North Shore Weekend

Wildersmith on the Gunflint     by     Fred Smith
January 10, 2020    
           
Gunflint territory celebrates the Ojibwe, “Great Spirit “moon (Gich-Manidoo-Giiziz) and an eclipse all at once this Friday evening. With hope for clear skies, this lunar double feature should be splendid on the breast of this beautiful white landscape.                                                                                                                           

A trifecta could even happen if the “Great Spirit” would summon another night of howling wolves in this border country neighborhood. What a “hat trick” of dark hour happenings that would be.                                                                                                                                                               
Since last week’s commentary about the pack gathering along the Northshore of Gunflint Lake, at least one of the northern icons crossed the lake. Such was confirmed with tracks along the Wildersmith shore where the Canid came up into the yard before heading back to the icy surface during its nocturnal patrol.                                                                                                                                                                    

Meanwhile, a distant canine cousin returned to the yard a few days later. My foxy friend re-appeared after being A.W.O.L. over the days of Christmas. It’s hard telling where she’d been dining lately, but came right up on the deck seeking attention. With the usual expectation of a hand-out, I obliged again with barnyard fowl and fries. I could be wrong, but it seemed I detected a grin on her face as I tossed goodies out on the snow.                                                                                                                                                               
Speaking of another North Country critter, one who is now dozing the winter away, I had the pleasure of gaining some insights about bear hibernation habits in the January/February issue of the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine. It’s amazing what Minnesota researchers are discovering about Ursus slumbering tendencies.                                                       
 
In the article, entitled INTO THE BEAR’S LAIR, by Amie Durenberger, “scientists believe that getting a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of hibernation may lead to breakthroughs in human medicine.” The author relates remarkable adventure at gathering such dozing data in this frozen wild country. I recommend getting a copy for reading on a cold winter night, or find it on-line at mndnr.gov/mcvmagazine.                                                                                                                                 

Another MCV article has some interesting perspectives on the problems statewide road maintenance departments are causing the environment through salt applications. While traffic safety is always an issue, Chloride contamination is a serious concern for our precious waters.                                                  
 
With this ever-growing threat to Minnesota’s freshwater resources, efforts are being stepped up by the MPCA and DNR to tackle our salty polluting problem. “Salt does not breakdown or settle out, “Chloride is permanent. You can’t get it out.” The article, “HOLD THE SALT” should be required reading for everyone who enjoys a fresh glass of water and a clear, healthy lake for whatever recreation. Perhaps the days of using just plain old sand should be re-visited, at the very least, on the byways of Gunflint territory.                                                                                                                                                                              

In other news, one of the most refreshing events ever, kicks off tomorrow (Saturday). It’s refreshing because of the snowy, cold crisp air venue and the energies between man and dog.                                                                                                                                                                                          
All is in readiness for the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Races. The twelve dog, long distance race hits the trail beginning at 8:00am on Poplar lake (mid-Trail), followed by the eight dogshorter race at 9:00am. Races will conclude Sunday by late afternoon.                                                                                                                                                                               

This will be a hectic time for traffic from Trail Center on up the Trail, so folks are asked to slow down and expect some pedestrian/vehicle congestion during the weekend.                                                        

The energy and color of the event is a big deal, so come out and enjoy the historic re-enactment of wilderness travel in yester-year! There are several sites along the race course where mushers and their teams can be observed. Check-out the Gunflint Mail Run website for race course mapping and best observation sites.                                                                                                                                                      

For WTIP, this is Wildersmith, on the Gunflint Trail, where we savor every day, whether cloudy or clear!
 

Did you know porcupines have around 30,000 quills?  

WTIP's CJ Heithoff talks with naturalist Chel Anderson about porcupines in this edition of North Woods Naturalist.

We've recently heard the question, where are the finches?  WTIP's CJ Heithoff gets some possible answers from naturalist Chel Anderson in this edition of North Woods Naturalist. 

Wildersmith on the Gunflint     by     Fred Smith
December 27, 2019    
 
As the last verse of year 2019 is being written, I hope your time of this winter celebration with family and friends was safe, peaceful and fulfilling. The Smith’s had just such a visit in Iowa journeying to be with kids, grand-kids and dogs.                                                                                                        

We are back in the quiet of the north woods now, reflecting on the trek of this past year, thankful for good health and the joy of being together for fifty-seven Christmas celebrations. I can’t help but think of many junkets we’ve taken together along the way, and how we looked at each as being the best thing that ever happened.                                                                                                       

Taking a more in-depth look at my seventy-eight year journey, I see minutes, hours, days, months and years having gone by so quickly. Like most everybody, with the routine of day to day business, I’ve seldom taken time to fully assess how great the many stops along the way have been. As life has slowed during retirement, in addition to the stops along life’s way, I’m counting the blessings for the uncountable folks with whom I’ve crossed paths, so many of whom have had a decisive impact on my character.                                                                                                        

Pondering life’s happenings at this time of year reminds me of a favorite scribing I’d like to share with listeners and website readers as we look forward to 2020. While some of you may have seen this before, I’m confident it remains meaningful.                                                                                           

It’s entitled, THE STATION, authored by Robert J. Hastings, and it comes as an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune in 1988.
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Tucked away in our subconscious is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long trip that spans the continent. We are traveling by train. Out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn, beans and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls.                              
 

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. Bands will be playing and flags will be waving. Once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true and the pieces of our lives will fit together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damning the minutes for loitering---waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.                                                                                                                   

When we reach the station, that will be it, we cry! “When I’m 30.” “When I buy a new Mercedes Benz.”  “When I put the last kid through college.” “When I’ve paid off the mortgage.” “When I get that promotion.” “When I reach the age of retirement, I shall live happily ever after!”                                                                                                                                                                            
 

Sooner or later we must realize there is not a station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly out-distances us.         “Relish the moment” is a good motto--- It is the regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who rob us of today.                                                                                  

So stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.
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Have a have safe and sane end to 2019 and a joyous greeting to the new decade. Happy New Year!                                                                                                                                                                  

For WTIP, this is Wildersmith, on the Gunflint Trail, where every day is great, and the splendor of nature is a gift beyond words!
 

Wildersmith on the Gunflint     by     Fred Smith   December 20, 2019    
 
Our seasonal madness is clearly in focus as everyone is scurrying here and there to be ready. Being ready means different things to different people which often does not necessarily hone in on the true meaning of Christmas. However, no matter what the intent, I hope there can be a moment of quiet, at least for one day. Perhaps all of us can reflect with a little respect and love for our fellow man in these darkest of American times.                                                                                                                                                    

There have been some atmospheric happenings along the Trail since we last met on the radio. Whereas this end of the Trail had been on the short end of snow affairs, an unexpected dumping brought a fresh eight inches to this neighborhood. Further, subzero followed with mercury readings dipping to twenty below and a bit more in places, so one of my Gunflint Christmas wishes was delivered surprisingly early.                                                                                                                         

It was mentioned last week I would confirm the ice-on date for Gunflint Lake. While it appeared the 10^th would be the likely date, “Mother Nature” had other plans. Winds on the 10^th raised a ruckus opening things back up. The next day was a different story as both zero temperatures and quiet air combined to put on the final icing, therefore, December 11^thgoes into my weather data bank. This is about the Gunflint Lake norm over the past four decades.                                                                                                

It’s amazing how so many get caught up in the magic of this season, and yours truly is no exception. I can possibly blame it on coming into the world on Christmas Eve while others seem to come down with the fever right after Halloween decorations give way to Christmas.                                                                                                

It’s just hard to resist humming the traditional tunes that dance through our heads in prelude to the night of all nights. In honor of this advent time, I’d like to share a rendition of an old favorite with a north woods twist. The lyrics will be a stretch, a composer I’m not, nor a warbler, I cannot carry a tune in a bucket. I’m certain all remember the melody and I invite you to hum along  if the spirit is moving Titled, “The Twelve Days, of an up North Christmas,” here goes.                            

On the first day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:                               

On the second day of Christmas, the forest gave to me… two lynx a slinking…and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:                                                                                                                                              
On the third day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:                                                                                                              

On the fourth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:                                                                      

On fifth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…five prowling wolves…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:

On the sixth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking…and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:

On seventh day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…seven ravens squawking…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:

On the eighth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me… eight soaring eagles…seven ravens squawking…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:

On ninth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…nine blue jays yapping…eight soaring eagles…seven ravens squawking…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:                       

On the tenth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…ten black bears sleeping…nine blue jays yapping…eight eagles soaring…seven ravens squawking…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree;                                                                                                                                                              
On the eleventh day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…eleven white tails browsing…ten black bears sleeping…nine blue jays yapping…eight eagles soaring…seven ravens squawking…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:                                                                                                                                               

On the twelfth day of Christmas, the forest gave to me…twelve hidden moose…eleven white tails browsing…ten black bears sleeping…nine blue jays yapping…eight eagles soaring…seven ravens squawking…six gray jays begging…five wolves a prowling…four foxes trotting…three martens chasing…two lynx a slinking and a squirrel slipping up a tall tree:
 
Whew!!! That’s it, out of breath from humming to myself and keyboard digits are numb!!!                                                                                  

For WTIP, this is Wildersmith, on the Gunflint Trail, where every day is savored, wishing all the merriest of Christmas’, with love and peace on the greatest birthday of all!
 

Superior National Forest Update with Steve Robertsen, Interpretation and Education Specialist.
December 20, 2019

Wildersmith on the Gunflint     by     Fred Smith
December 13, 2019    
 
Spirits of the Gunflint are being reflected not only around our snow covered landscape, but from the heavens as well with the Ojibwe, “little spirit” moon shooting beams from afar to the forest floor.                                                                                                                                            
The splendor of a lunar experience on a cold winter evening in this wild territory stirs of mystical romance. It’s like days of old, lounging in comfort around a hot wood burning stove with a cup of steaming beverage and either reading material in hand or contemplating the good or not so good tidings of humanity.                                                              

That’s the way life’s been along the historic old Gunflint Wagon Road as momentum builds for this special season of celebration.                                                                        

A swell turn-out of Trail residents kicked off the Holiday Season last Saturday night at the Schapp Community Center. The hall was decked out in twinkling splendor, and folks were treated to a grand assortment of party appetizers and a fine dinner. Thanks to organizers from the GTVFD, EMT’s and Emergency Responders for a swell evening of friendly renewals and reminiscing.                                                                                                                                                                

While the territory does have a measure of white, we are experiencing a mini drought. Since our big snow dumping on November 21^st, the Wildersmith neighborhood has collected a measly three and one-half inches through last weekend. As is often the case, the hinterland has seen the major snow producers hit in areas where residents don’t have the same appreciation as do we Gunflinters. A little more has been added since, but we need more snow!                                                                                                                                                            
As the Solstice of “Biboon” (winter) is nearing, more serious cold has finally settled over the area during the past few days. With the lake’s west end being frozen for about ten days, it’s a good bet preliminary ice skimming on the remainder of Gunflint Lake is a thing of the past. Ice thickening is underway in earnest with a shivering thermometer, and it looks like December 10 will be the date of record for the Gunflint in 2019. I’ll confirm next week.                                             

On a related note, I have no hard water report from Saganaga Lake, but do have word Seagull Lake gave way to ice a couple weekends ago. Settling in for winter is always tough for the Gunflint Gal and her two big water cousins to the northwest.                                                                  

But when the cold fitting begins, the process is seemingly supernatural as the first minute crinkle locks splintered fingers with another, then another and another and yet a zillion more. This is an exhilarating natural experience that most take for granted, and few ever get to observe.                                                                                                                                                        
 
This treasured resource can converse in distinct voice at various times of the year, and often will be quite a conversationalist. During a recent morning as daytime winds grew, the ice from darkness hour skimming bit by bit broke into fragments like shattered glass. The silence of the woods was broken at times, in deafening tones as mini-chards chimed against the granite shoreline in a xylophone and tambourine duet. This is much in contrast to the murmuring, screeching and thunderous clamor we will encounter after the icy coat thickens. Nevertheless, whether it is broken glass babel or a roar of ice on the move, water, in either state, is a cherished blessing. After all, “Water is Life!”                                                                                                                                                                         
 
I don’t know if it is a sign of changing climatic times or not, but while we still have avian visitors, there just doesn’t seem to be as many as we’ve had in years past. Of particular note are chickadees and nuthatches. These little folk have been here in droves, but not this year to date. The only birds of consistent numbers of course are Blue Jays, with occasional Canadian Jays and a couple species of woodpeckers stopping by. Maybe with less than harsh weather to date the MIA’s are finding enough sustenance to get by. In any event, they are a missing part of north woods spirit.                                                                                                                                                    

If one hasn’t been in the Christmas spirit, such a condition could have moved into the positive by attending the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Concert last Sunday or Monday. The local musical artists put on a stunning Holiday performance. Congratulations to all and thanks!

And if being in attendance at this event wasn’t inspiring enough, the Smith’s trek back to Wildersmith afterwards was like dreaming of a “white Christmas.” A starry, moon lit night on the snow covered Trail was reminiscent of “dashing through the snow” only with three hundred horses toting the load.                                                                                                                                    

For WTIP, this is Wildersmith, on the Gunflint Trail, where every day is great, as we are waiting, waiting, waiting, for the “winter express” to slow to a stop over border country!
           
 

Wildersmith on the Gunflint     by     Fred Smith
December 6, 2019    

Border country, like the rest of the universe, has turned the last page of chapter 2019. And here we are with verse one of December already etched into the annals of time.                                            

The past Gunflint weekend was spent on the edge of our seats with all the hoopla of a white Armageddon. But alas, the far north of Minnesota was spared. It is realistic knowing weather predicting is far from a pure science, but once again, we Gunflinters were tricked with another “cry of wolf” gone bust.                                                                                                                                  

While areas to the south got buried, and even though our skies looked the part, the Wildersmith neighborhood and on up the Trail, received barely a dusting. About the only thing positive about the scenario was neighbors and yours truly didn’t have to activate the snow shovel.                                                                                                                                                                                     

In the meantime, real Gunflint cold is still on sabbatical. Temps have remained relatively mild out this way. Thinking back to last year at this time, Gunflint Lake put on its solid winter coat on December 6 under subzero readings.                                                                                                                                    
Gunflint Lake tried on her first icy fitting last Monday morning when still air and a wave of just below zero dipped down from Canada. But by days end, the frigidity gave way to sun and lite winds, as the skim turned to ripples. This suggests the grand old glacial basin is ready to get it on at the next shivering opportunity.                                                                                                            

When such an “op” might happen could be a ways off as my daily check of temps north to Alaska indicates there is presently no serious polar air in North America. Perhaps we shouldn’t write an epitaph for “old man winter” yet. Maybe the Russians are just holding him hostage in Siberia, and the Gunflint could still be in the picture for a winter weather adventure, or two.                                                                                        
People activity remains quiet in the upper Trail. However, I see that cross country ski Trails are being groomed on what is a fairly shallow base. So swishing through the beautiful forest should be picking up. But power sledding is limited by snow depth and trail connections across questionable lake ice.                                                                                                                                                                    
However, the Trail will come alive late Saturday afternoon in the mid-Trail area with the Holiday gathering at the Schaap Community Center. Gunflint friends and neighbors are invited to come out of the woods for the cheer beginning at 4:00 pm and lasting until 7:00 pm. The GTVFD will be providing everything but the conversation, so don’t miss out on the Gunflint Community spirit!                                                                                                                                                    

Another event reminder finds the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Christmas Concert continuing its annual North Shore tradition. Performances take place this coming Sunday and Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Some of our Gunflint Trail neighbors are included in the cast of more than 100 County residents.                                                                                                                                 
Colonel, the Fox, lit up our Thanksgiving Day with a visit. It seems she is becoming very attached to peaceful and abundant Wildersmith surroundings. Yes, it’s a foxy lady! Guess there’s going to have to be a moniker revision, any suggestions?                                                                                                                   

She was discovered in the AM cuddled up near the woodshop door, shortly before the Smith’s departed for Thanksgiving festivities at the “Congo” Church in the village.  I was well prepared and doled out a few poultry morsels and left-over fries, and she was still gnawing on the goodies as we drove up the driveway.                                                                                                                                                                       

Our late afternoon return found a furry surprise nestled in a snow bank not far from where we had last seen her. We raised her from napping as she uncoiled, gave a big yawn and stood on all fours for a stretch. It’s obvious she had spent most of the day anticipating our return. Not wanting to disappoint after the long wait, the breakfast fare was repeated as an early supper.                                                                                                                                                              
 
The charm of her beauty and mystery in those piercing gold eyes is a captivating experience. I’m sure there will be more chapters in this “wild neighborhood” saga.                                                                                                                                                                 

For WTIP, this is Wildersmith, on the Gunflint Trail, where every day is great, and our natural world can be up-lifting with the simplest of wilderness engagements.                                                                                                                                                       
 

Superior National Forest Update with Steve Robertsen, Interpretation and Education Specialist with the USDA Forest Service.
December 7, 2019

There are a number of organisms that live inside or on trees, including algae, mosses, and lichens. 

WTIP's CJ Heithoff talks with naturalist Chel Anderson about "bark life" in this edition of North Woods Naturalist.