Seeing dry pavement on the Gunflint Trail is such a treat that I think it should be an annual event worthy of live music and fireworks. I am sure that many of the early returning snowbirds are excited to taste a little winter, but I cannot help getting anxious about the warmer days ahead, and the sight of open water.... READ MORE >
Thunder and lightning are not common conditions for the middle of March in the northland, but we are forecasted to see both rain and snow from the ensuing storm in the next couple of days. Snow accumulation is predicted to reach anywhere from 9-18 inches for the Gunflint Trail, which is certain to cover the woods in a blanket of... READ MORE >
Unseasonably warm weather, mixed with rain and high winds this week, will be detrimental to many winter activities as the snow begins to disappear. Roads and driveways are going to be a sloppy mess as the snow base dissolves, and lakes will become even slushier than before. The spring melt-down is a volatile event that can be a nightmare if... READ MORE >
As the sun dips below the trees casting a frigid shadow over our fishing spot, I decided it was time to muster enough strength to break down the camp and begin our journey home. The worst part of ice fishing on cold and windy days is setting up and tearing down the massive amount of equipment required to comfortably fish.... READ MORE >
The recent sunshine was such a relief, that it is hard to complain about the messy roads—but I will anyway. The nice smooth bed of snow that took most of the winter to create has been reduced to a slushy mess that is not easy to drive through and even harder to plow. Sag Lake Trail, which is notoriously hazardous,... READ MORE >
Winter fishing on the trail has not been very popular this year, and I understand why. Wet lakes are tough to navigate by foot or machine, and the fish have not been very active. When the going gets tough, I typically resort to smaller lakes and keep the fishing trips as simple as possible, by electing to hike instead of... READ MORE >
This week marks winter’s descent, despite it feeling like the season has finally begun. We have plenty of snow to accommodate skiers, hikers, and snowmobiles in Cook County, and the trails are looking great. It took a lot of labor and a little help from Mother Nature’s last warm-up to right the drooping trees and improve conditions for the last... READ MORE >
The Superior National Forest is home to many animals. Some are shy like the wolves, while others are playful like the chipmunks. Most visitors would love to see a moose, wolf, or bear in their natural habitat while vacationing, but a lynx is a much more coveted sighting for me. While enroute to pick up my customers at Gunflint Lodge... READ MORE >
The heavy snow weighing down tree limbs has been a nuisance for many people visiting the Gunflint Trail this season. The network of already tight trails throughout the wilderness are nearly impassable in many areas, affecting everyone from anglers to skiers who use these trails during the winter months. I have cleared a few portages leading to my favorite winter... READ MORE >
I have been writing about the heavy snow weighing down tree branches throughout the county over the past few weeks and its effect on many of our roads and driveways. This being said, it should not have been such a surprise to me that the Border Route Trail off of the Clearwater Road was nearly impassible due to the web... READ MORE >
