Northern Wilds January 2022

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North Shore Health Care Foundation is proud to support the following programs through grants in our last round of 2021 funding, awarded in December: Great Expectations School - $900 - Anti Bias Education (ABE) Training for all teachers and paraprofessionals North Shore Home School Group/Cook County Higher Ed $2,500 Activities & Outings Program For Home School Students Northern Lights Health Care PLLC/MN Children's Press - $4,360 Baby's Birth Journey Activity & Coloring Book In 2021, NSHCF awarded $49, 887 in grants to local organizations helping us working toward a healthy community for all.

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Help us do more by donating or becoming a Friend of the Foundation at: NorthShoreHealthCareFoundation.org 218-387-9076 or NSHCF@boreal.org

Making the Most of Winter While some outdoor activities got a slow start last month, January and February are usually when winter activities are the most fun. Snowy trails are being groomed and the lengthening days allow for more time to be outside. So, break out the snowshoes, skis, ice skates, snowmobiles, ice augers and crampons. It’s time to enjoy winter.

Do you have a question for one of our writers? Or an interesting photo, recipe, or story you’d like to share with Northern Wilds? Please send it to storyideas@northernwilds.com.

This issue is devoted to winter sports and we have quite the roundup of stories. Rae Poyner starts the issue off with a story on cross-country skiing, which includes where to go, where to find ski passes, and where you can even bring your dog. Chris Pascone talks about why you should give winter camping a try and how to prepare for the cold.

He also has a feature story on sight fishing, something to add to my bucket list. Strange Tales columnist Elle Andra-Warner introduces us to some wacky winter sports, including shovel racing, snow kayaking, skibobbing, underwater hockey, snow scooting, and even skijoring with a horse, snowmobile or motorcycle. Gord Ellis talks about his (mis) adventures on a snowmobile. Dog Blog columnist Erin Altemus teams up with her mushing neighbors to clean and groom the trails. Last but not least, Joe Shead breaks down what to expect for this month’s winter trout opener, held Jan. 1 to March 31 for lakes inside the Boundary Waters, and from Jan. 15 to March 31 for lakes outside of

or partially outside the Boundary Waters. Be sure to get your trout stamp.

As always, there’s never a shortage of events. For starters, there’s two sled dog races, the Gunflint Mail Run on Jan. 8 and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, held Jan. 30 to Feb. 2. Cycling fanatics can join the Norpine Fat Bike Classic, held Jan. 15-29. And the entire family will have fun at the Lake Superior Ice Festival Jan. 28-29 in Superior, Wisc. Be sure to check out our events section and calendar for many more.

After spending all that time outdoors, you’ll definitely want to go inside, get a bite to eat and warm up. North Shore Dish columnist Kitty Mayo provides a selection of refueling establishments that are a favorite with winter sport lovers. And Krissie Mason provided us with a hearty recipe for some Nordic wild salmon soup.

While you’re thawing out from the cold, I encourage you to snuggle up somewhere warm and comfy to enjoy this issue of Northern Wilds—what a perfect way to begin 2022. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year! —Breana Johnson

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On the Ice, Looking In

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CONTRIBUTORS Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Gord Ellis, Casey Fitchett, Krissie Mason, Kitty Mayo, Deane Morrison, Hartley Newell-Acero, Christine Novotny, Chris Pascone, Rae Poynter, Joe Shead, Eric Weicht, Sam Zimmerman

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Funds collected from ski passes go toward maintenance of trails, and skiers can choose between passes that are good for one day, one year, or three years. | GOLDEN EAGLE LODGE

A guide to winter ski adventures GRAND MARAIS— When the first snows of the season arrive to the North Shore, ski enthusiasts eagerly wait for the snow to be deep enough for one of winter’s favorite activities: cross-country skiing. For those looking to try (or get back into) skiing this winter, here’s where to go, where to find ski passes, and where you can even bring your dog.

Cook County is home to many cross-country ski trails of varying length and terrain.

Between Tofte and Lutsen, the Sugarbush Trails include over 60 kilometers of groomed ski trails, ranging from short loops suitable for beginners to more advanced and longer trails. Near Grand Marais, the Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails have over 25 kilometers of ski trails, some of them lighted for night skiing. The Gunflint Trail also boasts several fantastic ski trails, including the George Washington Pines loop, the Central Gunflint Trail System, the Upper Gunflint Ski Trails, and the Banadad Trail.

Before heading out to enjoy the snow, skiers should purchase a ski pass depending on which trail system they plan to ski. Most groomed cross-country ski trails in Minnesota require a signed ski pass for skiers 16 years of age and older. The Great Minnesota Ski Pass is the most common ski pass, and is good for cross-country skiing in Minnesota’s state parks and state forests. Funds collected from ski passes go toward maintenance of trails, and skiers can choose between passes that are good for one day, one year, or three years.

In addition to ski trails in the North Shore’s state parks, the Great Minnesota Ski Pass is required for skiing on popular trails such as the Sugarbush Ski Trails, Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails, and the Banadad Trail.

(Since parts of the Banadad Trail enter the Boundary Waters, a BWCAW entry permit is also required for skiers entering the wilderness area.)

Most groomed cross-country ski trails in Minnesota require a signed ski pass for skiers 16 years of age and older. | GOLDEN EAGLE LODGE Cook County is home to many crosscountry ski trails of varying length. | GOLDEN EAGLE LODGE The Great Minnesota Ski Pass can be purchased in person at most Minnesota State Parks, as well as anywhere that sells DNR licenses. Passes can be purchased in Tofte at the Tofte Holiday station and Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, and in Lutsen at Clearview General Store. Locations in Grand Marais that sell passes include Buck’s Hardware, Mike’s Holiday, and the Marathon station store.

Printable ski passes can also be purchased online through the Minnesota DNR website.

For skiers planning to ski on the Upper Gunflint Nordic Ski Trails, a local pass is required, which can be purchased from nearby lodges such as Gunflint Lodge and Gunflint Pines Resort. The Central Gunflint Trails between Bearskin Lodge and Golden Eagle

Lodge require a Central Gunflint pass, available at both of the lodges.

While jumping into cross-country skiing can sometimes feel like an information overload for beginners, Sarah Uptain of Golden Eagle Lodge recommends talking with people who can help. “I would encourage beginner skiers to stop in at any of the lodges on a ski trail system—we can give advice, tell you where to go, and help you get the right pass.”

Those who love cross-country skiing may wish to share their skiing adventures with their favorite four-legged friend. Skijoring, which involves being pulled by a dog while skiing, is a popular option for skiers along the North Shore, with a few ski trails allowing dogs.

Near Tofte, a few of the trails within the Sugarbush trail system allow dogs: the Summit View, Maple Loop, and Upland Loop

trails are each dog-friendly, and range in length from 2.4 to 4.2 kilometers in length.

Closer to Grand Marais, the George Washington Pines trail, a 2.5-mile loop, is both dog-friendly and beginner-friendly.

Farther up the Gunflint Trail, the Banadad Trail that enters the BWCAW is also dog-friendly. A one-way, 27 km trail, this trail is an excellent option for skiers looking for a wilderness adventure. Golden Eagle Lodge also maintains a skijor trail that leaves from the lodge and follows Flour Lake, and is accessible with the purchase of a Central Gunflint Ski Pass.

In addition to skis, skijoring typically requires a dog harness, a harness for the skier, and a cord to connect the two. Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais has skijoring kits for sale, as well as cross-country skis for sale and for rent.—Rae Poynter

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A “cold” tent in red, a “hot” tent in green. Both styles have their advantages. “Hot” camping keeps you toasty, but requires transporting a woodstove and harvesting downed trees. “Cold” camping (no heat source in the tent) is more mobile, but requires “toughing it out” 24 hours a day. | CHRIS PASCONE

Winter camping: Why go?

BOUNDARY WATERS— Last winter, my girls and I skied in to Found Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness just before dusk. It had been a gentle, two-hour trek on a balmy, still day from the Moose Lake entry point. I enjoyed pulling our pulk full of all kinds of winter camping equipment like a woodstove, ice-fishing shelter and calorie-rich food. The girls too were soaking up the sun as they quietly glided over hard-packed lakes.

I was looking forward to showing them the sled dog teams we were bound to see the following day heading north to Basswood Lake.

Spirits were high. Upon arrival at Found, we

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discovered that the lone campsite was already taken by other intrepid campers. No matter—in winter you can pitch your tent directly on the frozen lake. Then, just as we started pulling the tent out of its bag, the magic began above: a full-on northern lights eruption exploded in the sky and lasted for the next four hours. We erected our tent under dancing pillars of yellow, purple, green and pink. Winter camping can be that good.

You can’t count on northern lights the first time you try winter camping, but the long, dark nights increase your odds. And there are other facets that make winter camping

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worth the trek, even if the sky doesn’t transport you to heaven.

First off, pulling your gear in a pulk—a sled attached to your waistbelt or harness by ropes or poles—is surprisingly easy. A long sled allows you to bring more gear, which can be essential for keeping warm in winter.

You can pull the pulk on foot, snowshoes or skis. You’ll be impressed how deep into the wilderness you can get, but avoid planning routes over steep portages, as that’s when the pulk is likely to tip over (abundant bungee cords can hold everything in place). Pulks can be rented from local outfitters in Tofte or

Enjoying a November morning on Devil Track Lake. You don’t need to push kids deep into the wilderness to enjoy winter camping. Try a Superior National Forest campground or Provincial Park for starters. | CHRIS PASCONE

A portable woodstove helps support team morale, even if you only use it outside the tent. You can cook on it, dry your socks and mittens, and get warm hands any time of the day. Fire is key on dark winter trips. | CHRIS PASCONE

Grand Marais, or from Outdoor Pursuit programs of colleges in Duluth. Skipulk.com is a Minnesota company with great retail options too, as well as DIY instructions.

makes moving your body hard work. And you’ll likely be shivering to some degree all 24 hours of the day (bring two sleeping bags and put one inside the other for a warmer night’s sleep). This constant exertion requires you to increase your intake of calories from carbs, fats and proteins. Indulge in all three to stay warm.

Next, if you like making campfires, winter camping is for you. I have friends who can spend all day at camp tending the fire.

We’ve also been on BWCAW trips where the snow was so deep, we couldn’t find the buried fire pit; always bring a small shovel to dig it out. Good, dead wood is typically easy to find in winter, and there is no forest fire danger. Foraging and processing wood with a small saw or hatchet is rewarding. Embrace your primitive side and make fire one of your survival tools.

Thirdly, if you love to eat, winter camping encourages gluttony. There is practically no limit to how many calories you can enjoy when camping in the winter. A friend of mine always brings frozen ice cream sandwiches in his pulk and eats them any time of the day. Every step you take will require breaking through snow. Your heavy clothing

Crossing a BWCAW portage with a DIY pulk made out of an ice-fishing sled. | CHRIS PASCONE

My favorite part of all is the problem-solving that living on snow and ice entails. Yes, winter camping is challenging because the cold and darkness reign supreme. You have to adapt to these conditions by letting the snow and ice help—not harm—you. Many modern technologies don’t work well in the cold, but going back to low-tech methods can bring a great sense of satisfaction. Use an auger to access water straight out of the lake (boil it and make hot drinks frequently). Build a quinzhee shelter—shovel a pile of snow large enough for several people to fit inside, then hollow it out after it settles— and let its thick walls make a mockery of any chilling winds. Traverse frozen swamps and wetlands that you could never dream of por-

taging to in summer. There are many opportunities that only winter travel can provide.

Leaving the mosquitoes and the summer crowds behind are two more selling points for camping in the cold.

Sure, winter camping is something most people wouldn’t consider. Keeping your composure and a positive attitude are more difficult in freezing cold. Build your confidence beforehand through practice and preparation. Set up your tent with cold fingers in the backyard. Sleep for a night in the tent close to home, and use two full-length sleeping pads per person. Cook a meal on your camp stove on a very cold day.

A good winter camping trip is about more than just surviving. The intrigue is using your problem-solving skills to rediscover how you can fit into nature in its frozen form. Give it a shot and embrace the challenge. Nature will reward you—you might even spend the night under the Aurora.—Christopher Pascone

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Community mending through restoration GRAND MARAIS— What began as a seedling idea five years ago has now blossomed into a full-fledged and sustainable grassroots initiative in Cook County. Highlighting the need for change in the criminal justice system, restorative justice practices are part of a larger set of values that redefine crime as an act that affects an entire community rather than just the immediate victim(s).

Restorative justice shifts the narrative from crime solely demanding a punishment handed down by a court system to repairing the harm caused through a cooperative process that involves all parties.

To be successful, a restorative justice program requires a different way of thinking about crime, and advanced buy-in from both the community at large and the government.

In Cook County, all of these inputs exist.

As the third program under the purview of the North Shore Health Care Foundation, the Cook County MN Restorative Justice program has an active advisory council that represents a wide swath of the community.

Representation from the school system, law enforcement, local government, the prosecutor’s office, human services, and other locally-focused organizations ensures that the largest decisions benefit from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. For Restorative Justice program coordinator and North Shore Health Care Foundation board member Inger Andress, this also addresses the resilience and strong foundation of the program.

“The key to the success of any program is the sustainability of it,” she says. “With collaboration from different organizations working together to keep the program sustainable, we can conquer the larger issues we may face.”

This is not Andress’ first project that is dedicated to nurturing healing on the North Shore of Minnesota. She also founded Choices and Voices, an initiative that coordinates multiple programs to bring about restorative healing to the Cook County community. After attending a presentation by UMD Professor Ted Lewis about restorative justice principles in 2016, her mission came even more clearly into focus. She obtained grant money

in 2017 to bring Lewis to the community to train facilitators and by the fall of 2018 they were ready to start taking on cases.

Although each case involves unique circumstances and no single blueprint for a way forward, there is typically a general pattern. After a case is referred by law enforcement and the county attorney’s office, volunteer advocates meet individually with both the victim and the offender. This initial session is meant to be an open and honest dialogue, allowing the individuals to share their respective stories and feelings in a private session. If participants both decide that they are able to meet face-to-face, they then come together to share their individual perspectives on how they view the situation.

Occasionally there are reparations requested by the victim(s) that the offender is obligated to follow through on.

Through sharing the understanding that “hurt people hurt people,” Andress’ overarching goal is to bring equanimity and respect to the community. The human-to-human connection can take people to a level of healing and repair that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

“This is giving a safe space on learning how to work through conflict and deal with it respectfully and learn how to deal with the other side,” explains Andress. “We are helping victims learn that they are heard as well.”

Andress is also quick to acknowledge that the movement behind the program today is a culmination of the work of many others before her. For instance, many of the restorative practice principles have deep roots through generations of the Indigenous peoples. She notes that one of the major reasons restorative practices exists in its current form is because of the foundation laid by these traditional concepts.

The program continues to expand in its scope and outreach throughout the area.

They have incorporated a “Snack and Chat” program in the upper levels of the ISD166 to allow students a time to come in and openly discuss fun and engaging topics with trained facilitators. In addition to preparing

Coming to a shared understanding of the restorative healing tenants through an open dialogue is crucial for the success of the local program. | SUBMITTED new volunteers at their annual training, they are planning to bring on a quarter-time paid case manager in 2022.

“We want to do well and build trust in the community with each case,” says Andress.

Other restorative justice programs in the

area include those in Carlton County, Pine City, and the Moose Lake Prison. More information about the Cook County MN Restorative Justice program can be found on the North Shore Health Care Foundation website: northshorehealthcarefoundation.org.

—Casey Fitchett

DNR seeks input on license system ST. PAUL—The Minnesota DNR is looking for input on how Minnesotans currently access the electronic license system, and what they want in the future as systems are modernized.

Feedback from current and potential users—including anglers, boaters, hunters and recreational vehicle operators—is critically important. States throughout the nation are updating their license systems to take advantage of new technology and to improve customer experience.

“We hope people take a minute to provide feedback and share their experiences,” said Jenifer Wical, marketing coordinator with the Fish and Wildlife Division outreach section. “The more people we hear from, across all types of recreation and all users, the better we’ll be able to create a system that meets the diverse needs of people who recreate in Minnesota.”

To access the survey, visit the DNR’s engagement page at mndnr.gov/els. The survey is open now through Monday, Jan. 31.

The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

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Hockey’s back in Thunder Bay and area THUNDER BAY— After a year hiatus because of COVID restrictions, hockey is back in Thunder Bay. While ice hockey is one of Minnesota state symbols, it’s officially recognized as Canada’s official national winter sport (along with lacrosse) through the National Sports Canada Act (1994). Thunder Bay is a hockey hub—“Hockey Town”—that has seen more than 90 of its players end up in the prestigious professional National Hockey League (NHL).

There’s plenty of exciting, fast-paced hockey action happening in Thunder Bay, including teams such as Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) or Thunder Bay Minor Hockey League (Junior AAA, peewee, major bantam, minor midget U-16, and major midget U-18).

Home game action takes place at Fort William Gardens for the Lakehead Thunderwolves (OUA) and Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL), and at NorWest Arena for SIJHL’s Kam River Fighting Walleyes (name taken from the Kaministiquia “Kam” River that runs through Thunder Bay).

Lakehead Thunderwolves are Lakehead University’s men’s hockey team, playing in the league since 1968. They are in OUA’s five-team west section which, besides Lakehead, includes Brock Badgers, Ryerson Rams, York Lions and Toronto Varsity Blues.

Seven SIJHL teams play in Thunder Bay, as home and visiting teams, including Thunder Bay’s Kam River Fighting Walleyes (first place in league standing at the time of this writing) and Thunder Bay North Stars. Outof-town teams are Red Lake Miners; Fort Frances Lakers; Dryden GM Ice Dogs; Wisconsin Lumberjacks; and Thief River Norskiers. All have interesting team rosters with excellent players from across Canada, the U.S. and even Scotland and Japan.

Some exciting hockey news for 2022; in a recent news release, the SIJHL in conjunction with Hockey Canada and Canadian Junior Hockey League announced the 2022

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The Thunder Bay North Stars. | DMIGHTON Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canada Junior A Championships will be hosted by the Red Lake Miners and take place from May 10-14, 2022 at Red Lake’s Cochenour Arena. It will feature the playoff champions of the SIJHL, Northern Ontario Junior League (CJHL), and Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Red Lake is 355 miles (571 km) west by car from Thunder Bay. (The Dudley-Hewitt Cup was named in honor of two pioneers in Ontario amateur hockey, George Dudley and W. A. Hewitt, both in the Hockey Hall of Fame.)

SIJHL commissioner Darrin Nicholas stated, “It’s been my experience almost exclusively that the best atmospheres have been in smaller communities. The event really becomes the talk of the town, the focus of everyone’s attention for the duration of the tournament and the locals really go out of their way to ensure all involved are treated to a first-class event that showcased the host town and surrounding area.”

Now that hockey’s back, it probably won’t be long before another NHL player emerges from the Thunder Bay region.

—Elle Andra-Warner

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Points North A Sign of the Times? seen by me. The place where this happened used to be prime moose habitat that is little used by the big beasts these days. While former dogs frequently ran into moose while accompanying me walking, hunting or trout fishing in the North Shore’s back country, Rainy’s encounter was a first in more than 10 years.

By Shawn Perich

My first year of deer hunting was supposed to be 1971, but the DNR closed the hunting season because the population had crashed following a pair of deep-snow winters. During the 1970s, the agency reduced the overall harvest with bucks-only bag limits and experimented with varied season lengths in a concerted effort to rebuild the herd. I don’t recall the year the agency settled on the present 16-day season.

During this period, bears went from unregulated to protected status with an annual hunting season. Wolves were placed on the federal Endangered Species list. A hunting season was begun for the then abundant moose of the northeast.

Our 2021 rifle deer season came to a short and sweet end when my hunting partner Al Lutkevich killed a buck that was too large and too far back in the woods on the third morning. We spent the better part of the day hauling the brute out with much appreciated assistance from a muscle-bound young hunter with more enthusiasm than brains. He used a block and tackle to winch it up the final steep switchbacks to reach the waiting truck. Further hunting opportunities were erased by a series of unwanted and ongoing medical appointments for yours truly.

Since then, I’ve watched a lot of changes occur. When the manipulation of hunter harvests failed to increase deer numbers, wildlife managers bulldozed down stands of then low-valued aspen to create young forest habitat for deer and moose. Newly-minted bear hunters discovered they could attract hungry bruins to bait piles of stale donuts and rancid restaurant grease.

Very limited hunting tags allowing the harvest of one moose were highly prized lottery draws for parties of two to four hunters. The state’s wolves slowly and surely expanded, eventually occupying nearly all of the state’s forest habitat.

Al’s buck-of-a-lifetime (not his first) was remarkable not only for its size, but also because it was the only deer we saw during three days of hunting. In our wandering, we saw hardly any deer tracks or droppings, as well as next to no buck rubs or scrapes.

In recent years, we’ve experienced significantly better deer numbers than many of my long-time deer hunting friends across northeastern Minnesota. But in 2020 we noticed the local deer population appeared to be declining. My nonprofessional guess is that the drop in deer numbers relates to a cutback in deer-feeding by local residents.

While my observation may be at least somewhat relevant in my neck of the woods, it doesn’t explain why there are few whitetails across so much of northeastern Minnesota, which was once considered the best deer country in the state. Nor does it explain the population crash of the northeast’s moose, which led the state to close its moose season in 2013. The Minnesota DNR has admitted black bears haven’t recovered from past hunter overharvest. It must be noted the DNR controls the total number of tags issued for annual bear and moose hunting seasons.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune outdoor columnist Dennis Anderson recently published a pair of stories that looked into the deer decline in the northeast. One column focused on DNR staff perspectives, which ranged from too much timber harvest in some areas to intentionally managing for minimal deer numbers to benefit moose, as well as too few conifer winter deer yards to the ever popular, even among some DNR folks, claim of too many wolves.

Anderson’s second column focused on feedback from readers of the first column.

Here, not surprisingly, the predominate reported opinion was there are too many wolves and that Minnesota doesn’t have an annual wolf hunting and trapping season, 12

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This large deer was taken more than a mile away from the truck in a location unreachable by mechanized means. | SHAWN PERICH even though the state resumed control over wolf management in 2020. Interestingly, another reader opined that in an extensive area north of Duluth, state and county foresters have converted mixed forests into red pine plantations to benefit the timber industry. These pine plantations provide essentially no habitat for deer or other northern wildlife species.

As a lifelong resident of northeastern Minnesota and a deer hunter whose diet has always included a generous amount of venison, I take what are most often no more than bar stool opinions about whitetail, wolf and game species abundance or lack thereof with a shake of salt (DNR viewpoints often included). It’s a big, wild world out there that we think we understand better than we do.

NORTHERN WILDS

For starters, if wolves have become so abundant that they’ve destroyed the deer population, just what are they eating?

Roaming the woods in recent years, I’ve seen less wolf tracks and scat. Most of the scat I saw last summer appeared to be comprised of fur (beaver?) rather than deer or moose hair. While grouse hunting in October my yellow Lab Rainy encountered moose, likely a cow and calf heard but un-

Shawn Perich’s POINTS NORTH online

As for whitetails, their numbers have rose and fell largely based upon the severity or mildness of a series of proceeding winters. Hunter harvests and wolf predation may play a role in deer abundance, particularly on a local scale, but winter remains the trump card. This will likely change as the climate warms, but it is important to consider that snow depth rather than below zero cold seems to be the factor limiting whitetail winter survival.

That said, something seems to be disturbingly different this time around. Deer, moose, bears and wolves all seem to be down in numbers in northeast Minnesota.

While it is hard to put your finger on how or why, as an agency, the DNR seems to lack an urgency in addressing a widespread decline in the northeast’s largest and most loved wildlife species. Maybe it’s a sign of the times. I sure hope that isn’t the case.

Follow outdoor writer Shawn Perich as he reports on conservation issues and explores the North Shore wilderness with his dog Rainy.

Sign up for this web exclusive blog at northernwilds.com

Buy local, buy early and have patience NORTH SHORE—The global supply chain is a wild, wild thing.

January hopefully, because you just never know these days.”

Like Adam Smith’s “invisible hand,” the supply chain is all around us—stocking shelves, connecting businesses, and bringing us the material wealth that we have come to expect in life—and yet it is in so many ways unseen, something that most of us rarely thought about before 2020.

As of the time that this article was written, Lashinski was still waiting on the 12 new sleds to update his rental fleet, sleds that he purchased early last February.

Because of the pandemic, however, this subtle system that we have created for moving goods around the world is out of whack, and few industries are feeling the impact more than the outdoor sports industry.

“I don’t think people fully realize the extent of the challenge dealers face in today’s market,” says Jay Jacobsen, sales manager at Half-Way Motor Sports in Thunder Bay. “It’s kind of the perfect storm,” continues Jacobsen. “We’ve seen demand increase significantly since the start of the pandemic, tenfold, but supply issues and delays in getting stock have just really slowed everything down.”

According to Jacobsen, dealers in the area are only getting about 80 percent of the inventory that they were able to acquire in previous years. So, despite the surge in demand and consumer interest in the outdoors, businesses are having a hard time capitalizing.

A perfect example of the challenges faced by shops like Half-Way Motor Sports is the story of BRP’s (Bombardier Recreational Products) recent launch of the 2022 SeaDoo Switch Pontoon boat.

“The Sea-Doo Switch is their very first pontoon boat,” says Jacobsen, “and it is a big deal for the industry because of the value it offers at a good price.”

“The problem is,” continues Jacobsen, “BRP is already sold out of the Switch for the next two years. It’s one of those things where the demand has definitely surpassed the capabilities of making the product.”

Jacobsen attributes a large part of the increase in demand to first-time buyers; young families getting into the local outdoor recreation-scene for the first time after the pandemic prevented them from spending their vacation money elsewhere.

“We’re getting lots of new clientele,” says Jacobsen, “in addition to the returning clientele that we’d been accustomed to before the pandemic, a group that is now having to share inventory with all of the newcomers.”

A little further south along the shore, Steve Sports and Auto in Grand Marais is experiencing similar challenges due to increased demand and decreased supply within the outdoor sports industry.

“I was only able to get a couple of snowmobiles to sell this winter after Yamaha was forced to cut their production run in half because of a lack of available parts,” says Steve Lashinski who has owned and operated Steve’s Sports and Auto for more than 30 years.

“I have plans to sell off my rental fleet of snowmobiles this winter,” continues Lashinski, “but I figure I had better wait until the new ones are definitely here, sometime in

Despite the lack of new product, Lashinski says that the service and rental portion of his business has been thriving.

Last November—which is usually one of the slowest months of the year for Lashinski—was perhaps the busiest month of 2021 because of all of the service and repair work that came through. Lashinski expects that trend to continue into 2022.

Lead-free tackle works!

And it protects our state bird, the common loon

The situation is no different for non-motorized sports, where supply has struggled to keep up with demand.

Bike shops in Duluth like Continental Ski & Bike and Ski Hut have seen an explosion in demand over the past two years, selling out of product before it even hits the floor.

Yet capitalizing on the industry’s rampant growth has been tough as getting new inventory has been unpredictable at best.

What’s the problem with lead?

So what are these businesses doing to adapt?

According to Russ Francisco, founder and owner of Marine General in Duluth, the key to navigating the supply side issues has been to “order early, keep inventory high, and take a little risk.”

“We placed next season’s ice fishing orders in December, and will likely put in our 2023 clothing order before the end of winter” says Francisco. “We’re doing all that we can to stay ahead of it, and while it doesn’t always turn out perfect, we’re doing a lot better than some of the businesses that are waiting until the summer or fall.”

“As long as you are willing to take a little chance,” continues Francisco, “and make your best guess as to what demand will be in the coming years, you can usually get enough inventory to make ends meet.”

Lead is toxic to wildlife.

Even in small amounts, it is lethal to loons, eagles, and trumpeter swans. It is estimated that lead is responsible for up to 25% of loon deaths.

Loons pick up lost lead tackle while gathering pebbles for their gizzards. Loons are also exposed when eating fish that have ingested lead.

Lead is toxic to people, both when handling lead products and in the manufacturing process.

Non-Toxic alternatives • Tungsten • Glass • Bismuth • Stone • Steel • Metal • Tin composite

For dealerships like Half-Way Motors and Steve Sports, however, adapting has had to take on a different form.

At Half-Way Motor Sports, Jacobsen and his team have adapted by working hard to educate customers on how best to navigate the new market conditions. And, according to Jacobsen, there is hope that things might start balancing out soon, at least in the ATV and side-by-side industry.

“BRP has acknowledged that they’re opening up a second factory to keep up with demand,” says Jacobsen, “and so what’s expected to happen is that delays of the ATV and side-by-side world will be greatly reduced going into 2022—at least that’s the hope.”

Regardless, across the board the advice for consumers is the same—buy early, buy local, and be patient.—Eric Weicht

Teach your tadpoles!

Create a lead-free tackle box for your kids or grandkids.

Don’t throw lead in the trash!

Bring it to you local Household Hazardous Waste dropsite.

For a list of lead-free tackle manufacturers, visit our website!

www.pca.state.mn.us/leadout leadout@state.mn.us

/leadoutMN NORTHERN WILDS

@leadoutMN JANUARY 2022

13

FOR THE LOVE OF THE NORTH

PHOTO CONTEST

2021 WINNERS

We received over 950 entries for our annual photo contest. This year’s first and second place winners were chosen by professional photographers James Smedley, David Johnson and Rick Novitsky. With so many incredible photos to sort through, it took them many rounds of voting to determine the winners. Third place winners were voted on by our readers. A big thank you to everyone who participated in the contest.

The 2022 photo contest will begin later this year.

WILDLIFE MACRO 1st Place: Alison Carr A water droplet refraction image of a cosmos flower with droplets set up on the seed of a goats beard flower.

2nd Place: Karen Ramsdale A tiny ice sculpture on Lake Superior, barely an inch tall.

People’s Choice: Grace Burns A flower with water droplets, taken at the Rose Garden in Duluth.

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1st Place: Jean Brislance The last of the mountain ash berries; bohemian waxwing in Grand Marais.

2nd Place: Holden Smith A great gray owl from last winter in Lake County.

People’s Choice: Lisa Townsend It was my third trip to northern MN searching for a great grey owl and I finally spotted one in Two Harbors.

LANDSCAPE 1st Place: Larry Paulson Just after sunrise on Artist’s Point, Grand Marais.

2nd Place: Britt Trovall The Hjordis sailing in a calm moment on a stormy day out on Lake Superior.

People’s Choice: Nancy Reilly “Silky Dreams” —a beautiful spring run-off at Kakabeka Falls as a storm brews.

PEOPLE & PETS 1st Place: Ted Armstrong Our granddaughter watching a polyphemus moth caterpillar with great interest.

2nd Place: Renee Kinworthy Little Henry as a puppy.

People’s Choice: Lindsay Charlton Enjoying time outside under a rainbow.

NORTHERN WILDS

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Sight Fishing On the Ice, Looking In story and photos By Chris Pascone Mystery is the biggest draw of fishing. What’s happening underwater? Are there even any fish in the area? Fishing is a game of questions. While gimmicky modern electronics aim to give answers with screens and flashes, there’s a heritage fishing technique that’s provided answers for millennia as well: sight fishing. Originally used by the First Nations peoples, sight fishing requires cutting a wide hole in the ice and covering it with a pitch-dark shelter, essentially transforming the lake into your own aquarium. Here’s the how and why of doing it yourself.

Sight fishing satisfies your curiosity by allowing you to see underwater. When you darken the area above your sight hole, the natural illumination filtering through the surrounding snow and ice, in contrast, lights up the world below you. Sunny days are perfect for sight fishing. The sport is particularly well suited to the clear water common in many northeastern Minnesota and Canadian lakes.

It only takes a few simple tools to get started, and the results change how you look at fish, and fishing, forever.

Tools of the trade: A sharp auger for drilling the four corner holes, a small shovel for clearing excess snow, a skimmer for removing slush, and an ice saw for cutting the four sides of the sight hole.

The beauty of sight fishing is in its simplicity.

First you cut an approximately 36-by-20-inch hole in the ice. This is where the muscle comes in. You’ll need an auger for drilling the four corners of the rectangle. Then you “connect the dots” with a manual ice saw. This long, large-toothed tool looks worrisome at first, but is enjoyable to use. There are several ice saw producers from the upper Midwest and northern Europe today. Running $120 to $150, an ice saw brings you back in time to the lives of our ancestors.

There’s a feeling of accomplishment to manually cutting through something as hard as ice. According to Rebecca Velde, a writer and first-time ice fisherwoman from Duluth who recently made her sight fishing debut in the Boundary Waters: “It was way easier than I thought it would be. It was like a hot knife cutting through butter. The ice was 15 inches thick, but we cut it in no time.” The more people you have in your group, the faster you can get the job done. Team building on ice!

Adriana Pascone getting a kick out of sight fishing in very clear water for trout. Having a dark shelter above your hole is key for the natural light filtering through the nearby snow and ice to illuminate the underwater world below. It is surprisingly bright down there.

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The next step is either to push the rectangular block of ice down and under the surrounding ice shelf, or extract it out of the hole. To do the latter, try screwing a pair of ice screws into the block and giving a powerful pull. Dean Paron, a sight fisherman from Two Harbors, suggests best etiquette is to put the block back in the hole at the end of the day, so that it refreezes quickly, and to mark it with branches or other visible material. This prevents snowmobilers or other fishermen from accidentally falling in unknowingly.

When you get lucky and a school of footballsized brook trout swims right underneath your hole, your adrenaline skyrockets.

Watching these fish eye your lure, and (maybe) give it a good smack, provides an incredible interaction with nature.

The last step is to set up a portable shelter designed with a retractable floor. Ice Runner, out of Bovey, Minn., makes the Stalker portable shelter ($279.99) with a cut-out in the floor to fish through.

The Stalker can be assembled in minutes, and is completely black inside, both to increase your visibility of fish below the ice, and to hide your movements. Now you’re ready to fish! Use your regular ice-fishing tackle through the sight hole—a short rod and small reel with a rattling jig tipped with a minnow is standard for trout, northern pike or walleye.

Once you’ve warmed up by drilling and sawing your sight hole, a new world opens up below. Your interaction with the aquatic life below satisfies your curiosity. Paron puts it this way: “I feel a lot more connected to nature when fishing through a sight hole. And then there’s that jolt of excitement when you see something big come through. Seeing the fish swimming right below the ice, fighting right under your feet, is quite exciting.”

[TOP] Chris and Dean Paron making the sight fishing hole. [BOTTOM LEFT] The kiddos hard at work also making the sight fishing hole. [BOTTOM RIGHT] Adriana Pascone ready to fish.

‘Seeing the fish swimming right below the ice, fighting right under your feet, is quite exciting.’

Velde recounts looking through the sight hole on her winter camping trip to a remote border lake.

“Observing fish behavior is fascinating. When you’ve got a bobber, or even a Vexilar, you know the fish is kind of there, but when you can jiggle your jig and actually watch it move a certain way, and that triggers the strike, then you learn a lot,” says Paron. “Or you see the fish ignore the way you jigged it. Other times you see three or four fish come in at once, and it’s often the little one that beats the bigger fish to your lure. Sight fishing is so incredible because it’s interactive.”

“Sight fishing for big predator fish reminds me of deer hunting. You’re staring at the same piece of woods, and all of a sudden there’s a deer there. And with sight fishing, you’re staring at the same weed line, and suddenly there’s this nice big pike hanging out, and you feel your heart racing,” he says.

But Velde’s fear evaporated when she had her first lake trout on within minutes.

Was this dream debut all about beginner’s luck?

Or did the sight fishing method have something to do with it? Velde explains: “I liked how the spoon was super reflective. I had a part in trying to get the

Sight fishing can be a great way to introduce impressionable kids to ice fishing. They can observe crayfish crawling on bottom, or watch minnows swimming by. The weeds, rocks and even sunken trees are on full display.

Being able to observe the fish before you set the hook adds a moment of thrilling suspense. Paron likens it to hunting.

“It was so much more sensory than I thought ice fishing is. I honestly got a little scared because I was in this black room, in which all I could see was this crystal blue water, and I kept imagining myself falling into the hole. You’re looking straight down, and you can see through the water so well.”

“I thought it was super cool. It was so fast! I think we were in the ice hut for all of three minutes before I caught my first lake trout. I thought I’d be sitting out there a lot longer, like traditional fishing, where you have to wait. We were just talking about the spoon, and oh, I got one,” she says.

fish to come over. I was making a circle with the spoon, and I’m sure that’s why the fish came to the hook. That feels good, because I felt like I was actually doing something, instead of just sitting there waiting for the fish to come. It felt active.”

Being able to watch everything happening below the surface makes ice fishing much more interactive for kids.

They get to observe aquatic insects and crayfish scuttle about while waiting for the next trout to come through.

Visualizing fish hitting your lure is a thrill for all anglers. Topwater fishing for bass is popular in summer, and dry fly anglers pride themselves on catching trout on the surface, because they can witness the strike. Seeing the action makes it more real.

This thrill, combined with the low tech, cheaper alternative to electronics while sight fishing, creates a strong connection to Native American fishing traditions, providing continuity in our Minnesota and Canadian fishing heritage. Try it and see what you’ve been missing under the ice.

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By Breana Johnson

Enjoying Winter

Along the North Shore, winter tends to last longer than any other season. While some of us may groan about the deep snow and cold temps, the best way to enjoy winter is to get outdoors and embrace it. From skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, to ice fishing, sledding and ice skating, there’s no shortage of winter activities. So go outside and enjoy your snowy surroundings.

Aaron Kloss recently finished this 30x24-inch acrylic on canvas piece, titled “Winter Night Lights.” To see more from Kloss, visit: aaronkloss.com. | AARON KLOSS

This 20x20-inch acrylic on panel by Jennifer Caie is titled “Bright and Blue.” See more of her work online at: jennifercaieart.ca. | JENNIFER CAIE

This ink and watercolor piece, titled “Blankie” by Betsy Bowen, is now part of Bowen’s new book, Comfort in a Time of Pandemic: A Sketchbook.

Learn more at: woodcut.com. | BETSY BOWEN This colorful acrylic piece by Anna Hess is titled “Raven Berry.” To see more of her work, visit: alwhessart.com. | ANNA HESS

“Untitled (1999)” by Howard Sivertson, will be on display at the Johnson Heritage Post Gallery in Grand Marais from Jan. 7-30 as part of the Dropping Anchor exhibition. | HOWARD SIVERTSON 18

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Thunder Bay watercolor artist Biljana Baker titled this piece “Winter’s Glow.” You can find her work online at: biljanabakerartist.ca. | BILJANA BAKER

Lacewood Fibre Studio CREATIVE SPACE: By Rae Poynter When Heather Ellam signed up for a weekend course in weaving, she had no idea that it was going to lead to a new passion and a new business. Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ellam is the owner of Lacewood Fibre Studio, where she makes handwoven clothes and homeware on her very own loom.

While she did not start weaving until she was an adult, Ellam said that she is a longtime crafter and comes from a family of women who love sewing, knitting and crafting. With her own experience in sewing and needlepoint, Ellam had long found the idea of weaving intriguing, but never had the chance to try it. That is, until the local Weaver’s Guild hosted a weekend course in weaving, and she decided to join.

As part of the course, Ellam got to learn in class and then take a loom home to practice, and she created her first 8-inch scarf.

“After taking the class, I saw the potential of weaving and it really appealed to me,” she said. “I started looking around online for a loom and found a lady in Duluth who was selling a used one, so I drove down and brought it home.”

With her own loom, Ellam started experimenting with weaving on her own. Apart from her initial class, she mostly learned the craft on her own, checking out books and exploring with different weave structures as she went. Today, she makes a wide range of items, from shawls and sweaters to blankets and napkins. She said that she takes inspiration from many different places, whether that’s Pinterest boards or a color combination that piques her interest.

“I try to keep what I make timeless. I follow some trends, but I try not to follow them too much so that people can wear what they buy for a long time,” she said.

The weaving process starts with a pattern called a draft, which tells the weaver how to set up the loom to achieve the desired weave. It involves a fair amount of pre-planning, including setting up all of the colors that will be used in the finished piece. Ellam said that the front-end work

can take a few hours before any actual weaving can begin.

“The first couple of times that you do it, it’s tricky,” she said. “After the first course I took it was hard to remember all of the steps on my own. But you learn from trial and error. Now I’ll listen to a podcast or a vlog while I set up the loom, and the relaxing part is when you actually start weaving.”

Ellam said that she gets her yarns from a variety of sources, and likes to support small or local businesses when she can.

Some of her favorite suppliers include cotton yarn from Maurice Bassard, a family-owned business based in Quebec, and Gist Yarn, which has a line of yarns that are all grown, milled, and spun in the U.S. Some of Ellam’s scarves use merino wool dyed by independent dyers.

The evolution from weaving as a hobby to also being a small business began when Ellam started bringing her work to farmer’s markets and craft shows in the area.

Then, when the pandemic hit, she decided to move Lacewood Fibre Studio’s presence online, and opened up her Etsy shop. Ellam said that even as she has moved into selling her work, it’s important to her that weaving doesn’t become a chore and that it remains something she loves doing.

“I like the versatility that weaving has,” Ellam said. “You don’t always have to be making an actual item, you can just make fabric and do whatever you want with it later. And I like that, like all fiber arts, it’s going back to the basics. There’s no electronic equipment on the loom: with all of the advances in technology we have, looms pretty much stay the same, and I like that we can just come back to something as timeless as making cloth.”

Heather Ellam’s work can be found on Etsy through lacewoodfibrestudio.com, as well as on Instagram @lacewood.fibre. studio.

After taking a class and purchasing her own loom, Ellam started experimenting with weaving on her own. Today, she makes a wide range of items, from shawls and sweaters to blankets and napkins.

She said that she takes inspiration from many different places, whether that’s Pinterest boards or a color combination that piques her interest. | SUBMITTED NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

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Lake Superior Trading Post

• Gifts • Clothing • Toys • Camping Supplies • Maps • Books • Footwear • Jewelry • Hiking Pole Rental A Grand Marais tradition since 1971 Open Year Round 7 Days a Week

www.LSTP.com • (218) 387-2020 10 S. 1ST AVE W., GRAND MARAIS, MN

Welcome back neighbours!

Whether you’re here now or planning your next cross border adventure, we sure have missed you down here. We thought now would be a good time to welcome you back with travel tips, event highlights to get you excited, and useful resources to turn to when planning your trip.

Welcome Back!

Stop in today and check out the newly expanded and remodeled Clearview General Store.

UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 7-30

5323 W. Hwy 61, Lutsen 218-663-7478

info@clearviewgeneralstore.com

We missed you urs!

o b h g i e n

Dropping Anchor: Permanent Collection Exhibition (Reception Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.)

Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

Jan. 8, Saturday Gunflint Mail Run

8 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflintmailrun.com

Jan. 15-29

Norpine Fat Bike Classic Cascade Lodge, Lutsen, superiorcycling.org/norpine

Jan. 22, Saturday

Cook County Snowmobile Club Ridge Riders Drag Races Skyport Lodge, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Jan. 28-29

Lake Superior Ice Festival Superior, WI, lakesuperioricefestival.com

Feb. 3-13

Ely Winter Festival & ArtWalk Ely, elywinterfestival.com

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Serving anglers in Grand Marais since 1946

-WEEKLY EVENTSThursdays

 Date Night at the Winery 6 p.m. North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Saturdays

Tour the North House Campus 2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

Gas Maps Sporting Goods Bait Pet Supplies Gardening Housewares Paint & more

www.buckshardware.net · BIG CITY PRICES ... SMALL TOWN SERVICE 218-387-2280 · Open 7 Days A Week • Downtown Grand Marais

DULUTH, MN - EST 2012

ple Latte Your Ma for you. is waiting

Hwy 61 & Main Street, On the Harbor • 218.387.9400

BORDER CROSSING TIPS • Set up your ArriveCAN account before arriving at the border to avoid delays, potential fines, and quarantine protocols.

• Plan necessary COVID testing ahead of time.

• Download the app in your phone’s app store or sign up on the web.

• As of 12/21/21, all visitors and residents returning to Canada must get molecular test completed (rapid antigen tests not accepted).

• It only takes 10-15 minutes for initial set-up the first time you use it!

• Be prepared for randomly selected COVID testing at the border.

• Have your proof of vaccination uploaded to ArriveCAN and on hand.

• Don’t forget your mask!

• If you are showing symptoms of COVID, reschedule your trip—don’t worry, we’ll still be here!

USEFUL RESOURCES: ArriveCAN: arrivecan.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca Canadian Travel Information: travel.gc.ca/travel-covid United States Travel Information: www.dhs.gov Grand Marais Customs Office: (218) 387-1770

AmericInn Lodge & Suites, Tofte 7231 West Hwy 61 | 800.634.3444 | 218.663.7899 | AmericInn.com

5339 W Hwy 61, Ste 101 • 218-370-9648 • www.jewelerofthenorthshore.com NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

21

This shawl was inspired by watching the sunrise behind the Whole Foods Co-op, with streaks of dappled orange clouds floating in the blue mist. | SUBMITTED

The Alchemy of Water and Weaving Behind the Craft: By Christine Novotny When I moved to Grand Marais at the beginning of 2020, I had never lived by so much water before. I came from Minneapolis for a multi-year weaving residency with North House Folk School. In the city, I had grown accustomed to seeing very little sky, and never an unencumbered horizon line.

Seeing the stars at night again and the mutable moods of Lake Superior both calmed and invigorated me. The pandemic hit very quickly after I arrived, so my immediate world shrank to my home and my weaving studio, but expanded with the lake and woods at my doorstep. I came into this residency with a whole set of ideas about what I wanted to weave—patterns and colors I was used to working with. However, as I began to work and spend a lot of time outside, my fluid surroundings began to creep into each textile.

“Inspiration” is a concept I’ve never much related to. The idea feels linear, a precursor to the creation: go out, find inspiration, make something new from said inspiration. But that’s not usually how it shows up for me. I see ideas as a relationship, a slow and constant burn. As I work, images, colors and movement come to me, in small glimpses. Through attention and effort, I create new designs and textiles. With time and distance, I am able to see my subconscious at work, and to make connections 22

JANUARY 2022

After this towel came off the loom, the lakeshore was evident. The large diamond pattern in bright burnt orange reflects the color of the sunburst lichen that graces the lake’s rocky shores. | SUBMITTED ing diamond pattern in tinted and dark blues with stripes of beige that reflected the many colors the water takes and the rocks that rest beneath it.

In the winter, I released a woolen shawl with a white to blue gradient in the warp and a cascading blue diamond pattern with bright stripes of coral and orange woven throughout. As I sat with the finished work, I remembered the many mornings in fall of 2020 as the pandemic raged, when I went on walks in search of wonder. I always found myself at the beach behind the Whole Foods Co-op, watching the sun rise with streaks of dappled orange clouds floating in the blue mist.

between my life and the piece. Over the past two years, I have experienced this happening again and again with the big lake down the street.

My first project upon arriving at North House Folk School was a series of towels in Jämtlandsdräl, a graphic patterned weave structure originating in Sweden. I wove with a combination of colors that I had never used before, and after the towels came off the loom, the lakeshore was evident. I had woven a large diamond pattern in a bright burnt orange, the color of the iconic, elegant sunburst lichen that graces the lake’s rocky shores. I wove a shimmer-

NORTHERN WILDS

I love mid-century weaver Anni Albers’ “no frills” definition of weaving: “the intricate interlocking of two sets of threads at right angles.” It beautifully encompasses the simplicity of the weaving, while the adjective “intricate” gently nods at the exponential complexities that this interlocking can produce. What I treasure most about weaving is the alchemy of the process, taking a few cones of yarn and guiding their transformation. Laying them next to each other at right angles, overlapping in different proportions, and creating a flexible form with structure and pattern. The ability of right angles to create the appearance of curves and organic forms, using different

materials to impact the way light moves on a textile. There is a transformation that occurs from raw materials to a woven textile. In turn, water is the most powerful element on earth, with an extraordinary ability to smooth glass, carve out canyons, and create channels in the sand. Two transformative processes, water and weaving, find relationship with one another.

I am currently working on a series of towels based on the “Water is Life” movement, a fundraiser for legal fees of water protectors defending our most precious resource against oil pipelines. This time, I began with the direct connection to the lake, using lustrous blue linen weft to create the appearance of ripples and waves on a cotton ground. The gray-blue in the linen is a strikingly accurate portrayal of the way the lake looks during fall and winter days.

I’m using another variation of Jämtlandsdräl, the first weave structure I used on my lakeshore towels when I moved here. I’m coming full circle almost two years later, from the chance inspiration to a deliberate depiction, as I treasure the ways that this landscape has changed me, and changed the art I create.

Christine Novotny is a weaver in the Artisan Development program at North House Folk School, where traditional craft is taught on the shore of Lake Superior.

Beargrease Sled Dog events will include a Cub Run for kids on Jan. 22 in Two Harbors. | HEIDI PINKERTON by the Duluth Cross Country Ski Club. The BMFF is a compilation of high-energy outdoor films and documentaries with environmental messages. Each day offers different films and proceeds benefit local community ski projects. The show starts at 7 p.m. and doors open at 5 p.m. so you can check out the gear at local sponsor booths, watch gear demos, enter a raffle, grab a drink, and meet up with friends. Tickets are $20 and facemasks are required. To learn more, visit: duluthxc.com. The festival will also be at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. tbca.com

INDIGENOUS INGENUITY

Dec. 10-Feb. 21 Indigenous Tourism Ontario and Science North are presenting the Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions exhibition, hosted by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

This travelling exhibit stands as a milestone in the presentation of Indigenous culture in Canada. First People’s ancestral values and knowledge are examined through the lens of science and innovation, presenting traditional Indigenous knowledge and techniques alongside modern science. The exhibition offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore and interact with several Indigenous inventions and depicts how the ingenuity of the First Peoples continues to influence our society today. Using innovative technology, visitors will discover the link between ancestral knowledge and new technologies through a novel thematic approach, an in-

GUNFLINT MAIL RUN

This year’s Gunflint Mail Run will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 8. | SUBMITTED teractive RFID bracelet quest, collaborative games, real objects and projection, virtual reality and interactive murals. The exhibition will remain on display until Monday, Feb. 21. theag.ca

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

Jan. 7-8 After a one-year absence, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour (BMFF) returns to Duluth Jan. 7-8, Friday and Saturday, at the DECC Symphony Hall, hosted

Jan. 8, Saturday The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover. There are two classes in the race: a 12-dog, 100-mile race and an 8-dog, 65-mile race. Races will start at 8 a.m. on Saturday at Trail Center Lodge, starting with the 12-dog teams. The 8-dog team races will begin at 9 a.m. Spectators can find great viewing spots at Trail Center Lodge, Big Bear Lodge and Rockwood Lodge. Feel free to take pictures, but avoid using a flash while the dogs are moving from their truck to the starting line, or vice versa, and while the dogs are sleeping. Remember to leave your own dogs at home. gunflintmailrun.com

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JANUARY 2022

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The Norpine Fat Bike Classic in Lutsen has three options to choose from. | SUBMITTED

NORPINE FAT BIKE CLASSIC

Jan. 15-29 Cycling fanatics will brave the cold at the annual Norpine Fat Bike Classic in Lutsen this month with three options to choose from: the Classic Race (19 or 30 miles), the Classic Tour (14 miles) or the Classic Full Moon Tour (6-8 miles). The Classic Race, which offers lengths of 30 or 19 miles, begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29. An awards ceremony and after race party will be held at Cascade Restaurant with free BBQ for all racers. Those who sign up for the Classic Tour have between Saturday, Jan. 15 through Friday, Jan. 28 to complete the course. This is a non-competitive race. The Classic Full Moon Tour, held Saturday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m., is an evening guided tour on the Norpine trails for those wanting to experience night riding. All races start and end at Cascade Lodge. Registration required. superiorcycling.org/norpine

back you can enjoy them around an open fire before the last half of the loop back.

Once past Sawmill Lake, the tour follows what was once an old logging road; now a narrow trail with longer flat sections and gradual hills. Refreshing beverages and a fire will be waiting at the Heritage Pavilion (Visitor Centre). Distances include 12km or 24km options and the tour will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required; $20 fee. traveltheheart.org/events

LAKE SUPERIOR ICE FESTIVAL

SAWMILL LAKE CLASSIC TOUR

Jan. 22, Saturday Hosted by The Beaten Path Nordic Trails, the Sawmill Lake Classic Tour is an old-time traditional ski tour within Quetico Provincial Park. The narrow twisty trails will have skiers meandering through mixed forests alongside the Pickerel River, over creeks and through lowland bogs to Sawmill Lake. This tour is not a race, and if you carry your lunch and drinks on your

ELY WINTER FESTIVAL

artwalk

February 3-13, 2022 elywinterfestival.com follow our website for Covid 19 updates Festival Hotline 218•365•SNOW(7669)

Nobody does winter better!

•Snow Sculpting Symposium •Outdoor Gear Demo •Ely ArtWalk •Guided Snowshoe Hikes •Kubb Tournament •Downtown Arts Market •Ice Fishing Contest •Ely Folk School Classes •Food, Music, and More This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. This activity is made possible in part by the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust.

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JANUARY 2022

NORTHERN WILDS

Jan. 28-29 The Lake Superior Ice Festival, held on Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisc., features fun activities for the entire family.

There will be ice carving demos and sculptures, a snow slide, disc golf, ice skating, mini-golf, various kids activities, a craft fair, full-sized stock car races on the ice in Allouez Bay, snowshoeing, the Humane Society of Douglas County Canine and Feline King and Queen Contest, MIRA racing on the ice next

to the SS Meteor, food and drinks, fireworks and more. You can also learn to play kubb— an ancient lawn game where the objective is to knock over wooden blocks (kubbs) by throwing wooden batons at them. Or visit Fairlawn Mansion and create your own snow creations on the lawn. Add a little fire to your festival experience with the Sterling Silver Fire Twirlers, performing from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29. A full schedule can be found online. lakesuperioricefestival.com

JOHN BEARGREASE SLED DOG MARATHON

Jan. 30-Feb. 2 Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. It’s also a qualifier for the famed Iditarod in Alaska. There are four races for mushers of all experience levels to enter: the full distance Beargrease Marathon, the Beargrease 120, the Beargrease 40, and the Beargrease 120 Junior Class. The races start on Sunday, Jan. 30 in Duluth. Other Beargrease events include Patio Pup Mondays, held on Mondays between Jan. 10-24 from 5-8 p.m. at Ursa Minor Brewing in Duluth. Enjoy a photo op with some sled dogs, have your questions answered by mushers, purchase trail mail to be carried along the marathon route, and purchase Beargrease merchandise. More info can be found online. beargrease.com

50Theatre

SALT BABY

1971-2021

A Modern Comedy About Self Discovery

January 27th to February 12th

magnustheatre.com

807.345.5552

by Falen Johnson

NORTHERN WILDS CALENDAR OF EVENTS Thru Jan. 2 The Glass Show Exhibition Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

Thru Jan. 8 Manidoominens: Still Beading After 10,000 Years: Virtual Exhibition AICHO’s Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, aicho.org

Thru Jan. 10 63rd Arrowhead Regional Biennial Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Jan. 31 Waking Winter Exhibition Duluth Folk School Dovetail Café, Duluth, duluthfolkschool.com Michael Letts: Closer to the Wild Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Thru Feb. 21 Indigenous Ingenuity: Timeless Inventions Thunder Bay Art Gallery, theag.ca

Thru Spring 2022 Like Me, Like You Exhibition (Artist Talk & Reception Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m.)

Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace 10 a.m. Spirit of the Lake Community School, Duluth, nicegirlsofthenorth.com Duluth Wedding Show 10 a.m.

DECC, Duluth, duluthbridalshow.com

Consortium Aurora Borealis:

Romantic Piano Trios 8 p.m. Trinity United Church, Thunder Bay, consortiumab.org

Jan. 8-Feb. 25 As Long As The Rivers Shall Run: Artwork by Ellen Sandbeck (Reception Jan. 8 at 5 p.m.)

AICHO’s Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, Duluth, facebook.com/aichogalleries

Jan. 9, Sunday Glensheen’s Community Day: Free Classic Tours 9 a.m. Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, glensheen.org

Jan. 10, Monday Northern Lights Trail is Going to the Dogs 4 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com Beargrease Patio Pup Mondays Kickoff & Meet a Musher 5 p.m. Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, facebook.com/beargrease

Jan. 12, Wednesday

Jan. 22, Saturday

Jan. 29, Saturday

Cook County Snowmobile Club Ridge Riders Drag Races Skyport Lodge, Grand Marais, facebook.com/cookcountyridgeriders

Atikokan Snowarama Atikokan, Ontario, snowarama.org

Beargrease Sled Dog Cub Run Two Harbors, beargrease.com Sawmill Lake Classic Tour 9:30 a.m. Quetico Provincial Park, Atikokan, traveltheheart.org/events Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 7 p.m.

Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Jan. 23, Sunday Live Music: Stas Venglevski, Derek Bromme & Brett Jones 3 p.m. World of Accordions Museum: Hanni Strahl Concert Hall, Superior, WI, worldofaccordions.org

Jan. 24, Monday Beargrease Patio Pup Mondays & Meet a Musher 5 p.m. Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, facebook.com/beargrease

Jan. 25, Tuesday Jeremy Hotz: The Marquis De Sad Tour 7:30 p.m. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, tbca.com

Live Music: Stas Venglevski, Derek Bromme

Jan. 1, Saturday

Kamview by Candlelight 7 p.m. Kamview Nordic Centre, Thunder Bay, tbnordictrails.com

& Brett Jones 7:30 p.m. UWS: Thorpe Langley Auditorium, Superior, WI

First Saturday Jazz with Sky Blue Two 6 p.m. Cascade Restaurant & Pub, Lutsen

Jan. 13-22

Jan. 26-March 14

Jan. 3, Monday

The Revolutionists 7:30 p.m. Underground Theatre, Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Movie Showing: Murder on the Orient Express (1974) 2 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

Jan. 15, Saturday

Beth Livensperger: Don’t Like Mondays (Artist Talk & Reception Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m.)

Duluth Art Institute, duluthartinstitute.org

Jan. 6, Thursday

DSSO: To Be Bold

Movie Showing: Murder on the Orient Express (2017) 2 p.m. Ely Public Library, elylibrary.org

DRFTR & Sleepy Jean 7 p.m. Port Arthur Polish

Jan. 7-8

Jan. 15-29

Banff Mountain Film Festival 7 p.m.

DECC: Symphony Hall, Duluth, duluthxc.com

Norpine Fat Bike Classic Cascade Lodge, Lutsen, superiorcycling.org/norpine

Jan. 7-30

Jan. 17, Monday

Dropping Anchor: Permanent Collection Exhibition (Reception Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.)

Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais, johnsonheritagepost.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Jan. 8, Saturday Gunflint Mail Run 8 a.m. Trail Center Lodge, Gunflint Trail, gunflintmailrun.com

7 p.m. DECC: Symphony Hall, Duluth, dsso.com Hall, Thunder Bay, facebook.com/sgfms

Beargrease Patio Pup Mondays & Meet a Musher 5 p.m. Ursa Minor Brewing, Duluth, facebook.com/beargrease

Jan. 27-Feb. 12

Hilldale Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, tbso.ca

John Beargrease Marathon Starts Duluth, beargrease.com John Beargrease 120 Starts Duluth, beargrease.com John Beargrease 40 Race Duluth to Two Harbors, beargrease.com

Jan. 31, Monday John Beargrease 120 Finish Trestle Inn, Finland, beargrease.com

Feb. 1, Tuesday John Beargrease Marathon Finish Grand Portage, beargrease.com

Feb. 3-13

Thunder Bay Country Market 3:30 p.m.

CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca

Thursdays

Salt Baby Magnus Theatre, Thunder Bay, magnustheatre.com

Date Night at the Winery 6 p.m.

North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us

Jan. 28-29

Weekly Trivia Night (Starts Jan. 13) 6 p.m. Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais, cookcountyhistory.org

Lake Superior Ice Festival Superior, WI, lakesuperioricefestival.com

Saturdays

Jan. 28-Feb. 6 2022 Scotties Tournament of Hearts Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay, curling.ca/2022scotties

Clue NorShor Theatre, Duluth Playhouse, duluthplayhouse.org

Jan. 30, Sunday

Wednesdays

NV Music Hall, Thunder Bay, visitthunderbay.com

TBSO: Stravinsky and Schubert 7:30 p.m.

Nordic Spirit Ski Race & Wooden Ski Tour 10 a.m. Upper Spirit Mountain Nordic Trail System, Duluth, duluthxc.com

WEEKLY EVENTS

The Trews: I Wanna Play Tour 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28-Feb. 13

Lake Superior Ice Festival Market & Craft Fair 9 a.m. Barker’s Island Inn Ballroom, Superior, lakesuperioricefestival.com

Ely Winter Festival & ArtWalk Ely, elywinterfestival.com

Jan. 27, Thursday

Jan. 21, Friday

Father Daughter Ball DECC, Duluth, fatherdaughterballduluth.org

Thunder Bay Country Market 8 a.m.

CLE Dove Building, Thunder Bay, tbcm.ca The Big Lake Pop-Up 12:30 p.m.

North Shore Winery, Lutsen, northshorewinery.us Tour the North House Campus 2 p.m. North House Folk School, Grand Marais, northhouse.org

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JANUARY 2022

25

The North Shore Dish Good Eats for Winter Sport Lovers By Kitty Mayo

Coming in from the outdoors after you have been tramping around in the snowy cold is a great feeling. Invigorated from feeling brave and hardy; a warm fire and something bracing to eat or drink add up to good cheer during short days and long nights. That’s a recipe these North Shore establishments are ready and willing to dish out.

Ursa Minor, Duluth Committed to year-round outdoor eating, drinking and socializing, Ursa Minor went next level and gave up their parking lot to increase outdoor seating during the pandemic. It was a move that Ben Hugus, co-founder and head brewer, says “our winter customers loved; last winter on a 5 degree below Saturday we had a full patio.”

Hugus says people who live-in and visit the northland “live and play outside all year long, and they know how to dress.”

Showing up in bib overalls from Spirit Mountain ski hill, and the fat bike and snowmobile trails, his customers are happy to have their beer and pizza on the patio with custom fire pits made by a local metal worker and a new pergola topped with clear panels.

Located on the Tomahawk Trail in Finland, the Trestle is “by snowmobilers, and for snowmobilers,” says owner Sue Rian. | TRESTLE INN

Woodfired pizza is the feature on Ursa Minor’s menu, and according to Hugus, “Pizza is like beer, everybody loves it.”

The signature taste of their pizza comes from a crust baked in a “100 percent woodfired oven. It’s a very involved way of cooking pizza—there are definitely easier ways—but we all agree here that it’s worth it,” said Hugus.

Ask Hugus what his favorite pizza is and he might respond with a primal-toned; “Nooo, nooooo!” That’s because, he says, “pizza is about what you are feeling.”

Nonetheless, a top pick is the Voyageur, a red sauce with kale, ricotta, wild rice sausage, a balsamic glaze, and parmesan. Hugus’ feelings about the Voyageur have to do with the kale and being proud of himself for making a healthy choice.

Trestle Inn Restaurant & Saloon, Finland December and the opening of the snowmobile trails kicks off the busiest season of the year for owner Sue Rian. Located on the Tomahawk Trail, the Trestle is “by 26

JANUARY 2022

Snowshoers, cross-country skiers and snowmobilers find their way to the cozy fireplace at Raven Rock Grill.

Priding themselves on home-cooked meals, co-owner Rachelle Christianson says their American-fare menu has its surprises too. | RAVEN ROCK GRILL snowmobilers, and for snowmobilers,” says Rian.

Built out of an old railroad bridge found on a snowmobile run in the woods by Lee Schumacher, the Schumachers were avid snowmobilers and often fed winter wanderers at their home at neighboring Crooked Lake Resort before building the Trestle.

NORTHERN WILDS

Rian says most of her winter clientele are return visitors, and by the time they’ve stashed their helmets in the custom-made rack, and peeled off their first layer of snow gear, they are ready to order.

There is no debate about the Trestle’s menu favorite, it’s the Train Wreck burger, and the brave order it “with casualties.” A

brat burger and a hamburger, topped with Swiss and American cheese, and bacon makes a standard Wreck. “With casualties” is the cook’s choice.

“It’s a ‘dare to dine’ thing and I’ve seen about 50 things go out on top of a Wreck, I’ve even seen a corn dog sticking out of it, and I’ve never had one returned,” said

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Committed to year-round outdoor eating, drinking and socializing, Ursa Minor gave up their parking lot to increase outdoor seating during the pandemic. It was a move that Ben Hugus, co-founder and head brewer, says “our winter customers loved; last winter on a 5 degree below Saturday we had a full patio.” | URSA MINOR Rian. Just about anything is possible from sauerkraut, to a potato, or peanut butter.

The Trestle is the end of the mid-distance John Beargrease sled dog race in February, with many mushers eating outside with their dogs. “There’s a lot of winter here, and winter is crazy busy, but good crazy,” says Rian. Cross-country skiers, and ice fisherfolk round out the visitor list.

Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen The ski hill outside the door delivers a steady stream of hungry customers as they ski in and out from ski racks set up right outside of the bar area. Special snowmobile helmet racks at the entrance signal a big welcome for snowmobilers, and Dakota Marshall, front of the house manager, says they will have a bowl of their popular Moguls’ steak chili hot and ready.

“We are bombarded by big groups of snowmobilers and skiers during lunch.

It is a very bustling place in the winter,” Marshall said, adding with a laugh, “They totally take over!”

Using adjectives like “rambunctious” and “loud,” Marshall describes their winter sporters as highly social with good conversation and fun, amongst scatterings of helmets, warm layers and mittens overflowing onto tables and chairs as a cheerful crowd refuels.

Raven Rock Grill at Skyport Lodge, Grand Marais Located in the midst of a network of snowmobile trails, Raven Rock Grill is located on Devil Track Lake. It is also home to Rachelle and Cory Christianson and their two children, and family is at the center of everything they do.

“We truly want this to be a family-friendly place, and realize that visitors want to be part of our family’s journey,” says Rachelle.

Snowshoers from Pincushion Overlook, hikers from the trail at Eagle Mountain and cross-country skiers find their way to the cozy fireplace at Raven Rock, where

-SNOWMOBILE CENTRAL-

Woodfired pizza is the feature on Ursa Minor’s menu, and according to Hugus, “Pizza is like beer, everybody loves it.” | URSA MINOR many, Rachelle says, hang their balaclavas and mittens on railroad tie hooks over the fireplace to dry. Raven Rock also hosts snowmobile drag races in January, and is an official check point for the Beargrease sled dog race.

Cory’s experience as a fishing guide in the Boundary Waters and Key West has informed his ideas about what needs to be on a menu, and his shore lunch recipe graces the all-you-can-eat Lake Superior herring on Sunday nights.

Priding themselves on home-cooked meals, Rachelle says their American-fare menu has its surprises, too. A Friday night prime rib special has become a standard favorite, but a fanbase is building for their pork green chili topped with cilantro and lime crema.

Consider the chocolate toffee mousse pie for dessert, or if, as Rachelle puts it, “you want to drink your dessert,” try their salted caramel dessert martini. Served in a fluted lowball glass drizzled with caramel, the rim is coated in coarse salt and a blend of rumchata and caramel vodka is served neat.

6

PARKING • TRAILS • GAS LOCALS NIGHT OUT ON MONDAYS BURGER NIGHT ON WEDNESDAYS PRIME RIB ON FRIDAYS WATCH FOOTBALL AT THE GRILL TVS • FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPECIALS

VIEW OUR FULL MENU ONLINE 8 MILES FROM GRAND MARAIS ON DEVIL TRACK LAKE WWW.SKYPORTLODGE.COM 218-387-9414 NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

27

Cook County Historical Society Presents 6pm Thursdays At the Gun Flint Tavern Begins January 13th

Date Night Culture Crawl

Weekly Trivia Night

Nordic Wild Salmon Soup

By Krissie Mason

5pm Last Friday of Every JHP Exhibition Begins December 31

More information at cookcountyhistory.org

PRECINCT CAUCUS Cook County DFL

Tuesday February 1, 7pm (Re gistration be gins at 6:30pm, please ar rive ear ly)

For Hovland and Grand Por tage:

Hovland Town Hall • 4957 East Highway 61 • Hovland

For all other precincts:

Arrowhead Center for the Arts • 51 W 5th St • Grand Marais

Prepared and paid for by Cook County DFL www.dfl.org/localunit/cook/

S

ince the earliest conquests of the Vikings, the bedrock of traditional Nordic fare has been an abundance of fish, seafood, root vegetables and berries.

Lengthy, cold, dark winters meant storing up food supplies from a short growing season. Present day dishes are comprised of some of the same Viking foods that would have been stored in ancient ship galleys as they raided and sailed across the Atlantic or Baltic Seas.

One timeless dish still served today is a hearty, yet light cream-based salmon and root vegetable soup called Lohikeitto (Lohi-salmon, keitto-soup in Finnish). It is a favorite in Finland’s northern most sub-arctic wilderness region, Lapland, where the Tana River flows and reindeer,

moose, birds and grey seal are abundant. The Tana is said to be the best salmon river in Europe and runs into the Tana fjord. The delta is the one of the largest pristine delta areas in Europe.

Finnish salmon soup uses very simple ingredients and is certainly not fancy. But, if you are Viking marauding across Scandinavia, or a modern-day trapper mushing huskies through rugged terrain, checking lines in -45-degree F temperatures, Lohikeitto yields the metabolic energy and gut warming thermal energy you need. It also proves to be good fare on a chilly Sunday after chopping wood for the fireplace, or snowshoeing through the back 40 along the North Shore.

What you’ll need: • 2 tablespoons butter • 1 leek, sliced (white and light green parts only) • 4 cups fish stock (vegetable or wild turkey stock

will also work) • 1 pound potatoes, cubed • 1 carrot, sliced • 1 pound salmon fillet, de-boned, de-skinned and cut into small chunks • 1 cup of half-and-half cream • ½ cup fresh dill for garnish, finely chopped • Salt and pepper to taste

Date Night Thursdays 6-8 p.m.

The Crooked Spoon Food Truck

Check Website & Social Media for Special Dates

202 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen northshorewinery.us 28

JANUARY 2022

NORTHERN WILDS

Remove the skin from the salmon, cut into 1-inch chunks and set aside. In a 3-4-quart pot melt butter and gently sauté the leek until translucent. Add the stock, cubed potatoes and sliced carrot. Bring to a low boil and cook until potato is fork tender. Pour cream into a separate bowl and slowly whisk in about ½ to ¾ cups of the hot broth. Then stir warm cream mixture into pot. (This keeps the cream from curdling when added to the pot.) Gently lay in the salmon chunks and cook about five minutes, or until salmon is done. Sprinkle on chopped dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with fresh kale, rye bread or toast, a squish of lemon and a few radish sprouts if desired.

For more recipes, visit: krissiemason.com.

Your Family Health History: What’s Coming Up Behind You?

By Hartley Newell-Acero You may already know that you inherited your father’s chin, your grandmother’s sweet tooth, or your uncle’s love of puzzles. Gathering up a “family health history” can help you to understand if you share their health risks too. Stories of family members’ past health challenges and causes of death hold important clues about the future health of family members. This history can alert you to dangers that may be coming up behind you, so you can plan ways to reduce, or even eliminate, them.

that disease yourself. Gather as much information as you can about as many of your close family members as possible: parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. If you have access to death certificates and medical records, it’s even better. That way you won’t miss information because of memory lapses or gaps in data. If your history isn’t 100 percent complete, that’s okay—some information is better than none.

Important data to include: • major medical conditions,

Biological families share genes, and both biological and adoptive families share behaviors that impact health, such as levels of physical activity and the kinds of foods they eat. Families often live in the same area, and so are exposed to the same environmental toxins, like levels of air or water pollution. A family health history takes these factors into account because they can all affect your health.

Keep this information up-to-date and share it with your family and primary care provider.

Most families have a history of at least one chronic disease, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. If you are closely related to a person with one of these conditions, you could be at greater risk for developing

People can’t change the genetic hand that they’re dealt, but they can play their cards well. When people do the following, they can greatly improve the odds of living a long and healthy life:

• causes of death, • age at disease diagnosis, • age at death, and • race/ethnic background.

What’s behind you? Knowing your family’s health history is important. | STOCK • choose a nutritious diet, • keep physically active, • avoid dangerous behaviors such as smoking or drinking, • get appropriate screenings (mammograms, blood sugar and blood pressure tests, colorectal cancer screenings, etc.).

In some families, there may be taboos around discussing health struggles, or perhaps extended family members just don’t see each other often enough to be comfortable talking about sensitive topics. These discussions aren’t always easy, and it may be more comfortable to have them one-onone instead of as a group. If approached gently and with compassion, your relatives might be happy to share information.

Consider including children in these dis-

cussions. It shows them that their health matters, and that their family is a source of knowledge and support.

Mental health history is just as important as physical health history, because some mental health issues can have a genetic component. Bringing up a recent news report, or even sharing your own experience, may be the ice-breaker that gets the conversation started. Give family members different options for how they’d like to share information: email, video chat, or in person. Keep questions short, and most importantly—be a good listener: non-judgmental and without interrupting.

This is a condensed version of Sawtooth Mountain Clinic’s monthly health newsletter. To read it in its entirety, access the articles used as reference, and to explore past newsletters, visit: sawtoothmountainclinic.org.

Now Seeing Patients at North Shore Health in Grand Marais Dr. Lucarelli welcomes patients who have pain or concerns that may lead to general surgery.

Dr. Lucarelli treats the following: • Hernias • Tumors • Gallbladder issues • Cancer • Intestinal pain • Skin and soft tissue concerns • Breast disease • Endocrine system issues • Abdominal and gastrointestinal issues • Minor wounds He is accepting new patients and no referral is required.

Dr. Lucarelli will be at North Shore Health on: • January 21, 2022 • February 25, 2022 • March 25, 2022 To schedule an appointment, call St. Luke’s Surgical Associates at 218.249.6050.

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Northern Trails (Mis) Adventures on a Snowmobile By Gord Ellis

The very first snowmobile that I have any memories of was also the first one that made its way into our family. It was an early 70s Ski-Doo Elan, a two banger as I recall and gifted to my father by my grandfather Ora Ellis. The sled arrived out of the blue on a flatbed truck from southern Ontario. Its sudden appearance was very exciting to me, as it meant new freedom to explore on the ice. There was a catch or two, however. The Elan had a very short track and a seat that sat one person uncomfortably—two people on the seat was a disaster. Then there was a power issue. The Elan really didn’t have any power. It did very well on flat ice, but hills and deep snow were challenging. That said, the machine got used. For reasons I don’t recall, that Elan got the nickname Miss Piggy.

Many trips onto Lake Superior were made with Miss Piggy and we would then “dry dock” lakers, as Grandpa used to say. Oddly enough, I don’t recall Grandpa Ora ever riding on Miss Piggy, even though he bought it for us, but maybe I’ve forgotten.

Since there was often a few of us who wanted to go out on the lake, and only one Miss Piggy, Gord Senior came up with a solution. He built a sleigh that could hold some gear and that a third angler could stand on while holding a hand grip to stay in place. A great idea and workable, but perhaps not the best for a 250-cc sled.

One time, Dad and I were sitting on the seat, and a friend of ours named Dave was standing on the back of the sleigh. We went out to the fishing grounds on Bays End, had a good fishing session, then packed it up.

Dave got on the back and Senior pointed it towards home. Except for a few bumps off the top—and a pressure ridge—the ride back was smooth and fast; maybe too fast. When we got to shore, I looked back and there was no Dave. Off in the distance, there was a single black dot on the horizon. Our friend Dave had been tossed off the sled by the pressure ridge and he was trudging back, not in the best of moods. I went back and saved him, and all was well. We looked back a lot more after that incident.

Another classic adventure with Miss Piggy that did not go as planned involved two sleds, which required breaking trail and going up hills. Gord Senior was driving her when a front connection to the ski broke.

This was not good as we were well back in the woods. Using a little bush ingenuity, Miss Piggy’s ski was (barely) secured with a stick, some rope and prayer. We made it home, but just barely.

At the end of the trail with some vintage sleds in the 80s. | GORD ELLIS

Gord Ellis ice fishing beside the 70s Ski-Doo Elan nicknamed Miss Piggy. | GORD ELLIS The first snowmachine I owned was bought used in the late 80s. I went to look at the late 70s 340 Ski-Doo Everest and to say it was in rough shape would have been an understatement. That, however, didn’t put me off. Neither did the fact that the owner could not start it. After about a half hour of pulling it finally coughed to life. “Sold!” I shouted with glee, proving yet again that P.T. Barnum was right. That machine was nicknamed Sno-Pig by my primary fishing partner of the time and it was nothing but headaches. Yet, thanks to a substantial amount of work, it ran well if

it didn’t get too warm. If it was warm out, it died. This happened at the most inopportune times, like in the middle of a sea of slush. Another habit this machine had was running a little nose heavy. In deep powder, it would disappear like a submarine into the white stuff. Occasionally I’d re-emerge, but more often than not the machine would stall, choked out by snow.

The Sno-Pig was finally retired when it caught fire and had to be doused with snow. It was sold for parts and unceremoniously hauled away.

The snowmachines that have followed were far more dependable and less prone to mechanical failure. That didn’t mean the adventures ended, however. One classic time, a group of us took some sleds well north of Thunder Bay to break trail into a pair of stocked brook trout lakes. It was the dead of winter, cold and, as we soon discovered, the snow was deep and fluffy.

We began breaking trail, but the snow was so deep the machines kept bogging down.

This meant we all had to get off our machines, struggle through waist deep snow to the floundering sled, and yank it out. Do this enough times and you get hot, sweaty and tired. That, however, was not enough to turn us around. Oh no, we had to push on. As the day got later, we knew it was prudent to retreat, but we didn’t. The decision was made to send the lightest member of the team on my sled—a Ski-Doo Long Track Tundra—to see how far he could get. He did indeed make it to the lake and came back saying he had seen two moose on it when he broke through the trees. The convoy finally made it to the lake, and we decided to pop a few holes down and fish the last hours of light. I pulled the power auger out, fired it up and dug a hole.

About halfway down the second hole, the auger died. It never started again. Dejected, hungry and cold, we got back on our sleds and went back to the trucks. Sensible people would have chocked it up to experience and slept in the next day. Nope, the next morning, in the cold and dark we all headed right back there, with two power augers. We even caught a couple trout.

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Winter trout opener remains a big deal NORTH SHORE— If you’re looking for solitude in the Boundary Waters, the opening day of the winter trout season isn’t the best time to find it.

Winter trout season may not draw the same number of anglers as the spring walleye opener, but it definitely has a large fan base.

“There must have been 50 people out there,” said Finland Area Fisheries Supervisor Dean Paron of his trip into the Boundary Waters for last year’s winter trout opener.

“I’ve been on the lake where you essentially have the lake to yourself. I was just shocked by the amount of people there last year. The year before it was maybe 10 people.”

It’s even more crowded on more-accessible designated trout lakes outside the Boundary Waters, where it’s not unusual to see dozens of anglers on the ice on opener.

Unlike other fish species, when safe ice determines when they can be pursued, trout seasons have official opening dates in the winter, which may cause some of the hoopla.

“Generally, we see most of our pressure in the first two weeks (of winter trout season),” Paron said. “People do seem to come out and fish pretty hard opening weekend and the following weekend.”

Participation declines after that. Paron noted that winter creel surveys on trout

enough to support trout, and that’s where they find minnows, crayfish, insects and other foods. Although you can use electronics, a lot of anglers enjoy watching fish come in while fishing in clear, shallow water.

“I start shallow and move deeper, especially early in the season,” Paron said. “I focus on shorelines where I see a lot of wood.”

lakes in his area last winter observed an uptick in fishing pressure, but he wonders how much of that could be attributed to the allaround increase in outdoor activity during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If I’m targeting rainbows, I give the spot an hour and then I move,” Paron continued. “Splake don’t seem to move as much.

It seems like once you find splake, you find more in that area.”

Accessibility is one major factor in the amount of fishing pressure a given lake receives each winter. Lakes in the Boundary Waters are generally harder to reach than those outside the B-dub. But even lakes outside the Boundary Waters may require long treks through deep snow on a snowmobile, skis or snowshoes. Add in cold temperatures and strong winds and the number of anglers willing to brave the elements declines.

Paron said his office is trying something new on a few trout lakes in his management area this winter. Normally, “catchable-sized” rainbows weighing about one-third of a pound are stocked in spring, while smaller, “fingerling” splake are stocked in fall. Those spring rainbows have to survive summer angling pressure to be available for ice anglers and splake will need to survive in the lake for more than a year before they’re big enough to interest anglers. This year, however, Paron said his staff stocked rainbows in late October weighing two-thirds of a pound. These fish have never seen angling pressure and should provide good fishing this winter. These fallstocked rainbows have clipped adipose fins to distinguish them from spring stocks. Echo, Hogback and Divide lakes each received 1,000 of these larger rainbows this fall.

The winter trout season for both lake trout and stream trout (brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and splake) runs Jan. 1 to March 31 for lakes entirely within the Boundary Waters and from Jan. 15 to March 31 for lakes outside of or partially outside of the B-dub. Anglers should note a few special regulations for designated trout lakes in Minnesota waters. A trout stamp is required and only one line is allowed. No live minnows may be possessed. However, you can fish with preserved minnows or live baits such as nightcrawlers or waxworms.—Joe Shead

Anglers have good luck fishing trout with small spoons, jigging Rapalas or jigs tipped with waxworms or salted minnows. | JOE SHEAD Anglers have good luck fishing trout with small spoons, jigging Rapalas or jigs tipped with waxworms or salted minnows. Start looking for trout in shallow water of about 5 feet and move deeper if you don’t find fish. In winter, shoreline water is plenty cold

KING LAKE

BY JOE SHEAD WHY GO: If you’re looking to fish an untapped lake within an hour’s drive of Duluth, King Lake may be just the ticket.

You can get back in the boonies, enjoy some good walleye, bass and pike fishing and be back home in time for supper.

ACCESS: Getting to King Lake is a challenge. You’ll have to do some off-roading to get there and once there, you’ll only be able to launch a canoe, kayak or a cartopper-style rowboat, but that’s part of the fun. From Duluth, head north on Jean Duluth Road for about 8 miles, then turn right onto Normanna Road. Proceed northeast on Normanna, which soon turns into Pequaywan Lake Road. Travel about 18 miles, then turn right on Rossini Road. Go about 1.3 miles and turn left.

Here, the road splits. Take the right fork at the arrow pointing toward King Lake.

You’ll be driving down logging roads that are sometimes rutted up and full of water, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable. Go 2.3 miles, then left at a narrow logging road. From there, it’s about a tenth of a mile to the lake. Pull up a map on your phone to help you navigate the logging roads to the south end of the lake once you leave Rossini Road. It would be a good idea to download a map of the 32

JANUARY 2022

area ahead of time because cell reception is spotty in the area.

VITALS: King Lake is 317 acres with a maximum depth of 8 feet. There’s a muddy carry-down access with parking for one vehicle. The south end of the lake is undeveloped, but there are some cabins on the larger north end. Due to its remoteness and lack of fishing pressure, the lake was last surveyed in 1997, so the fishery may have changed somewhat over the years.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass and yellow perch.

WALLEYE: According to the 1997 survey, King offers a very good walleye fishery. Walleyes are abundant, fast-growing and of good average size. More than half of the walleyes sampled in that survey measured 15 inches or greater, and fish topped 16 inches in just four years.

Due to the lake’s shallow nature, fish shouldn’t be hard to find, but the water is clear, so fishing during low-light periods will probably be your best bet.

NORTHERN PIKE: The northern pike fishery is similar. They’re found in high abundance, but their average size isn’t too bad. Mean size was nearly 22 inches,

NORTHERN WILDS

and fish grow quickly, with an occasional pike topping 30 inches. More than 60 percent of the fish sampled were 21 inches or longer.

LARGEMOUTH BASS: Bass are usually too smart to be caught in nets and are best surveyed by electrofishing. However, some largemouths were sampled in that old survey, with one notable fish topping 20 inches. It’s likely there is a fairly good bass fishery in King Lake.

YELLOW PERCH: Yellow perch inhabit King in average numbers. They likely provide forage for pike and walleyes, although a few reach the keeper-size for anglers.

View all our Fishing Hole Maps at: northernwilds.com/fishingholemaps

SAWTOOTH RACING DOG BLOG

BY ERIN ALTEMUS

Teamwork At our previous homestead off Pine Mountain Road, our kennel was conveniently situated between two main snowmobile trails and several unplowed forest roads. Sometimes with an early season snow, we needed to lay tracks for the dogs with our snowmobile, but after Christmas, there were always tracks to follow. We spent very little time grooming or maintaining any trails at all.

ing themselves.

Now, we are located on a network of trails used almost exclusively by mushers.

Over the past decade, however, several mushers sold out, and most of these trails became overgrown—in some places almost indecipherable from the surrounding forest.

Over the past month, there have been numerous days you could find me scouting the trails, figuring out where exactly we could run and then trimming back the branches to resurrect a passable dog trail once again.

One day after all the snow, Anna, myself and neighbor Andrea DeBoer met up to trim a section of trail. Andrea led with her wide track snowmobile and groomer, Anna and I followed on our skimpier machine.

While cutting back branches, we ran into Odin Jorgenson, who was out grooming a different section of trail. Now maybe for them, this was a commonplace occurrence, but for me, the novelty of a group meet-up of mushers on a sled dog trail in the middle of the frozen swamp, essentially made

It takes a pretty hefty snowmachine to groom such deep snow. Ours is wholly inadequate for the job, thus we must rely on our neighbor mushers to do the grooming for us until we can find a more suitable machine. In return, we have tried to avail ourselves to lopping renegade balsam branches and alder stems from the trails.

Instead of watching for snowmobiles on the trails, I am watching for other teams of dogs.

On December 5, we got a real blizzard.

There was somewhere between 12-16 inches of snow with another 7 or 8 inches several days later. We went from ATVing to sleds immediately.

me giddy. We are part of something here.

Instead of watching for snowmobiles on the trails, I am watching for other teams of dogs. And passing practice is much needed for racing, so it’s a welcome challenge.

After the puddles, ponds and creeks freeze up, there are more places to go on sleds, but we generally avoid plowed roads, if possible, as the gravel chews up the runners. Also, sled brakes are intended for snow, not gravel or rock—so if you go down a plowed road on a sled, don’t plan on stopping. With more than 20 inches of snow, the trails must be packed before we can run a dog team, otherwise the dogs flounder in the deep snow, possibly injur-

December is crunch time for training.

By the time this issue hits the stands, we need to train several hundred more miles.

Gunflint Mail Run is January 8. Matt will take the runners (he calls it his come-back race after taking last year off) in the 12-dog race which is two 48-mile legs separated by a four-hour rest. Anna will run a mixed team of seasoned dogs and yearlings in the eight-dog race.

Gunflint Mail Run January 8, 2022

Fresh snow and a little hoarfrost make for pretty trails in mid-December. | ERIN ALTEMUS In between training and trail work, I have had a few moments to stop and appreciate the simplicity of living in one house.

I spend way less time driving, more time with the dogs and as much time as I can muster building forts inside and out with

Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race Course Blankenburg Pit 12-Dog Race Turn-Around 24.0 Miles

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Gidaanikeshkaagonaanig Gidaanikoobijiganinaan Following the Ancestor’s Steps

Welcome Home

By Sam Zimmerman I went home in September to Gichi-onigamiing (Grand Portage) to house sit for a cousin; it was the first time back since my naming. I was a little bit out of Gichi-biitoobiig (Grand Marais) when I saw a makade (black) shape coming out of the woods. As I got closer, I realized it was a makademakwa (black bear). She was so gwanaaj (beautiful), I pulled over on the shoulder and sat with her.

After a few minutes, she wandered back into the woods. I felt so blessed that she had come out to gift me with a visit. I kept driving up Hwy 61 until I got to Gichi-onigamiing. As I was rounding the curve heading up to Hat Point, a gwanaaj ma’iingan (beautiful wolf) came up from the shore and niibawi (he/she stands) on the shoulder. I stopped again and watched it—reminding myself to stay in the car. It laid down on the shoulder and then its mate came out from the other side of the road and joined it.

After a few minutes they walked off together and I continued to my cousin’s place. I sketched it out that weekend but have been wanting to paint it.

Gichi-onigamiing for me is family gatherings around campfires and I wanted to manaadendamo (honor) both for visiting me as it filled ninjichaag (my spirit) with joy from their visits. May the New Year bring you the same wonder and happiness I feel when I am on the North Shore.

Follow my studio on Facebook and Instagram @CraneSuperior or if you have ideas for a North Shore painting, cranesuperiorstudio@gmail.com.

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Reeling

A Novel

By Sarah Stonich University of Minnesota Press, 2021, $15.95

What stage of grief is it when your grandmother’s ghost keeps popping up on your electronic devices? Denial? For RayAnne, that seems to be the stage for launching the second season of her all-women fishing talk show, this time in New Zealand. Ready or not, she is taking the public television show on the road, putting the cold Minnesota winter in the rearview mirror. Featuring the same endearing cast of characters (as well as new characters) from Sarah Stonich’s first novel Fishing!, Reeling follows the fearless RayAnne as she encounters familiar and unexpected pleasures in her latest antics.

Filled with both feelgood and heavy-hearted moments, this wonderful follow up to Fishing! provides a refreshing take on grief.

—Breana Johnson

Days Like Smoke A Minnesota Boyhood

By Jon Hassler

University of Minnesota Press, 2021, $22.95

Beloved Minnesota novelist Jon Hassler, who chronicled small-town Midwestern life in such popular novels as A Green Journey, Staggerford, and North of Hope, left the manuscript for one important unfinished story when he died: his own. Days Like Smoke is Hassler’s previously unpublished memoir of his youth in rural Minnesota during the 1930s and 40s, giving us his memories and experiences. With chapters organized by simple themes such as houses, lessons and groceries, Hassler reviews his early years and occasionally reveals when a particular neighbor, teacher or friend inspired a character or scene in his writing. This is a great read for fans of Hassler, as well as anyone who’s grown up in rural Minnesota.—Breana Johnson

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Gichigami Hearts

Stories and Histories from Misaabekong

By Linda LeGarde Grover University of Minnesota Press, 2021, $14.95

Long before Duluth was formed, the massive outcropping that divides the city emerged from the ridge of gabbro rock running along the westward shore of Lake Superior. In Gichigami Hearts, Duluth author Linda LeGarde Grover tells the story of the great westward migration that carried the Ojibwe people to this place, the Point of Rocks—also known as Misaabekong, the place of the giants. Against this backdrop, the lives chronicled in her book unfold, some in myth, some in long-ago times, some in an imagined present, and some in the author’s family history, all with a deep bond to the land, one another, and the Ojibwe culture.

This genre-bending book will take you on a beautiful journey.—Breana Johnson

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NORTHERN SKY JANUARY 2022 By Deane Morrison, MN STARWATCH

In January, Venus emerges from its short trip between Earth and the sun to become a “morning star.” It begins a rapid climb over the eastern horizon in mid-month, making its way toward much dimmer Mars. Try looking above the southeastern horizon just before the sky starts to lighten on the 29th. Venus will be to the upper left of a thin waning moon and Mars will be between them, but closer to the moon.

The star off to the upper right of this assemblage is Antares, the heart of Scorpius. Its name means “rival of Mars,” and for the time being it outshines its planetary competitor.

Earth reaches perihelion, its closest approach to the sun in its orbit, and achieves its highest orbital speed—which does nothing to help Jupiter resist being left behind in the sunset. By month’s end, the king of planets will be poised to follow Saturn over the horizon.

The first full moon of 2022 rises almost perfectly round before sunset on Monday, the 17th. As darkness falls, the bright star Procyon, in Canis Minor, the little dog, and brilliant Sirius, in Canis Major, the large dog, come out and form a nearly straight line with the moon.

New Year’s Day sees Jupiter and Saturn lingering in the southwest at nightfall. The two planets form a nearly equilateral triangle with Fomalhaut, the brightest star in Piscis Austrinus, the southern fish.

The bright winter constellations will all be up in the east by mid-evening on January 1, earlier as the days go by. Brilliant Capella caps the group from its perch in the constellation Auriga, the charioteer, while Sirius holds the bottom position.

But the triangle breaks in mid-month, when Saturn gets lost in the sunset. The best evening to see the three objects may be Tuesday, the 4th, when a young moon shines to Saturn’s left. Also on that day,

The University of Minnesota’s public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth and Twin Cities campuses have been curtailed due to the pandemic. For more information and viewing schedules, visit: d.umn.edu/planet.

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Strange Tales The World of Wacky Winter Sports By Elle AndraWarner

Did you know that there are professional snowball competitions? Or how about snow kayaking, shovel racing, skibobbing, or skijoring with a horse, dogs, snowmobile or motorcycle? Here’s a snapshot look at a few wacky winter sports.

Skijoring (Norwegian for ‘ski driving’) is one of the fastest growing winter sports in North America. It’s also one of the world’s oldest winter activities. Its roots go back hundreds of years as winter transportation by the Sami on skis pulled by reindeer, though the first written record of what is now defined as skijoring goes back thousands of years to Central Asia where a person on ski-like boards was pulled by dogs.

Popular first in Scandinavia as a recreational sport before spreading across the world, it was a demonstration sport in the 1928 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland where skiers on towlines were pulled on a frozen lake by galloping rider-less horses. Then in the 1950s, skijoring took on a new ‘extreme’ direction—skiers began to be towed in races by motorcycles, cars and snowmobiles.

Snow kayaking is considered an extreme winter competitive sport and can reach speeds up to 70 kph. | ALEX KERNEY

Over in Summit Lake, Alaska, in the Arctic Man Classic, skiers are towed behind snowmobiles speeding up to 86 mph (138 kph). In Leadville, Colorado, horse skijoring competitions have been held since 1949 where horse and rider race down a snowpacked downtown street towing a skier by rope and pulling the skier through a course of gates, jumps and rings. And coming up in Minnesota at Canterbury Park on Saturday, February 12 is Extreme Horse Skijoring.

And then there’s the winter sport of shovel racing. That’s where riders race down a snowy hill on a snow shovel. A person sits on a shovel facing the handle putting the shovel between your legs, lean back with feet pointing forward and away you go. Reports say that the sport started in the 1970s at ski resorts in New Mexico after watching workers move from location to location on shovels as sleds. Professional shovel racers can reach top speeds of 70 mph (112 kph).

How about snow scooting? Apparently popular in Europe, it involves cutting snowshoes in half, then screwing on handlebars, getting on board and ‘scooting’ down a snowy hill. So far, it hasn’t really caught on in North America.

Then there’s snow kayaking or snow boating. Considered an ‘extreme’ winter

Professional shovel racers can reach speeds up to 70 mph (112 kph). | LYNN EUBANK sport with professional competitions, a person alone, or with a partner, hops into a kayak or canoe and goes sledding down a snowy hill or mountain, reaching speeds of 70 kph. A winter sport also using a canoe is ice canoeing. You need a team, a canoe and a frozen lake; team members paddle the canoe through open water sections, then jump out on the frozen lake parts to push the canoe until there’s water again, and continue the paddle/push until the final destination.

Skibobbing uses a bicycle-like frame with skis rather than wheels. | ISIWAL Hockey fans might be interested in underwater hockey—also known as Octopush—a winter sport for scuba divers invented in the 1950s in England to keep them interested when there was no open-water in winter for divers. Two teams compete using pushers (short sticks) to move a puck across the bottom of a swimming pool into the opposing team’s goals, located on each end of the pool. Underwater Hockey World

Championships are held every two years; the first one was held in 1980 in Vancouver, B.C. and the 2022 event is set for Istanbul, Turkey.

Another wacky and weird kind of winter sport is skibobbing, patented in 1892, though skibobs had already been used in the Alps for transportation. Skibobbing has a bicycle-like form attached to skis and sometimes also uses a set of foot skis. Since

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JANUARY 2022

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Underwater Hockey, also known as Octopush, was invented as a winter sport for scuba divers in the 1950s in England. | DAVID UNDERWATER

Skijoring team of horse and rider pulling a skier in a 2009 event in Leadville, Colorado. | KAILA ANGELLO

1967, there has been the annual Skibobbing World Championships. The record speed for skibobbing was set in 1964 at a whopping 102 mph (164 kph).

ture the flag before time runs out.

on the northern island of Hokkaido in the late 1980s, yukigassen is an annual professional snowball fighting competition.

It’s a match between two teams of seven players, each with 90 pre-made snowballs, and played on a 36x10 meter court with seven obstacles called ‘bunkers’ and a flag at each court end. Players wear special yukigassen helmets with face shields and are eliminated when hit with snowballs.

Then, the remaining team must run to cap-

Snowball fighting today has reached a whole new level. Besides traditional fun snowball fights, it’s now also an international winter sport with professional snowball throwers in professional snowball competitions known as yukigassen (Japanese word for “snow battle”). Originating

Canada’s first organized snowball fight was in 2011 in Edmonton, Alberta. In a CBC article by Clifton Mark, Team Canada’s snowball coach describes yukigassen as “a combination of dodge ball and paintball. A high intensity sport that requires skill and team work. A form of moving chess.” Team Canada’s professional snowball team started in 2011, and five years later in 2016, travelled to the Showa-Shinzan

International Yukigassen World Championships in Japan.

There’s even a Guinness World Record for snowball fighting. Five years ago, on January 31, 2016 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 7,681 participants—including Canada’s famous celebrity comedian Rick Mercer—set the new world record for snowball fighting (taking it away from Seattle, Oregon).

Want a Good Read?

Check out our bookstore online.

2 of Lake Superior’s North Shore

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Where the Fish Are! Cook County, Minnesota is a guide to 366 lakes with data about the fish species and population status, public access and acreage. Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included.

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Cook County is justly famed for its quality fishing. From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds Prune Lake stocked with brook trout, this county provides wonderful fishing opportunities.

Lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike, black crappies, yellow perch, whitefish, muskies and stream trout swim in the county’s lakes. This book tells you where to find them.

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PLANNING, RESUPPLYING, SAFETY, BEARS, BUGS, AND MORE

The Historic Beacons of Minnesota, Isle Royale and Ontario

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ThruHike

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THE ALEC BOOSTROM STORY

Boundary Waters Boy

Where the Fish Are!

lighthousEs

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—Shawn Perich Outdoor Writer and Publisher

BY ANNIE NELSON

$14.95 ISBN 978-0-9740207-7-8

51495> Northern Wilds Media, Inc. of Grand Marais publishes the monthly Northern Wilds magazine, which is available at dozens of North Shore locations from Duluth to Thunder Bay. Printed in the United States by Northern Wilds Print & Copy. www.northernwilds.com

By Jack Blackwell

By EllE AndrA-WArnEr

A guide to over 350 fishing lakes Includes 68 depth contour maps

9 780974 020778

SECOND EDITION

A comprehensive guide to the lighthouses and navigational beacons from Duluth, Minnesota to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Learn about the storms and shipwrecks that led to their construction, the lonely lives of the keepers and the role lighthouses play in present-day maritime navigation. $22.95

Veteran long-distance hiker Annie Nelson compiled the information and advice you need for a successful thru-hike adventure on the 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail. $14.95

Seventeen-year-old Jack Blackwell joined his grandfather, Alec Boostrom, on his northern Minnesota wilderness trapline. There he learned the story of his grandfather’s life of wilderness adventure on Lake Superior’s North Shore and deep within the canoe country. $14.95

Join the authors on the trails that lead to the magnificent waterfalls of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Maps and directions to over 150 waterfalls are included in this unique guide. $19.95

One devastating day in November, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald succumbed to gale-force winds, plunging to the bottom of Lake Superior and leaving no survivors. This haunting tale looks back to one of the most legendary, mysterious and controversial shipwrecks on the Great Lakes. $9.95

From wilderness waters teeming with trophy walleyes to secluded ponds stocked with brook trout, this guide contains data about fish populations and access for 366 lakes.

Contour maps for 68 popular fishing lakes are included. $14.95

s h o p . n o r t h e r nw i l d s . c o m 38

JANUARY 2022

NORTHERN WILDS

Talk to Terry!

Terry R. Backlund Broker/Owner Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Email: Terry@BacklundRealty.com

T.C. Backlund Real Estate Agent Phone: 651-373-5504 Email: Ty@BacklundRealty.com

Lori A. Backlund Real Estate Agent 109 TOM OVERLOOK TRAIL TOM LAKE , HOVLAND, MN

X28 W 2ND ST GRAND MARAIS, MN

237 CAMP 20 RD HOVLAND, MN

7 W WISCONSIN ST GRAND MARAIS, MN

SOLD

New Listing

100’ x 120’ residential lot in town.

MLS# 6099385 Price: $45,000

Bedroom 1 Bath 2 Car Garage Huge workshop 48 Amazing Acres with over 5K trails.

MLS# 6099807 Price: $490,000

3700+ sq. ft. Commercial building on mainstreet. Exposure to high volume pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

MLS# 6100518 Price: $499,900

17.81 EAST COYOTE RIDGE GRAND MARAIS, MN

6.88 EAST COYOTE RIDGE GRAND MARAIS, MN

X5 CTY RD 7 GRAND MARAIS, MN

X20 CTY RD 60 GRAND MARAIS, MN

17.81 Acres. Rolling parcel with seasonal creeks. Private and close to town. MLS# 6097455 Price: $99,900

6.88 Acres. Lake Superior view.

Driveway in. Power at the road. Close to town. MLS# 6097459 Price: $89,900

5.9 acres close to town.

Ready for your dreams.

MLS# 6099380 Price: $65,000

XXX E 7TH AVE W GRAND MARAIS, MN

5 N BROADWAY GRAND MARAIS MN

Sweet lot. 90 x 120 Dead end street.

MLS# 6098146 Price: $59,500

Commercial Building 2578 sq. ft.

Restaurant. Great location.

Possibilities MLS# 6095312 Price: $399,000

Sweet Log Cabin with Bunkhouse and Sauna, 191 Ft Lakeshore on 3.31 Acres MLS# 6098700 Price: $299,900

Saleng Pendi

Saleng Pendi

Saleng Pendi

19+ Acres for homestead or hunting land MLS# 6078387 Price: $89,900

We have buyers looking for homes



X2 W 3RD ST GRAND MARAIS, MN

Saleng i d n e P

2 Lots: 50 x 100 and 75 x 100 Wetlands delineated. Ready to go.

MLS# 6100150 Price: $69,900

Phone: 218-387-1501 Cell: 218-370-8977 Terry@BacklundRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

39

CHEERS TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2022!

Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

INLAND LAKESHORE OPPORTUNITIES!

E L A S ING D N E P

E L A S ING D N E P

LUTSEN TAIT LAKE OASIS— A LINDAL CEDAR HOME!

This Lindal Cedar Home is a Classic, from the large foyer entry leading into the accommodating living room with a wall of windows overlooking the lakeshore and forest to the gas fireplace adding to the ambiance. Overlooking Tait Lake with a babbling creek and over 300ft of shoreline all in the midst of the boreal forest! From the Screen porch, the Spa room and the Main Level Owner’s Suite you won’t want to leave your personal Oasis, and who can blame you! Two car attached garage makes this home perfect for year round living in the Northwoods! With the Crib style year round dock in place you will be ready for all the seasons!

MLS#6095596 $799,900 PRICE REDUCED!

NEW! TAIT LAKE GETAWAY!

Up in the Lutsen woods, tucked along wild and pristine Tait Lake is a wonderful lake home opportunity. Situated on a peaceful stretch of 221’ of frontage and 2.75 acres of elbow room. A designer kitchen to die for, Sunroom overlooking the woods and lake, Timbered, cathedral ceilings, wood fireplace, what more can you ask for? How about 2 spacious garages for all the stuff! Loons sing in the summer. Fall colors explode.

Winter is deep and pristine, with wood smoke curling up and away.

Spring peepers sing the lake ice away. Come soak in the ways of the earth in this corner of solitude. Get back to the old rhythms and calm.

Hole up, fish for walleye, make a wild blueberry pie. Ahh!

MLS#6100777 $799,000

FIND THOSE NEW LISTINGS FIRST!!

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CHEERS TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2022!

Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

HOMES, HOMES, HOMES, READ ALL ABOUT ‘EM!!

D L SO

D L SO

DOME’CILE

NEW! SIMPLE LIVING IN LUTSEN!

Brand new 2021 home is all set for new owners!

Everything is new, gas cook stove, refrigerator, furnace, skirting around home, deck and even the poured concrete pad. You’ll own the home which you can move to wherever you would like or you can keep it where it is! Great location Right in the heart of Lutsen convenient for shopping, dining, post office, banking, groceries, gas and 20 minutes to Grand Marais. Lutsen Mountains, Superior National Golf Course, the Gittci Gammi Bike Trail, and access to the State and Local snowmobile trails right out your back door.

MLS#6100507 $73,000

D L O S

Dreamy Home on the Pike Lake Rd sitting on a highland of maples and boreal forest abutting miles of public land!An inspired dome home flanked by bedroom, kitchen, and sun-room wings to form a functional and inspiring floor-plan. The sun-room, drenched in light, is a place to unwind, contemplate and open the mind as it spills into the heart of the home, the Dome! The paneled and beamed ceilings lift the spirits and the loft is cozy under the upper reaches of the dome. Sprawling, tasteful deck surveys the nearly four acres. Waterfalls, trout and hiking are 5 minutes back at the Cascade River. XC ski trailhead and snowmobile trails, 3 minutes away. Getaway in the woods and enjoy the silence.

MLS#6099797 $289,900

LIVING THE BIG DREAM ON THE BIG LAKE! LAKE SUPERIOR TOWNHOME LUTSEN/TOFTE AREA! Welcome your guests in to this sprawling townhome, fun design and focus on Lake Superior! Big Views from Nearly every room, and enough deck space for everyone to enjoy those cool breezes off Lake Superior! Upper level owner bedroom en suite is spacious! Open kitchen, and dining areas, with a drop down Great Room with wall of windows and fireplace, Amazing Views.

One car attached garage too! Stroll to the stairway to the beach just for owners! LOVE this place for year round living or vacation getaway! Minute’s to Lutsen Mountain Summer and Ski Resort AND Tofte’s Blue Fin Bay Resort!

MLS#6098625 $475,000

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCALLY CR AFTED TIMBERWOLFF WEBSITE , SEARCH ALL MLS LISTINGS AT TIMBERWOLFFREALTY.COM NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

41

CHEERS TO A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2022!

Info@TimberWolffRealty.com

Call TimberWolff for Your Personal Tour of Homes & Land!!!

Local 663-8777 • Toll free (877) 664-8777

CAMPN’, HUNTN’, FUN GETAWAY LAND, INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! SILVER BAY TO SCHROEDER AREAS NEW! Spectacular views lot near Illgen Falls!

Just a short hike from Illgen Falls and across the street from Tettegouche State Park this lot has beautiful Lake Superior and ridge views from the building site! Mix of pines, birch and maple, with the Superior Hiking Trail (and the Fantasia Overlook) only a quarter-mile away.

Property is part of an association with a shared road, well, and septic already in place. It won’t take much to build your dream cabin here!

MLS#6100288 $95,000

24 acres on Blackwoods Drive, approx. 8 miles up the Cramer Rd from the Cross River in Schroeder! Southern sloping maples, beautiful build sites! Electric, fiber, year round access.

MLS#6094707 $99,900

Seclusion at 8271 Blackwoods Drive!

Over 16 acres of sugar maples, beautiful! Year round access but gives you feeling of remote location. There is plenty of room to build and have the seclusion that you looking for- in fact the project has already begun since the current owners have already installed a driveway. Easily create a comfortable basecamp while building your dream getaway!

MLS#6097285 $79,900 PRICED REDUCED

TOFTE AREA

LUTSEN AREA

South Sloping parcels at LeVeaux Mountain!

Beautiful build sites, one parcel has a wildlife pond and the other views of Lake Superior from the top! Yr Round access, electric and fiber along the road, sensible HOA makes this a gem to build your dream North Shore home! MLS#6089001; MLS#6089003 $67,000 EACH!

Perched on the Foothill of Lutsen Mountains, this five acre parcel has both views of Eagle Mountain as well as Lake Superior!

Beautiful trees complete the package. With a thoughtful Home Owner’s Association in place, you’ll enjoy peace and quiet in the heart of Lutsen!

High ground, rolling terrain, year round access!

Beautiful parcel at Birch Cliff, located between Lutsen and Tofte, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds! Dine at BlueFin and Ski the day away at Lutsen Mountains from this lovely corner build site with decent Lake Superior views and views of Carlton Peak in the distance. LeVeaux Mountain is to the North, wowser setting!

HOVLAND AREA

SALE PENDING!

MLS#6099657 $75,000

Easy Build Site in Tofte!

Level five acre parcel with potential for views in the South East corner, or build in the center of the acreage for maximum seclusion! Diverse trees including a nice mix of birch, mountain ash and balsam fir!

MLS#6099659 $89,900

The Wilderness at your fingertips! 92+ acres just off the Tom Lake Road in Hovland. Dream and scheme the getaway cabin, build it out of timber right off the land. Wander all the nooks and crannies to find that ideal getaway.

Make some ski trails or hunker down. Open up a patch for a back-to-thelander’s dream garden or just keep it wild and natural: a place to walk, preserve, hunt, and contemplate the big questions. Unwind a bit here, get in a natural groove. Bring your vision, energy, passion and love!

MLS#6099658 $64,500

LUTSEN AREA Lutsen Build sites with shared septic and well just waiting for your little cabin ideas! Looking for a site to build without spending an arm and a leg? These sites are it! Well and Septic in place, just Build and Enjoy!

MLS#6098528 $84,900 SALE PENDING!

This Nearly 40 acres is a great recreational area for the outdoor enthusiast! Remote and secluded land, perfect for hunting or hiking, wild life viewing or planting trees and camping. Judge Magney State Park is close by – featuring the Devil’s Kettle and scenic hikes. The historic Naniboujou Lodge is also nearby and worth to visit!

MLS#6098693 $69,900

MLS#2309328 $39,000 AND OTHERS, JUST ASK ABOUT MINK RANCH!

LAKE SUPERIOR LAND

E SA L ING D PEN

NEW! LAKE SUPERIOR LAND 250+ FT 3.8 ACRES!!

Wowser of a Lake Superior parcel just 20 minutes to Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort and just over an hour from Duluth!

Meander the accessible 254 ft of rocky shoreline for agates, sit on the ledgerock for gorgeous Sunset views. This lovely piece of the Big Lake is BUILD READY with driveway to build site in place, electric and fiber are nearby. Enjoy the land as you wish, a quiet getaway small footprint cabin or the year round Lake Superior home you have dreamed of! And to top this all off, enjoy the hiking opportunities offered at Sugarloaf Cove Interpretive Center just a five minute walk from this land!

MLS#6100619 $375,000

FIND THOSE NEW LISTINGS FIRST!!

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NORTHERN WILDS

218-387-2131 800-732-2131 101 West highway 61 grand marais, mn 55604

INLAND LAKE PROPERTIES

CONDOS

PENDING

PENDING

G rand Marais Condos UNIT 12

1 2 5 N P i k e L ak e R oad Quality built 3BR/3BA lake home positioned at the water’s edge. The connection to the lake is unbelievable with views of the water from the majority of rooms. The beach is easy access, perfect for swimming, kayaking or fishing.

MLS 6100454 •

Totally renovated with quality materials and workmanship, this 2BR, 1BA immaculate ground floor condo is move-in ready. The unit is close to all downtown Grand Marais has to offer. Complete the package with a heated under-ground garage and storage space and enjoy worry free living

$539,900

MLS 6098687 •

$289,900

LAND 13 X X Gu n f l int Trail 5A wooded parcel with driveway in the Maple Hill community is a perfect location for your home or cabin. Only 5 miles from Grand Marais on County maintained Gunflint Trail.

pe

in nd

MLS 6100022 •

g

$64,900

NEW 3X Wildflower Rd

Road Lak e

Lovely 2+ acre gently rolling parcel in Lutsen with seasonal Lake Superior Views and likely, once some clearing is completed, some very attractive year-round views.

Have you been wanting a place on the Gunflint Trail to call your own? This is a sweet spot to set up camp and have your own peaceful 48’ stretch of Road Lake shoreline.

MLS 6100838 •

$74,900

1X W i l d f lowe r R oad

NEW 4X Wildflower Rd

Are you looking for a great lot in Lutsen? This lovely 2+ acre parcel features seasonal Lake Superior Views and likely, once some clearing is completed, some very attractive year-round views

Whether you are looking for a residential building site or a potential vacation rental, this will be an incredible location, near all that Lutsen offers. 2+ acres with seasonal Lake Superior views.

pe

in nd

MLS 6099827 •

g

$69,900

MLS 6100839 •

$69,900

2X W i l d f lowe r R oad

1X Mountain Ash Lane

2+ acre gently rolling parcel with a mix of nice, healthy trees. Incredible location, near all that Lutsen offers.

Check out this coveted building site in the heart of Lutsen, which has phenomenal views of Lake Superior! This lot is south facing, providing excellent views as well as a sunny home site.

pe

in nd

MLS 6099945 •

g

$74,900

pe

in nd

MLS 6100019

g

$99,900

MLS 6100082 •

$39,900

XX Tamarack Trl Looking for a Lake Superior property to go camping on or to build your dream home?

Make sure to check this lot with 386 ft. of shoreline, 3.83 acres, driveway, cleared area AND Farquhar Creek frontage.

pe

in nd

MLS 6099224 •

g

$174,900

918 Cutoff Rd Beautifully wooded lot with garage and drilled well already completed. Close to town and the Pincushion Ski Area. What a location for your recreational getaway or year round home!

MLS 6096726 •

$109,900

w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

43

218-387-2131 800-732-2131 1 0 1 W E S T H I G H WAY 61 GRAND MARAIS, MN 55604

1 7 7 Ne e d ham Ro a d

PE N D I N G

Check out this phenomenal, quintessential Gunflint Trail estate, located on 4+ acres with 560’ of shoreline on Bearskin Lake AND includes frontage on the coveted Hungry Jack Lake. The original cabin consists of 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and was built by Charlie Boostrom and filled with custom made furnishings by local legend, Billy Needham.

The cabin oozes charm with the full logs, massive rock fireplace, wood floors, attached porch and is finished off with a large deck, surrounded by beautiful trees. In 2005, the owner built the Carriage House, complete with 3 garage stalls and a beautiful 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment with a large family room & attractive kitchen.

MLS 6100104

$849,900 LAND C o u nt y R d 6 Lots 2 lots available from 4.78 – 4.92 acres Own your own space in the country and only 10 minutes from Grand Marais and numerous recreational opportunities. Great mix of birch, balsam, pine and spruce.

Check out these great Lots!

15X County Rd 6 Easy drive to downtown Grand Marais from this private lot on County Road 6. Fall River/Rosebush Creek frontage.

pe

MLS 6097095

$57,900 - $59,900 XX X M o u ntain Trail Nicely wooded 5 acre lot with fabulous views of Lake Superior.

Close to Grand Marais, but country privacy--end of the cul-de-sac lot with great height.

in nd

$64,900

14XX Camp 20 Rd Terrific 55 acres with an amazing mix of forest. Balsam, spruce, birch, aspen and some maple and white pine. Want room to recreate? This is it.

MLS 6097013

MLS 6097785

g

$60,000

$124,900

J onvick Cr eek S ites 1 1 42 Camp 20 Rd

1X B ra nd o n L an e Beautiful lot just outside Grand Marais. Fall River runs through this property. Dramatic frontage!

MLS 6095813

$62,000

170+ acres of heavily forested land that has been replanted with many beautiful pine trees, poplar & cedar trees. Features gravel pit and pond and abutting State land.

MLS 6097348

$159,900

7 lots available from 1.5 - 4.8 acres In the heart of Lutsen, just off the Caribou Trail. Maples, Pines, and cedars in varied arrangements will make a great back-drop for your home or cabin. Each property adjoins public land making your space seem even more private.

$39,900 - $49,900

w w w. c b n o rt h s h o r e . c o m ©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

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50 YEARS OF HELPING YOU FIND HOME

CONTACT OUR TEAM TODAY!

Coldwell Banker North Shore is a locally-led business leveraging the resources of a national powerhouse. We are the top-producing team of real estate professionals on the North Shore – helping buyers and sellers with luxury homes, commercial properties and everything in between.

Virginia Detrick Palmer BROKER

|

OWNER

|

REALTOR ®

218-370-0211

Julie Joynes Carlson REALTOR ®

218-370-8068

And when it comes to your client experience, Coldwell Banker North Shore’s customer service-focused team is here to serve.

When you’re ready to buy or sell a new home or commercial property, contact us to discuss the current conditions and how it impacts your bottom line. Give us a call, email or even drop in. We can’t wait to be of service!

Aimee Luick

Eric Frost

LICENSED ASSISTANT

REALTOR ®

218-387-2131

218-370-1362

AS YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM, WE OFFER: • Free Market Analysis • Virtual Tours • 360 Degree Photographs • Personalized Marketing Plan

Kali Blomberg REALTOR ®

218-370-9260

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218-370-0784

• Fully-staffed Office for Quick Service • Representation Along Entire North Shore

101 WEST HIGHWAY 61

MONDAY — FRIDAY

GRAND MARAIS,

8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M.

MN 55604

218.387.2131

©2022 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Kelly Holtzman OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

218-387-2131

C BNO RT HS HO RE.C O M NORTHERN WILDS

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2021

NORTHERN WILDS

JANUARY 2022

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REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Linda Garrity, Realtor • Cathy Hahn, Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI. Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI

Red Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES

LAKE SUPERIOR PROPERTIES LAKE LOVER’S PARADISE

SOLD

Lake Superior views that will take your breath away. In addition to dramatic cliffs and mature birch that characterize this property, there is ample acreage above the north side of Hwy 61, with a variety of lake view building sites. 510 feet of shoreline with 46+ acres. Shown by appt only, listing agent must be present, buyer must provide lender’s pre-approval letter or proof-of funds to secure appt.

MLS#6097546

SOLD

BIG BAY – BIG VIEWS

Lake Superior lot with 206 ft of shoreline, deep spruce forest, adjoining state land and outstanding sunrises and sunsets with east view of the lake. Enchanting forest with huge moss-covered boulders.

Build your home or cabin here and enjoy seclusion with the charm and peacefulness of the Hovland area.

MLS#6097037

INLAND WATER PROPERTIES LARGE TWO ISLAND LAKE RETREAT GRAND MARAIS.

This 46+ acre property includes a peninsula with outstanding lake views. Wide creek and tons of wildlife. Privacy assured with over 1600 ft of lake front, plus over 2000 ft of creek. Literally walk to the BWCAW. Charming 4-season, 2 bdrm cabin with large dock and easy lakeshore access. Property can be sub-divided.

TOM LAKE ESCAPE.

This cabin boasts 195 ft of gorgeous shoreline on Tom Lake, manicured lawn, and covered deck space on two sides of the house for relaxing and entertaining! Lake draw water, a mound septic system and generator power.

Additional land and lakeshore available for purchase. Year round access. MLS#6092306 $339,000

HUGE PINES, PRISTINE VIEWS, GUNFLINT LAKE

This large, densely wooded lot has 171 feet of shoreline on big water Gunflint Lake.

Direct BWCA access, huge white pines, classic wilderness boulder shore and vast views of Canada across the lake. Nice building site with easy access to the water. Good year-round road access with power and Broadband at the parcel. Build your dream lake home on this outstanding lake lot.

MLS#6099440 $299,900 LARGE, PRIVATE RETREAT – TOM LAKE.

This original family cabin is well built and in good shape, tucked into a large private tract on beautiful Tom Lake. 52 acres of pine and cedar with 1287' private shoreline. Adjoining state land for plenty of room to explore. This is a rare find.

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FIELDS, POND AND GARDENS

SOLD

3bdr, 2 bath single-level home, excellent condition with updated kitchen, minutes from Grand Marais on blacktop road. Large heated attached garage w/ room for shop space & storage. Swim & fish in the huge 25 ft deep pond. Includes open hay fields, extensive raised-bed gardens, barn & great options for your hobby farm dreams.

Adjoins thousands of acres of federal land.

MLS#6099412

GUNFLINT LAKE LOT

Property ready for a house to be built on 16.9 acres. Includes garage with loft, power and high speed internet. Enjoy 677 feet of calm, sandy shoreline on Gunflint Lake. Southern edge of property borders an inlet, occasionally animated by moose, beaver and waterfowl activity. Unique opportunity to establish yourself in a quintessential location in northern Minnesota, and take advantage of its many activities and sights. MLS#6097781 $499,000

LOG CABIN – MCFARLAND LAKE

Beautiful cedar log cabin, 2 bdrms, large deck, cathedral ceiling, open floor plan, new stain & roof. Log guest cabin, storage buildings, log sided sauna & new outhouse to County code. Wilderness views from 150 ft of shore, good for swimming, newer dock. Updated off-grid power. Peaceful retreat on 1.47 acres w/ many virgin white cedar & privacy. Access the BWCAW in minutes, on beautiful Pine Lake, or into John Lake & the Royale River. MLS#6100419 $247,000

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TOM LAKE LOT WITH DOCK

Call us for a Market Analysis of your property.

NINEMILE LAKE LOT

2.30 acres with 548' of gorgeous inland lakeshore in one of the most lovely and private areas of Lake County.

Includes a beautiful point of land that naturally offers quiet and peacefulness. Lot adjoins MN State lands. Proximity to hiking and snowmobile trails, ATV trails, other amazing fishing and wilderness lakes nearby. Yearround access. MLS#6098089 $139,900

TWO EXCEPTIONAL TOM LAKE LOTS.

These special properties offer opportunities. One lot is a beautiful forested peninsula with cove, and the other has a nice mix of tree cover and open build sites. Accessible, yet away from it all. Build your dream here! MLS#6092307

$97,000, MLS#6092308 PENDING

MLS#6092390 $299,000

MLS#6087574 $845,900

The market is still strong!

SOLD

Imagine owning over 650 ft of shoreline on a fantastic walleye lake! Driveway is built and the dock is at the shoreline. Slope to the lake is gentle with nice building sites.

Electric and Broadband are on Tom Lake Rd or you can use a generator/solar panels. Road association plows the road in the winter. MLS#6097952

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PEACEFUL OFF-GRID CABIN

Escape to this quiet & peaceful off-grid cabin on 36+ acres.

There is a pond on the property with 3,037' of shoreline. Well thought out cabin features arctic entrance, wood floors, sleeping loft, wood burning stove, propane cooking stove, and comes furnished. Cabin is fully wired to run off of generator power. Snowmobile in during the winter & start a fire in the wood burning stove, read a book and enjoy.

MLS#6099648 $125,000 LARGE HOVLAND ACREAGE

This is a great 136+ property to build a retreat, use for hunting, or preserve through the SFIA program, in which it is currently enrolled.

Seasonal access only. Additional acreage available!

MLS#6099413 $120,900

SALIENG PE N D

SOLITUDE ON LOON LAKE.

Beautiful lot on the south side of Loon Lake. Just off of the Gunflint Trail, on an aptly-named private road known as Solitude Drive.

Electric available. Wonderful shoreline. This crystal clear lake is known for big Lake Trout, walleye and Northern Pike. MLS#6089606

$88,000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 48

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HOMES & CABINS FRONTAGE COMMERCIAL REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Linda Garrity, Realtor • Cathy Hahn,RIVER/CREEK Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI. TRI-PLEX WITH LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI LARGE GRAND MARAIS LOT.

D Pine Realty • (800) 387-9599 SOLRed

This is such a nice property with several updates, 3 lovely apartments/rentals and a yard that is as beautiful as it is in the listing photos! One 2 bedroom apt., and two 1bedroom apts. and all have separate entrances, separate meters and incredible Lake Superior views. Hop right onto the bike trail or walk to downtown Grand Marais. It truly is a great opportunity!

MLS#6100128

NEW! HOVLAND TIMBER FRAME HOME

Nice, compact home with fresh updates!

You'll love the handmade character of the timber framing, accented by versatile concrete & hardwood floors throughout. Huge garage provides plenty of space for boats, snowmobiles & adventure gear. Fiber optic internet allows you to work remotely. This 37+ acre property is close to Lake Superior, Judge Magney State Park & border lakes for your adventures.

MLS#6100812 $329,000

REMOTE HIDEA-WAY. Charming custom built 2 bdrm, 2 bath cabin tucked in the woods overlooking a beaver pond. Screened porch for summer dining.

A cozy Franklin stove warms the whole building. The full basement is a complete guest space. Generator power and over 100 acres to explore. MLS#6029349

SOLD

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S. GUNFLINT LAKE RD CABIN

Great off-grid camping or starter cabin, with access to power.

Possible view of Gunflint Lake with selective tree removal.

10+ acre property abuts public land to the south. Really nice, simple getaway, or a good place to come to after a canoe trip in the Boundary Waters or a long weekend hike. Smaller building has storage space and a composting toilet. Come take a look, and have a seat on the screened porch.

MLS#6097930 $169,000

COMMERCIAL

These 2 lots (12-13 acres) are the perfect MLS#6089284 $149,500 rural spot for your (218) 387-9599 • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com cabin or home. County maintained road with PRIME COMMERICAL LOTS - LUTSEN PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604 broadband internet Highway 61 frontage-road access, two nice forested lots (.95/1.05 and electric at the acres). Great visibility in downtown Lutsen. Would make a great roadside. Nice mixed location for a small gallery, retail or restaurant. Plus a 1.3 acre forest of poplar, commercial lot adjoins to the north and is available, giving potential for evergreen, and birch. a large site.MLS#6099360, 9361 $97,900 each YES, there is even 330+ feet of frontage on the Flute Reed River, a local trout stream. Great area for hunting and jumping off spot for fishing adventures.

RIVER/CREEK FRONTAGE

MLS# 6100473, MLS# 6100474 $53,000 each

GREAT HUNTING LAND

Easily accessible via the logging road at Casper's Hill Rd and runs east through the 158 acres. Includes creek front footage, aspen, balsam and spruce stands. Abundant deer sign, and good grouse habitat. East side of property abuts Judge Magney State Park. Property is subject to SFIA land use covenants. MLS#6094370 $199,000

SOLD

Formerly operated as an Air Force Base years ago and now somebody can bring their ideas and creativity to create something special.

Endless possibilities w/ the existing structures, the sewer/ water already in place, power, internet, sidewalks and streets. It'd be tough to beat the panoramic views, too! Complete with a beautiful trail system. Some structures potentially salvageable. New roofs on some.

LARGE OFF-GRID PARCEL

This is the large, off the grid property you have been dreaming about! Flute Reed River trout stream follows the entire Southern boundary for 2,700 feet. Nature lovers will love this 91 acre preserve. Great spot for forest development & tree planting. Hunters dream property. Can you say hunting camp?! Great building sites facing the Southern sun. Please use an agent to observe this property. MLS#6100515

NICE HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS

Nice elevation and views from this 6.75 acre lot off of County Rd 6 just minutes from town. Frontage on Little Devil Track River.

MLS#6031740 $52,900

40 ACRE SOLITUDE

Off grid 40 acre parcel with small pond surrounded by wildflowers, ferns and raspberry bushes.

Located in an area with plenty of trails to explore. Near Tom Lake. Seasonal access by 4WD vehicle. Year round access by OHV, snowmobile, cross country ski, snowshoes, dog sled or paratrooping!

MLS#6098405 $49,000

ROLLING TERRAIN & POND

WOODS, WATER & SECLUSION.

Two 40 acre lots with easy road access, good building sites, mature trees and open water views of Mons Creek. Has private deeded access to Lost Lake, a short drive away. Lost Lake is a beautiful lake with no public access and wilderness views and wildlife. The walk-in landing provides easy access for a canoe or small boat. Roads are gated for security and privacy and minimum lot size is 20 acres.

MLS#6089089, 9090 $69,900 each DEEP WOODS, MONS CREEK.

Nice “40” with good tree cover and creek frontage, where you could launch your canoe. There's a great building site overlooking Mons Creek from a high point. Good road access, but private and secluded. The property has private deeded access to Lost Lake, which is a short walk away.

Wilderness feel. New trail cut into the property so you can see the potential!

MLS#6089091 $58,900

PEACEFUL LOTS ON LONE PINE CREEK

FORMER AIR FORCE BASE.

MLS#6097816 $800,000

NORTH RD LOTS

Nice 3.60 acre commercial lot with potential for multi family housing subject to city approval. Good location on the west end of Grand Marais just off Hwy 61. Easy access to the bike trail.

If you are looking for acreage close to Grand Marais but with that out of town feel, look no further, with nearby access to all the north shore has to offer including, but not limited to hiking trails, the Gitchi-Gami bike trail, inland lakes and more! Lot 13 is a great 6.9 acre parcel with nearly 520' of frontage on Lone Pine Creek. A peaceful lot on a private road. Please schedule your showings with a licensed real estate agent.

Deep woods and private access to Lost Lake. Good road access and many building site options. Beautiful beaver pond and creek split the 20 acre property. Lost Lake is a tucked-away gem with limited private property and no public access.

Good trout fishing and moose sightings. This is a remote retreat property with the added bonus of lake access on a pristine wilderness lake.

MLS#6098652 $38,900 BEAUTIFUL REMOTE LAND

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Beautiful, remote parcel near Cloquet Lake. Enjoy a mixture of mature forest, young trees, wildflowers and open space.

Parcel surrounded by Forest Service land to the south and the west. Walking access to Cloquet Lake by way of 300' path. Quaint stream runs through the southeast corner of the property.

MLS#6099470 $36,000

Serving buyer’s and seller’s needs in Cook and Lake County.

We’d love to help you sell your property, or if you’re buying we would like to make your North Shore dreams come true.

MLS#6096716 $59,9000

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com NORTHERN WILDS

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ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES LOT

LAND/BUILDING SITES REALTORS®: Mike Raymond, Broker • Linda Garrity, Realtor • Cathy Hahn, Assoc. Broker, ABR/GRI. Larry Dean, Realtor • Jake Patten, Realtor • Jess Smith, Realtor • Sue Nichols, Assoc. Broker • Gail J. Englund, GRI

Red Pine Realty •A(800) 387-9599 LE GRAND MARAIS LOT – DEEP WOODS

15.71 acre parcel just 3 miles east of Grand Marais.

Good Lake Superior views from multiple building sites.

Resort Commercial zoning.

Property has been surveyed and wetlands delineated.

Subdivision potential. Access driveway on west boundary line is in place. Great location!

MLS#6098504 $199,900

WOODED SECLUSION IN GRAND MARAIS.

RIDGE TOP 20 ACRES – LAKE SUPERIOR VIEWS

Jack pines, bedrock outcroppings and expansive lake views highlight this large vacant parcel. Only 16 miles east of Grand Marais, near C.R. Magney State Park, Paradise Beach and Myhr Woods Scientific and Natural Area. Good road access with driveway into the property. Power and Broadband are possible here. A magical mountain-top feel and secluded privacy makes for a great retreat or home site.

MLS#6100337 $139,900

$42,900

Several great wooded lots on the west side of Grand Marais, a mile from down town. Close to the bike trail with privacy on a dead end road. Septic and wells allowed, power and broadband

Just minutes west of Grand Marais on a black-top county road with power at the site, Broadband nearby. Five acre parcel with southern exposure.

Potential Lake Superior views.

Very affordable building site! MLS#6096700

$42,900

LUTSEN MAPLE LOT

Beautiful 5+ acre wooded lot, covered in Maple forest. In the fall this beauty is ablaze with stunning colors. Caribou Lake Public Access nearby, hiking trails, Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Gitche Gumee bike trail and all the things the North Shore has to offer.

available. MLS#6087223 & 6087226 PENDING,

MLS#6087228 $59,500

WOODS, VIEWS AND PRIVACY

Nice lot only 4 miles from Grand Marais on county road.

Potential Lake Superior views from a high lot with dense forest. Great location for your home or cabin. Close to trails and all the recreational opportunities in the area.

SPECTACULAR LAKE VIEW.

Expansive lake views and enchanting forest make up a unique 13 acre parcel.

Just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, and a short walk to Lake Superior's shore. Power and Broadband are available.

Shared driveway leads almost to the property line.

MLS#6098003 $39,700

MLS#6096711 $56,900

HOME SITE NEAR GRAND MARAIS

MLS#6090230 $132,000 LARGE PARCEL NEAR SHORE.

Nice 5 acre property close to town on black-top county road. power and phone at the lot. Broadband available.

Dense woods and potential Lake Superior Views. Close to hiking, bike trails and all the wilderness adventures you desire. MLS#6096706

This heavily wooded 12 acre parcel is within a short walk to the shore of Lake Superior.

Great lake affect and plenty of privacy. Rough shared driveway in place. Close to Broadband and power.

Older travel trailer included.

MLS#6090231 $87,900 LARGE ACREAGE NEAR TOM LAKE.

Two parcels with 40 acres near year round road access and power. An easy walk to the Tom Lake boat landing. Shared easement granted to build driveway into property. Many great building sites. Great recreational area. Easy access to trails and other lakes.

MLS#6095113, 6095114 $60,000 each

Nicely wooded parcel on quiet street in the west end of town.

Three full city lots facing south with city street, curb and gutter, utilities near by.

Short walking distance to the harbor. MLS#6093024

Just minutes from Grand Marais on black top County Rd 7, a 5+ acre lot with easy access to power and Broadband. Good building sites. MLS#6094099

CABIN

MLS#6100024 $59,500

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GRAND MARAIS VACANT LOT.

S ING PE N D

This 2 acre parcel is tucked away387-9599 at the end of a privately (218) • Fax (218) 387-9598 • info@RedPineRealty.com maintained road on the west PO Box 938, 14 S. Broadway, Grand Marais, MN 55604 side of Grand Marais. Private setting with good lake effect from Lake Superior, common area across the street for added privacy, and dense GREAT LOCATION forest with nice building sites. Easy access to the bike trail and a short ride FOR HOME OR to downtown. Private water and sewer. Power is at the lot.

GREAT LOCATION HOME SITE.

SALIENG PE N D

$59,900

DEEP WOODS HIDE-AWAY IN GRAND MARAIS

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Nice, heavily wooded 1.86 acre parcel on private dead-end road on the west end of Grand Marais. Close to bike trail and easy walk to downtown.

Private water and sewer, shared road maintenance, power at site. A very private and secluded location. Enjoy privacy and northwoods seclusion, yet only minutes to the coffee shop. MLS#6100025 $59,500

$54,900 5+ ACRES NEAR GRAND MARAIS

Building Site 10 Minutes From Grand Marais. Deep wooded lot with 5.31 acres. Power and Broadband. Good road access.

Easy access to trails and lakes.

Great spot to build your home in the woods.

TAIT LAKE PINES LOTS

Private & peaceful location in Lutsen, MN with its own hiking trails, outstanding views/settings, maintained roads, year-round accessibility, access to power, a calm and serene overall vibe and deeded lake access to Tait Lake!! Close to the Superior Hiking Trail, many more inland lakes and trails, Lutsen Ski Resort, Superior National Golf Course and access to food/beverage. 2+ acre lots are priced to sell.

MLS#6098275 $39,250, MLS#6098276 $43,250, MLS#6098277 $42,000

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REMOTE PEACE & QUIET

Hide away in this beautiful dense forest, with remote trails and private lake access to Lost Lake, a limited private property lake with no public access, and trout! Twenty acres of rolling topography and nice building sites for your cabin retreat. MLS#6098653

MLS#6095432 $49,900 PENDING

20 ACRES WITH LAKE VIEWS

Beautiful 20 acre parcel with lake views!! If it's hunting you want, good luck finding 20 acres that can compete.

Property borders reservation land on the north and east sides and Federal land to the south. The land is covered with beautiful trees and wildlife!

Currently there is no road to the property, which is factored into the asking price. MLS#6094977 $49,000

$36,900 REMOTE WOODED HIDE-A-WAY

This 20 acre parcel is remote and has nice southerly exposure. Deeded access to Lost Lake gives you a place to fish and listen to the loons. It’s a lake with limited private property and no public access. Great area for ATV’s and miles of roads to explore. MLS#6098654 $34,900

FORTY ACRES NEAR FINLAND

Old homestead property in “Cramer” adjoining state land, and very close to Cramer Lake. No road access.

MLS#6095233 $34,900

www.RedPineRealty.com • Locally owned and operated since 1996 • info@RedPineRealty.com 50

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CATCHLIGHT

snowshoe hare I’ve been fortunate to have had several generations of snowshoe hares living around my property for over 30 years. I’ve had the oppor tunity to see them at every stage of their life. The chang es that take place season to season are amazing and fas cinate me to this day. They give me ample opportunities to photograph them almost every day.

—­Ken Hupila NORTHERN NORTHERN WILDS WILDS

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on the Gunflint Trail

Unspoiled.

Spectacular.

Unforgettable.

• Family oriented, year-round resort – ski from your cabin door • 11 fully equipped, modern housekeeping cabins – gas and wood fireplaces, pet-friendly options • Located 30 miles north of Grand Marais on the Gunflint Trail • On the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System, over 70km of beautifully groomed trails • Ski passes available to cabin guests at no charge • Ski and snowshoe rental available for all ages • 1.5km lit trail for night skiing

Golden-Eagle.com 218-388-2203

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