I have had the pleasure of regularly visiting and enjoying the Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail area for nearly 30 years. On January 20 while skiing on the beautiful trails between Bearskin Lodge, where my friends and I have often stayed, and Golden Eagle Lodge, I had an unfortunate fall resulting in a serious hip injury.
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to Dan Baumann from Golden Eagle Lodge who coordinated the effort to get me off the trail, as well as to all of the First Responders and EMTs, the hospital staff in Grand Marais, and the ambulance personnel from the Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais. From the scene on the trail to ultimately arriving at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, I could not have received better care.
If I could name each and every one of you, I would. I will never forget your faces, however. I am forever grateful to each of you for your kind, calm and professional assistance that day.
I am healing well and look forward to returning to my favorite place.
Val Merz
Fergus Falls
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