Rain is always a welcome sight on the Gunflint Trail, but it came down so hard this week that it damaged some driveways. We need a slow soaker without any lightning. The storms this week were packing some voltage but so far there have not been any reports of spot fires happening in our area. The fire danger has been hovering around “moderate” but it can change in a New York second with a little wind.
I did a walleye shore lunch on Northern Light Lake last week with a traditional campfire, but if everything keeps drying out I will not be doing any more campfires for a while. It took about six buckets of water to start cooling off the rocks that made up the fire ring. The chunks of granite get so hot that they evaporate the water immediately and sometimes even crack the rocks in half. It is easy to see how a campfire can dry out and re-ignite after being drowned with water. It makes me wonder how many people have burned down an island campsite without ever knowing they did it.
This summer is passing by faster than I would like but it is hard to complain since the fish have been cooperating and we survived another 4th of July without any fires or catastrophic wind storms.
Even my garden is growing fast. Things are looking pretty good this summer on the Gunflint Trail. Only three more months before the snow starts flying, so enjoy it while you can.
Wednesday, July 17 is the annual Gunflint Canoe Races hosted by Gunflint Lodge. The canoe races raise a lot of money each year for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department and it is a great event for the entire family. There are many different ways to show your support at this event with the gift auction and raffle prizes, as well as food and T-shirts for sale. The goal is to raise $20,000 this year and that cannot happen without people opening up their wallets.
The expansion project for Hall 3 on Seagull Lake is currently under way and every penny helps to pay the bills. There will be another community center built by Hall 3 that is comparable to the Schaap Community Center located next to Hall 1 in the mid-Trail area. Both community centers will be equipped to act as communications buildings during any major incidents. They should prove to be an asset for the community and a great place to hold events.
See you at the races!
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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