Wildersmith on the Gunflint: April 3

With a forecasted warm-up over the past few days, winter caught its breath and took another swipe at border country as Palm Sunday was memorialized. Perhaps this was the “old winter geezer’s” last hurrah until October/November. The day broke calmly, but by sunrise, the Wildersmith neighborhood was deluged with wet heavy blowing snow. In a matter of not quite two hours, we were all decked out in three to four inches of white lace.

I think it snowed harder than any other time observed this winter. I’m told driving conditions during the morning were horrendous in most parts of the county let alone out this way. Although the accumulation is sure to be gone in a short time, any moisture nowadays is a blessing.

Planet earth welcomes April, and with it, no foolin’, tomorrow's full “maple sugar” moon (Iskigamizige Giizis in Ojibwe). March slammed the door in a bit of a “lion's” tirade and many out this way are anxious for “April the Beautiful.” The “madness of March” has spilled into April, but this American craze will be history before we meet again on the radio. Timely or not, our attention turns to those overcompensated “boys of summer.” Play ball!

I just heard one of those “you just had to be here stories.” It comes from a fellow residing over on West Bearskin Lake. Although eagle cams from places south are already revealing 2015 hatchings, seems “tis just now, the season” for romance around forty-nine degrees north.

Not long ago a seldom seen mating ritual between an eagle pair took place near this guy's dock on the frozen lake surface. One would think this courtship would likely be consummated high in the heavens, but for reasons unknown, this “nationally recognized” couple decided this heaven on earth was a proper place for committing to a new generation. Guess it was some observation spectacle. Sadly, in the excitement of this awesome happening, remembering to do a little digital recording escaped those watching.

In another north woods incident, a local fisherman recently came upon a “race for life” over the Gunflint Lake ice. He observed a wolf/deer chase across the lake while cruising his power sled to a secret catching location. The wolf was pursuing from the Canadian shores (suppose it didn’t have a passport either) intent on silencing a growling stomach. Our ice out this way has transformed from crusted snow and/or slush covered to perfect hard water. With the mid-March meltdown and subsequent recurring freeze-up, it’s glass smooth in places. The angler guessed the lake surface was going to be a no-win situation for this white tail. Those deer hooves just weren’t made for speed skating. Deciding to “make this deer’s day,” the sled was maneuvered in a direction with hope for diverting Mr. Wolf back from where it had come. Guess it worked, as I’m told the pursuer did a turn-about and gave up the quest for venison. For this deer, the state of affairs had to be “happy days are here again,” relief, after a near calamity, at least for the moment. It could be “race back on,” with a twitch of an ear or blink of an eye!

On a final note, I don’t know when pine martens deliver new babies, but I’m guessing such might have been the case during the past few weeks. Without giving notice, the cuddly critters came up AWOL from their usual stops for a little poultry poaching at our deck side cafeteria. Apparently, it’s none of my business where they go, but we are engaged with them once again as they have returned, hungry as ever, day and night. They are just delightful to watch!

Keep on, hangin’ on, and savor the blooming of month four on the Gunflint.

(Photo courtesy of the USFS)