A winter without snow would be devastating for many of us Cook County residents who depend on a white winter for our businesses to be successful. The season began with a few good storms and cold enough temperatures to make ice but has since lost its momentum with a clear forecast and daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-30s, which is just warm enough to start some melting.
The winter solstice is not until December 21, so it is a little early to start crying about the recent lack of snowfall, but many of us in the hospitality and snow removal business are shedding a few tears while twiddling our thumbs wondering what to do with ourselves.
It will take a couple of big snowfalls in the tune of 6-8 inches to get the snowmobile trails ready for grooming, although there have been a few ambitious riders hitting the trails already.
Meanwhile, Rachelle and I spent a couple of hours clearing a small area for the kids to ice skate and the lake ice below the snow is very flat and smooth – perfect for skating. A little wind could ruin our efforts, but until that happens there is a nice spot for the kids to enjoy after school.
We will keep the mini-rink open as long as Mother Nature allows, and we invite anyone to come enjoy it with their kids.
The public skating rink, near the outdoor hockey rink in Grand Marais, has been flooded twice already and will be open soon for public skating as well. The bigger hockey rink is still under construction but will eventually be open to the public once the repairs have been finished. There is a nice warming hut and plenty of skates to rent for $1 if you need them.
So far, the kids have spent more time on their rear ends than upright skating, but they are resilient and are improving each night they skate. Practice makes perfect.
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. You can also visit Cory’s website at Gunflintfishingguide.com.
Leave a Reply