First time visitors to the Gunflint Trail often arrive with a cell phone in hand. One of their first questions is "don't you have cell phone coverage?" quickly followed by "How can you live without a cell phone?" Believe us when we say that a much more difficult problem is keeping our computer updated while living nearly "off the grid".

We returned home after an abbreviated Christmas trip to discover that our computer had picked up some unwanted guests. After 5 hours of downloading support programs we discovered that our current Internet security system was not current. Another 3 hours of computer downloading and we finally reached a 115 MB security program update that promised to evict our unwanted guests. We started the program and discovered that it would only take another 23 hours to complete the download. Living with Internet delivered computer program updates and dial-up service is not something we recommend!

Wednesday we unplugged our computer and took it to town where the local computer guru has high speed Internet access. Of course it snowed all day and again today when we went back to town to retrieve our computer. We got to enjoy driving through a winter postcard that is the Gunflint Trail.

I suspect getting our computer fixed after 3 hours of driving time and a day spent without a computer was still faster that what would have happened if we continued to update it using dial-up.

Winter Lights

Anyone who has ever drove up the Gunflint Trail after dark on a cloudy night knows the true meaning of dark --we're talking "can't see you hand in front of your face" here. After driving through a tunnel of dark with only headlights to guide us along we were surprised to see a Christmas Tree glowing in the distance. The only lights to be seen anywhere were from our headlights and the Christmas lights on this tree. We just had to stop and take a picture.

The first thing we noticed after stopping and turning off our headlights was that there is no sound from a hidden generator -- just quiet and dark. No houses, no traffic, no people, and of course no street lights. This tree stands shining along the Trail and begs you to pause and reflect on the important things in life.

After spending a few minutes to enjoy the tree and each other's company we got back in the truck and continued on. We went home so that others would have a chance to enjoy the solitude of the wilderness in the presence of this special tree. Judging by the footprints along the roadway we were not the first to stop near this tree.

Thanks Mr. P.

Animals Looking For Food and Fun

With snow covering the ground and the departure of our summer guests we are starting to have animal visitors that are looking for food. The Martin in this picture is looking for sunflower seeds that might have dropped down from our bird feed -- or maybe he is looking for a mouse that might live under the steps below the bird feeder.

Earlier, this same Martin was playing nose tag with our cat. The Martin was outside running from one patio door window to another. The cat was inside running from window to window to touch the glass opposite the Martin. Definitely an exciting three minutes for all of us!

This morning there was a black wolf walking up the lake looking for food. People were calling neighbors with pets to warn them that a wolf was on the prowl. We see lots of wildlife action in the off season -- especially when the snow is not deep enought to keep the animals from searching our property for food.

Late Projects

For those friends and guests who think that our work day ends when the Lodge is closed -- think again. Work on the new sewer treatment system delayed closing down our water treatment room. The valve that we use to drain the waterline from the lake to the water treatment room was under 4 inches of ice and a foot of water. A pair of hip waders and a splitting maul made short work out of resolving this problem. Hopefully, this picture will remind Mike to do this job next year before ice on!





The new sewer system for Cabins #2 and #3 is nearly completed. We still have to get electrical service to three lift pumps and two alarm systems. Testing the system by pumping water will probably be put on hold until next Spring! We will also have to reroute waterlines around the new system before the Cabins can be opened.

Lake Access Problem

Yesterday, Mike helped a neighbor who was netting Whitefish on Poplar Lake. There was a strong cold wind, lots of waves, numb hands, a few male Whitefish and plenty of really cold water. The best part of the netting experience was the warm mug of hot chocolate when they returned to shore. The worst part of the experience was having to clean a bucket of slimy, smelly, ice cold Whitefish.

Later the local fox population enjoyed a hearty evening meal and the boys were thinking that Whitefish "caviar" would show up in a couple of days. THEN, this morning the sheltered bay in front of our house was froze over and covered with a light coat of snow.

The main part of the lake is still open but getting to it is difficult. For now the net has been pulled and the boat motor has been put away. The boys are hoping for warmer weather, strong winds and a second chance for "caviar". Also talking about setting a net under the ice when it gets thick enough to support them.

Changing Seasons

We're moving into "Closed" season. This was the most challenging "Ice Off" season that Lin and I have ever experience since becoming lodging hosts. We have to thank all of our neighbors and guests who have helped us get past Lin's health problems and beyond my general confusion. Lin is improving daily and we'll both be here next Spring, spiritually refreshed and ready to welcome everyone back to the wilderness that we enjoy.




While going to therapy this morning we noticed these trees blooming along the side of the road. It is too early to be a sign of Spring and April first is five months away. Does anyone know what we are seeing? The "blooming" trees are growing in a low wetland area and the flowers are actually seeds.

Hello Mr. fox

As the cold approaches and Rockwood’s human guests are leaving, Rockwood’s animal guests are moving back in.

Lin took this fox photo while standing on our deck between him and his path to freedom. They didn’t seem to mind one another at all.

The snow shoe hares are starting to turn white already and our cat Mercy is enjoying a huge new sand pile that will be our new sanitary mound within the week.

A 3500 gallon tank farm has been planted between Cabin 2 and the Lodge and we have run a line from the tanks to the mound. I’m still putting in 9 hour days which closely matches our available daylight so have been unable to get out for a fishing report. I am guessing they are back now too.

Will work on that soon.

Thank You Canadian Jays

It took the ruffling of feathers and sound of angry wasps for me to notice something at Rockwood that has obviously been a few weeks in the making.

This wasp nest was bigger than my head and not more than 5 feet away from it as I hiked the road up towards the bunkhouse. I turned the corner and needed to yield to three Canadian Jays who were attacking the nest in an obvious team effort.

First, they spent over a solid hour catching and eating the wasps as they flew out of the hole. A few of the mid-air skirmishes were intense and there had to be a few stings along the way. The Jays then tore a hole in the back of the nest and got down to the serious business of eating the remaining wasp larvae inside the monster nest.

I have never been much of a Jay fan; however, it was very nice to not have to worry about getting stung taking this nest down. Now I know to throw some seed down around the next nest I find.

Autumn Colors

Was a beautiful day today, 76 degrees, and it has been a fantastic week. With the Pagami Creek Fire reportedly 70% contained, it is much more relaxing to soak in the amazing fall colors of the Gunflint Trail. What an amazing place. Dad says the colors are as vibrant as they have been in years, and Mom says the colors were real nice on her trek to Two Harbors this week.

The various shades of yellow, orange, and red than you ever dreamed possible and more than our camera can handle. With only a little wind one afternoon you can see some places that have dropped their leaves - but there are thousands of more areas on their way to full color right behind any patches that have fallen to the forest floor.

One thing is for certain, no two car trips on the Trail are identical these days. As these photos from the same journey show, the views change each minute and around every curve. Reminds us all that nature provides the ultimate canvas, and it is Good!

Very Special Guests in Cabin 7 This Week

While walking to the Lodge, Dad just happened to notice this Cow and Calves swimming straight across Poplar Lake this week. He had time to watch for awhile and then went to grab Mom and the camera. The wet, four hoofed threesome sauntered around the dock at Cabin 7 long enough for this photo and proceeded to walk up towards the cabin as if they were guests.

Not more than 10 minutes later... A bull moose proceeded to swim across the lake in almost the exact same line as mama and the kiddos. Hmmm... Rutting season is upon us. I've posted a photo of "Swimming Bull" on the Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters Facebook so you may view that side of the story by becoming a friend of and Liking that Facebook page.

Dad says there are moose hunters in the bunkhouse this week who mentioned this evening that they saw a cow and two calves just down the road. What Mike did not tell them was that the family of three has been sleeping near the warmth of Cabin 7 all week. Shhh - Swimming Bull must be nearby ;)

You may also notice in the photo that the trees are beginning to change quickly on the Gunflint. Mom told me they are as pretty as they have been in years. I've asked for a good photo so I may see myself and will certainly share it with each of you. She is tired, but doing well and determined as ever.

Mark

Live! From Rockwood Lodge

I just had the urge to type that since I am up here helping out.

What a great day today. Lin had her surgery this morning and the Dr.'s called it a success. She is recovering nicely, Mike is there and says she sounds better tonight than last night. We were very worried about the procedure and this is a huge relief. If she continues to recover well there is a chance they'll be home Friday. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers - they are felt.

Today is a beautiful day up here, I took pictures but can't find the USB cord to upload them to this computer. I've been watching the TV coverage of the Pagami Lake fire, but have yet to see any signs of the smoke since I have been here. Mike and Lin said we had a little the other day - but its been a beautiful scattered fluffy cloud kind of day, very pretty. There is no doubt this has been a big fire and we are very hopeful they get it snuffed soon. Access points are closed on the west side of the Gunflint Trail as of Wednesday to keep people safe, but we still have folks out in that area and they are not being forced back out. Meanwhile - new groups are gobbling up access points ono the east side of the Gunflint. We have no word yet how long the access points will continue to be closed. We get the same information anyone can get on the monnesota DNR wildfire page, but the Live view I can narrate right now is another beauty day at Rockwood.

I did get a jolt yesterday morning though when I arrived. Right when I reached Trail Center the snowflakes began to fall - then sleet - then bigger snowflakes. I took pictures of that too as you see here, although mostly to show off back home in Kansas City next week.

Let's hope the snow and sleet if it returns falls on the fire and ends that thing.

Later,

Mark

Lin Update and Grand Marais Family Tips

First, and most importantly, a Lin update.

Mom is doing better each and every day, conversations are getting longer and easier and I think her spirits remain high. Definitely some frustration at how slow things progress, but fully recognizing that gradual progress is a positive thing. The hospital finally decided to schedule corrective surgery for Thursday, September 15th. All is expected to go well, and the goal is to prevent another stroke from ever occurring. Typically, one night in hospital afterwards. I'll be trying my hand at keeping Rockwood Lodge a special place when Mike stays there with Lin. We feel your support and prayer - thank you.

Has been awhile since the last post here and we still have a couple of photo shoots from our adventures in 2011 in the BWCA to share. I have decided this time to let everyone know that young families can find fun in Grand Marais with relative ease.

First stop for us on a day trip during the week is typically the Grand Marais light house. Even when the spot light is not on young boys flock to it like flies in the dark. Sometimes, you get lucky and have the treat of a sea plane coming or going into the harbor.

Next, you march out toward the picturesque Artist Point for panoramic views of Lake Superior and the North Shore. The rocks provide plenty of opportunity for exploring, photography, drawing, and in our case young boy energy release. We've yet to be there for sunrise or sunset, but can only imagine how much more the colors contrast. If you happen to have a sunrise/set photo from here we'd love to see it posted on the Rockwood Facebook page.

One of our family traditions in Grand Marais is a snack at the World's Greatest Doughnuts. What a great area to license plate hunt for State's you missed on the trip. We typically burn a few of the new calories with some rock skipping into Superior just about 100 yards to the east of WGD. There appears to be an endless supply of perfect skipping rocks every time.

Lastly, as we end up the Gunflint Trail, no Grand Marais visit is complete without taking a few moments to stop and glance over the harbor from the top of the lookout on the mountain. I think a lot of visitors miss this view point, Gunflint Trail visitors should not.

Laughter in the Trees

During one of my son's many trips in and out of the Lodge he promptly returned to announce that a very loud bird was laughing at him from somewhere above. This theme recurred throughout our visit and normally we all tend to get a laugh out him so we thought nothing of it.

Much to our surprise, later in the week we were standing outside and there was definitely laughter directly above the Lodge. Mike looked up first to find 3 youthful hawks clearly chattering as their mother was apparently nearby. They did indeed sound like they were laughing at a grandson, or in this case, a grandfather, but they were most likely just in eyesight of their mother or father in hopes of food. The sight begged the question, "What do you call baby hawks?".

A hatchling, chick or nestling would be acceptable but not specific to a hawk and these babies were a little past a hatchling phase so the most accepted term for the young would be eyass (pronounced "EYE-ess").

And there you have it, Rockwood Lodge has been home to three eyass this summer and if their camouflage prevents you from viewing them, just walk quietly around until you make them laugh at you.

A Fun Filled Week at Rockwood Lodge

The weather was so cooperative last week that Mom and I never sat down to blog together. But we did have time to talk and share in many experiences.

First and most importantly, Mindy, Josh, Jordan and I had a safe trip and were fortunate to be able to bring Lin's Mom along with us for the visit. Highlights of the week included a campout, swimming, Jordan's first Northern Pike, a family canoe trip, a few moose sightings and a trip to Grand Marais.

Mike and Lin are doing well. Its the busiest time of the season, yet we still managed to find time to be family. I was super pleased with how well Mom is recovering. She is able to read and is now writing words again which is a huge improvement. She has conversations with guests at the Lodge and is in very good spirits. Some times the words just do not come, but the meaning usually does. As mom said herself, "My mind is fine, the application is lousy."

Each day of our trip had a completely different adventure to it that we will try and chronicle here over the next few posts. As we have returned to the 100 degree heat of the Heartland we miss greatly the spectacular views of the BWCA, Lake Superior, and perhaps most of all the fact that a Moose crossed our path on the Gunflint Trail on our way home.

Mark

Hot!

The temperature hit 100 degrees here in Kansas City today so I thought I’d call up to Rockwood to hear about a typical refreshing 74 degree Northwoods summer day. I quickly find out from both Mom and Dad that the temperature was over 90 there and that sleeping at the house – without air conditioning – is not anything they are looking forward to this evening. We’ll let them have a sympathy vote for one night; but, I don’t think a hot night in the suburb truly compares to one in the boundary waters.

We do however have central air here!

Has been awhile since a post but the news has been good. Mom is heading to Two Harbors for therapy twice a week and is making progress although I think the therapy of friends and visitors on the Gunflint Trail do more good than any therapist to date. There are definitely more words each and every day and our conversations are getting longer. I think she’s doing great and am very anxious for Mindy (my wife) and the boys and I to get up and visit next week for our family vacation. I know Mom is too, and I can tell she is practicing her drills to prepare for a week of grandson activity. What better therapy than her 4^th and 6^th grade grandsons?

I am hopeful to get the chance to make the next post with Mom from Rockwood Lodge as she is far more talented at this than I. At some point, I suspect Mike will change the password on me, particularly if I compare the BWCA to the suburbs again. I am confident though that anyone following this blog knows there is no comparison and that we all know where we would prefer to be in July and August.

Stay cool everyone.

Back Home

Dad snuck Mom out of Duluth last Saturday to spend a refreshing day at Rockwood Lodge. The news spread rapidly along the trail and I am told there were many neighbors stopping in for a visit.

After returning to Miller-Dwan for two days, she was dismissed from in-patient therapy and came home this evening. We are all very relieved and happy. Mom is diagnosed with aphasia and will learn to overcome the challenges it poses with time, patience, and continued therapy. Dad said she was up and already putting life jackets away during her first trip home.

While no follow up surgery date is set yet, she will begin trips twice a week to Two Harbors for continued speech therapy.

Thanks again for all the support. Still praying for a speedy recovery.

Lin Update

We thank each of you so much for your concern, prayers and signs of support this past week. Lin (mom) improves a little each day and is up and moving under her own power. Speech therapy continues to be the primary focus and, as frustrating as it is, we recognize it will take time for her to recover her gift of words!

The plan now is for her to continue at least another week of in-patient rehabilitation at Miller-Dwan. Mom wants to be back home at Rockwood as soon as possible, and Dad would second that, but everyone acknowledges that the best thing for her now is as much therapy as possible. When it is time to get back home, there will be numerous return trips to Duluth for therapy and follow-ups. Those of you closest to Rockwood and are able can be a huge help at that time. Looking a few more weeks down the road, we are all upbeat about the prognosis and recovery associated with a corrective surgery to widen her carotid artery to prevent this from recurring again.

Please continue to keep Mom and Dad in your prayers. It is truly felt and appreciated!

Mark Sherfy

Guest Blogger

Some of you may have heard that Lin experienced a mild stroke last week. After spending the weekend and recovering well at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, she moved to the Miller-Dwan Rehabilitation Center on Monday. Miller-Dwan is a wonderful facility and an excellent place to get her back to Rockwood Lodge as soon as possible. We do not have any idea yet how long this rehabilitation stay will be.

Lin’s biggest challenge will be managing the gradual return of speech. Her memory and ability to understand were not significantly impacted; but, it is frustrating right now to know what you want to say and not have many words. Miller-Dwan will be scheduling her days this week with little time for breaks and have informed us she will be exhausted. For these reasons we ask that phone calls please be reserved only for family.

Mike and Rockwood Lodge are being swarmed with support and it has been appreciated. A huge thanks for all who pitched in the past week to keep Rockwood as wonderful as ever. Rockwood’s neighbors and the Gunflint Trail community have also come up strong. We are truly grateful for the wonderful patience of our patrons last week, and in the weeks to come.

We gladly accept prayers for healing and rest. Lin told me herself that, “This too will pass.” Mike has been getting some rest and we all know Rockwood is such a peaceful place for that. It is my intent to post periodic updates here as things improve. Thank you for your concern, thoughts and help.

Mark (Mike and Lin’s son)

Cards or flowers may be sent this week too:

Linda Sherfy, c/o Miller-Dwan Rehabilitation Center, Room 220 - Bed 2, 502 E. Second Street, Duluth, MN 55805

June

Carl and Mike have been and gone... and we miss them! All sorts of wonderful things got done... and there are, as usual, a few things left for next time - but thanks, guys! Carl took this incredible photo of the canoe outfitting building one morning - perfect, no?

Our first student helper - Nurick - arrived Thursday evening and is working hard. It's a little hard to be the first student arrival at mid-trail - it's lonely, for one thing! - but he'll also be the one who can help out all the new arrivals next week. Our second student arrives on the 13th.

The lilacs are trying to bloom! Some years - especially ones that have been as chilly as this one - they don't bloom till 4th of July - so maybe we simply missed spring and are proceeding directly to summer this year?

Spring has arrived!

The ice is out, the flowers are (starting) to bloom - mostly dandelions, plus those odd purple things that look vaguely familiar, and this morning the white shrub by the house driveway burst into bloom! The rain we got the last couple days has really helped - grass is growing, leaves are popping - and I've been hearing about a few walleyes and northern getting caught.

And our friends Carl and Mike are here helping Mike - thanks, guys!

Endangered Species...

If you ever wondered how some critters make it on to the official Endangered Species List... well, I guess this goes a ways to explain it! There must be well over a thousand trees within fifty yards of this busy bird and surely half of them have more insect life than this treated power relay pole? Our intelligence-challenged friend here has been pecking away at this pole on and off all week.


In the meantime, his mate has been equally busy in a big old birch behind Cabin 4; so far she's got three and a half nesting holes made and she's spent the week pecking away inside the tree. We need a "Pileated Pod" or something to film the life cycle of our family of pileated woodpeckers, don't we?


Our loon has been busy today greeting our guests and escorting them across the bay towards their portages. Nice to have loons calling again!

ICE OUT!

When we came home from our annual "see how many things the resort needs that you can cram into a Chevy Impala" trip today... the ice was gone! We have WAVES! No sunshine, at least not this evening... but the waves are beautiful!

Motion, music and melting

The ice is breaking up! It's moving around the lake in big chunks - one minute the canoe launch is all iced in as it is now, come back in 15 minutes and the ice has moved somewhere else, leaving a little pile of long thin crystals of ice piled on the shore. Another 20 minutes - here it is back again!

One of the neat things about this crystal ice is that as the wind blows against the edge, it makes a sound like ice rattling in a glass - this is one of the "sounds of fall" as the ice forms and an even better "sound of spring" as it disappears!

We've been working hard the past week - the water is on in all the cabins and bunkrooms, the canoes are out in the yard where they belong, cleaning is underway, tree planting is underway, - work season is UNDERWAY! :)

Mike and I drove up to the Iron Lake Campground Sunday - no ice to be seen on Iron Lake! There were, however, more moose tracks in the campground and on up the Old Gunflint Trail than I've seen in a long time - lots and lots and LOTS of moose tracks! There's even one wandering past Rockwood the last day or so!

Beautiful Day

Gorgeous, sunny day today - windy though, so not exactly warm. Mike saw a couple black and white ducks enjoying the open water in front of outfitting this morning, I wasn't so lucky, but isn't it beautiful? I agree, it would be nicer if it were all blue rather than blue and ice, but ...

I've been putting stuff together for cabins, Mike's been working on the water system - we have water in the apartment/laundry room now! Fishing opener is coming fast!

Why you may not see a moose...

The moose are trying something new this year! Camouflage, yet! I've never seen moose this color - sort of a dirty white with lots of light brown - perfect for hiding in the woods this time of year. Can you spot the two moose in this photo?

We drove up the trail for our "Easter Treat" - and spotted these moose between Seagull and Sag enjoying lunch. There's quite a bit of open water at the Seagull landing - lots of ducks too. Sag landing didn't have as much open, no ducks, but far more than Poplar does. Of course we're at a much higher elevation, so we stay frozen longer.

The Cross River is also open, flowing great - all in all, there's a lot more open ground up the trail than there is here and between here and Grand Marais, but the forecast is for warmer temperatures and maybe some rain, which should open us up fairly quickly. I can tell the lake ice has changed... there are a few rotten spots, so it's at least "thinking" about melting.

A milestone!

Mike managed to get the truck down to outfitting and the water room today. Not that the snow is gone, by any means, and not that it isn't a rather exciting ride (especially through the deep snow by the canoe yard!) but we got there. And more to the point, the big shipping boxes that have been overflowing the house - new tents, new sleeping bags, tarps, packs, towel sets - are out of the house and - put away in outfitting and the water room. Wow!

As Mike says, "Gee, I can see the back door now!"

With any luck the ruts we cut in two round trips will help the snow melt faster and we'll be able to get some work done down there next week?

Just for fun, here's our Snowshoe Easter Bunny sitting in a bare patch (before last weekend's 7-9 inches of new snow) - he's starting to change color for summer - Joyous Easter to all of you!

Poplar Lake ice at Rockwood

It was a little cooler (ok, a lot cooler) this morning so we don't have the two feet of open water at the canoe launch today... but you can see how thick the ice is two feet from shore! At least the beach launch area is free of snow - finally!

Mike and I have been doing a lot of walking, getting in shape for the season, and watching for signs of spring. The snowshoe hares are getting speckles of brown in their white coats, the crazy frittilary butterflies are fluttering around (how do they keep from freezing at night?), a few lonely pussy willows are starting to bloom, the martins are very active, and last night I saw something I'm not sure what it was ... just saw the hindquarters of an animal walking into the woods, about the size of a fox but grey-light brown black speckled fur and no tail that I noticed. Do you suppose we have a bobcat around?

It worked!

We got a heavy rain last night and Mike's hard work shoveling that drainage ditch paid off!

Dreaming of Spring

Spring will arrive sooner or later, right? In the meantime, we've still got our share of snow, and it has really piled up behind the apartment-water building. So Mike's been clearing a drainage channel the last few days - it's quite a job since the snow drifts over his head and the building is only about 45 feet long! You can see behind him how it was piled up against the building. Yesterday we got about seven inches of new snow, since it's April, the snow is much heavier and wetter! One of our neighbors promptly got his snowmobile out and took off for an all day ride. We're actually seeing temperatures in the mid thirties though, so spring will get here eventually. It should be gorgeous when it arrives - we're melting slowly enough that when we start to green up - we should stay green. It's going to be a wonderful summer!

Rockwood gardening 2

Just over a month ago Mike brought my dead-looking geraniums upstairs and I've been feeding and watering and generally "nursing" them all month... here are the same ones I put on the blog early in the month (Thinking Spring/Feb. 28) - aren't they looking great? I keep hearing from my friends in the "banana belt" about dafodills etc. popping up and blooming - and I have to agree, seeing something green and growing is good for what ails us after a long winter!

The woodpeckers have been busy this past week, which is another sign of spring - I'm seeing quite a bit of "new home construction" in a couple of aspen trees near the house!

We're starting to get a lot of calls about canoe trips and cabins :) ... so it's probably time to do some serious vacation planning if you have a specific date in mind!

Gardening challenge

Gardening - flowers or veggies - is a bit of a challenge around here in the Big Woods! Earlier today I "prepped" the planters that go in the apartment building window boxes... pulled out all the dead plants, stirred up the soil, and put it outside to weather a bit before I plant new seeds.

The immediate result? Instant red squirrel digging happily away looking for last year's seed pods - and a deeply interested cat on the other side of the window, ready to spring over my indoor flower pots in pursuit of the squirrel and accidentally break off as many of the new geraniums sprouting in those planters as get in the way!

And, of course, any of my perennials that are stupid enough to pop up (won't happen for another month or so - we've still got a LOT of snow on the ground) will get eaten by fresh greens-starved snowshoe hares and the occasional moose. I guess this will be another year I rely on friends from less animal-populated areas for my peppers and tomatoes!

Winter baskets

I've had some friends ask how my winter art project is coming along, so thought I'd share this photo of this year's pine needle baskets (so far). It was a good year for needles - nice and long... the weather really makes a difference. Two years ago we had a lot of rain over the summer and the needles were the longest I've ever seen, last year wasn't as wet, but wetter than the dry year three years ago! I was able to find more small pine cones this year - I'm not sure why! Each basket takes from 10 to 30 hours to make, so it does keep my hands occupied and my mind wandering most of the winter! The needles and cones, of course, all come from around here, so they make great reminders of the BWCA and Rockwood!

March

Pretty quiet around here these days, though there have been a few more snowmobiles around the last week or so. I hear there are a few crappies getting caught across from the resort as well as a few walleye! Mike's antique sled doesn't like the deep snow, so he hasn't been out.

Lots of snow... an inch or so at a time, it's snowing lightly right now. The forecast calls for more as the week progresses - must be March? Our little red squirrels have tunnels all over the yard, here's one popping up to check for whatever's around - he apparently has carried sunflower seeds from beneath the feeder down to his entry hole. All of a sudden we have squirrels all over, sometimes they meet in the tunnels and you hear squirrel battles, followed by a very angry squirrel popping up at both ends! The birds are flocking, and Mike says he saw a Canada Jay carrying nesting materials yesterday. Spring is coming... just very slowly!

Thinking spring

Seeing as it's almost March, Mike had a busy morning hauling pots up from the basement - and I had a busy rest of the day trimming, cutting back, and watering last year's geraniums! They don't look like much right now, but with a little love and attention, a little fertilizer and a lot of sunshine - we'll have plenty of flowers again this year. I brought the begonias up last week and they've already started a few little sprouts too.

March is the month we think spring and shovel snow around here! I'm glad we have the big south facing living room - it makes a great greenhouse. And having a bit of green - well, not that I don't like snow, I just like seeing green this time of year!

Interesting information

The statistics for the 2011 permit lottery have come from the Forest Service and they're interesting! There were 9,189 applications for permits this year - that's for the whole BWCA, not just the Gunflint side - 132 more than last year. A lot of them - almost half - were for day use motor permits, and about half of them didn't get their permits. There were 3099 overnight paddle permits awarded and only 28 didn't get permits.

We also got a list from the Forest Service showing where and when permits were used in 2010 on the Gunflint Trail entry points. August is definitely the busiest month. In May there were 456 permits, June 901, July 1142, August 1619, and September 326. One of our most popular entry points, Lizz Lake, breaks down with 21 permits in May, 87 June, 102 July, 114 in August and 43 September. If you want to avoid the crowds - I guess September is the perfect time!

We enjoyed the thaw this week but did not enjoy the brisk winds that ended it. The National Weather Service has a new symbol for days like Thursday and Friday - a whole row of wind turbines with the word "Blustery" under them. That about covers it - there was a LOT of wind and a little snow just to polish the ice. We still have a couple feet of snow on the ground - wet snow during the thaw, crusty hard snow now. Plenty of winter left ahead, I guess!

Winter Geology

We've been watching the snow compact itself this week... the piles are getting shorter and shorter. They can't be melting - we haven't been more than a degree or two above zero all month - but the snow is definitely getting denser. This afternoon I noticed that you can more or less see the lines on the edge of the path to the house from every time Mike's had the snowblower out!

The shoveling lines remind me of the road cuts along Highway 61 on the way to Duluth - everyone has noticed them - but our summer guests may be interested to see the ice waterfalls. We think they're kind of neat.

It sure seems odd to watch the national weather service web site and know that most of the rest of the country is having our kind of winter this year. I can't say we've got cabin fever - quite - but we're grateful for neighbors and town and the public library!

Deer Crossing #2

I went down to Duluth with my neighbor yesterday on a special errand - my job on these trips is "designated deer spotter" and, just for fun, I was looking for more of our "deer jumping OUT of the road" signs. This one is just over the line into Lake County. Anyway, a little ways past the sign, I spotted brown legs jumping over the snow pile at the edge of the road a ways ahead and called "deer, on the left, brakes!" as designated deer spotters are supposed to... My friend braked with plenty of room - and as the big brown animal crossed the road I said "gee, that deer's moving funny?"

My friend half turned to me and said, "Lin, that's a wolf." It was, too, a big brown wolf trotting off down off the side of the road like he owned it.

We're all thinking that maybe my special errand was a little important - aren't you glad I have new glasses? We are!

Snow removal

Mike's been busy this week. We figure we've gotten around 60 inches of snow this winter (so far) and none of it has melted. Since the packed snow weighs about 30 pounds a square foot... and since he did break down and get me my new(er) car this fall... he spent a day this week clearing several tons of snow off the carport roof. At least it was good exercise?

I've been working on our outfitting food order for the summer, which has to be sent in early next month. Mike's new packs and map cases are here, tents and sleeping bags are on order. Despite the weather forecast for today (blizzard warning for the Arrowhead) we're thinking and planning and getting ready for spring!

BIG Visitors!

Mike took the snowmobile down to the lodge this noon - he's trying to pack a path so we can get through the thigh-deep snow and maybe shovel some of it off the lodge roof. Along the way he noticed that someone - maybe two someones - had been hiking the length of Rockwood Road - who on earth would hike through such deep snow when they could walk on the reasonably well-plowed Gunflint Trail?

So... he came back to the house, got me and the camera, and we decided to drive down the Gunflint Trail to the Grand Marais end of Rockwood Road to see where our hikers came from. (I'm waiting for a packed trail before I start hiking through the resort!)

Once we got to the first Rockwood sign - it was pretty obvious! A pair of moose walked along the Trail, decided that our road looked like a better bet (?) and slid and strode their way down the steep ditch behind Cabin 7 and then walked down the road, past the cabins, past the lodge, past outfitting, all the way up to our house! They stepped over the fence between our land and Austin's next door like it wasn't even there and continued down Austin's Landing.

Apparently they were very active last night (as well as very quiet) - we saw tracks on the other side of the Trail wandering around the neighbor's yards as well.

It's fun to know the moose are around - we've seen a few along the Trail - but this is the first pair we've literally had in our back yard in a while. It's snowing pretty hard right now - and blowing - so the tracks won't last long.

BWCA permits and flying squirrels

Clipper (or just possibly Claus) is back! Apparently she/he was pretty hungry last night as she didn't mind posing for photos - of course, it's a little difficult to get a good photo when with flash when it's really dark outside - and snowing (as usual). He really cleared out the seeds in the feeder though, it was totally empty this morning. I haven't seen tracks on the roof since around Christmas, I think she's going from tree to tree now to get to the feeder.

The BWCA lottery permits were awarded this week - we had a first - one of our guests failed to get a permit! They were looking for August 1st, and apparently so were a lot of other people. That first week of August is historically the busiest time in the BWCA, if you can schedule your trip another time you'll have less crowding.

The regular permit system opened this morning and I've already gotten a permit for a group planning a trip for July 14. The more popular entry points (Lizz, Cross Bay, East Bearskin) go first, so it's time to start planning your summer canoeing. We're here - and we'd love to help you! It's a great distraction from all the snow everyone is getting, Mike is out right now for his every-other-day clear the driveway with the snowblower routine!

Rudolph the Deer Sign

On our last trip to Duluth we noticed this delightful deer crossing sign (on Highway 61 near Cascade Lodge) so I brought the camera along today to share it with you!

Notice something else odd about it?

Yup, most of the deer crossing signs in Cook County (not all of them) are ... a little different from the ones in Lake County... well, in almost any other county between here and southern Missouri, at least by our informal survey when we went south this fall.

In Cook County, Minnesota, the deer jump OUT of the road instead of INTO the road!

Check it out yourselves!