline in from the well to the lodge. It is only 135 feet and the ditch does not have to be very deep but our attempt to dig it by hand failed. The ground is so rocky and hard that it was impossible. Today the 'ditch witch' arrived and this photo is of Travis guiding while Mike is running the machine. They have completed the trench we need for the waterline in one afternoon.

It is a great day to work outside. It is close to 75 degrees today and sunny. We have already had several frosts so I think this would be called an Indian Summer. We are going to enjoy it while it lasts.

Clearwater Lodge and Cabins

I couldn't resist putting up another of Steph and Travis photos from their plane ride. The fall colors in these photos intermixed with the green of the pine trees is very attractive.

This one is of the general area of the lodge and cabins. You can see Clearwater Road in the picture starting from the top left leading to the lodge. The cabins then extend from the lodge to the point of the peninsula with cabin 6 being at the very point. .

Fall Colors From the Sky

Today is Travis' birthday and as a surprise, Stephanie arranged for a plane ride for him. We could hear them fly over the lodge this morning. The got some really good pictures of fall colors on the Gunflint. This photo is of the Gunflint Trail today from the air.

Frost on the Pumpkin

Actually, there are no pumpkins up here at the lodge, but there was frost on the roof this morning! It did get down to freezing last night. At first glance, I wondered if we had some snow but not yet.

We are finishing up our winterization of the lodge and just in time! Mike has made storm windows for each window in the lodge. Since the lodge has shifted a bit since it was built - as you know if you have been here - each window had to be measured, cut and framed individually. They are mounted on the inside and you cannot even tell that they are up. It was a big job and Mike has been working on it for most of the summer.

The picture is of Mike putting one of the new windows up in the lodge. We still have two more items to get done before the project is complete and both are scheduled for the next two weeks. We are heating the water line from the well to the lodge and we adding insulation to the crawl space under the lodge. Then we will be ready for the snow and all the fun that comes with it. Just think, around the corner is cross country skiing, snow shoes and sleigh rides.

Setterlund Party Trip

Ted Sutterlund and his party visited for a canoe trip mid-September. From the email and pictures I got, they had a great time fishing, canoeing and camping. This photo is of their Walleye catch on 9/13.

BWCA Entry Points: All are open now with the exception of the Kekekabic Trail. The fire, while still smoldering, is now contained and is just being watched. Thankfully the fire did very little damage to campsites or lake shores but was in very remote areas of the BWCA.

Clearwater Heritage Walkway

On the National Register of Historic Places, part of the magic of Clearwater Lodge is from the people who have lived here and visited here over the years. They make up the Clearwater story.

Those individuals and stories are part of Clearwater's heritage and to memoralize that we are creating a 'Heritage Walkway' that will lead from the parking area to the veranda surrounding the lodge with personalized granite paving stones.

We will have more information on these pavers and the Heritage Walkway in our next newsletter.

Gunflint Trail is open

As we were driving to Loon Lake Lodge for ribs last night, and they do have the best ribs around, we learned that the voluntary evacauation of the the Gunflint Trail north of us was over. With the rain that we have had the past few days, the fires are under control. They are anticipated to be fully contained by October 1st.

Two more entry points to the BWCA were re-opened, 51-Missing Link and 52-Brandt Lake. The following are still closed but the forest service is evaluating daily when they can be re-opened.

Cross Bay Lake 50 - Kekekabic Trail East81 - Border Route Trail West45 - Morgan Lake47 - Lizz and Swamp Lake48 - Meeds Lake49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes50 - Cross Bay Lake51 - Missing Link Lake52 - Brant Lake56 - Kekekabic Trail East81 - Border Route Trail West45 - Morgan Lake47 - Lizz and Swamp Lake48 - Meeds Lake49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes

Famine Lake Fire

Sorry I have not updated the blog in a few days but we have been having problems with our internet connection. I have learned more about routers than I really cared to know over the past few days.

Anyway, up until a few days ago, it had been rather dry up and here and lightening started several wildfires in the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Station. With the recent rain, these fires are under control but being watched very closely.

The fire does not effect us in that we have no smoke or any disruption. However, for a short time, there are several entry points into the BWCA closed. As these entry points re-open, we will let you know.

50 - Cross Bay Lake
51 - Missing Link Lake
52 - Brant Lake
56 - Kekekabic Trail East
81 - Border Route Trail West
45 - Morgan Lake
47 - Lizz and Swamp Lake
48 - Meeds Lake
49 - Skipper & Portage Lakes

This old stove

Are you wondering why there is a picture of a stove on our blog? This is the stove in our lodge kitchen that we use to cook breakfast on for our B & B guests and for our own personal use. As intimidating as it was 4 years ago when we moved in, we love it now.

The story, as I have heard it, is that Petra Boostrom cooked on a woodburning cooking fireplace in the kitchen. When Charlie and Petra sold the lodge in the 1940's, the first thing the new owner did was remove the cooking fireplace and replace it with this Granger propane stove. What was the very modern cooking stove in the 1940's is 60 years old now and would be considered vintage - but I love cooking on it and plan on hanging on to it until it is an antique.

The griddle on the right will cook 12 pancakes at once and has 4 burners and a broiler under it. When you are making pancake breakfasts for large groups going out on their canoe trips, this is a great thing to have! The stove has two large ovens and six large burners on top. It is not uncommon to have everything on at once during the cooking of a large breakfast. Now just imagine how hot the kitchen can get in August or how nicely it warms up in May or October.

Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway

The Gunflint Trail was designated as a State Scenic Byway not too long ago. A scenic byway is an automotive route on which people generally enjoy traveling that also reflects the intrinsic qualities of the area.

In our case, the Gunflint Trail is rich in wildlife, natural forest, history. Along this road are great places to stop and visit with it is wilderness, lake or lodge. This past summer several rest areas have been added at with picnic tables and latrines.

I never get tired of driving on the Gunflint Tail. Even if it takes me 45 minutes just to get to the grocery or library (longer in the winter), I enjoy the drive regardless of the season. You never know if you will see a moose or a wolf. The wildflowers along the road are constantly changing during the summer seasons and the view of the trees, no matter the season is magnificent. This road well deserves its designation as a scenic byway.

Cool Front

Last night we had a cool front move in the high temperature today was 56 degrees. It was 85 yesterday. The front brought rain last night but it cleared up this morning and was a crisp sunny day. If coming to the BWCA, make sure you layer your cloths so you can stay warm in any weather.

Lynx in Minnesota

Lynx were common in northern MN through the early 1980s, though their population fluctuated in cycles that appeared to follow the population of the snowshoe hares. Thousands of lynx were legally trapped in MN through the 1970's until their population crashed and didn't rebound.

MN ended lynx trapping in 1984 and the federal government, forced by court orders, added lynx to the threatened species list in 2000. As recenlty as 2000, DNR biologists said no lynx lived in the state and that any seen here were migrants from Canada. DNA tests now confirm that more than 60 lynx inhabit the state, with at least 3 times as many belived to be here. Scientists are trying to determine whether they will remain even if the hare numbers decline.

This lynx photo was taken by Bill and Dawn Amen. They were painting their cabin and the lynx was just watching from the tree above them. The lynx we have seen are remarkable calm and not threatened at all by humans. We see a lynx periodically on the back of our property. According to the DNR, they have a route they use for food and probably pass by us about once every two weeks.

Mist on the Lake

With warm sunny days in the 70's and cool nights 40's to 50's, sometimes in the mornings there is a fog on the lake. This morning we watched it when you could not even see the lake from the lodge (about 7:00 AM) as it started to roll out down. This picture was taken around 8:30 as the fog was moving down the lake. By 9:00 AM we could see the bluffs.

We have just been having beautiful weather with warm sunny days and cool nights. If you are visiting soon, bring layers to wear so you can add and remove as you need.

Al the Cat

During the summer months, Peggy and Mike live in Suite B in the lodge along with their dog Queenie. I leave in Suite C, along with my dog Sarah and my two cats Al and Victoria. Behind the gift shop in the lodge, we share an office. We also share that office with all the pets and the staff. Next to the lodge kitchen, which is the main gathering room, there are always people and pets in the office with a lot of activity going on.

My cat Al has decided the office is his place to be also. We put down a foam pad and dog rug for each of the dogs under a desk hoping to keep them from underfoot. Sarah likes her spot, but Queenie found that Al took over her spot. Al makes his way to the office every morning, checks everything out, including the dog food bowl, and then settles down for the day long cat nap. He is tucked in beside some files, many cords and the PC power back up system. The noice and hustle bustle never seem to bother him as he slumbers the day away. He just puts one paw over eyes and continues to sleep.

Woodpecker

Mike snapped this shot this morning.

The Last Day of August

It is the final day of August. The days have been nice and warm but the nights cool. I have to remember to close all the lodge doors about 9:00 PM everynight or the heat may turn on. In the mornings it is cool enough to build a fire before breakfast but warm enough to start opening the windows about 11:00 AM. There is just a hint of color change now on the Gunflint Trail.

Resort Life

Living at a resort is maintenance challenge and a lesson in prioritization and negotiation. In our case, the lodge is on the historic register and the lodge, along with several of the cabins are original log structures and require special maintenance. We try to maintain the integrity of the original structures as much as possible and keep the resort in good working order.

None of us had worked or lived at a resort before so it was an interesting education. If I were to look as the maintenance list as whole, I think I would have a panic attack. So what you do is tackle what you can every day based upon what experience you can hire or have. We have learned a lot! I actually know how the primary pump house supplies water to the cabins! I was a city girl and never even had a septic system before so this was a new thing.

To give you an idea - we have two water systems, 8 (maybe 9) septic systems, water pumps and lift pumps (all different so nothing is interchangable), 20 roofs (not counting the 4 outhouses), water lines, gas lines and septic lines - some buried and some above ground. We have boats, motors, several types of canoes, outfitting gear, laundry room and original log buildings. We have 3 transport vehicles and several work vehicles in addition to our own personal cars.

Our summer staff are real troupers when it comes to helping out with repairs. Two years ago, Nick actually hung upside down in the septic well to change a pump. Travis has encountered all sorts of items to fix and is getting pretty good at the water system. Ed and Erik this summer patched the roof to the staff kitchen.

The photo to the right is of Travis and Ed changing the foot value on the water line into the lake. They had to motor out and Ed took the dive to retrieve the line. Not maintenace is photo worthy but Stephanie snapped a few shots of this one.

Wolf Cubs

It is not often we see wolves in this part of the Gunflint Trail, let alone some wolf cubs sunning along side the road. Ed and Erik took this picture when they were on the way to canoe trip from the Brule Lake entry point several weeks ago.

Ed's last day with us is today. Tomorrow morning bright and early he leaves to return to college. Erik left about a week ago, but is returning today to work at Golden Eagle Lodge for the winter.

New growth after the fire

We are waiting until it slows down a little bit this fall to take a day trip to Seagull Lake to see the area burned by the Cavity Lake fire. Two of our staff this summer, Ed and Erik, did take a day paddle through the area and got some great photos. Already there is new growth in the fire area.

Grand Marais Beach on Lake Superior

"Good Morning America" is kicking off its summer series, Vacationland, by highlighting some of the most beautiful spots in the U.S., and Grand Marais is making one of their lists. Thursday morning, Aug. 24, the show will air the Top 5 Beaches in America, highlighting the North House Folk School waterfront as an inspirational source of beachside activity.

Cool Father and Son Trip

Paul Cool and his son Cole took a canoe trip several weeks ago. They left from our waterfront and made their way into Caribou and lakes south. This is a great photo Paul sent us taken the morning they left on their trip.

Canoe Trips Before School Starts

I have missed a few days in writing here. This time of the summer with several of our summer staff returning to school, it gets a little harder for us to keep up everything. We have had lots of families visiting both cabins and for canoe trips the past week. It is the last summer fling before every has to concentrate on school.

Andi

Andi, our cook for the summer, leaves tomorrow to return to school. We enjoyed having her here and will miss her. Andi's family used to vacation in the cabins and her older sister worked here one summer for Bob and Marti Marchino. Andi's father worked at Chik-Wauk Lodge (no longer a lodge) back when he was in high school. Working on the Gunflint Trail is a family tradition!

Andi went through the guest books in the cabins and found entries she made as a child and entries her sisters made. It was fun to read.

Johnson Falls

Johnson Falls is very nice day trip to take from the lodge. You paddle Clearwater Lake for about 1 mile to the portage to Caribou Lake. Paddle Caribou Lake into Little Caribou to Pine Lake. Beach your canoe at Pine Lake and take about a 20 minute hike through old growth forest to a 3 tiered waterfall. You can swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls, have a picnic lunch and just enjoy the beauty of the area. This is a full day trip from the lodge so you would to start in the morning and pack a lunch.

Photo to the left is Alicia Trace at Johnson Falls last week before she returned to Ohio and college.

Fire Restrictions Lifted

Beginning Thursday August 17th, you can have campfires again in the BWCA. Campers are welcome to have campfires within the BWCA at any time of the day or night. So bring your pop corn and your s'mores to have around the evening campfire!

Back to School

This picture, with Peggy in the front, was taken today as the first of our summer 'kids' left. Peg and Mike's daughter Alicia and her friend JJ left today to return to school at Kent State in OH. Returning to school and other adventures over the next two weeks is Andi, Erik and Ed. Steph and Travis will be spending their first winter up here at the lodge. It seems like such as short time ago one of my first blog entries was a picture of the summer staff shortly after they arrived here. It is bittersweet to see them start to leave.

After about 24 hours straight of rain, it is a pretty and mild day today.

A Taste of Fall

We had just a taste of Fall the past few days. It has been getting into the 50's at night and only mid-60's during the day. Today before breakfast we built a fire in the lodge to take the chill off. It won't last but a few more days and Summer will return with its warmer temperatures but it is nice hint of the weather to come next month.

Fall colors begin about the 3rd week of September. September is just a wonderful and quiet time in the BWCA. The bugs are gone, the moose come back out of hiding, the days are still warm but the nights are cool.

Come see us!!

Honeymoon Bluff Hiking Trail

This photo was taken from the top of Honeymoon Bluff by Tom Ames when he and his two sons were here for a canoe trip. Honeymoon Bluff is accessed from Clearwater Road and is a short trail with a long set of wooden stairs that leads to a spectacular rocky overlook. From the top you can see Hungry Jack Lake, East Bearskin Lake, West Bearskin Lake and the BWCA. The view faces west so it is a great spot to catch a sunset.

Climbing the Clearwater Palisades

In our family, it is both an annual event and a rite of passage to climp up to the top of the palisades about a mile down the lake from the lodge. If any of the kids come up for a visit and bring friends, the palisade climbing is the first challenge that everyone must experience. There is a path that one can use which is a nice hike, but the Trace family (Peg and Mike's kids and my neices and nephews) likes to go right up the rock face. This photo is from the spring climb.

Alicia Trace is planning her last palisades hike of the summer. She is in college in OH but came up for the summer and lived on the resort and worked at the Trail Center Restaurant.

The Jack Pine Tree

One of the trees to spring up after the fire in the Cavity Lake area is the Jack Pine. The Jack Pine needs fire to open its cones and release the seeds. The Jack Pine has a straight trunk and grows from 25 to 60 feet tall. The bark is dull red-brown irregulary divided into small scales. Pine cones are 1 1/2 inch long and contain good seeds for many years as long as the tree is vital. The seeds are designed by mother nature to be carried for in strong winds. The photo is from the MN DNR of the Jack pine needle. The Jack Pine can grow on poor soil and is shade tolerent.

Stephanie in the Food Room

This is the second summer that Stephanie has been with us at Clearwater Lodge. Steph does all the food packing and preparation for canoe trippers. Here she sits in her food room before a group goes out surrounded by her food in the processing of packing.

Outfitted canoe guests select their food from a menu form we provide. Stephanie goes through the menus, determines what fresh treats need baked, organizes the food by meal and day and then packs it up for the canoe trip.

Fisherman's Picnic

This weekend is Fisherman's Picnic in Grand Marais. We are all hoping to get a few minutes to visit town for the festivities. When Mike was there today, there was music on the beach for entertainment, bingo games, food tasting and (of course) fishing contests! This photo of the fireworks over Lake Superior is from the closing of the picnic last year.

75 Degrees Today

Peggy and I returned from our quick trip to Indiana to see our family. It was quite hot there, in the 90's almost every day. We returned to the Lodge and back to our nice cool Northwoods weather. Temperatures have been in the mid-70's during the day and getting into the upper 50's or lower 60's at night.

The Cavity Lake fire is now 80% contained. We continue to have no impact from the fire but it is an interesting science lesson. This was a hot fire, which when it comes to natural forest regeneration is good. The first event will be that wild geraniums will grow. These will be from seeds that have laid dormant for decades or even centuries waiting for such an event to clear the forest and allow the sun in. By June of next year, the entire floor of the burned area will be covered in green with red flowers. I'll keep posting more information on the regeneration over the next few days.

Photo of the stairway portage was provide by Paul Spadino from his recent trip. Good Photo!!

A Little Vacation

This is our last blog for a few days. Peggy, my sister, and I are driving to Indiana to visit with family. I will be back at my PC with updates again August 2nd.

The Minnesota State Bird - The Common Loon

Paul Spadino sent us this nesting Common Loon photo following his canoe trip from Clearwater Lodge. There are five different Loon species, but the Common Loon is the one that you will see in Minnesota. It is the Minnesota state bird. A few fun loon facts....

• the bones of most birds are hallow and light, but loons have solid bones
• the extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food
• they can stay underwater for up to 5 minutes
• Loons need a 100 to 600 foot 'runway' in order to take off from a lake
• Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour
• the red in the Loon's eye helps it to see underwater
• scientists think Loons can live for 30 years or more

Fifth Anniversary Canoe Trip

Eric and Kimberly decided to celebrate their fifth anniversary with a BWCA canoe trip. They started their trip out on the East Bearskin Lake entry point. East Bearskin is a great trip with smaller lakes and portages. There are great campsites and different route options. The wildlife is wonderful with plenty of eagles and moose and the fishing isn't too bad either. Among the side trips you can take are are an abandoned silver mine on Spalding Lake or a wonderful waterfall. This photo is of Eric and Kimberly in the outfitting building going over the trip route and the maps with Travis.

Cavity Lake Fire: Unless something significant changes, this will be my last update on the blog on the Cavity Lake fire. The containment percentage increases every day and the fire has not expanded. We are also having favorable weather conditions to support the fire fighters. Most all of the entry points that were closed due to the fire re-opened yesterday. If you are interested in additional information, the forest service is putting out updates daily at http://199.134.225.50/nwcc/t1_pnw2/2006/cavity-lake/.

Fire Managers Re-Open Portages and Lakes

From the Cavity Lake Incident Command Post as of July 24, 2006 at 12:00 PM.

Due to improved weather conditions and a fire containment of 30%, Forest Service managers, coordinating with the United Fire Command, are re-opening several portages and lakes on the northeast asnd east sides of the Cavity Lake Fire. The following areas within the BWCA will be open effective Monday, July 24 at 12:00 PM.

• Red Rock Bay on Sag Lake
• Devils Walk of Sag Sag Lake
• Cross Bay Entry Point (Ham Lake)f
• Missing Link Entry Point, however Tuscarora Portage to Owl Portage remains closed
• Seagull Lake is open to camping east of a line from Paulson Lake Portage, north, to the Palisades. Paulson Lake Portage remains closed. The remainder of Seagull Lake west of this remains open for day-use only.

In order to go in, you must still have a day permit or overnight paddle permit.

Good news everyone!!!!

Black Family Canoe Trip

The Black family returned for a canoe trip to Clearwater Lodge. The two familys (brothers Rob and Greg) try to take a trip regularly. They were headed to Caribou Lake this morning to base camp, fish and enjoy the wilderness. This photo was taken when they were eating a pancake breakfast at the lodge this morning.

Cavity Lake Fire Update: Good news - the fire acreage has remained the same and it is now 30% contained. I guess that rain did help that we had yesterday!