This winter has certainly been challenging for many of us, especially those who have been experiencing frozen septic systems and waterlines. Record-setting cold temperatures paired with big winds are enough to test even the toughest Minnesotans.
I have slowly learned that complaining about cold weather is just part of friendly conversation around here. We like to make it sound as if we are enduring the dreadful temperatures outside but really I don’t believe that people would actually reside in a state known for its extreme winters if they hated it. If you live in Minnesota you will be cold. If you live in Florida you will be hot, etc…
It is polite to find common ground in passing conversations, even if it is negative. Politics are too controversial, finances are too personal, but weather is always safe. I am equally guilty of following suit with easy conversation so I have decided to try and put a positive spin on the overplayed topic of this brutally long winter.
Breaking records is always exciting and this winter we are on schedule to break a couple of big ones. This week will mark the longest stretch of consecutive days with negative temperatures for the state of Minnesota.
In fact, Lake Superior is currently 91 percent covered with ice and is expected to break the 1973 winter that covered up 94.7 percent of the big lake. So we have that to look forward to.
I had a hard time believing the lake was ice covered when I saw it from the top of Pincushion Mountain yesterday. All I could see was open water and waves making it hard to believe that it could be 91 percent covered in ice.
The North Shore is one of the last places to freeze since the predominant winds are usually pushing the ice away from us, and the deep cold water along our shorelines takes longer to freeze. My point is this: If you are going to have a miserably long winter it might as well be a record-breaker so that everyone can have some fun material to discuss. Sitting on the couch watching the Winter Olympics on television has taught me that breaking records is pretty cool, and that it is possible to enjoy life no matter how cold it gets. I would prefer spending time with my family outside but that is not always possible so we have learned how to have fun indoors as well.
Sophia, our 3-year-old daughter, has decided that she wants to be a figure skater and a downhill skier. I have been trying to keep her in the dark about hockey, mostly because I fear the long drives to practice and games, but that is not very realistic. I do plan however to keep her in the dark about boys until she is 18 or 20. Maybe even 21—I have some time to decide that later.
Cory Christianson has worked as a fishing guide on the Gunflint Trail since 2000. If you have any fishing or wildlife reports or stories to share, send an email to: christiansoncory@hotmail.com or call 218- 388-0315. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
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