Wildersmith on the Gunflint: January 23

January continues slipping away. As the days have flown by, temperatures in border country have moderated from the bitter cold snap which introduced the New Year. Moderation in these parts means daytime teens and twenties depending upon how deeply one is situated in this hinterland.

It is truly amazing how warm even zero can feel after what folks have endured. One would think our version of the January thaw would usher in some snow; however, a meager inch or so is all we have mustered since we last met on the radio. We remain moisture starved for yet another week.

The opening of the trout season out Gunflint way was quite pleasant, but the first day of catching left a lot to be desired, so I’m told. Then the next day showed improvement from a hooking standpoint according to my friend down the road as limits were pulled through the ice borings.

Wolf activity around here remains an almost daily point of conversation. Another choral practice occurred up on the ridge above us a few nights ago. A gal living near the gathering up there said their wild harmonics sent her to shivers. On another occasion, our daily trip to the mail box found a large lone wolf crossing the Mile O Pine not far in front of us (we were riding on the RTV). Then on the return trip, it had come back onto the road. “Brother Wolf” proceeded to meander ahead keeping its distance, occasionally looking back over a shoulder to keep a close watch on our infringement into its territory. After some distance, the “husky gray” casually disappeared into the forest not to be seen again. While neither we nor the wolf were felt to be in a confrontational position, it was nevertheless somewhat eerie, as both parties kept an eye on each other. What a wild woods adventure!

Visiting pine martens have been bringing a new/unusual observation almost daily. Last Saturday afternoon was a topper, thus far. To set the stage, I share that on our deck I have installed a heated bird/animal watering dish. The unit occasionally runs dry through both use and bitter cold evaporation. Such was the case on this day when a youthful marten had been hanging around munching at our cafeteria of goodies. I happened to look out at the right moment when the fuzz ball went searching for a drink from the receptacle. Discovering the bowl empty, further investigation by “Marty” (as we’ll call it) and the “lights came on,” this strange thing was warm to the paws. One could almost see the “wheels a-turning” in its little head. Hmm, this must have felt good on a cold afternoon. Sitting down felt good, too, and then it circled a few times as if preparing a nesting retreat and curled up in ball. Wrapped with its furry tail over the nose, the inquisitive critter closed its eyes and proceeded to catch a few zzzzzz. In a neighborhood that is cold and often cruel, this little guy/gal had found peace, if only for a short time. The “cat nap” extended for more time than I expected, before a noise in the woods startled the little one back to reality, and it was off into the tree tops.

Needless to say, for us observers the happening was one to be filed in the bank of memorable forest experiences. It will be interesting to see if the animal remembers and comes back another time seeking this artificial warming spot. My problem is whether to fill it with water once again or leave the napping venue dry???

Our area entertains another big winter happening in the next few days. The participants in the annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon will be heading out of Two Harbors toward our territory on Sunday afternoon. Trail Center on the Gunflint will be a check-point stop-over on the front end of the trip. Teams are slated to begin arriving during the afternoon (around 3:00 pm) of this coming Monday.

This is great opportunity to observe the dogs and mushers before they head on up the Trail to make the half-way turn-around and journey back toward a Duluth finish. A few of our own Cook County mushing teams will be entered, along with many others from around the country, so come on out and show some Trail Community support! To follow the race progress, visit the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon at www.beargrease.com.

Keep on hangin’ on, and savor the richness of our historic Gunflint past!

(Photo by Fred Smith)