Northern Wilds

Once Upon a Frozen Land

I’m not sure if I can blame short-term memory or am just in denial, but I live on a small lake that is frozen from early November into May. Which means that it’s frozen for at least half of the year, which seems like a long time. Those living close to Superior watch ice form and disappear, push against the shore, and coat everything in a smooth, cold cloak. Last year, when Superior froze over, Duluthians were watching the ice floes until sometime in June.

Our relationship with ice is fickle. We have our various uses for ice—in our beverages on a hot summer’s day, for icing a sore muscle, for carving at a local winter festival. And yet ice can be in the wrong place at the wrong time— on roads, windshields, and roofs. We want it on our lakes, not frozen in our pipes.

This month, we chose to concentrate on the glamorous side of ice, because this frozen wonder is such an integral part of our winter world. There are many who absolutely thrive on ice. Joan Farnam spoke with several photographers who spend a good deal of time on the ice each winter, trying to capture its mysterious beauty no matter the weather. John Gregor of Coldsnap Photography in Two Harbors captured our cover shot this month of fellow photographer Christian Dalbec shooting ice.

Joe Friedrichs gives us some insight into the biological importance of our frozen lakes. While it makes sense that the water beneath the ice is warmer than the air, some of us here at Northern Wilds hadn’t really thought about the implications of that idea. What if ice didn’t float but sank? This gives insight into how some critters, otters, for example, actually stay warmer in the water than they would in the air.

There are many recreational uses for ice as well—curling for one, and climbing for another, as writer Rosemary Bray shows us with her profile of climber Corey Belt.

If you’d rather spend your time thinking about warmth, than you might check out Kelsey Roseth’s ideas for Valentine’s Day love potions. She also introduces us to a cozy

restaurant in Thunder Bay called the Masala Grille that specializes in Indian and Thai cuisine. Elle Andra-Warner introduces us to the mystery of ancient copper mines in the Superior basin and Gord Ellis boosts the rapport of the often overlooked whitefish.

There is a wealth of winter festivals in February, ski races and snowmobile fun runs, Valentine’s Day specials and candle-lit trails, a fiber festival and music at the Lutsen ski hill. Enjoy winter while it’s here, because soon, spring will be knocking at the door.—Erin Altemus

THE NORTH SHORE

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

Erin Altemus, Managing Editor erin@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Sue O’Quinn, Sales Representative sue@northernwilds.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

Kate Watson • kate@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Rosemary Bray, Gord Ellis, Kim Falter, Joan Farnam, Joseph Friedrichs, John Gregor, Nace Hagemann, Kelsey Roseth, Javier Serna

Copyright 2015 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc. Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years U.S. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part requires written permission from the publishers. Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 387-9475 (phone/fax)

Catchlight Moose by Nace Hagemann

Lutsen has short and long term expansion plans

LUTSEN—

Lutsen Mountains’ role as a premier destination ski area is centered on its natural resources and sweeping views of Lake Superior. Positioning Lutsen Mountains to meet skier’s expectations now and in the future, co-owners Charles Skinner and Tom Rider announced plans to expand ski area operations, new funding to protect the Poplar River and a replacement of the four-passenger 45-year-old gondola with a new eight-passenger, $7 million gondola. All of this is an effort to keep Lutsen competitive with other ski areas, as well as fully invested in the community for years to come.

Gondola construction will begin in the summer of 2015. Besides the gondola, there will be an expansion of the Summit Chalet and additional observation decks and hiking trails. Work may also begin on a local history museum to be housed in an existing 2,000-square-foot building at the top of Moose Mountain. Canopy tours, ropes courses and zip lines are planned for future years.

Efforts to protect and improve water quality in the Poplar River were bolstered recently by the news of $829,000 in grant funds from the Board of Water and Soil Resources to work on this project.

“We estimate the projects funded by this grant will get us to our goal of removing

the Poplar River as an impaired river,” Rider said.

The final part of the expansion plan comes with the announcement of a proposal to expand the ski area operations onto 400 acres of adjacent National Forest lands.

Skinner noted that in the last 30 years, 300 ski areas closed because they were too small. National trends suggest that Lutsen will need to double skier visits to keep pace with other U.S. destination ski areas and gain the critical mass needed to remain viable.

Rider noted however, that in order to continue to protect the Poplar River, the terrain expansion would need to be outside the Poplar River watershed.

The Forest Service lands proposed for ski area expansion are designated for “Recreational Use in a Scenic Landscape” in the Superior National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. The expansion proposal is in the early stages of development and the Forest Service has made no decisions at this time. Once a full, detailed application is submitted, the Forest Service will begin an analysis as prescribed by the National Environmental Policy Act, which could take 12 to 24 months to complete

Duluth rolls out the welcome mat for fat bikes

Duluth has been receptive to the increasing popularity of fat biking and is creating more trails for riders. | STOCK

DULUTH—Mountain bikers are salivating as the 100-mile long Duluth Traverse takes shape. A multi-use, single-track trail that will eventually span the entire city from the Fond du Lac neighborhood in the far west to Lester Park on the eastern end,

the Traverse will link to other trail systems along its route. Those trail systems include (from east to west) Lester Park, Hartley Park, Piedmont-Brewer Park, Spirit Mountain and Mission Creek.

Duluth is gaining recognition as a moun -

tain bike destination. Outside Magazine specifically mentioned the Traverse when Duluth won the nod as Best Town Ever in that magazine’s 2014 contest. The development of the mountain biking system is a joint effort between the Cyclists of Gitche Gumee Shores (COGGS) and the

City of Duluth. Despite the city’s reputation for snow and cold, the bike trails are open year-round.

COGGS began grooming trails for fat tire biking this winter. While such grooming occurs in other areas, it is a first for the Northern Wilds. COGGS purchased a used Skidoo Skandic LT in the fall of 2014 with money gained through donations. This sled pulls a Yellowstone Track Systems (YTS) groomer with the tracks removed and snow combs installed. It’s very similar to a ski grooming set up, but quite a bit narrower, says COGGS ride coordinator Dave Cizmas. Snowmobile grooming is being done by volunteers. Other volunteers are also out packing trails on snowshoes.

Minimal snow conditions have challenged grooming efforts this winter, so snowshoers have packed trails where the snowmobile couldn’t go. Trails in Hartley and Lester parks receive enough traffic from walkers and snowshoers that grooming for fat bikes hasn’t been necessary. Trail status updates are available on Facebook and Twitter from COGGS and at www.coggs.com.—Eric Chandler

New gondola construction will begin this summer at Lutsen Mountains. | SUBMITTED

DNR asks: How many deer for the North Shore?

GRAND MARAIS—In Minnesota, managing white-tailed deer is a little bit like the way Goldilocks sampled the Three Bears’ porridge. Either there are too few deer, too many deer or the number of deer in the woods is just right. Starting this month, the Minnesota DNR will convene meetings and a special citizen advisory group to set deer population goals for a large portion of northeastern Minnesota, including the North Shore.

Two public meetings are planned for the North Shore to solicit input about whitetail numbers in deer permit areas 117, 122, 126, 127 and 180. The first meeting is Wed. Feb. 11 at the Two Harbors High School Auditorium in Two Harbors. The second meeting is Thurs. Feb. 19 at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais. Each meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. After a short presentation on deer populations and management, meeting participants may comment verbally, ask DNR staff questions and complete a written questionnaire. For those unable to attend a meeting for the area in which they are interested, details on how to submit written or online comments will be available soon.

“To make sure that goals are based on the broad range of public interest in deer, we use a public process to help determine how many deer to manage for in a given

area,” said Leslie McInenly, DNR big game program leader.

White-tailed deer are an important resource to the state of Minnesota. Nearly 500,000 individuals hunt deer and countless other people enjoy viewing deer in the state. Deer managers look at deer density goals as a societal issue more so than a biological issue. Deer are capable of achieving high population densities and are generally managed at a level of social tolerance rather than managed for the maximum number that habitat can support. This approach involves balancing desires of hunters, wildlife watchers and others who may support higher deer densities with those of farmers, foresters or others who experience conflicts with deer.

“The public participation process has been designed to include input from anyone who has an interest in deer management,” McInenly said. “Citizen advisory team members also will attend the public meetings for their goal-setting block so they can learn what others have to say.”

When public meetings for each goal-setting block are complete, each citizen advisory team will review relevant biological and social data as well as public input. Teams will recommend population goals for each deer permit area in their assigned areas. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the advisory teams’ recommendations before DNR makes its final decision about goals.—Shawn Perich

Silver Bay’s Black Beach to be opened to the public

SILVER BAY—A popular beach at Silver Bay will soon open to the public through a cooperative agreement between the Minnesota DNR and North Shore Mining. Black Beach is so named because the beach was blackened by taconite tailings, which were discharged by the former Reserve Mining Company in the 50s, 60s and 70s. The site was closed to the public in recent years.

“Some people had been making a mess there,” said Silver Bay Mayor Scott Johnson. “North Shore Mining had posted it closed. It was a decision made in Cleveland.”

The City of Silver Bay has agreed to put up a security fence to keep people away from mining company property. Once that occurs, the site will be open for public use. Johnson said that aside from the Silver Bay Marina, Black Beach is the only local public access to Lake Superior near Silver Bay. Although the beach was blackened with taconite tailings, the site poses no health risk to users.

To reach the beach, you can turn in at the Americinn Motel and follow Mensing Drive behind the business park. Once work at the site is completed, Johnson said there will be signage on Hwy. 61 so visitors can find the site.—Shawn Perich

Build a boat that floats

Last year’s Build a Boat winners. | SUBMITTED

Once again, children may compete in the Build a Boat Contest at the Central Canada Outdoor and Recreation Show, Feb 27Mar. 1. This year has a new and exciting requirement—your boat must float!

An excellent creative project for children to work on at home or in the classroom the Build a Boat contest is one of the show’s most popular activities. Students wishing to enter the contest must be between the ages of 6 and 12 and will be divided into two categories, 6-9 and 10-12. Entries must be no larger than 30cm long, 30cm high, and 30cm wide. Bonus points are awarded for the use of recycled materials.

First place in each category wins an Acadia Scout kayak and paddle valued at $550 from Wilderness Supply. Second

place wins prizes from Wilderness Supply and Aerosports Trampoline Park. Third place wins prizes from Wilderness Supply, Aerosports Trampoline Park and Galaxy Lanes.

Entries must be received with a registration form attached no later than 2 p.m. on Sunday Mar. 1, with winners announced at 3:30p.m. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.tbchamber. ca/buildaboat. Official entry takes place at the Wilderness Supply booth during the Outdoor Show in The Sportsdome. All judges’ decisions are final. For further information visit www.tbchamber. ca/buildaboat or contact Maddie Penko at eventassistant@tbchamber.ca or (807) 624-2631.

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Best Dining in the Northern Wilds Vote for your favorite restaurants

for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate.

Do you have a favorite place to get a beer, to eat breakfast or take the kids for dinner? We want to know and so do our area restaurants. The restaurants you vote for must be located in the Northern Wilds coverage area, which includes the North Shore communities between Duluth and Nipigon, including Finland, the Gunflint Trail, and the outlying communities of Thunder Bay. Do not choose the same restaurant in more than three categories. If you do, your entire ballot will be disqualified. Only one ballot per person. You can mail in your ballot, drop it off at our office or vote online at www.northernwilds.com. Voting ends March 31, 2015. Look for the results in the May issue of Northern Wilds.

2015

Send in your ballot or fill one out online at:

www.NorthernWilds.com

Which Restaurant has the best...

Steak?

Burger?

Fish?

Pizza?

Breakfast?

Wine?

Soup?

Salad?

Caffination Station?

Music Venue?

Happy Hour?

View?

Baked Goods?

Ethnic fare?

Use of regional ingredients?

Sweets?

Beer Selection?

Northwoods character?

Kid-friendly menu?

Greens and beans (vegetarian-friendly)?

Artistic flare from the chef?

Server?

(include name and restaurant)

Take-out?

And which restaurant is “worth the drive?”

Mail this ballot to:

Northern Wilds Media, Inc. P.O. Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55604 or Vote online at www.NorthernWilds.com

Name City

Phone

Email

Only one ballot per person.

DNR seeks comments on fish management plans

ST. PAUL—The Minnesota DNR is seeking comments on its strategies for managing Finland area lakes and streams through Friday, Feb. 20. Every year DNR fisheries staff prepares or revises individual lake and stream management plans for several waters in each management area. The plans identify specific management activities planned for that lake or stream in the next five to 20 years.

In the Finland area, plans for the following lakes and streams will be reviewed.

Cook County Lakes

• Hog Lake.

• Feather Lake.

Lake County Lakes

• August Lake.

• Beetle Lake.

• Benson Lake.

• Crooked Lake.

• Feather Lake.

• Grass Lake.

• Harris Lake.

• Homestead Lake.

• Katydid Lake.

• Koma Lake.

• Malberg Lake.

• Ninemile Lake.

• Peanut (Unnamed) Lake.

• Scarp Lake.

• Scott Lake.

• Slate Lake.

• Thunderbird Lake.

• Unnamed (Pear) Lake.

• Wye Lake.

Lake County Streams

• Bud Creek.

• Caribou River.

• Harris Creek.

People can review current plans for lakes and streams in the area as well as recent fish population assessment information at the DNR’s Finland area fisheries office, 6686 Highway 1 Box 546 in Finland, Minnesota. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Individuals also may call (218) 353-8855 or email finland.fisheries@ state.mn.us to have an electronic copy of the management plan emailed to them. Comments may be submitted via mail or e-mail. Suggestions for management of any of the other lakes and streams in the Finland area are welcome at any time and will be considered when those plans are due for review.

Dragon Boat Festival in limbo

GRAND MARAIS—Bittersweet though it may be, the North Shore Dragon Boat Festival partners have officially decided that they will not lead the charge hosting the dragon boat festival in 2015.

“Decisions like this are never easy,” noted Karl Hansen with the North Shore Health Care Foundation, “and while we relished working together and engaging our community out on the water, we know this is the right decision for all of us.”

The Dragon Boat Festival was launched in 2004. For 11 years the three partner nonprofits—WTIP Community Radio, North Shore Health Care Foundation and North House Folk School—made the most of an event dedicated to “paddling for community” and the joy of summer on the North Shore.

“We hope all of our dedicated volunteers and business sponsors know how much we appreciated their involvement. Like so many things in this community, it is the people who stepped forward that really made the difference,” said Debbie Benedict from WTIP Community Radio.

“Many of us will miss being out on the water and experiencing the joy of paddling with so many great people,” commented Greg Wright at North House Folk School. “The event’s focus on the water and the way it brought friends from near and far together for a day on the harbor

was a joy. I will miss it.”

Different visions for the future of the event have been discussed and some brainstorming is still underway. Several downtown businesses, the Cook County Chamber of Commerce and other potential partners have helped explore these ideas. Creating a paddling event to replace the dragon boat festival is one idea under consideration. At present, no specific plans are in place for 2015.

Jack Stone, owner of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais, was a member of the committee. He is planning to have stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and yoga demonstrations on the harbor the weekend of July 18-19. He says he would like to work with other outfitters in the county to create a paddle festival that is geared toward families and folks who are new to paddling. But he doesn’t want to be in charge of the event.

“In the summer, I don’t have time to coordinate an event,” Stone said.

He does have a few ideas of activities that could be included in a paddle event, such as SUP and kayak races in the harbor. He also floated the idea of a stage canoe, kayak or SUP race, beginning with lakes and the Gunflint Trail and a final stage held on the harbor. But such ideas won’t reach fruition unless others step forward to help out.—Shawn Perich

The future of the Dragon Boat Festival is uncertain. | ERIN ALTEMUS

Picture a Frozen World

BY JOAN FARNAM

Shooting ice can be excruciatingly cold, possibly life-threatening, but definitely worth it.

Certainly landscape photographers up and down the North Shore seem totally committed to getting out there as often as possible, regardless of the temps, to see what Lake Superior has to offer them that day. In fact, more than 1,300 photographers, from beginners to professionals, have signed up to be members of the Frozen Photographers Facebook page, and they post their latest ice shots there frequently.

How do you become a member? “You MUST from time to time risk FROSTBITE or at least GET COLD,” writes Duluth photographer Jamie Rabold, who founded the page. And you have to prove that with a few photos, he says.

“The hardest part is your hands, “ said David Johnson, who has been going out at sunrise and sunset every day around Grand Marais this winter, regardless of how cold it is, to shoot ice.

“I use those disposable handwarmers, just to keep my fingers from freezing,” he said. But, at some point, he added, you have take your gloves off to run the camera. “I go back to the truck and sit and moan and groan until my fingers thaw out again,” he said. “I’m sure all those Frozen Photographers go through the same thing.”

But why?

“Ice is just so amazing,” he said. “Lake Superior is strong and powerful and does such neat things to it.”

Two Harbors photographer Christian Dalbec agrees. “There’s just something about it—the way the light catches it, it’s like diamonds. Then when it’s overcast, the colors come out,” he said. “And there’s so much changing every day. During the winter, the sun is low and over the lake, which is great.”

There’s also something special about being out in the wintertime, too, said Thunder Bay photographer, Jakub Sisak.

“I like being out when it’s really cold,” he said. “A lot of people don’t like winter, but when I look back at my pictures, I take a lot more in winter. There’s just something about the stillness and the snow. There’s a lot less tonality. I also like the blue hour, just before sunrise. The light is so soft.”

[LEFT] “Winter Wonderland” by Christian Dalbec [ABOVE] “Chippewa Park” by Jakub Sisak

The key to having a successful outing is clothing and gear. Every photographer has their favorite combo, but in general they all recommend:

• heavy duty, stable tripod

• heavy duty boots rated for sub-zero temps

• good quality, heavy duty ice grippers including crampons or micro-spikes

• layered clothing, hoods and face masks

• spare mittens or gloves

• spare batteries and either a battery box or lots of pockets to keep batteries warm

Camera and lense recommendations vary according to the photographer, but good lenses and glass filters are key, they said. Expect frozen shutters or dead batteries. That’s part of the challenge of shooting in winter.

It’s always a good idea to tell someone where you’ll be going, too, Sisak said. Accidents can happen. He said one year he fell through the ice on a creek up to his neck. “My tripod stayed on

the ice,” he said. “I couldn’t believe how heavy I became, but I used my tripod to get out. Luckily I wasn’t in the bush. When I got to my car, I completely undressed and drove back to town in my underwear.”

Some photographers like to partner-up to shoot in dangerous conditions and many make sure they’re not too far from their vehicle.

And be careful. Johnson, who spends a lot of time on the ice-covered breakwall in Grand Marais, said he doesn’t take too many chances. “When I’m going out to the lighthouse when it’s all coated in ice, I have to crawl around stuff,” he said. But he backs off if it seems too risky.

On the other hand, it’s amazing to shoot ice in the wintertime, they said. Experiment, try different angles. Look low, look high, frame and re-frame, plan to go out in the low-light times, then switch it up. And keep shooting—editing can be done at home.

“Stoney Point Steam Bath” by Jamie Rabold

“Ice Sculptures” by David Johnson

“Sweep!!!” Curling Cures Winter Blues

Story and Photos by

Erin Altemus

Though curling has been around since the 1500s in Scotland, the sport has maintained a rather quiet profile until 1998, when it became an official Olympic sport. (There was Olympic men’s curling in 1924, but it died a quick death after that first debut.) After curling became part of the Olympic fanfare, and normal folks with day jobs suddenly became Olympians, curling became a household name, though I will be the first to admit I knew nothing about it beyond the part where rocks are slid across the ice—until recently.

One evening in early January, I ventured to the local curling club to see what curling was all about.

On that particular day, school had been called off in much of the state because of hazardous windchills. Grand Marais made headlines around the nation for our blustering -54 windchill. I was relieved to find out that curling is held on an indoor ice arena, not outdoors. When I arrived, I met four 20-somethings who were also going to give curling a try.

We joked about how we knew absolutely nothing about curling. “That’s okay,” Joanne Smith told us, our instructor for the evening, and board member of Cook County Curling.

First, Smith issued each of us a broom and a slider. The broom is used to sweep in front of the stone as the stone travels across the ice. This removes any debris from the ice that would slow the stone as it travels toward the target, or house, as it’s called in real curling terms.

The slider fits over one shoe and allows the person throwing the stone to glide across the ice, so we each put one on.

We practiced shuffling across the ice with a slider on one foot and a shoe on the other with the broom in hand to keep from falling. The ice itself is textured, which is done by sprinkling water on the surface to give it a pebbled appearance. This actually reduces the friction of the ice against the stone, which makes it slide faster.

Then Rory Smith, Joanne’s brother-inlaw, gave us a lesson in the “throw.” Kind of like the pitch, or the serve, throwing involves crouching with the 40-pound stone in your right hand placed in front of you on the ice, the left hand on the broom, which rests on the ice for balance. Then, you slide forward with the stone and release it. If all goes well, the stone travels across the ice and lands in the very middle of the house.

When Rory did it, he glided forward effortlessly, almost 40 feet. When I pushed off, I felt a muscle in my left thigh that I’d

If you want to curl

never used before and traveled six feet.

If the stone slows too quickly, then the skip, who is standing at the end of the ice (think: bowling lane), shouts at the two sweepers to sweep, and they do, pushing their brooms back and forth in a frantic motion, not hitting the stone (or it’s taken out of play) and not hitting the other sweeper. The skip continues calling orders to the sweepers to finesse that stone right where he or she wants it to be.

Sixteen rocks are thrown between the two teams competing, to make one “end.” Eight ends make a game. By the time you’ve done eight ends, you’ve walked 2.5 miles.

There’s more to it, of course, but in essence, it is a simple sport, one that participants claim is as much about the camaraderie as the exercise, which makes sense, because beer seems to go hand-in-hand with curling, which also makes sense considering the Scottish influence. It’s more of a before and after kind of thing, where the winners buy the losers a beer and vice a versa.

Curl and socialize—that’s my kind of sport.

The Cook County Curling Club in Grand Marais has been going since 1962. Beginners are welcome and encouraged to come and learn and classes are held throughout the season. The club also emphasizes league play and works with the local school to teach curling to students. The club holds several bonspiel tournaments every winter, including a Halloween bonspiel, an Open Bonspiel Feb. 20-22, and the Chuck Futterer Memorial Open Bonspiel March 13-15. See www.cookcountycurlingclub.com for more information about how to join the club.

Two Harbors Curling Club has community education classes for beginners and league play throughout the winter. There are several bonspiels, including the mini-bonspiel during the Two Harbors Winter Frolic. See www.twoharborscurling.com for more information.

In Thunder Bay, there are two clubs: Fort William Curling Club (www. fortwilliamcurlingclub.com) and Port Arthur Curling Club (www.pacurling. com). Both have been around for well over 100 years and have a history of rivalry. Nonetheless, both offer opportunities for young and old and even for wheelchair curling. A string of curling champions have come out of these clubs.

In Duluth, the Duluth Curling Club has grown to become one of the largest clubs in the U.S. (second only to the St. Paul Curling Club). The club is part of the DECC complex, and can provide up to 13 sheets for large curling events. A strong junior program for ages 8 to 21 rounds out a long list of league opportunities for curlers of all ages and abilities. See www.duluthcurlingclub.org for more information.

Jake Carlen and Marybeth Wilkes sweep in front of the stone to increase the stone’s speed as it moves across the ice.

The house is somewhat like a target board. The team whose stone gets closest to the bull’s eye is is going to get the most points for that end.

the stone toward the house for her team.

Hack & Hammer and other curling terminology

Bonspiel: A curling tournament.

Broom: What you sweep the ice with, of course.

Burying a Stone: Placing a shot behind a guard so no part of the rock shows from other end.

Curl: The rotating movement of a stone caused by turning the handle.

Delivery: The act of throwing a stone.

End: A division of the game. An end is complete when all 16 rocks (eight per team) have been thrown. A club game is usually eight ends, or about two hours long.

Hack: The rubber starting block embedded in the ice from which the curler begins delivery of a stone.

Hammer: The last rock in an end.

House: The round scoring area, 12 feet in diameter, with concentric circles 1-, 4-, and 8-feet in diameter.

Pebble: A light spray of water that freez es on contact with the ice creating small bumps that cut down the friction.

Sheet: The 146-foot-long area of the ice on which the game is played.

Skip: The player who calls the ice and de termines the strategy. Almost always plays the last two rocks for his team (but may throw in a different order in some games).

Slider: A slippery device that is worn on the sliding foot during the delivery of a stone. Usually teflon, plastic or stainless steel.

Jenny Schuler delivers

NorthShore ArtScene

By Joan Farnam

Mid-winter is here and there’s plenty to do on the North Shore. Plays, art openings, dance performances, a Fireside Chat weekend, and lots of music are featured this month, and, of course, no end of opportunities to play in the snow.

First up—Winter Plein Air. More than 15 plein air artists who (possibly) like getting their fingers frozen, will participate in the 6th annual Winter Plein Air event at YMCA Camp Menogyn on the shores of West Bearskin Lake Jan. 28 to Feb. 1. In past years, it has been organized by the Grand Marais Art Colony, but this year Allison Eklund of Eklund Art Studio in Minneapolis coordinated the event. A virtual exhibit of their work is in the planning stages. Stay tuned.

Recently, WDSE’s The Playlist held a recording session at Papa Charlie’s featuring Eric Frost , Pushing Chain and The SplinterTones. The musicians were interviewed by host Karen Sunderman and then played for a live audience. The recordings will be broadcast on The Playlist this winter. Eric Frost is scheduled to be on the show Feb. 26. The Playlist airs at 9 p.m. Thursdays and features artists as well as musicians. Steve and Sharon Frykman were featured in January, and that segment is available for viewing at www.theplaylistonline.org.

Snow sculptures are an integral part of Cook County in February as the Winter Tracks Festival gets underway. This year is no exception. The sculptures will be revealed on Friday evening, Feb. 6 at Bluefin Bay Resort , Lutsen Mountains, Eagle Ridge Resort , across from Isak Hansen’s, Solbakken Resort and in Harbor Park in Grand Marais.

On Feb. 7, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host Community Ink Day: Print Your Valentines, which is open to all ages. It will be held in the print studio at the Art Colony. There is a $5 supply fee. Everyone invited.

That night, The SplinterTones will play for a dance at the Hovland Town Hall sponsored by Moving Matters and the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic starting at 7 p.m. At the other end of the county, Cloud Cult plays at Papa Charlie’s at 7 p.m.

Also on Feb. 7, Emily Johnson/Catalyst returns to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts for Part II of the Alaska-inspired trilogy of award-winning performance installations. “Niicugni,” which translates as a directive to pay attention, to listen, features a layering of live music, storytelling, dance and nearly 50 hand-sewn fish skin lanterns hanging above the state, au -

dience and lobby areas. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Emily Johnson plans to return Feb. 27 to teach a fish-skin sewing workshop at the Art Colony. As part of the class, there will be a salmon feast. For more info, call the Art Colony at 387-2737. Valentine weekend is very busy, too.

Sivertson Gallery will hold a Fireside Chat Weekend to celebrate the artists of the North Shore Feb. 13-15. The event kicks off with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, a Fireside Chat Pan -

el Discussion with painters Howard Sivertson , Liz Sivertson and David Gilsvik at 6 p.m. Saturday and a Fireside Chat with Tim Pearson at 6 p.m. Sunday. The weekend also features a Trollbeads Party on Friday night as well as a River Blend Studio Trunk Show on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. River Blend Studio includes Pearson and his wife, Jesse Furo Pearson, who will show jewelry and prints as well as paintings. Refreshments will be served throughout the entire weekend. Everyone invited.

The Fireside Chat Weekend at Siverston Gallery will also feature Howard Sivertson [LEFT], Liz Sivertson and Dave Gilsvik Feb. 14. Also, River Blend Studio will have a trunk show,featuring hand-tied earrings by Jesse Furo Pearson [ABOVE] and more.

North House Folk School, in partnership with the Grand Marais Art Colony and the Northwoods Fiber Guild, will hold the Northern Fibers Retreat Feb. 11-15 The event features a wide variety of workshops and community gatherings. Call North House at 387-9762 for more info or visit www.northhouse.org.

As part of the retreat, the Grand Marais Art Colony will open The Quilt Art Exhibit with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, featuring handmade quilts crafted by seven nationally known quilters

“A Stormy Future” by Tim Pearson, above. Pearson will speak at a Fireside Chat at Sivertson Gallery at 6 p.m. Feb 15.

spotlight

who are part of the Fiber Revolution Collective Enid Weichselbaum will give a gallery talk at the opening. Refreshments will be served.

Definitely Superior Art Gallery in Thunder Bay opens a new show featuring three exhibits Feb. 13. The gala opening is from 7 to 10 p.m. and includes artist talks, refreshments and music by Nancy Pants, a wildly popular band from Montreal. The show includes short animated films by Julia Pott , an internationally acclaimed filmmaker from Britain, and work by Carly Waito, a Toronto-based artist who grew up in Thunder Bay and visual/installation artist, Dagmara Genda, will exhibit. The exhibit will continue through March 14.

On Feb. 14, award-winning British acoustic guitarist Adrian Legg, will be in performance at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Legg is also a recording artist, performer, photographer and writer as well as being an innovator in guitar design. The concert is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association

In Thunder Bay, Canadian rock icon Tom Cochrane with Red Rider, will perform at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium at 8 p.m. (EST).

Magnus Theatre, also in Thunder Bay, is featuring the play, “Driving Miss Daisy,” through Feb. 14. The play is performed at 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays with matinees at noon on Wednesdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays.

“Reverberation

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is currently exhibiting “Drawn From Legends: Works from the Permanent Collection,” featuring work by Bob Boyer, Carl Ray, Jackson Beardy, Doug Lafortune, Ivan Otterlifter and Roy Thomas among others. It continues through March 8. The Lakehead University Annual Juried Exhibition of best work by students opens Jan. 30 and continues through March 1. The gallery is

open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Fridays through Sundays.

And the 2015 10 Minute Play Festival will be performed on the last weekend in February. Stay tuned.

In other art news, a call has gone out for artists to participate in the “Illumination: Igniting Imagination” exhibit that will open at the Johnson Heritage Pos t March 13.

Artists of all ages are invited to contribute and collaboration between artists of different genres is encouraged. This is the fifth year The Spirit of the Wilderness has coordinated a exhibit inviting artists to examine the overlap between creativity and spirituality.

For more info, call Mary Ellen Ashcroft at 387-1536.

Sculptor John Books and Josh Rice joined Tom Christiansen at Last Chance Gallery and Fabricating for a bronze pour recently. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

Ann and Wayne Russ are hosting four free dance practice sessions on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 3 from 7-9 p.m. at the 4-H Building. They are also holding Dance Floor Techniques classes for couple dancing. For more info, call 370-8949 or email russ@boreal.org.

In Thunder Bay, Gallery 33 has moved. Its new address is 4 Balsam Street. The gallery features work by local and regional artists.

JERRY RIACH Printmaker

Little Marais

Have you always lived on the North Shore?

No. I grew up north of Minneapolis, but I have been connected to the North Shore all my life. Our family came up the North Shore at least once a year. My dad used to tell us: “Throw rocks in the lake until it’s full.” I bought a house in Little Marais in 1995, and moved up here full time in 2006.

What projects are you currently working on?

How many do you want? I’ve always felt a connection to the earth up here and attracted to the rocks and their images and history. We have some of the oldest exposed rocks on earth. What have these rocks been through? That’s the source of my imagery at this time. There are two different aspects, the rocks by the lake and driving along Hwy. 61 and seeing all those exposed rock walls— they have some incredible textures and colors.

What about your art continues to attract and fascinate you?

I’m a trained engineer so printmaking is quite a technical thing and it really, really fits with my mentality. It’s intriguing to me and continually challenges me to modify my procedure just a little bit to get what I want.

Where can we see your work?

I show at the Grand Marais Art colony when I can and at the Ripple River Gallery in the Twin Cities. I have a studio here in Little Marais. We are open by appointment. To see my work call 218-226-4871. I’m also the print studio facilitator at the Art Colony and will be helping people make Valentine cards during our Community Ink Day Feb. 7.

Emily Johnson and Catalyst will perform “Niicugni,” or “Listen” at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts Feb. 7.

Definitely Superior Art Gallery in Thunder Bay opens three new exhibits Feb.1, including short videos by Julie Pott. Pictured is a still from a video. Doug Lafortune, “Hummingbird, 1979” serigraph, is at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

1,” quilt by Benedicte Canneill, is one of the quilts to be show, in the Art Quilt exhibit at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

MONDAY

February

February

February

February

Meg

Barbara

Lutsen Mountains Family Festival

Jan. 30-Feb. 1

Bring the family to Lutsen. Special lodging and lift ticket packages make the weekend of skiing more budget-friendly, especially so because there is free ski rental. When you’re tired of skiing you can enjoy the comedy night at Papa Charlie’s on Friday, the Choo Choo Bob children’s show on Saturday afternoon and fireworks on Saturday evening. See www.lutsen.com for details.

Dog Sleds, Snowshoes, Winter Work and Play

Now through the winter

A new exhibit at the Cook County Historical Museum in Grand Marais features dog sleds built by Hovland trapper Mike West, trapping artifacts, snowshoes built by John Beargrease and the history of this legendary mail-carrier, as well as dog sled racing memorabilia. Learn how Devil Track got its name and see early sleds used by Cook County pioneers. The museum is open Fridays from 1-4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ely Winter Festival

Feb. 5-15

The cornerstone of the premiere Ely winter event is the Snow Sculpting Symposium located in Ely’s Whiteside Park. Alongside the snow sculpting will be a Voyageur Encampment. Other events include a spaghetti feed, ice fishing tournament, Kubb tournament, fish fry, dog sled demonstration, broomball tournament, wine and ski by candlelight, an art walk, live music and more. See www. elywinterfestival.com for the full list of events.

North House Offers Special Thursday Night Classes

FEB. 5 Winter Animal Tracking with Nate Johnson

Learn to identify and interpret the tracks, movements, and behavior of northern fauna from veteran tracker and trapper Nate Johnson. The program will be classroom-based, but skills learned can be applied to tracks found in your backyard and beyond.

FEB. 12 Useful Hand Sewing with Carol Colburn

Reclaim your hand sewing skills (or gain the ones you wish you had) with this two-hour program with expert seamstress Carol Colburn. You’ll learn several basic hand stitches and strategies for successfully repairing, darning, patching and reinforcing everything from clothing to camping equipment. Take home a sampler to remind you of your new knowledge and a sense of pride in your new DIY skill. $5 material fee.

FEB. 19 Carving with a Knife with Jim Sannerud

Try your hand at carving or hone your knife skills with professional craftsperson Jim Sannerud. You’ll learn several knife strokes while working on your own take-home butter spreader. Program size is limited, so please call North House before 5 p.m. on Feb. 19 to reserve a spot. $5 material fee.

FEB. 26 Fix Your Holey Socks with Elise Kyllo

Bring socks or sweater in need of repair, walk away with a pair of socks that are good as new or a sweater made beautiful and moth holes patched. $5 material fee, mending kits available.

Fish skin lanterns in the theatre are part of the set for “Niicugni,” which will show at the ACA Feb. 7. | SUBMITTED

Winterfest at Prince Arthur’s Landing on Feb. 16 will close with fireworks. | PETER WRAGG

Winter Frolic Festival

Feb. 6 &7

The Two Harbors Winter Frolic takes place at the Two Harbors Curling Club. The activities are all sponsored and put on by local businesses and community members. There is plenty to do for both adults and children alike. Try your hand at curling, sample the best local chili at the Chili Cook-off, or participate in the kids races and carnival. See www.twoharborswinterfrolic.com.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

• Sliding Hill and Skating Pond

At the Curling Club/Golf Course

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

• Mini Mite Hockey Tournament At the Two Harbors Hockey Arena

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 6

• Curling Club Events: Restaurant Chili Cookoff 5:30 p.m. - Sponsored by The Lake Bank & Harbor Insurance

Community Curling Challenge Starts 5:30 p.m. at the Curling Club, Pre-Registration required

• City Council vs Country Commissioners

• Exhibition Curling Challenge

8 p.m. in the Curling Club

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY, 7

• Pancake Breakfast American Legion 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Adult T-Ball Tourney Sponsored by Two Harbors Federal Credit Union, Starts 9 a.m. at the Curling Club, Pre-Registration required

• Open Community Curling Sponsored by the TH Curling Club, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Curling Club

Fireman’s Kids Races Sponsored by the TH Fire Department, 12-1 p.m. at the Tent

Vintage Snowmobile Ride

Registration from 10 a.m.-Noon at TH Airport, Ride starts at Noon

• Family Fun Run and 5k Register 10 a.m., Race starts Fun Run 10:30, 5K 11 a.m., at the Tent

Winter Carnival Sponsored by Wells Fargo in the Tent 1-3 p.m.

• Bonfire with FREE Smores Sponsored by Hull’s Sawmill and North Shore Rotary, and Interact. Noon

• Bean Bag Tournament Pre-Registration required. In the Tent 3-6 p.m.

• Medallion Hunt Clues on the DQ reader board all week. Sponsored by the TH Dairy Queen

The Snow Ball - Music in the Big Tent from 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Disc Jockey 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Rage N’ Country 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Winter Tracks

Feb. 6-15

Cook County’s 10-day winter celebration kicks off with the revealing of snow sculptures in Tofte, Lutsen and Grand Marais. Opportunities for snowshoe hikes and cross country ski tours will be offered by area resorts. The festival culminates on Valentine’s Day with the candlelight ski and snowshoe at Sugarbush Trails in Tofte. Park at the Onion River Rd. trailhead where there will be a bonfire with hot chocolate and sweet treats. Ski or snowshoe a loop lit by luminary bags. See www.visitcookcounty.com for more information.

Snowarama

Feb. 7

This snowmobile event is a fundraiser for Easter Seals Ontario, but takes place at Grand Portage and attracts snowmobilers from both sides of the border. Participants get to enjoy a day on the groomed snowmobile trails, then relax at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino at their heated pool and sauna. A complimentary dinner and dance featuring Bed a Roses caps the event.

Over the past 12 years, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino Snowarama has raised over $290,000 for children and youth with physical disabilities across Ontario. Visit www.easterseals.org or www. snowarama.org.

Snowarama takes place Feb. 7 at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino. | SUBMITTED

Catalyst Dance Returns to Grand Marais

Feb. 7

Minneapolis-based performance company Catalyst brings the second part of their Alaska-inspired trilogy to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Called, “Niicugni” or “listen,” the performance is layered with dance, live music, stories and histories. Housed within a light/sound installation of hand-made, functional fish-skin lanterns, Niicugni asks, can we pay attention to the ways we do and do not listen to our bodies, histories, impulses and environments?

Niicugni first premiered in 2012 and has toured across the U.S. to wide acclaim. In addition to this performance, Emily Johnson will return to Grand Marais and teach a fish-skin sewing workshop at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Feb. 27 to March 1 using wild-caught Alaska salmon skins. Visit www.grandmaraisartcolony.org.

Cook County Ridge Riders Snowmobile Events

Feb. 7 & 14

On Feb. 7, the first fun run of the season kicks off at Hungry Jack Lodge. Register before noon for first card, then go on to Trail Center, Windigo, Hungry Jack, Gunflint Lodge and Gunflint Pines. Have lunch where you choose and get the last card at the The Landing on Devil’s Track by 6:30 p.m. There will be games, food and drink specials, prizes and entertainment. Proceeds raised go to the club.

Then on the 14th, you can get your speed fix at the Hungry Jack Lake Drag Race. Sign up at 11 a.m. Racing starts at noon. Prizes awarded in the lodge after the races. See www.boreal.org/ridgeriders for more information.

Adrian Legg at the ACA

Feb. 14

London-born Adrian Legg is reknowned for his unique amalgamation of acoustic and electric guitar and the way he blends diverse musical styles and inspirations into a distinctive sound all his own. Legg has been hailed as “one of the wizards” of the guitar by the Philadelphia Inquirer and in addition to his career as a live performer, recording artist and composer, he is in innovator in guitar design and amplification technology, an instructor, photographer, writer, and author. He has also been an atlarge commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Legg is a Red House Records recording artist and has toured with Richard Thompson, David Lindley, Joe Satriani, and Eric Johnson. Treat your Valentine to a special performance. See www.northshoremusicassociation for more.

IGNITING SHARED PASSIONS FOR THE OUTDOORS

Northern Fibers Retreat

Feb. 11-15

Knitting around the fireplace is about the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon. The Northern Fibers Retreat lets you take this to the extreme and in the company of many others who enjoy the same. The North House Folk School along with the Grand Marais Art Colony and the Northwoods Fiber Guild offer five days of classes focused on fiber. Choose from spinning, embroidery, needlecraft, dyes, felting, knitting or even making your own mukluks. Two lunch and learn sessions Feb 13 & 14 and a Fibers for Kids are featured. Icelandic fiber artist, Anna Gunarsdottir will give a presentation at North House at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. Sound tempting? See www.northhouse.org.

FEB 27 - MAR 1 FRI. 5-9 SAT. 10-5 SUN. 11-4

Adrian Legg performs on Valentine’s Day at the ACA. | SUBMITTED

Catalyst Dance performs “Niicugni” on Feb. 7. at the ACA. | CHRIS CAMERON

• 25 Fiber Arts Courses

• Community Gatherings

• Lunch & Learns

• Art Quilt Exhibit

• Icelandic fiber artist Anna Gunnarsdóttir

Building Better Homes Workshop

The Pincushion Winter Festival will host ski, snowshoe and skijor events. | LAURIE JOHNSON

Pincushion Winter Festival

Feb. 13-15

The North Superior Ski & Run Club will host the inaugural Pincushion Mountain Winter Festival to be held on the Pincushion Mountain Trails just north of Grand Marais. The weekend starts Friday afternoon with a sprint ski competition followed by a spaghetti feed at the Community Center. On Saturday morning, there will be classical races followed by youth races at noon. On Saturday afternoon there will be a skiathlon where skiers switch between classical and skate skiing. On Sunday there will be skijor and snowshoe events. See www.pincushiontrails.org for more.

Voyageur

Winter Carnival

Feb. 14-16

Fort William Historical Park hosts a weekend of winter fun. A giant snow

• 9 Wood Courses

• Saturday Mini-Courses • Saturday Excursions

• Community Gatherings

maze, tubing and sliding hills, skating on the Kaministiquia River, winter games and activities, carnival games and contests, indoor and outdoor entertainment take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST) each of these days. Don’t miss the winter golf, snowball catapult and snow graffiti. There will be hot chocolate and hotdogs available for purchase. See www.fwhp. ca for admission prices, directions and other info.

Vintage Snowmobile Event

Feb. 15

Bring your vintage snowmachine to the Wildhurst Campground on Hwy. 1 outside of Finland for the Vintage Snowmobile Rendezvous. All sleds are welcome to this family event, which includes a guided ride. Awards will be presented for vintage snowmobiles. There will also be food, door prizes and a silent auction. For more info, contact Leroy Teschendorf at (218) 353-7337.

FIRESIDE CHATS

FEBRUARY 13-15

FRI: 5-7 pm: Fireside Chat Opening Reception & Trollbeads Party SAT: 10 am - 4 pm: River Blend Studio Trunk Show 6-7 pm Panel Discussion featuring: Howard Sivertson • Liz Sivertson • Dave Gilsvik SUN. 10 am.- 4 pm: River Blend Studio Trunk Show 6-7 pm: Chat with Tim Pearson of River Blend Studio

Howard Sivertson

Liz Sivertson

Dave Gilsvik

Help Wanted

Outdoor delights and fairytale enchantment make up WinterFest at Prince Arthur’s Landing. From 1-8 p.m., there will be free activities and entertainment for all ages: fairytale and fantasy-themed snow sculptures; skating on the outdoor rink; snowshoeing, kicksledding and sledge hockey; sledding on the toboggan hill; winter science lessons; crafts and winter games. Inside the Baggage Building Arts Centre there will be quilting, pottery demonstrations and “Mugs with Hugs” for sale. The night will close with a spectacular fireworks display. Celebrate winter at Prince Arthur’s Landing. See www.thunderbay.ca for more info.

Graphic designer

2+ years of experience. Part-time to start. Must be proficient with Adobe Creative Suite. Some knowledge of web design and printing. Able to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects. Must work well with others in a fast-paced work environment. Job is in-house and located in Grand Marais, MN. Send reSumeS to: Northern Wilds Media, PO Box 26, Grand Marais, MN 55606 OR email to apratt@northernwilds.com.

Adrian Legg

Sat, Feb 7 & Sun, Feb 8 Winter Adventure Demo Days 11 am - 4 pm. Whiteside Park, WinterAdventureDemoDays@ gmail.com

Sun, Feb 8 Dog Sled Demonstration 12 noon - 3 pm. Whiteside Park, wolftrackclassic.com

Wed, Feb 11

BOOK BLIZZARD... indulge in your love of books in the new Ely Public Library! contact jordyn@ piragis.com

Thurs, Feb 12

Adventure Movie “Beyond the Edge,” 7 pm. Sustainable Ely. Fri, Feb 13

- 4 pm. 218-365-5070 / elyarts.org

Kubb Tournament 10 am - 4 pm Whiteside Park. elykubb.com

Dorothy Molter “Whirlwind” 11 am - 2 pm Dorothy Molter Museum 218-365-4451

Fish Fry 12 noon - 4 pm. Veterans on the Lake Resort. veteransonthelakeresort.com 218-365-6900

ArtWalk Meet & Greet 1 pm - 4 pm. A Taste of Ely, Snowball Winter Music Jam 6 pm - into the night. Longbranch in Winton, Minnesota.

Mesabi Symphony Orchestra Concert 7 pm - 9 pm. Washington Auditorium.

Dorothy Molter Fundraising Dinner 6 pm - 8 pm. Grand Ely Lodge. 218-365-4451 Sat, Feb 14

Broomball Tournament 9 am - 4 pm. Ely Recreation Center. 218-365-7611

Snowshoe to Hegman Picto

828-239-2376

February 13-15

on the Pincushion Mountain Trails north of Grand Marais

Friday 4:00 p.m.

Sprint Ski competition

Sponsored by Devils Track Nordic Ski Shop

Friday 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Y-Ski Spaghetti Feed at the Community Center

Saturday 9:00 a.m.

Classic Races: casual 8K & competitive15K

Saturday Noon

Youth Races: 1/2K to 3K ages 12 and under

Saturday 2:30 p.m.

Olympic-style Skiathon: 17K classic & skate

Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Skijoring: casual 3K & competitive 7K

Sponsored by Go Dog North Shore

Sunday 2:00 p.m.

Snowshoe: adventure loop & competitive 7K

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race

Feb. 21-22

The 7th annual running of the WolfTrack Classic will feature a 6-, 8- and 10-dog race this year. The addition of a premiere sponsor, Steger Mukluks and Moccassins of Ely, has allowed the race to increase its purse to $7,000. With some changes in race routes, the 6-dog race will end in Tower, and the 8-and 10-dog races will both end in Ely.

Spectators are welcome to see the vet checks on Saturday of the race weekend and attend the chili feed that evening. The race starts at the Ely Softball Complex at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. After the races

Central Canada Outdoor Show

Feb. 27-28

Enjoy numerous interactive displays and presentations at the annual Central Canada Outdoor Show, located in the SportsDome in Thunder Bay. There will be fishing demos, scuba diving demos, fire safety tips, clean green recipes, paintball,

archery, a silent auction and much more. Be sure to visit the Northern Wilds booth while you’re there. Admission is $6 and ages 12 and younger are free. For more info, visit www.tbchamber.ca.

Yarn Harbor’s last day at Mount Royal is Feb 21. Open at Lakeside Feb 24, 4629 East Superior Street. Friday the 13th Sale and Pajama Party! 13% off yarn 10am-10pm

Steger Mukluks general manager Theresa Harris [LEFT] presents the premier sponsorship check to WolfTrack Classic president Theo Theobald [RIGHT] and WolfTrack treasurer Scot Edgett [CENTER]. | SUBMITTED

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

February

Jan. 28, Wednesday

Dead Man Winter & The Pines Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 8 p.m. www.lutsen.com

Jan. 29, Thursday

Eric Frost & Bill Hanson Poplar River Pub Lutsen 6-8 p.m.

Dead Man Winter & The Pines Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 8 p.m. www.lutsen.com

James Moors Bluefin Grille Tofte 8-10 p.m.

Dallas Smith Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 8 p.m. (EST) www.tbca.ca

Jan. 29-Feb. 7

The Underground presents “The Turn of the Screw” at The Depot Theatre.

All shows at 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29-Feb. 14

Driving Miss Daisy at Magnus Theatre Thunder Bay www.magnus.on.ca

Jan. 30, Friday

Boyd “Bump” Blomberg Moguls Lutsen 4-6 p.m.

Maria Nickolay Cascade Restaurant & Pub 7-9 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

Joe Paulik Bluefin Grille Tofte

8-10 p.m.

Reina del Cid Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Jan. 30-Feb. 1

Lutsen Mountains Family Festival www.lutsen.com

Jan. 30-Mar. 1

Annual Lakehead University Juried Exhibition, Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Jan. 31, Saturday

James Moors Moguls Lutsen 4-6 p.m.

James Moors Cascade Restaurant & Pub 7-9 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

Abbamania Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 8 p.m. (EST) www.tbca.ca

Feb. 1, Sunday

James Moors Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 7-10 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

All About Bats! Presentation at Caribou Highlands Lodge 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Feb. 2, Monday

Tim Mahoney Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 3, Tuesday

Full Moon Snowshoe Along Lake Superior Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 6-7 p.m.

Feb. 4, Wednesday

Walton Izaak League Meeting Hartley Nature Center Duluth 7 p.m. Mike Schrage, Big Game Biologist, will talk on elk reintroduction. (218) 384-4054

Wednesday Night Ski Races, Spirit Mountain-Classic 6:30 p.m. www.duluthxc.com

Ian Alexy Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 5-15

Ely Winter Festival www.elywinterfestival.com

Feb. 6, Friday

The Last Revel Band Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 9 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Feb. 6-7

Winter Frolic Festival Two Harbors www. twoharborswinterfrolic.com

Feb. 6-15

Winter Tracks Festival in Cook County www.visitcookcounty.com

Feb. 7, Saturday

Snowarama Snowmobile Ride at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino www.grandportage.com

Cook County Snowmobile Club Fun Run www.boreal.org/ridgeriders

Snowshoe 101 Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 1-2 p.m.

Community Ink Day: Print Your Valentines Grand Marais Art Colony 1-4 p.m. www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Candlelight Ski, Skate and Snowshoe at Hartley Nature Center Duluth 4 p.m. www.duluthxc.com

Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center Duluth 6 p.m. www.duluthxc.com

Candlelight Snowshoe and Hike Split

Rock Lighthouse State Park 6-8 p.m.

Community Dance with the SplinterTones Hovland Town Hall. Potluck Dinner at 6 p.m., Splintertones play 7-10 p.m.

Joe Paulik Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 6:45 p.m. www.joepaulik.com

Niicugni Catalyst Dance Performance

Arrowhead Center for the Arts Grand Marais 7:30 p.m. www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org

The Last Revel Band Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 9 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Bed of Roses Bon Jovi Tribute Band Grand Portage Lodge & Casino 9 p.m. www.grandportage.com

Cloud Cult Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 9:30 p.m. www.lutsen.com

Feb. 8, Sunday

Kidski Lessons for Kids Ages 4-12 at Snowflake Nordic Ski Center 2-3:30 p.m. www.duluthxc.xom

Classical Evening of Flute and Piano with Samuel Black and Betty Braunstein Bluefin Grille Tofte 6-8 p.m. www. bluefinbay.com

Moose Presentation at Caribou Highlands Lodge 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Cloud Cult Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 9:30 p.m. www.lutsen.com

Feb. 9, Monday

Jeremy Messersmith Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 10, Tuesday

Headlamp Ski at Piedmont Trails Duluth 7 p.m. www.duluthxc.com

Feb. 11, Wednesday

Wednesday Night Ski Races, Spirit Mountain-Classic 6:30 p.m. www.duluthxc.com

Rich Mattson & Germaine Gemberling Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 11-15

Northern Fibers Retreat North House Folk School Grand Marais www.northhouse.org

Feb. 12, Thursday

Building Better Homes Workshop Community Center Grand Marais www.cookcountylocalenergy.org

Feb. 12-15

Duluth Playhouse Presents: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof www.duluthplayhouse.org

Feb. 13, Friday

Movie Night at Tettegouche State Park Showing “Dirt!” Dessert and warm beverages provided. 6:30 p.m.

Rocky Laporte with Dave Atkinson and Chris Holland Comedy for Kids Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 8 p.m. (EST) www.tbca.com

Metereologist Dan Miller Speaks on Aurora Borealis International Wolf Center

Ely 6:30 p.m. www.wolf.org

Art Quilt Exhibit Opening Reception

Grand Marais Art Colony 5-7 p.m. www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Carly Waito, Dagmara Genda, Julia Pott

Opening Reception. Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay. 7 p.m. (EST) www.definitelysuperior.com

Feb. 13-15

Fireside Chat Weekend at Sivertson Art Gallery in Grand Marais. See www.sivertson.com for individual event times.

Pincushion Winter Festival Grand Marais www.pincushiontrails.org

Feb. 14, Saturday

Valentine's Day

Hungry Jack Lake Drag Race

Hungry Jack Lodge 11 a.m. www.boreal.org/ridgeriders

Winter Camping 101 at Tettegouche State Park 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe Oberg Mountain Trailhead near Tofte 6-8 p.m.

Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert Greater Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.michaelmonroemusic.com

Adrian Legg Arrowhead Center for the Arts Grand Marais 7:30 p.m. www.northshoremusicassociation.com

Tom Cochrane with Red Rider Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 8 p.m. (EST) www.tbca.com

The Mosspiglets Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 8 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

SpinterTones Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 14-16

Voyageur Winter Carnival Fort William Historical Park Thunder Bay www.fwhp.ca

Feb. 15, Sunday

Vintage Snowmobile Rendezvous 10 a.m. Wildhurst Campground Finland (218) 353-7337

Kidski Lessons for Kids Ages 4-12 at Snowflake Nordic Ski Center 2-3:30 p.m. www.duluthxc.xom

Lonnie Dupre Presents Film Cold Love Lutsen Resort Ballroom 5:30 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Weekly Events

Monday

Live Music at Bluefin Grille in Tofte 8-10 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Tuesday

Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Gordon Thorne at Moondance Coffee House in Lutsen 5:30-7 p.m. www. moondancecoffee.com

Live Music at Poplar River Pub in Lutsen 6-8 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Open Mic Night with Boyd Blomberg Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 7 p.m. www.lutsen.com

Wednesday

Open Mic Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 5-9 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Thursday

Eric Frost & Bill Hanson Poplar River Pub in Lutsen 6-8 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

North House Folk School Skill Share Class Grand Marais 7-9 p.m. www.northhouse.org

Classical Guitar with Scott Fraser Bluefin Grille Tofte 6-8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

The White Hurricane of 1913 Presentation at Caribou Highlands Lodge 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Timmy Haus Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Joe Paulik Sven & Ole’s Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.joepaulik.com

Feb. 16, Monday

Winterfest at Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay www.thunderbay.ca

Meg Hutchinson Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 18, Wednesday

Alan Sparhaw Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 18-22

Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show Held at the DECC www.shamrockprod.com

Feb. 19-22

Duluth Playhouse Presents: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof www.duluthplayhouse.org

Feb. 20, Friday

Clearwater Hot Club Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Feb. 20-22

Cook County Curling Club Open Bonspiel in Grand Marais www.cookcountycurlingclub.com

Feb. 21, Saturday

Snowshoe 101 at Gooseberry Falls State Park 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Baptism River Snowshoe at Tettegouche State Park 1-3 p.m.

Candlelight Snowshoe and Hikes

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Gooseberry State Park 6-8:30 p.m.

Maria Nickolay Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub 7-9 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

Joe Paulik Sven & Ole’s Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.joepaulik.com

Clearwater Hot Club Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Big Wave Dave & The Ripples Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Live Music at Bluefin Grille in Tofte 8-10 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Dance Party with DJ Beavstar Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 9 p.m.-1 a.m. www.lutsen.com

Friday

Live Music at Moguls Grille & Tap Room in Lutsen 4-6 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Live Music at Bluefin Grille in Tofte 8-10 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Friday Night Live Music with Timmy Haus Papa Charlie’s Lutsen 9 p.m. www.lutsen.com

Saturday

Music by the Fireplace Lutsen Resort 7-10 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

See What’s for Dinner International Wolf Center Ely 7 p.m. www.wolf.org

Sunday

Classical Music Bluefin Grille Tofte 6-8p.m. (except Feb 1.)

Feb. 21-22

WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race Ely www.wolftrackclassic.com

Feb. 22, Sunday

Classical Evening of Flute and Harp Music Bluefin Grille Tofte 6-8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Ten Reasons to Love Winter Presentation at Caribou Highlands Lodge 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Gerry Dee, The Real Mr. D Comedy Tour Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 7:30 p.m. www.tbca.com

Feb. 23, Monday

Barbara Jean Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 24-25

Beauty and the Beast, the Broadway Musical Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 7:30 p.m. www.tbca.com

Feb. 25, Wednesday

Jerree Small Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 28, Saturday

Viva Kneivel Papa Charlie’s Lutsen www.lutsen.com

Feb. 25, Wednesday

Wednesday Night Ski Races, Spirit Mountain-Classic 6:30 p.m. www.duluthxc.com

Feb. 26, Thursday

Timmy Haus Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Feb. 27, Friday

The Thunderheads Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 9 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Feb. 27- Mar. 1

Central Canada Outdoor Show SportsDome Thunder Bay www.tbchamber.ca/outdoor

Feb. 28, Saturday

Cherry Dirt Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub 7-9 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

The Thunderheads Gun Flint Tavern Grand Marais 9 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

The North Shore Dish Taste India and Thailand in Thunder Bay

By Kelsey Roseth

There’s a cozy, unassuming brown house tucked behind a tall evergreen or two on Algoma Street North in Thunder Bay. Blink while driving down this busy, mixed-use street and you may just miss the small, bright red sign out front that states Indian and Thai cuisine can be found inside.

However, if you are one of the lucky locals or tourists who happen to catch a glimpse of the words “Masala Grille” on the sign as you cruise past—I urge you, just stop. Pull over, park your car and follow the inviting walkway up to the front door. It will be well worth the detour, because once you step inside, you’ll feel as though you snapped your fingers and ended up in India. It’s magical.

“We try to create an ambiance that will take someone to another place … so they have an intimate dining experience,” said Rama Agarwal, the Masala Grille’s owner. Back in 2006, Agarwal and a group of business partners noticed that there was something missing from the local food scene: authentic Indian and Thai cuisine. The group decided to found the Masala Grille and the restaurant set up shop in a 100-year-old house in a prime location.

Fast-forward to 2015, and the inviting restaurant (which seats up to 170 people) is filled with furniture, statues, dishes and hand-carved crafts shipped straight from India and vivid tapestries hang from the ceiling. More impressive than the alluring décor, however, is the caliber of the Masala Grille chefs. Most are recruited from India in an effort to provide diners with the best experience possible.

“Before we hire abroad,” said Agarwal, “we make sure there is no one available in the country willing to move to Thunder Bay to take the position.”

Sure, it sounds simple, but hiring a chef skilled in authentic Indian cuisine is a tall order. The Masala Grille has high standards for its chefs and only those with specific qualifications pass the test: they must be trained at an Indian culinary school and have worked at top hotels or other places of prestige in India, or, have similar experience. Potential candidates must be extremely knowledgeable about spices and have two to three years of experience working with tandoor ovens and curry dishes.

It’s the tandoor oven experience that typically sets chefs apart. “You need the

confidence to know that you are doing it right,” said Agarwal.

The tandoor is basically a large, heated clay pot that reaches up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and gives food a smoky, charcoal flavor. The Masala Grille’s tandoor is the only oven of its kind in Thunder Bay. It’s crucial that chefs can handle the highheat environment and work well under its pressure.

You would think it would be a challenge to recruit international chefs but Agarwal said it’s an easy sell; Canada has a solid reputation abroad.

“There are a lot of people who are looking to come to Canada, whether it is better pay … [or to] find a place to establish permanent residence,” she said. “They consider coming and bringing families, and want to educate their children in Canada.”

A few years ago, Vivek Sarin passed the rigorous qualifications review and now serves as the respected chef of the grille. Sarin was a credentialed candidate: he has a two-year diploma in cooking that he received in India, he completed an additional three-year apprenticeship and he worked for nearly a decade at some of India’s finest five-star hotels including The Park Hotel and the Grand Hyatt, both in New Delhi. He also introduced Indian cuisine to an Iranian food chain in Dubai.

Sarin said Indian and Thai food each

have a specific sets of spices that make up the cuisine, and both have individual cooking styles. In fact, “Masala” means “blend of spices” and the grille takes those spices seriously; Sarin refuses to combine ingredients from different cuisines. For example, he won’t substitute parsley for cilantro in recipes, as that’s not authentic.

“Every cuisine is different,” Sarin said,

referring to Indian, Thai, Italian cuisine, and the like. “If you combine those, it is called fusion cuisine. We don’t do that in Indian cuisine.”

Sarin insists that the authenticity of flavors is key when creating true Indian or Thai food. Indian dishes are set apart by

Kebabs and Naan. | SUBMITTED

Chef Vivek Sarin brings expert experience to the Masala Grille. | SUBMITTED

their spice set: ginger, garlic, turmeric, cumin, curry leaves and mustard leaves, among other ingredients.

The recipes are made from-scratch, and the chef works to pick the finest ingredients possible, purchased locally or from Toronto. He avoids canned food at all costs.

“We make everything fresh,” he said. “Whenever you step inside the Masala Grille you feel the flavor. The can will not give you that flavor.”

The hand-made naan bread is a restaurant specialty and one of Sarin’s personal favorite recipes. There are 100’s of possibilities—cheese naan, onion naan—some of which are taught at the cooking classes hosted regularly by the restaurant.

“Preparing Indian food at home is a complex cooking experience,” said Agarwal. Each class is tailored to the attendees’ personal preferences and the grille accommodates experience levels, allergies and interests.

Sarin’s recipes have helped the restaurant grow: business has boomed by word-of-mouth, which can be challenging for a restaurant with Indian and Thai cuisine. Agarwal said many people hear that Indian food is spicy and avoid it. However, spice doesn’t necessarily mean an intensity of heat.

“A lot of people have preconceptions about Indian food,” said Agarwal. “We have something for pretty much anyone.”

Masala Grille

Assorted Vegetable Pakoras

Ingredients:

Batter

1 bunch of coriander leaves

500g besan (chickpea flour)

1 tsp. ajwain (carom seeds)

2 tsp. chopped ginger

2 tsp. red crushed chili

1 tsp. turmeric powder

2 tsp. cumin powder

2 tsp. coriander powder

2 tsp. ginger powder water, as required a pinch of baking powder salt to taste

Assorted vegetables

Preparation Directions:

Mix all dry ingredients together and add water gradually to make a thick batter. Marinate the vegetables with the same spices and lemon juice and keep aside for 10-20 minutes.

Cooking Directions:

In preheated oil, dip vegetables to fully coat with batter. Place in oil to deep fry until golden brown. Sprinkle with chat masala and serve hot with your favourite chutney or sauce.

The cuisine requires an elaborate spice palette. | SUBMITTED

Masala.

Redefining Diet

By Kim Falter

There are four definitions in the Merriam Webster Dictionary for the word diet.

The first definition is, “food and drink regularly provided or consumed” and also, “habitual nourishment.” According to this definition we should consider our “diet” what we consume each day. If you eat fast-food meals all day and have a candy bar for a snack—this is your diet. If you eat three healthy meals made from scratch and snack on nuts and berries—this is your diet.

The second definition is what we most commonly associate with diet: “to cause to eat and drink sparingly or according to prescribed rules”—in other words, planning out your food consumption in order to achieve weight loss or follow a certain lifestyle.

The third definition, “reduced in calories” uses the word diet to describe a product low in calories such as, “a diet soda.” This third definition shifts our understanding of diet from that first definition to the second, making an honest conversation about diet a bit tricky.

Dieting to lose weight is a big deal in this country. We’re talking a $20 billion dollar industry, according to recent estimates. Millions of Americans are currently changing the way they eat to lose weight, boost health, or for personal beliefs. Which is great, but studies have shown that most people make several attempts to diet every year with little success, and obesity is still on the rise.

So maybe we need to take a look at these definitions again, because it seems that when we put rules to what we

eat and when we eat it (definition No. 2), we are setting ourselves up for failure. And when we describe something as “diet,” meaning it has fewer calories (definition No. 3), we really aren’t looking at what a calorie actually is.

Which brings us to the first crux of the problem: calories are not created equal. We have been told that maintaining proper weight is simple: calories in, calories out. If you limit your calories and get proper physical activity, you will maintain health or in other words, if you eat more calories than you burn off through exercise, you will gain weight. So abiding by this “rule” if you will, you can consume all of your calories from sugary carbonated beverages and candy bars, get enough exercise, and be the picture of health.

But this mode of thinking ignores unhealthy levels of sugar in lieu of the calorie count. This is why time and time again calorie counting diets fail, or why foods labeled “diet” aren’t really so, because calories are not created equal.

For example, you have two items up for possible consumption: 160 calories of a sugary beverage like cola or fruit juice vs. 160 calories from an apple. The big difference: fiber. When you consume a sugary beverage or any other food with limited fiber, the body processes it quickly and the liver has no choice but to deposit the sugar as fat. The 160 calories from that apple, on the other hand, contain fiber. The fiber helps the body process the sugar slower, allowing it to be absorbed and deposited in ways that lead to healthy usage, not a spike in blood sugar or a direct deposit as fat.

The second crux, if you haven’t guessed? Sugar. If you eat a typical American diet, you are consuming a lot of sugar. It’s not that sugar is bad, we do need some sugar, but the levels we currently eat are excessive. Which is part of why we have a serious problem with obesity, why diabetes is on the rise and the reason we are seeing diabetes in children which was very rare until now. When we stray from a diet rich in whole, natural foods like fruits and vegetables, grains and nuts, and healthy proteins we are exposing ourselves to sugar in levels that are unhealthy to our bodies, lead to unnecessary weight gain, and a whole host of health problems.

So maybe we need to go back to viewing diet by that first definition: “food and drink regularly provided and consumed.” This is not to say that some of those fad diets out there are bad, actually most of them, at their core, stress the importance of whole foods. Even Weight Watchers has adjusted its point system to account for the benefits of fiber at slowing down the uptake of sugar.

If we define our diet by what we eat and not rules and regulations or what fad diet is trending, if we listen to our unique body and make healthy choices, then “diet” is not a series of rules or a reduction in calories; rather, it becomes the food and drink you consume each day and habitual nourishment.

Kim Falter is the Wellness Coordinator at Cook County Whole Foods Co-op.

Love Potions

HOME REMEDIES FOR YOUR VALENTINE

By Kelsey Roseth

Queue the daisy throwing! It’s Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air. Or, maybe after spending the last few long, cold months cooped up in the house with your significant other (bickering about whose turn it is to shovel the driveway), love may not really be in the air—but that’s nothing a little ambiance can’t fix.

If you’re planning on hosting a red-hot, romantic evening at home this Valentine’s Day, we figured that you may need some help getting in the right mindset. After all, most of us are a little stressed (or down in the dumps) this far into winter. So, we reached out to a few North Shore experts, asking for home remedies that can help you make the most of the holiday. Here are their recommendations:

THE DRINK

Love Martini by Kamloops Restaurant

This fun, flirty drink is a hot seller at Kamloops Restaurant year-round, but Valentine’s Day is this pink martini’s time to shine. “People are always asking what’s in it and wanting to try it,” said Samantha Robbins, a server at the Superior Shores Resort restaurant. “It’s fruity and it’s different. There are a few returning guests who always ask for it.” To make the Love Martini at home, combine one and a half shots of coconut rum, one ounce peach schnapps and three ounces of cranberry juice in a martini glass. Garnish with a fruit of your choice.

THE DESSERT:

Swedish Cream by Lutsen Resort on Lake Superior

The Swedish Cream is a Lutsen Resort tradition; the dessert has been on the menu for about 40 years. “It’s basically an almond cream that is thickened with gelatin. It eats like a smooth crème brulee or a mousse with a slight almond flavor,” said Executive Chef Rob Wells. This fan-favorite dessert is topped with whipped cream and lingonberries, which are tart Swedish berries. It takes about 30 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1 cup sugar

1.5 tsp unflavored gelatin

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

2 cups sour cream

Directions:

1. Bloom gelatin in cold water

2. Heat cream and sugar to dissolve

3. Remove from heat

4. Add gelatin

5. Add sour cream, vanilla and almond extracts

6. Stir until smooth, and strain through a mesh colander into a bowl

7. Pour mixture into glasses for serving, and chill in refrigerator for at least an hour

8. Top with stirred lingonberries and whipped cream

THE MOOD: Massage + Calming Essential Oils

Nothing beats a nice massage. So, why not fight for the “S.O. (that’s significant other) of the Year Award” and treat your partner to a nice, long massage on Valentine’s Day? Make sure to swing by the store for some essential oils. It’ll make the moment extra-special.

“Smell is closely linked to

the brain, which stimulates our senses,” said Dr. Shannon May, LAC, “That’s where essential oils come in.”

Dr. May is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist at Nourish in Duluth whose practice revolves around holistic health. She has years of education and experience using natural techniques to bring the body back in balance. For an easy, home relaxation remedy, she recommends putting a few drops of essential oil in the bath, on a

pillowcase, or on a shirt collar. Or, you could add 5-10 drops of essential oil to a warm bowl of water and let it aerate the room. Dr. May also suggests adding the oils to a basic massage or almond oil to enhance a partner massage. A combination of jasmine, ylang ylang and rose is extremely romantic.

“Jasmine really has the power to inspire strength and confidence,” she said.

THE MUSIC:

Classic Barry White, Classic Marvin Gay and D’Angelo’s Black Messiah Album

The best Valentine’s Day tunes are “for sure, R&B,” said Carrie Brown, the general manager of the Electric Fetus in Duluth. She said Barry White and Marvin Gay are classic choices, and that D’Angelo is seriously worth checking out. D’Angelo’s new album is called Black Messiah, and it’s been selling like mad in both the record store’s Duluth and Twin Cities locations.

“It’s totally romantic,” said Brown.

Even for those who aren’t usually R&B fans, it’s perfect to put people in the mood.

“R&B is a little more on the romantic side simply because of the rhythm and tempo,” said Brown.

Perhaps you can pair the romantic tunes with some of the store’s signature lotions. Auric Blend’s Egyptian Goddess lotion is popular right now, and Minnesota-based Illume’s “Woodfire” candle is “off the hook,” said Brown.

You know, you could just make this easy on yourself and let the experts take over. Dr. May can get you in for a calming acupuncture session to help you de-stress and

and both Kamloops Restaurant and Lutsen Resort can treat you and your partner to an unforgettable dining experience this Valentine’s Day—reservations required of course. Happy holiday planning!

Congratulations to the 2014 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS HM

This year we received almost 300 entries for our photo contest, a large increase from previous years. The quality of entries impressed us in all categories and judging was difficult. We all had our favorites, and in the end we learned that photos move each of us individually in many ways. Thank you for sharing your family and friends, the landscapes around you, and the dogs in your lives. First place receives $250 in North House Folk School course credit, second place receives $50, third place receives $25, and we also chose an honorable mention. This issue, we are presenting the winners in the people and dogs categories. The 2015 contest will begin later this summer.

Category: People

#1 Rock on with Kids

Lauri Hohman, Silver Bay

Ken Greshowak, Duluth

Sandra McHugh, Lutsen

HONORABLE MENTION

Thompson Loggers

Melissa Thompson, Grand Marais

#2. Big Surf

#3. Grandson Fishing

Category: Dogs

HONORABLE MENTION: Giant Puppy

#1. Lake Loving Dog

Brenda Hadrich, McGregor

#2. Frosty Faces

Vicki Schmidt, Fargo, ND

#3. Dog/Squirrel Stand-off

Charlie Helbling, Grand Marais

Alex Carlson, Grand Marais

Northern Trails Winter Whitefish

By Gord Ellis

Whitefish are a study in contrasts. On one side of the coin you have a soft-looking fish with a small mouth, large scales and unusual smell. On the other side, you have a fish that can spool an unsuspecting panfish angler.

Those mixed messages have kept whitefish something of a mystery to most anglers in northern Ontario. There are remarkably few who target whitefish despite their relative abundance in both Lake Superior and many inland lakes. More people should be angling these fine fish, as they are both wonderfully exciting to catch and delicious to eat.

Whitefish really aren’t that hard to catch. However, there are some tricks to doing it both in location, tackle and electronics. Here are a few tips.

LOCATION

I realize saying winter whitefish can be caught in nearly every depth during the winter is not that helpful. It might even be considered confusing. These fish do, however, have a habit of being unpredictable in their movements. Yet, whitefish like deep water, and there are always some of them at the bottom of a drop off, or at the base of a reef. In Lake Superior they can be found very deep, but I prefer to fish them in less than 30 feet of water in sand-bottom bays or off main lake points.

Lake Superior is so clear you can often sight-fish for whitefish by looking down the hole, although you will need a darkened tent or shack to do so. In water too deep or dark to sight fish, electronics are critical. Obviously, you don’t have to own electronics to catch a whitefish. It was being done long before technology came along. However, the information you receive from a flasher will definitely improve your chance at success.

A flasher will show you the depth, where your lure is at, and if there are fish around. You will be able to see if fish are coming in and then leaving, or hanging around but not hitting. If you mark no fish in 10 or 15 minutes, you move to another hole. Knowledge is power and an ice fishing flasher will give you heaps of it.

TECHNIQUES

Traditional vertical jigging spoons like the Swedish Pimple, Hopkins, Snakie, PK Spoon or Williams will take bottom-hugging whitefish in deep water. Whitefish like to hang near humps and at the base of drop offs. The technique used to catch these fish is really quite simple. Attach a quarter or half ounce spoon to a clasp (no swivel) and drop it to the bottom. Then snap the spoon up at least a foot and follow it with the rod tip as it flutters back down to the bottom. Then repeat. If you’re getting line twist, add a barrel swivel about a foot above the clasp. Although I’ve caught hundreds of whitefish with jigging spoons, I’m still shocked at how hard they hit them and how effective a big slab of metal is on these delicate looking critters.

A lift-drop technique works well, and a lot of hits happen as the spoon flutters down. Last winter I fished a lake near Sioux Lookout with a couple of friends. The lake was known for large whitefish up to 8 pounds, so I was pretty excited about the trip. I was fishing a small blue and silver Williams spoon and was in about 25 feet of water.

Jigging the spoon was interesting, as it was lightweight and the lift and pause technique required patience as the spoon fluttered down. Most of the hits were coming on the fall and often there was no strike registered. I landed several beauties jigging this way and rarely felt the strike. Whitefish have a small, under slung mouth, but can open it up like a snake to eat a fluttering spoon.

You can also catch whitefish on lightweight ball-head jigs and minnows. Drop

the jig down and let it drift to the bottom. Whitefish can be difficult to detect when they suck in a small minnow on a jig so be ready to strike if you feel anything odd. Again, using a flasher will help you here as you can often see the fish take the bait before you feel it. Multi-coloured bucktail jigs of a quarter-ounce or so are also a good whitefish lure. Give the bucktail a subtle, swimming action near the bottom. Whitefish will hit a bucktail jig when they are ignoring just about everything else.

To jig for whitefish through the ice, use a medium action 2-to 3-foot ice jigging rod with a quality spinning reel. I traditionally used 8-pound monofilament for most whitefish jigging but have switched to ten

pound braid. The line is a little thinner and stiffer and gets the hooks in well. You do need to play the fish a bit more carefully, however, as whitefish have a thin membrane around the mouth and the hook can pull out easily. Be easy on the drag and no horsing. Always use a mono or fluorocarbon leader of about 3 feet when you use braid. Whitefish are a bit line shy and the leader allows for a little stretch on the hook set.

Whitefish are good fighters, relatively numerous and simply fantastic eating. Take the whitefish challenge this winter and be amazed. They are certainly the most overlooked sport fish in northern Ontario.

Ben Beattie of Sioux Lookout with a trophy sized whitefish. | GORD ELLIS

Whitefish: the most overlooked sportfish in northern Ontario. | GORD ELLIS

Life Under the Ice

Story and Photos by

Joseph Friedrichs

Ice. Frozen water. It forms, expands and melts. Nothing more, nothing less… right?

Well, that depends on whom you ask.

“Ice cover is an important component of northern freshwater ecosystems,” said Cliff Bentley, a DNR hydrologist for Lake and Cook counties. “It influences a variety of biological, chemical and physical processes necessary for the species that have adapted to live in these systems.”

Though simplistic by its very definition (ice: frozen water, a brittle, transparent crystalline solid), the role of ice throughout the Northern Wilds is vital in a variety of ecosystems, as well as an important tangible in the identity and culture of the people who live here.

In Northeast Minnesota, where brutally cold weather goes hand-in-hand with winter, ice is valuable to lakes, particularly those with greater depth, according to Dave Wright, a limnologist (lake biologist) with the DNR. In deep lakes, Wright noted, most of the water column remains unfrozen and available as habitat for aquatic organisms. The formation of ice also reduces or eliminates three processes—wind-energy inputs, solar radiation/light input and

contact with the atmosphere—that are key regulators of the behavior of lakes.

“Ice is good for deep lakes because it helps insulate them from the extreme cold of winter,” Wright said, “allowing liquid water and the organisms that live in it to exist only a few feet from subzero temperatures.”

In northern Minnesota, water is perhaps the most abundant and unique natural resource available. It is unique because it expands, becomes lighter and floats when it freezes into ice, according to Erika Herr, a DNR area hydrologist in Itasca County. If water shrank when it changed from a liquid to a solid, it would sink. If this sinking phenomenon occurred, ponds and lakes would freeze from the bottom up and become solid blocks of ice. This would make life impossible for most kinds of aquatic plants and animals and indirectly affect the entire ecosystem, Herr noted.

“The life cycles of many aquatic organisms are linked with ice cover and temperature,” she said.

Ice phenology, which is the seasonal, cyclic process of ice formation, is subject to change due to a variety of factors, including air temperature and wind. Scientific studies show that changes in freeze-up and break-up dates correspond to an increase

in air temperature over the past 150 years, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center located in Boulder, Colo. A study conducted in small inland lakes in the Great Lakes region shows a warming trend during the cold season from 19162007. Not only is ice duration decreasing, but ice thinning is occurring at a rate of 0.003 inches per decade, according to the NSIDC.

Changes in ice phenology can lead to warmer lake temperatures, increases in a lake’s heat storage and delayed ice formation, Bentley noted. The nutrient and chemical composition of lake water also changes with warmer winters, including changes in water color and concentrations of calcium and magnesium. The amount of ice on a lake can affect the lake heat

Ice insulates the aquatic life in the lake below from the harsh temperatures of deep winter.

A little ice doesn’t stop Maggie Nielsen from fishing.

budget, Herr said, meaning less ice would equal less cool-water habitat.

There is essentially no debate that ice-cover reductions would impact lake ecosystems. Ice cover usually reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the bottom of lakes, killing off some species of large-bodied fish, according to the NSIDC. This helps maintain the balance between large fish and their prey species, Wright noted.

“There would clearly be impacts to Minnesota’s shallow lake resources if there was less ice or no ice,” he said.

In addition to the significant role ice plays in the ecosystem of a lake, it doubles as a valuable resource for humans as well. Ice fishing in the Boundary Waters and surrounding area are among the most popular outdoor activities during winter, along with cross country skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding, all of which can take place on frozen bodies of water.

There are also many areas in northern Minnesota that rely on ice-based transportation during the winter, Herr said. Some of the state’s largest bodies of water, including Rainy Lake, even construct “ice roads”

during winter to provide easier locomotion throughout the area.

The presence of ice also substantially reduces the rate at which water evaporates from a lake’s surface, according to Wright.

“Although one might anticipate that evaporation rates would be very low at cold winter temperatures, that is not the case,” he said. “For large lakes, like the Great Lakes, the amount of winter evaporation is a significant component of the lake’s annual water budget, and the water that evaporates can have major impacts on communities and ecosystems in the downwind snow belt.”

All species, from curlyleaf pondweed to the moose, are impacted by ice cover. For humans, ice can be something to cherish, despite the fact its presence means cold temperatures outside. For life in this region, ice is far more than frozen water. It is an essential link to survival.

“I suspect that a number of species are well adapted to surviving periods with prolonged ice cover,” Wright said, “and might not have the same competitive advantage in an environment where ice was less prevalent or absent.”

• Only 6 miles from Lutsen Mountains Ski Resort, Affordable Ski Packages available.

• Enjoy miles of snow shoe and groomed cross country ski trails just minutes away.

• Spectacular views of Lake Superior from each of our condos and lakefront hotel rooms

• Condos are fully furnished and include a

and

• Indoor pool and hot tub

• Whirlpool and Pet units available

WHY GO: In the winter, it’s fairly easy to reach this lake trout destination. There aren’t many big lakers in Moss, but it’s known as a numbers lake. In the soft water months, smallmouth bass become a target for anglers.

ACCESS: Moss Lake is accessible via a portage trail from the Hungry Jack Rd. on the Gunflint Trail or from a portage trail on Birch Lake at the far east end of that lake. The trail from Birch pops out on the western end of Moss.

VITALS: Though its northeast corner borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and provides access to Duncan Lake, which is in the BWCAW, Moss is entirely in the Superior National Forest. It’s a 254-acre lake with one deep basin that has a maximum depth of 86 feet.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Lake trout and smallmouth bass.

LAKERS: Moss used to be stocked by Minnesota DNR about every three years. It’s received both the Gillis Lake and Mountain Lake strains of lake trout, according to Minnesota DNR’s Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor Steve Persons. But the lake, which once had its own native strain of lakers before being poisoned back in the 60s (more on that below), has had enough natural reproduction of lakers that DNR has discontinued the stocking program,

which would have otherwise likely seen another stocking in 2014.

“It’s always really good to see these fish reproducing on their own,” Persons said. “We don’t know if that’s the Gillis fish or the Mountain Lake fish that have done so well,” Persons said. “Whatever they are, they seem to like where they are at.”

Persons said Moss has generally had a higher number of lake trout than most lakes in the area.

“People there have good luck, but they aren’t going to be big,” he said, noting that most catches are between 14 and 16 inches. Though there are white suckers in the lake, the lakers probably feed mostly on bugs, and there probably aren’t many trout longer than 20 inches, Persons said.

SMALLIES IN THE SUMMER: Smallmouth bass aren’t native to Moss, and biologists first became aware of their presence around 1987, Persons said.

“By then, they were pretty well established,” Persons said, noting that the bass haven’t seemed to interfere with the lake trout population, since smallmouth target crayfish as the staple of their diet.

MOSS LAKE

There’s some decent-sized smallies in the lake, with some fish reaching three and four pounds, he said, though it’s more of a June to September fishery. “People going in there looking for smallmouth bass can do very well,” Persons said.

RECLAMATION HOLDING UP: The lake was reclaimed, or poisoned, back in the 1960s to manage it specifically for lake trout. There were lake trout in the lake at the time, so that natural strain is long gone now, but those fish had to compete with other fish such as walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch, which had been introduced. Also lost, along with the native lakers, were ciscoes and lake whitefish, Persons said, but the reclamation has benefitted the lake trout population.

“The reclamation has held up all of these years,” Persons said.

OCCASIONAL STREAMERS: In the most recent DNR survey of the lake, back in 2009, a single brook trout, which was between 15 and 19 inches, and a single splake, which also fell into the same size category turned up.

“There is an outside chance of getting an occasional splake or brook trout coming from Birch, but it would be very rare,” Persons said. “We probably got them all. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

CAMP OUT: The U.S. Forest Service maintains one of its backcountry campsites on Moss Lake, which has a fire ring, latrine, and possibly a picnic table, according to the USDA website. There’s a nine person limit at this campsite. Access to this campsite is on a portage to the southeast corner of the lake from Hungry Jack Road. —Javier Serna

MUSH LAKE RACING DOG BLOG

Gunflint Mail Run race report, 106 miles, temps down to a wind chill of -40

The best and worst of times.

I might have known the first race of the season wouldn't go smoothly when I came down with a sore throat several days beforehand. The sore throat persisted and worsened all week, but after a doctor visit and some strong medications, I felt I should at least try to race. The dogs were ready. All I had to do was hold on, right?

The snow started Friday night, and Saturday morning, we packed up the truck and the dogs during heavy snow, which continued right through the vet check at the race start. The trail would be soft with the new snow, and when the snow stopped, the forecast called for the temperature to plummet.

As we drove to the race, I told Matt and my in-laws that I wanted to draw a start number near the end of the line-up.

But I drew bib No. 1.

We were ready to go for the 7 p.m. start and made our way to the line. A trail led out onto Poplar Lake. When the officials told me to go, we shot out onto the lake. I wasn’t thinking quick enough and when the trail forked, I called a quick “Ha!” to go left, but the team veered right, and I dug my brake into the glare ice beneath the fresh, loose snow. It must have taken 100 yards to make them stop—12 extremely hyped-up bundles of pulling power. I forced my snow hook into the ice and after calling “Ha, Ha” many times, I left the sled to go try to turn the team myself. Once they started turning, it happened fast, they kept turning and the snowhook popped and I just couldn't quite catch the sled—they turned and kept going all the way back to the start.

I started running and cursing, half-sobbing and wheezing, because I was sick and wearing 50 pounds of clothing. One musher passed me telling me my dogs were okay.

I made it back to the start, and we turned the team around, knocking my poor mother-in-law off her feet in the process. We went back out onto the lake and again, they turned right. We repeated the same

thing. I dug in my brake and finally my snowhook. I went up and carefully changed leaders, thinking maybe my veteran dog, Judy, would turn the team the right way.

Long story short, after the race marshall, Arleigh Jorgenson got dragged and I got dragged again, and several more volunteers showed up, we finally got the team on the right trail and left, losing about 40 minutes of time in the process. Within 15 minutes, another three mushers passed me and I was dead last. I turned on my headphones and settled in for the five-hour run ahead, despite being caked with sweat that was now turning cold, and the knowledge that I would never be able to make up the time I had lost. It’s a heavy feeling, and not one I wanted the dogs to pick up on.

That’s how dog runs go sometimes—you never know when everything will just fall apart. Over the next 20 miles, I would flip the sled three times, dragging on my face yelling “Whoa” until the team felt enough of a dead weight behind them that they stopped. But I also passed three teams, and when we hit Devil’s Track Lake, a huge expanse of darkness lay ahead, punctuated by a few beams of light in the distance. The dogs seemed to pick up speed out there, and by the end of the lake, we passed two more teams. By the time we returned to the checkpoint, we were back in 7th place. Still, once all the times had been adjusted, I was second to last.

Sleep didn’t happen. After the dogs were fed and bedded down, I crawled into a sleeping bag, but it was so cold, and my nose immediately plugged. I needed cold medicine. Finally I gave up and Matt and I went inside Trail Center and sat at the bar at 4 a.m., wishing morning would come a little quicker.

By the time we left for the second leg at 8 a.m., three teams had scratched from the race. It was -17 with reports of a -40 degree wind chill. The dogs took the first turn like pros, and every turn thereafter, not dumping me once. On Devil’s Track Lake, the team in front of me started veering on a trail to shore,

Northern Wilds managing editor Erin Altemus and her husband, Matt Schmidt, have 26 dogs at their Mush Lake Racing kennels. Erin’s blog chronicles the day-to-day training and adventures of sled dog racing.

Matt Schmidt and Erin Altemus before the Gunflint Mail Run. | VICKI SCHMIDT

but my leaders went the right way, again picking up speed it seemed as we headed into the wind, a 30 m.p.h. headwind that made my face burn. I tried as much as possible to crouch below the level of my sled for protection.

OFF-GRID adventures in the remote north woods not far from Grand Marais Programs Offered:

I reached a new level of appreciation for my dogs during those miles on the lake. The leaders sniffed out the trail, following my verbal cues when they needed assistance. They pushed into the wind and almost seemed to enjoy it. Tough, tough dogs. At that point, all I could do was hold on.

At the end of the lake, we cut a corner too close and I slammed into a large post, feeling like I broke my thumb. Then I snacked the team and Lion chomped down on my middle finger instead of the chunk of meat.

The best of times and the worst of times. The ups and downs, highs and lows. Everything can be perfect and then go tragically wrong in an instant. Beauty and darkness all wrapped together.

I reminded myself many times over the next 20 miles, that I wanted to be there. I chose to be doing this. I wiggled my toes to keep them from going numb, and fought back the tightness in my sore throat and ignored the burning skin on my face and felt grateful.

Reaching the finish felt somewhat epic, but when we got there, the dogs loped in, making me proud.

Perhaps our race standing didn’t show it, but I felt sure that I have the best dogs in the world.

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Dog-Based Adventures

Strange Tales

The Ancient Copper Miners of Lake Superior

By Elle AndraWarner

It is an intriguing North American mystery in our own backyard: Who were the ancient miners of Lake Superior that started prehistoric copper mines back more than 7,000 years ago?

North America’s largest source of native copper has been the copper deposits on Isle Royale and southern shore of Lake Superior in Keweenaw Peninsula. On Isle Royale alone, there are thousands of ancient mine pits, with evidence of prehistoric mining using abandoned hammerstones and fire (the rocks were heated with fire then splashed with cold water causing them to shatter, leaving the copper ready to be plucked out).

Up until fairly recent times, the prevailing belief was that the copper mining on Isle Royale and south shore of Lake Superior was too sophisticated to have been carried out by the indigenous people of Lake Superior region. As a result, various theories evolved, some claiming that it was Europeans thousands of years ago during the Bronze Age that had crossed the Atlantic Ocean and made their way to Lake Superior to mine copper.

A few years ago I came across a 1930s newspaper article that even linked mythical Atlantis to Lake Superior. Written by

Captain C. E. Misener “Ancient Civilization in Port Arthur-Nipigon Country” included this tantalizing tidbit, “What few know is that the copper miners ... were direct descendants of the Atlanteans ...”

Others do share Captain Misener’s view, including Minnesota-born retired forester Roger Jewell, author of “Ancient Mines of Kitchi-Gummi.” Jewell theorized that thousands of years ago, the Minoans—reputed to be ancestors of the survivors of Atlantis—carried out a booming international copper trade, shipping vast amounts of copper from Michigan across the Atlantic to their European smelters.

Author Gavin Menzies and a former British Royal Navy submarine commander, said in a 2010 interview that he believed the seafaring Minoans crossed the ocean to America more than 4,000 years ago and mined thousands of copper mines around Lake Superior ‘as early as 2200 BC.’

And in 2012, Greek-Canadian scientist and researcher of Aegean Scripts, Dr. Minas Tsikritsis, stated in a study of Plutarch’s text, that there was communication with America during the Minoan era, and that the “purpose of these travels during the Bronze Age was related to trade and the transportation of pure copper from Lake Superior ... From this area, about 50,000 tons of copper were mined between 2400 BC and 1200 BC.”

Other theories give credit to the Phoenicians, Berbers, Baltic, Celts or Vikings. Interestingly, ancient European contact is mentioned in Native folklore. The Winnebago refer to ‘old foreign chiefs’ in Wisconsin; the folk tradition of the Menominee (ancestral roots in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula) tell of fair-skinned “Marine Men” who came over the sea to “wound

Earth Mother by digging out her shiny bones.”

To date however, scientists say there is no archaeological evidence to support these theories.

While radiocarbon dating, archaeological digs and scientific studies have provided “conclusive evidence that aboriginal use of Great Lakes copper began during Middle Archaic times, circa 4000 BC” (Milwaukee Public Museum), the identity of the indigenous people remains a mystery. The Ojibwe of the region do not know who originally mined the copper.

Nonetheless, the accomplishments in copper mining and production using stone hammers and hatches starting more than 7,000 years ago deserve recognition. The pits were from 10-30 feet in diameter, 2060 feet in depth.

In a 1911 presentation at the Michigan Pioneer Society, the Hon. Joseph Greusel of Detroit said, “The ancient mining at Isle Royal has excited amazement … They

follow the richest veins of ore with great knowledge and skill in the art of mining. They are connected underground, and drains are cut to carry off the water … At McCargoe’s Cove there are nearly two miles of pits very closely connected; quantities of stone hammers and mauls, weighing from 10 to 30 pounds, have been found, some broken from use and some in good condition; copper chisels, knives and arrow-heads have been discovered.”

The myth and debates surrounding the mystery of the ancient copper mines continue. Who were the mystery ancient miners? How much copper was really extracted by the ancient miners (some estimate at $1.5 billion)?

And why did the miners disappear so suddenly that they left their stone tools as if they were going for dinner but then never came back?

“Radiocarbon dates of organic matter found associated with copper artifacts indicate that people were using copper in the Upper Great Lakes region ~9,000 to 7,000 years. These dates suggest metal use appeared earlier in North America than in Europe, Asia, and South America.”

northern sky

FEBRUARY 2015

By Deane Morrison— MINNESOTA STARWATCH

For a short month, February packs a lot of action, starting with the planets.

While Jupiter climbs in the east, Venus vaults up from the western horizon and waxes brilliant against the fading sunset. By mid-month, nightfall leaves the sky bookended by these two brightest of planets.

On the 21st Venus makes a close pass by Mars below a young crescent moon. Look an hour after sundown to find Mars, by far the dimmer body, just to Venus’s upper right. As Venus keeps climbing, the two planets separate.

Jupiter reaches opposition on the 6th, when Earth laps it in the orbital race and the planet appears opposite the sun in the sky. Jupiter reaches opposition every 13 months, and at a distance of 404 million miles from us, this is its closest till 2019.

On the 3rd, a full moon rises at 5:21 p.m.—right after sunset and only 12 minutes after the moment of perfect fullness. This means a gorgeously round moon against a pale sky.

Groundhog Day began as an ancient Celtic holiday, one of four “cross-quarter” days falling midway between a solstice and an equinox. It was thought that sun and shadows on that day foretold more cold, while clouds and no shadows meant rains to soften the earth for planting.

In February, the bright winter stars reach their highest point in the south during prime evening viewing hours, so

this is the best time to enjoy them and their various colors. The brightest is also the lowest: white Sirius, below Orion’s hourglass, a multistar system only about nine lightyears away. Capella, the highest, comprises two stars, each yellow like our sun. Aldebaran, northwest of Orion, glows more distinctly yellow, while Betelgeuse, at Orion’s northeast shoulder, burns red. Just east of these stars and outshining them all, Jupiter’s yellow luster puts a finishing touch on a warm canvas of winter delights.

The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth campus. For more information and viewing schedules, see the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at www.d.umn. edu/planet

A House in the Sky

By Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett Scribner, 2013

Amanda Lindhout begins her young adult life as a cocktail waitress in upscale bars in Calgary, saving her tips for long stretches of travel overseas. With each trip, she seems to become more emboldened, traveling to Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. And while she travels, she learns to become a photographer and reporter. She ends up going to Somalia in 2008 with a fellow photographer (and former boyfriend) to report on the war, despite warnings about the violence and threats to journalists. Not long into their stay, the two are kidnapped and spend 460 days in the hands of young Somalian rebel militias. Lindhout's account of this true experience is riveting. The trauma she suffers at the hands of her kidnappers is tragic, but it's told from the voice of a woman with, it seems, a good deal of compassion and empathy toward these men. While we hear of journalists kidnapped and killed around the world, we don't always get such an honest account of their experience. I was hooked from the first page.—Erin Altemus

Goodnight Loon

By Abe Sauer

Art by Nathanial Davauer

University of Minnesota Press, 2014

Fans of the iconic children's book "Goodnight Moon" will love this adaptation made for the likes of Minnesotans called "Goodnight Loon." Full of northern imagery such as hotdish, walleye, Duluth packs and yellow canoes, this flip book makes for good bed time reading, when children want to say goodnight to the moon and the loons, the lakes and the air and "the northwoods everywhere." —Erin Altemus

Scaling Ice with a Pair of Picks

By Rosemary Bray

The frozen falls of the upper Cascade River make an ideal wall for ice climbers to scale on a winter’s day. Climber and instructor, Corey Belt will not hesitate, even when the temperatures plummet to zero, to introduce others to a thrilling new way to defy winter in Cook County. With a few ropes, carabineers, and metal spikes, Belt helps his guests scale a sheer ice chute. Moving each limb in increments, they discover their abilities to pick and pull themselves to the top of a frozen waterfall.

“Ice climbing is the perfect level of challenge for most people to succeed,” says Belt. “It’s a great addition to an individual’s spectrum of outdoor activities because the skill set broadens the horizons of where you can go and what you can do in nature.”

Belt leads his tours out of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais, which provides all of the equipment and scheduling. Belt has been leading various outdoor tours for Stone Harbor for four years, but this is his first season taking people out on ice-climbing tours in the area.

Belt takes his clients through the entire process, from gear fitting to set up and safety precautions, and finally, the techniques of ice climbing. After thorough explanation, he has his climbers on belay halfway up the cascade, face-to-face with the intricate ice formations of the frozen falls, looking down at him while he encourages them to climb on.

“It’s great to have a guy like Corey with his diverse skill set and ability to lead a wide variety of tours,” says Ben Peters, director of tours at Stone Harbor. “His calm demeanor is essential in taking people out of their comfort zones to help them discover their full abilities.”

Originally from Madison, Wis., Belt has been very involved with outdoor recreation since he was a kid. He grew up going out on family camping trips and made sure to find time to frequently come up to Cook County with friends throughout high school and college.

After spending many years traveling around the world working various jobs, he decided to move to the Midwest to pursue his lifelong dream of living in a cabin in the woods.

In 2008, Belt bought land up here and created his own homestead. He serves at The Angry Trout in Grand Marais during the summer and fall season and during the winter he works for Lutsen Mountains as anything from ski patrol to security at Papa Charlie’s. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Grand Marais and a wedding of-

ficiator. Belt got roped into the sport of ice climbing while living and leading guided tours out in Alaska. For three years, he led diverse groups of people on multi-day tours around the Wrangell and St. Elias glacier mountain ranges of Alaska.

Having this background, he discovered a way to continue this activity and career in Cook County utilizing the frozen falls on the upper Cascade and Devil Track rivers.

“The great thing about Cook County is that it has the environment for all sorts of outdoor activities,” says Belt. “It may not be as extreme or big compared to other parts of the country, but definitely creates a more unique and personalized experience.”

The frozen falls in the area provide him a perfect opportunity to introduce visitors of the area to ice climbing. The route is created by stabbing ice picks and toe spikes into the ice to reach the top of the waterfall. The path up is more optional with ice climbing than rock climbing because there is no path of hand and foot holds naturally provided by a rock wall. The technique comes in using the toe spikes to provide a sturdy base, then pushing up with leg strength to make distance.

“It’s a totally unique and special way to experience a waterfall,” says Belt. “Actually being on the ridge and taking in the view from the top looking down.”

One of the major differences between rock and ice climbing is the increased amount of equipment that is necessary to climb in the winter. Climbers are working through the constriction of bulky winter clothes, and trying to stay warm brings about a whole new concern. However, this specific differentiating factor is one of the reasons Belt is so drawn to the sport.

Belt’s motives for climbing are both recreational and inspirational in the sense of introducing to people a sport that may otherwise remain out-of-the-question, dangerous, and downright unfathomable. Belt provides people with a unique and unforgettable real life experience.

“It is gratifying for me to witness people experiencing a new and extreme adventure,” says Belt. “It reminds me of the beauty and thrill in places and activities I see and do so often that are now second nature to me.”

Belt hopes for a growth of interest and awareness of ice climbing in the community because it’s available here and he feels that it is the perfect level of challenge for most people and a very unique and thrilling experience.

Frozen waterfalls are an ice climber’s winter playground. | SAM HEASTON

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Own a slice of Minnesota’s Favorite Resorts

We bring you closer. To the lake, each other and your vacation property dreams.

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Bluefin Bay Condos & Townhomes

110 w. 5tH ave. Grand Marais

3 Bedroom 2 Bath. Being sold fully furnished. Would make a fabulous home or income property.

MLS# 6003308 Price: $227,500

7412 GunFLint traiL Grand Marais

16 x 12 log cabin on five acres. Handy mid trail location.

MLS# 6002855 Price: $75,000

216 soderBerG Lane

BircH Lk GunFLint traiL

Very private cabin. One bedroom with loft. Deck and dock. Garage. 300 ft lakeshore on 7.63 acres.

MLS# 6002859 Price: $297,500

310XXX soderBerG Ln. BircH Lake

202 ft. lake shore lot on 5 acres. Driveway and build site.

MLS# 6002970 Price: $149,900

1.57X e. Hwy. 61, Grand Marais Nice 1.57 acre residential lot close to town.

MLS#6002333 Price: $35,900

253 soutH sHore deviL’s track Lake

4 Bedroom 2 Bath 3 Car Garage with Guest Cottage on 216 ft. of lake shore.

MLS# 6002643 Price: $384,900

474X soutH sHore dr., Grand Marais

Very nice 5 acre parcel near Devil’s Track abuts Fed land.

MLS# 6002390 Price: $42,500

Grand Marais 185 N Pike Lake Rd

MLS#6003124 $449,900

Tofte 90 Hoaglund Drive

MLS# 6002328 $545,000

Drop dead gorgeous Lindal Cedar home with substantial upgrades throughout entire home Owner will complete kitchen, flooring throughout and master bath to buyer suit - or new owner can complete based on own design criteria.

Lutsen 24 Lodge Lane

MLS#6002521 $254,900

Extremely well maintained 3 bedroom 2 bath Lutsen Log Lodge located on Ski Hill Road in Lutsen. Newly updated 3 season enclosed porch. Nicely appointed home with vaulted ceilings, master bedroom with private bath and jetted tub. Open main level floor plan with great room, kitchen and fireplace. Private Association with carefully crafted declarations for your benefit. Vacation Rentals and private management available or perfect for second home or permanent residence.

Enjoy the solitude on nearly 600 feet of meandering shoreline along the north side of Pike Lake. Located at the end of North Pike Lake Road this is literally the last private piece of land on this part of the lake. This home was built in 1993 and is used year round as a prime vacation spot. The property boasts 1 bedroom plus a loft that serves as additional sleeping space. Full kitchen and ¾ bathroom round out the amenities. A woodstove will keep you toasty warm on winter nights. For the summer there is a large lake facing deck. Dock and fire ring round out the amenities along the shore.

REDUCED

Grand Marais 661 Pike Lake Rd

MLS#30752 $219,900

Fantastic package! 37 acres on Pike Lake Rd. 2 bdrm 2 bath and 1 car garage. Only 8 miles to town but pure private.Direct access to Superior Hiking Trail and Cascade River.

Grand Marais 241 Mile O Pine Rd

MLS#6003228 $390,500

Gunflint Lake 3 Season Home on 200’ of prime frontage, 3 BR, 1 ¾ baths, big rock fireplace, 11 big picture windows, guest cabin, boat dock, well and approved septic. Living and dining area is nicely paneled with a paneled ceiling. Excellent Lake and woods views with 11 picture windows. The porch wraps two sides of the house and is 6” wide. The house comes with most furnishings including a big moose head, bearskin rug and flint musket to complete the North woods life. Enjoy days by the lake on a new aluminum dock.

REDUCED

windows, siding, roofing, Insulation & more.

Lutsen 505 Poplar River Rd

MLS#6002439 $419,000

The Poplar River Condominiums are Lutsen Resorts most flexible luxury accommodations. These three bedroom units offer outstanding views of Lake Superior. Nestled on 20 acres of land across the Poplar River from the Main Lodge, the site offers privacy with convenient access to all Lutsen Resort Amenities and activities.

Lutsen

48 County Road 34

MLS #6003287 $999,000

It’s unusual or likely simply unavailable to find nearly 850’ of Lake Superior shoreline spread over 13 acres in the heart of Lutsen. This property is accompanied by a three bedroom lake home that was built for the ages. The lake home is timeless with respect to design and architecture. Three bedrooms, one bath with a Great Room and wood fire place. Recent updates to kitchen and bathroom. Sincerely, likely some of the best views on the entire north shore with moderate stair access to ledge rock shoreline. Property is currently examining land considerations for Administration Sub-Division. Application is in process showing the possibility for one or two additional shoreline lots with back lots for protection. Proposed land considerations attached.

GREAT VALUE

Lutsen 261

Caps Trail Tait Lake

MLS#6001233

$334,500

Tait Lake in Lutsen. Wonderfully appointed and extremely well maintained 2 bedroom, loft and 2 bath south facing home on a 2.9 acre parcel and 190’ of shoreline with dock. Abundance of natural light throughout the home. New addition in 2006 includes second bedroom, bathroom hallway and laundry. Office added in 2011 (could be converted to third bedroom). Excellent value. Call Katterine today for your private showing.

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Jonvick Creek Beautiful home sites in mature Maple, Spruce and Birch forest. $29,500-54,900

xxx Sawbill Trail 120 Acres located up the Sawbill Trail. Large Maples MLS# 27551 $199,900

xxx Mountain Ash Ln Cedar covered hillside overlooking Lake Superior in Lutsen. MLS#60000147 $649,000

xxx Mile O’Pine 1.6 acres, Gunflint Trail. MLS#6002389 $179,900

xxx Leveaux Ridge

3.45 acres Birch Forest, pines, Lake Superior View MLS#6002548 OUTSTANDING VALUE! $29,500

Johannes Toftey Homestead Sites

Beautiful hillside lots in Tofte with Lake Superior and Carlton Peak views.

$35,750-55,000

Tofte Airport Home Sites Located between Lutsen and Tofte. Convenient Location with outstanding values.

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Tait Pines Nestled hillside adjacent to Tait Lake in Lutsen, just 13 miles up the Caribou Trail. $37,950-$57,750

Caribou Hillside Outstanding homesites tucked along the hillside of Caribou Lake. $52,250-$126,500

342 Rd Schroeder 160 acres covered in Maples, Birch, and other mixed forest. Can be sold as parcels. MLS#6000143 $199,000

REDUCED

Lutsen 5295 W Hwy 61

MLS#6002804 $129,000

Two+ bedroom manufactured home located downtown Lutsen. New septic and deck summer 2011. Newer roof, furnace and dishwasher. Great location with convenient horseshoe driveway and level lot. Solid foundation. Walking distance to “downtown Lutsen” and close proximity to area employers and related businesses. Very nice floor plan with well appointed furnishings included.

Main level laundry with separate study/craft room or 3rd bedroom option.

Hovland 90 Stonegate Rd

MLS#6002703 $699,000

This home blends pure quality restating an original Lake Superior homestead with a Clarence Kemp addition that seamlessly ties two areas under one roof with masterful eloquence. Kitchen with custom made cabinetry, high-end appliances, gas stove, granite countertops and a custom designed brick-oven. An open living space with the Great Room with vaulted ceilings with Lake Superior view. Kitchen, great room and dining room are all connected.

town on a private wooded lot. This home has 4 bedrooms and plenty of options for a new owner to add sweat equity. Property may be divisible. Mix of residential and commercial zoning.

Lutsen, MN 44 Lodge Lane

MLS#6003364 $269,500

This 3 bedroom 2 bath Lutsen Log Lodge has been carefully maintained. Main level has 2 bedrooms and a private bathroom. Second level has a private master bedroom and master bathroom with jetted tub. Open kitchen area to main great room with fireplace. Its location on the Ski Hill Road offers the convenience to year round activities in the Lutsen area. Find this opportunity as year round residence, a private vacation home and/or vacation rentals.

Lutsen, MN 5170 W Hwy 61

MLS#6003083 $349,000

Authentic and classic late 1940’s - 1950’s log home located in Lutsen near Caribou Trail. Deep, private and recessed 2 acre lot. Home has been meticulously maintained and well cared for spanning four decades and two generations within the same family. Drilled well providing seasonal water use. Septic functional but noncompliant. Cool cabin, cool piece of real estate, mutli-options present themselves for future use consideration. An all around cool place.

Ta IT Lake Home In LuTsen! Enjoy Fall leaf color from the breezy deck overlooking the 260 ft of shoreline! Tons of light flows through the Living Room focusing on Wilderness lake views. Well maintained year round home is totally dialed in and the garage boasts a roomy workshop with spacious guest suite! mL s#6002868 $349,000

oPPoRTunITY oF a LIFeTIme!

Enjoy expansive views and a lot of elbow room with over 300 ft of Lake Superior Shoreline! Well constructed home is ready to be updated! Gorgeous Stone fireplace, two car detached, Lovely Lutsen setting! mLs#600899 $679,900

m a RveLous Lk suPeRIoR LI v Ing!

Well maintained Family Compound with yr round newer home on 8+ ac and 340+ ft accessible shoreline! But’s it really about “The Shining Rocks” The “Rock 1” log cabin was built early 30’s, and it’s been lovingly maintained by only a handful of families since. Cabins Rock 1, 2 & 3 create this incredible family compound! mL s#6002529 $799,000

Meticulously Maintained, move in ready, Great Opportunity to make this your Dream Lake Superior home! mLs#6001226

BeauTY and THe BIg Lake! Quality crafted townhome features an owner’s suite so luxurious your family and guests may wonder if you’ll ever reappear! 476’ of shared shore w/ a point that juts dramatically into the lake forming Good Harbor & Cutface Creek beach. Water, sewer, ext. maint. covered by Assoc., Just Show up, Relax, and Explore! mL s#6002475 R eduCed! $337,500

LoveLY BLueFIn BaY

Lake Superior home! Modern and functional space from the kitchen overlooking the lake and Great Room, flowing through a newly remodeled upper level, you’ll fall in love with this Townhome!

Nice rental revenues makes this vacation home a keeper!

mLs#6002385 $554,900

$330,000

neW! 605 moose mTn

4 bedrm mint townhome! mL s#6002557 $297,000

neW! #70 BeHInd

CoHo! Must See!!

mL s#6003372 $560,000,

amaTIC sHoR eLIne and InCR edIBLe vIeWs! Must see Lake Superior home, main level master bedroom, very cool cobblestone fireplace, open kitchen to family floor plan! Great Tofte location, walk to Coho Café! mLs#6001714 $650,000

a nCIenT PInes on Ta IT Lake! Lovely log sided Cabin with Vaulted Ceilings, Gorgeous Fireplace, and Awesome Views! So much to Offer, yr Rnd Living on Tait Lake in Lutsen!

mL s#6003095 $369,000

mesmeRIzed on CL a R a Lake In LuTsen! Spectacular Land and Lakeshore with Fed Land across the road. Rustic Cabin to Boot! Must See $175,000 mL s#6003077

FamILY WInTeR Fun aT

THe LuTsen sea vILL as!

If you haven’t seen the Villas in a while, you better look again! Most have been updated, especially K3 and C5! Let us show you the NEW LOOK in the Sea Villas and you will LOVE them!

aT WaTeRs edge k3

vILLa, suPeR BaRgaIn aT $177,500 ReduCed ReCenTLY RenovaTed suPeR modeRn LaRge sea vILLa C5 $249,900!

nICe Lake vIeW Home oveRLook Ing nInemILe Lake! Tons of Space, great views and Affordable

Low Maintenance Living! mL s#6002645 $145,000

deeRYa R d Lake, with garage/workshop/cabin with 100 ft of Nice Shoreline and nearly 3 acres of south sloping land. Electric, well, septic tank, AND dock! Can’t beat this value for Lutsen Lakeshore Living! mLs#6001066 $139,000

QuIeT oasIs on THe BIg Lake! Relax and just Enjoy Life, A masterpiece of main level living for the couple who enjoys entertaining but also enjoys having their own space at the end of the night, why, that’s why you have two guest quarters! mLs#6003227 ReduCed! $799,999

FeaTuR ed LIsTIng! 526 Moose Mountain, Mint Condition with Great Views, a Must See at bargain R eduCed! $189,500 mL s#6002963

WILdeR ness ToW n Home FoR

CRoss -CounTRY sk IIng! Isabella location! What a great idea for those outdoor enthusiasts looking for very nice accommodations to come back to after a full day of fishing, boating, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing!

mLs#6001979 $143,000

naTuR a L BeauTY! Main level year round living just east of Grand Marais, with insulated garage! mL s#6002327 R eduCed! $189,000

FIne LI v Ing In FInL and! Cherry cabinets in Kitchen, Huge deck overlooking pines! Garage and sheds. Great price! $175,000 mL s#6002456

dev IL TR aCk Rd Home! Nice home for someone looking for sweat equity, desirable location on 10 ac of nice land! Tons of potential! $180,000 mL s#6000256

neW deC 2014! FunCTIona LLY desIgned FoR gR eaT FamILY LI v Ing! gR eaT Bu Y aT $163,500 mL s#6003318

FunCTIona L Home on 6 aC in between Lutsen and Tofte, just a minute to the Ski Hill or Sugarbush XCountry trails! Garage, tons of space! $199,000 mL s#6002213

suPeR

mL s#6001636 $240,000 CLean LInes and Easy Living in Tofte! Sweet 2 plus bedroom, detached garage and nice Lake Superior views, you will enjoy coming home after a day of outdoor adventure! A Must See to appreciate how nice this home is! mL s#6001945 $169,000

gR eaT InvesTmenT

CusTom CR a FTsmansHIP, Small Footprint design! Main level bedrm and Loft bedrm, large office, bath on upper and main floor! Huge, heated workshop/ garage, any man’s dream! Very affordable living with option to rent the garage apt. with a little finishing! mL s#6002254 moTI vaTed seLLeR $234,900

Ski, Fish and Have Winter Fun Up North! Winter Wonderlands For Sale!

s i Lver Bay to Litt L e Marais to Fin L and & i sa B e LL a!

New! Rocky Wall Overlooking Lake Superior just outside Silver Bay

$110,000 mLs#6003239

80 acres for $79,000 Blesner Lake Rd!

mLs#6003110

Show Stopping Views from this White Tail Ridge Building Site, looks over Wolf Ridge ELC, Astounding Mountain Top Views! mLs#6002468 $79,000

Rocky Wall land with Driveway in place, HUGE views of Shovel point!

mLs#6002434 $99,000

Sonju Lake Road in Finland!

Several large parcels from $44,900 mLs#6001324

Huge Lake Superior views, build site surrounded by cliff wall and creek! mLs#6001295 $89,900

160 acre parcel of upland maples and boreal forest. Beautiful forest, absolute quiet, total seclusion. Owned by the same family since 1904! mLs#6002612 $140,000

s chroeder a rea n ear the c ross r iver!

40 Ac of Maples and boreal forest meandering toward a sweet moose pond and creek, with driveway in place and cleared build site! mLs#6002822 $125,000

Sweet mint cabin on 10 ac of maples!

$87,900 mLs#6002164

Gorgeous Acreage Overlooking Sawtooth Range! yr Round, Electric. $45,000 mLs#6003185

DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and pine and y EAR ROUND ACCESS…simply said a MAGNIFICENT piece of land…tons of acreage available, or just pick up a 40 for $70,000! MUST SEE, call Emily today! MLS#6001560, multiple#’s call for full map and prices! FRom $70,000 mLs#6001560-66

10 Ac Parcels of Maples! Scramble across the Rolling Terrain of Mature Maples (Breathtaking in the Fall) to a Sweet Building site perched Over a Mixed Boreal Forest, Good Levels of Serenity For Sure! year Round Access and Electric at Road! mL s#6000676 $56,900

Sugarloaf Retreats on High Ridge Drive, located up the Surgaloaf Road from Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area, Enjoy large acreage parcels at rock bottom prices! From $62,000! mL s#25701-4

Entrepreneurs Wanted! Commercial land with storage buildings in place, Lake Superior side of Hwy in Schroeder. perfect for additional storage bldgs. To increase revenues, or start a Hardware, contractor, Farmer’s Market spot…May build to suit!! mL s#6002386 $99,000

t o F te a rea n ear B LueFin Bay r esort!

LeVeaux Mountain, Super Views and Wildlife ponds! FRom $52,500 mLs#6002929 & mLs#6002995

Just Up the Sawbill Trail Grab your little piece of the Northwoods, rolling terrain and small community feel with year round access, great build sites!

mL s#6001346 From $17,500!!

Toftevaag on the Sawbill, Nice Lake Views! Walk to the Coho, great location!

FRom $53,000 mLs#29252

Cool Spot for your Dream Home! Driveway is in place leading to a drop dead gorgeous building site with ledge rock vertical drop water fall!

mLs#6002624

ReduCed! $54,900

Lutsen Lake v iews & w i L derness Lands!

Turnagain Trail Hunting Parcel! Convenient to Everything, but end of the Road! FRom $59,000 mLs#6003036

Over 15 ac of Wilderness on Turnagain Trail in Lutsen! mLs#6002934 $69,500

Prime Build Site(s) just off theCaribou at Jonvick Creek! $49,000 mLs#6003188

Gorgeous 5 acre parcels in the Heart of Lutsen paved Caribou Trail locale bordering USFS lands! mLs#6002383 FRom 54,900-$77,500

Rollins Ridge land, hike to Oberg Mtn from your front door! mLs#6002351 ReduCed! $49,900

What an opportunity! 30 plus acres on Lutsen’s Ski Hill Rd, just down the hill from the Midwest’s best ski area: Lutsen Mountains. Great views of Lake Superior and toward Moose Mountain. property has coveted resort, commercial, residential designation. The possibilities are endless!!

mLs#6002951 $269,900

Honeymoon Trail Wildlife Lands! 10 Ac nearby poplar River in Lutsen, great hunting or hiking land at a SUpER GREAT price!

Nice Boreal Forest with build site bordering USFS lands! mL s#26729 $39,900

Caribou Lake Area Build Site on 5 Ac! At the Base of the Sawtooth Ridge overlooking Caribou Lake is this Sweet land perfect for your year round cabin with easy access to all that Lutsen Offers! mL s#6000-049 $49,900

30 acres of Prime Wilderness Land with year round access and electric at street with Views of Lutsen’s famed Clara Lake! mL s#6001462 $137,500

Lovely 20 acre parcel located on the outskirts of Lutsen, only minutes to Bigsby and Caribou Lakes! Nice mixed forest with high ground for choice building sites. Great price for your Northwoods getaway!

mL s#31531 $37,900

Gorgeous Views of Williams and Wills Lake in Lutsen! year Round Access, electric, Mountain Top site bordering USFS land. A Wonderful place to build your Northwoods home!

mL s#6001685 $79,000

Super Building Site on Honeymoon Trail Lutsen locale with electric and all year access! High ground! mL s#6001796 $28,800

Grand Marais Location Location Location!

60 Acres Minutes to Grand Marais near Devil Track Lake! Easy walking/biking access across Fed land to Monker Lake! mL s#6002586 $95,900

Birch Drive just west of Grand Marais, wilderness living with SUpER build sites, borders USFS lands, year round access! Great buy at $45,000 ReduCed! WoW! mLs#6002349

A River Runs Through It!

160 Acres of Upland and River Frontage on the Cascade River near Eagle Mountain, a Rare Find with tons of opportunity. Whether Hunting land or Wilderness Retreat, this is a Great Opportunity! mL s#31732 $140,000

Own your own park in the heart of Grand Marais! mLs#6002396 $17,000

Bordering Cascade River Park! potential to subdivide or keep it all for yourself! Nice Lake Superior Views from multiple build sites, hike right in to the park land with access to Cascade River falls and Lake Superior! mL s#31097 $200,000

County Rd 7 Murphy Mountain Lake View lands! Bargain Buys in young poplar Forest, easy clearing for Sweet Lake Superior Views for as little as $39,900! Or Enjoy Hilltop Build Site with driveway in place, creek bordering site for $89,900! mL s#25633

60 Ac with Lake Views E of Grand Marais! Keep this gem all to yourself and enjoy plenty of elbow room! mLs#6002841 $124,900

Parten Way on Pike Lake Rd! panoramic Vistas of the Sawtooths, road rough in, a five minute drive to new pike Lake Landing! yr Round access! $39,900 uP mLs#6003047

JaW dRoPPIng CooL Ca RIBou Lake LoT! Mature Maples, Birch and Cedars on hillside building site with the backdrop of ledgerock walls and Ledgerock boulder shoreline, an Architect’s Dream Site, an incredible piece of land and lakeshore! mL s#6002791 $250,000

dR eam Y Lake suPeRIoR land and lakeshore! Several acres of privacy and way more than 200 ft of Level Access Lake Superior shoreline in Schroeder, near Sugarloaf Cove Naturalist Area! mLs#6001554 ReduCed! $275,000

mY oH mY mILes oF vIeW! Lake Superior Sprawls from your feet on a park like Serene Lakeshore parcel with plenty of shoreline from an elevated building site. A Must See! mL s#6002686 $275,000

400 FT WITH 14 aC on dev IL TR aCk Lake! What more can we say? Oh yes, there is a nice meandering driveway through mature red pines leading to level access beach shoreline. Quite nice! mL s#6002721 $375,000 meandeR doW n THe dRI veWaY to your Inland Lake Dream Spot! Level Lake Access on White pine Lake in Lutsen, year round access, bordering federal land with electric at Driveway. Tons of Value, One of a Kind Spot, Must See! mL s#6002667 $175,000 gR eaT va Lue!

oNe oF a kiND l ake superior parCel

This Lake Superior lot has ledge rock, coves, creeks and a spectacular view of the lighthouse in Grand Marais and the Sawtooth Mountain ridges to the west. Only a short walk to the shops and dining in Grand Marais. The over-sized septic was installed and built to accommodate 5+ bedrooms. End of the road privacy, private bridge over a bubbling creek to access the site.

Mls#6003042 $729,000

2

trout HaveN

Six lots at Trout Haven at Hare Lake at a package price. Excellent investment opportunity. Lots platted and ready to sell. Great location within 20 minutes of Lutsen/Tofte, and just minutes from many great fishing and camping lakes in the Timber-Frear chain or BWCAW. The lots have nice elevation and gentle shoreline access. Power and phone, county road, good home or cabin sites. Mls#6003161 $295,000

solituDe oN looN lake. These lots are located on the

l ake superior beaver bay lot. Elevated site with slope to lake. Rugged shoreline. Towering white pines, spruce, birch and cedar. Must be seen to be appreciated. Views to offshore island. Great building site.

Mls #6002594 $379,000

CasCaDe beaCH

CabiN Spectacular ledge rock Lake Superior parcel on Cascade Beach Road. There are rock out-croppings, a cove and could be improved to year round. No septic sites located. Mls# 6002552 $399,000

Located along coveted Chicago Bay Road, this charming Lake Superior cottage has fresh paint, new carpet and counters. Roomy spaces with large windows for great views of the lake. Mls# 6002611 $185,000

NeW! sHareD l ake superior liviNg. This spectacular building site has pristine views of the shoreline from a nicely elevated lot. The site was prepared and is ready to build your dream home. Water, sewer, electric and broadband are ready for hookup. Only 8 owners share a park-like setting on the big lake, with gentle beach and a scenic river. Secure and private with owners association to share expenses. Building plans available. A garage site included. Located east of Grand Marais, with lake access nearby, and easy proximity to the wilderness. Mls 6003400 $124,900

peaCe aND privaCy–greeNWooD lake

Spectacular custom executive log home and retreat located on 2 lots, 750' of shoreline and over 13 acres. The main home consists of 2932 sq ft of living space. 3 bedrooms including a lovely master suite, 2 baths with showers and one with whirlpool tub. The lake view is spectacular through lots of glass from all the rooms. Mls# 6002467 $989,000

Huge parCelCasCaDe lake This is the only private land on the lake. Enjoy the utmost privacy and unspoiled wilderness views with 87 acres and over 3,000’ of shoreline. Includes a well-maintained cabin, sauna, dock and outhouse. Easy year-round access. Unique opportunity to own a private wilderness compound! Mls #31513 $700,000.

NeW! guNFliNt l ake CabiN iN piNe Forest. This cabin sits on a fantastic pine filled lot with 200 feet of meandering shore and fabulous view of the Canadian shore across the lake. The cabin needs work, it's in rough shape, but it has classic features like a wall of glass overlooking the lake, cathedral ceilings with loft and large open floor plan. A super location with great access to Gunflint and the BWCAW. Adjoining lots available. Mls 6003420 $299,000

WilsoN lake lot. Strikingly beautiful 5.4 acre lot, 355’ of shoreline with great build sites near the lake or tucked around the bluff for gorgeous views. Mls #6002430 $259,500.

MiD-trail

HiDeaWay. Charming cabin on 150' of Little Ollie Bay on Poplar Lake. Adjoins BWCAW. Easy access to Banadad Ski Trail. Nice views, deck, 2 bedrooms, bath and sauna. Used as a managed rental unit with good income and history. Mls #6002044 $259,900

NeW! guNFliNt trail--tuCker l ake lot. Have tons of privacy on this 3.68-acre lake lot with over 550 feet of shoreline, plus 237 feet more shore across the private road, in a protected bay. Nice trees, great building site. Pristine views, and direct access to the BWCAW. Tucker is a natural environment lake with a 10 horsepower motor limit. The lot has been approved for septic. Mls 6003363 $239,900

NeW! guNFliNt l ake, bWCaW, aND borDer vieWs. Nicely elevated lake lot, large white pine, easy access to the rocky, classic wilderness shoreline. Outstanding views of the Canadian shore. Super building sites with driveway in place, and power, phone and Broadband available. Meandering 200 feet of boulder shoreline. Rare chance to own a vacant lot on Mile-O-Pine Road. Mls 6003422 $230,000

NeW! guNFliNt l ake, piNes, vieWs. Nicely elevated lake lot with easy access to the 200 feet of meandering shoreline. Outstanding views of the Canadian shore. Super building site and classic wilderness lake shoreline on this huge border lake. Driveway is in, power, phone and Broadband available. Rare chance to own a vacant lot on Mile-O-Pine Road. Mls 6003423 $230,000

NortH FoWl lake. Rare opportunity to own a private wilderness escape. 2 BRs, full kitchen, comfortable living room and large deck. Large open yard, sauna, storage shed and dock. Great privacy, 200’ of shoreline, abutting the BWCAW. Water access. Mls #30184 $199,000.

Devil traCk lake - lot

This Devil Track Lake lot has easy access from county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200 ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here. Mls #6001771 $198,900.

MCFarlaND l ake - lot 5 acres and 244’ feet of shoreline waiting for your getaway. Paddle directly into the BWCAW or relax by the shore taking in the view of the Palisades. Mls# 6002905 $179,500

MCFarlaND l ake

CabiN Beautiful cedar log cabin on McFarland Lake. Cozy hide-away with sauna building, Log guest cabin, storage building. Great shoreline with new dock. Partially furnished. Large deck, nice cedar trees. Great view of palisade. Mls #6002033 $259,000

iNlaND Water properties

aMaZiNg HoMe Near trestle piNe lake. 3 BR, 2 BA home up the Gunflint Trail only a few minutes from many great lakes. Great cabing set in a private lot. The interior has an open bright feeling and is move-in ready! Mls #6002885 $169,000

Quality Devil traCk lake lot.

Heavily wooded south shore lot with 150’ of shore. Easy shoreline, great views, excellent building sites. Power/phone. More shoreline available. Mls #6001770 $149,900.

greeNWooD

l ake

Lovely, wooded lot on desirable Greenwood Lake. High elevation with spectacular views of the whole lake, bays and islands. This lot is surveyed, has a new driveway and turn around. Mls#6002946 $119,000

ot 8, NiNeMile l ake

Enjoy expansive views from this parcel that features a spectacular point with 548' of shoreline. Property features 2.3 acres with ledgerock outcroppings, mixed tree cover, and outstanding views. For added privacy, lot adjoins State of MN lands for undeveloped shoreline as your neighbor to the south. Mls #6003205 $97,900

NeW! tHis is a beautiFul soutH FaCiNg lot in a private development of 11 lots surrounded by US Forest land. Heavy tree coverage of mature of red and white pine and cedar. Minutes from the amenities of the mid Gunflint Trail area. Close to great fishing, cross country skiing, hiking, and good restaurants. Then there's always relaxing by the lake. Mls 6003402 $99,000

iNlaND Water properties

Flute reeD river property

Very nice property for your homestead or retreat. The river meanders through with a perfect build site. Heavily wooded. Electric at the road. Year round access. Mls#6003200 $45,000

NeW! aCreage overlookiNg guNFliNt l ake. Privacy near the BWCAW with 27 acres and outstanding views of Gunflint Lake and the Canadian shore. Fronting the Mile-O-Pine Road with power, phone and Broadband available. Subdivision potential. Mls 6003421 $95,000

CoND oMiNiuMs

paNoraMiC vieWs Unit 11A and 11B at Terrace Point offers buyers an opportunity to enjoy panoramic lake views and Lake Superior experiences. Architectural designs inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright and John Howe. There are numerous built in furnishings built to a high standard. Mls#6002759 $235,000 and Mls#6002760 $215,000

lake superior C oND o/toFte

Great lake views from this 2 bedroom + loft unit with 2 baths, fireplace, balcony looking up the shore. Chateau LeVeaux offers many updated amenities, indoor pool, sauna, game room, and on-site manager. Mls #6000473 $100,000.

HoMes & CabiNs

home sites were planned for generations of enjoyment and are protected by covenants. Mls# 6003206 thru 6003212 prices start at $24,900 lot 1,

CasCaDe river property If you're looking for peace, quiet, and beautiful wilderness views, this could be the location for you. Off the beaten path, yet good access. Good building sites on 25 acres overlooking the beautiful Cascade River. Mls #6002440 $84,900

trout HaveN.

Six nicely wooded, west-facing lakelots on Hare Lake. Easy county road access. Power available. Beautiful views, nice shoreline, good trout fishing. starting at $82,000.

C ouNty roaD 60 - graND Marais. Earth home with over 5 acres and a creek. South exposure with stone hearth and charming details. 4 BR, 3 BA with a 2-car detached garage. Updated and remodeled with many custom features. This home is designed for the person who wants to live the rural, energy-efficient lifestyle. Mls #6001812. priCe reDuCtioN! $219,000

beautiFul lutseN HoMe 3- BR country home in Lutsen on 3.67 acres. Light filled living and dining rooms. Eat-in kitchen. 1 3/4 baths. Full basement. Sauna. New septic system. Double detached garage. Owner /agent. Mls #6002162 priCe reDuCtioN! $209,000

CouNtry HoMe WitH Huge sHop aND apartMeNt. Quality home on secluded 20 acres in maple forest. Sunny living/ kitchen area. Expansive master loftsuite. Huge deck with large yard and open mature woods. 3-car garage. 3100 sq ft. shop/office/apt. perfect for cottage "industry" or other creative use. More land available. Mls# 6002767 $599,000

NeW! CouNtry liviNg oN 2 aCres, yet minutes to Grand Marais. Well built and well maintained rambler. 3 bedrooms, One level living with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a full basement for future expansion.

New steel siding, exterior doors and gutters. Very nice deck off the living room. 30 x 40 detached garage for all your storage needs. Mls 6003401 $195,000

log HoMe privaCy - Flute reeD river. Log Home Privacy. Tucked away on 10 heavily wooded acres is your dream log home and hide-a-way. This home has all the warmth and charm of a north-woods lodge, with one level living, open great room, sunroom, and lots of windows that bring the beautiful forest and light inside. There is a charming studio cabin for your hobbies or for guests, a large 2-car detached garage with attached living space, and a 24 X 30 pole building. Lovingly built by the seller, you'll notice the quality, care and custom details as you approach from the long and enchanting drive. Mls# 6003351 $336,500

seCluDeD reatreatCaMp 15 loop

This 2 bdr, home sits on 77 acres and features all the creature comforts with solar power and shower house, There’s

HoMes & CabiNs

HoMes & CabiNs

perFeCt starter

HoMe This cute and affordable country home with a nice, private yard. There is an A frame cottage for storage or would make a great playhouse. This is a perfect starter or empty nester. Has a nice two car detached garage. Finished second bedroom in lower level, laundry and extra storage. Mls#6003034 $149,900

NeW priCe!

log CabiNroiliNg river .

This log home sits on the scenic Flute Reed River in Hovland, just a short walk to Lake Superior's shore. The seasonal cabin has a great screen porch, modern kitchen and comes furnished with cabin-style furnishings and sportsman's décor. +/- 400' of dramatic river frontage. You can't beat the sound of a North Shore river! Mls #6003153 $140,000.

CabiN - irisH Creek roaD

Beautiful recreation, hunting, nicely forested land that hasn't been logged since early 1900. Seller is a musher and has trails throughout property and old logging roads on adjoining state lands. Mls#6002992

$67,500

CoMMerCial properties

store aND

CabiNs big opportuNity. Prime commercial location in Hovland with 1,000 feet of Highway 61 frontage. Large commercial space now operating as a gift shop, small 2 bedroom home and 1 functioning rental cottage. Two other small cabins could be rented, and there is room for many more..Mls #6003052 $299,900

CeDar grove busiNess park lots. Cedar Grove Business Park is the ideal location for your existing business or new start-up! Conveniently located in Grand Marais, near the start of the iconic Gunflint Trail. Full infrastructure in place including paved streets, municipal sewer and water, electric and telephone. Call us today for a guided tour of this unique and affordable business park opportunity. prices start at $10,000

stuNNiNg river - piNCusHioN trails. A unique opportunity for skiers and hikers. Trail easement runs through the property. The RC zoning allows for a resort/lodging type business. Mls #6003390 $85,900.

40 aCres - MoNs Creek FroNtage. Easy road access. Good building sites. Mature trees. Deeded access to Lost Lake. Mls #6002120 $79,900.

40 aC – lost lake retreats. Mons Creek flowage with great views and tons of wildlife. Private and secluded location. Includes deeded access to private lake. Mls #6002121 $79,500.

WooDs, Water & seClusioN. Nice ‘40’ with good timber and 1000’ frontage on Mons Creek. Great building site. Private deeded access to Lost Lake. Mls #6002119 $69,900.

graND Marais - City lot oN Creek Wooded lot with City services: water, sewer and electric at site. Nice south exposure and frontage on scenic Cedar Creek. Mls #6001830 $63,900

l aND oN tHe Flute reeD river Enjoy privacy and seclusion in a deep 13 acre parcel with over 300 feet of trout stream. County road with power, phone and broadband available. Good sites to build your home or cabin in the woods. Mls#6002960 $49,900

piNCusHioN trail parCel. This parcel has forest with direct access to the Pincushion Ski Trail system, Superior Hiking Trail and Devil Track River. Resort/Commercial zoning. Mls #6003391 $214,900.

NeW priCe! Caribou l ake - HoMe site

New price is well below tax assessed value, and seller is open to offers. Magnificent, old-growth cedar and maple trees frame a corner lot with a great, high build site on Sawmill Bay.185' of lake frontage. Mls# 6002756 $98,000

Maples, vieWs, privaCy. 85+ acres near Hovland. Good end of road access, adjoining tons of federal land., great view of pond. South exposure and views. Mls#6003156 $99,900

NeW! Devil traCk area parCel

Very nice 10 acre lot with direct access to South Shore Dr. Driveway to a cleared area that could be used as a building site. Slightly rolling terrain with moderately heavy growth that includes every type of Boreal Forest tree! Mls#6003184 $89,000

5 aCres - Walk to lake. Deep wooded home site –just steps from Devil Track Lake, and DNR access. Enjoy the lake without the high taxes! Mls #6002697 $72,500.

Maple Hill - HoMe site. Heavily wooded parcel with great privacy, county rd frontage, power and phone. Super location for your home or vacation retreat. Walk to golf course, easy access to Gunflint Trail or Devil Track area. Mls# 6002601 $70,500 tHirty aCres - paNoraMiC vieWs. Here is one of those rare mountain tops with a 180 degree view of distant Lake Superior and views of the ridge to the north. It's spectacular! Trails are in place to walk the whole perimeter. There is a cleared easement in place to get to the property. Mls# 6003353 $68,900

Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Mons Creek meanders through the property border where it abuts State land. Mls #6003078 $50,250

WoNDerFul vieWs oF lake superior! 3 lots available; wooded and private. Minutes to ski hill, Superior National, Lutsen shops. Surveyed, year round access.

Mls #6002918, 6002919,06002920

lots start at $52,000.

reCreatioNal laND.

Nice 41 acre parcel with good slope to southern exposure. Easy access on Camp 20 Road. Deeded private lake rights to Lost Lake. A remote escape within easy reach.

Mls #6002080 $46,500

reCreatioNal parCel iN HovlaND.

43+ acres close to the public landing on Tom Lake. Survey complete; may subdivide into two 20+ acre parcels. Road plowed year round in special taxing district. Owner/Agent.

Mls #6001471 $37,500

oFF tHe beateN patH.

Can't beat this property for remoteness. If it's seclusion you seek, this wilderness 19-acre recreational property is for you. Surrounded by State & USFS lands. Hike in access from Devil Fish Lake. Mls#6002961 $37,000.

Bloomquist Mtn. Road 5.8A - $44,900 10 miles east of Grand Marais with power at the property, driveway, and several building sites partially cleared! MLS 6001709

County Rd 67 - $69,900 4.16A with Lake Superior so close you can see the waves rolling in to the state-owned shoreline, meaning you’ll have walking access to the lake!

6002892

East Highway 61 - $59,900 20A Large, private parcel close to town with elevation, meaning panoramic views of Lake Superior! Large building site has been leveled.

6000432

25A Tom Lake Rd - $49,900 25A close to Tom Lake. Enjoy the lake without the high lakeshore taxes. MLS 6002625

115+A Arrowhead Trail - $84,900 Excellent property priced right. Electric and phone at street. Private access from Co Rd 69.

MLS 6002839

Forest Rd 304 - $164,900 80A of maples, spruce and balsam, Durfee Creek and beaver ponds. Bordered on two sides by public lands.

MLS 6003013

Large Acreage

Lake Superior View

Gunflint Trail

6A, great location right off of the Gunflint Trail, close to town AND the golf course. Utilities are readily available. Healthy mix of trees. MLS 6001301 $39,900

Have you always wanted to live on a golf course? Here is 9A adjacent to Gunflint Hills Golf course with a great mixture of trees!

MLS 6003224 $50,000

Wood Mountain Rd

This affordably priced 8+ acre lot abuts Federal Land, is surveyed & septic sites are identified. Located off Taylor Land & is close to town.

MLS 6002424 $47,900

County Rd 7

Wooded 5A parcel with nice mix of trees and fields with quality build sites. Privacy yet close to town, this property is the perfect place for you northwoods home!

MLS 6002413 $79,900

5A of nicely wooded, level land. Very private but close to town on County Road 7. South of the intersection of Co Rd 7 and Co Rd 44.

MLS 6002282 $54,900

Squint Lake

5A surrounded on 2 sides by government land. Convenient mid-trail location with easy access to many recreational activities.

MLS 6003242 $69,900

County Rd 14

Nicely wooded 20A parcel consisting of two lots! Year round access with electricity and telephone readily available.

MLS 6002375 $74,900

10A with year round access, electricity and phone. Abuts Federal land and provides access to an incredible amount of Gov’t land.

MLS 6002376 $44,900

116 Overlook Dr

3.33A with Lake Superior view, privacy, and is user friendly for building. Located at the end of Overlook Trail in Tofte, utilities available & year round access.

MLS 6003380 $59,900

Quist Rd

Two 5A parcels with potential spectacular views of Lake Superior. Close to town, but very private!

MLS 6002957 $44-$46

Roman’s Rd

Two 1+A lots with year round access of nicely wooded land near Devil Track Lake. Minutes away from public lake access. Additional land available.

MLS 6003000 $19,900

Close to Devil Track Lake and lots of recreational activities.

Silver Fox Rd 5A of northwoods privacy with all modern conveniences about 8 minutes from town. Gently rolling with some very attractive building sites. Abuts government land.

MLS 6002967 $49,900

81 Solberg Lane

20A close to town but is definitely off-the-grid for a real North Woods getaway. Nicely elevated with the possibility of solar and wind power. Rustic outhouse and bunkhouse cabin on the site.

W Hwy 61

MLS 6003176 $62,800

Great location and development opportunities right off Hwy 61! 7.1A Commercial lot (Zoned Commercial and R-1). Additional acreage of R-1 behind. Agent Owned.

MLS 602301 $149,900

Rosebush Lane

Nicely wooded 5.40A with shared driveway only minutes from town. Identified septic sites and fully surveyed! Approx. 430’ of creek frontage. OWNER will consider a Contract for Deed!

MLS 6003093 $49,900

Stonegate RD

2A with lots of potential uses. Power, phone, and broadband are a stones throw away.

MLS 6003282 $21,000

Inland Lake Lots

1.19A,

boat harbor and

245’ of frontage on

MLS 6001302 $229,900

1.81A

wooded lake lot on 2A and over 150’ of shore. Tons of recreational activities nearby, including a number inland fishing lakes.

MLS 6003046 $159,900 PENDING

Poplar Lake

Convenient mid-trail location with deeded lakeshore access to Poplar Lake. Building site cleared, driveway is in and all utilities available.

MLS 6002116 $52,500

.94A with 291’ of shore. Healthy mix of huge White Pines, Cedars & Balsams; feels like your own private park. Cleared building site, electricity, phone & broadband is available.

MLS 6003028 $169,900

Birch Lake

Heavily wooded 1.54A, 150’ of frontage on great trout lake. Direct, year round access off the Gunflint Trail.

MLS 6002478 $149,900

Kemo Lake

One of only 4 lots on south shore. Private 2.34A with 200’ frontage on excellent trout lake!

MLS 6002735 $159,900

Leo Lake 169’ shore, on 3.70A, mid trail location, with public access to other lakes nearby.

MLS 6002665 $134,500

Squint Lake

Nicely wooded 2+A, excellent mid - Trail location with over 212’ of shore. Directly abuts USFS for added privacy.

MLS 6002593 $94,500

Sag Lake 1.1A and 191’ frontage on Sag. Year round access, electric & phone. Direct access to BWCAW. MLS 6002374 $69,900

Spectacular views, 611’ of shore, and 7.5A with year round road with direct access to BWCAW!

MLS 6002373 $169,900

CATCHLIGHT CATCHLIGHT

Moose

This is a somewhat common sight in the winter—moose licking salt off the road. I remember the first one I ever saw many years ago was at night and the moose was kneeling. Tough to see them unless they turn their eyes into the headlights. I’ve often wondered how healthy it is for the moose to digest this salt, and if it’s just salt and nothing more.—Nace Hagemann

Welcome to Golden Eagle Lodge, a family oriented, year-round resort located on the historic Gunflint Trail of Northeastern Minnesota. As the only residents on Flour Lake, and nestled in within the 3 million acres of the Superior National Forest, you can look forward to the quiet and solitude offered only from a true wilderness setting.

Golden Eagle Lodge Nordic Ski Center is world class, nationally-known, and silent sports only. We are located on the Central Gunflint Ski Trail System, a well-marked network of more than 70km of beautifully groomed trails that begin right from your cabin’s doorstep. This trail system was built specifically for cross-country skiing and

is tracked for both traditional and skate skiers alike. All ski trail passes are offered at no charge to our cabin guests!

We offer complete skiing and snowshoe rentals for all ages, a heated ski waxing room, a trail lit 7 days a week, and a private use sauna. All our modern housekeeping cabins have a fireplace wood stove, gas, or electric fireplace.

We know much time, effort, and expense is invested in a vacation. We would be honored if you considered us as your vacation destination. We go out of our way to ensure every aspect of your visit will convince you to come back and see us again. You won’t be disappointed!