Wildersmith on the Gunflint

Last weekend found us finally unharnessed from that daylight savings time nonsense. The process of “springing” ahead in April has always seemed kind of hokey to me.
 
As the clock “falls back” to reality, I find many folks being sent into a tizzy, even depression, when darkness in the wilderness suddenly edges into what we used to call afternoon. I wonder why we humans always have to manipulate everything in creation.
 
Regardless of one’s feeling about this annual happening, the bottom line is that it’s getting seriously dark in these parts by about 5 o’clock, as the sun and our timepieces are now back in sync.
 
The advancement of winter along the Trail has stagnated since we last met on the airwaves. In spite of some days where clouds have been hanging heavy with what looked like a belly full of snow, border country earth after the first week of November is still brown.
 
There has been a continuation of the ice-making, however, with an expanded effort to a few of the larger water bodies. The big four, Sag, Seagull, Gunflint and Poplar lakes, along with their smaller trailside cousins, Loon, Birch. Mayhew and Poplar, are still rippling in anticipation of that first zero night with no wind.
 
Concern remains with regard to the extreme dry forest and no snow cover. I know that cold temperatures have a mitigating affect, but it’s nerve-wracking nevertheless.
 
Last weekend’s onset of war against the white tails, and wolves too, has brought a large number of hunters into the area. This increased traffic surely increases a possibility of fire being accidentally set off. With both animals and rifle slugs flying every different direction, it’s hoped that sanity will prevail in the arid Gunflint forest.
 
Following last week’s website/broadcast exercise, the Smiths hauled off on another jaunt south into Iowa. The turnaround was quick, and we were back in the quiet woods after five days.
 
With exception of one pesky squirrel, the many critters that hang out around here were not present to greet our return. I guess this is to be expected when my absence causes daily provisions to disappear from the feed trough.
 
This lone rodent buddy caught my eye while I was unloading the travel vehicle. It came sprinting down the driveway hill and through the woods, partially crawling up my pant leg in quest of a handout.
 
I had barely tipped the seed spout to pour the varmint a helping when it actually ran inside the container and grabbed a mini fist-full before scampering away. Guess it must have had an awful gnawing.
 
In less than 12 hours, the “moccasin telegraph,” our north woods courier, had word out to others of the wild neighborhood that I’m back. So there is hubbub once more at the Wildersmith open-air bistro.
 
A tidbit of trivia to share is that the third season of operation at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center had nearly 8,500 visitors. Examination of the guest book sign-ins showed folks from about every state in the Union as well as several foreign countries. This brings the total visitor count since opening July 4, 2010 to over 28,500. Thanks to all those visitors for their interest in learning about the storied Gunflint past.
 
Plans are already being formulated for 2013 with a new temporary exhibit, an additional (new) little theater presentation and more family friendly opportunities. Until that next big opening day, let’s enjoy a great winter season!
 
Keep on hangin’ on and a savor the mystique of a wilderness encounter!

Airdate: November 9, 2012

“Biboon” (winter) is official in these parts, as defined by my Wildersmith criteria. Last weekend spelled the beginning as the daytime temp actually stayed below the freezing mark here on our shores of Gunflint Lake.
 
The Ojibwe have rightly named this month as that of the “Freezing over moon” (Gash Kadino-Giizis). This is exactly what was going on around here as ice was being made on small ponds, swamps and anything else that would hold quiet water.
 
Taking things farther, the Mile O Pine was covered in thin layer of white on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Although the coating was not thick enough to endure until next spring, it was nevertheless energizing for those of us who have been waiting for the first real coming.
 
The adventure of first accumulating snow always captures me. On this occasion, I was the first to make tracks on our scarcely used roadway last Saturday morning, even beating the four-legged critters as best I could determine.
 
The initial trek on a pure smooth covering harkens me back to pioneer times when life was simpler and there were far fewer beings around. Each step taken by mankind back then meant something about survival. I can’t escape the charm of making a primal mark on a path that has not been tread following a fresh dose of winter wonder. It’s not exactly like taking the first step on the moon, but still intriguing for yours truly in an un-explainable way.
 
As fall gives way to winter, it has been pleasing to see the return of our wilderness “welcome wagon.” Snow buntings are gathering all along the Trail. With the approach of one’s vehicle they are erupting in clouds of fluttering white underbodies to lead us through this paradise arbor. It sure is delightful to watch their swooping aerial acrobatics.
 
Another return engagement happened last week on our deck rail cafeteria. Out of nowhere that wily old pine marten stopped by after having been MIA for several months. It too confirmed that the season of cold is official. The coat it was sporting was rich and lush as if it was January, not late October.
 
Speaking of lush apparel, I spotted a snowshoe hare a day or two ago that has also completed transition to winter wear. So my early winter declaration comes with credible validation from several in the wild neighborhood.
 
The firearms venison stalking gets under way throughout the area this weekend.  Here’s hoping that those orange clad beings sitting out in the woods pretending to be a tree or a bush have a safe hunt. Further, this time of year means that the non-hunting public out in the forest should be all about sporting their glowing outer gear too. For all hunters, give a hoot; don’t shoot, unless you’re sure!
 
Not only is the excitement of the deer season upon us, this is the big week of the final 2012 membership drive in support of community radio throughout the northland. Once again, I’m encouraging everyone to step up and get “Tuned In” with those who want this WTIP magic of the airwaves to continue.
 
Pledging is so easy, and oh so important! Your membership contribution will ensure that top-drawer WTIP programming extends on and on into the future! Call us now at 218-387-1070, 800-473-9847 or click and pledge at www.wtip.org.
 
Keep on hangin, on and savor the crystal coming.

Airdate: November 2, 2012

As the 10th segment of 2012 is fading fast, the Gunflint wilderness is becoming a place of ‘almost’ happenings. Snowshoe hares are almost white, the white tails are almost into the rut, the tamaracks are almost undressed of their needles, the “falling leaves” moon is almost full and it’s almost November.
 
Atmospheric conditions through the territory were rather uneventful since we last met on the radio. However, we were finally blessed with a decent episode of rain. Although it was far from enough, the inch or so recorded in various places along the byway did at least ease the wildfire danger temporarily. Temperatures in the meantime have remained a bit on the mild side, which again reinvigorated the biting bugs.
 
Yours truly made what is hoped to be a final venture into the lake a few days ago. It was not for a refreshing dip, but to bring in wildfire sprinkler system lines. Clad in my waders, the cold was not too intense until my unprotected hands entered into the removal process. Believe me, the water is already icy cold, probably not real close to the freezing point just yet, but dangerously cold if one were to go in accidentally. Late season canoe and boating folks should be extra cautious!
 
During this past weekend, as the area celebrated “moose madness,” the Smiths took pleasure in actually spotting a big ungulate while returning from our weekly supply run to Grand Marais. This hefty cow was spotted munching in the swamp waters just above the Laurentian Divide. So at least one real moose was observed during the days that have been promoted to honor their presence among us, hurrah!
 
With the autumnal defoliation of leaf bearers, it is heartening to be able to look deep into the forest and get a good look at what this past growing season did toward re-generation of the coniferous forest. It is simply amazing to see how quickly uncountable patches of young conifers have taken hold in the wasteland created by the Ham Lake fire of five years ago. Many of the aspiring jack pines are already three to four feet high.
 
Even more astonishing is how anything could grow up here with so much granite and so little soil. These two components, coupled with the fact that the area has been starved for abundant moisture over the past decade or so, surely authenticate that miracles of nature cannot be stifled. Guess we could equate the toughness of these baby trees with the good folks who call this area home year round. It’s a hardy combination to say the least: tough trees, tough people.
 
Wondrous natural things unfold daily in these parts, many of which go unseen by the human eye. I was fortunate to witness one such happening last week during my final stint of the season as a volunteer at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.
 
The day was cloudy, cool and gloomy as I looked out over the Saganaga Lake Bay just east of the parking area. Relatively calm waters prevailed as I noticed the usual mother mallard and her now-grown family had been joined by a “sort” of ducks.
 
A sprinkle of showers suddenly rang down on the feathered bunch and for some reason unbeknownst to me, the rain set off a frenzy of aquatic activity that was quite raucous. It appeared there might have been something of nutritional interest below the surface that stimulated an almost synchronized diving event.
 
In unison, it was comically, a bottoms up, as their little white rumps flashed skyward like an ice fisherman’s tip-up. The event went on and on for several minutes as the once calm surface was ravished!
 
The amusing episode could not have been better choreographed if it were an Olympic presentation. Then again, maybe that’s what it was, Nature’s Olympics, north woods style!
 
The waters eventually became still and reflective once more as the quackers took refuge for a little R & R on a mini island of rocks. Surprising how easily one can be entertained out here in border country!
 
Keep on hangin’ on and savor the next wilderness entertainment package!

Airdate: October 26, 2012

The Wildersmith two are back on the Mile O Pine following a run south for a family visit and reunion with some great friends from my pre-northwoods days. Once more I’m indebted to Rosey, the Hungry Jack Lake canine and her dad, for filling in during my absence.
 
Our southern trip found the fall progress in that area to be somewhat lagging compared to where we are here in border country. We returned to an autumn segment that is taking its final bows.
 
This final curtain call finds the tamaracks in full golden splendor, with some having already shed their gilded needles. Meanwhile the great white and red pines, along with other coniferous cousins throughout the Wildersmith neighborhood, have completed their annual needle dispensation, leaving the cooling earth textured in a fawn-colored carpet.
 
The deciduous part of the forest has seen the last of its summer canopy as few leaflets are left clinging. These trees have taken on that skeleton look for October. The scraggy branches lurking from a zillion different angles and directions surely seem to make this part of the universe one of the spookiest Halloween scenarios. A bit scary, yes, but still beautiful in a unique demeanor.
 
Dryness along the Gunflint byway has not improved, although the rain gauge did contain about one-third inch upon my return. From the looks of several summer posies scattered about our deck and yard, there must have been some frosty cold nights since the departure.
 
With exception of getting daytime temperatures cooled to accept the white stuff, I would say that Mother Nature is in readiness for a snowy coating that will endure until next May. Some of us year-round wilderness critters can hardly wait; it’s almost November!
 
In spite of my desire to get our snow season under way, I must say that being away from the usual “getting ready for winter” tasks for eight days has put me behind. Thus the coming days are faced with a stepped-up attention to things like snow plow mounting, window-washing and sealing, sand-bucket filling and the rotation to winter wheels/tires, to name but a few. There’ll be no slacking off from now on, and I would guess that other residents are also making preparations with haste.
 
My return to the woods has found the beginning of silent times. It is quiet now except for the whisper of wind through the pines and an occasional rustling of fallen leaves.
 
The usual gang of wild things that frequents feeding stations around our yard seems to have been confused by my recent truancy. They’re most often flitting and scurrying about in anticipation of a handout, but many of the regulars are noticeably missing upon this homecoming. I’m assuming that they will be checking back soon as they hear the clatter of renewed activity around the place.
 
With the annual MEA hiatus from state educational activities, this weekend will be the last fling for many visitors coming into the area until cross-country ski season commences. It’s “moose madness” time throughout the county. Hopefully, the moose will not be “mad”, and will come out for a few photo ops while avoiding shots from a brave hunter’s slug.
 
Still can’t figure out why we are shooting even one of these northern icons when the herd is going through such a dreadful time of rapidly dwindling numbers. As usual, in Minnesota, like all over our country, it must be a greed and money issue. Certainly, common sense is not the prevailing consideration.
 
Your last chance in 2012 to visit some north woods magic at Trail’s end is Sunday, as the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center will be closing for the season. The third year of operation has again been highly successful. Huge thanks are extended to all in the Gunflint Community who pitched in with volunteer energy, and to everyone from points all over the globe who stopped by to learn a little bit about the Gunflint Trail story.
 
Keep on hangin’ on, and savor a forest of silent beauty!

Airdate: October 19, 2012

Wow, the sights, sounds and scents of fall on the Gunflint have peaked like none such in recent memory. One’s vision is almost blinded with the iridescence of a brilliant Sol shining through the hot autumn leaves. Equally enchanting are the leaflets that have had their day in the sun and are trickling down like flakes of winter. Adding to the ambiance of our territory is an occasional whiff of border country aroma from flora that is layering the forest floor.
 
This past week has been nothing short of spectacular, with cool nights and warm pleasant days. The only negative to be noted is that the drought throughout the area has extended another week. In fact, there has been absolutely no rain of any amount here at Wildersmith.
 
To say it’s dry around here is more than an understatement. So I’m keeping my wildfire sprinkler system on stand-by as whiffs from previous fires are still making me nervous.
 
Excitement loomed large along the byway as September ended its run last weekend. By “large,” I’m making reference to the splendid “wild rice/harvest” moon! The brilliance of our nighttime luminary was oh so uplifting.
 
Guess I’ve never seen a full lunar experience that wasn’t spectacular, but then again, full moons are like elegant Canadian sunsets: Every time you see one it’s the best ever. That was the feeling of many Gunflint viewers, as they were awed by the dazzling luster over our northern landscape for several nights.
 
Several Indian summer days have reinvigorated some of the bitin’ north woods nasties. Although it has not warranted the use of bug netting, at times the obnoxious nippers have drawn a little blood on yours truly and had me talking to myself. To think that there are black flies buzzing about is almost unheard of this time of year.
 
If this unusual happening isn’t enough, this past summer has seemed to be missing a few of the lower order species of the animal kingdom. It has dawned on me that I have not seen much of several regular crawly critters.
 
Our neighborhood has observed few ladybugs, grasshoppers, fire lies, only an occasional spruce beetle and not one of those scary wolf spiders. Although not having to deal with some of these creepy beings is OK with me, one has to wonder what is going on.
 
With the ongoing effects of atmospheric changes rapidly consuming our universe, could this be a new and forever consequence or just a cyclic effect? I guess we’ll wait and see what the next warm season brings.
 
Another lynx has appeared in and around the Wildersmith neighborhood. My reporting observer indicates that this one was not as large as the feline visitor that prowled about his place a few weeks ago, but nevertheless, was just as inquisitive about scents around his yard.
 
Seasonally, I don’t often see many robins along the Mile O Pine. However, recently there have been numbers of them gathering. They have been hanging out in close proximity to the roadway, and consistently take flight right ahead of one’s approaching vehicle.
 
I’m guessing they could be the lead-in to the feature performance of our pre-winter snow buntings, or it is more likely they are rallying in preparation for their flight southward. Either way, this is a new and different happening for me.
 
Keep on hangin’ on, and I hope you’re savoring this wonderful season!

Airdate: October 5, 2012

With activity slowing toward more quiet times along the Trail, it’s hard to believe that the month of our full “wild rice” moon has slipped so rapidly toward the western horizon.
 
As we celebrate the bounteous lunar cycle this weekend, Dagwagin (fall in Ojibwe) has reached nearly optimum splendor along the byway. The magnitude of this wilderness mosaic is breathtaking in every sense of the word!
 
The atmosphere has become quite fall-like. Frosty temps and brisk northwest winds have amplified the technicolor show playing in our woodsy theater.
 
Although rainfall has been minimal, the area did get a spritzing or two over the past week. Last Saturday even saw a snow squall barrel down Gunflint Lake and through other parts of the territory. This happened as a swell friend, some of his buddies and yours truly grappled around in the 58-degree waves to bring in the Wildersmith dock.
 
A hectic summer schedule for yours truly finally broke last weekend, affording the Smiths and some Hungry Jack Lake friends time to get out and hike in a little bit of this magic. We chose a path least traveled at this time of the year, the blueberry hill spur off the former Gneiss Lake Trail. To say the very least, enchanting was our trek through the rapidly changing granite-based forest, to a rocky summit that could just as well have been the top of the world.
 
Most everyone knows of the tragic Derechos and wildfires that have befallen this section of the forest since 1999. It’s spiritually uplifting to see how Mother Nature is bringing the area back to life.
 
A little more than a decade after the big blow down, and a mere five years since that natural restoration project was interrupted by the scalding Ham Lake Fire, the old gal has sure done a great job. Yes, the skeletons and scars are still to be found. However, these blemishes just add to the mystique amongst a myriad of new green that has blossomed, and is now in the process of autumnal transition. In a few years, with a nudge from Gunflint Green-up plantings and nature’s plan, the serpentine trail will be a coniferous tunnel toward blue heavens.
 
Since opening in June, the tread way to the blueberry top has become well-worn. Close inspection as our quartet trudged along found this wilderness path has also become a thruway for moose traffic.
 
Countless deposits of moose calling cards were observed, but luckily there were no meetings and greetings with these ancient icons. I would guess that the clearing of this pathway, as opposed to the seemingly endless tangle of charred blow down, has made navigating the forest less complicated for those in the moose kingdom.
 
More of this moose magic happened to the Smiths recently when we came upon one of the historic forest symbols while traveling the upper Trail, not far from the Chik-Wauk Museum turn-off. This monster of the byway was as huge as I’ve ever seen with a splendid “wide track” rack.
 
The big fellow seemed a bit belligerent in regard to relinquishing the traveled portion of the roadway while ambling ahead of us for some distance. In addition, he refused a turn about for a photo op, so we were left with only a view from the posterior. Thus we have no digital verification as to its enormity. After providing a view of the back end for a while, he eventually clomped off into the woods and out of sight.
 
From this same area comes word of a momma bear and her two young’uns crossing the Trail. At this time, this little section of paradise is quite like a zoo.
 
With berries long since gone, bear hunger does not go away, with their need to fatten up for a long winter’s nap. There are continuing reports of bruno stops where humans reside, so we need not be tempting them into return visits by being careless stewards of garbage and bird feeding stations. Bears are not necessarily the problem; it is we who often create our own dilemmas with these furry natives.
 
Keep on hangin’ on, and savor the woodsy wonders!

Airdate: September 28, 2012

It’s official, the calendar says that our fall excursion is on schedule along the Gunflint Byway. For a day now, east is truly east and west is west with our daytime luminary, Sol.
 
Although autumn has been elbowing its way up the Trail for a few weeks, it seemed that we'd never run out of summer. I've had so much warm and sticky that I'm happy to finally see that equinox come to fruition. We should be able to really get on with this wonderful season! It's leaf peeper time!
 
Fire- and dragonflies are gone, a few hummingbirds are in their last sweet stop approach and murders of crows are caw-cussing throughout the territory as they begin to head wherever they head for the winter.
 
I've noticed a couple of the four-legged furry beings have been tending to the tick of the natural clock too. Several white tails have already started the exchange of their sleek copper-tone warm weather slickers for that cedar-bark gray of colder days ahead.
 
And a fox or two have shown themselves along the byway sporting thickening coats and those lush plumes trailing from their posteriors. With a few almost cold nights of late, I can just imagine them all curled up inside a den somewhere with that cuddly wraparound stole insulating their lanky bodies.
 
Another autumnal apparel quirk is showing up throughout the forest. The blaze orange of the shoot-'em-up crew is now drawing their bead on some unsuspecting wild thing. With bear, grouse and moose hunting season at hand, let's hope that the only statistics are counted in bag limits. Everyone is encouraged to be safe by being properly attired, including the unarmed folks that also trudge nature’s paths.
 
I sound like a broken record as I reaffirm that the rain gods continue with their border country work stoppage. A mere seven one-hundredths is all that has been measured over the past seven days at Wildersmith.
 
It is amazing that we had many timely rains during the summer extending through the first week of August. Since then, the faucet has been shut down to barely a few drips for the better part of the past six weeks.
 
Hope springs eternal that this gets turned around sooner rather than later. Streams and rivers are bone dry in most up-the-Trail locales. Meanwhile, lake levels that depend upon huge watershed infusions are declining at an alarming rate. The DNR Gunflint Lake level gauge at the Wildersmith dock is about one week from dropping off the scale, much the same as it did last year.
 
Temperatures have been unconditionally good during the same time period. We even had some near frost around here on a couple occasions. That "near frost" definition means close to crystal rooftops, but no cigar. There have been some serious reports of frost in other places and even an unconfirmed report of snowflakes in the Pine Mountain Road area.
 
"Getting ready for winter" chores are in full swing around the territory. Yours truly has been busy putting the finishing touches on the summer list of things to do.
 
A number of lakeside docks are on shore and the few remaining in our sky blue waters have seen their usual watercraft headed for winter storage. Inventorying the woodshed is the name of the game for all of us year-round folks, along with cutting and splitting whatever can be found for the '13/'14 season.
 
Another task for many of us is putting deer protection around succulent shrubs and adolescent trees. I've even given thought to mounting my snow blade, checking out snow blower operations and trying to decide when would be the best time to put on my winter wheels. The beat goes on and on.
 
One pre-winter job that should be put on hold for as long as possible is winterizing those wild fire sprinkler systems. Our extreme fire danger makes closing these down right now pretty risky! There'll be some time for this in October.
 
Keep on hangin' on, and savor this awesome place!

Airdate: September 21, 2012

If silence is golden, then it’s going to be pretty quiet in these parts. Gold is the catchword as the forest is exploding through the Gunflint hillsides. By the time this scoop reaches you readers and listeners, our landscape will be one to behold.
 
With only a few spindly showers over the area since we last met over the airwaves, border country remains sadly dry. The mood is kind of eerie as residents are edgy with regard to the possibility of somebody being careless with fire, or an act of nature happening in the form of a lightning strike.
 
Luckily, thus far this section of the Superior National Forest has been spared while several patches to our west and north have been experiencing a number of small blazes. We on the Gunflint are thankful that people in proximity to these burns have not been adversely affected. Further, all can be grateful that the Forest Service has got right after these incidents, and at this writing, all are either out or contained.
 
One element of fall is the smell of burning leaves; however, if you live in the forest this is not a pleasant thought. A smell of autumn that is welcomed, though, is the aroma coming from fallen leaves when they’ve been spritzed with a bit of rain.
 
I got my first whiff of fall just a few days ago following one of our feeble showers. That marvelous indescribable scent would be worth a fortune if it could only be captured and put in a bottle. Ahhh, the essence of our changing times!
 
The last rose of summer has long since passed, but the last blooms of this fading season are hanging on in dazzling color. Large leaf asters are about the last vestige of bright color against the muted backdrop of other dying wilderness flora. They’re out in abundance this year, and as opposed to their usual white to pale blue color are the most vivid tint of lilac I’ve observed during my short time in the wilderness.
 
Speaking of roses, our extended dry spell seems to have spelled doom for this year’s rose hip crop. They are rapidly wilting on the stem and many will not be maturing as firm fruit when the first freeze usually sets them in readiness for harvesting.
 
Some friends who reside over on Loon Lake report that they had a bumper crop of mountain ash berries this year. Their three trees were loaded with the cheery, cherry red fruit until a flock of cedar waxwings invaded one day last week. There were an uncountable number of the hungry birds and in one days setting, they devoured the entire crop. I have since found that this is not an unusual happening.
 
We all know that loon pairs are forever. They love, honor and serve each other just as human unions can do. A local fellow tells of sitting on a dock recently when a loon popped up out of the water within a few feet from where he was perched.
 
To his surprise the handsome bird had been fishing and brought its catch out of the water. After a bit of shaking the finny and dunking it back underwater a couple times, the amiable bird swam off a short distance to where its mate had surfaced and “served” it the catch of the day.
 
How’s that for an affectionate gesture in our often-tough natural world? This avian love affair kind of goes hand in hand with the amorous snapping turtle story of last week.
 
Some 60 members of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society took part in a historic cabin tour last Saturday.  The event, which was open to members only, found the touring participants getting to step back in time as they journeyed to seven cabin/homes in the historic district on the shores of Hungry Jack Lake.
 
The GTHS is grateful to the property owners for opening up their celebrated dwellings while sharing hospitality and storied information about their wilderness havens. Raves were heard from the visitors, leaving many thirsting for more such opportunities. Hopefully, this might become an annual fund raising event for the historical society. Kudos to all the organizers and the gracious homeowners!
 
Keep on hangin’ on and savor gold in “them thar hills!”

Airdate: September 14, 2012

‘Tis the season for kick-offs: another school year, football, etc. For yours truly, it’s a kick-off time too. It was 10 years ago with this scribing that I started this trek of bringing folks the Trail scoop each week. As I begin year 11, I want to thank everyone for the kind words of encouragement as well as sharing some of their north woods happenings on occasion. 
 
More north woods romance blossomed for us wilderness folk last week as the unusual second full moon of August burst over the horizon to greet chapter nine of 2012. What a showing this lunar experience turned out to be for those in lake country!           
 
Raves have been heard from up and down the Trail in regard to this once in a blue moon showing. Skies were crystal clear, setting the stage for a grand arrival, which happened just before 1950 hours on day 31.
 
Fortunately the Smiths and a swell friend were out on the Gunflint ripples cruising when the celestial body first peeked above our eastern shore line. We watched intently as the faint heavenly creation grew quickly to a stunning full size. Yes, the rising movement was discernable!
 
Then if that moon magic wasn’t enough, a turn of the craft 180 degrees found Sol doing his daily disappearance act. With the usual pre-sundown haze of late, our daytime luminary was piercing the northwestern sky like a molten spear complete with a blinding hot iron bar reflecting off the lake. The setting scenario extended beyond our scope of imagination and was lending a bridging hand toward the lunar visitor from the east.
 
The ambiance of being in the midst of this astronomical rhapsody was exhilarating, totally beyond adequate description! Hope all you readers and listeners got to share a moment of this enchantment.
 
A secondhand report came to me about two area fishermen that happened upon a gathering of loons while angling on North Lake. Not too unusual except that they counted 13 in the grouping. While counting, I am told that the bakers’ dozen broke out in a yodeling interlude. This choral call of the wild had to be something special, probably not often presented where humans could hear. There’s nothing like being in the right place at the right time!
 
Being in the right place at the right time recently meant another unusual natural experience for a couple living up on Gull Lake. The scene was set in the lake not far from their shore when two huge snapping turtles surfaced in a frenzy of thrashing water. The observation of the aquatic activity went on for some time before it became evident that the hard-shelled critters were not fighting, but more likely in some sort of amorous ritual.
 
They were tumbling over and over while hugging in a belly-to-belly position only interrupted for brief moments of heads above water to gasp a snort of air. Trying to find out whether this was just a late summer fling, or if it was a normal time for beginning the reproductive cycle, I turned to north woods naturalist, Chel Anderson.
 
I would have guessed that this natural occurrence might happen after coming out of hibernation in the spring, but Chel’s research found that snapping turtles can mate anytime from May thru the summer. So this surely could have been the beginning of this terrapin couple’s extending the reproductive cycle, more than just a summer romance.  
 
As golden birch leaves begin trickling ground-ward, autumn is picking up a little more momentum. Area roadsides are gathering the fallen tokens and with the breeze of passing vehicles, I see them blown into rows like soldiers lined up for inspection.       
The crimson of sugar maples sprinkled through the coniferous forest is in an accelerating mode and should be in full regalia in not too many more days. With the help of some morning frost, continuing warm afternoons and maybe some rain, foliage will be spectacular.
 
More signs of advancing times are being noted in a decline of hummingbird activity at area sweet stops, along with the bombing of rooftops as squirrels harvest cone provisions from the white pine treetops.
 
Thinking about critter survival, during the winter months a gal down the road shares of watching a major excavation by a chipmunk. I’m told that this one was trying to bury an entire ear of corn. Guess it was quite a digging exercise for the greedy striped rodent.
 
Lastly, the territory has taken on a sudden stillness with the passing of summer’s final fling. The Labor Day weekend was bustling as I have not seen in recent years but all has become quiet on the northern front. Now begins the time of waiting, waiting for arrival of the “northern express!”
 
Keep on hangin’ on, and savor the sensations of autumn!

Airdate: September 7, 2012

The Gunflint bids farewell to month eight under a full gaze from that “old man in the moon.” The past chapter of 2012 has quickly trudged off into the history book, beginning in a full lunar experience, and taking a curtain call with another gleaming glimpse of “his Fullness.”
 
A little bit of summer angst surged in the final week of August. The sticky warm-up even prompted a resurgence of some those bitin’ bugs, mosquitoes, yuck!
 
Enter, and welcome September! The month of the wild rice moon now offers hope for a few frosty mornings in the northland. With the cool, wisps of wood smoke will soon be wafting through the woods foretelling of the magical fall changes in store.
 
Remembering a favorite saying about this special place is that “it’s only cool, when it’s cool” yours truly is anxious for that first visit from Jack, the man, Frost. Nobody does it better, when it comes to interior decorating of our Gunflint forest.
 
During the past week, only a smattering of heavenly moisture has fallen in the territory. That which has accumulated in select spots is barely enough to wet one’s whistle.
 
Around the Wildersmith neighborhood, our rain gauge has caught drops that have been measured only in a few hundredths. So we are kissing August goodbye and offering little remorse for her rapid passing, since she has put us back into that drought mode.
 
Perhaps with September’s call, rainmaking will be in the cards so that the area can begin soil soaking in advance of winter’s freeze-up. Nature’s flora need wet feet before going dormant to avoid adversity when next spring unfolds.
 
Another of September’s call comes in the clanging of the school bell. The last hurrah of summer is front and center this weekend with the big Labor Day holiday. Many of the seasonal residents of the area will be calling it a season.
 
School days will be beckoning this coming Tuesday, for not only our Gunflint kids, but also all of those vacationing folks. So it’s best wishes for the coming year, and hit those books with a vengeance!
 
We had some rough seas here on Gunflint Lake last Sunday. It was one of those days when common sense would tell you that it’s best to not take chances in a watercraft of any kind.
 
Yet the wonders of ignorance will never cease as one of those self-appointed experts decided that he could handle anything the old Gal had to offer. While the up lake trip to Bridal Falls with the wind and waves was tolerable, I’m told the return voyage against the bashing torrents turned to be a harrowing experience.
 
In the end, this terrified family was finally able to pull into shore safety just a couple docks down the line as the bucking waves were beginning to fill the boat. Thank goodness a potential tragedy was averted!
 
Neighbors helped the frightened family get back to their point of departure. This surely had to be a hard lesson learned by the decision-makers’ risky undertaking. You don’t mess with Mother Nature, or more specifically, with an angry Gunflint Gal. Some folks will just never learn!
 
Bald Eagle sightings are not unusual here on the Gunflint, but when they happen several days in succession right over the Wildersmith dock, and at a low altitude, there has to be a reason. The sudden appearance of this splendid bird is sure to be caused by the discovery of an animal carcass that probably zigged when it should have zagged. 
 
This apparent wilderness fast food establishment seems to be drawing raves from many hungry beings of the wild neighborhood. Such enthusiasm is heard through the woods from a collection of raucous avian voices, including this eagle that makes a daily, back and forth flight along the mid-Gunflint Lake shoreline to share in the sustenance.
 
The Gunflint corridor is so blessed to have such an active and caring group of volunteer protectors; I’m referring of course, to our EMTs and firefighters. The EMTs recently offered both new and refresher training to the public in CPR.
 
Several folks along the Gunflint have participated and found the time to be well spent. The instruction was most beneficial and professionally taught. I would encourage others in the territory to take advantage of these opportunities whenever they are extended. The training might just save a life!
 
Keep on hangin’ on, and savor a September song!

Airdate: August 31, 2012

Photo courtesy of Travis Wiens via Flickr.