Wildersmith October 19

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