Anyone of the opinion that the seasons are too short in Cook County has never owned a restaurant here. Summer has been escaping with every changing leaf as we enter the final few weeks of busyness, and I cannot remember a season lasting this long when I was just a fishing guide – I guess time does fly when you are having fun.
Tourist towns share many similar complaints. Whether in Key West, Florida or Grand Marais, Minnesota, locals eventually start to complain about tourists invading their town once it becomes harder to find parking spots, or waiting lists become standard protocol at their favorite restaurant. I get it, but I also understand that many local businesses, like mine, need tourism to survive the quickly approaching slower times that we have all grown to adore. I remind myself not to bite the hand that feeds me, and be honored that so many visitors choose to come here when there are so many other places they could vacation.
We live in a special place and it deserves to be shared by everyone who appreciates it as much as we do. If there is one thing I have taken from twenty-plus years of guiding richer people than myself, it is that many of them are genuinely jealous of how and where we live. They are not jealous of my rusty 2004 Chevy truck with red duct tape holding the bumper together, nor my modest income, but they do wish they could escape their hectic lives and connect with nature like many of us do.
A time will come again when we can reclaim downtown parking spots, and a table will once again be waiting for us at Trail Center. Until then be prepared to share this cool town with some tourists.
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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