Wildersmith on the Gunflint - October 26, 2018

Wildersmith  on the Gunflint     by     Fred Smith       October 26, 2018    

As we gather once more for a view from the Gunflint, atmospheric conditions have turned more October like. A couple of days were really upbeat with temps soaring into the fifties, but have since settled back into cold nights and comfy days even though one still needs a vest or jacket.                                                                                                                                                                 

About the only climate negative has been the relentless wind. The direction of gusty air hasn’t mattered as leaves and branches have been coming at us from every point on the compass. Appropriately, with the Ojibwe, “falling leaves” moon beginning to wane, the dispatching of foliage is fading into whispering silence. There are few tokens left on the deciduous spires in this neighborhood.                                                                                                                                    

One shining moment of autumn has hung on for another week with the tamaracks in glorious array. However, the gales have taken a toll on some of them too. The golden needles are trickling off three beauties here at Wildersmith.                                                                            

Interestingly enough, the needle drop occurs along the Mile O Pine where they can be easily distinguished on the gray-brown surface. From a short distance away, if one didn’t know better, you’d swear it was “gold dust.”                                                                                                                                

It’s thought-provoking to think, it was the idea of striking it rich in precious minerals that prompted the iconic pioneer prospector Henry Mayhew to clear the first pathway to what is now the Gunflint Trail.  Amazingly at this time of year, we who live here have really struck it rich. The gold we cherish is not of geologic deposit, but of remarkable short-lived aurous tokens valued for brightening life around us. How great it’s been this fall!                                                                                                                                                                   

As October enters the final stanza, the warm season for Trail visitors is winding down. This in mind, the Gunflint Trail Historical Society has closed the doors and locked the gate at the Chik-Wauk Campus as of last Sunday.  The Society and the Museum/Nature Center staff and volunteers sincerely thank everyone who visited this happening place in 2018. Nearly 8400 people ventured fifty-five miles into this wildland to learn more of the Gunflint story and experience this natural wonder. All can look forward to 2019 when two new facilities will be open telling more of life in days long ago from this historic setting.                                                                                                                                           

Wonders never cease in the forest. Our friendly fox was here last Sunday for an afternoon snack. I had just been wondering if would be back for lunch after spending breakfast at Wildersmith when I turned around, and there it was.  Since I have been trained well by this hungry critter, I obliged by tossing out a triple serving of poultry morsels.                                                                                                                                                          

Now, “Brother Fox” always tries to take at least two pieces simultaneously, but often can only manage one in the mouth at a time. This leaves the remaining servings exposed while it trudges off into obscurity to consume the first carry-out.                                                                                                                                       

Obviously, there are other folks watching, in particular, the gray and/or blue jays. It’s become rather comical to see these feathered friends zip down with the thought of getting a treat too. The size of my barnyard provisions are such these avian just can’t get airborne in their larcenous attempts. One can almost imagine the frustration going on in their little bird brains as they struggle to secure a meal, only to be dispatched into emergency take-offs when the foxy guy returns for a second serving. I’m waiting for the day when Mr. Fox has jaybird for dinner, it’s bound to happen.                                                                                                                                                              

A huge hurrah for you WTIP All-stars! Congratulations to the entire community radio team for meeting the recent membership support drive goal, of $20,000.00. Once again you have confirmed a great “team effort” can achieve remarkable rewards. Thanks to all new team members and hundreds of returning letter-winners.  “You are the champions, of the north!”                                                                                                                                                               

In closing, with the pre-winter being interrupted over the past few days, my getting ready for winter chores list has dwindled by a couple more. Perhaps by next week at this time the list will find its way to the recycle basket.                                                                                                            

The most important item for this week was to get summer wheels changed to winter. I’ve been slip-sliding down the Trail on three or four occasions already, and enough is enough. It’s probably a good bet when my winter rubber finally hits the road, winter will back off for a while.                                                                                                                                                                                                

For WTIP, this is Wildersmith on the Gunflint Trail, where every day is great, as the mysteries of seasonal transition continue!

Happy Holloween!