ISSUE 20
MINNESOTA
Explore
BWCA ISLE ROYALE
OFF-THE-GRID DESTINATIONS FROM SOURCE TO SEA BEST GIFTS + GEAR
BRAINERD LAKES AREA
INCLUSION IN THE OUTDOORS
DULUTH
ALASKA UNDISCOVERED
CELEBRATE THE UNKNOWN, AND THOSE BOLD ENOUGH TO EXPLORE IT
PRINT + ONLINE
, n w o n k n u e h t e t a r b e l h Ce g u o n e d l o b e s o h t and t i e r o l p x e to
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LAKE AND COMPANY
Photo by Jamie Cooper @jamie.cooper2 @thelakeandcompany thelakeandcompany.com
All of us at Lake and Company, both the magazine and the shop, are passionately committed to celebrating the very best of lake culture and inspiring our communities to get out and explore the unknown.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR MOMENTS OF TRANSFORMATION
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30 NOT YOUR FATHER’S YACHT CLUB A hidden gem for all lake lovers to enjoy.
UNTOUCHED EXPLORATION
Remote Alaska through the lens of an Adventure Photographer.
People are constantly having to adjust to the world swirling around them. And change can be scary, but so is living with regrets. Don’t let fear stop you from evolving and discovering a new path worth exploring. It’s easier said than done, especially when you have that voice in your head constantly asking, “What if I fail?” But persistence pays off, and you often learn valuable insights and skills through trial and error. It can be extremely rewarding when you embrace and master the art of transformation. You can allow yourself to move forward and not sit on your gifts and talents. Issue 20 celebrates stories of people embracing change, making giant leaps and taking a plunge into a sea of possibilities. Courageous adventurers exploring the remote wilderness, close siblings growing independently of one another, relentless attempts to visit off-the-grid destinations — these are the stories that fill our pages. I admire the risk takers, businesses, families and all who are determined to take that leap of faith, and even if they fall, continue to pick themselves back up. We are only given this one life; let’s make the most of it. Go explore!
Maria Hileman
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45 KWEEN WERK
An exclusive interview with the woman making the outdoors inclusive for all bodies.
22 CALL OF THE LOON
Will Minnesota’s loons be here in 50 years?
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Follow us @thelakeandcompany
BWCA BACHELOR PARTY Brothers celebrating their next chapter in life.
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FROM SOURCE TO SEA
BRANDS WITH PURPOSE
Journey 2,350 miles down the mighty Mississippi River.
Jetty sees recycling oyster shells as a benefit in and out of the water.
For the People From the People Want to see your favorite hot spot or most traveled trail featured? Send us your photos, stories, and ideas to:
hello@thelakeandcompany.com
18 MINNESOTA’S PLAYGROUND
The bustling community of Brainerd/Baxter has something for everyone.
54 ISLE ROYALE
Explore Lake Superior’s largest island.
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Your Boat Club is on a mission: to change the boating game as we know it by making boating on our renowned bodies of water as easy, fun, accessible and memorable as possible.
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LAKE AND COMPANY
By Your Boat Club co-founders MICHAEL JELLISH AND LUKE KUJAWA
How do we do this? By taking care of the hassle and intimidating parts of boating at each of our locations. Our staff are on the docks 24/7 to help carry gear to and from your boat, aid in parking in and exiting the marina, and direct you with other boating tips and tricks. We also clean, gas up and maintain the boats, so it’s truly a showup-and-go experience for you! We make boating easy for even novice boaters, and we go above and beyond to make sure your experience on our lakes is top notch. Your Boat Club also makes boating possible through our many locations and new boat fleet, not to mention several full-service locations that offer winterization, storage and more for those already involved in the boating life. Your Boat Club operates at more than 20 locations throughout the Midwest, offering pontoons, runabouts and fishing boats to our renter and member base, as well as daily and multi-day boat rentals and annual boat memberships. No matter what kind of customer you are — brand new to lake life, avid boater since childhood or, yes, even a boat owner — we have something for you. Don’t spend another second waiting: come find out what kind of boater you are today!
Drifter destinations
If you’re looking for the ultimate family-fun destination, Your Boat Club is available in Wisconsin and Illinois (at Lake Geneva, Eagle River, Minocqua and the Chain O’Lakes) too! With unique bodies of water, gorgeous views and exciting activities nearby, vacation is right in your backyard!
big-city boating
Looking to experience lake life in the city? Look no further than Your Boat Club! With popular locations including Lake Minnetonka, White Bear Lake, the St. Croix River and more, we give you access to some of the most beautiful lakes in Minnesota where you can bring your friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable day on the water!
Northern solitude
We all need to get away sometimes. Your Boat Club dominates the relaxation world at lakes such as Cross, Gull, Vermilion, Pokegama, Lake Superior in Duluth and so many more in the Northern Minnesota area for those of you seeking some quiet beauty. Whether you’re there for a day, weekend or week trip, Your Boat Club has you covered.
learn more at yourboatclub.com today! LAKE AND COMPANY
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PUBLISHER + CO-FOUNDER
You live your story, we tell it. be.Media is a full-service strategic marketing and production company.
SERVICES: Brand Identity Graphic Design Video + Animation Website Design Strategy Social Media Photography Publishing SEO/SEM
Megan Kellin
VP OF RETAIL + CO-FOUNDER
Kelly Kabotoff
EDITOR + DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS
Maria Hileman
SENIOR DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER COPY EDITOR + PROOFREADER COVER IMAGE COVER DESIGN DIRECTOR OF MEDIA PRODUCTION LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER PROJECT MANAGER DIRECTOR OF RETAIL CONTRIBUTORS
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Meg Heaton Sam McPhillips Anne Kelley Conklin Jon Kreye Meg Heaton John Scarr Aimee Jobe Jennifer Gorman Alissa Kovanen Michael Jellish, Luke Kujawa, Jon Kreye, Jon Mobeck, Alison Medeck, Alex Eder, Casey Cooper, Jamie Cooper, Kada Goalen, Jon Coen, John Keefover, Steve Hahn, Dan Egley, Parker McMullen Bushman, Cheryl Fosdick, Allison Robinson 403 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 For a media kit, email: hello@thelakeandcompany.com To sell in your retail store, email hello@thelakeandcompany.com thelakeandcompany.com (subscribe) hello@thelakeandcompany.com
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INSPIRED BY THE STORIES OF PEOPLE DOING EXCEPTIONAL THINGS
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ARE YOU THE to explore ? MOST Itasca youth believe their community provides opportunities that will help them grow.
AVA I L A B L E AT
The goal of Next Career Pathways is to allow all students to explore career options that inspire hope and curiosity! This program helps students imagine a future vision of themselves through relevant experiences, hands-on learning, and unique partnerships with local industries and colleges. Pathways courses unleash endless possibilities for students to explore & experience local career paths while still in high school so that they can excel in their futures.
BIGFORK HIGH SCHOOL DEER RIVER HIGH SCHOOL FLOODWOOD HIGH SCHOOL GREENWAY HIGH SCHOOL GRAND RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL HILL CITY HIGH SCHOOL ITASCA COMMUNITY COLLEGE MESABI RANGE COLLEGE NORTHLAND REMER HIGH SCHOOL
N E X T PAT H WAY S .O R G
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Providing Home Care for All Ages
There is no greater disability in society, than the inability to see a person as more. Robert M. Hensel
Start your Best journey now!
218.305.4613 or 651.330.2550
Ask about our Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Program. We accept Medical Assistance and major insurance plans.
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Untouched n o i t a r o l p x E Remote Alaska Through the Lens of an Adventure Photographer By JON KREYE
Fox Island, Alaska
LAKE AND COMPANY
Photography by JON KREYE
go
Explore
Alaska, usa
go
Explore
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y wife and I had stable jobs that we loved in Minnesota, close to family and many friends, but after years of imagining an epic new adventure for our lives, we decided to take a leap. A big one. We leapt — actually, drove — 3,300 miles across the U.S. and Canada to live in the untamed “last frontier” we had been dreaming about for years. In August 2020, we packed everything we could fit into our Subaru and started a journey that would change our lives and perspectives forever. My passion for outdoor exploration began at a young age. From camping trips to the north woods of Wisconsin, to learning about backpacking and wilderness preparedness in the Boy Scouts, to growing up in a river town, to now living in a world-renowned location for outdoor adventure. Living in Alaska has only brought my love and desire for outdoor exploration to the next level. Since living in the True North, I have been able to see what few will ever experience in a lifetime. There is no shortage of adventure to be found: glacial exploration by helicopter, hiking under the midnight sun, standing on mountain peaks where few have ever stood, spelunking inside ice caves in the depths of a glacier. Alaska in the summer is unparalleled. My wife and I find ourselves staying up far later than we typically would due to the excessive amount of daylight. We were not used to that. Twenty-plus hours of daylight to paddle, hike, fish, paraglide, fly or even ski. It is not uncommon for locals to be out until 2 a.m. fishing the world-famous king salmon.
Alaska also boasts some incredible offthe-beaten-path accommodations. My photography has taken me to some of the most unique stays the state has to offer. One memorable stay took me off the grid to a remote yurt situated in a private oceanside cove. Shearwater Cove sits about 10 miles south of Seward and is so remote it requires a water taxi to get there. We watched humpback whales breach on the boat ride out to the property. I was also able to experience some world-class ocean kayaking in nearby Humpy and Thumb Coves. The thoughtfully planned resort has hiking trails into the mountains that offer unbelievable views of Resurrection Bay that cannot be accessed from anywhere else. The yurt even includes a rainwater shower with biodegradable soap, leaving a low impact on the environment. Living in and exploring the last frontier changes one’s perspective of what the United States has to offer for remote adventure and changes a person’s perspective of life. Time in the wilderness leaves me feeling refreshed, alive and connected to the earth. Our time here is limited, and taking a leap is not always easy, especially if it is a big leap, but it’s, oh, so worth it. My many memorable experiences spent in nature have led me to a deep appreciation for the wild and pure earth. May you and I never lose this excitement, passion and love for this planet we call home.
Jon Kreye Inspired by exploring and connecting with the natural world, Alaskabased adventurer Jon Kreye is a professional landscape photographer who works with travel brands, lodging companies and outdoor-based businesses to showcase the beauty of nature around him.
SINCE LIVING IN THE TRUE NORTH, I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE WHAT FEW WILL EVER EXPERIENCE IN A LIFETIME.” Valdez, Alaska
LAKE AND COMPANY
Beluga Point, Alaska
Spencer Glacier
Travel Tips for the Last Frontier .01
Ferries and water taxis Explore Seldovia or many public parks and lands accessible from the water. .02
Public-use cabins Book an off-grid cabin that can be reserved online for as little as $25 a night. .03
Railroads Book a trip on Alaska Railroad to Seward, Spencer Glacier or Denali, and relax while enjoying the views.
Humpy Cove, Alaska
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Airplanes By far the best way to view the vast wilderness of Alaska is from the air. I recommend taking a flight-seeing tour. .05
Save your money Expect to pay about 15-20% more for just about anything compared to in the Lower 48. .06
Granite Point Mountain Lodge
Prince William Sound
Extreme daylight In Anchorage, expect about five hours of daylight in the depths of winter and 20-plus hours of light in the summer. .07
Plan meals and stays One can easily drive hours without seeing a town, gas station or restaurant. .08
Off-season travel Consider traveling in the winter, spring or fall when fewer tourists visit. 15
Wellness Retreat YO U R
On the road, in the wild, at home, or out in the backyard your authentic sauna journey begins with Voyageur.
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Brainerd, Minnesota
Minnesota's Playground Situated on the Mississippi River and in the heart of Central Minnesota lies the Brainerd Lakes Area. The bustling community of Brainerd/Baxter is nestled among the pines and it has something for everyone. Photography By AIMEE JOBE PHOTOGRAPHY
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If you want to be in a place that has everything you need and is only minutes from the lakes, this is your stop. From here, you can choose any adventure to enjoy in Minnesota’s Playground. Founded in 1870 as a Northern Pacific Railroad town, the city has a rich history to explore, a dynamic Downtown with arts, shopping, dining and entertainment options, and beautiful parks and trails to be enjoyed.
Whipple Beach Brainerd Zip Line Tour
Brainerd is an excellent family vacation destination. In addition to outdoor adventures, it offers amusement parks, go-kart tracks, mini golf, public beaches, a wildlife park, a zip line tour and three waterparks.
Safari North Wildlife Park
Northland Kart Kountry 19
Stay here and easily explore the region while enjoying the modern amenities of a hotel and access to excellent dining, shopping and services.
Arrowwood Lodge
Ernie's on Gull Whether indoor, outdoor or carry-out, Brainerd/Baxter has endless food options and watering holes, so you can’t go wrong.
Jack Pine Brewery
Baxter’s Bar & Grill
The Local 218 5rocks Distilling Co.
Plan your trip today. VisitBrainerd.com
VISITBRAINERD LAKE AND COMPANY
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CALL of LOON the 22
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Will Minnesota’s loons be here in 50 years? By JON MOBECK
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Photography by BRANDI GRAHL & BENJAMIN OLSON
he loon is a symbol of northern wildness. Its ethereal yodels, wails and tremolos bounce across the waters and through the pines to our cabins and campsites. We’re thrilled when a curious loon explores the underside of our kayaks. We’re amazed when that dazzling bird dives, only to reappear in the distance. In Minnesota, the loon is legendary. Its iconic status makes it our state bird. It reflects our love of lake life. It’s everywhere, it seems.
The loon, in fact, isn’t everywhere. Minnesota fortunately has more loons than any other state in the contiguous U.S. The question is whether that will always be so. The breeding range of loons has drifted northward in recent decades, with the northern half of Minnesota now at the southern edge of the loon’s breeding range. There are many contributing factors, but the range tracks closely with water quality. The northern half of Minnesota includes the
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highest-quality fresh water in the state, but even that water is threatened, leading some scientists to predict that loons may not be present in Minnesota 50 years from now. Can you imagine such a future? We can help loons by focusing on what we know. Loons prefer clear lakes with a sheltered shoreline habitat for nesting. For loons to remain here, we need to preserve water quality by minimizing or eliminating pollutants and stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). You can find information on how to prevent the spread of AIS posted at many boat ramps, and proper craft-cleaning protocol is easy to find at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
THE FIRST STEP TO ENSURING THAT LOONS ENDURE IN MINNESOTA IS TO BE AWARE OF WHAT THEY NEED AND HOW WE AFFECT THEM.” Loons prefer to nest in protected bays, often in shallow, reedy areas where they are sheltered from predators and waves. Their nests are built up in water to deter terrestrial predators, but also because loons, with feet located well to the rear of their relatively heavy body, are not designed to navigate on land. Their nest locations are sensitive to wave action, which can swamp nests and destroy eggs. We can do our part by keeping high-wake activity far from shore while always remaining vigilant for loons (boat strikes are a problem). Frequent wave activity on shorelines can degrade them while adding sediment and pollutants to the lake. As a lakefront property owner, you can also help loons by preserving a natural vegetation buffer, which reduces erosion and provides additional habitat for loons.
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Unknowingly, many anglers also present a threat to loons. A single lead sinker or jig can lethally poison a loon as it ingests pebbles to aid digestion. Discarded fishing line can be a source of entanglement from which a loon may not escape. Casting too close to loons can result in a hooked bird. Each of these potentially deadly threats is completely avoidable. Use nontoxic fishing tackle. Clean up discarded line and tackle. Cast away from loons. The loon is a source of pride as the wildness it relies upon is increasingly rare. In Minnesota, we have a gift to celebrate and protect. The first step to ensuring that loons endure in Minnesota is to be aware of what they need and how we affect them. The National Loon Center was founded in 2017 for this purpose. From its current home on the Crosslake Town Square, called The Nest, it has launched a significant loon research study (76 banded loons) led by preeminent loon scientist Dr. Walter Piper. The Nest has welcomed more than 100 visitors each day and helps visitors learn about loon habitat, water resource protection and the responsibilities we share to protect Minnesota’s natural assets for generations to come. Plans are moving forward to open a 15,000-square-foot world-class facility in Crosslake in the spring of 2024. Some of the first docks, boardwalks and outdoor exhibits should be in place by the fall of 2021. The “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is an ideal home for a nationally significant loon and freshwater research and education center. It is also an ideal setting to perfect the relationship between people and the lakes on which they recreate. We love loons and we love lakes. The future of loons is really about our future as Minnesotans. We can answer their call, preserve a way of life and leave a legacy that will echo across waters into the future.
Jon Mobeck Jon is executive director at the National Loon Center in Crosslake, Minnesota, which engages communities to protect loons and freshwater habitat through research, education and advocacy. Make a difference at nationallooncenter.org.
Simple Steps TAKE THE TO KEEP LOONS SAFE
+ minimize or eliminate pollutants + stop the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS)
+ use nontoxic fishing tackle + clean up discarded line and tackle + cast away from loons
+ keep high-wake activity far from shore 25
TR ANSFORMING REL ATIONSHIPS
Through Experiences Lakeside vacations the way they were meant to be. Experience a resort that is rich in tradition and offers more recreational amenities than any other Midwest resort. BOOK YOUR VACATION
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Residential. Waterfront. Hunting land. Commercial.
In 1947, the Gull Lake Yacht Club (GLYC) and the Gull Lake Sailing School (GLSS) were founded. Now, over 70 years later, the mission of the club continues to be “To grow sailing and friendships on Gull Lake.” In 2017, the Gull Lake Sailing School, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization became the sole owner of the GLYC property.
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Not Your Father's
A hidden gem open to everyone By ALISON MEDECK Photography by AIMEE JOBE PHOTOGRAPHY
thelakeandco.com
Cotopaxi Teca Mira Jacket $95.00
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s a premier vacation destination, the Brainerd Lakes Area is well known for its award-winning resorts, beautiful lakes and a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Growing up in Brainerd, I didn’t live on the lake, but I did enjoy my summers swimming at the area beaches and visiting friends and family at their lake cabins. My husband, Greg, and I moved back to the area in 2007. Raising our family where we could take advantage of the area’s offerings, especially the lakes, was important to us.
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About seven years ago, we saw that the Gull Lake Yacht Club was offering summer sailing lessons for youth. We thought, what a unique opportunity! Not knowing much about the yacht club, we assumed it was members-only. We quickly learned that was not the case at all. Anyone could participate. We were thrilled for our children to have access to an activity like sailing — and we didn’t even need to own a sailboat. When our son Jackson, who was in elementary school at the time, completed his first week of sailing school at the affiliated Gull Lake Sailing School, we realized it was the perfect activity for him. He had a lot of fun, met some friends and excelled at sailing — not to mention that the atmosphere was welcoming, the grounds were absolutely beautiful and we loved the feeling of the “lake life.” After years of our son’s participation in summer sailing lessons, we were eager to see sailing opportunities grow. Luckily, in 2017 the Brainerd High School sailing team was established, and Jackson was able to start his seventh-grade year as an official team member. Fast-forward to today: The Gull Lake Sailing School waterfront director, Josh Sullivan, coaches the high school team and grows the summer sailing school program offerings. Also, as the club is a nonprofit, the board has made a commitment to grow their engagement with more people in the community. Their goal is to make available to everyone their familyoriented culture dedicated to promoting water safety, education, and the enjoyment of sailing, boating and other water-related activities. Even though Gull Lake is so well known, the Gull Lake Sailing School and Yacht Club are still considered a hidden gem because most people in the area don’t realize there are so many opportunities offered to our youth and families.
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The past year forced a lot of changes but also presented opportunities for an even bigger transformation for the Gull Lake Sailing School to operate with an eye on outdoor recreation in new ways. New exciting partnerships have been created and include other area nonprofits. These partnerships now allow access to more kids, as well as the Brainerd Lakes Area community members and area visitors, so they can enjoy the beautiful waterfront property of the Gull Lake Sailing School throughout the summer. These changes really showcase how our “yacht club” is like no other! Whether it’s learning about loons, Minnesota’s state bird, from our National Loon Center, or participating in the YMCA’s yoga class on the water or on the lawn, so many options are available for everyone to live “the lake life” at the Gull Lake Sailing School — even if you don’t live on the lake. For more information about all the fun in the sun at the Gull Lake Sailing School, visit www.glyc.com.
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Jocelyn Racerback Tank $60
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The Historic Water Street Inn STILLWATER, MN
By ALEX EDER
The Lumber Exchange Building was constructed circa 1890 by Stillwater, Minnesota’s lumber barons during the boom years of logging on the St. Croix River. It was built by the Union Depot & Transfer Company (which also built Union Station: Stillwater's train depot, directly to the north, in 1887) on the first modern business block in the city. It continued to be an important building in Stillwater for more than 100 years. Upon its debut in 1890, it was equipped with modern heating, plumbing and electricity and even had an elevator, one of the first in the state. Its early occupants included the famous and wealthy lumber merchants from the Stillwater area. The site features 10 large walk-in vaults, which were used to house the wealth of the rich lumber families. The first floor contained storefronts, a post office, a barbershop and an upscale saloon.
1887
2021 In 2019 we merged the Lumber Exchange building, the location of the current Water Street Inn, with a newly developed design model of Union Station. This brought our hotel from 41 rooms to 61. We were also able to add our rooftop bar and conference rooms overlooking the beautiful St. Croix River.
WATERSTREETINN.US | (651) 439.6000
America's Most Picturesque Towns & Best Small Town Food Scenes ~USA Today Travel
New! Main Street Hotels, VRBOS & Bike Trails.
Your staycation awaits on the St. Croix River
DiscoverStillwater.com
ittle
azy
odge
WEDDINGS | RETREATS | GETAWAYS | EVENTS
720.849.9131 | LittleLazyLodge.com | Northern MN
From Source 38
Paddling 2,350 Miles Down the Mississippi
By CASEY COOPER Photography by JAMIE COOPER
I
was fortunate to be born and raised in La Crosse, part of the driftless region in southwest Wisconsin. Deep river valleys and rolling bluffs contrast the flat prairies of the surrounding Midwest. My parents fostered a love of the outdoors and a deep appreciation for this small region of the county. We spent summers boating on the Mississippi River, paddling its tributaries, fishing its backwaters, hiking and biking its bluffs. I remember being on our boat as a young boy and asking my dad where the river goes. I was blown away to learn it went all the way to the ocean. That planted the seed for my brother Jamie and me: Build a canoe and paddle the entire Mississippi River. But life gets in the way. Back surgeries, college graduations and “the real world” prevented our timelines from matching up. In the summer of 2018 Jamie began building a cedar-strip canoe, and I took off to paddle the entire Mississippi River. We did not get to do the entire trip together, but I kept a piece of Jamie with me. His handcrafted paddle powered me 2,350 miles down the mighty Mississippi. The river changes drastically as it winds its way through the heart of America. But I can categorize it into three major sections.
To Sea LAKE AND COMPANY
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Casey Cooper Casey's purpose is to serve grieving families as a funeral director, but his passion is the outdoors. When he's not working, you can find Casey outside; paddling, fishing, backpacking, hiking or biking the beautiful landscape of the Midwest.
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The river starts as a small stream, flowing north from Lake Itasca. Some spots are so narrow, I didn’t paddle but instead grasped the cattails and pulled my way through. The stream grows steadily as it meanders through the wetlands of northwest Minnesota. Occasionally the river gets lost in open marshes. The weeds beneath me became my compass, pointing me in the direction of the main channel. A handful of small dams and a few rapids required portaging. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources maintains campsites along the way. Elevated high above the river’s mucky banks, they provide great views of marshy wetlands. Almost a third of my trip was spent in the state of Minnesota.
THE VAST WIDTH OF THE RIVER ALLOWS SUNRISES AND SUNSETS TO DOMINATE THE LANDSCAPE; AND AT NIGHT, HEAT LIGHTNING FILLS THE SUN’S VOID.”
A series of 29 locks and dams carve a 9-foot channel, deep enough for barges carrying corn, soy, wheat and salt from Minneapolis to St. Louis, Missouri. The Army Corps of Engineers allows paddlers to lock through the dams. Though it is better than portaging, it can be very intimidating. The dams create large reservoirs called pools, some of them up to 3 miles wide. The wind, recreational boat traffic and choppy water made for some difficult paddling. But the exposed limestone cliffs and lush, rolling bluffs offered some of the most beautiful scenery. Protected by the Upper Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Refuge, sandbars provide campsites in sight of the main channel. The Ohio River merges with the Mississippi at the southernmost point of Illinois — almost doubling its volume. There are no more locks and dams, and the river is free to twist and turn at will. Each bend produces a large, barren island, rising just inches above the waterline. The vast width of the river allows sunrises and sunsets to dominate the landscape; and at night, heat lightning fills the sun’s void. Other than the occasional barge, the river is quiet, calm, peaceful — until Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Dwarfing the barges, oil tankers now rule the river. Oil refineries line the banks as shipping traffic picks up. Luckily, Jamie flew down to paddle this final stretch with me. Sandy banks gave way to cottonwood trees, and we could start to smell the salt in the air. When we finally made it to the Gulf of Mexico, our parents were there waiting. After a celebratory beer and swim in the Gulf, we accepted a ride from a charter fisherman back up the Delta to the nearest town.
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be represented #1 full-service real estate office
#1 Coldwell Banker® office
$84 million
in greater Minnesota in units sold 2
in total volume in 2020
2nd only to Edina in all of Minnesota
in Itasca County year after year 1
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worldwide in production among all Coldwell Banker offices 2
(218) 326-3455 | coldwellbankernorthwoods.com | 812 Pokegama Ave S, Grand Rapids MN 55744 1
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Based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors
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National Association of REALTORS® 2020 Average Sale Price: $331,600
• WHOLE-HOME ENERGY AUDITS • BLOWER DOOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING • WHOLE-HOME L.E.D. LIGHTING RETROFIT • THERMAL IMAGING DIAGNOSTICS • HVAC SYSTEM COMBUSTION ANALYSIS • WATER HEATER DRAFT TESTING
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ANEnvironmentalist INTERVIEW WITH
Parker McMullen Bushman
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By JENNIFER GORMAN
I
first stumbled upon Parker on TikTok during quarantine. She was outside adventuring, laughing, dancing and educating all at once. I was hooked immediately. I loved her energy, her glasses, her bright lipstick and her message. A year later I got to meet her! We were both vaccinated and decided to take a walk in a park. I stepped out of the car into sunny, humidity-free, 70-degree weather at Eastlake #3 Park & Nature Preserve in Thornton, Colorado. It was a perfect morning for a walk with a KWEEN.
What does KWEEN WERK mean?
KWEEN stands for Keep Widening Environmental Engagement Narratives, and WERK means work, like doing the work — it all takes work. I take that as a challenge: how do we spread the message to people that they’re involved in this environmental movement that includes environmental justice and social justice issues, because they’re very much affected by the issues around pollution, climate change and everything else we’re dealing with? Can you tell me a little bit about how you got started on your outdoor journey?
Well, you know, I think where I’m from is a part of what eventually became my outdoor journey. My mom was from Charleston, South Carolina. She grew up on James Island on a farm surrounded by water and marsh. When she got older, she moved to the Bronx and she met my dad. And the Bronx is just about as far as you can get landscape-wise from where my mom grew up. Two different worlds. But it was really important to my mom that we have experiences outside. We didn’t call it outdoor experiences or outdoor recreation; it was just important to my mom that we experience the outdoors. 46
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BEING OUTDOORS IS NOT JUST FOR A CERTAIN GROUP OF PEOPLE WHO LOOK A CERTAIN WAY AND MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF MOUNT EVEREST AND HAVE ALL THE SAME EQUIPMENT, RIGHT? THAT ISN’T NECESSARY TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, AND I THINK WE NEED TO WIDEN THAT TENT.” I would walk around New York with my father collecting aluminum cans, because back then you could turn them in to get money, like actual money, 5 cents a can. I saw my neighborhood and I saw that there was trash on the ground. I started to ask my mother why. Why are people leaving their cans and trash around on the ground? My parents didn’t necessarily know what to tell me. So my mom was like, “Why don’t you write a letter asking them to clean it up?” Now, I’m 9 and I don’t know how to write a letter to the New York Times, but I did my best. I typed up a letter — several versions, mind you — on my father’s typewriter, imploring people to clean up their litter. It was like, “Dear people, like, you know, you’re killing the planet.” In that time period I began to gain a sense of place and I started to really care about my neighborhood and the city.
I’m very excited about the conversations we’re having as a nation because people are starting to understand what role unconscious bias may have played in the past. Right? Many people have a certain picture of an outdoorsy person or an environmentalist in their head and then you see someone who looks like me — the idea that I am an environmentalist may not click automatically. And so, I think that those conversations we’re having are helping people start to understand and say, “I may not have been intentionally saying this or thinking this,” but sometimes our unintentional thoughts or experiences might play a role in our actions. What is being outdoors all about for you?
It’s not all about climbing fourteeners and doing these high-adventure things. Just a walk on a city street is being outdoors. I want people to have a connection and a feeling while they are outside; the connection to nature around them is what then makes that bigger connection to the wider world. And then that leads to protecting our natural resources into the future so that people continue to be able to visit beautiful lakes like the one we are on today, and it’s gorgeous. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Being outdoors is having the ability to say, “This is for me too. This is a part of how I experience the outdoors and the world around me. I am connected to this.” Being outdoors is not just for a certain group of people who look a certain way and make it to the top of Mount Everest and have all the same equipment, right? That isn’t necessary to enjoy the outdoors, and I think we need to widen that tent.
I had a love for being outside, and the activities with my family were like a seed that was planted. And as I grew up, it grew, and I’m an environmental educator now. Have you always wanted a career in environmental education?
I didn’t know this was a career! I was looking for a job after completing my anthropology bachelor’s degree, and I thought I’d go work at camp as a placeholder until I found something better. I eventually started to think, “Oh, is this my career?” And people started to tell me we need representation in these spaces. I was not totally sold or comfortable about it at first because I didn’t see a whole lot of people who looked like me, especially in positions of leadership. When people thought of someone who is an environmentalist, who is an outdoor enthusiast, they didn’t picture someone like me. But I had a mentor who told me to stick with it, that there was a place for me. And here I am, 24 years later, an environmental educator.
I am lucky to have had time on a sweet trail with KWEEN WERK, and I’m thankful for talking with this phenomenal woman who is breaking down barriers, dancing her way through the hard parts and educating our future environmentalists. Follow @kweenwerk to share in her journey. www.cparkermcmullenbushman.com www.ecoinclusive.org www.inclusivejourneys.com www.kweenwerk.com LAKE AND COMPANY
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The Tale of Two Brothers By JAMIE COOPER Photography by JAMIE COOPER
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hen you grow up sleeping in bunk beds, you tend to stay up later than you should fantasizing and telling stories. This was the case for my younger brother Casey and me. This is where our friendship really started. Being from a large Catholic family in the Midwest, we spent most of our summer days playing outside. Our weekends consisted of loading up the family Suburban with our two red Coleman canoes and the fleet of family bikes and camping at the nearest state parks. As our family got more involved with sports, school and jobs, the family camp outings started to be less frequent. But for Casey and me, they were just beginning. While I would come home for breaks over college, it became a tradition for us to load up a canoe and head to one of our favorite rivers for a paddle. Sometimes those would be a quick one-hour paddle, but other
times we’d take our time and just enjoy being on the water talking. A popular topic of conversation for us was dream trips. Oftentimes we’d have these conversations while drifting down a foggy river drinking coffee in the canoe while watching the sunrise. The trip that often came up was wanting to paddle the Mississippi River from source to sea in a canoe that we’d build. The trip did happen, but not as we planned. Casey did the trip solo in a borrowed aluminum canoe, while I was home recovering from back surgery and building a cedar-strip canoe. During my canoe-building process, I would frequent the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), which I had first visited while a young Boy Scout. It didn’t take long for me to feel like a kid in my heart being up there again. The smell of the pine trees, the sounds of the
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geese flying overhead, the cool lake water and, of course, the mosquitoes. It is easy to fall in love with the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters. After every visit I would already be planning my next trip and I’d call Casey while driving the scenic drive back and tell him we need to do a trip together. But life always had other plans and we never got our BWCA trip. Casey and I tend to do many things together, even if we don’t ever plan on it. One of the biggest things was we both proposed to our longtime girlfriends last year. So with both of us having upcoming weddings later this year, we found it only fitting that we head up north for a long weekend with some dear friends before we tie our respective knots. Being the last-minute planners that we are, we were throwing things together last minute to head up after work on a Friday afternoon. With our ragtag group of guys, we took off for the BWCA. And I could not have been more excited. We went up the Gunflint Trail through Grand Marais. We arrived late Friday night and were greeted by the servers at the Poplar Haus. These fine folks truly embody Minnesota nice. Here we shared some delightful cocktails and drinks before hitting the trail at first light Saturday morning. Even after being 50
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up much later and after a few more drinks than any of us planned, we were able to get to entry point 57 on Magnetic Lake to start the trip. From the first paddle stroke, I could tell this was going to be a trip to remember. We spent three wonderful nights working our way up the Granite River, through Saganaga Lake, over to Red Rock Lake, into Alpine Lake and finally we took out at Seagull Lake. What a perfect trip! We had a taste of it all — from small river sections to the big open water of Saganaga. The four of us were like boys in summer camp, staying out late the last night of the trip. The Seagull Lake site had everything we could have asked for to finish the trip in the best way possible. We did everything from cliff jumping, to catching lake trout, to watching the sunset on the Palisades, to playing euchre by headlight under the stars. It was hard to crawl back into the tent that night because I knew that meant we were going to head back to reality in the morning. But as we lay under the night sky watching for shooting stars, all I could think about was how excited I am to be able to start this next chapter of my life. How I can’t wait to bring my own kids up there some day and have them make the same kinds of memories I shared with my family.
Jamie Cooper Jamie is a Midwest-based photographer and creative who loves to highlight the beauty of flyover country. When not behind the lens, he is outdoors or in his woodshed.
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WE DID EVERYTHING FROM CLIFF JUMPING, TO CATCHING LAKE TROUT, TO WATCHING THE SUNSET ON THE PALISADES, TO PLAYING EUCHRE BY HEADLIGHT UNDER THE STARS.”
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I love words. At its most rebellious, the word Transformation is the root of revolution and insurrection, in the spirit, perhaps, of disobedience. Transformation in Poetics and Dance gives us contrasts, inferences and sequences, and gestures toward innovation and change. Placemaking, the discipline of architects and designers, begins with a description of The Here and Now and then moves that narrative into the messy and often lengthy process of design: restoring, repairing, reforming, renewing, restructuring the story of Place, to arrive at a new and more accommodating position. In design, Moments of Transformation pilot this work. My catalyst of transformation is The Line. Geometry of length without breadth, Lineage of history and culture, a grouping of words -- verse with or without meter, a geological seam, a furrow, a stroke, a point in motion, an endless representative of boundary, tree, bench, path, sill, cover, edge, division, pocket. In all its muses, Lines, like words, are seductions. Architecturally, the Line represents the inside and outside of spaces, Architecturall giving them surface and shaping light and shadow. So seemingly simple, the Line, in a variety of ways, opens the door to the possibilities for change. So, for every mark drawn on the page, from the first action on a white field to the subsequent reactions of new Lines in all their forms, Moments of Transformation are made. In the course of good work and through the magic of practiced insight and critique, the truly special projects celebrate the great capacity of the love of my life and my work -- the simple, modest Line.
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www.cfdesignltd.com 218.722.1060 / 218.343.0983 duluth MN bayfield WI
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ISLE
Explore Lake Superior’s Largest Island
By JOHN KEEFOVER Photography by JOHN KEEFOVER
I
magine experiencing the wilderness on a remote island archipelago surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water. You might be dreaming about the Caribbean right now, but I’m talking about Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Isle Royale is part of Michigan and is one of the least visited National Parks. That is mostly because it is accessible only via boat or seaplane, and only from April 16 to October 31, when it closes for extreme winter weather. Though not many people know about it or make it out there, the National Park Service claims it has many repeat visitors. After we backpacked across the isle, it was easy to see why so many people return to this special place. It’s truly a unique site, with 99% of the land mass and surrounding coast being a federally designated wilderness, mostly untouched and protected for all to enjoy. It features 165 miles of scenic hiking trails along glaciated lava flow ridges, as well as 36 campgrounds for backpackers, paddlers and boaters alike. The island has historic lighthouses, shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, excellent fishing and one of the most dense populations of moose. There are so many moose on the island that wolves were brought in to help curb the population, as there are no other natural predators, most notably bears. Not only is Isle Royale an outdoors paradise, but it’s also a place of great biological and geological scientific study. Getting to the island is an adventure in itself. Ferries operate from Grand Portage, Minnesota, as well as from Copper Harbor and Houghton, Michigan, to both of the major harbors on each end of the island: Windigo and Rock Harbor. You can also take the seaplane from either Grand Marais, Minnesota, or Houghton. The seaplane will
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get you there much faster, but it’s more expensive and prone to weather delays due to the often heavy fog on the lake. We were delayed by a day and a half because of thick fog. You always have to be flexible with your planning! The ferries are slower but more affordable and reliable, only getting delayed by major storms. If you have a capable boat of your own, you can travel that way as well. The weather changes quickly on Lake Superior, though, so you need to be prepared and experienced for that journey. Once you’re finally there, it’s time to explore! There are multiple ways to enjoy the island. You can backpack across the whole expanse like we did, do a loop around the major harbors, set up a base camp and day hike, bring a canoe or kayak over on the ferry and paddle around the inland lakes and Lake Superior if it’s calm enough, or go fishing in your own boat. If you don’t feel like camping, there’s even lodging at Rock Harbor and Windigo, as well as restaurants and stores. We were thankful for the store having ice-cold beers after we hiked 80 miles! A few friendly fishermen along the way shared their beers as well. One of them even gave us a ride in their boat to Rock of Ages Lighthouse. The trails were in good shape when we went in early spring, but I can definitely see them getting overgrown later on. There will be mud and some downed trees
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you’ll have to dance around, as well as reroutes where beaver dams have caused completely flooded trails. The weather varies so much that you need to be ready for everything. We luckily didn’t have any rain, but every night the temperatures dropped to freezing — a benefit of which was no bugs. One thing there wasn’t a shortage of was moose. We saw 25 moose, 15 of them in one day! It was incredible seeing them, especially some that came very close to us. If you plan on going to the island, do lots of research and planning, but also give yourself flexibility for possible weather delays, your transportation and other factors. Hike your own hike, but always Leave No Trace!
John Keefover John is a landscape & nature photographer based in Duluth, Minnesota. The North Shore will always be his home, and he loves being able to backpack in his own "backyard." You can follow along on his website/socials @keefography, where he shares photographs and stories from the trails.
“THE ISLAND HAS HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES, SHIPWRECKS, ANCIENT COPPER MINING SITES, EXCELLENT FISHING AND ONE OF THE MOST DENSE POPULATIONS OF MOOSE. LAKE AND COMPANY
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By Goldsmith/Co-Owner of Jeweler of the North Shore STEVE HAHN
TRANSFORMING METALS INTO MEMORIES
A Steve and Cathy Hahn
dream that spans back 28 years came to me early in life. Being the son of an art teacher, I started learning how to create nearly anything at an early age. When I was starting college, my older brother, who was the goldsmith for an elite jeweler in my home region, enticed me to come work with him. He had tremendous skills as a jeweler and I started working as a jeweler’s apprentice, spending five years learning much of the trade while attending college. After completing college, I pursued many opportunities in my field of study in exercise physiology. After eight years away from the jewelry business, I was given an opportunity to return to the store. My life had become overly busy working 80 hours a week in the cardiac field, and burnout was upon me. I saw this offer to return to the jewelry business as a bench jeweler/ goldsmith as an opportunity to become good at a trade with the hope of someday being able to set up my own shop in an area of the country where I had always dreamed of living. My wife, Cathy, and I honeymooned on the North Shore of Lake Superior many years ago and hoped to live there someday. We are passionate outdoors people who love exploring Lutsen, Minnesota, in all seasons. Selling our home in Moorhead, Minnesota, and buying a home in Lutsen is where the dream started to become a reality. Having spent 20+ years learning to
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do anything that a very busy high-end store required, it was time. The table was set, the dues were paid; it was now time to live the dream I had envisioned nearly 30 years ago. We opened our store near the wilderness and named it Jeweler of the North Shore. My goal is to provide services that people are used to getting only in a metropolitan area. I have a vast array of custom jewelry that I keep in my case as retail items. Many creations are a tribute to the beautiful area that we are so blessed to live in. I do nearly any type of jewelry repair and spend most of my time creating custom designs. Many people have a box full of old jewelry that they are not using because it isn’t a style they like or it’s too old and not wearable. Turning these old items into new beautiful pieces that will be worn and admired is definitely one of my favorite things to do. We’ve brought a full-service jewelry store to the county where there are more moose than people. We are fortunate to have many visitors to Cook County each year. We are uniquely equipped to make jewelry dreams come true, whether old, new or something the customer thinks up. Every piece is fun to work on when you know the customer is excited about the project. Taking Grandma’s ring and putting it back to use really gives us satisfaction. We know dreams can happen because we are living the dream here in Lutsen.
Advanced software allows customers to create renderings of their ideal pieces.
One-of-a-kind jewelry inspired by nature.
A grandpa’s gold band molded into his grandson’s platinum wedding ring.
J EW E L E RO FT H E NO R T H S H O R E . C O M LAKE AND COMPANY
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THE LAKE LIFE CULTURE By DAN EGLEY
Language, Attitudes and Activities Unique to Duluth
I
heard the phrase “lake life culture” for the first time when working at Lake and Company’s Duluth shop. The co-owner of Lake and Company was describing the history and mission of the organization. Her commitment and excitement for what she does and how she works has been consistent throughout all of our conversations.
As I started managing their pop-up store in Duluth, Minnesota, I began to think about my experiences in this beautiful city. I moved here in August 2014 as an instructor at one of the local universities. The language, attitudes and activities are unique in the town. In this article, I want to share a little of each with you. 60
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Duluth is nestled on a narrow strip of land between Lake Superior and Spirit Mountain. The first Native American tribes to arrive here found the vast flat lake spectacularly offset by the 700-foot peaks that run the length of the current city and beyond, giving the city its unusual shape. Lake Superior, the Wisconsin state border and the shipping ports prohibit urban development from sprawling south. For those readers fascinated with city planning, the epicenter of town is at Superior Street, which traverses the downtown area east to west. From there, the streets are numbered consecutively about halfway up The Hill, which makes Duluth only about a mile wide. However, it is 16 miles
long! Lake Avenue runs north and south through the epicenter. Oddly, at the west end, the urban spread wraps around the St. Louis Bay, which empties into The Lake. The last two words of the preceding paragraph present an example of the language that one develops when experiencing Duluth culture. Directions given to visitors or tourists often include something about “The Lake.” But that is not the only Duluthspecific term. As mentioned earlier, “The Hill” stretches above The Lake. That phenomenon makes almost every resident use the terms “above” and “below” to describe the locations of landmarks. For example, if one restaurant happens to conduct business on Superior Street, and another restaurant is located a few blocks north on 4th Street, the second location is “above” the first.
The expanse of The Lake also affects attitudes here. It seems to cause an ebbing of stress in the lives of the locals. But The Lake has several moods. One day, the water is smooth as glass and looks like you could just amble across to the other side. The next day (or even later that same day), you can observe the fury of The Lake as wave after wave whips away at the rocks, sand and sailboats. Wind, rain, snow and fog are all influenced by this immense body of water. As moody as The Lake may be, it seems to soften the attitudes of those who live nearby. As we spend time with this temperamental water, we can wash away our own worries, hang-ups and struggles. Across the state, residents exercise their “Minnesota nice.” The calming effect of The Lake tends to bring out more “simply nice” qualities. In Duluth, individuals tend to be more laid back, more helpful and more forgiving because of the soothing and destressing power of the enormous body of water nearby. With the activities in this city, all visitors can exercise their sense of adventure. Museums, theaters, architecture and history combine to make this location a marvel among cities of similar size. A few years ago, a national magazine named Duluth the Number One Outdoor City in the United States. In the wintertime, the local slopes fill with skiers, snowboarders and inner-tubers. During the summer, those same hills host runners, hikers and fat-tire bikers. Riding down a summer ski slope on a bicycle with tires measuring 3 inches wide is about the limit of the physical exertion I am willing to place on my aging body. I still balk at zip lines, and bungee jumping is an absolute “No.” However, for those who have lived only half of my (nearly) six decades on this planet, opportunities abound for thrills, chills and potential spills. Language, attitudes and activities are unique in Duluth. A new community-minded resident will find ample opportunities to support local conservation efforts and promote the sustainability of the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness environment. Students completing their degrees at the local universities are on the cutting edge with the help of world-class educators. Even though the curriculum for their degree includes classwork in global perspectives, most students remember fondly the excitement of simply living here. As a result, lake life culture is a buoy for their future innovations.
AS MOODY AS THE LAKE MAY BE, IT SEEMS TO SOFTEN THE ATTITUDES OF THOSE WHO LIVE NEARBY.” LAKE AND COMPANY
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e x per ienc e
outdoor spiritmt.com
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thrills
ye a r - r o u n d
Enjoy an elevated experience at Spirit Mountain, home to the region's only alpine coaster, zip ride, scenic chairlift, Jumping Pillow and putt-putt golf, as well as some of the Midwest's best gravity-biking mountain trails. LAKE AND COMPANY
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ou Y e r A f o d i a r f A ? k r a D e th WHY YOU SHOULD PURSUE DISCOMFORT AT ALL COST By JOHN SCARR
LAKE AND COMPANY
Photography by JOHN SCARR
I
have this funny theory that humans are afraid of the dark. One question for ya’ — when was the last time you walked through dark woods alone, in the middle of nowhere, during a new moon without a headlamp?
This all probably sounds like hell because it is, but the things I’ve learned in the dark have brought me to places I never knew I wanted to be. Here’s why I’ve spent the past seven years of my life actively pursuing discomfort.
Most people would say they never have and never will — and there’s a reason for that. It’s extremely uncomfortable. Fight-or-flight mode kicks in, and one of our most utilized senses, our vision, is no longer as effective. Adrenaline is released and suddenly our other senses start running full blast. Every noise in the woods is magnified, and our mind will attempt to fill in the blank as to what is in that dark void. Oh yeah, and it can be a legitimately dangerous activity in general.
Before I had a decent camera and a potentially unhealthy obsession with getting lost in the dark, I had adventure. In a series of escalating endeavors and increasingly questionable decisions, I found the kind of adventure I used to daydream about in my parents’ backyard. Wild open spaces. Near-death experiences. Throwing knives and climbing trees. I made myself laugh every day and went to bed aching and exhausted — but the smile on my face never left.
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ALL OF THESE THOUGHTS THAT DRIVE MY ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION WERE TEMPORARILY WIPED OUT BY THE FACT THAT I USED MY OWN TWO LEGS TO GET ACROSS MIDDLE EARTH WITHOUT DYING.”
Here’s a list of what I consider my life’s greatest accomplishments that are a result of extreme discomfort and a tiny bit of emotional duress: swam with sharks and manta rays in Fiji; was extorted by Indonesian police in the middle of nowhere (I was on a scooter with a giant Hello Kitty decal on the front); bicycled 1,000 kilometers through New Zealand; watched the northern lights overhead in Iceland on a 20-day camping trip/photo shoot; transported two cats across the western U.S. in a 125-degree heatwave — and the car’s AC went out; and drove around Lake Superior in mostly silence with my best friend and a pug named Miguel.
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That list goes on and on, and it keeps getting weirder and weirder the older I get. The truth is that my most profound and powerful experiences were almost always preceded by tears in airport bathrooms, exhaustion, hunger, physical pain, depression, poverty and heartbreaking goodbyes. In fact, there is probably a little more of that than there is success. That 1,000-kilometer bicycle trip through New Zealand is what I consider my first great adventure. I left alone
but met characters who are stranger than the ones I read about in books. I slept through the cold, I stunk to high heaven, I almost got trapped on a glacier — it all ended in Queenstown. I was sick and emaciated, living in the back of my friend’s minivan behind a hostel, broke as the day I was born, thousands and thousands of miles from the privileges and comfort that came with living in my hometown. All of this stress and discomfort would have probably shut me down a year prior, but that trip changed something about how I looked at the world. Instead of worrying about what I was going to do for a career, or how I was going to be able to afford ... well, anything at all, or if I was going to get married and have kids — none of it mattered anymore. All of these thoughts that drive my anxiety and depression were temporarily wiped out by the fact that I used my own two legs to get across Middle Earth without dying. All I could think about is how I was going to do it again. I do not remember a time in my life when I felt more free, more focused and more motivated. I felt a sense of peace that I couldn’t have found anywhere else. I knew that I didn’t want to live the rest of my life without that feeling. Here I am years later, happy (it feels weird), and it is all a result of pursuing and embracing discomfort. So I’m going to ask you another question: Are you afraid of the discomfort? You should go find out. Nature is a great place to start.
John Scarr John Scarr is a visual artist and storyteller who lives in a motor home called Mothership Honeybear in Chippewa National Forest.
Building a Better Workplace By ALLISON ROBINSON
T
he Mom Project may have been born from my personal experience, but the challenges I faced as a new mother were anything but uncommon. Employed and expecting my first child, I vividly remember telling my manager that I was pregnant, hurriedly following with “Don’t worry, I’ll be back in two weeks!” It wasn’t until my son was born that I fully understood the substantial impact of motherhood and that I couldn’t simply or seamlessly return to the way things were before this profound moment of change. “How can I choose?” is an all-too-common refrain for mothers, and understandably so. The prospects of abandoning a professional life you’ve long nurtured, contending with stereotypes about what it means to be a working mom, or not having enough flexibility to stay present in your childrens’ lives are each agonizing
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in their own ways. While I was grappling with some of these questions during my own maternity leave, a clear and purposeful vision came to light: If we could create a future where women didn’t have to choose between their families and their careers, wouldn’t that be interesting? The answer, unsurprisingly and overwhelmingly, was yes. Shortly thereafter, The Mom Project was created. The Mom Project is passionately committed to helping women stay active in the workplace, no matter where they are in their journey — new mom, returning to work after an extended hiatus, retraining to levelup their skill set or anywhere in between. We link mothers with employers who are invested in creating better circumstances for them: organizations actively interviewing mothers; companies offering a higher
degree of flexibility to support work-life integration; and workplaces championing diversity and inclusive initiatives to create opportunity for mothers of myriad backgrounds. In light of the past 18 months, our mission is more critical than ever. The pandemic brought long-standing inequities into sharp focus as we saw mothers leaving their places of employment in numbers not seen since the late 1980s. Our ambition remains steadfast as we find ways to bring moms back through advocacy and research-led insights highlighting the value of mothers in the workforce, as well as working to create more opportunities for the mothers of color in our community with our new nonprofit, RISE. With RISE, we’re offering scholarships, holistic training and the support of our community of 500,000+ mothers, resulting in what we hope is an unparalleled chance for mothers of color to upskill their careers.
Allison Robinson As founder & chief executive officer of The Mom Project, Allison Robinson is responsible for delivering on the company’s mission of building a better workplace for women and helping companies attract and retain the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives they need to propel their businesses forward.
Growing a career and growing a family is each difficult in its own right, but I truly believe that doing both need not be so trying. At The Mom Project, we envision a world where women can embrace the winding journey of motherhood while they further their careers; where values like flexibility and openmindedness are core to corporate culture; and where mothers are valued for all that they bring to their job, not least of which are qualities including patience, empathy, drive and purpose. The work of our team at The Mom Project is deeply personal. I believe in the influence of mothers and the value of mothers. Our research shows that moms in the workforce lead to a more positive employee experience, creating more inclusivity, productivity and retention. Working with forward-thinking employers and harnessing the power of mothers, I know that even more consequential changes lie ahead.
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“IT WASN’T UNTIL MY SON WAS BORN THAT I FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT OF MOTHERHOOD AND THAT I COULDN’T SIMPLY OR SEAMLESSLY RETURN TO THE WAY THINGS WERE BEFORE THIS PROFOUND MOMENT OF CHANGE.”
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What’s in Store for Us By KELLY KABOTOFF
A
s the waves steadied in the wake of 2020, we found ourselves with the opportunity to rethink how we do things at Lake and Company. How we partner. How we connect with our customers. How we stay the course. And how we grow. We were reminded that at the core of everything we do are the stories. And that at the core of every story is human connection. And, gosh, were we ready for some human connection! We have always found amazing people, and amazing stories, around every corner of our journey. And more often than not, these chance encounters with strangers turn into friendships, or features on the pages of our magazine, or brand collaborations in our retail spaces. These stories, and these relationships, are truly what make us the brand that we are today. So what’s next for us? Well, to be honest ... we’re never quite sure what’s around the next bend. And that’s what makes it an adventure! But we do know that the partnerships, the friendships and the ever-changing waves of innovation keep us keepin’ on. 4
1. LAKE AND COMPANY 214 Main Street South, Stillwater, MN 2. LAKE AND COMPANY 10 NW 3rd Street, Grand Rapids, MN
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3. & COMPANY – A MINNESOTA MARKETPLACE 403 NW 1st Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 1
4. & COMPANY – A WHISKEY + WATER ADVENTURE 436 3rd Street, International Falls, MN 5. & COMPANY – WHERE HOME AND THE OUTDOORS COLLIDE Steamboat Springs, CO (Coming November 2021)
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INNOVATION
COLLABORATION
We’ve always stood behind the saying “you are only as good as the company you keep.” It is in that spirit of collaboration that & Company was born. A collection of unique retail experiences that celebrates the magic that can happen when you realize you are truly better together.
We are very excited about the new art installation by Kada Creative in our Grand Rapids, Minnesota, flagship store. It’s colorful and fun — just like Kada herself. But the best part is that it celebrates making waves in life. And it allows those who visit our shop to interact with that idea in their own way. Find out more on the pages that follow.
OPPORTUNITY Adventure is not defined by borders. And we’ve been fortunate enough to create partnerships — and lasting friendships — all across the country. So when we were presented with the opportunity to collaborate with our friends in Colorado, we dove right in. The result? & Company is coming to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, later this year.
Think we should collaborate? Reach out to me at kelly@thelakeandco.com
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CREATING
IMMERSIVE How did you begin in this field? Since I was young, I have gravitated to the immersive experience of art, always utilizing art to best express myself. And once I started, I never looked back. In college, I studied fine art at UMass. My studies then brought me to Italy, where I learned to see paintings in layers. I continued to build my skill set through practice, travel and teachings. After college, I began a small side business of painting murals and kids’ rooms. What inspires you? This small business quickly blossomed into a career of working with all types of clients in multiple forms. Be it a bold graphic mural reflecting a company’s updated look or a watercolor mural nestled into the vestibule of a home, or anything in between, this is where I continue my work today. If you dream it, I can create it. It is this constant inspiration and collaboration with clients that keeps me motivated and inspired, and what draws so many clients to me as well. What would you consider your “sweet spot”? The passion behind Kada Creative comes from a desire to support my clients in capturing who they are and bringing their vision and values alive through my art. I love bringing this immersive experience of art, color and the creative spirit into new environments and making my clients’ dreams
ART EXPERIENCES
for their spaces come true. Adept in all mediums, I have the ability to deeply listen to my clients and turn their goals for their space into a reality. Each project is developed with the client specifically in mind, and as a result the breadth of my work holds an abundance of diversity, uniqueness and fun. Whether it is a brand-centered mural created to reflect a company and elevate a space, or a mural, stencil or ceiling design in the home, I know that art matters. I see the power of art to infuse vision into a space — welcoming, supporting and inspiring those who engage with it. Engaging my clients in this transformational experience of art to reflect their values and vision is my own dream come true. I love welcoming all of my clients into their own one-of-a-kind design.
K
ada Goalen is the founder, lead artist and head of creative at Kada Creative, a local Minnesota art and design company. A Minnesota native, Kada has spent the last 20 years working with clients to create their dream space through art. Blending the client’s vision with her artistic knowledge and experience to infuse their space with art and creativity, she helps make their dream a reality.
Set Apart From The Rest
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HOTEL RA PI DS BAR + BI ST R O
YOUR BASE FOR T HE NE XT ADV ENTURE Events + Party Bus available Grand Rapids, MN 218-326-3458
TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTIONS By KELLY KABOTOFF
When the world changes, then so must we. And just when we thought things might return to normal, well, they didn’t. The result? We were forced to become pliable. Moldable. Transformative. In more ways than one. These times have shown us all how truly resilient we can be and have made me more aware of those around us who have been innovating all along. Many brands in the outdoor industry were rebelling against the status quo even before the world shut down. And their awesome products show just how creative you can get when you put your mind to it. TRANSFORM THE USE — GREEN GURU Green Guru started with a desire to effect real change through greener practices. All of their gear started out as something else, such as bike tubes, wetsuits and billboards. Functional and sustainable, these products allow you to adventure with good conscience. The Tripster Upcycled Waist Pack ($55) carries your essentials and reduces your footprint. Made from upcycled ropes, tents and bicycle tubes, no two are exactly the same. TRANSFORM THE EXPECTATIONS — SEASLOPE Seaslope’s founder has a love for nature, and a need to keep her daughter comfortable and cozy from head to toe while out exploring. Always on the lookout for a cute hat, and never finding quite the right one, she was inspired to create a brand that not only kept her daughter warm but also brought some fun and humor into her daily wardrobe. These adorable and unexpected kids’ hats and sweatshirts allow our littles to explore big. Go Explore Infant/Toddler Beanie ($24) TRANSFORM THE IDEA — KARI TRAA The drive of Kari Traa is to inspire girls to DARE TO PLAY. In that spirit, the champion freestyle skier transformed her knitting pastime into an international sport and lifestyle apparel brand for active girls. The brand’s focus on usability, sustainability, social good and fun made it a perfect addition to our shops. My personal pick: the Rothe Midlayer ($90). It’s the perfect mix of cozy and fashionable and is available in lots of fun colors. TRANSFORM THE PROCESS — TOPO DESIGNS Topo Designs is always on a mission to transform standard industry practices to make fashion a less dirty business. They recently brought fashion, function and sustainability together to create their Dirt Collection, which uses a garment-dyeing process that results in 95% less water consumption. The process also uses GreenScreen Certified™ chemicals, minimizing energy use and ultimately their environmental impact. Supersoft and available in a variety of amazing colors, these pieces can be added to your closet with no regret or guilt on your part. Men’s Dirt Pants ($98) TRANSFORM THE FUNCTION — RANGER STATION Candles and cocktails? Yes, please! We always appreciate dual-functioning products like these candles, which are poured directly into cocktail glasses. In addition, Ranger Station focuses on safe and sustainable ingredients, which is always a win. Bonus: Each candle comes with a perfectly paired cocktail recipe to enjoy once the candle is burned through. Ranger Station Candle ($36) TRANSFORM THE MATERIALS — SCARPA Scarpa is a brand with a deep history and a pioneering spirit. The company has many firsts to its name, including being the first to build a Gore-Tex boot. And now they’ve done it again. The Mojito Bio ($179) is the first fully biodegradable product they have ever offered. This fashionable and functional shoe will have you treading much lighter on the planet with a plant-based upper and midsole paired with a biodegradable natural rubber outsole that will break down fully at the end of its life. 60
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C A NT I L E V E R DI ST I L L E RY.C OM
M I N N E S OTA makers edition
MARKET PLACE
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Everything we do at Lake and Company is inspired by the stories of people doing exceptional things. We celebrate that in the pages of this magazine, as well as in our stores. This marketplace brings you our top picks from these inspiring brands that support adventure, innovation, conservation and community. Read more about these brands online at thelakeandcompany.com.
ROLL-TOP SCOUT PACK
WEST CRIBBAGE BOARD
LAND OF LAKES PINT GLASS
by Duluth Pack @duluthpack
by Sanborn Canoe Company @sanborncanoe
by Northern Glasses @northernglasses
The Made in the USA Roll-Top Scout Pack will be your go-to everyday backpack. Handcrafted with guaranteed-for-life hardware and rugged 15-ounce canvas. Buy it once. Have it for life.
Bright and punchy, the West painted cribbage boards offer an eye-catching way to play a round of cribbage. Carefully hand painted using a design from one of Sanborn’s most popular paddles, this will become a game-night fixture.
Minnesota: The Land of 10,000 Lakes! And by 10,000 ... we mean 11,842 to be exact. Grab one of these 16 oz. pint glasses to celebrate the land of lakes. Made in USA and printed in the true North — Minnesota. Plus 7% of glassware sales is donated to bring safe and clean water to developing nations.
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LAKE AND COMPANY
FOREST FLOOR V-NECK
MAKE WAVES TRUCKER HAT
MOSSY LOVE WALL ART
by Minnesota Made Apparel @minnesotamadeapparel
by Lake and Company @thelakeandcompany
by Bailey Builds @baileybuildsandfriends
This v-neck top goes beyond the typical tee, with its smooth, silky drape and irresistible worn-softness and has superior lightweight drape for exceptional comfort. But can you name each of these natural elements of the Forest Floor?
How will you make waves this season? Whatever direction you go, this premium foam trucker hat with adjustable snapback will become your go-to travel companion. Exclusive design just for our Lake and Company family. Because every adventure should be #ingoodcompany.
The little size and simplicity of this piece makes it the perfect addition to your wall, shelf, or mantle. The moss is dried and preserved, so no watering or green thumb required, and each piece is one-of-a-kind.
MN NORTHERN LIGHTS BEER ME BOTTLE OPENER
ORGANIC MEXICAN LIGHT ROAST COFFEE
HAVE YOUR PRODUCT LISTED HERE!
by Hagen and Oats @hagenandoats
by Emiliani Coffee @emilianicoffee
Do you have a product that our readers should see?
This artistic spin on the MN Beer Me bottle opener will have you dreaming of summer nights gazing up at the Northern Lights. Size: approximately 8" x 7". Color: blended purple, green, and blue hues with white star-like finish.
The perfect go-to for the light roast lovers out there. This coffee flavor is clean, with apricot- and cherry-toned acidity and full chocolate-laced body, and a soft and sweet finish. Roasted in Minneapolis with a mission to bring kids home, the company gives $1 from every bag sold to organizations that are fighting for kids in the foster care and adoption system.
Reach out to kelly@thelakeandco.com to find out how to be featured in Issue 21 of Lake and Company magazine. S H O P TH E S E P R O D UCTS AT thelakeandcompany.com
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Acting Un-shellfish-ly Growing outdoor-apparel brand Jetty sees recycling oyster shells as a benefit in and out of the water. By JON COEN
Photography by JETTY
thelakeandco.com
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hen the New Jersey coastal-lifestyle apparel company Jetty launched its line of fall clothing in 2020, it featured stretchy surf trunks, warm quilted flannels, button-down shirts for nights at a favorite raw bar and nifty all-weather shells for cool mornings at the dock. But a few key pieces had an extraordinary story: The fabric was made from crushed oyster shells.
Plastic water bottles that have been turned into pellets and then textiles and eventually clothing are not new. But throwing shellfish in the mix is certainly different. And yet each Oystex piece feels soft and supple with anti-odor properties and great durability. Plus, the manufacturing process diverts another material from the waste stream. And while this seems like progress, not to mention an ecologically sound move by a
BUT NOW, FIVE YEARS INTO THIS PROGRAM, THIS SEXY SHELLFISH IS MAKING A HUGE COMEBACK IN THE SAME LOCAL WATERS THAT HAVE ALWAYS INSPIRED THE JETTY BRAND.”
company that always steered its ship by an ethical compass, there is another important layer to the story for Jetty.
healthy microorganisms from the water before they become too plentiful and starve other organisms of oxygen.
The brand, launched in 2003 by a group of lifelong surf buddies, has grown to become one of the premier independently owned apparel companies in the outdoor world, still printing all of their gear in house, with notoriety on both coasts and a growing presence in the lakes and mountains of the northern-tier states. Jetty now has a separate screen printing business, a microbrewery, a year-round calendar of events and their own nonprofit organization. And, as of 2017, they are a certified B Corp, accredited leaders of socially and ecologically sound business practices. Through their early charitable projects and the Jetty Rock Foundation, they have donated over $1.5 million to community members in need and to environmental sustainability.
Simply put, more oysters equals a healthier bay. But oyster larvae, known as “spat,” need hard structure to attach themselves and grow. The loss of 90% of the oyster reefs in Barnegat Bay, coupled with overharvesting and disease, all but wiped out the natural oyster population. But now, five years into this program, this sexy shellfish is making a huge comeback in the same local waters that have always inspired the Jetty brand.
One project that makes Oystex even more relevant is the Oyster Recycling Program, in their local Barnegat Bay, which separates the regional barrier islands of the New Jersey coast from the mainland. It’s a partnership between the Jetty Rock Foundation, local restaurants, Long Beach Township, Richard Stockton University, the fourth-generation oyster cultivators of Parsons Mariculture and the Barnegat Bay Partnership that is returning oyster reefs to this once bountiful ecosystem. Oysters have enjoyed a renewed culinary adoration in recent years. Barnegat Bay used to be teeming with them. Not only did they provide food and jobs, but also they are well-known filter feeders, filtering up to 50 gallons of water per day. They remove
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When oysters are served in restaurants, the staff separate the oyster shells from the other waste. The Oyster Recycling truck makes the rounds, collecting the shells and depositing them onto a massive shell pile. Each spring, the shells are placed in tanks, and thousands of tiny oyster seeds are added, attaching themselves to the upcycled shells. Then the new shells are added to the growing oyster reef. It’s a true community effort that involves everyone from table bussers to scientists. Jetty not only donates financially but also uses its marketing expertise to make the public aware of the importance of oysters and the project itself. Over the last decade, a new generation of oyster cultivators has sprung forth to meet the growing demand. As a result of their efforts and the Oyster Recycling Program, wild oysters are growing on their own, and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has pledged to support the project. 2021 was a huge year not only for the local oyster industry but also for plenty of fresh Jetty gear made from recycled oysters.
SHOP thelakeandco.com
Bowline Guide Shirt $79.95 Coating, ample double-walled pockets to fit all your gear, slots and hooks for zingers.
Women's Dune Short $44.95 100% Tencel. Super soft and beachy.
Chelsea Top $54.95 This slouchy button-down shirt features a relaxed, oversized fit.
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Book your Duluth fall getaway at pierbresort.com