The Roadhouse

What with the Perseids happening now, and the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, we checked in with a favorite regular guest, astronomer Bob King of Astrobob fame. He gives great tips for observing the eclipse safely. Do NOT look directly at the sun; you will seriously damage your retinas and never know it, since they don't sense pain.

Lindsay Gault of New Zealand is bicycling from the Arctic Circle to the Atlantic, with a stop at the Pacific, to raise money for the Cancer Society of New Zealand. He's a friend of local cyclist/adventurer/former Roadhouse host Buck Benson, and stopped in Grand Marais to visit. CJ sat down with Lindsay to find out more. You can read his blog here. 

"Freshwater bluegrass" band Black River Revue, from Duluth and Superior, made a delightful return appearance on The Roadhouse. Listen for great original tunes and news of their upcoming CD release and tour this fall. Black River Revue is Adam Stariha, guitar/vocals/harmonica; Ian Kvale, bass/vocals; Tim Leutgeb, banjo/guitar/vocals; and Nate Hynum, mandolin/vocals.  You can learn more about the band's music and schedule here. 

Kassondra Cloos is associate editor of SNEWS (publication of the outdoor gear industry), as well as a freelance writer. She recently had an article in Backpacker Magazine about her experiments with bringing ice cream on hiking and camping trips. She joined Dave to share her secrets for success. You can learn more about Kassondra's work and writing here.

Denny Caneff is the new executive director of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, coming to the shore by way of Madison, Wisc., where he led the River Alliance of Wisconsin. CJ chatted with him about his new role, what he sees as the biggest challenges and assets of the trail, and much more. You can learn more about the trail and the SHTA here.

Rock 'n' roll singer-songwriter Courtney Yasmineh visited The Roadhouse for the first time recently, while in town to perform at the Stars of the North Music Festival. She and her producer Rob Genadek made amazing music, and Courtney shared stories about her life and career. You can learn more about Courtney and her music here. Her first work of literary fiction, "A Girl Called Sidney," is just out from Gibson House Press.

Mike Stout of Prior Lake recently crossed the Big Lake alone in his kayak, something few people ever do. He chatted with CJ about why he wanted to do it, and what the 70-mile, 27 1/2-hour trip was like. 

One of the oldest annual boat races on Lake Superior, the International Yacht Race, returned to Grand Marais last weekend. Dave chatted with Bob VanderPloeg, fleet captain of the Thunder Bay Yacht Club, about the race and its challenges and pleasures.

St. Paul-based band Crazy Chester honors the music of classic, blues-filled roots rock. They made their Roadhouse debut when they were in town recently to play at the Tavern. Crazy Chester is: Steve Abenth, percussion & vocals; Martin Marty, guitar & vocals; Drew Peterson, bass guitar & vocals; Bill Singsaas, guitar; and Dan Raschick, percussion & drums. Learn more about them on their Facebook page. 

Most of us have heard the common wisdom that our happiness can affect our physical health--and now a team of researchers has confirmed it. Prof. Ed Diener and his team, in a comprehensive review of studies on subjective well-being, has found that there is a connection between happiness and health in some instances. Prof. Diener is a leading expert on happiness, and he  joined Dave recently to talk about these findings. You can learn more about the link between happiness and health here.