Northern Wilds

New Staff, New Puppy

Last month we heard from several out-of-the-area subscribers who did not receive their copy of Northern Wilds in the mail for two weeks. We checked with the Post Office and learned that bulk-rate mail is moving much slower these days, often taking two weeks or more to reach its destination. This delay doesn’t affect our readers in Cook County, because those copies are mailed and sorted here. For our subscribers in the Twin Cities, or elsewhere in Minnesota and beyond, we are trying a different mailing method this month. Drop us an email to let us know if it improved your delivery time.

You may also notice that this space in the magazine is once again occupied by Shawn and Amber, rather than managing editor Erin Altemus. Erin doesn’t like being chained to a desk job, so she is pursuing other interests. However, she will continue writing stories and sharing her adventures with Northern Wilds readers. Several of our writers have told me Erin was among the best editors they’ve worked with and we agree.

We have two new staff members. Drew Johnson is handling graphic design and printing, as we recently expanded our commercial printing endeavors. A history buff, Drew is also working on the Bally Blacksmith Shop in Grand Marais for the Cook County Historical Society. You may see him at the forge there sometimes during the summer. Richard “Deke” Burnham has joined our editorial staff as assistant editor. He will be writing and editing stories for Northern Wilds.

Another new staff member is currently hanging out in the office, where he distributes puppy kisses (and puppy nibbles) to anyone who wants them. He also gnaws on cardboard boxes the way a beaver gnaws on aspen trees. His AKC name is Rainy River Romeo, but he answers to the name Rainy. He’s already begun learning the ways of the woods with Shawn and 11-year-old yellow Lab Tanner, who is happy to have a new companion. You can learn more about him in this issue.

After a long, cold winter, our contributors have found many ways to celebrate spring—starting with the wonderful Liz Sivertson print that graces our cover. Eric Chandler, who traversed the length of the Superior Hiking Trail last year, shares with us some of the little-known, but wonderful places he discovered along the way. Erin Altemus introduces us to Steve and Sharon Frykmann, an artistic couple

Scenic Cafe

Mocha Moose

Lighthouse at Emily’s

Super One Two Harbors

Blackwoods Grill

Betty's Pies

Finland Co-op

Four Seasons

If you are an angler, May is all about fishing. But sunny, warm days beckon all of us to head outside. It will be a few weeks before the black flies and mosquitoes arrive in force, so take a hike, work in the garden or paddle a canoe. Whether or not you go fishing, May is the month to be outdoors and catch whatever fun you can.

—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

Where

we

Northern Wilds on the North Shore?

Gooseberry State Park

Camp 61

Bri-Esa’s

Our Place

Coho Cafe

Lutsen Resort

Lockport Store

Cascade Restaurant

Cook County Co-op

Stone Harbor

Grand Marais IGA

Grand Portage Trading Post

Ryden's 66

Ryden's Border Store

Grand Portage State Park

And lots more locations!

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

Richard “Deke” Burnham, Assistant Editor deke@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

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

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

Kate Watson • kate@northernwilds.com

Drew Johnson • drew@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwilds.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Altemus, Elle Andra-Warner, Eric Chandler, Gord Ellis, Kim Falter, Joseph Friedrichs, Art Laframboise, Julia Prinselaar, Kelsey Roseth, Javier Serna, Amy Schmidt

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)

who have created two studios within their rural home. In Clover Valley, Kelsey Roseth meets a woman who creates gourmet vinegars. Gord Ellis has the lowdown on the best ways to catch big spring walleyes.

Be Firewise Be Firewise

Over 1,600 wildland fires occur in Minnesota each year burning nearly 55,000 acres*. The Cook County Firewise Program reaches out to the community to educate and help property owners understand hazards associated with their areas. Funding programs through the USFS and MNDNR assist property owners with free Firewise Assessments, hazardous fuels reduction projects, sponsoring chipper days, and providing county-wide brush disposal areas.

For more information about Firewise and what you can do to better protect your property from wildland fires, call 218-235-0899 or email toddarmbrust@gmail.com

Thunder Bay Environmental Film Festival celebrates six years

THUNDER BAY—For Charlene Rogers and Deanna Ford, environmental issues aren’t all doom and gloom.

In fact the pair—both members of the Thunder Bay Environmental Film Network and partners in their own lives—is on a mission to balance hope with despair.

For the last eight years on a monthly basis from the fall to the spring seasons, Rogers and Ford, along with other members of the TBEFN, have been screening films on environmental issues and social justice from global, national and regional perspectives.

“It started in 2007 and was initially just going to be one film,” recalls Ford, vice president of the TBEFN and chair of the Thunder Bay Environmental Film Festival, a TBEFN project. “It was in response to a community thing happening. There was a business that was coming into town and one of the families in the neighborhood was looking into it and discovered that if this type of business came in, it would be really bad.”

“The community came together to try to stop it, and one of the ways they tried to do this was raise awareness by having a film. They had a film about toxics and it went over well, so they thought, ‘well, let’s do another one.’”

So much public interest resulted from the screenings that the network’s first film festival ran in 2010. It is now completing its sixth year and from May 6-10 offers more than 10 screenings accompanied by filmmakers and panel discussions aimed to spark community-based dialogue and, ideally, some change.

“It’s interesting, we’ve had people talk about how they’ve made changes or how they intend to make changes in their lives. We encourage people to do whatever they can do, whether it’s writing letters to the editor, contacting their members of parliament or members of provincial parliament to address an issue. We talk about what is happening in the landscape here in Thunder Bay,” says Ford.

In terms of selection, the board does its best to select films based on what is happening locally, according to Rogers, president and programmer of the TBEFN.

“I look for the kinds of topics that address local environmental organizations or the city, through EarthCare [Thunder Bay]—the kinds of projects they’re working on and I look for things that will complement their projects. I’ll still try to bring in films that I think are relevant to the community and start a discussion on those issues,” says Rogers.

“We’ve had films on mining, on sustainable food systems, on water, nuclear waste, alternative living and sustainable communities. Food is a big one right now. I think people are aware that we’re really remote and what our access to food locally is—we need to bolster that,” she added.

April’s monthly film screening, titled “Plant this Movie!” documents examples of urban agriculture around the world, while “All the Time in the World,” a documentary about a Yukon family that spends a winter in the Arctic wilderness without time pieces, is among the films shortlisted for the upcoming May festival.

While some issues portray dire situations that plead for immediate change, Ford and Rogers say that the film screenings give audience members a chance to feel solidarity, take comfort in mutual empathy, and inspiration from changes they’ve made on an individual level.

“For some people, they’re hearing for the first time about things that are not so great, so we’ve had discus -

sions around balancing hope with despair or despair with hope,and yes, these things are happening and there are things we can do—there are changes we can make. So letting people share a little as they feel comfortable when they’ve seen something—and sometimes we’ve had fairly quiet audiences at the film because they’re still taking it in and digesting it,” says Ford.

Ford is the author of a forthcoming book titled “How a Mouse Bought an Airplane: The Environmental Action Guide that Answers the Question, What Can I do?”

“I’ve tried to write it with hope in mind, that we can make changes and to encourage people that their voice does matter, to get involved, that others are doing it and they’re making changes,” says Ford.

Ford and Rogers are believers that consumers can vote with their wallet, which can be one of the most immediate and influential methods of change on a personal level.

“The good news is you can make choices,” she says, highlighting personal care products—some of which can contain harmful chemicals. “There are alternatives that are a little better, there really are. And that’s a good takeaway for people.”

For more information on the EFN and the upcoming film festival, visit: www.tbefilmf.wordpress.com.

—Julia Prinselaar

Care Partners Gains Nonprofit Status

GRAND MARAIS—The North Shore Health Care Foundation has announced that Care Partners will become a separate, nonprofit taxexempt organization in 2016. This new relationship to promote quality health care in Cook County continues Care Partners’ core mission to provide supportive care for those on the journey of aging, serious illness or end of life.

“This process began with strategic planning we did with the Foundation in 2012,” said Care Partners’ Director Kay Grindland. “Our program has

grown a lot in the last five years. We are excited about the new opportunities that becoming an independent nonprofit will give us. It will help us build stronger leadership focused solely on Care Partners’ programs, client needs and sustainability. It will also open new avenues for funding and expanding our services.”

Care Partners is the result of a 10year community effort supported by the North Shore Health Care Foundation. According to Judy Meath, chair of the NSHCF Care Partners Oversight Committee, “The Foundation’s support of Care Partners gave us the

time we needed to develop the program. It is gratifying to see the difference Care Partners has made in this community for their clients and their families.”

Care Partners will continue to provide services such as care coordination, caregiver support, advance care planning, volunteer companionship and assisted transportation. Care Partners and the North Shore Health Care Foundation will continue their partnership through collaborative efforts to support health care programs and initiatives.

Deanna Ford and Charlene Rogers (left to right) of the Thunder Bay Environmental Film Network proudly display t-shirts for the network’s upcoming film festival that runs May 6 to 10. | JULIA PRINSELAAR

Sugarloaf Cove launches funding campaign

DULUTH—The North Shore Stewardship Association has announced the public solicitation phase of a $60,000 campaign for the Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center. The focus of this funding drive will be to better accommodate a growing number of visitors.

“Sugarloaf Cove visitor numbers have been growing by leaps and bounds in the past several years. In 2014 we received over 6,000 people,” Sugarloaf executive director Molly Thompson said.

The campaign-funded improvements will allow Sugarloaf Cove to create new highway signage, provide safe parking and build 24-hour toilet facilities. The funds will also be used to improve trails, add educational signage and enhance building facilities.

Over the last several years, Sugarloaf Cove has made several facilities improvements, including a new trailhead and new and improved trails, a new storage shed, and building rehabilitation, all totaling

$66,000. These infrastructure improvements were funded in part by a large bequest, a special parking lot improvement fund established two years ago, several smaller gifts, and numerous building and grounds projects done by volunteers and the Minnesota Conservation Corps.

Sugarloaf Cove is the only nonprofit nature center on the North Shore. The 38acre site is renowned for its world-class volcanic geology, a dynamic cobblestone beach, an unusual tombolo, and unique

arctic plants. The site offers hiking, birding, and educational programs to the public throughout the year.

Naturalist programming and longer coursework, including Minnesota Master Naturalist training and the Lost Forest Program, along with North Shore Forest Collaborative partnerships, are helping Sugarloaf grow and deliver their mission of North Shore landscape preservation, restoration, and stewardship education.

—Deke Burnham

Explore Waterfalls

BEAVER BAY • SILVER BAY • FINLAND

* Pay-at-the-Pump

* 24-hour card reader

* Speedpass Pumps

* No Ethanol in our Super Unleaded

* Also Diesel at some locations today’s way to pay

Four Seasons Supper Club

O ering a unique Mother’s Day culinary experience Daily Specials • On & Off Sale Salad Bar • Near ATV Trails

Hwy 1, Finland, MN

Beaver River

View the falls at Highway 61. Ask locally for directions to Glen Avon Falls about three miles upstream along County Road 3.

Baptism River

Hike to 70-foot High Falls and Two Step Falls at Tettegouche State Park. Ask park staff for directions to Illgen Falls along State Highway 1.

Split Rock River

Park in the Highway 61 parking lot and follow the Superior Hiking Trail to a series of waterfalls for a great spring hike.

Congress has continued funding for community health centers like the clinic in Grand Marais for two years. Still, future funding is uncertain. | SHAWN PERICH

Federal funds for Sawtooth Mountain Clinic

GRAND MARAIS—In an unusual bipartisan move, the U.S. House of Representatives on March 26 passed the Medicare bill which includes a continuation of funding for another two years for community health centers such as Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Cook County. This bill now moves on to the U.S. Senate for further discussion.

Sawtooth Clinic board member Rick Anderson said in an email, “It is not a done deal, but one can see the finish line from here. As much as this is a temporary reprieve, the Primary Care Cliff, as it is now termed, remains until funding for community health centers becomes permanent.”

Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Director Rita Plourde in March travelled to Washington to meet with other health care directors nationwide and urge legislators to support the additional two years of funding. Congressman Rick Nolan was a strong advocate and in Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken have pledged strong support. President Obama has promised to sign the bill.

For decades, community health clinics have been hailed by government and medical groups as a solution to care for underserved communities, but in October, 2015, a major source of federal funding is set to expire, hence the “primary care cliff.” Without this funding, millions could lose access to nearby health care. Facilities such as Sawtooth Clinic save $24 billion nationwide in costs by reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Community health centers work

by coordinating various types of care for patients regardless of their ability to pay. They provide primary and preventive services in communities that would typically lack health care services. About half of the 9,200 facilities exist in rural areas— where health care is often a great distance from residents and health care professionals can be scarce.

In addition to Sawtooth Mountain Clinic in Grand Marais, physicians provide services at Birch Grove Clinic in Tofte and at Grand Portage Health Services. Sawtooth Mountain Clinic Inc. is a federally qualified community health center that has operated since 1979 as a nonprofit organization. A volunteer board of directors governs the clinic and establishes its

operating policies. It employs physicians who provide health care in Cook County. Medical fees, individual contributions, federal, state and private foundation grants finance the clinic and serves all people, offering sliding-scale fees for those with need.—Deke Burnham

“SUCH A BARGAIN. WE GOT SO MUCH MORE THAN EXPECTED.”

How did Steve and Marcia Johnson build a new house that instantly felt like home? By choosing the right process to reach the right design - for their kitchen, baths, closets and more. Learn how our certified designers help families across the region create a perfect sense of place.

HEAR THEIR STORY.

• Duluth, MN

World’s Best Donuts wins online acclaim

GRAND MARAIS—A Grand Marais icon, The World’s Best Donut Shop, was recently listed as one of “19 Bucket-List Donut Shops to Visit Before You Die” by the website, First We Feast. Giving the shop the thumbs up was none other than Travel Channel celebrity Andrew Zimmern, an avowed fan of the North Shore.

Says Zimmern: “Minnesota’s Merieta ‘Gramma Rita’ Altrichter opened her first doughnut shop in 1969 at the age of 47. She called it Grand Marais Donut Shop. All the doughnuts were made by hand, mixing dough in a plastic bowl. A few years later she moved the store down the street where the front counter offered three varietals: plain, sugared, and cinnamon. Merieta made the doughnuts early in the morning and then went to work at a local clothing store. She had a friend come in during the day to manage sales. In 1975, she finally gave up her day job and devoted herself to her shop, and within two years the store relocated a final time to its current location at 10 East Wisconsin Street.

World’s Best is all about the family and the people they serve. Merieta’s great grandchildren even work at the shop, and apparently they started doing that when some of them were just five years old—which is why the paper towel holder in the coffee room is positioned at

knee height. How can you top that story? You can’t. When I moved to Minnesota in 1992, one of the first places I visited was World’s Best. The menu by that point had grown, but despite the variety, all the raised and cake doughnuts were beyond delicious; there were Bismarcks and Long Johns, cinnamon swirls and pull-aparts, jelly donuts and something that caught my eye right away, called a Skizzle.

Before I go any further, let me tell you as a transplanted globe-trotting New Yorker, I applaud any skill set sturdy enough to make great doughnuts. I’ve had some pretty amazing versions all over the world. Our culture isn’t the only one to lay claim to perfecting the art of frying dough. I will say this: Try going to Grand Marais, the gateway to the Boundary Waters, the head of the Mississippi River, entry point to the Gunflint Trail; then find Lake Superior—it’s pretty easy. Look for the little red wooden shop with the welcoming porch. Go inside on a cold fall morning; order a Skizzle. Merieta created them in the late seventies: sweet raised dough, rolled thin and fried flat, like a crisp beret. Made to order, there is nothing that beats these over-sized, sugar dusted, crisp-soft stunners. The lakefront, the family, the coffee room, the incredible doughnuts NEVER served cold or old, will never disappoint.”

Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmer gives donuts a thumbs up. | SUBMITTED

Cook County real estate market improving

GRAND MARAIS—Local real estate companies are upbeat about the upcoming season as buyers begin returning to the North Shore market.

“It’s been very good,” says Terry Backlund of Backlund Realty.

He’s been telling buyers the market is the most fluid that he’s experienced. When a property comes on the market, there is immediately activity or an offer on it. He recently showed a prospective buyer a couple of properties. A couple of weeks later, the buyer emailed him to check on five other properties. Three of those had pending sales.

Backlund says he’s seeing first-time home buyers who are able to work with programs that allow them to have a lower down payment of 5 to 10 percent rather than the usual 20 percent. Some are trying to take advantage of current interest rates, with the expectation rates will rise later this year.

“Personally, I haven’t been this busy since ’05 and ’06,” Backlund says.

He’s seeing some houses coming on the market that have remained under single ownership for years. Often these are great properties for first-time home buyers. Why are those homes coming on the market? Backlund says it gets down to the three Ds—debt, death and divorce. These are the three reasons many properties come up for sale.

Echoing Backlund’s optimism is Kim Wolff of Timber Wolff Realty. She says her company has more sales pending on the board now than they did in the last quarter of 2014, which is usually the strongest quarter of the year. They have 24 sales pending that are all due to close by the end of May.

“It’s super good,” Wolff says. She attributes buyer confidence and good interest rates to the rising market activity. She’s seeing more sales of vacant lands, a trend that’s been building momentum since 2012. The inland lake market is also coming back. She also sees some younger families coming back into the recreational property market.

At Red Pine Realty, Mike Raymond says they are busy. Most of the activity is residential homes in the $120,000 - $220,000

range, with a couple of home sales that topped $300,000.

“In general, we have more inquires than we’ve seen in years,” Raymond says.

As has been the case since the recession, most of the market activity is at the low end or the high end of prices. Low-priced vacant land in remote areas is being purchased for home and cabin building.

Some pricey Lake Superior listings are moving, too. Raymond says he’s not seeing much activity for inland lake cabins or lake lots. But he remains hopeful the buyers for those properties will soon appear.

“Maybe there is a light at the end of the recreational property tunnel,” he says.

Mike Larson of the Lutsen Real Estate Group offered the following observations

in an email. He writes:

“I recall when George Nelson and I were featured in an article by the Minneapolis Star and Tribune back in 2006. We were photographed standing on the deck of a new home we just built at Superior National Golf Course and the article focused on our strong real estate market with a particular emphasis on second home/ vacation home ownership. The gist of the article was—the market is strong and there is no end in sight with respect to demand, growth and increasing values.

“Well, we all know the rest of the story. Fast forward to 2015—while painful, we needed a market adjustment. What was happening in our area, and other areas around the country as well, was a real estate economic model that was simply not

sustainable. The market made appropriate adjustments as it always will and I believe we are back on a level playing field. It took it a long 6-7 years for the market to find its way and as I look at 2015-2016, I see some level of confidence back with buyers and sellers for the most part making appropriate adjustments with respect to values.

“Short story, Cook County remains a very special place (oh yeah, and has the coolest small town in the country) and building legacy and memories in an unspoiled area not so much influenced by the rush of life remains important. With that being said I believe buyers can move forward with a sense of confidence and begin to enjoy what they put off for the last seven years.“

—Shawn Perich

Cook County fishing closures protect spawning fish

ST. PAUL—The Minnesota DNR has several fishing closures in Cook County during the beginning of the 2015 fishing season to protect concentrations of spawning walleye. Closures on Minnesota-Ontario waters are made in cooperation with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and affect both sides of the border.

The following closures took effect April 1:

• Sea Gull River from Sea Gull Lake through Gull Lake to Saganaga Lake approximately 1/3 mile north of the narrows; closed through May 22.

• Saganaga Falls on the Minnesota-Ontario border where the Granite River enters Saganaga Lake; closed through May 31.

• Maligne River (also known as Northern Light Rapids) on the Ontario side of Saganaga Lake; closed through May

31 by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

• Unnamed channel between Little Gunflint and Little North Lakes on the Minnesota-Ontario border; closed through May 31.

• Cross River (inlet to Gunflint Lake) from the Gunflint Trail to Gunflint Lake; closed through May 22.

The following areas will be closed to fishing from May 9 through May 22:

• Tait River from White Pine Lake to the Forest Road 340 crossing, including a portion of White Pine Lake.

• Junco Creek from the first log dam above County Road 57 downstream to Devil Track Lake, and including a portion of Devil Track Lake near the river mouth.

Closures apply to fishing only; travel is permitted through these areas. All closed areas will be posted. The closures are intended to protect concentrations of walleye that may be vulnerable to over-harvest in what may be a year with relatively late ice-out and delayed spawning due to a persistently cool spring.

BUILD TO SUIT

BOB DAVIS

Design 1 of Eden Prairie, LLC 9973 Valley View Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344 612-723-8590 www.Design1ep.com

National recognition likely to increase local tourism

Call Becky Stoner for a Tour (218) 387-9119 · hillhaven@boreal.org 1681-1683 E Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN www.HillhavenAssisted.com

GRAND MARAIS—Mom and Dad may have taught us that it’s unkind to label people or places, but then again, sometimes labels are extremely kind. With Grand Marais having recently been named America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel Magazine, just about everyone up and down the entire North Shore feels that this particular label is… well… cool— and for many good reasons. The entire North Shore is experiencing giddy optimism anticipating the huge influx of those who revel in our many offerings.

Linda Kratt, director of tourism for Visit Cook County in Grand Marais says, “We’ve garnered national media attention with the America’s Coolest Small Town Award. You can’t pay to have that type of national media, and businesses are getting on board.”

In addition to Budget Travel’s accolade to the area, Grand Marais has also been named a Top 100 Adventure Town by National Geographic Adventure Magazine, and the Grand Marais Art Colony was chosen as one of the top 10 artist colonies in America by Coastal Living Magazine. Visitors are expected to potentially flood the Northern Wilds area this tourist season, wanting to see for themselves just why the North Shore is prominent among travel destinations. Canada’s Thunder Bay area is to benefit, too.

Northwestern Ontario is looking to be a strong travel destination this summer.

Paul Pepe of Thunder Bay Tourism says, “The growth of mountain biking in Minnesota stretches easily across the border into Canada. It’s a strong area for outdoor adventure seekers.” He also notes the growth of motorcycle travel, knowing that those riders will likely visit Thunder Bay as they run the Lake Superior Circle Tour. And Pepe says, “The culinary scene here in Thunder Bay is exploding, and with the exchange rate being as it is, there are some real bargains for Americans crossing into Canada.”

Although it’s the city of Grand Marais that now owns the current Budget Travel magazine “cool” label, quite simply, Grand Marais is a geographical anchor point that solidly represents the entire North Shore. You can’t have one without the other. Grand Marais and the North Shore go hand in hand, as do tourism and travel throughout the entire Northern Wilds region.

While Canadian visitors to the U.S. may be at a slight exchange-rate disadvantage, sometimes bragging rights of visiting America’s Coolest Small Town can be priceless. After all, it’s those who know Grand Marais who are the ones who voted Grand Marais into the national spotlight. They know what’s here, and now much of America knows it too. It sounds like the start of a wonderful relationship. —Deke Burnham

Congratulations to the winners of gift certicates to various Grand Marais businesses from our drawing at the Thunder Bay Home and Garden Show last month. You will receive your gift certificate in the mail.

Penny Gottfred, Thunder Bay —My Sister’s Place

Lynn Herman, Neebing —Sven & Ole’s

Katherine Hawryluk, Thunder Bay —Harbor House Grille

Derek Grizans, Kaministiquia —Dockside

Julie Kapush, Murillo —Birchbark Books and Gifts

Bronson Loffredo, Neebing —Sven & Ole’s

Melissa Faiers, Thunder Bay —Sven & Ole’s

Brenda Pressenger, Thunder Bay —Sivertson Gallery

Sandi Debesys, Thunder Bay —Sven & Ole’s

Rick Kurec, Thunder Bay —Blue Moose

Cathy Gosselin, Thunder Bay —Beth’s Fudge

Kevin Middleton, Murillo —Lake Superior Trading Post

DNR to plant nearly a million trees

ST. PAUL—Spring is a busy time for Minnesota DNR forestry staff. As timber harvesting activities wind down, attention turns to regeneration of recently harvested forest stands.

Starting in late April, tree planting crews contracted by the DNR began planting more than 800,000 tree seedlings on state forests in northeastern Minnesota. A combination of bareroot and containerized seedlings from the Minnesota State Forest Nursery and private industry partners are planted. Most seedlings are

conifers such as red, white and jack pine, white and black spruce, and tamarack. Some hardwoods such as yellow birch, red oak and bur oak are planted as well.

“The DNR selects trees that are native to the area and that are best suited for the planting site so they will grow strong and live long,” said Rick Klevorn, DNR silviculture program coordinator.

In addition, about 3,600 acres will be aerially seeded with black spruce, tamarack, and jack, red and white

pine. Aerial seeding is an inexpensive and effective way to give lowland conifer sites an excellent chance for successful regeneration.

Aerial photography is used to determine the success of these reforestation efforts and the need for follow-up care such as weed control and removal of competing vegetation. This is an effective way to evaluate wetland sites that are difficult to reach by road during the summer. A percentage of the sites will be visited by DNR staff to ensure accuracy of the remotely sensed data.

Some forests begin in a nursery. | STOCK PHOTO

HikingSuperior Trail

SURPRISES

and Photos

BY ERIC CHANDLER Story

Last summer, my dog Leo and I ran the entire length of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). Not all at once, although tougher people have done that. I broke the 296-mile effort into 41 different days over a five-month period. My faithful companion came with me on every leg. The trail gave me a few surprises. Like how many streams you cross. And that several hundred miles is longer than it seems. The most amazing thing was the number of wonderful places that I never heard of until I saw them.

Everyone knows the marquee locations along Lake Superior. They’re mostly state parks and they’re great. Everybody’s there as a result. Other locations along the trail were breathtaking and I was the only one standing there. Okay, Leo was, too. If you spend enough time along the trail, you’ll come up with your own list. Here are just a few spots that caught me by surprise. For details on each of these trail sections, reference the Superior Hiking Trail website. Better yet, join the Superior Hiking Trail Association and get the more detailed guidebook.

[RIGHT] The Devil Track canyon is one of the North Shore’s lesser known scenic wonders. [ABOVE] The author and Leo pose above Bean Lake. | GLEN FLANAGAN

1: Pincushion to Devil Track River

ACCESS: Pincushion Mountain Trailhead on Gunflint Trail

This five-mile section of trail starts just off the Gunflint Trail above Grand Marais and goes to County Road 58. But as I headed away from the ski trails on the spur trail to the summit of Pincushion Mountain, I learned there are a lot of views per mile. This spur goes to a giant slab of rock with awesome views of Lake Superior. We retraced our steps to the main trail and found our way to the Devil Track River. A lot of rivers cross the SHT, but this one impressed me the most. The rocks and soil have a dark, ochre, red color. Sheer 100-foot cliffs drop down to the roaring river. Folds of earth overlap and jut this way and that, and it was hard to tell which way was up. An impressive canyon after an impressive summit. We had fun even though we were running in the rain.

2: Section 13

ACCESS: County Road 6 near Finland

I heard this area has a rock-climbing reputation. That bodes well for scenery. As I approached the giant rock chimney from the north, I strained my neck to look up to the top. We found our way along the trail to a southern summit and had an impressive 360-degree view encompassing Lake Superior. I took a bunch of pictures, pleased at the surprising view and followed the trail to another summit, closer to the rock walls I saw from below. This was one of those cases where the trail rewards you with a view of the sea of trees to the north. This second spot had no big lake to stare at, but was no less awe-inspiring.

3: Fault Line Ridge

ACCESS: East Cove Point Spur Trail from Cove Point Lodge between Split Rock and Beaver Bay

We trotted west toward the Split Rock River. As the October sun gleamed off the mirror of Lake Superior, we followed more north-facing cliffs and slowly wound our way south toward a giant split, or crack, in the earth. It looked like a giant hand had made a karate chop. The cliffs on the east side

You have to work up a sweat to enjoy this view of Split Rock Lighthouse.

Leo takes a refreshing break at Caribou Falls.

are actually a “geologic fault” according to the SHT guidebook. All I know is we enjoyed the hawk flying along in the thermals as we approached where the creek filled the bottom of the fault valley. The opportunistic beavers had filled the crack with a pond. Leo took a dip and approved the water. Straight lines are rare in nature and it really stuck out in the morning sun. Shortly after Fault Line Creek, we found a big tongue of rock that pointed toward Split Rock Lighthouse, sticking up in the distance. And there we were, with a great view and no parking lot in sight.

4: Lakewalk to Kadunce River

ACCESS: Kadunce River wayside near Colville

This isn’t the paved Lakewalk in the city of Duluth. This is the Lakewalk east of the Kadunce River, the only stretch of the Superior Hiking Trail where you can dip your toes into the trail’s namesake. We ran over a couple miles of pink rhyolite and dark basalt with the hush of the small waves breaking into the stones. We didn’t see anyone but each other. You really get a feeling for how big that body of water is. We started back uphill away from the lake and finished the day running down the Kadunce River. A pleasant little stream and then…wow. Suddenly the trail is just inches from a dramatic gorge. Not as big and bold as Devil Track, but just as impressive in that the gorge drops away inches from the trail. A sign warns not to throw rocks into the gorge. Folks are down below following the river up from the shore road. It’s a nice stretch of trail.

5: Bean and Bear Lakes

ACCESS: Hwy. 1 wayside just north of Silver Bay

[CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT] The Kadunce River is very dogfriendly here, but a portion of the trail runs along the top of a deep chasm. The ledge at Section 13 provides dramatic mountain views. A dog’s-eye views of the Lakewalk east of Kadunce River.

Okay, this wasn’t strictly a surprise. I hauled my little ones on my back up to Bean Lake years before and we marveled at the cliffs. So I knew what Leo and my running buddy Glen Flanagan would see. But I hadn’t been all the way to Bear Lake. Turns out, the pair of lakes was even more impressive from the eastern end of the lakes atop the ledges. Even with an overcast day, the fall leaves had their own light. These big, open ledges make you forget you’re in Minnesota. You’re in big mountains. Period.

6: Caribou Falls

ACCESS: Caribou River wayside, southwest of Schroeder

You can drive past this parking lot and not even notice it. It holds about six cars. A short walk from your vehicle you’ll find steps, just like I did after running several miles from the east. Curiosity pulled me down the steps and I was suddenly in a grotto with a dramatic waterfall. That exact moment was when my dog and I had logged 148 miles. We were half way to our goal of running the whole SHT. But at that moment, I was having my biggest surprise of the whole trail, making me wonder how such an impressive sight didn’t have its own park. Then I didn’t wonder and just stared, surprised and stunned and satisfied.

In Cheng-Khee Chee, East Meets West

UMD’s Tweed Museum of Art is featuring a solo exhibition of internationally acclaimed watercolorist ChengKhee Chee from May 12-Sept. 20. “The Way of ChengKhee Chee: Paintings 1974-2014” is the first exhibition at Tweed by the artist since 1992. It will be accompanied by a publication with essays by artist and writer Ann Klefstad and guest curator Peter Spooner.

Born in 1934 in Fengting, southeastern China, the artist emigrated to British-colonized Malaysia at the age of 14. As a self-taught artist, with both Eastern and Western mentors, Chee incorporates the processes of Chinese brushwork with Western painting styles. He is influenced by Confucianism and Buddhism.

Chee came to Duluth in 1962 to obtain a master’s degree in Library Science and was offered a job at UMD. He and Sing-Bee Ong, whom he had known at university in Singapore, were married in Duluth, where they have raised two son and two daughters. He began painting seriously in 1973. A 1978 workshop with Edgar Whitney inspired him to continue developing his unique East-West synthesis in watercolor. He began exhibiting regionally and in juried exhibitions of regional and national watercolor societies while working as a librarian at UMD.

Since 1983, Chee has had 14 solo exhibitions of his work in the U.S., Malaysia and China. In 1997, the Singapore National Art Museum organized a solo exhibition and a 208-page book about Cheng-Khee Chee. His art

ArttheAlong Lake

Art galleries along Hwy. 61 in Cook County from Schroeder to Grand Portage have teamed up to present the first annual Art Along the Lake Gallery Tour over Memorial Day weekend in May.

Twelve galleries open their doors May 22-24 as a start to this summer’s artistic showcase. Maggie Barnard of Visit Cook County likens Art Along the Lake to a pub crawl, allowing guests to visit wonderful galleries, meet artists, and to engage their own creative spirit.

has been featured in numerous magazines, exhibition catalogues, and a six-part instructional film. His illustrations for “Old Turtle” (1991), written by Douglas Wood, won him national acclaim for his watercolor illustration. The book won numerous awards, including a 1993 ABBY.—Shawn Perich

Participating galleries, shops and schools include Grand Portage’s Nigii-Ozhitoomin Ojibwe; Sivertson Gallery, Eight Broadway Galleries, Betsy Bowen Studio & Galleries, Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, Joy & Company (formerly The Garage), Grand Marais Art Colony, North House Folk School and Thomsonite Beach Jewelry Shop—all in Grand Marais; Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery and Last Chance Studio & Gallery—both in Lutsen and Cross River Heritage Center in Schroeder.

In addition to gallery offerings, assorted venues will let visitors experience hands-on activities such as: Hand papermaking, letterboxing and paper marbling, kids make-and-take activities, bookbinding and a masterpiece Puzzle-a-thon.

Events associated with Art Along the Lake include:

• Live music at Johnson Heritage Post

• Sculpture bronze pour at Last Chance Gallery

• Nordic wood bowl turning at Joy & Co.

• Silver jewelry making at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery

• Oil painting demonstration at Sivertson Gallery

• Ukranian egg painting at Cross River Heritage Center

• T-shirt Screenprinting at Grand Marais Art Colony

• SplinterTones concert at What’s Up? Stage, Betsy Bowen Studio & Galleries

• 3D printer demonstration at Joy & Company

Visit Cook County has a colorful, easy-fold guide allowing people to visit all these galleries from Schroeder to Grand Portage. Guides can be picked up at Visit Cook County Information Center on Hwy. 61 in Grand Marais and at each of the participating art galleries. —Deke Burnham

Koi No. I, 1992, displays Cheng-Khee Chee’s distinctive style.

Long leaf earrings in wood by MacNabb Arts at Joy & Co. (formerly The Garage) | SUBMITTED

A self-taught painter, Chee began painting seriously in 1973 while working as a librarian at UMD.

Steve and Sharon Frykman

Collaborative Partners in Landscaping and Art

BY ERIN ALTEMUS

Steve and Sharon Frykman stand in front of a drawing of a work in progress called “Living with my Predator.” | ERIN ALTEMUS

“Meadow in Bloom.” Fused glass by Sharon Frykman

Grand Marais artists Steve and Sharon Frykman complement each other like the Chinese symbols yin and yang: two artists, each with their own niche in art and a landscaping business, working independently and together on both.

Steve had a long career as an emergency room nurse in the Twin Cities before moving to the Grand Marais area. Once here he began to further pursue his art and started a landscaping business with Sharon. He had been doing creative work in various forms for many years—carving, glassblowing and metalwork, but it became more serious when he began collaborating on projects with Sharon.

“Hanging around Sharon it became more compulsory,” Steve said.

The two went to Corning, N.Y. in 2001 to learn how to do kiln-worked glass. It took three years of experimentation before the Frykmans publicly displayed any fused glasswork. Sharon trained as a painter and studied with Birney Quick, which is how she came to know Grand Marais and the Art Colony in the early '80s. She worked with traditional stained glass for 15 years before moving into fused glasswork.

In 2007, they started building an art studio for themselves. They began working on bigger projects, including a glass piece for the Angry Trout Café in Grand Marais that was 15 feet long.

“That was in our basement. We’d have to haul the whole thing outside and turn it around,” Sharon said.

They also had a kiln in the middle of their living room.

“We had two cats, five grandchildren and glass everywhere.”

Their house had become their studio and they were living in it.

Besides hiring a contractor to pour the concrete floor, they did much of the building work themselves along with the help of friends. Although it took five years to make it a functioning studio, they are happy with the outcome. They each have their own workspace. Sharon’s glass studio is upstairs and commands a view of the field surrounding their home. The large kiln used for Sharon’s glass proj -

ects had to be forklifted to the second floor and moved through a hole in the wall, but she insists that having the studio upstairs is important to her work.

“When it’s overcast,” she said, “my glass is as close as it can be to transmitting the true color ... on the ground floor, you would look through and see the ground or buildings behind the glass.”

Next to Steve’s wood and metal shop on the first floor, the Frykmans included a gallery in their studio building. Currently, they are working together on a large glass and metal project that is sketched out in the gallery. Many of their large projects are done as commissions, but this is one that doesn’t have a planned future home.

Originally designed for a woman who had breast cancer, this relief sculpture in part depicts an owl holding a

rabbit in a nest, as if mother and child. The Frykmans both see art as having the potential to heal the person who is making the art, as well as the viewer, and they work with that intention.

The finished drawing of this piece is based on a dream Sharon had and Steve's connection to owls. As part of their collaborative process, they shared their images. They talked, sketched, drew from each other’s drawings and then they talked about it again until Sharon was able to satisfy them both with a full-scale working drawing. Soon afterward they attended an event at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts, where Robert Bly was reading poetry. One of the lines of a poem read “… and the rabbit in the moon is the dark one in the womb”—which is exactly what they had created.

“We looked at each other—we had just drawn this.” Sharon said.

This is what they enjoy about the artistic process—learning to let unconscious things surface.

When the Frykmans aren’t collaborating on art, they are working together in their landscape business, which, they say, is closely related to their art.

“Steve hand picks rocks,” Sharon said. “I lay out the gardens and plants.”

Steve said he slowly learned to do rock work as part of their gardening process. And the process is really important.

“Having your fingers in the dirt is grounding, healing," Sharon said. "It’s magical, just like glass is magical, or copper,” Steve said. At some point in the future, they both acknowledge they will want to step back from the landscaping. They are interested in opening their gallery to the public, maybe a few days a week in the summer, Sharon said.

For now, they are happy to be working together and yet apart in their new studio, which Sharon said, makes her take herself more seriously as an artist.

They have a lot of work to complete on the owl piece, called “Living with My Predator,” titled by the woman for which it was originally designed. The piece will be a combination of glass and metal, which, like Steve and Sharon themselves, work really well together. But for the next few months, they will be taking a break from their art to design and build gardens and get their hands in the dirt.

Steve Frykman working on “Mother Owl” face. Copper repose. | SHARON FRYKMAN

[LEFT] Sharon Frykman with a painting she is also working in fused glass. [RIGHT] “Sunset.” | ERIN ALTEMUS

BLUES FEST

Northern Landscapes Festival May 29-31 isn’t only for birders. Discover wildflowers, geology and more.

| KEN GRESHOWAK

3D Printer at Library on Loan

Through May 13

A 3D printer is on exhibit for those with an interest in seeing how it works. Printing may be underway most days during mid-afternoon depending on available staff. An in-depth presentation will be given May 13, 5 – 8 p.m. www.grandmaraislibrary.org

Karen Nease at Duluth Art Institute

April 30 – June 4

Karen Nease explores Lake Superior metaphysically at the Duluth Art Institute.| SUBMITTED

Building almost sculptural layers of paint into her finished pieces, Nease provides the viewer with a physical exploration of the often metaphysical entity of Duluth’s Lake Superior horizon. The horizon is the apparent line that separates earth from sky. It’s at once visible and fictional. One can never physically touch the horizon except through perception. This paradox is the visual source material for the work of Karen Nease, who mixes the natural terminology of landscape painting with a modernist understanding of formal concerns. Duluth Art Institute, George Morrison Gallery, reception is May 14, 5 – 7 p.m. www.duluthartinstitute.org

Northern Sustainability Symposium

May 1-3

For centuries, the iconic trees of the North Shore—birch, maple, white and red pine, spruce and ash have provided all the materials a craftsperson in the boreal forest has needed. But there’s little question that the forest is changing as Minnesota’s climate changes. During this symposium at North House Folk School, participants explore the changing forest through the eyes of craft: what can be made using tree species that do well in our changing climate, which new materials will become abundant, how can we take an active role in restoring the forest while

Northern Sustainability Symposium May 1-3 explores the changing forest through the eyes of crafts. | MARGARET ARKO

sustainably harvesting, using and enjoying all the woods has to offer?

Coursework includes wood-carving projects, basketry, maple syrup production, native willow work, herbal medicines and more. Evening presentations, lunch-andlearn discussions, and field tours round out the weekend. www.northhouse.org

Photo by

Sundberg

Food & Wine Events

May 1-2

The first weekend of May is a great time to enjoy fine food and wine on the North Shore. Three resorts have wine weekends—Lutsen Resort, Bluefin Bay and Superior Shores. Contact each venue for details about their individual dining plans and events.

Ham Run Half Marathon

May 2

Enjoy the tranquility of Superior National Forest with the Ham Run Half-Marathon, the Ham Run 5k and the Little Runts Run, all of which take place on the scenic Gunflint Trail. Participants are treated to a complimentary ham dinner, free beverages, live music and free massages. www.hamrunhalfmarathon.com

Folklore Festival 2015

May 2-3

Vicariously travel the world during these two days at Fort William Gardens as presented by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. This Festival showcases the area’s diverse cultural heritage. More than 20 regions of the world are represented by no fewer than 40 different ethnocultural and Aboriginal groups. Experience tantalizing international foods, wines and beers along with incredible entertainment. Visit “shop-the-world” booths and an activity-packed children’s area. Beautiful exhibits and displays plus local artists await. www.folklorefestival.ca

Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop

May 5

Whether you’re a boater, angler or swimmer, you may be unknowingly transporting aquatic pests. These pests can easily cling to boats, docks, tackle or more, thereby spreading from one lake to another. Invasive species in our waters threaten ecosystem health in addition to reducing recreation opportunities. Join the Cook County Invasives Team and Marte Kitson from the Minnesota Sea Grant to learn how you can help ensure that our lakes, rivers and streams remain clean and healthy. 5 – 6 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais.

Environmental Film Festival

May 6-10

Paramount Theatre at the Thunder Bay Waterfront District is the site of this 6th annual film festival. Ten films, along with guest speakers and filmmakers, workshops and events take place during this scent-free event. The Festival kindly asks audience members to refrain from wearing scented products as much as possible. Theatre food concession will be open. www.efilmnetwork.wordpress.com

Minnesota Fishing Opener

May 9

Fishing openers are a Minnesota sporting tradition and the Minnesota DNR wants you to be ready to go. www.dnr. state.mn.us/opener

Folklore Festival celebrates Thunder Bay’s diverse cultures. Pictured here is Zorya Ukrainian Dance. |SUBMITTED

A Century of Jazz Concert at CCHS

May 12

Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble from Grand Marais collaborates with the Cook County High School Band (Kerry Bilben, director) and Choir (Erika Ternes, director) to present A Century of Jazz at 2 p.m. in the high school gym. This is a concert of familiar jazz tunes spanning the last century, with commentary on the history behind the music. Some of the music will be performed jointly by the band, individual band members and the ensemble to introduce students to jazz improvisation through participation and observation.

Ruby’s Pantry Comes to Cook County

May 14

Ruby’s Pantry is a volunteer-run food distribution program in which “shareholders” receive an abundance of food that helps stretch your grocery dollars. A share costs $20 but you are not limited to buying only one share. The food is surplus or nearing its expiration date. Occasionally the food has recently expired but is still very edible. The program welcomes all and is not based on income. Ruby’s Pantry will be distributing the groceries in the Grand Marais high school cafeteria beginning at 4 p.m. This will be a monthly distribution event sponsored by Spirit of

the Wilderness church under the guidance and help from Ruby’s Pantry, which covers Wisconsin and Minnesota. Normally the delivery day is the second Tuesday of each month but this first event will be on Thursday, May 14, due to a scheduling conflict at the high school. Bring a couple laundry baskets, boxes or coolers to carry groceries. To volunteer or to learn more, please check out the Facebook page for Cook County Ruby’s Pantry.

Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival

May 14-16

Sharon “Bird Chick” Stiteler of Minneapolis, a National Park Service ranger and expedition leader, is one of the keynote speakers at the 9th Annual Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival. The Chequamegon Bay area is a popular birding destination, with a variety of habitat types and more than 300 bird species. The event offers more than 100 activities to choose from, including guided field trips, exhibits, hands-on workshops and films. The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and County Highway G in Ashland, Wis. will serve as the home base for the three-day event. For more information, call (800) 284-9484 or visit www.birdandnaturefest.com

Childbirth Education Classes

Choose a session: Fridays & Saturdays June 5 & 6, September 18 & 19, or December 4 & 5 (5 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday) Lower Level of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic. These classes are open to any pregnant women and their partners. To register, call Amy or Kristin at 218-387-2330, or email amy@sawtoothmountainclinic.org or kristin@ sawtoothmountainclinic.org

www.SawtoothMountainClinic.org

Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble hosts jazz workshop with the Cook County High School Band.| SUBMITTED

Artwork, Jewelry, Pottery & Purses

Paintings by Lakehead Visual Artists, Jewelry by Janice Hilton and Gabrielle Marohnic, Earrings and Purse by Jane Kmill and Pottery by Brenda Delmas.

Hike Fest 2015

May 15-17

During this three-day period, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts gather at Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center in Finland to enjoy the Superior Hiking Trail. "Hike Fest 2015" (formerly the Superior Hiking Trail Association Annual Meeting) offers what hiking lovers like best—hiking.

A signature event of the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), Hike Fest features seven hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), presentations and learning about the SHT and other great treks around the world, a silent auction, outdoor and naturalist activities and much more. www.shta.org

Dance Recital at ACA

May 15-16

Get ready for a safe and active spring

Thursday, May 7

3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Helmet Fitting: Bring your helmet to be fitted. Limited loaner helmets available if you don’t have one!

Bike Inspections

Bike Safety Teaching

Ride the Course

Dinner and Blender Bike Smoothies

Parent permission slip is REQUIRED for all children.

Adults are strongly encouraged to accompany young children.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Maren at 218-387-2330 or maren@sawtoothmountainclinic.org

Over 50 dance students perform in “Breakthrough,” a recital presented by the Cook County YMCA. This recital features ballet and jazz dances performed by

dancers ranging from pre-kindergarten to adults. There is an adult tap dance as well. The choreography is by instructors Christine Curtis and Breana Roy. The May 15 performance is 6 p.m.; May 16 is 12:30 p.m. For more information, go to www. cookcountyymca.org.

Peter Mayer at ACA May 16

Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet—songs about interconnectedness and the human journey, about the beauty and mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his music breaks the boundaries of "folk" and transcends to a realm beyond the everyday love song to a place of wonder at the very fact of life itself. Peter has gradually gained a dedicated, word-of-mouth following, playing shows from Minnesota to Texas, New England to California. 7:30 p.m. www.northshoremusicassociation.com

Come visit Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory staff at Lake Place Park, in Duluth, MN to get a sneak peak at the daily life of the Peregrine Falcons in downtown Duluth! Learn about their exciting story and interesting facts about Peregrine Falcons. Observe movements and activities through spotting scopes and binoculars, as well as on a live monitor for a view of the happenings inside the nestbox on the historic Greysolon Plaza building.

May 27th through July

*Private education programs also available, upon request

218-428-6209 or peregrines@hawkridge.org www.hawkridge.org/events/ peregrine-watch

Arctic adventurer Lonnie Dupre is keynote speaker at Hike Fest.| SUBMITTED

Pre-school dancers will have their first recital at the ACA May 15-16.

| LESLIE HIGGINS

Nipigon Kids Fishing Derby

May 23

Hundreds of children converge on Nipigon for this annual fishing derby. Children will delight in catching jumbo perch, suckers, white fish and pike. All participants receive a prize and refreshments. 2 p.m. www.nipigon.net

Canyon Country Birding Festival

May 23-24

The Dorion area provides birders the opportunity to view a wide variety of species: woodpeckers, warblers, eagles and other arboreal species. Expert guides will be there to identify birds and answer questions. www.dorionbirdfest.ca

Emerald Ash Borer Workshop

May 28

Help reduce the impact of the emerald ash borer on North Shore communities by learning to identify ash tree symptoms. This workshop also provides information about management of urban and forest ash trees and the effects of quarantines. Activities include a field trip to inspect local ash trees. Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais 10 a.m. – noon. www.arrowheadinvasives.org.

Northern Landscapes Festival

May 29-31

Eleven courses at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais offer featured speakers Bob Janssen, birder and author; Chel Anderson, naturalist and author; and a free family program. Discover the birds, wildflowers, geology and more of the dynamic and rich Northern Wilds landscape. The Northern Landscapes Festival features a series of interrelated, field-focused courses complemented by presentations and programs. In addition to featured speakers are ecology, geology, and birding courses plus self-guided birding at ChikWauk and a community pizza bake. www.northhouse.org

FRIDAY, MAY 1ST Open for the Season!

FRIDAY - MONDAY MAY 22 - 25 DRURY LANE

BOOKS 12TH ANNUAL SALE.

50% o a wide selection of books.

SATURDAY

SATURDAY

MONDAY,

Nipigon Kids Fish Derby lets kids get hooked on fishing May 23. |SUBMITTED

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

Through May 3

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival Over 200 music acts at various venues. www.duluthhomegrown.org

May 1-2

Spring Writer's Workshop with Peter Blau at Naniboujou Lodge www.naniboujou.com

Bluefin Bay Spring Food and Wine Lovers Weekend

www.bluefinbay.com

Lutsen Resort Wine Weekend www.lutsenresort.com

Superior Shores and Kamloops Restaurant European Wine Weekend www.superiorshores.com

May 1-3

Northern Sustainability Symposium Resources from a Changing Forest Explore the changing forest through the eyes of craft. www.northhouse.org

May 1-24

Summerfield Photography Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais www. johnsonheritagepost.org

Through May 13

3D Printer on Loan to Grand Marais

Public Library An in-depth presentation will be given May 13, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. www.grandmaraislibrary.org

May 1, Friday

Mark Rubin The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m.

www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Big Lite Gun Flint Tavern

8:30 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

May 2, Saturday

Ham Run Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run www.hamrunhalfmarathon.com

Robi Meyerson The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

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

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra Rebels & Innovators Sybarite 5 p.m. www.decc.org

TBSO Pops 6: The Best of the Crooners Michael Vanhevel, Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 8 p.m.

www.tbso.ca

Big Lite Gun Flint Tavern

8:30 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais

www.gunflinttavern.com

May 2-3

 Thunder Bay Folklore Festival 2015 www.folklorefestival.ca

May 3, Sunday

Out of the Darkness Memorial Walk Confederation College 6 p.m. – 8:10 p.m.

May 4, Monday

Brown Bag Lunch William Kent Krueger

Book Club Cook County Higher Education 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. www.northshorecampus.org

Rod & Cariboo Grand Marais American Legion Lounge 7-9 p.m.

May 5 Tuesday

Aquatic Invasive Species Identification & Prevention Workshop 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais.

Trivia Tuesdays Grand Marais American Legion, 7-9 p.m. 218-387-2974

May 6-10

Environmental Film Festival Paramount Theatre, Thunder Bay Waterfront District www.efilmnetwork.wordpress.com

May 7, Thursday

Bike Safety Rodeo Cook County Community Center, 3 - 5 p.m. 218-387-2330

Suicide Prevention Awareness Workshop Cook County Higher Education 6 p.m.-7 p.m. www.northshorecampus.org

Fay Gleeson Dance Centre presents That’s Entertainment. Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 7 p.m. www.tbca.com

May 8, Friday

Hedstrom Lumber Tree Seedlings Pick Up for previously ordered seedlings. Call 218-387-2995 ext.10

Portage Band Grand Marais American Legion Lounge 6-8 p.m.

Cora & Pederson The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

May 9, Saturday

Minnesota Fishing Opener www.dnr.state.mn.us/opener

Stel The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

National Train Day The Depot, Duluth, www.duluthtrains.com

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

May 10, Sunday

Briand Morrison Plays at Moguls Mother’s Day Buffet Lutsen Resort 11 a.m.-1 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Mother's Day Luncheon Limited Lunch and a train ride www.duluthtrains.com

May 12, Tuesday

A Century of Jazz Concert at CCHS

Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble collaborates with the Cook County High School Band in the gym. 2 p.m.

Trivia Tuesdays Grand Marais American Legion, 7-9 p.m. 218-387-2974

May

Sierra Club Public Meeting Health and environmental costs of burning coal. Cook County Community Center 6 – 8:30 p.m.

May 13, Wednesday

3D Printer on Loan to Grand Marais Public Library An in-depth presentation. 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. www.grandmaraislibrary.org

May 14, Thursday

Karen Nease Solo Exhibition Reception at Duluth Art Institute George Morrison Gallery 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. www.duluthartinstitute.org

The Making of Vinegar with Cindy Hale of Clover Valley Farms & Vinegary. Coop Deli Kitchen 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Rod & Cariboo Grand Marais American Legion Lounge 7-9 p.m.

Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution

Grand Marais high school cafeteria 4:00 p.m. Facebook page: Cook County Ruby’s Pantry.

May 15-17

Hike Fest 2015 (formerly the Superior Hiking Trail Assoc. Annual Meeting) www.shta.org

May 15, Friday

Northwoods Band The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m.

www.lighthouseatemilys.com

YMCA Dancers present Breakthrough Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 6 p.m. www. cookcountyymca.org

The Ginstrings Gun Flint Tavern

9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

May 16, Saturday

Superior Spring Trail Races – Run Wild! Caribou Highlands Lodge 7 a.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

YMCA Dancers present Breakthrough Arrowhead Center for the Arts 12:30 p.m. www.cookcountyymca.org

Gina Lee The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Bingo Grand Marais American Legion Lounge 7-9 p.m.

Peter Mayer at Arrowhead Center for the Arts 7:30 p.m. www.northshoremusicassociation.com

The Ginstrings Gun Flint Tavern

9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Cook County Community Center Arena

Rummage Sale Grand Marais 9 a.m. - Noon

May 17 - 24

Duluth Dylan Fest Various events at multiple venues. www.facebook.com/ duluthdylanfest

May 17, Sunday

The G-Strings Gun Flint Tavern 8 p.m. –11 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

May 18-22

National Bike to Work/School Week

May 19, Tuesday

Duluth Edison Charter School Band/ Choir Concert DECC Symphony Hall 7 p.m. www.decc.org

Trivia Tuesdays Grand Marais American Legion, 7-9 p.m. 218-387-2974

May 21, Thursday

Gordon Thorne Gun Flint Tavern

6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

May 22-23

Memorial Weekend Celebration Event at Waterfront Gallery Waterfront Gallery www. waterfront-gallery.com

May 22-24

Art Along the Lake Eleven galleries plus North House Folk School. Maps at Visit Cook County Information Center and participating art galleries. www.visitcookcounty.com/arts

May 22, Friday

Hand Papermaking Class Grand Marais Art Colony 9 a.m. – noon www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Opening Day at the Cross River Heritage Center Schroeder 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. www.crossriverheritage.org

Bike Blender Smoothies 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Superior North Outdoors, Grand Marais www.superiornorthoutdoor.com

Portage Band Grand Marais American Legion Lounge 6-8 p.m. Gallery Gala Kickoff Johnson Heritage Post Grand Marais 7:30 p.m.

Gypsy Lumberjacks Gun Flint Tavern 9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Bump and Adam with Pushing Chain Bluefin Grille 9-11 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

May 23-24

Dorion’s Canyon Country Birding Festival www.dorionbirdfest.ca

May 23, Saturday

Cook County Farm & Craft Market 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Intro to Letterboxing and Paper

Marbling Grand Marais Art Colony 9 a.m. –noon www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Sculpture Bronze Pour Last Chance Gallery Lutsen 10 a.m. www.lastchancefab.com

Kids Make & Take Activities

Joy & Company (formerly known as The Garage) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.joy-and-company.com

Ukrainian Egg Painting with Lavona Czaplicki Cross River Heritage Center Schroeder 1 p.m. www.crossriverheritage.org

Family Town Bike Scavenger Hunt Start at Grand Marais YMCA 1-4 p.m.

Nordic WoodenWare Bowl Turning with Cooper Ternes at Joy Creative (fka The Garage) 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. www.joy-and-company.com

Oil Painting Demonstration by Plein Air artist Neil Sherman Sivertson Gallery 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.sivertson.com

Day Hill Hike Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. 11 a.m.-noon

The Muffin Man Stories for Children Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, 11 a.m. 218-387-3370

Silver Jewelry-Making Demonstration Kah Nee Tah Gallery 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.kahneetah.com

Community Ink Day Screenprint a t-shirt with Mike Swindlehurst Grand Marais Art Colony 2-4 p.m. www.grandmaraisartcolony.org Nipigon Kids Fish Derby 2 p.m. www.nipigon.net

Painting & Wine Party with Joi Electa Joy & Company (fka The Garage) 5-8 p.m. www. joy-and-company.com

Writer’s Salon with Chel Anderson 5 p.m. Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais, 218-387-3370

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

SplinterTones What’s Upstairs? Stage, 301 1st Ave W., Grand Marais 7:30 p.m. Jim and Michele Miller Voyageur Brewing Co. Grand Marais 8-11 p.m. www.voyageurbrewing.com

Gypsy Lumberjacks Gun Flint Tavern 9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Through May 24

Kim Adams: One for the Road Thunder Bay Art Gallery, www.theag.ca May 24, Sunday

Asian & Western Bookbinding Class Grand Marais Art Colony 9 a.m. www.grandmaraisartcolony.org

Coffee & Conversation with photographers Larry and Linda Dunlap

Johnson Heritage Post 10 a.m.

Kids Make & Take Activities

Joy & Company (aka The Garage) 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.joy-and-company.com

Geocache Bash! Introduction to Geocaching Gooseberry Falls State Park Noon – 2 p.m.

Kite Festival Chippewa Park, Thunder Bay Noon-4 p.m.

Live Music with Eric Frost & Bill Hansen Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery & Cottages

Noon & 2-4 p.m. www.kahneetah.com

Spring Fling Jazz Concert Chris Gilllis and friends What’s Upstairs? Stage 301 1st Ave W., Grand Marais 7:30 p.m.

Gypsy Lumberjacks Gun Flint Tavern 8 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Naniboujou Brunch Bike Ride from Grand Marais Register with Superior North Outdoor 218-387-2186 www.superiornorthoutdoor.com

events Calendar of Events

May 25, Monday

Memorial Day Ceremony

Grand Marais Court House 11 a.m.

Jewelry Making Demo at Kah Nee Tah Gallery 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. www.kahneetah.com

Joe Paulik Bluefin Grille 9-11 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

May 26, Tuesday

Fish Heads The Lighthouse at Emily’s in Knife River 6-8 p.m.

www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Jesse Cook One World Tour 2015 Thunder Bay Community Auditorium 8 p.m. www.tbca.com

Trivia Tuesdays Grand Marais American Legion, 7-9 p.m. 218-387-2974

May 27 through July

Peregrine Watch! Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Lake Place Park, Duluth, Wed.& Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. www.hawkridge.org

May 27, Wednesday

Eric Frost Bluefin Grille 9-11 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

May 28-31

Thunder Bay Art Gallery Annual High School Showcase Opening reception Thursday at 7:30 p.m. www.theag.ca

May 28, Thursday

Two Founding Mothers of American Indian Literature Cook County Higher Ed. Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.northshorecampus.org

Joe Paulik Gun Flint Tavern 8:30 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Emerald Ash Borer Workshop Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais 10 a.m. – noon. arrowheadinvasives.org.

May 28-31

Battle by the Bay AAA High School Hockey Tournament AMSOIL Arena & DECC Arena www.northernstorm.net

May 29-31

Northern Landscapes Festival Featured speakers Bob Janssen and Chel Anderson. Self-guided birding at ChikWauk and a pizza bake. www.northhouse.org

May 29 - June 21

Fire & Ice, No Ordinary Landscape Exhibit Johnson Heritage Post, Grand Marais www.johnsonheritagepost.org

May 29, Friday

Floydian Slip Gun Flint Tavern 9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

Pete Kavanaugh Bluefin Grille 9-11 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Betsy Bowen Studio & Galleries

Open studios, working artists, and galleries

ª Betsy Bowen Studio, woodcuts, books, local pottery www.woodcut.com

ª Stephan Hoglund Borderlands Gallery, art jewelry/photography www.stephanhoglund.com

ª Ron’s World Rocks, silver & gems

ª Wickwire Clayworks, handmade ceramic tile, pottery wickwireclayworks.com

ª What’s Upstairs? Stage, events, live music www.facebook.com/whats.upstairs.stage

Betsy Bowen Studio & Galleries

opening for the season Friday May 22

Come and celebrate Memorial Day weekend with us with these two great concerts. Tickets at the door.

Saturday May 23rd - 7:30pm

The SplinterTones return to the What’s Upstairs? Stage with an eclectic playlist of can’t-sit-still music.

Sunday May 24th - 7:30

Spring Fling Jazz Concert, Chris Gillis and friends back by popular demand at the What’s Upstairs? Stage.

Open 11-5 daily, mid-May through mid-October

301 First Avenue West, Grand Marais ª 218-387-1992

May 30, Saturday

SHT Spring Hike Meet at Skyline Pwky & Highland St. Trailhead parking lot. 10 a.m. Free Lunch for Vets Grand Marais American Legion Lounge. Free for Veterans. 11:30 a.m.

Thunder Bay Youth Dragon Boat Festival Boulevard Lake Noon-Midnight Floydian Slip Gun Flint Tavern 9 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. Grand Marais www.gunflinttavern.com

May 31, Sunday Timmy Haus Gun Flint Tavern 7 p.m. – 10

MN singer/songwriter Peter Mayer

May 16 - 7:30 PM

Arrowhead Center for the Arts

51 W. 5th Street, Grand Marais

Tickets $15 adults, $5 youth at www.tix.com or door

“This is music for the soul.” ~ Acoustic Guitar Magazine

9 Handy-Awardnominated bluesman Guy Davis

June 6 - 7:30 PM

Arrowhead Center for the Arts

51 W. 5th Street, Grand Marais

Tickets $15 adults, $5 youth at www.tix.com or door

“Draws from the same well that fed Fats Waller, Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters.” ~ The Musician’s Magazine, NY

The North Shore Dish

Vinegar Revival

By Kelsey Roseth

Cindy Hale is on a mission. The Clover Valley Farms co-owner can be frequently found in the commercial kitchen at the Superior Business Center, surrounded by large plastic tubs and wooden barrels that are producing a pungent smell. Hale and her husband, Jeff Hall, are working hard to revive the reputation of vinegar, taking this common household ingredient and transforming it into a gourmet cooking essential.

It’s safe to say that just about every one of us has a small, clear plastic bottle of white distilled vinegar stashed somewhere around the house. Personally, I use the liquid to sour milk for banana bread, wash windows and, on my most ambitious days, prepare salad dressing. But historically, vinegar was used in a variety of applications and the liquid was an essential part of everyday life.

“It’s all about teaching people how to rediscover these traditions that our grandparents took for granted,” said Hale, going on to say that in the past, most families would regularly prepare fermented foods or have a batch of vinegar or wine going in the root cellar. “Many of us have lost the awareness and the skill to do it. So, it’s about rediscovering and putting a modern twist on these really cool, simple ways to make really healthy food.”

Clover Valley Farms produces live cultured, gourmet vinegar that has numerous health benefits, including enhancing gut microbiota (which is basically a community of microorganisms hanging out in your digestive tract), eliminating acid reflux and balancing blood sugar.

Vinegar has been around forever. Well, maybe not forever, but it is “doubtless the first acid with which man became acquainted,” wrote Charles Mayer Wetherill, who wrote a book on the manufacture of the sour liquid back in 1860. Take a look in the history books and you’ll find reference to vinegar numerous times.

Wetherill wrote that Cleopatra was once dared to consume a meal that cost one million sesterces, which were Roman silver coins. To win the wager, Cleopatra dissolved pearls in vinegar and drank it.

Also, in the Bible’s Proverbs of Solomon, it is written that “as he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a heavy heart.” Per Wetherill, the pas -

Attend an upcoming class from Clover Valley Farms:

Explore the World of Gourmet Fruit Vinegars. Tuesday, May 5, 6-8 p.m., Fee $25. Call 218-728-0884 to register with Whole Foods Co-op, Duluth

The Making of Vinegars. Thursday, May 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m, Fee $10 owners/ $20 non-owners. Call 218-387-2503 to register with Cook County Whole Foods Co-op, Grand Marias

The Making of Vinegars. Tuesday, May 19, 6-7 p.m, Fee $25. Call 218-728-0884 to register with Whole Foods Co-op, Duluth

The full list of classes offered by Clover Valley Farms can be found on their website, clovervalleyfarms.com, along with a list of recipes.

sage partially means that when vinegar is poured over carbonates (nitre) or soda, the commotion is hilarious and it can often lift a heavy heart.

And my personal favorite: in a cook book published by the Chicago Daily Herald in 1883, author Jessup Whitehead emphatically warned cooks of the dangers of using cheap vinegar when cooking. “However, a spurious vinegar…which is cheaply made and sold cheap, being nothing but a mixture of sulphuric acid with water. Such ‘vinegar’ will ‘eat up’ the pickles made with it,” wrote Whitehead.

Getting back to Clover Valley Farms— it’s located on Homestead Road, right between Duluth and Two Harbors. There, Hale and Hall, along with their 10-year-old daughter, May, produce pastured poultry, sheep and hogs and grow small fruits and tree fruit.

“We are a very diversified farm,” said Hale. “Our animals are fully integrated into our fruit systems.”

That means the animals graze the orchard to reduce weeds and bugs, at the same time tilling and fertilizing the soil.

The fruit Clover Valley produces is a key component of the artisanal vinegars. Hale and Hall grow their own rhubarb, juneberries and red currant. Once ready, the fruit is sent to White Winter Winery in Iron River, Wis. where the fruit is made into wine. Then, the wine is sent back to Clover Valley where Hale and Hall inoculate the wine with acetobacter aceti, a bacterium that eats the alcohol and basically turns the wine into vinegar.

Clover Valley prepares two base vinegars, Rhubarb and Juneberry Currant, and the flavors of those fruits carry through the entire vinegar-making process. For variety, Hale infuses the vinegar with fresh herbs from their farm, which provides a

strong, fresh flavor. Or, she sweetens them with honey produced by their bees. The end product is a shelf-stable liquid. Hale said, “The vinegars give you the opportunity to add a lot of really interesting flavors and aromas to dishes easily and simply.”

It’s easy to wonder how the pair decided to dedicate a good chunk of their work week to vinegar. “We are dabblers in everything,” said Hale. About five to seven years ago, Hall found a recipe online for homemade vinegar and decided to give it a go. He purchased what’s called a “mother,” a gelatinous, slimy substance that is the acetobacter aceti culture, and used it to inoculate the vinegar. The pair sold one of their first batches at a local farmers market and it flew off the table.

Two years and one USDA grant later, Clover Valley Farms officially joined the vinegar business. Hale said, “People are really responding to our product. They really like it and that’s rewarding.” It’s a small

market; there are few gourmet vinegar producers in Minnesota.

Unless you’re a creative cook, it may be somewhat intimidating to try cooking with vinegar. That’s why Hale is offering cooking classes during the month of May at the Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth and at the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op in Grand Marais. Hale said that often, when people ponder what to do with vinegar, they get stuck on salads. “I’m showing them how to prepare fresh fruits and desserts with vinegars, how to do beverages and appetizers, even main dishes.”

Whole Foods Co-op said Hale’s offerings fall perfectly in line with their mission of creating a healthy community and a healthy regional food system. “By supporting local growers and producers and hosting community classes, we’re making strides toward this goal and having a

VINEGAR cont. on page 30

Cindy Hale packs vinegar bottles ready for sale. | KELSEY ROSETH

great time doing it,” said Cassandra Houston, design coordinator at the Duluth co-op.

Houston admits that she keeps a bottle of Clover Valley vinegar at her house (currently the Rhubarb Vinegar infused with basil) and says she is a big fan of the Juneberry-Currant Honey Wine vinegar infused with garlic. “The flavors are just unbelievably powerful, in a good way, and true to the fruit and herbs used to create them,” said Houston.

To get you started cooking with vinegar, Hale shared the following recipe:

Cucumber Dill Sauce

1 container plain yogurt (full-fat)

1 medium cucumber

1-2 tablespoons dillinfused vinegar (Juneberry Currant or Rhubarb)

Simply mix all ingredients and serve on falafels or gyros.

By Kim Falter

Top 5 ingredients to avoid

The cosmetic industry knows we all want to look our best. They make claims of thicker hair, flawless skin, or the obliteration of wrinkles. The unfortunate reality is that the cosmetic industry is allowed to say just about anything and put just about anything in their products with minimal regulation.

According to the FDA Handbook: “With the exception of color additives and a few prohibited ingredients, a cosmetic manufacturer may, on his own responsibility, use essentially any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market that product without approval.”

Cosmetics as defined by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act are products such as skin creams, lotions, makeup, perfumes, nail polish, shampoos, hair dye, toothpaste and deodorants. The FDA doesn’t require cosmetic manufacturers to conduct whatever toxicological or other tests are appropriate to substantiate the safety of their products. This is why it is so important to read labels.

But who has the time to learn about polyethylene compounds or to read up on methylchloroisothiaolinone?

Since just about anyone can produce and sell cosmetics without ever contacting the FDA, their customers become unsuspecting guinea pigs for a whole host of chemicals that have yet to be tested and proven safe.

In fact, the FDA and the manufacturers often discover harmful ingredients only after the product has hit the market and problems begin to arise among customers. With the help of organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, work is being conducted to educate the public on some of the more dangerous ingredients. Here are five that are currently making waves.

Fragrance

Federal law allows manufacturers to state “fragrance” on any ingredient list without explaining exactly what this means or what components constitute this ingredient. The EWG and

the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics have recently discovered an average of 14 different chemicals under the umbrella of “fragrance” in 17 of the top name brand beauty products. “Fragrance” is one of the top five allergens in the world.

Solution: Look for “fragrance free” products. Keep in mind that “unscented” is not the same as “fragrance free.” Most reputable companies will simply list what the fragrance actually is, or scent their products with essential oils.

Oxybenzone

Until recently, we have all been kept in the dark as to the toxic chemical composure and unsubstantiated claims made by sunscreen manufacturers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, oxybenzone, a chemical sunscreen ingredient, has been found in almost every single American that has been tested.

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It causes allergies, sensitive skin and skin irritations in addition to contributing to hormone disruption. A surprising study conducted on over 400 pregnant women in New York City found that women with the highest concentration of oxybenzone in their system had baby girls with low birth weight, but those who had boys had greater than average birth weight.

Solution: Shop for sunscreens that contain titanium or zinc oxide as the active ingredients.

Parabens

(specifically Propyl-, Isopropyl-, Butyl-, Isobutyl-parabens):

The only other ingredient more prevalent in bodycare products, other than water, is parabens. Parabens serve as an excellent preservative and were originally believed to be safe. A 2004 study published by the Journal of Applied Toxicology proved otherwise. Parabens were found to mimic estrogen, and were found in trace amounts in women with breast cancer. Fast forward 10 years and the CDC reports that all American bodies contain parabens. They work as endocrine disruptors, and can cause reproductive and developmental disorders.

Solution: Always look for products that clearly state they are paraben-free.

Pthalates

Pthalates are used in almost everything from the automotive industry to plastics. In cosmetics they are used as a solubulizer (an agent that something is dissolved in) and as a component of fragrance to help the scent linger after application. In recent years, studies have shown that pthalates can disrupt the male reproductive system, and may be mutagenic. This means it can be considered a carcinogen.

Solution: All phthalate-laden nail polish has been banned in the European Union, but we aren’t so lucky here in America. Avoid products containing fragrance as

they can be primarily composed of different kinds of pthalates. Look for products that clearly state they are pthalate free.

Triclosan

The EPA registers triclosan as a pesticide, yet it seems to have still found a way into our personal care products. Used in deodorants, toothpaste and soap, it gained notoriety with the promotion of washing your hands to prevent illness as the main ingredient in antimicrobial soap. Studies have shown it disrupts both thyroid function and reproductive hormones.

Solution: Look for products that use essential oils for their antimicrobial action. Keep in mind that the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Microbiology both state that it is just as effective to use plain old soap and water as a way to avoid the spread of illness.

FDA regulations on the cosmetic industry were founded over 70 years ago when it was believed that the skin was an impermeable layer. Today we know this isn’t true. The products we put on our skin are readily absorbed and circulated throughout the body. But there is hope. Some products out there are truly safe. Some manufacturers clearly list ingredients and have been certified by entities that stand for full transparency of a product’s effectiveness and public safety from excessive chemicals.

A great book called “A Consumer’s Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients” describes every ingredient ever found in a cosmetic. It’s over 500 pages long. None of us has the time to read and retain the information in this book before choosing the next bottle of shampoo. But if we start small, with maybe the five listed above, we can breathe a little easier knowing that we are choosing products that limit our body’s exposure to potential toxins.

Move It in May returns to Cook County

By Amy Schmidt

On the heels of a fascinating wellness presentation by Blue Zone speaker Tony Beuttner, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic is gearing up for yet another Move It in May. For those who don’t know, Move It in May is a month-long celebration of active living characterized by an online tool to help participants log their activity miles, events and gatherings throughout the community, and friendly competition. For those who do know, Move It in May is the informal kick-off to a whole summer of fun physical activity and fitness.

This year, Move It participants will be encouraged to not only log their active miles and minutes of exercise but to pay close attention to how they can and do “move naturally” throughout the day. While we still recommend 150 minutes of physical activity per week (defined as an activity that increases your maximum heart rate by 55-69%), we also want to highlight the benefit found in simply moving more throughout the day. Parking in the last spot in a parking lot and walking to the store, walking to get the mail instead of driving, gardening, or flying a kite with your kids are all examples of ways we can “move more, naturally.”

As always, there will be a handful of community events scattered throughout the month of May to gather people together in the spirit of active living. The annual Bike Rodeo for kids will be held on May 7 from 3-5 p.m. and “Bike Commuting: Cook County Style” will be happening on May 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the YMCA. We will be hosting Walk & Talks—tri-weekly walking groups meeting throughout the county for short walks over lunch breaks and after work. And last but certainly not least is the family-friendly Bike Scavenger Hunt hosted by the YMCA on Saturday, May 23.

Last year, we had 150+ participants logging miles with Move It in May. Join us and your community this May for a banner month of active, healthy living. To register yourself or to sign-up as a team with friends, coworkers or family, visit www.sawtoothmountainclinic.org/events. There you will also find a calendar of events and more details on things happening throughout the month. Any questions can be directed to Amy at amy@sawtoothmountainclinic.org or via phone at 218-387-2330.

Awards

Do you know someone who inspires you to Move more?

Someone who shoveled a path for their neighbor to walk safely this winter, a child who encourages their classmates to play outside no matter the weather, a Care Center resident who loves to dance!

E Submit your nominations for a chance to win!

• In 200 words or less tell us about the local resident who inspires you to move more, and why.

• Please include name, phone number and email.

• Mail to: CCNH, PO Box 757, Grand Marais 55604 or email starnews@boreal.org

E 1st week in June, we will award prizes in 3 categories; children, adults, seniors.

E Each winning nomination will receive a $40 gift certificate for the nominee and a $20 gift certificate for the nominator!

E Deadline for Nominations Friday, May 22th!

Questions? Rhonda Silence, Cook County News Herald 218-387-9100 Kristin Wharton, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic 218-387-2330 Bev Green, Cook County Senior Center 218-387-2660 www.sawtoothmountainclinic.org/events

Funding for the Move It! Awards is provided by the Moving Matters project at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, Cook County Herald, and the Cook County Senior Center. The Moving Matters project, with funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Center for Prevention, is working to create safer and more accessible places to walk and bike in Cook County and Grand Portage.

Towering Pines Canopy Tour

Northern Trails

5 Tips for Spring Walleye Wisdom

By Gord Ellis

There are not a lot of great things about getting older: the wrinkles, the aches and pains, the hair that leaves the head but grows abundantly in the ears. These are not what I’d consider pluses. However, there is this thing called wisdom and it’s generally connected with advanced age.

I won’t even pretend to be wise in all areas of my life. I have too many friends and family members who know otherwise. However, when it comes to spring walleye fishing, a little wisdom has taken hold. Lessons were learned the hard way on those snowy May openers, with nothing but an east wind and whitecaps between me and a limit. The school of hard knocks is a good teacher, and nothing can be crueler than a spring walleye adventure. So here are five tips gleaned from 30 plus years of chasing spring walleyes.

1. Keep It Simple

Planer boards, Dipsey Divers, lead core line and the rest of the fancy walleye tactics may have a time and place, but it’s not in spring. Walleye post-spawn are tired and want a meal delivered with a minimum of muss and fuss. That’s why a lead head jig with a minnow is such a popular spring presentation; it presents a meal to a fish right in its face. The walleye is a bottom cruiser and the jig and minnow gets right down there. When you hit the bottom with the bait, lift up a bit and then slowly swim the jig. No walleye in the vicinity will be able to resist. If the bite is really good you can replace the minnow with a plastic twister or shad. But don’t get too fancy.

2. Big Bait, Big Fish

This may seem obvious, but 95 percent of opening day walleye anglers use gear that is far more likely to catch pan fry than the monsters of the deep. Sure, someone always flukes a 30-incher with a small jig and a 2-inch minnow. Yet those scary huge monster walleyes are almost always big females, and they are simply exhausted after the spawn. They want the best bang for their buck. The best way to get their attention is with huge minnows measuring 4 to 6 inches rigged on a large lead jig or single hook and shot. You won’t get a lot of bites, but the ones you do get will be whoppers. Last spring my son Devin, friend Sandro

Fragale and I spent the opener tossing huge sucker minnows on jigs. We caught six walleye, the smallest 25 inches and the largest being Devin’s enormous 34-incher. There were no eaters, but what a day.

3. Current is Good

Most walleyes spawn in current, perhaps at the base of rapids or in a narrows. On opening weekend, and into the spring, it is always worth checking the current for fish. Focus on current seams and deep pools along the edge of the main current. Walleyes are not good at holding in fast current, but can dart out to grab things on the way by. If you are only catching small fish in current, the big fish may have already dispersed. So if you are at a river mouth, start your search by hitting nearby rock piles and shorelines.

4. Wind is Good

A windblown shoreline in spring is almost always a good place to find feeding walleyes. The wind stirs up the warmer shallows, and minnows and insects become easy prey. Pitching jigs or crankbaits up towards shore and swimming them back can be super effective. However, if the day is cold and the wind is sharp, try fishing out of the wind. Sometimes, the stiller water on the back side of a point or island will warm up and attract fish. I’ve seen this phenomenon on popular spots like Sand Point, on Lac des Mille Lacs, near Upsala. The shallow, sandy bay inside the point often holds fish when it’s flat calm and getting the full effect of the sun. If you find it miserable in the wind, the fish likely do as well.

5. Go slow

Springtime equals cold water, and the walleye is a cold-blooded beast. Every spring I see people trolling spinner rigs at five miles an hour, wondering why they aren’t getting any bites. Your troll should be two miles an hour or less, especially if you are dragging live bait. When pulling spinners, you should troll just fast enough to turn the blade. No faster. If you are trolling too fast with the boat going forward, turn it around and back troll into the wind. Walleye don’t mind speed when the water warms in summer. But in May and early June, the tortoise will always beat the hare.

Devon Ellis used an extra-large minnow to catch this 34-inch walleye.

GORD ELLIS

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Get a Jump Start Along the Gunflint

The weeks following ice-out (typically May and early June in these parts) produce some of the best fishing of the year. Along the Gunflint Trail, lake trout, pike and walleyes are typically the most sought-after fish. But just because the fishing can be good doesn’t mean you’ll have good fishing. It pays to have some local advice.

“After ice-out, the first parts of the lake that come alive are the shallows,” said Bob Baker, an owner and fishing guide at Gunflint Pines Resort. “It’s a good idea to target shorelines and shallow water.”

When it comes to fishing after ice-out, something to be keenly aware of is spawning patterns of whatever fish you’re targeting, particularly walleye and pike. And the golden rule of spawning is very simple: Prespawn fish tend to bite well; spawning fish don’t. However, don’t let spawning fish cramp your approach, as fish quickly return to a ravenous-predator mode soon after the spawn, Baker said.

Early fishing for species such as walleye and pike can result in trophies, particularly in lakes along the Gunflint Trail. After ice-out, the biggest fish with the most advanced metabolisms begin to stir first, and that includes big females that are ready to spawn.

According to Cory Christianson, a local fishing guide, it’s the fact that big females and other trophy fish are more accessible and easier to find that makes fishing so outstanding soon after ice out.

“It’s pretty much game on,” Christianson said.

And while the fish may be easier to find and in some cases, catch, soon after the ice is gone, the angling approach has to be modified for cooler water. To mix it up, try using smaller baits, lures that don’t dive deep and slowing down your presentation, Baker said. Even though the fish may be active, he added, even the trophies tend to be a bit lethargic, particularly walleyes.

Not every fish is active in the spring simply because the spawn is on. Certain species, such as lake trout, are venturing to the shallows to feed on algae blooms or small minnows that arrive in the early spring, Baker said. For most of the year lake trout are dwelling in the deep water of a lake, so the fact they are feeding in the shallows in early spring provides ample opportunities to

locate them. When it comes to fishing in the weeks after ice-out, a key rule that should lead to success, regardless of the species you are targeting, is to work shorelines and work them slowly.

“If you haven’t really experienced lake trout fishing before, it’s a good time to go after them because they are shallow and easy to get at,” Baker said. “They’re a great fish to fight in the spring.”

Paul Eiler, the assistant supervisor at the Department of Natural Resources Grand Marais Fisheries Office, said cold water and on occasion, ice, are all a part of spring fishing along the Gunflint Trail.

“Historically speaking, the average ice-out day up here is May 7,” Eiler said.

According to Baker, the first several weeks after ice-out are among the best to fish and typically won’t involve heavy traffic from other anglers.

“A lot of the guys we get up here early on are a lot of the old timers,” he said. “The next generation doesn’t seem to hit Opener every year. It really kicks off starting Memorial Day Weekend.”

on Fishing Trail

By Joseph Friedrichs

Where are the Fish?

When it comes to spring and early-summer fishing, many anglers choose where they want to fish based on what species they are after. Below is a brief guide of where to catch what type of fish in the Northern Wilds:

LAKE TROUT: The bigger lakes at the end of the Gunflint Trail hold some seriously large Lakers. Lake Saganaga is arguably the most popular and with good reason. In the middle part of the trail, Gunflint Lake won’t disappoint. Other options: Seagull, Clearwater, Daniels.

WALLEYE: An easy-access lake chock full of healthy walleye is Flour Lake, found not far from the Gunflint off Clearwater Road. Other options: East Bearskin, Crocodile, Hungry Jack.

RAINBOW TROUT: Mid-summer is prime for rainbows along the Gunflint, but Birch Lake is a great spot for early season. The lake has become loaded with smallmouth in recent years, but anglers have a chance to bag some trout before the bass become active. Other options: Leo, Trout, Temperance River

NORTHERN PIKE: Large pike can be found in many area lakes, and some offer an almost guarantee at something over 30 inches in length. A good starting point for big pike is Loon Lake. Other options: Alpine, Iron.

PANFISH: Though panfish aren’t found in great abundance along the Trail, there are lakes offering healthy populations of crappie and bluegill. One such location is Poplar Lake, found in the middle Gunflint region. Try the southeast corner of the lake for consistent crappie action. For bluegills, visit Leo or Iron lakes.

Move North?

Introducing Rainy River Romeo

Story

by Shawn Perich

and photos

Amber, my business partner, had a few people perturbed with her. A few weeks ago, I was musing aloud in the office about picking up a new yellow Lab pup in International Falls.

“It’s a long drive,” I said. “Someone will have to come along to hold the puppy.”

“I’m going,” she said. And that was that.

Then other people found out about the puppy, and volunteered to ride shotgun to I Falls. First was grandson Joe, who was willing to take a day off from school and work. Second was friend Pete. Third was Mom, who figured she was a shoe-in. All were told the same thing—Amber had already claimed the seat.

“I was fourth in line,” Mom grumbled.

So Amber and I made a road trip. After dropping off Tanner with Mom in Duluth, we headed to International Falls, where we met Shannon Brown of Brown’s Lab Kennels. I had my pick of the two males in the litter. While I had contemplated getting a female this time around, three were already spoken for from the unborn litter when I first talked to Shannon. But I was able to get first pick of the males.

One male was significantly smaller than the other and fox red in color. The bigger guy was yellow with red highlights and a friendly disposition.

“He’s always the first one in the chow line,” Shannon said, adding that he didn’t seem to have dominance issues with the other pups.

We walked back to the kennels where the puppy’s parents were. Dad Crockett was fox red, 65 pounds and earned his AKC Master Hunter title at 30 months. Mom Millie was yellow, 65 pounds and carried an impressive pedigree. Shannon is clearly in the game for the love of the dogs. We talked about trials, training and bird hunting for a long time—likely much longer than Amber cared to listen to us.

Then it was back to the pups. For me, it was an easy decision. I went with the big, friendly guy. We completed the transaction and started home. We crossed into Ontario at Fort Frances and headed for the North Shore by way of Atikokan. Amber tended to the puppy, which mostly meant playing with him and enduring endless puppy kisses.

“I think you should call him Romeo,” she said.

“Then I could call him Roamer,” I said. We spent the rest of the drive trying out various dog names. Given his birthplace, not far from the famous Rainy River, I kept coming back to Rainy River Romeo. But what would his day-to-day name be? Rainy? Or River? I liked both of them.

By the time we got home, he was comfortable riding in a vehicle, staying in his kennel and giving lots of puppy kisses to the nice lady. Since Tanner was staying with Mom in Duluth, puppy and I had an evening to get to know each other and for him to adjust to his new home. He moved right in. At bedtime, he went into his kennel, where he was just fine until 4 a.m., when he cried to go out. I let him spend the rest of the night sleeping next to me in bed. When I woke up in the morning, he was sprawled on his back beside me.

We spent the morning discovering the backyard, and then headed into Grand Marais so he could meet some of my friends. Once again, there were lots of puppy kisses for the girls. Romeo is clearly an appropriate moniker. But I’ll be darned if I’m going to wander through a South Dakota cattail slough calling for my Romeo.

We headed for Duluth, where puppy finally met Mom and 11-year-old Tanner, who was excited to have a puppy in his life. Puppy now had a name, Rainy.

“Tanner and I were the last ones to meet Rainy,” Mom grumbled again.

She said she wanted to borrow Rainy “for a couple of months,” but changed her mind the next morning. All night we were serenaded by a puppy who sang the blues because he was in his kennel. Mom had forgotten about that inevitable aspect of puppyhood.

night’s sleep, I took the boys for a good walk. Tanner tempered his usual exuberance, pausing frequently to look back and check on the pup. Later that evening, I found the two of them curled up beside one another on Tanner’s bed. For Tanner, who was always around our other dogs and Vikki, life has been lonely in recent months living with just me. I think it will be good for him to have a new companion.

After a long, lonely winter, having Rainy around will be good for me, too. He has so much to experience and to learn and I’m excited to travel that path with him. We’ve started with his ABCs—sit, stay and come—and are beginning more fun tasks, like learning fetch. Tanner will be a great mentor.

Of course, Rainy has to learn about shotguns, canoes, boats, trucks and even fish. Like Tanner, he’ll be my constant outdoor companion. When autumn rolls around, he’ll be half grown and ready to join Tanner and me in the grouse woods and pheasant fields. I was told there are some pointing Labs in his bloodline, but a competent flusher and retriever is just fine with me. I’m not looking for a field trial champ. I just want a good hunting dog.

Right now, I’m pleased to have a cute puppy. The cute phase doesn’t last very long and I intend to enjoy it. Just as I hope to enjoy watching Rainy grow.

get a better

After his night of song, Rainy slept all the way home. Hoping to

Rainy, at seven weeks, explores a Lake Superior beach.

Tanner and Rainy get along famously…really.

Strange Tales

Homing Pigeons: Couriers, Soldiers and Heroes

By Elle AndraWarner

For a bird whose ancestors played an important part in human history, wild pigeons get a bad rap these days.

Studies from the University of Montana report that the homing pigeon is “one of the smartest, most physically adept creatures in the animal kingdom.” They remember faces, particularly of those who feed them; can distinguish friendly folk from foe; mate for life; are not aggressive; can recognize themselves in a mirror (only one of six species to do so and the only non-mammal); and can even identify art pieces.

Derived from the Rock Pigeon (the world’s oldest domesticated bird, originally bred as a food source back 10,000 years ago), homing pigeons (Columba Livia) have been selectively bred since ancient times to travel incredible distances to return to their home loft. Homing pigeons are known as messenger or carrier pigeons when carrying messages and racing pigeons when participating in a race. Their owners are called ‘fanciers’.

Until Samuel Moore’s invention of the telegraph in 1844 and Guglielmo Marconi’s invention of radio in 1895, homing pigeons provided the world’s fastest communication system for delivering news and messages. One of the earliest references to messenger pigeons is about 1200 BC in Egypt when they were used to convey flood news to cities. In 776 B.C., carrier pigeons delivered the results of the first Olympics and in the 12th century, the world’s first regular pigeon post service was developed by Sultan Nour-Eddin between Baghdad and Syria.

Pigeons have also been a boon to business folk. In the early 1800s, the Rothschilds set up pigeon lofts across Europe. According to the Rothschild Archives, carrier pigeons were “one of the tools of success in the Rothschild business strategy during the 1820-1850s.” And in 1850, Paul Julius Reuters, the founder of Reuters news agency, trained a fleet of 45 homing pigeons to deliver the latest news and stock prices between European cities. Moving forward into the 21st century, the wild-water rafting company Rocky Mountain Adventures based in Fort Collins currently uses carrier pigeons equipped with tiny Lycra backpacks to deliver memory sticks of digital photos from river rafting back to the office where staff make photos ready for the returning rafters.

Carrier pigeons were used extensively by all warring sides during both the World Wars. One hundred years ago, in 1915, the Pigeon Service became a special branch of the Canadian Signal Corps (using about 100 war pigeons a day) and in 1917, the U.S. Army Signal Pigeon Corps was formed. Monuments honouring the ‘soldier pigeons’ of the First World War and their keepers have been built in Brussels, Belgium and Lille, France.

During the Second World War, pigeons accompanied troops in many operations, including parachuting in protective pigeon vests while strapped to the chest or sides of paratroopers (28,500 such vests were specially created by brassiere company Maidenform). Thirty-two war pigeons received the Dickin Medal for their bravery, including

In the First World War, the British Royal Air Force determined that one in every seven of its crewmen who were rescued after being forced down at sea owed his life to a message sent by a pigeon. www.americaninwww.com

America’s famous GI Joe. At its peak in the Second World War, the U.S. Pigeon Corps had 3,150 officers and men, and 54,000 pigeons. It disbanded in 1957.

Famous pigeon fanciers include Roy Rogers (one of his 95 pigeons was called The Lone Ranger), Walt Disney, and Mike Tyson (he raised pigeons before he was a boxer and now has thousands). Nikola Tesla never owned pigeons but would feed them in public places, bringing back injured pigeons to his hotel room to nurse back to health. The greatest number of pigeon fanciers now live in China, with more than 300,000. Two years ago, a Chinese businessman paid a whopping world-record $410,000 for a pigeon named Bolt.

From ancient to modern times, ships have been carrying pigeons to send arrival times, news or SOS messages back to the mainland. For example, on Lake Superior in the early 1900s, the tug Gladiator of the Split Rock Lumber Company, while towing log booms to Duluth, had pigeons on board to fly distress messages to the company office.

While technology has largely replaced the pigeon post, homing pigeons are still around as racing pigeons (a worldwide popular sport), wild urban dwellers, or as trained carrier pigeons to be used in an emergency. China is training 10,000 messenger pigeons in case of communication system breakdown.

Mobil pigeon transport during WWI aided land and sea operations. | SUBMITTED

Pigeon GI Joe awarded the 1946 Dickin Medal by saving over 100 soldiers’ lives. | SUBMITTED

WHY GO: Sea Gull is a beautiful lake partially inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It’s an easy-to-access lake that offers a variety of camping options and a good chance of catching a Boundary Waters grand slam.

ACCESS: Well, you could get here the hard way, portaging from Alpine, Grandpa, Gull, Paulsen, Meditation or Rog lakes, but there are two public accesses on the lake, including one from Trail’s End Campground at the end of the Gunflint Trail. It’s best to access that via canoe only because it’s in a protected bay that is shallow and rocky at its mouth on the lake. The main access, where boats can launch, is also just off the Gunflint Trail on the east end of the lake. The lake sits mostly inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but a portion of the lake is not inside the wilderness area, so motors are allowed here. And 10 hp outboard motors are allowed in the BWCAW portion generally east of Threemile Island, but only with a permit.

VITALS: This 3,957-acre gem is entirely inside Cook County, though it isn’t a long paddle from here to the Lake County border. It has a maximum depth of 145 feet and water clarity down to 12.3 feet, according to Minnesota DNR’s 2012 survey of the lake.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Walleye, lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass.

DWARF CISCO: Because of the lake’s abundant population of dwarf cisco, which provide a constant source of food for the lake’s predator fish, these gamefish have been able to flourish in the vast lake.

LAKERS HOLDING ON: Steve Persons, DNR’s Grand Marais area fisheries supervisor, said the lake’s main attraction is between walleye, which have been in decline, and its lake trout.

The lakers are doing just fine right now, he said, in large part because of those dwarf cisco.

“Lake trout really thrive when they have that available for forage,” he said.

But the lake’s deep, cold, clean water, low in nutrients, in addition to the cisco, give lake trout the ingredients they need to survive, Persons said.

“There’s something about that Canadian Shield bedrock,” he said.

“It doesn’t leach a lot of nutrients

SEA GULL LAKE

into the lake.”

The lake has excellent spawning habitat—rocky reefs with the cracks and crevices that allow eggs protection from predators.

“Numbers have been steady for the last 20 years,” Persons said. “It’s a big lake and a lot of it is tough to fish because you have to fish out of a canoe. That is probably helping keep that population up.”

Persons said most of the lakers are in the 15- to 20-inch range.

“I hear of an occasional trophy fish,” he said. “We don’t see them in our assessments because our nets aren’t geared towards catching the largest lake trout.”

WALLEYE WORRIES: Sea Gull was one of three lakes (including Saganaga and Gull, as well as connected waters) that were given new special regulations. The minimum size limit is now 17 inches (with only one over 20 inches) and the limit was dropped from six fish to three fish.

“We are trying to protect those smaller, younger fish and get the most bang for the buck out of any year classes that the lake is able to naturally produce,” Persons said.

DNR isn’t sure why the last two surveys have shown a decline in the walleye population, but it could be a number of reasons, Persons said. The regs will be in place for 10 years, at which point they will be reviewed. In the meantime, a closer

eye will be kept on these lakes.

And anglers could pick worse places to fish for walleye than Sea Gull, Persons said. But do your homework. Study those maps.

“People that know the lake well tell me that they can still do pretty well fishing for walleye,” he said. “It’s a tough lake to go to if you are not familiar with it.”

OTHER OPTIONS: The lake is known to harbor some quality northern pike as well as smallmouth bass.

The pike seem to have surged a bit lately, perhaps the by-product of recent strong wildfires, that have leached more nutrients into the lake, allowing some weed beds to do well and provide more of the cover that pike need.

“The potential is really good for trophy fish,” Persons said.

Ditto for smallmouth.

“We don’t see them in our assessment gear much because we use gill nets, but we hear there are plenty of bass and some nice-sized fish,” he added. All in all, Sea Gull can be a pretty good destination for fishing.”

Gunflint Trail

Sea Gull Creek

Portage

It Didn’t Get Away

By Shawn Perich

Sixty years ago, giant, native lake trout swam in Lake Superior. One of the best places to go fishing for them was Hovland, which billed itself as “The Lake Trout Capitol of the World.” On May 30, 1955, Gustav Herman Nelson proved that claim when he caught a lake trout officially weighed at 43 pounds, 8 ounces. Nelson’s fish remains the Minnesota state record lake trout.

Outdoor writer Joe Fellegy interviewed nelson about his catch for his book, “Classic Minnesota Fishing Stories, A Rare Collection of First-Hand Accounts, Anecdotes and Reports,” published in 1982. He reports that Nelson and a Mr. T.J. Clark made the trip from Duluth to Hovland in Clark’s 30-foot motor launch. After being delayed by the weather, they travelled overnight from Two Harbors, arriving at Gust Berglund’s in Hovland the following morning.

The men had been fishing for about an hour when the monstrous trout struck. Nelson had out 500 to 600 yards of braided steel line with a 3/4–pound sinker to reach into the depths. He was using a Pearl Wobbler. He fought the fish for about an hour. Coming up from deep water, it was nearly dead when they gaffed it beside the boat.

They first weighed the fish in Hovland on a commercial fisherman’s counter-balanced scale. It weighed 47 ½ pounds. Then they drove to Grand Marais for an official weigh-in at the Midway service station (Buck’s), where it weighed 43 ½ pounds. This photo of the fish was taken in Grand Marais by M.J. Humphrey and was kindly shared with us by Glenn Larsen of Grand Marais.

Catch a

Record-Breaker?

To certify a fish as a record:

Take it to a Minnesota DNR fisheries office for positive identification.

Fill out a record fish application.

Locate a state-certified scale (found at most bait shops and butcher shops).

Weigh the fish with two witnesses present. Send a clear, full-length photo of the fish with the application to the address listed on the application form.

A Loan in the Woods A Loan in the Woods

G.H. Nelson caught the Minnesota state record lake trout while fishing off Hovland on Memorial Day, 1955. | M.J HUMPHREY

FOR SALE: Remote cabin on Kemo Lake north of Grand Marais MN. 16 acres and 500 ft. shoreline. Mixed timber. Moose, deer, grouse, and great lake trout fishing. 20 x 24 furnished cabin, shed, 14' Lund boat w/ 7.5 HP Evinrude motor. A great place to relax and enjoy

Enjoy a spectacular panoramic

4

south of

Bay, Ontario or 40 minutes north of the US border. See ThunderBayHouses.com (search by Property Type: Waterfront 181A South Bay) and/or PropertyGuys.com (search #151494.) $580,660

Newly constructed, completely finished, two giant bedrooms, in-floor heat, wood-stove, greenhouse, sheds, gardens, trails, sauna, well, septic, move-in ready.

$178,000 Call: (218) 475-0142 For Sale by Owner Hovland Dream Home on 10 Acres with Creek! FOR SALE: Oliver Lake, ON

Waterfront property for sale Lac des Mille Lacs, Upsala, Ontario

1 mile from Pine Point Resort. Year round living, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, finished walk-out basement, large garage, sauna. For more info go to Thunder Bay houses.com and click on view houses, then click on property type, then click on waterfront and scroll down to Lac des Mille Lacs house. E-mail wrhaney@hotmail.com or call 807-476-0200. After May 1 call 807-986-1723.

Birds of Minnesota State Parks

By Robert B. Janssen Minnesota DNR, 2015

The author spent 11 years (1997-2007) doing bird surveys in all state parks in all seasons. The results of his work and that of others is the sturdy foundation upon which this book is built. Written and designed as a field guide, the book tells you where to go in each park and what bird species you may see. The author shares short anecdotes about encounters he’s had with birds over the years. Avid birders could spend years just visiting the locations he suggests.

—Shawn Perich

Hungry Coyote

Crossing the Driftless A Canoe Trip through a Midwestern Landscape

By Lynne Diebel

Illustrated by Bob Diebel Terrace Books $19.95

Longtime Northern Wilds readers may be familiar with the Diebels, who also authored “Paddling Northern Minnesota: 86 Great Trips by Canoe and Kayak,” chapters of which were featured in this publication. This book is the account of an extraordinary journey, rather than a paddling guide. Leaving from their family cabin in Faribault, the couple paddled 359 river miles to their home in Stoughton, Wisc., crossing through the unglaciated

Driftless Area of southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin. The result is a fine traveler’s tale.—Shawn Perich

By Cheryl Blackford, Illustrated by Laurie Caple Minnesota Historical Society Press, $16.95

Exquisite illustrations make this story of a coyote family living along a lake in an urban park a page-turner. The book follows the family through the four seasons: the hunger of winter, the spring birth of pups, stealing hot dogs from summer pic -

nickers and killing a Canada goose for a late autumn meal. Not all urban dwellers may know coyotes live in their midst, unless they hear their evening yips and howls.—Shawn Perich

northern sky

MAY 2015

By Deane Morrison— MINNESOTA STARWATCH

Against a backdrop of brightening May twilight, Venus and Jupiter enter the most dramatic phase of a months-long evening dance.

On May Day, nightfall finds Jupiter high in the south-southwest, just east of the Gemini twins, while Venus blazes away in the west. These planets are the two brightest objects in the evening sky, and their approach throughout the month will be easy to follow.

Jupiter does most of the moving. It is dropping toward the sunset as Earth leaves it behind in the orbital race. Venus, however, maintains its altitude above the horizon as the winter stars stream past, carrying Jupiter with them. During May, the stars of Gemini flow by Venus and the distance between Venus and Jupiter drops from 50 degrees to 20. The two planets end the month facing each other across the dim stars of Cancer. At the end of June they finally meet.

As Earth leaves Jupiter in the dust, it catches up to Saturn. On the 22nd, Earth sails directly between the ringed planet and the sun, an event called opposition because it places the planet directly opposite the sun in the sky. That evening Saturn rises in the east, close to Scorpius, and stays up all night. The best time to see it will

be after 12:30 a.m. on the 23rd, when the waxing crescent moon will have set.

Not only will Saturn be bright, but its rings are very favorably tilted for views with a small telescope. Compare its soft golden color with the ruddy hue of Antares, the heart of the scorpion, just southeast of the planet.

May’s full moon will be another beauty. It reaches fullness at 10:42 p.m. on the 3rd,

less than three hours after moonrise. Algonquin tribes called this moon the flower moon, and also the corn planting moon and the milk moon.

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

REDUCED

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Grand Marais 517 S Gunflint Lake

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Trail Tait Lake

MLS#6001233

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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.

Lutsen Sea Villas The Lutsen Sea Villas have withstood the test of time. Nowhere else is there a shoreline like this on the entire coast of Lake Superior. The owner’s and management company have upheld excellent standards and quality while maintaining the

H5

D3 Sea Villa

Grand Marais 185 N Pike Lake Rd

MLS#6003124 $449,900

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.

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Johannes Toftey Homestead Sites

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

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Tofte Airport Home Sites Located between Lutsen and Tofte. Convenient Location with outstanding values. $24,750-33,000

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.

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

Hovland 90 Stonegate Rd

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Grand Marais 1817 W Hwy 61

MLS#6002458 $139,900 Hwy 61 West from Grand Marais, located close to 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 5295 W Hwy 61

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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.

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

Lutsen, MN 5170 W Hwy 61

MLS#6003083 $349,000

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SUPERIOR! Fab location on Cty Rd 34 in Lutsen, Classic Northwoods Cabin alongside a rambling creek dropping in to Lake Superior, accessible shoreline!

MLS#6003653 $399,000

DREAMY LAKE SUPERIOR land and lakeshore! Several acres of

TAIT 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! MLS#6002868 REDUCED! $329,000

SUMMER CAMP ON DEVIL TRACK LAKE! Southern exposure, gravel beach! Serene setting, sweet deck perfect for summer fish fry’s! Cabin has electricity, baseboard

$139,900

MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, BIKE OR HIKE IN AND OUT AT CARIBOU HIGHLANDS! Ski In Ski Out, Super Nice Condos and townhomes at Caribou Highlands, a wide variety available from the small getaway studios to the Top Notch 4 Bedrm Townhomes. Call TimberWolff today, we are your Condo Experts! FROM $115,000 MLS#6002881

#620 MOOSE MTN

4-5 bedrm mint townhome!

MLS#6002082 $330,000

#605 MOOSE MTN 4 bedrm mint townhome!

MLS#6002557 $297,000 #525 MOOSE MTN, Mint Condition! REDUCED!

HONEYMOONER’S RETREAT IN LUTSEN! Nearly 5 acres, 279 ft of Wilderness Shoreline! Enjoy Eagles fishing the Lake from your Dock! Architecturally designed, custom crafted home welcomes you with its locally crafted Douglas Fir doors! Clean lines in the kitchen; Custom Douglas Fir and Heart Pine shelving surrounding the Basalt Stone Fireplace in the Great Room make for a Magnificent Space overlooking peaceful Christine Lake. Guest cabin to boot! MLS#6003498 $449,900

ANCIENT PINES ON TAIT 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! MLS#6003095 $369,000

PENDING SOLD! NEW! HOLY SMOKES, WHAT A GREAT DEAL! One Bedroom Two bath Sweet Condo Ski In & Out, Great location and Views at Lutsen Mountains! Seller Says All Assessments for Renovation Upgrades paid at Listing Price! MLS#6003638 $105,000

MLS#6001066 $139,000

NICE LAKE VIEW HOME OVERLOOKING NINEMILE

LAKE! Tons of Space, great views and Affordable Low Maintenance Living! MLS#6002645 $145,000

MEANDER DOWN THE DRIVEWAY 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! MLS#6002667

$175,000 GREAT VALUE!

JAW DROPPING COOL CARIBOU 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! MLS#6002791

$250,000

ELEGANT AND INCOME GENERATING QUARTER SHARE AT SURFSIDE! at Tofte’s upscale Surfside Resort. #7 is a stone’s throw from accessible shoreline you’ll LOVE, this townhome, and it’s affordable with the Quarter Share option! No other end unit compares on price, views or locale to the Big Lake. The interior is right out of the pages of Architectural Digest, total Luxury! $199,000 MLS#6003491

SKIPPING STONES ON LAKE SUPERIOR AT THE VILLAS! If you haven’t seen the Villas in a while, you better look again! Most have been updated, especially K3! 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!

$168,900 ON DEERYARD 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!

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 #70 BEHIND COHO! Must See!!

MLS#6003372 $560,000

Ice Out and Fish On! Happy Fishing Opener Up North!

SILVER BAY TO LITTLE MARAIS TO FINLAND & ISABELLA!

Rocky Wall Overlooking Lake Superior just outside Silver Bay PRICE REDUCED!

MLS#6003239 $99,000 80 acres for $79,000 Blesner Lake Rd!

MLS#6003110

PENDING

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 MLS#6001324 $44,900

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 REDUCED! $129,000

SCHROEDER AREA NEAR THE CROSS RIVER!

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

Thoreau’s Cabin on Rolling 10 Ac of Maples! Just perfect getaway Deluxe Camp Cabin, newer construction, fire pit, outhouse, All you Need to enjoy the Northwoods!

MLS#6002164 $87,900

Gorgeous Acreage

Overlooking Sawtooth Range! Yr Round, Electric. MLS#6003185 $45,000

DRAMATIC Mountain Top Views, Rolling Hills, Maple Forests fading in to Spruce and Pine and YEAR 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!

MLS#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! MLS#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!!

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

MLS#6002386 $99,000

TOFTE AREA

NEAR BLUEFIN BAY RESORT!

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!

MLS#6001346 From $17,500!!

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

FROM $53,000 MLS#29252

New! Wowser Lake Superior views on Overlook Tr! MLS#6003716 $82,900

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

New! Mature Spruce and BIG Lake Views! Walk to Blue Fin Bay, drilled well in place! $49,900 MLS#6003482

LUTSEN LAKE VIEWS & WILDERNESS 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

New! Creek Build Site just off the Caribou Trail at Jonvick Creek! Rare and Unique Build site! MLS#6003633 $59,500

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. 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! MLS#26729 $39,900

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!

MLS#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!

MLS#6001685 REDUCED! $70,000

Super Building Site on Honeymoon Trail Lutsen locale with electric and all year access! High ground!

MLS#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!

MLS#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!

MLS#31732 $140,000

Own your own park in the heart of Grand Marais!

MLS#6002396 $17,000

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 MLS#25633 $89,900

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! UP MLS#6003047 $39,900

Wild Plum Drive, East of Grand Marais! Nice level build site, yr round and electric avail. MLS#6003492 $49,900

NEW! SWEET PARCEL ON SWALLOW LAKE IN ISABELLA AREA! 220 ft of shoreline, 2.5 ac!

MLS#6003766 $64,900

400 FT WITH 14 AC ON DEVIL TRACK 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!

MLS#6002721 $375,000

log CHarM, superior seClusioN Lake Superior charm and seclusion awaits on this private retreat property. With over 28 acres & 866 feet of shore privacy is assured. Two classic North Shore log cabins have historic warmth and attention to detail, with outstanding lake views along the dramatic, unspoiled shoreline. Each cabin sits secluded from the other. Trails, bridges and scenic overlooks make the whole property accessible and it feels like your own state park! It's a rare large property that's so unique on Lake Superior. Main cabin has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and spectacular views. Guest cabin has a main room and porch. There is much hand-made attention to detail in these historic and classic Aldrich log cabins. Mls#6003618 $1,250,000

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 Mountains. Only a short walk to the shops and dining in Grand Marais. Septic 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

l ake superior, aFForDable, FiNisH to taste. This new lake shore home sits on 110 feet of north shore ledge rock with great views. The 2 bedroom, 2 bath home is quality constructed and partially completed inside. It's ready for you to use now and finish to your own taste and time frame. Kitchen, floor coverings, and master suite are waiting for your input. Build sweat-equity while enjoying a usable home, or complete the details before you move in. Mls#6003520 $369,500

cabin, sauna, dock and outhouse. Easy year-round access. Unique opportunity to own a private wilderness compound! Mls #31513 $700,000.

log CabiN, toWeriNg piNes, West bearskiN l ake. Totally charming Charlie Boostrom log cabin sits in a forest of towering pines. The cabin has been lovingly maintained. The 2 bedroom cabin is a summer-use place to reflect and escape. Hardwood floors, beamed ceilings and large kitchen. It comes furnished and is ready for you to move in. The BWCAW is just a short paddle Mls# 6003448 $319,000

Harriet l ake retreat. Want seclusion? Here is a classic homestead property at the end of a private road. It has 87 acres and 1300 feet of shoreline on a peaceful bay of Harriet Lake. There is no other private land on the bay, and adjoining on two side of this property. It's just you and the Superior National Forest! There are two older cabins that can be swept out and put to use. Mls# 6003484 $310,000

NeW! WilsoN lake CabiN

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

MCFarlaND l ake

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. Mls 6003363 $239,900

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 use. Mls# 6002552 $399,000

CHiCago bay HoMe. 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. Plus private shoreline. Mls# 6002611 $174,900

sHareD l ake superior. 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. Secure and private with owners association to share expenses. A garage site included. Mls 6003400 $124,900

Very nice private setting with association covenants to protect your Solitude. The logsided "carriage house" cabin has great views overlooking Wilson Lake, and the build site has been prepared down by the shore. There is even a private, sandy beach on part of the shoreline. The well and septic for a 4-bedroom home are in. This well-insulated cabin has in-floor heating throughout which is backed up by a cozy wood stove next to a large window with a view of the lake. Unlike most of the other properties in this beatiful, quiet development, this property has a private driveway to enhance your privacy. Mls#6003767 $310,000

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

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. Power and phone, county road, good home or cabin sites Mls#6003161 $295,000

Locally owned and operated since 1996

guNFliNt l ake, bWCaW, aND borDer vieWs. Nicely elevated lake lots, 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. Two lots available. Mls 6003422, Mls 6003423 $230,000

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 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

NeW! pike l akesHareD expeNses. This clean and neat 2 bedroom cabin sits privately within a common interest community shared with 4 other cottages. You can live here or use as a weekend escape. Or, use as a vacation rental. The Pike Lake views are great, there's a large deck for your BBQ's and all the benefits of lakeside living are here. Plus the big expenses are shared making it affordable and easy on your worries with shared maintenance of roads and utilities. There's an 8 x 16 storage shed which sits on a garage lot if you want to build one. The shared 300 feet of shoreline is great for boats, canoes and swimming. The association dues are minimal. This is certainly a unique opportunity for lake living near Grand Marais, where shared common lake developments don't typically exist. Mls# 6003678 $194,900

CasCaDe beaCH

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

lot 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

MiD-trail 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. Mls 6003402 $99,000

sister l ake par-

Cel. Nice lake lot with good tree cover, high and level building sites. High point of surrounding area has awesome views. Excellent shoreline with great views of the lake. Partial driveway already in place. The lot is potentially part of a pending plat which allows access to two other lakes by portages: Harriet and Five Dam Lakes. Power is possible. Mls #6003499 $89,600

lot 1, NiNeMile l ake End of the road, large lot adjoins Superior National Forest and Cabin Creek Unit Roadless area. Great trees, views and building site. Power, year-round round access. Mls #6003203 $89,300

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 $72,000.

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

sNoWsHoe ruN lots Snowshoe run is set along a high ridge overlooking Hare Lake in a mature northern hardwood forests. Year-round plowed and maintained county roads, power at each property and a clear water, trout lake. These beautiful home sites were planned for generations of enjoyment and are protected by covenants. Mls# 6003206 thru 6003212 prices start at $24,900

sea villa-l ake

superior Walk into this Sea Villa and you'll feel as if you're walking right into Lake Superior it's so close to the water's edge! The entire main floor has been tastefully remodeled inside and out. Over $35,000 worth of improvements make this home stylish, comfortable & inviting while still holding onto the North Shore charm. Successful rental revenue is a big plus, too!! Mls #6003518 $249,900

beautiFul graND

Marais

Duplex

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 #6003522 $100,000

Coastal CHarM This gorgeous lower level unit walks right out to Lake Superior and has been updated and refreshed with quality finishes like cork flooring, rainfall shower head and a cool spa bathroom. Open concept floor plan with a seashore cottage vibe and lovely furnishings. Mls #6003574 $81,900

Stately family home in Grand Marais, with large rental income unit. Total of 5-bedrooms, 3-baths, and 2 two-car garages on an extra-large corner lot with city services. Upper level is beautiful and spacious, and includes 3 beds, 2 baths, lovely finishes and tons of storage. Lower level unit has 2 beds, 1 bath, separate entrance and laundry, and attached garage. Large landscaped yard with potting shed and detached, insulated garage. Mls# 6003600 $324,900

log CabiN CHarM This gorgeous lower level unit walks out to Lake Superior and has been updated with top-notch finishes. Open concept floor plan, bamboo flooring, stainless steel appliances, and stunning log cabin walls in the bedroom. Beautifully decorated--for the right price this unit could come fully-furnished, allowing new owners to begin earning rental revenues immediately. Mls#6003575 $81,900 uNit 11, CHateau leveaux. This lower level unit is priced to sell! Beautiful views of Lake Superior, and walk right out and hear the sounds of the surf. One-bedroom, one bath unit, with futon in living room to allow flexible space for overnight guests. Or your guests can stay in the motel units within building at reduced owner rates. This is a terrific opportunity to own a piece of the big lake at an affordable price. Unit comes with furnishings, so new owners can begin earning revenues almost immediately, offsetting their cost of ownership.Mls# 6003472 $54,500

CouNtry HoMe WitH

Huge sHop aND apartMeNt. Quality home on secluded 20 acres in maple forest. Sunny living/kitchen area. Expansive master loft-suite. 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

l arge HoMegreat vieWs. This recently remodeled home has it all. It’s conveniently located in town with incredible views Lake Superior. The home features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms with a great layout that offers privacy, separation, and tons of storage space. The master bedroom includes a custom whirlpool tub. The kitchen has been totally redone with high-end appliances and lots of storage space.

$242,500

CouNtry liviNg. Enjoy peace and calm with true country living. Charming rambler nestled in 26 acres of meadow and woods. Plenty of storage, built ins, and garage space, even a heated studio! Mls #6002460

HoMes & CabiNs

HoMes & CabiNs

HoMes & CabiNs

seCluDeD retreatCaMp 15 loop. This 2 bdr, home sits on 77 acres and features all the creature comforts with solar power and shower house, There’s a large 2-car garage with workshop plus 2 guest cabins that provide plenty of space for the whole family or group. Trails, solitude and wilderness – a perfect place to live remotely or as base-camp for your adventures. Mls# 6001657 $174,900.

log CabiN - roiliNg 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.

tuCkeD aWay seClusioN.

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.

NeW priCe! 40 aCres - MoNs Creek FroNtage. easy road access. Good building sites. Mature trees. Deeded access to Lost Lake. Mls #6002120 $74,900

NeW priCe! 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 $74,900.

NeW priCe! 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 $64,900. 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. Quiet street. 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

This well built, one story, one room cabin is tucked away on 40 acres, and just a stones throw from Magney State Park. There's a small creek with some beaver ponds; Some views of Lake Superior; Good seasonal road access. The cabin features a solar electric system, warm wood paneling, wood stove, full kitchen-bedroomliving areas with open floor plan. Mls#6003580 $127,900 l aND/builDiNg sites

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

NeW! tHe guNFliNt Motel iN graND Marais is a long-established business located just a block from the harbor and downtown shops and restaurants. There are 5 large motel units with kitchens, plus a full lower apartment in the motel structure. All are in great shape. There is also a 4 bedroom, 2 bath owner's home that has had many recent updates and enhancements. It features views of the harbor and provides a comfortable and private residence. This home and business are a great situation for a couple wanting to supplement their income and enjoy living in beautiful Grand Marais. Mls 6003528 $419,000

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.

CoMMerCial lots iN lutseN Two commercialzoned lots fronting Hwy. 61 in Lutsen across from Lockport Store. Great visibility, nice forest, lake view. Third lot to north is zoned residential. Bring your business idea! Mls# 6003506 $179,000

NeW! reCreatioNal base CaMp. Great Tofte lot has 2 garage buildings. They could easily become living space, one has a second story. Property has room for a home with views of a dramatic creek gorge with waterfall and Lake Superior view. 4.54 acres, year-round road, power, phone. Mls# 6003751 $179,900

NeW! iNtriguiNg prospeCt.How often can one buy a build site that has all of the sub-structure in place? Almost never! The sellers of this gorgeous property took care of the mind-boggling yet crucial stages of the build process and all you need to do is come in with your house, porch & garage ideas. Or...ask to see the existing blueprints for some great options. High-quality items already in place include an insulated/heated slab for house/porch, insulated garage slab, electricity, driveway, the well, a time-dosed/heated septic system, landscaping & boulders, 15 cords of already sawn clear aspen to be used for interior walls, doors, etc., not to mention over 18 acres of privacy, beauty and solitude. Wildlife is right outside your door at all times...what could be better. Priced well below what the seller has put into this property which makes it even more of an intriguing prospect. Mls# 6003658 $119,900

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 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 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 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

l aND/builDiNg sites

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 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

10 aCres - graND Marais. Great piece of property located minutes from Grand Marais, on Pike Lake Rd. Seasonal view of Lake Superior. Many nice build sites. Mls #6001078 $64,900

HoMe site - C ouNty roaD 6. Beautiful 5-ac lot just minutes from town. Meadow. Shed and pond. Driveway in. Power/phone. Mls #6003084 $59,900.

WoNDerFul vieWs oF lake superior! 3 lots available; wooded and private. Minutes to ski hill, Superior National, Lutsen shops and Oberg Mt. Surveyed, year round access. Mls #6002918, 6002919,06002920 lots start at $52,000. Forty aCre paraDise. Mixed topography of beautiful rolling land with many great build sites. Old growth cedar, spruce, pine and birch. Mons Creek meanders through the property border where it abuts State land. Mls #6003078 $50,250

NeW! WooDeD 2.4 aCre Tait Lake back-lot with driveway in and cleared building site ready for your cabin get-a-way. Electric is on site. Tait Lake Assn. in place to protect your investment with Covenants and Restrictions. Annual Assn. Fee of $200 is for road maintenance and plowing. Property is accessible year round. Only 6/10 mile from common dock and lake access. Owner/Agent. Mls# 6003727 $49,000

NeW! great 4-aCre HoMe site Near HovlaND. Close to Lake Superior, with some views, nice forest, easy access off of Highway 61 on shared driveway. A great place to call home or nestle-in with your recreational cabin. Mls# 6003692 $47,900

builD your reMote HoMe or hide-a-way on this wooded 20 acres with nice building sites, some lake views and a small creek. It's a short walk to Magney State Park, Brule River or to Lake Superior. Adjoins listing #6003580 with small cabin on 40 acres. Mls #6003581 $42,000 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. 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 priCe reDuCtioN! $30,000

reMote privaCy Remote is what you're looking for, look no further. Forty beautiful acres abutted by thousands of acres of Federal land. Adjoining property is currently listed (MLS# 6001657). Buy it all and assure maximum privacy.

Mls #6003593 $26,500

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

Silver Fox Rd - $69,900 5+ acres, located east of town, easy year round access, and utilities are all available. Very peaceful & quiet lot, perfect setting for building your dream home. MLS 6002966

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! MLS

- $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

415

116 Overlook Dr

3.33A with

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

Roman’s Rd

Close to Devil Track Lake and lots of recreational activities.

Stonegate RD

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

MLS 6003282 $21,000

Rosebush Hill 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

W Hwy 61 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 6002301 $149,900

Diagonal Rd

20A, not-so-remote remote parcel. Year round access to within a few yards. Septic sites identified. Great mixture of tree cover as well as highlands and wetlands.

MLS 6003602 $27,500

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.

MLS 6003176 $62,800

2 20A pieces, remote with exceptional privacy close to town.

MLS 6003311 $33,900

Raven Feather Rd

6.65A of nicely wooded land just west of Grand Marais. End of road location with federal land to the west PLUS incredible views of Lake Superior.

MLS 6003776 $129,900 NEW

E Hwy 61

Conveniently located near public access to Lake Superior, Kadunce Wayside, Kadunce River, Superior Hiking Trail and more.

MLS 6003752 $18,000 NEW

Broadway Ave

Commercially zoned lot in downtown Grand Marais. Next to The Beaver House.

MLS 6002316 $99,000

Inland Lake Homes

250’

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

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

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

MLS 6002665 $134,500

MLS 6002257 $57,900 PENDING McFarland Lake

Tom Lake Year round, 1.10A, 171’ shore, nicely wooded, driveway and cleared building site.

MLS 6003350 $54,900

34A, 600’ shore, nicely woodedwith maples, pine, cedars and incredible views.

MLS 6002412 $149,900

1.81A of stunning views with great building sites and 298’ shore.

MALCOLM CLARK, Broker

6 LAKE SUPERIOR ISLANDS

2 to 95 acres. Starting at $90,000 USD

PIE ISLAND

UPPER SCOTCH LAKE

New Levels of Service

640 Beverly Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 0B5 Canada

Phone (807) 344-3232

FAX: (807) 344-5400

Toll Free 1-888-837-6926

Cell: 807-473-7105

mclark@avistarealty.ca www.avistarealty.ca

2 well built log homes. Each with log sauna buildings, sand beaches, sheltered mooring area, more building sites and southern views of Scotch Lake. Surrounded by crown land and largest of only a few private parcels on this huge lake. Very secluded and private. Great fishing/hunting retreat. $965,000 USD

2 miles of beach front on Lake

Superior

facing south. Also a 1/2 mile of frontage on Perch Lake. Escarpments, hiking trails, great Lake Superior fishing and boating. Ideal for resort development or your own private getaway. 358 acres. All amenities nearby.

$985,000 USD

STUART LOCATION

NICOL ISLAND ROSSPORT

Tremendous Lake Superior building sites. Lakefront and interior lots for sale with docking facilities. Causeway opened year round. Power and phone. Starting at $55,000 CDN

Huge developable escarpments with tremendous, breathtaking views of Lake Superior, islands and Isle Royal Michigan. Property includes frontage on 2 inland lakes, CrystalLake, 1 mile frontage and Lake Lenore - 2.5 miles of frontage. Over 6,000 acres. Road system throughout the property. A great variety of animal and plant life. A tremendous investment opportunity. $3,500,000 USD

LAKE SUPERIOR LOTS

Little Trout Bay, 20 minutes north of the Minnesota/Ontario border, 3 large estate-sized lots, very sheltered with southern exposure. Tremendous views. Power and telephone available. Priced beginning at $199,000 USD

LOT 18 KAM RIVER

Almost 400 feet on the north side of the Kam River with southern exposure. total of 12.36 acres - all high ground. Right in the city of Thunder Bay. $248,000 CDN

HARRY LAKE LODGE

The ultimate fly-in fishing resort. Totally outfitted with all the modern conveniences. 80 miles north of Thunder Bay. Incredible fishing! Main lodge, beach house with sauna and hot tub. Diesel generator, fish cleaning house, boats, motors. Harry Lake is a very large lake with no road access and Harry Lake resort is the only improvement. $295,000 CDN

NORTHERN LIGHTS LAKE ISLAND

Exceptional log home on over 2 acres with over 500 ft of shoreline. Cathedral ceilings, beautiful stone fireplace, guest camp, boathouse, large deck and more. Great views! $279,000 CDN

• This "tiny house", guest cottage, studio, vacation home is ready to move to your property.

• 16x22 North House Timber Frame structure with 2x6 walls.

• Electricity: heaters, ceiling fans, and lighting.

• Insulated-ceiling R-38, floor R-19, and walls R19.

• Tongue and groove ceiling and wainscot on walls.

• Building to be moved.

• Cash sale $60,000

$60,000 Seller reserves the right to accept, reject, or counter any offer prior to May 12, 2015.

the building,

Celeste at

- Ad space donated by Superior Escapes, LLC -

Own a slice of Minnesota’s Favorite

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

The Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts is unmatched in its intimate proximity to Lake Superior. We offer three distinct ownership opportunities to achieve what you’ve been dreaming of for years.

• Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior: Award-winning property, Minnesota’s Favorite Resort. One, two and three bedroom condos & townhomes on Lake Superior with access to restaurants, pools, saunas, tennis court, gift shops, & full service spa.

• Surfside on Lake Superior: New, spacious luxury townhomes on Lake Superior. Home to Waves of Superior Spa & Café. Offering shared ownership opportunities.

• Temperance Landing on Lake Superior: Distinctive log home luxury on ledgerock and cobblestone beach near Temperance River. 3 BR, 3BA custom log homes with access to resort amenities at Surfside.

Eric Frost Sales Agent, Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts

Let Eric, exclusive sales agent for Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts, provide the details about each property and guide you through the process. Contact him today to learn more.

eric@bluefinbay.com

Mink

I watched this little mink catching sculpins along the shoreline until he got his fill. Once he was done, he turned his attention on me, watching him.—Art Laframboise