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.