Wildersmith July 22

The spirit of our atmosphere is snarling as the once wonderful summer got ugly hot since our last visit. With the sparse moisture we’ve had since first of the month, that beastly sun boiled our northern earth into tropical misery.

Needless to say, there are some of us wilderness beings that are none too happy. Namely, the moose and me! As an indication of how hot it must be for the critters, I observed some crows along the road with beaks wide open, panting like dogs.

The sudden unbearable heat has caused a big spike in lake water temps. At last check, the water at the Wildermith dock was 74. This is within two degrees of the warmest I recorded in 2010, and we’re barely through one-third of the official summer quarter. If it spikes much more, we may be having a natural fish boil. At the very least, fishermen will be searching at even greater depths for those prized lake trout.

For about 10 days, not a drop of rain had fallen around our neighborhood, that is, until the deluge of this past Wednesday (3 1/3 inches at Wildersmith). Apparently, Mother Nature decided enough is enough for this thirsty territory. Thank goodness, the watershed north of the Laurentian Divide finally got a great dousing. Although it came much faster than we wanted, dwindling lake levels rose and dry river beds are gurgling with what they should be.

I measure the water level each week for the MN DNR. The Gunflint Lake surface has been dropping at an alarming rate, even more so than in 2010 when it was at an unheard-of low level when freeze-up came in December.

Observing over the past three years of measurements, I find that it takes nearly an inch of rain a week to keep the Gunflint Gal stable. It seems the watershed is lucky if it has been able to get that much in a month over the past several years. So this H20 happening was just what the doctor ordered.

Exciting news has come from the Chik-Wauk Museum manager. As many have been anxiously waiting, the hatching announcement “it’s a loon,” was made last week on July 15.

The loon tike has been given the handle of Peat, and has been hiding out under mom and pop’s wing since taking its first splash in the bay. I’m told that the pair resumed turns setting on the nest, and next day its little brother/sister cracked out into the world. Rumor has it the second hatchling is going to be called Re-Peat. At last report, the new family had moved into exploring the sky blue waters.

It was hot on the old lake last Wednesday night, no pun intended, as the annual canoe races took front and center up the Gunflint Trail. The event on the waterfront at Gunflint Lodge is believed to be the 35th such happening for the great volunteer fire department and rescue crew fundraiser.

With nearly 100 volunteers from up and down the byway lending a hand, the evening was a huge blast. Thanks go out to Tom and Melissa from over on Tucker Lake for their skilled organization and leadership.

Final tally that will be donated to the GTVFD from the evening’s fund raising endeavor was $14,500. Look for race results to be published in the News Herald next week. Once again, the Gunflint Trail community stands tall and proud, thanks to all who worked and donated prizes and of course, all the racing participants.

And, if readers/listeners haven’t been thanked enough, yours truly would like to congratulate all who opened their hearts and wallets to continue supporting the “little station” that continues “thinking it can!” The wonderful giving, from the now over 1,000 members, is truly an unbelievable tribute to our northland community.

Keep on hangin’ on and savor the thought of cool breezes!

Gunflint Trail Canoe Races Official T-Shirts

Katelyn Dold - Women's Eating Contest Winner

Ben Mommer - Men's Eating Contest Winner
Photos by Melissa Anderson