Opening night for our new lodge and restaurant was unbelievably busy, but we managed to fight our way through the chaos. Each day has become a little more organized, and we are feeling confident that our staff is ready for another busy weekend ahead. Thanks to everyone who visited, and especially for being patient while we tried to feed the entire dining room at once.
This week has transformed into winter with 6 to 8 inches of snow, depending on your location, and the subzero temperatures that are forecasted will certainly help us hang on to every inch.
The first snow plowing of the season is always messy since the ground is soft and volatile to the plow scraping away the top layer of gravel. Wet and heavy snow is also difficult to push since it does not fly off of the plow like it does when it is dry and light, but most of the roads and driveways are setting up nicely for the winter ahead.
Wet and sticky snow is fun for making snowmen, or even snowballs to throw at each other, but it is not very fun to shovel or plow. Once it is removed the ground below is usually slick since the moisture creates a glare ice type of condition, and it is hard to get any traction after removing the snow, which makes travel difficult for even the big trucks. Four-wheel drive is important for accelerating through these conditions, but it does not help you stop any faster.
I drove up the Gunflint Trail to plow my accounts after this week’s snowstorm and was surprised to only find a couple of inches, compared to the 6 inches that fell in the Devil Track area. I was told that the Devil Track area is a snow belt and I am already seeing evidence of that being true. It is going to be difficult judging the difference in snow accumulation from Devil Track Lake to the Gunflint Trail area, but I am sure my accounts will let me know if anything is neglected on my part.
The smaller lakes along the Trail have all locked up with ice except for the eastern half of Birch Lake. I also heard a report of 4 to 6 inches of ice on parts of Poplar Lake from some friends who spent the weekend ice skating with their children. They could still see open water near the big lake, but the area in front of their cabin was safe enough to play on.
Stay safe, and let it snow.
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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