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... READ MORE >
Devil Track Lake was starting to freeze when we left town for Thanksgiving vacation, but it had not covered the entire lake and was getting broken apart by the high winds each day. A few weeks later the lake has grown 8 to 10 inches of ice and getting thicker every day. Ice anglers have been fishing the usual early... READ MORE >
While watching the sunset over Devil Track Lake, I wonder how long before someone leaves the first footprints or snowmobile tracks across the untouched snow-covered surface. I am not the daring type that wants to brag about being the first, and the lake has a very pristine feel to it before being matted down by man and machine that I... READ MORE >
Snow has been falling as fast as the temperature, and this morning we were surprised to see the lake covered in white as far as we could see. Four wheelers and snowmobiles have been leaving tracks in the freshly powdered ditches, and my diesel pickup truck no longer likes to start, winter is upon us. It is always neat to... READ MORE >
So far, my hunting experience has involved Bo and I sitting in a blind for an hour at a time before he completely wakes up to the realization that he is trapped in a tent staring at the trees while being hushed every time he makes a noise – not exactly a 5-year-old boy’s idea of a fun Saturday morning.... READ MORE >
Fishing rods are being traded for rifles this week as “Buck Fever” spreads across the county. The woods will be filled with blaze orange as the 2018 firearm deer season opens this coming Saturday, November 3 in Minnesota. The forecast remains calm throughout the week with lows in the 30s, highs in the 40s and a slight chance of misty... READ MORE >
Nice days are now a matter of opinion, and I am happy with any day the sun decides to show itself— even if only for an hour. Morning frosts have taken a toll on the vegetation, exposing the wilderness and reminding us of how close we are to the winter season. Devil Track Lake is down to 38 degrees, pert... READ MORE >
Winter is near. The leaves are gone, the swamps are freezing, and the snowbirds are already sipping on poolside piña coladas somewhere in Florida or Arizona while working on their tans. This could be the coldest fall I can remember, and the few remaining summer residents are dealing with frozen water lines, cracked pumps, and a stinging reminder that Mother... READ MORE >
The leaves are mostly still on trees this week which is a huge surprise considering the gale-force winds and early snowfall. It has been a nasty October so far, and the forecast is not expected to change any time soon. High winds tore through Grand Marais this week causing havoc for many residents, including myself. Trampolines were overturned, fallen trees... READ MORE >
The fall colors are popping but the weather has been less than enjoyable with cold, wet, and windy conditions and little reprieve in the forecast. If a cold fall is any indication of an early winter, then we should be getting ready for snow soon. The Gunflint Trail woke to a white surprise Saturday morning with an overnight dusting of... READ MORE >
