Northern Wilds

Do You Judge Northern Wilds by Its Cover?

We’re having an ongoing discussion here in the office of Northern Wilds. Since we’ve expanded our coverage to include art, entertainment, community news, dining and more, should we still emphasize the outdoors in our cover photos? This month, we have a great shot from our friend James Smedley in Wawa of a young ice angler who is less than enthused with the squirming fish in her hand. It’s a fun photo, but it doesn’t really relate to any of the stories in this issue. We don’t think that matters.

Over the years, we’ve faithfully stuck to outdoor themes for our covers. In the early years, we ran portraits of Northwoods wildlife. Then we learned many potential readers weren’t picking up the publication. Looking at the cover they assumed it was only about hunting and fishing. That’s when we started using photos of people doing things outdoors, ranging from paddling canoes to surfing on Lake Superior. Even then, we learned folks made wrong assumptions about what was inside. Working at a show in Duluth one winter, we had several people recoil from a cover showing cross-country skiers and exclaim, “I don’t do that stuff!” as if skiing was illegal or bad for you.

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but we depend on our cover photos to entice you to pick up Northern Wilds and look inside. So, how may our covers change in the future? Well, we may occasionally feature relevant local art. We may have covers related to upcoming events or entertainment. But we are unlikely to stray very far from our roots. For 10 years, Northern Wilds has served as a window to all of the fun and adventure that makes the North Shore such a great place to be. Rest assured that we intend to keep the window open for you—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt

Northern Wilds

PUBLISHERS

Shawn Perich & Amber Pratt

EDITORIAL

Shawn Perich, Editor editor@northernwilds.com

Erin Altemus , Editorial Assistant erin@northernwilds.com

ADVERTISING

Amber Pratt, Advertising Manager apratt@northernwilds.com

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

Jane Shinners, Sales Representative jane@northernwilds.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Katie Viren • katie@northernwilds.com

OFFICE

Roseanne Cooley • billing@northernwildsmedia.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Elle Andra-Warner, Gord Ellis, Joan Farnam, James Smedley, Eric Chandler, Kate Jackson, Kelsey Roseth, Breana Roy, Javier Serna, Earl Orf, Amy Schmidt, Thomas Spence

Copyright 2014 by Northern Wilds Media, Inc.

Published 12 times per year. Subscription rate is $28 per year or $52 for 2 years. 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)

Amy and Dave Freeman: Adventurers of the Year

ELY—Amy and Dave Freeman have been chosen by National Geographic as adventurers of the year for their work with the Wilderness Classroom Project, a nonprofit that uses wilderness and adventure as educational tools. Together the Freemans have adventured in many places, but most notably they finished a three-year expedition in April 2013, kayaking, canoeing, dogsledding and backpacking 11,700 miles up the Inside Passage, across the Northwest Territories, through the Great Lakes and down the East Coast of the U.S., ending in Florida.

Over their journey, the Freemans brought their experiences into classrooms by uploading videos, trail updates and stories from a cellular or satellite phone. They also stopped along their route to do classroom presentations. Over the project's three years, they met 25,000 students.

Amy Freeman grew up in the city, but as a child she was always wanting to be outside and to be active. Now her lifestyle is all about being outside—almost all the time. Which is what she wants to inspire in kids: “I used to think of it (adventure) as doing real extreme things...but now I think it’s just being outside, spending time in the woods,” she said.

Amy Freeman says that it’s the different modes of travel (paddling, hiking, dogsledding) that ties adventure to their mission at the Wilderness Classroom. “It’s something to get the kids excited about learning,” she said. “We need adventure to tie in to their curiosity.”

Currently the Freemans are guiding dogsled trips for Wintergreen near Ely. But they are able to use their dogsled adventures as learning tools for the Wilderness Classroom. They post on the Wilderness Classroom Facebook page about the dogs they work with, as well as videos that they make on their trips. This summer they will be guiding paddling trips closer to Tofte.

Are there other adventures in their future? They are planning an expedition to Rio Roosevelt in Brazil later this spring. Teddy Roosevelt paddled the river 100 years ago, making this the centennial anniversary of Roosevelt’s voyage. The river flows through a reserve and is surrounded by rainforest. There will be rapids and jungle to contend with, but these two adventurers are looking forward to the challenge. —Erin Altemus

Gypsy Moth Quarantine Comment Period Extended

ST. PAUL—The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is extending its comment period on the proposed quarantine of gypsy moth for Lake and Cook counties. The original 30-day comment period will be extended for another 15 days— to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12.

The MDA is proposing a quarantine for Lake and Cook counties to help slow the

human-assisted spread of gypsy moths.

In 2013, the MDA captured a record 71,258 gypsy moths; 90 percent were located in Lake and Cook counties. Extreme moth numbers and other scientific data were factors in the Commissioner of Agriculture making the proposal.

The proposed quarantine language is available on the MDA website at www.

mda.state.mn.us/gmquarantine. Written comments can be submitted to: Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Gypsy Moth Quarantine Comments, 625 Robert St. N., St. Paul, MN 55155 or emailed to: gypsy.moth@state.mn.us

The MDA will respond to all comments received during the 45-day period. The agency will also continue to consult with

a wide variety of stakeholders throughout the decision-making process. Changes may then be made to the proposed quarantine language. Call MDA’s Arrest the Pest Hotline at 888-545-6684 for more info. The quarantine is scheduled to go into effect April 30.

Cirrus and Jasper in lead position, pulling three week’s worth of supplies across Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territories. | ELLEN ROOT

Dave and Amy Freeman near Tulita, Northwest Territories during the 900 mile dogsledding stage of the North American Odyssey. | RON DOCTOR

New Project Hopes to Promote Dive Tourism

NIPIGON—This summer, divers associated with the Superior Underwater Exploration Society will begin locating and mapping shipwrecks along the Canadian North Shore as the first step in developing that area as a destination for dive tourism.

“This is potentially one of the premiere dive locations on the Great Lakes,” says Nipigon Mayor Richard Harvey.

A passionate diver himself, Harvey says there are more than 50 wrecks divers may currently explore, but little information exists about the sites. The proposed twoyear project, done in conjunction with the North Shore’s new National Marine Conservation Area, will focus on locating the wrecks and placing mooring buoys, as well as mapping the wreck itself, documenting what exists there to prevent looting and creating a dive plan so travelling divers can explore the site. All of this information can then be used to create a dive strategy to promote dive tourism.

Harvey says Lake Superior has advantages for divers over the other Great Lakes. The clear, cold water creates excellent diving conditions and preserves wrecks that may be more than 100 years old. Most important, zebra mussels, which cover the wrecks and just about everything else in the lower lakes, are rare.

The Nipigon area also offers opportunities for what is considered the fastest growing segment of the sport – ice diving.

Harvey envisions the area could become a destination for budding ice divers to receive the training necessary to become certified for ice diving. In March, he plans to dive in a location within walking distance of downtown Nipigon, a cut-off oxbow of the Nipigon River called the Lagoon, to look at a sunken boat and a car. In earlier, less enlightened eras, the lagoon was used as a dumping ground. Last summer, divers removed more than 100 discarded tires, and more clean-ups are planned.

Harvey says other wrecks are easily accessible, including the schooner, Mary McLachland. Built in 1893, this 251-foot, 4-masted schooner is believed to be the largest schooner to sail Lake Superior, yet it is rarely dived. Last year, the historic tugboat Mary Ann, which in 1867 became the first ship registered in the Dominion of Canada, was discovered by two divers off Thunder Bay’s Welcome Islands, where it was scuttled 75 years ago.

This year, Harvey hopes to locate an undiscovered wreck, the Imperial, which was lost in Nipigon Bay. As it was being loaded with stone from a local quarry destined for Chicago, a rock fell and went through the side of the boat, sinking it. Harvey says they have been able to locate the quarry and cribbing remaining from its docks and hopes to find the wreck nearby. If so, it may eventually become another destination for visiting divers.

—Shawn

Perich

Know Winter Trail Rules

ST. PAUL—With winter trail recreation up this year, the Minnesota DNR advises people to be aware that some winter trails, such as groomed ski trails, are not open to bicyclists.

“We have had a great snowmobile and cross-country ski season so far,” said Andrew Korsberg, state trail program coordinator for the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Snowmobile registrations and ski pass sales are up from last year, and we have seen an increased interest in other types of winter sports, such as winter bicycling.”

There are legal restrictions on trail use

in some cases and safety considerations in others.

In addition to the usual questions about whether it’s OK to walk or snowshoe on groomed ski trails (it’s not), the DNR has been getting a variety of questions this year about where fat bikes are allowed.

Fat bikes have wide, low-pressure tires designed for use on snow and sand. They are not allowed on groomed ski trails. They also are prohibited on the state’s 21,000 miles of grant-in-aid snowmobile trails, many of which are on private property, where landowners have given permission only for snowmobiling.

The tug boat, Mary Ann, the first ship registered in the Dominion of Canada in 1987, lies off the Welcome Islands in Thunder Bay. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

A Wild Encounter Up the Trail

GUNFLINT TRAIL—The Gunflint Trail moose has eluded me for quite some time. With Java Moose coffee in hand, I headed out in hopes of spotting this iconic giant and hopefully its apex predator partner- the wolf. Realizing my chances of seeing a wolf or moose were being lowered by the rising sun, I decided to drive just a bit further. Soon I noticed moose tracks that disappeared into a black spruce forest. I pulled over and threw on the snowshoes. The tracks led me out into a clearing, and back into a maze of dense, snow-covered spruce trees. I started getting a little nervous, plus, at

-12 F, a little cold. I would love to run into a wolf. With wolves, as we know, the only thing to fear is fear itself. But face to face with an equally surprised 1,000-pound moose, maybe with baby, behind the next tree? I turned around.

Thawing out at the car I said to myself, “Man, I just want to see a moose!” And then, not a minute into the drive back, there was a moose enjoying some road salt. Perhaps I don’t mind road salt as much as I thought. Mission accomplished, I’ll save the pack of wolves running across a frozen lake for next time. —John Schletty

Moose Numbers Unchanged

ST. PAUL—Aerial moose survey results for 2014 show no significant change in Minnesota’s moose population even though more animals were seen than last year.

Results of the Minnesota DNR’s annual aerial moose survey place the 2014 statewide moose population estimate at 4,350. The 2013 estimate was 2,760, but due to variability in the estimates, this year’s estimate does not represent a statistically significant change.

“The higher estimate this winter likely is related to ideal survey conditions rather than any actual increase in the population,” says Lou Cornicelli, wildlife research manager for the DNR.

Cornicelli said this year’s estimate is very close to the 2012 estimate of 4,230, which suggests that last year’s estimate may have under-counted the population.

That long-term trend shows Minnesota’s moose population is continuing a significant decline. Even with this year’s higher population estimate, the number of moose is about half of 2006’s estimate of 8,840.

DNR’s ongoing moose mortality research also is providing important information on population status.

“Mortality rates of 21 percent among adult moose and 74 percent for calves in the first year of the studies illustrate the complexity of Minnesota’s moose population problem,” Cornicelli said.

The adult and calf moose mortality studies are in their second year. Researchers just completed collaring an additional 36 adult moose to replace those that died in

Funds Sought for Pipeline, Bike Trail

GRAND MARAIS—The Cook County Chamber of Commerce is supporting two requests for bonding monies from the Minnesota Legislature that may benefit the tourism industry and recreation. One project is a DNR request for a section of the Gitchi Gami Trail from Grand Marais west to the Cutface Creek Wayside. The bonding request is for $1.7 million, which will be matched with $810,000 of available federal funding.

Segments of the paved bike trail already

exist along the North Shore, including in the Lutsen-Tofte area and from Beaver Bay to Gooseberry Falls State Park. The long term plan is for the Gitchi Gami Trail to be continuous along the North Shore, augmenting existing recreational opportunities. Interest in biking is growing on the North Shore. Nationwide, biking is the third most popular vacation activity.

The second request comes from the Lake Superior-Poplar River Water District for an additional $1.1 million to augment

$4.9 million in state and local funds already in place to construct a water pipeline from Lake Superior to the Lutsen Mountains Ski Area for snowmaking, golf course irrigation, drinking water for commercial operations and homes, and for firefighting.

The extra money is needed because pipeline construction is more complicated and thus more expensive than initially planned.

The pipeline must extend 300 feet into Lake Superior and be impervious to wave action. This requires extensive blasting and

2013. Another 50 newborn calves will be collared this spring. Researchers hope information and insights gathered during the study will help identify potential management and habitat options that may stop or slow the long-term population decline.

AIS Class Required

ST. PAUL--The Minnesota DNR is offering aquatic invasive species (AIS) training to owners of “lake service provider” businesses so they can legally work in lakes and rivers throughout the state.

Businesses such as resorts and outfitters that rent, lease or decontaminate boats and other water-related equipment are now required to attend AIS training and acquire a permit under a state law change that took effect last July. These businesses are considered lake service providers, which means they must attend training, apply for a permit and pay a $50 application fee every three years to comply with Minnesota law.

Before this change, the law applied only to businesses such as marinas, dock haulers, lawn irrigators and others who install or remove equipment from state waters for hire. The law change means many more businesses will need to attend training to learn about the threat of zebra mussels and other invasive species, and how to prevent their spread.

rock removal, using a tug boat, barge and divers. Within the region there is only one qualified marine contractor capable of performing this work.

Phase 1 construction on the project began last November and must be completed by Sept. 30. Phase 2, which is the water plant and drinking water portion, is nearing completion of engineering. Construction can begin when Phase 2 is funded.—Shawn Perich

A moose makes its way onto the Gunflint Trail. | JOHN SCHLETTY

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

pRODUCTION

LIGHTING

SOUND

Snowplow operators have had a long winter as they’ve struggled with frequent snowfalls and cold temperatures. | THOMAS SPENCE

Road Warriors Snowplows Start

Early to Keep Roads Clear

GRAND MARAIS—As of mid-February, it was already a long winter for snowplow drivers. The Cook County crews were out 52 times, most often beginning at 4 a.m., so the county roads are cleared by the time the school buses roll out. An early start also minimizes encounters with the rest of us.

“If we start later than 4 a.m., we often have problems with traffic,” says maintenance supervisor Russell Klegstad.

Some drivers pull up too close to graders and plow trucks. Others simply are driving too fast as they approach the plow. Plow operators can name locations around Cook County where speeding drivers consistently slide off the snowy roads into the snowbanks. When they encounter a stuck vehicle, the operators stop and pull them out.

“I’ve pulled out several vehicles this winter,” says Dan Berglund, who plows the 60mile length of the Gunflint Trail.

Berglund contends not only with traffic, but also another obstacle unique to the Gunflint – moose. The big animals are attracted to the roadway to lick the salt scattered on the road by the plow truck. Berglund says the moose often walk off the road as the plow approaches and then plod back out after the truck passes.

“I’ve even seen moose sleeping in the road,” Berglund says.

A roundtrip for Berglund’s Gunflint plow route is 140 miles, including side roads, and takes 11 hours to complete. Snow depths vary along the Trail, usually being deepest in the “snow belt” extending roughly from Hedstrom Lumber Mill to the Laurentian Divide at mid-Trail. During storms, he may adapt his plowing strategy to focus on keeping the Trail clear and save the side roads for later. However, he also works with local resorts to ensure safe passage for their guests, who may arrive on the Trail in anything from a subcompact car to a charter bus.

On the steep, snowy streets of Grand Marais, plow operator Shawn Swearingen faces a different set of challenges.

“It’s a slalom course with all of the vehicles,” he says.

Parked cars, some of which are moved infrequently, make it difficult for Swearingen to keep the streets clear, especially in a snowy year such as this one. Grand Marais doesn’t have winter odd-even parking, so he must rely on people moving their vehicles prior to the plow coming by. He must also be ever-vigilant for drivers who approach too close behind him and get into his blind spot.

This winter, when they have a break between snow falls, the county crew is removing snow in town, pushing back high banks near driveways and “benching” the banks to create room for more snow. They use steam to thaw frozen culverts. They are also responsible for plowing about 65 parking lots throughout the county, often to provide skiers, snowmobilers and ice anglers with places to park in remote locations.

Salt and sand are used in Grand Marais and on paved roads. A truckload of salted sand costs about $1,000. During every storm, each plow truck uses a load of sand, with total costs of around $8,000. Klegstad says the crews try not to use salt on gravel roads. As it melts, the salt draws moisture to the surface of the road, creating frost boils. He would like to have the ability to apply straight sand, but the county lacks a sand storage building to prevent it from getting wet and freezing.

Salt is most effective when the temperature is more than 20 F and doesn’t melt at all in temperatures less than 10 F. When sand and salt are applied to a road during extremely cold weather, the mixture is blown off the road by the first few passing vehicles.—Shawn Perich

Waterfall season is fleeting – yet unforgettable. Behold High Falls and other natural wonders in Cook County, Minnesota. Come revel in the raw power of the North Shore.

VisitCookCounty.com/Waterfalls

venues during this downtown-wide

DefSup Sparks T Bay's Downtown Revival

By Joan Farnam

Art and economic development in Thunder Bay go hand-in-hand, thanks to the vision of the Definitely Superior Art Gallery.

The artist-run gallery, which is located in the the basement of the former Eaton Building in the Waterfront District, helped transform an urban core in decline into a happening place.

It’s multi-venue arts events held down-

town over the last eight years have created a buzz in the community as well as new business opportunities for other art galleries, boutiques, restaurants and more.

And in the 25 years since it was founded, Definitely Superior has created new opportunities for thousands of contemporary artists in Northwestern Ontario. The gallery gives them space to exhibit their work and pays them a generous stipend as well as offers expanded artistic possibilities and pro-

grams for many more.

The gallery itself is an exciting place to visit, too, if you can get in the door.

Openings at the DefSup, as it’s affectionately known, are something to see. Wall-towall people from every age group crowd into its spaces to look at the latest contemporary works on display. The crowds are noisy and excited—exactly what any gallery administrator wants to see.

“Art brings life, and life brings people,” said Renée Terpstra, development/adminstrator, as she and David Karasiewicz, gallery director, talked about the artist-run center and its transformative projects.

One reason DefSup has been so effective is that it is run by artists themselves, not by professional administrators, they said.

Artist-run centers have different mandates than the traditional art museum or commercial gallery.

The gallery organizes a number of multi-media performances every year, including the Random Acts of Poetry event. |

Urban Infill-Art in the Core tour guides dress in colorful raincoats (back) to lead groups to the many installations and

art event, which includes Wearable Art performances in storefront windows. | DEFSUP

“The Kid,” one of the dancers from “Direlicte: A Fashion Odyssey” poses for the camera. |DAVID ZAHODNIK

“Pest,” a mixed media installation by Toronto-based artist Amy Schwartz, opens March 29 at DefSup. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

DEFSUP

COMING UP—

Urban Infill: Art in the Core 8 is March 29-April 1. The gala opening is at the DefSup Art Gallery, 250 Park Ave, in downtown Thunder Bay from 7-10 p.m. (EST) Saturday, March 29. This year there are 18 art projects featuring work by 350 artists in 15 different venues. Donations are appreciated. The visual art exhibitions in the downtown continue through April 1.

On Saturday, you can pick up your art map at DefSup and follow tour guides, dressed in

“We don’t have a lot of boundaries—we can mix things up quite a bit,” Karasiewicz said. “Our first audience is the artist. We’re not here to sell their art. We’re here to help the artist develop and promote their work. We want to see contemporary work, maybe not so saleable.”

Artists are paid to exhibit, giving them a boost. The gallery does not sell the art itself. If patrons want to purchase a piece, they can talk directly to the artist, or the gallery will pass along contact information.

And the word “artist” includes any media: dance, music, theater, the literary arts, light shows, multi-media shows…as well as the visual arts.

Since the gallery itself has only 3,000 square feet, about 45 percent of the programming is held off-site, whether in store fronts, vacant buildings, cooperating businesses or the streets.

Artist-run centers were funded by the Canada Council for the Arts in the 1960s in response to the need for emerging artists to have access to gallery space as well as opportunities to work together in non-traditional ways.

Art museums or public galleries, as they’re often called in Canada, require that artists have a recognized body of work before they’ll offer them exhibit space. This is difficult for emerging artists who are in the process of developing that work, Terpstra and Karasiewicz said.

The idea for artist-run centers quickly took off, and today, there are 175 centers in Canada. They receive support from the

bright-colored raincoats, who will amuse and entertain you as you explore the Urban Infill events downtown. The commercial art galleries will have special exhibits, too, and local businesses will feature wearable art performances in their windows. There will also be music and food vendors. For more information, see www.definitelysuperior. com or visit their Facebook page. Or call 807344-3814.

MIXING IT UP

DefSup’s multifaceted approach to art also makes it a surprisingly wide-reaching community resource. Here are a few things they do:

• visual art exhibits

• workshops and lectures

• artist’s film screenings

• art installations

• off-site public artworks and interventions

• performance art & interdisciplinary art

• contemporary dance, music and experimental sound presentations

• mentorship and education of youth

• literary events and book publishing including zines, poetry and creative writing.

Canada Council for the Arts as well as provincial art councils and, often, the cities where the art centers are located.

In 1988, a group of artists in Thunder Bay took advantage of this new opportunity, Terpstra said, to found the Definitely Superior Art Gallery.

Art brings life and life brings people. —

Renée Terpstra

“The founders had a lot of work they wanted to present,” she said, but no public gallery would consider it. One of DefSup’s founding members, aboriginal artist Rebecca Belmore, for example, used the new gallery space to present her protest performance art pieces. “They brought national and international attention, and she won the Governor General’s Award,” Terpstra said.

DefSup has not retreated from that sparkling debut. In fact, this year, DefSup was awarded the Ontario Premiere’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. The award is the largest financial arts award in Canada at $50,000, Karasiewicz said. The competition for the provincial award was stiff. Ontario, the largest province, has the highest number of art centers in the country as well as the

The gallery has three different exhibit spaces and presents up to 50 exhibitions, events and activities in their spaces as well as in the Waterfront District each year. | DEFSUP

Wall Mural, Mac’s Convenience Store on Simpson St. | DEFSUP

The staff at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery includes Renée Terpstra, development/ administrator, left; Lora Northway, youth/community outreach coordinator and David Karasiewicz, gallery director. The gallery also draws on a strong volunteer base, including its board of directors. | STORM CARROLL

NorthShore ArtScene

By Joan Farnam

One of the most popular winter art events, Sivertson Gallery’s Fireside Chats, continue on Saturday, March 1, with a presentation by Twin Cities oil painter Mary Jo Van Dell. The next Saturday, March 8, mosaic artist Michael Sweere will give a talk about his work entitled “Broken Plate Landscapes.” Both presentations begin at 6 p.m. Refreshments are served. All invited.

The following week, March 15, Sivertson Gallery presents The Inuit Premiere, which should be very exciting this year. The guest artist is Inuit stone carver Looty Pijamini, who is known internationally for his monumental stone carving. The premiere will also feature the popular throat singers – Nina Segalowitz and Lydia Etok – as well as Tom Chapman, an expert on Canadian Inuit art.

The Premiere opens on Friday, March 14 at 6 p.m. with short movie screenings, including interviews with famous Inuit artists, and an animated film about inukshuks. On Saturday, the throat singers will perform at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by a side Chat Chapman feature stone carvings by Pija mini as well as 30 new prints from Cape Dorset and a variety

of new work from Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. This event is not-to-be-missed.

Other art events of interest this month: The Grand Marais Playhouse will open “Our Town,” a play by Thornton Wilder March 6. It will run through March 9. This is the annual community/high school/ youth play. There are more than 20 cast members, including Bob Carter, Braidy Powers, Diane Stoddard, Cy Fortunato, Robin Henrikson, Dick Swanson, Beth Farone, Breanna Hay, Sam Kern, Kevin Kager, Mark Abrahamson and Finn Garry

The Frozen Photographers (which had a group show at the Johnson Heritage Post last fall) will open a juried show at the Duluth Photography Institute, 405 E. Superior St. in Duluth, on March 7. The opening reception is from 6-8 p.m. March 7.

The Thunder Bay Art Museum will host two major exhibitions in March: The Lakehead University Major Studio Exhibition and the Lakehead University Annual Student Juried Exhibition. The opening reception for both shows is Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. The exhibits open March 7. The Art Museum is also exhibiting drawings by Ahmmo Angeconeb in the Meeting Room Gallery.

“Mapping Mystery: Entry Points to the Creative,” an invitational exhibit developed by the Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church to explore the overlap between creativity and spirituality, will open with a reception from 5-7 p.m. at the Johnson Heritage Post March 28. The exhibit will run through April 13. For more information, email spiritwilderness@ boreal.org.

The month ends with a spectacular event in Thunder Bay at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery and throughout the Waterfront District when Urban Infill: Art in the Core 8 opens on Saturday, March 29 and continues through April 1. On Saturday night, there is an opening at the gallery at 7 p.m. (EST), followed by guided tours of installations, music, performances and more throughout the neighborhood. See page 12 for details.

March is a great month for music and entertainment, too. In Thunder Bay, the band Chicago will be at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on March 5 at 8 p.m. (EST), Cheap Trick will perform there March 9. On March Family Feud Live!, an audience participation show, will begin at 7:30 p.m. (EST). For all the listings, visit www.tbca.com.

For theatre, the Magnus Theater presents “Red” by John Logan, the story of abstract expressionist paintMark Rothko March 13-29. For times, see www.magnus.on.ca.

Nancy Seaton’s fused glass Loon totems. She and her mother, Betty Hemstad, open a multi-media exhibit at the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin March 28 entitled “Wings, Water & Wildflowers.”

Inuit sculptor Looty Pijamini was commissioned by the Canadian government to build a monument to the Inuit who were forced to live in Canada’s most northern settlements in the 1950s. His sculpture is located in Grise Fiord on Baffin island. He will be the featured artist at the Inuit Premiere at Sivertson Gallery March 15.

The North Shore Music Association will present the Anger-Walsh-Gordy Quartet at 7:30 p.m. March 15 at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. NSMA director, Kate Fitzgerald, calls this a “super group” featuring four outstanding musicians: fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grant Gordy, mandolin-player Joe Walsh and bassist Karl Doty. The quartet draws from their varied backgrounds to play fiddle music, jazz, bluegrass, indie/pop grass as well as classical music. Tickets are available at the door.

The DuLutsen North of North Music & Ski Festival is March 19-24 at Papa Charlie’s and Lutsen Mountains.

Duluth musicians are featured at this special event including Charlie Parr (March

19), Mark Garman’s Fever Dream (March 20), the Clearwater Hot Club and Big Wave Dave & the Ripples (March 21), Brothers Burn Mountain, Black River Revue, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank and the Black-eyed Snakes (March 22), Tin Can Gin (March 23) and Southwire (March 24.) A few of the concerts are free, including Charlie Parr’s, otherwise tickets are $10 at the door.

In other art news, Dale Burton, metal artist, is exhibiting his work at the Waterfront Gallery, 632 First Ave. in Two Harbors through April 5. Exhibited works include candlesticks, “Dragon Ship” sculptures, grillwork, custom tables and metal sculptures. He often incorporates Lake Superior stones into his work. For gallery

The Anger-Walsh-Gordy Quartet play at the ACA March 15.

BILL HANSEN Musician

Have you always lived on the North Shore?

I was born in Duluth, and my parents started the outfitting business on the Sawbill Trail when I was 3. I didn’t move up full time until 1971. I spent the winter there alone. No telephone, just a cassette player and a short wave radio. I got a book and taught myself how to play the guitar. That kind of launched me on my musical career. What projects are you currently working on?

hours and more info, visit the gallery’s Facebook page.

Nancy Seaton is exhibiting her work in two shows this winter. “Botanical Art In All Its Wonder” is an exhibit with six other artists at the University of St. Thomas. Seaton is showing her watercolors on vellum and fused glass work.

She will open an exhibit at the Jaques Art Center in Aitkin with her mother, photographer Betty Hemstad, March 28. Entitled “Wings, Water & Wildflowers” the multimedia exhibit continues through May 3.

Ahnishnabae Art Gallery in Thunder Bay has moved to 269 Red River Road. The gallery specializes in works by Roy Thomas and other First Nation artists.

Lou Pignolet is exhibiting his bowls at the New Scenic Cafe on old Highway 61.

Jayne Richards has dream-catcher earrings and dream-catchers, loon mugs and cards as well as original drawings and cards at The Garage.

The Garage also has hand-knit mittens lined with fleece by Cindy Everson and landscape paintings by Tom McCann.

Registration is now open for the Woodland Chamber Music Workshop, a chamber music experience for adult musicians of all skill levels and instruments. The workshop will be held at Surfside Resort in Tofte in late June.

The workshop includes ensemble coaching, seminars, a sight-reading session and refreshments.

The faculty includes the Gichigami Trio Sam Black, (piano), Laurie Bastian (violin), and Josh Aerie (cello), as well as Betty Braunstein (flute) and Mina Fisher (cello). The work-

shop also includes a gala concert on June 29. For more information and to register, see www.woodlandchambermusic.com.

Photographers Christian Dalbec, Bryan Hansel, Travis Novitsky and Emily Rose will discuss their work, showing some of their favorite photographs of Lake Superior at the Lake Superior Photography Symposium at Split Rock Lighthouse March 1 from 1-4 p.m. John Gregor of Cold Snap Photography will be the moderator. Guests are encouraged to go on a field shoot at Split Rock after the presentation. The event is part of a photography workshop and registration is required. For more information, visit www.mnhs.org/splitrock.

I play electric guitar in the Splinters and play the dobro with Eric Frost and the Spruce Roots. Frosty is making a record, and I am going to play on that. And I’m hoping to branch out a little bit. I’m talking to the hip-hop people in town about doing a combination of strings and hiphop. I’m also eager to draw younger people into the music scene and get them out performing in Cook County.

What

about your art continues to attract and fascinate you?

Music is hard for me. It’s not something that comes naturally. I have to work hard to gain every skill I have. That’s one of the reasons I’m attracted to it. It’s very satisfying. The best part is the process of making music and losing yourself in it. And it’s the people you can hang out with. It’s sort of my entree into being an artist. To have that identity as an artist in this community, it’s like being part of a club in a way. That’s the main part of it. And it’s just fun.

Where can we hear you play?

I play frequently around the area—I play with the Spruce Roots and The Splinters and if you see Eric Frost is playing, I’m probably going to be there. I average about two nights a week during the year.

“Family Migration, 2000,” by Ahmoo Angeconeb, colored pencil on paper, is on exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Christian Dalbec took this photo of a frozen sunrise on the North Shore. He and other members of the Frozen Photographers group will open an exhibit at the Duluth Photography Institute March 7.

Detail from “The Splinters,” acrylic, by Liz Sivertson.

a

Fireside Chats, Inuit Premire at Sivertson Gallery

March 1, 8 & 15

Sivertson Gallery is excited to present the lineup for the 2014 Fireside Chat Series. Join oil painter Mary Jo VanDell on March 1. Her paintings have gained a strong following of collectors and are featured with the Minnesota Historical Society and the National Park System. Then join mosaic artist Michael Sweere on March 8. Sweere uses recycled materials such as tins, plates, cans, coffee cups and packaging items to create his artwork. His work can be seen at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as well as Sivertson Gallery. Inuit Premiere will be held on March 15. For more info, visit www.sivertson.com

NHFS presents Woodcarver’s Week

March 4-9

The North House Folk School is devoting a week to wood-working in its many forms. Courses include bowl carving, spoon carving, wooden bowl turning, carving simple wooden toys, engraving numbers and letters, and more. Students will have the opportunity to visit with other carvers and instructors on Saturday and choose from a variety of mini-courses, such as a field trip to the Grand Portage National Monument or a snowshoe hike through the woods. For more info, or to register online, visit www. northhouse.org

Bay Street Film Festival

March 6 & 13

Attend the premiere of “Asphalt Watches” on Thursday, March 6 at 8 p.m. and “Symphony of the Soil” on March 13 at 7 p.m. at the Bay Street Film Festival. Visit with artists, filmmakers and directors Seth Scriver, Shayne Ehman, and Deborah Koons Garcia following the films. Festival will take place at the Finlandia Club in Thunder Bay. Tickets are $7 or pay what you can. Visit www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca for more info.

Mush for a Cure FUNdraiser

March 7-8

Help raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation with the non-competitive fun run Mush for a Cure sled dog race. Begin Friday, March 7 with registration and a pink pasta dinner at Trail Center from 5-7 p.m. Later attend the pink zombie party at Windigo Lodge and the bald, the brave and the beautiful head shaving. Races will take place on Saturday, March 8 at the Gunflint Pines Resort. The short course race will begin at 10 a.m. and the long course race will begin at noon. A pancake breakfast will be served from 8-11 a.m. and fun family-friendly events will take place throughout the day. Donations are accepted. For more info, visit www.mushforacure.com

Emergency

Responders

— Save the Date —

April

25 & 26, 2014

Cook

County

Emergency Services Conference

Training - PresenTaTions neT working - skill enhancemenT

Citizen volunteers interested in supporting and participating in the exercise are encouraged to contact Jim Wiinanen, Cook County Emergency Management Director, 218-387-3059 or jim.wiinanen@co.cook.mn.us

We have Moved! Come see our new storefront in downtown Port Arthur. www.ahnisnabae-art.com 269 Red River Road.

Check out our website and blog for classes & events website: www.yarnharborduluth.com or find us on Facebook! blog: yarnharbor.wordpress.com

Hours: Sun-Mon 1-4 pm, Wed-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Closed Tues 115 W. Wisconsin St. · 218-387-2314 www.johnsonheritagepost.org Entry Points to the Creative March 28-April 13

at Cross River Gravel Pit

Breakfast sponsored by Upper Lakes Foods.

E.A.T.S.

March 13

Sample an array of food from over 10 different vendors and restaurants while Enriching Academics Through Sustenance, better known as the E.A.T.S. event. The event will be held at the Cook County Middle/High School from 6-8 p.m. and will include a silent auction and live music. Only 150 tickets will be sold at $25. Tickets are available in the K-12 Cook County Middle/High School office, Java Moose, Blue Water Café or from any Cook County Educational Foundation board member.

Anger-Walsh-Gordy Quartet coming to ACA

March 15

Grammy-nominated Anger-Walsh-Gordy Quartet has crafted a sound of their own and will be performing at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on March 15. The quartet is made up of legendary fiddler Darol Anger, guitarist Grand Gordy, mandolinist Joe Walsh, and bassist Karl Doty. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased online at www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.tix.com or at the door. Visit www.northshoremusicassociation.com for more info.

Learn About Lake Mysteries

Mar. 28

The Lake Superior Binational Forum is hosting an open public meeting called “Mysteries of Lake Superior, from Top to Bottom” for Friday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Barkers Island Inn, 300 Marina Drive, Superior, Wisc. A separate arts reception starts at 5:30 p.m. called “Lake Superior, Mysteries, and the Arts.”

Regional experts, artists, adventurers, business owners, scientists, Native Americans and others who are exploring some of the mysterious or unknown aspects of the Lake Superior basin will present 25 concurrent sessions. Topics range from cutting edge research (Where are robots collecting data in places unreachable by people?) to recreation (Are surfers really riding the lake’s superior waves?) More than 15 regional groups and agencies will offer displays about a variety of lake issues and programs throughout the day.

The full agenda is available on the forum’s website, superiorforum.org. All Forum meetings are free and open to the public with no need to pre-register.

Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Barkers Island Inn, the Binational Forum will co-sponsor a 90-minute arts reception called “Mystery, Art and Lake Superior” to celebrate the uniqueness of life around the lake as interpreted through visual and written arts. This event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Duluth musician Alan Sparhawk of the band Low also performs with the Black-eyed Snakes. | BLACK-EYED SNAKES

DuLutsen North of North Music & Ski Festival

March 19-24

Head to Papa Charlie’s in Lutsen March 19-24 for six days of great music performed by Duluth’s top musicians. Bands include Black-eyed Snakes, Clearwater Hot Club, Big Wave Dave & the Ripples, Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Southwire, Tin Can Gin, and many more. Admission is $10 for Friday and Saturday. Must be 21 or older to attend Thursday-Saturday. Call 218-406-1320 or email ski@ lutsen.com for more info.

Northern Wilds 2014 Restaurant Awards

What restaurant in the Northern Wilds region has your favorite pizza, wine, server or view? Vote now for your favorite restaurants and win a $50 gift certificate with the 2014 Northern Wilds Reader’s Choice Restaurant Awards. You may not choose the same restaurant for more than three categories or your entry will be disqualified and only one entry per person. Vote online at www.nothernwilds. com, mail in your ballot or drop it off in the office. Voting ends March 31. Happy voting!

Reclaiming the Dinner Table

By Amy Schmidt

In the hustle and rush of daily life, sitting down regularly with your family for a meal may seem impossible. But there may be nothing more important than making time for the family meal.

Sitting down together for just 3-5 meals per week can have enormous benefits on the physical, mental and emotional health of everyone in the family. Improved school performance, lower risk of substance abuse, healthier eating habits and weight, as well as reduced risk of eating disorders are just a few of the positive outcomes seen when structured family meals are a part of the weekly routine.

Creating opportunities for mealtime conversations means parents are more likely to hear about important issues in their kid’s lives, while kids are more likely to feel important because they are being listened to.

And parents shouldn’t think the benefits of the family meal go unnoticed by their kids. According to the Mayo Clinic, a survey of adolescents showed they believed

their eating habits would improve if they ate with their family; it also showed most teens prefer to have meals prepared and eaten at home.

Of course, knowing is easier than doing, and it truly can seem impossible to carve out meal time in a schedule already packed with work, school, sports, music lessons and social events. A quick search on Google will return many resources on the subject but here are a few tips to help put know–ledge into action:

• Take 10-20 minutes of time each week to plan meals and a grocery list, and then match the meals to your schedule. Busy days lend themselves to lasagna, made and frozen on a day off, while lentil soup and salad are easy enough to prepare on a less hectic day.

• Keep a pantry stocked with staples that can easily be made into a last-minute meal. For example, sweet potatoes, sausage, eggs and frozen spinach can become a casserole that’s assembled and ready to eat in less than an hour. And you can maximize time together by preparing and

cleaning up the meal as a family; every age is capable of helping in some way.

• Last, be flexible in your thinking. A meal together doesn’t have to be dinner; breakfast, lunch or snacks count too. And informal is just as good as formal—Sloppy Joes taste just as good, if not better, on paper plates.

It may seem strange that adding one more

thing to a busy schedule can actually make it all seem less busy, but in this case, it may be true. Try it for a month and see if it doesn’t make a difference in your family dynamic. Let’s reclaim the dinner table as a place where time stands still, a place where we take time to enjoy not only the food that is in front of us but the people, too.

Amy Schmidt is a registered nurse at the Sawtooth Clinic in Grand Marais.

Best Dining in the Northern Wilds

Vote for your favorite restaurants and win a $50 gift certificate.

Do you have a favorite place to get a beer, eat breakfast or take the kids for dinner? We want to know and so do our area restaurants. The restaurant must be located in our coverage area, which includes the North Shore communities between Duluth and Nipigon, including Finland, the Gunflint Trail, and the outlying communities of Thunder Bay.

Do not choose the same restaurant in more than three categories. If you do, your entire ballot will be disqualified. You do not have to fill in every category on the ballot. Only one ballot per person. You can mail in your ballot, drop it off at our office or vote online at www.northernwilds.com. Voting ends March 31, 2014. Look for the results in the May issue of Northern Wilds.

OFFICIAL BALLOT Official Ballot

Which Restaurant has the best...

Remember, do not enter a restaurant for more than 3 categories or your ballot will be disqualified.

Baked goods?

Use

Beer selection?

Northwoods character?

Kid-friendly menu?

Greens and beans (vegetarian-friendly)?

Artistic flare by the chef?

Server?

(include name and restaurant)

And which restaurant is "worth the drive?"

The North Shore Dish Our Blue Anchor Restaurant— A Family Affair

By Kelsey Roseth

Take one step into Our Blue Anchor Restaurant in Beaver Bay, and you’ll know this is a family-run restaurant. The door will creak slightly, and suddenly a smiling, bright-eyed 9-year-old will rush over to welcome you. Her name is Naomi, and she will be your waitress. As Naomi escorts you to your table, take a peek inside the small, rectangular windows on the metal kitchen doors. The 11-year-old boy you spot bustling around the kitchen is named Cody. He’s the one making sure the back of the house is tidy and ready for the next rush.

This family-fueled business is run by Tim and Nicole Joyce, Naomi and Cody’s parents. The husband and wife team moved the family from Farmington, Minn., to the North Shore specifically to open the restaurant. The Blue Anchor operated under different ownership until it closed two years ago, sitting vacant until the Joyces decided to take it over.

“Nicole and I came up after we were married, taking our honeymoon to check out the area and see what was up. We looked at the area, and we loved the scenery, we loved the wildlife, and we decided to move,” Tim said.

The family fast-tracked the moving process shortly after Tim and Nicole’s summer honeymoon. They settled in to their new home in Silver Bay while getting ready to re-open the restaurant, which they accomplished in October.

“Tim and I made the decision that it was going to be a family restaurant,” Nicole said. “And the kids were going to be learning different values. Nothing in life comes free. You have to work for what you want.”

Both Naomi and Cody come in after school and on weekends to help run the restaurant. In return for their hard work, the siblings receive paychecks and split tips.

“They’re learning money management and the value of a dollar. I believe it has helped out their school work, and their mathematical skills and social skills have grown,” Nicole said.

Opening the eatery has been a learning experience for the entire family. Nicole admits Our Blue Anchor Restaurant opened its doors at the worst time of year.

“We really did open the doors in the dead season and had our fingers crossed

Nine-year-old Naomi Joyce pouring coffee for customers.

|KELSEY ROSETH

that with good food and friendship offered, that it would carry us through. Things are challenging. We are not going to sugar coat that,” Nicole said.

Before October neither Tim nor Nicole had specific experience owning and operating a restaurant, but they’ve both spent years working in the industry. Tim’s expertise is in fine dining. After culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in the Twin Cities, he worked for years as a chef for high-end establishments like the White Bear Yacht Club. Nicole has more than 20 years of experience baking and she previously owned and operated her own specialty bakery. The pair said their complimentary backgrounds have proven to be a perfect recipe for running a restaurant.

“I wake up every morning thinking of 1,000 reasons to go to work because I work with my best friend, and it doesn’t get any better than that,” Nicole said.

Collaborating on the recipes, the Joyces have created a menu with wholesome dishes that combine comfort foods with a creative twist. Their made-from-scratch chili is a huge hit, and their Palisade Burger, a thick, juicy cheeseburger paired with golden, crispy French fries is a hot seller. Their menu is flexible: If a customer doesn’t see their favorite meal on the list, Tim insists he will do whatever he can to accommodate their specific needs.

“I don’t want a customer left behind who says, ‘They don’t have what I want,’ ” Tim said. To prove his point, Tim said they start-

Owner/Executive Chef Tim Joyce prepares a breakfast croissant sandwich. | KELSEY ROSETH

ed preparing potato pancakes on a regular basis to please the palate of a frequent customer.

Tim and Nicole say they’ve received a very warm welcome from local customers. The community kept the restaurant busy during the slower off-season, and some have volunteered to help out where they can. Some locals provide free snow removal for the family after heavy snowfalls, too.

Nicole said the community “is a hidden treasure that part of me wishes everyone could experience. There’s part of me that wishes it stays hidden…There are no words to describe what kind of people are truly up here.”

The Joyces said as Our Blue Anchor Restaurant becomes more successful, they plan on giving back to the community through scholarships and grants and will contribute food to the Meals on Wheels program.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Cody Joyce, Curtis Johnson (line cook), owners Tim Joyce and Nicole Joyce, Naomi Joyce. | KELSEY ROSETH

Eleven-year-old Cody Joyce cleans dishes in the back of the house. | KELSEY ROSETH

gRAND mARAIS

Neechee Studio, a program of workshops for aboriginal youth, features art-making projects which will culminate in an online exhibition, a live exhibition, and a publication. | JAMIE BANANISH

cultural hub of Toronto.

“We’re David and Goliath,” he said, laughing. “We’re very excited.”

The award is well-deserved.

“If you go back 25 years, in the numbers alone, we’ve probably had 12,000 multi-disciplinary artists through the gallery that we’ve supported, and about 800 exhibitions, events and activities,” Karasiewicz said. “More recently, we’ve developed a new-generation youth art collective for artists from 15-30 years old. It’s important for them to be participating because they are the future of the arts.”

The youth arts collective is called Die Active, or “Do a lot with your time before you die.” It was founded five years ago for in-depth arts programming for emerging artists. “We were expecting maybe 50 would be involved,” Karasiewicz said. “Then there were 150 and now there are 500.”

The program, directed by Lorna Worthway, involves youth outreach, the formation of a summer art collective, workshops, community arts projects, public art interventions, exhibitions and the creation of a zine that is disseminated through zine fairs across Canada and the U.S.

Die Active has also changed the face of Thunder Bay. A few years ago, the young artists decided that they wanted to paint street art on a wall in the city. It took a lot of work to get permission, Karasiewicz said, but eventually it happened and the artists created one of the first sanctioned graffiti displays in Thunder Bay.

It was such a success that Die Active artists were asked to do other walls and even a train engine at the Mission Terminal. “That was probably the most exciting thing,” Karasiewicz said. “Painting a train engine and painting it legally.”

Now, people get their pictures taken in front of the street art, and they’ve become an integral part of the city’s landscape.

DefSup has also recently launched the Neechee Studio, an arts program for aboriginal youth.

The response of the public to DefSup’s work has been almost overwhelming.

At “The Hunger,” for example, their big

annual fundraiser, 4,200 people came downtown on a Saturday night before Halloween to see 52 acts including 40 live bands /DJs and 10 performance acts. Everyone was in costume, so “everybody was performing,” Terpstra said.

“Direlecte 6: A Fashion Odyssey,” was a fundraiser for the gallery and Lakehead University Radio, and was held at a local pub in January. The fun-loving crowd was treated to four different bands, a wearable art fashion show featuring 15 commissioned pieces by artists as well as local fashion house designs, belly dancing and drag queen performances, paparazzi moments, and a dance party, to name a few. More than 600 turned out.

At the end of this month is “Urban Infill: Art in the Core 8,” which has played probably the single most influential role in transforming the downtown Waterfront District into the vibrant place it is today.

Eight years ago, DefSup held the first Urban Infill—the idea was to fill empty buildings with contemporary art, music and fun.

“The goal was to encourage downtown revitalization through contemporary art by building a sense of safety in the unoccupied spaces.” she said.

Artists move in and set up installations, theater and dance groups hold performances, and bands play great music in shops and stores that were shuttered up years ago. And there’s food, wine and lots of celebration.

Last year, 1,500 showed up for the gala opening of Urban Infill at DefSup, and then they enjoyed a downtown-wide multi-disciplinary contemporary art exhibition throughout the weekend.

“We show the creative potential of these spaces,” Terpsta said. As people crowd the streets and have a good time, they feel more comfortable coming back, she added.

The result?

Every one of the buildings they have used during the eight years of Urban Infill have been rented. New boutiques, restaurants, bars and other small businesses have moved in and are thriving. And so far, five new commercial art galleries have opened.

See www.definitelysuperior.com.

Northern Wilds Calendar of Events

Feb. 28-March 1

NOSM MASH Bash Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay, 8 p.m. www.thunderbay.ca

Feb. 28-March 2

Photography Workshop Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors 218-226-6372

March 1, Saturday

Share the Podium Sleeping Giant Loppet, Thunder Bay, www.sleepinggiantloppet.ca

Best in Snow Skijor Race Grand Marais www.godognorthshore.org

Gypsy Lumberjacks Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

GB Leighton Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen 9:30 p.m. 218-406-1320

Mary Jo Van Dell – Fireside Chat Sivertson Gallery, Grand Marais 6 p.m. www.sivertson.com

TBBWN Women’s Expo Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, Thunder Bay 8:30 a.m. www.thunderbay.ca Photography Symposium Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors 1 p.m. 218-226-6372

March 1-3

Photography Workshop Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors 218-226-6372

March 1-31

Hand-Forged Wrought Iron with Beach Rock Exhibit Waterfront Gallery, Two Harbors www.waterfront-gallery.com

Treasures from the Tweed: Transcendental Landscape Paintings Tweed Museum of Art, UMD www.d.umn.edu/tma

March 2, Sunday

Trout Derby Gunflint Lake Boat Access Landing, Gunflint Trail 9 a.m. www.boreal. org/RidgeRiders/index.html

Betty Braunstein and Vince Osborne Bluefin Grille, Tofte 6 p.m.

www.bluefinbay.com

Lake Superior’s Most Spectacular Shipwreck Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Seedy Sunday Baggage Building Arts Center, Thunder Bay 1 p.m. www.nwofood.ca

Winter Fundays Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay 2 p.m. www.thunderbay.ca

March 2-3

Tame Your Flying Geese Quilt Shop, Grand Marais 218-387-3177

March 3, Monday

Bump Blomberg Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 4, Tuesday

Jim and Michele Miller Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Basic Quilting Skills Quilt Shop, Grand Marais 1 p.m. 218-387-3177

March 4-9

Woodcarver’s Week North House Folk School, Grand Marais www.northhouse.org

March 5, Wednesday

Pete Kavanaugh Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Chicago Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay 8 p.m. (EST) www.tbca.com

March 6, Thursday

James Moors Poplar River Pub, Lusten 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

EverGreen Grass Band Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 7:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Bay Street Film Festival Finlandia Club, Thunder Bay 8 p.m. www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca

March 6-9

Our Town Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais www.arrowheadcenterforthearts.org

March 7, Friday

Stel Lighthouse at Emily's, Knife River 6 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

The Sivertones Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

Gordon Thorne Bluefin Grille, Lutsen 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

EverGreen Grass Band Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

March 7-8

Mush for a Cure www.mushforacure.com

March 7-9

A Big Wu Family Weekend Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen 218-406-1320

Charles J. Futterer Memorial Open Bonspiel Community Center, Grand Marais Brier Open Fort William Curling Club, Thunder Bay www.thunderbay.ca

March 8, Saturday

Michael Sweere – Fireside Chat Sivertson Gallery, Grand Marais 6 p.m. www.sivertson.com

AlanDale Lighthouse at Emily's, Knife River 6 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Bump Blomberg Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen 3:30 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Jim McGowan Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

The Spruce Roots Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 8 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Pops Series: Last Night at the Proms The Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay 8 p.m. www.tbca.com

March 9, Sunday

The White Hurricane of 1913 Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Winter Fundays Prince Arthur’s Landing, Thunder Bay 2 p.m. www.thunderbay.ca

Pushing Chain Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Classical Evening of Flute, Cello and Piano Bluefin Grille, Tofte 6 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Cheap Trick The Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay 8 p.m. www.tbca.com

March 10, Monday

Joe Paulik Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 10-11

Making a Basic Table Runner Quilt Shop, Grand Marais 10 a.m. 218-387-3177

March 11, Tuesday

Gordon Thorne Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

March 12, Wednesday

Bump Blomberg Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 13, Thursday

Jim and Michele Miller Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Joe Paulik Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 7:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Bay Street Film Festival Finlandia Club, Thunder Bay 7 p.m. www.baystreetfilmfestival.ca

EATS Cook County Middle/High School, Grand Marais 6 p.m.

March 14, Friday

Joe Paulik Caribou Highlands, Lutsen 3:30 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Robi Meyerson Lighthouse at Emily's, Knife

River 6 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Michael Monroe Bluefin Grille, Tofte

8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Tree Party Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

March 14-15

Bundle & Go Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

March 14-16

39th Annual St. Urho's Celebration, Finland, facebook.com/sturho

March 15, Saturday

Fender Benders Lighthouse at Emily's, Knife River 6 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys. com

Inuit Premiere & Fireside Chat Sivertson Gallery, Grand Marais 6 p.m. www.sivertson.com

Poplar Lake Drag Race Windigo Lodge, Gunflint Trail 11 a.m. www.boreal.org/ RidgeRiders/index.html

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

Anger-Walsh-Gordy Quartet Arrowhead Center for the Arts, Grand Marais 7:30 p.m. www.northshoremusicassociation.com

Gear Daddies with Timmy Haus Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen 9:30 p.m. 218-406-1320

March 16, Sunday

Briand Morrison Bluefin Grille, Tofte 6 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

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

All About Bats Caribou Highlands Lodge, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

March 17, Monday

St. Patrick’s Day

Bundle & Go Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

Pete Kavanaugh Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 18, Tuesday

Eric Frost Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

March 19, Wednesday

Joe Paulik Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

After Business Thunder Bay 5 p.m. www.tbchamber/ca/afterbusiness

March 19-24

DuLutsen North of North Music & Ski Festival Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen

March 20, Thursday

Jim and Michele Miller Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Gordon Thorne Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

Family Feud The Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay 7:30 p.m. www.tbca.com

March 21, Friday

James Moors Caribou Highlands, Lutsen 3:30 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Eric Frost Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

Gordon Thorne Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 21-22

Pistol Whippin’ Party Penguins Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 9 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

March 22, Saturday

Jim and Michele Miller Caribou Highlands, Lutsen 3:30 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Cherry Dirt Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

DuLutsen – Black-eyed Snakes and Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank Papa Charlie’s, Lusten 9:30 p.m. & 11 p.m. 218-406-1320

TBSO Special: Brew & Beethoven

Thunder Bay Armoury, Thunder Bay 8 p.m. www.tbso.ca

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra –Musical Postcards Symphony Hall/DECC, Duluth 7 p.m. www.dsso.com

Treasures of the Earth Local Art & Gift Fair Unitarian Church, Duluth, www.wendyupnorth.com

March 23, Sunday

Rio Brio – Flute & Guitar with Flamenco Flair Bluefin Grille, Tofte 6 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Dedric Clark Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

www.davidjohnson.zenfolio.com

Every Monday

Songwriter Series Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, 8 p.m. 218-406-1320

Every Tuesday

Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop Moondance Coffee House, Lutsen, 5 p.m. www.moondancecoffee.com

Open Mic Night Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, 7 p.m. 218-406-1320

Every Wednesday

Spotlight North Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, 8 p.m. 218-406-1320

Every Thursday

Dance Party with DJ Beavstar Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, 9 p.m. 218-4061320

Dance Floor Technique Course Grand Marais Art Colony, 7 p.m. www. grandmaraisartcolony.org

A Superior Experience Caribou Highlands, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest Lakehead Univeristy, Thunder Bay noon www.kangaroo.math.ca

March 24, Monday

Bump Blomberg Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 24-26

Fort William First Nation Mining & Economic Development Conference Fort William First Nation Community Centre, Thunder Bay, ON www.fwfnmining.com

March 25, Tuesday

Joe Paulik Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

March 26, Wednesday

Eric Frost Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

March 27, Thursday

Pete Kavanaugh Poplar River Pub, Lutsen 6 p.m. www.lutsenresort.com

Pushing Chain Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 7 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

The Seasons with Thomas Cosbey The Community Auditorium, Thunder Bay 8 p.m. www.tbca.com

Styles & Smiles: A Tribute to the Society of Excellent Men Victoria Inn, Thunder Bay, 6 p.m. www.thunderbay.ca

March 28, Friday

Les & Beth Lighthouse at Emily's, Knife River 6 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com

Timmy Haus Caribou Highlands, Lutsen 3:30 p.m. www.caribouhighlands.com

Gordon Thorne Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

Every Friday

Comedy Night Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, 8 p.m. 218-406-1320

Every Saturday

Apres Ski Acoustic Papa Charlie’s Lutsen, 3:15 p.m. 218-406-1320

Timmy Haus Devil Track Landing, Grand Marais, 7 p.m. www. deviltrackresort.com

Live Music Saturdays Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen, 9:30 p.m. 218-406-1320

Music by the Fireplace Lutsen Resort, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.lutsenresort. com

What’s For Dinner? International Wolf Center, Ely 7 p.m. www.wolf.org

Every Sunday

Apres Ski Acoustic Papa Charlie’s Lutsen, 3:15 p.m. 218-406-1320

6:30 p.m., www.thunderbay.ca

March 28-29

Minnesota Ballet presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Symphony Hall/DECC, Duluth 7 p.m. www.minnesotaballet.org

March 28-30

Entry Points to the Creative Johnson

March 29, Saturday Fish Heads Lighthouse at Emily's, Knife River 6 p.m. www.lighthouseatemilys.com Spring Carnival Lutsen Mountains, Lutsen 218-406-1320

Joe Paulik Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Lutsen 7 p.m. www.cascadelodgemn.com

The Spruce Roots Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 8:30 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

The Suburbs with Timmy Haus Papa Charlie’s, Lutsen 9:30 p.m. 218-406-1320

March 29-April 1

Urban Infill-Art in the Core Definitely Superior Art Gallery, Thunder Bay www. definitelysuperior.com

March 30, Sunday

Classical Guitar with Scott Fraser Bluefin Grille, Tofte 6 p.m. wwww.bluefinbay.com

Joe Paulik Gun Flint Tavern, Grand Marais 8 p.m. www.gunflinttavern.com

March 31, Monday

Joe Paulik Bluefin Grille, Tofte 8 p.m. www.bluefinbay.com

HEDLEY Fort William Gardens, Thunder Bay 7 p.m. www.hedleyonline.com

Iharnessed Leo, our vibrating dog, and tied his lead to the belt that my daughter Grace was wearing. It was our first skijoring expedition. I turned my back for a second to lock the car, and the dog pulled her off her feet. Of course he did. Our dog has issues. But after we untangled the skis and ropes, we had a miracle: The dog pulled; the Sugarbush Trails were perfectly groomed; it was in the 20s and calm. My whole pack skied through the snowcovered trees together. I almost howled to express my inner wolf, but I was afraid my wife would give me “The Look.”

I live in Duluth. You have to be pretty sexy to lure me outside a 20-mile ring. I have 120 miles of ski trails nearby. However, none of my local systems are 65 kilometers long like the Sugarbush Trails. I found the cross-country ski trail map at the Sugarbush Trail Association website (www.sugarbushtrail. org) and signed up for grooming reports. Then, the steady email drumbeat started. “We got more snow.” “We groomed again.” I couldn’t resist the singing snow sirens any longer. I thought our pet would need to stay home, but there are two Sugarbush sections that welcome dogs. Even our smelly mental midget could tag along.

We drove the 80 miles up the North Shore, remembering other trips we’d made. We have hiked Oberg and Leveaux Mountain many times over the years. I felt familiar with the Sugarbush system but could only think of two other ski trips there. Once, in 2005, we explored the Onion River Road trail. It was an easy trail perfect for hauling my daughter in a pulk while my 4-year old boy Sam scooted around on his first skis. Another time, my son and I classic skied down to Carlton Peak from the Britton Peak trailhead. It was a sunny March day in 2013. We skied to the end of the trail and took off our skis, walked to the summit and took in the panorama of the big lake. The Pisten Bully groomed while we played tourist on the summit. We followed the perfect new tracks back to the car.

On our skijoring trip, we skated our way up the glorious white corduroy behind the dog. The Maple Loop turned into the Upland Loop. Grace was happy that Leo didn’t rocket after a squirrel. If he did, the skijoring rig has a red handle so you can “eject.” This is a nice feature considering our pooch’s IQ. Sam clipped in to take a

turn at skating with the extra dog power. My wife, Shelley, and the rest of the pack headed back to the car, and I took off to explore the rest of the Maple Loop. Nice big hardwood stand with open vistas. I went clockwise around the loop into some evergreens. There were only a few tracks in front of me on the freshly groomed snow. I emerged back into the open and skated along. Silent and fast. Okay, I pretended to be fast.

I emailed Greg Fangel, of www.woodenskis.com fame, and asked him about the Sugarbush Trail Association (STA). He was one of the founding members, along with Joe Stasney and Jeff Lynch, in 2003. They gained non-profit status for the STA and took over the grooming equipment and responsibilities from the Bluefin Bay Resort.

I asked Fangel to name the best view from the Sugarbush system. The view to the north, between N and O on the Picnic Loop is “spectacular,” he said. He also recommends the segment between I and J on the Homestead Loop overlooking Lake Superior. The signage is great, so you won’t get lost.

For newbies, Fangel said the Onion River Road from the Oberg parking lot and nearby “green” loops are enjoyable. Also, he said there’s an annual candlelight ski on President’s Day weekend. It’s a family friendly event starting from the Oberg Mountain lot. There’s a warming cabin there, too.

What is the showpiece trail for the serious skier? The Picnic Loop, Fangel said. I looked it up on the map. More than 15 miles around. That’s serious all right. Fangel told me that Arne Roheim, a visitor from Norway, said that the Picnic Loop was his favorite loop and reminded him of his homeland trails.

I’m ashamed I haven’t skied

more of the Sugarbush. My three adventures there have been outstanding. As I screamed down the trail to catch up with the rest of my pack, I came up with a New Year’s resolution: I’m going to take my Great Minnesota Ski Pass, head up the Shore and schuss around the Picnic Loop. I’m serious.

time, December 2013. [OPPOSITE PAGE] Leo waits to hear “Hike!” from the Chandler family,

| ERIC

[ABOVE] Sam Chandler checks out the cliffs on the southwest side of Carlton Peak, March 2013. [LEFT] Grace Chandler and Leo try skijoring for the first

Maple Loop, December 2013.

CHANDLER

A Bad Winter For Deer? Northern Trails

By Gord Ellis

It has been what we call an old-fashioned winter in Northwestern Ontario. Maybe a bit too old-fashioned for some tastes. Bone chattering cold coupled with deep snow has kept furnaces humming and snow blowers pumping across the region. There are a lot of good things about a cold winter with deep snow, from high run-off in the spring to natural control of invasive insects and ticks. But if you are a deer hunter with a good memory, you know what this kind of winter can do to the herd.

The last time I can remember a winter this gnarly was back in 1996/97. That winter came in like a lion and roared on for months. It was cold, and the snow was relentless. The Northwestern Ontario deer herd was in a rebuilding phase then, and had not been tested by Old Man Winter in years. When the thaw finally came in mid-April, it was not a pretty scene. I will never forget driving towards Emo, Ontario, to fish the Rainy River. Out in the fields were these weird mounds, where the snow was not melting. I slowed to get a better look and realized they were deer carcasses, creating a ghoulish shade. It was a terrible sight, and that scenario played out across the region. The winter had been too harsh, and the snow too deep, for much of the deer herd to make it.

There were some well-intentioned efforts to help the animals that winter. In fact, a significant number of deer were fed outside of communities such as Kenora, Fort Frances and Thunder Bay. However, the accumulation of deer in these very small feeding areas created a problem of an entirely different kind. Wolves began picking them off one by one. I remember going to one feeding spot just outside of Thunder Bay that had about two dozen deer to start. By the time I visited, the wolves had found the herd. A pile of bones, heads and hides from about a dozen of those deer was mute testimony to the efficient killing done by the wolves. It’s what wolves do, but I felt sorry for the folks

who had tried to help the deer, only to see the predators take full advantage. That’s just how it works in the bush.

So what’s going to happen this year? I’ve tried not to feel too pessimistic, but my instincts tell me it’s bad. For instance, we have a sunroom on our house. In the 12 years we’ve owned it, I’ve only ever had to push snow off twice in a winter. Normally, it warms enough in December, January and February to heat up the sunroom and melt the snow. That normally happens with some sun and a temperature of at least -10 C. As of this writing, I’ve been on the roof pushing snow four times. It could already use another. It’s been that cold.

So what does this have to do with deer?

Deer expend a lot of energy when they walk in deep snow. This normally means they stay in smaller home areas, usually inside a cedar swamp. When you mix deep snow with intense, long periods of cold weather, the deer are likely to eat all the food in their home area, forcing them to move on through the deep snow and cold. They become weak and vulnerable to predators, disease and starvation. The longer the winter and the deeper the snow, the worse it is for deer.

Is there an upside to all this gloom? Well, biologists with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Northern Ontario have been concerned about the steady increase of whitetail deer in moose country. So there have been additional antlerless tags made available to try and keep the expansion in check. There is no doubt a cold, nasty winter will quickly achieve what 1,000 additional tags can’t. Yet the increase in additional deer tags has helped goose interest in deer hunting. If deer numbers plummet, especially in the western portion of the region around Fort Frances, Dryden and Kenora, it will be a serious blow to the hunting tourism sector. Across the region, a hit to the deer herd will be beyond disappointing for the thousands of deer hunters who’ve taken up the activity with gusto during the salad days of the past decade.

The jury is still out on all this, and there is still a lot of winter to come. If February moderates, and the snow slows, the deer may be just fine.

If, as the old saw goes, the days lengthen and the cold strengthens, it is likely we will see a seriously diminished Northwestern Ontario deer herd. That, I’m afraid, will be a very bitter pill for this deer hunter to swallow.

Deer hunting blossomed in Northwestern Ontario during the last decade. Deep snow this winter will knock down deer numbers. | STOCK PHOTO

The Laughing Trout

By Jim Ure Gardner and Grace Publishers,

$14.99

What happens when heretofore unknown species of fanged trout are “discovered” on a pristine trout stream?

Fishing guide Jud Buckalew finds out when a practical joke he plays on his game warden cousin becomes national news and attracts a crazy cast of characters to the tiny community of Island Park, Idaho.

With laughs, loves and a Manx cat, this fast-paced, fun read is a tall tale that only a fisherman could tell.

Shawn Perich

A Passion For Grouse

The Lore and Legend of America’s Premier Game Bird

Edited by Thomas R. Pero Wild River Press, $100

The ruffed grouse is an extraordinary game bird, no doubt worthy of an extraordinary book. Editor

Tom Pero has coupled the best hunting and scientific literature about grouse with dozens of exquisite color photographs. The result is an epic, 560-page compendium that is without a doubt the best book on ruffed grouse published in the last 25 years.

For anyone who considers golden aspen leaves the coin of the realm or savors the scent of burnt gun powder after a thundering flush, this book is the next best thing to being out in the coverts on an autumn day.—Shawn Perich

Camp Chow

Up the Gunflint Trail, Sarah Hamilton and her crew at Trail Center have created a new line of camping food. All meals are packaged at Trail Center and are generally sized for two or four people. The mixes are just-add-water, and most are one-pot meals, making camp cooking fast and easy. I tried the spaghetti with pork, which I liked—not too salty. I also had their vegetarian chili, cheesecake, cheesy grits and trail breakfast. Some unique items available include fry bread and vegan and gluten-free options.

If you are running the Iditarod or climbing Denali anytime soon, then you might try the Extreme Camp Chow line, which comes in a heavy duty bag that allows you to simply pour in the boiling water and eat. It also comes in very large portions—assuming that you need to eat a lot to get up that mountain.

Camp Chow is available for purchase at Trail Center on the Gunflint Trail and at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais. See the full list of products at www.shop.trailcenterlodge.com.—Erin Altemus

Fishing H le GUNFLINT LAKE

WHY GO: It is one of the more easily accessible lake trout lakes in the Superior National Forest. Gunflint is known for producing quality lake trout.

ACCESS: There is a public boat ramp on C.R. 50, just east of the Gunflint Trail. Several resorts on the lake also offer access to their guests.

VITALS: This 4,009-acre lake sits on the border of Canada, with the border generally running down the middle of the east-west-situated lake. It’s a deep lake, with a mean depth of 99 feet and a maximum depth of 200 feet. The Minnesota

DNR last surveyed the lake in 2011 and found water clarity to be 16 feet. Since the lake lies on the Canada border, a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit is required to cross the boundary, which runs the length of the lake.

GAME SPECIES PRESENT: Lake trout, walleye, burbot, northern pike, smallmouth bass, tullibee, yellow perch.

LAKE TROUT LUNKERS, NOT NUMBERS: Bob Baker, owner of Gunflint Pines Resort and a long-time fishing guide, said Gunflint lakers average between three and seven pounds. “You don’t catch the numbers, but the size is nice. Every once in a while, you’ll get into a flurry of fish.”

Baker recommended jigging for lakers

generally within five feet of the bottom with chartreuse-colored baits, but sometimes the fish can be found suspended and even within five feet of the top of the ice. He recommended bringing the bait up to different depths of the water column, if working close to the bottom isn’t working.

“They are notorious chasers, especially if the water clarity is good,” Baker said.

Lakers can be found in a range of depths, from 20 to 80 feet.

“You want to move often,” he said. “If you’re not having luck on a spot, move and try something different, a different depth or area.…Sometimes they are around, but not feeding. They will come up to your bait but then go back to the bottom.

Baker said lake trout typically stay more

active on days with a front moving in and cloud cover. On clear and sunny days, the bite is best early and late in the day.

PLENTY TO ‘POUT ABOUT: Gunflint also has a good population of burbot, or eelpout, though it’s mostly locals that target this deep-dwelling fish, affectionately referred to as “poor man’s lobster.” Baker said they are best targeted in the evenings, after dark, with a cut bait on jig, close to the bottom.

WALLEYE ARE PRESENT BUT TOUGH IN WINTER: Though stocking efforts have helped the walleye population on Gunflint Lake, they are rarely caught in the winter, Baker said. “I’ve been up here 20 years, and I’ve only caught one walleye in the winter.…They must spend a lot of time deeper than the trout fishermen fish. They’re not getting them. Either the fish are out suspended over deeper water or they are even deeper.”

Little Folk: Are they Real? Strange Tales

By Elle AndraWarner

From fairies and nature spirits to elves and gnomes, every culture seems to have stories of hidden folk, interacting with people and being closely connected with nature.

A 21st Century resurgence of interest in the phenomena has caught the attention of even academics, including biologist and environmentalist Dr. Jim Butler, a retired University of Alberta professor of conservation biology, wildlife and protected area management. As founder of one of the world’s first scientific investigations into the subject, the ELFEN Project (Elemental Life Form Encounters in Nature), for more than 15 years he has collected stories from people who have had direct encounters with nature spirits.

The idea for ELFEN came as a result of Butler’s consulting work with Aboriginal people in Western Canada who were trying to protect their historical sacred lands—including the landscapes occupied by the little people (Apiscinisak to the Cree)—from impacts of oil, gas and forestry.

Butler writes that Aboriginal people have told him that “we live in harmony with them. We acknowledge each other as if mutually sharing the same space.”

In Sigurd F. Olson’s book, “Wilderness Days,” the author writes about “wilderness music”, and how his travelling companion Jack Linklater, a Scotch-Cree of the Hudson’s Bay Company, heard, “the music, for he had a feeling for the ‘‘wee’ people and for many things others did not understand.” One time, Olson thought he too had heard the wilderness music while the two were camped on a portage trail near Quetico’s Maligne River. “I may never know but this much I do know from travelling with Jack: He actually heard something, and those who have lived close to nature all of their lives are sensitive to many things lost to those in the cities,” wrote Olson.

Does northern Minnesota have its own resident little folk?

Author John Henricksson thinks so. In his book, “Gunflint: The Trail, the People, the Stories,” he introduces readers to

I believe in everything until it`s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myth dragons. It all exists, even if it is in your mind. Who`s to say that dreams and nightmares aren`t as real as the here and now. Reality leaves a lot to the imagination. John Lennon of the Beatles.

the “Ellefolk” who live in the bogs of northern Minnesota and came to the region with some Norwegian immigrants. Henricksson writes on Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources website, “Most dismiss the whole concept as folklore, or worse, but I have met ellefolk at bogside several times.”

Why don’t more people see the little folk? Like Sigurd Olson, Henricksson theorizes that ‘’most people have lost touch with nature and aren’t capable of seeing the beings that live there.”

But some people are connecting with the beings, like Michigan’s Penny Kelly. She worked with elves and fairies to produce 100 tons of grapes from the vineyard on her 58acre Lily Hill Farms, later writing about the partnership in the book “The Elves of Lily Hill Farms.”

In Iceland, the huldafolk (hidden folk) have been featured in international news. Apparently, during construction of highway projects, elf communicators are consulted and the roads may be rerouted so as not to destroy the homes, buildings or villages of the elf-like huldafolk. It happens so often that the government has developed a standard media release for elf inquiries, which includes the statement, “Issues have been settled by delaying the construction project at a certain point while the elves living there have supposedly moved on.”

Then there is the oft-told story about Minnesota-born aviator Charles Lindberg, who said that on his 1927 history-making solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, he was at times accompanied by small beings who helped him navigate.

Almost forgotten is the story of Irish-born Patrick ‘Paddy’ MacFarlane, the hermit of Slate River Valley who lived in a mountain shack just south of Thunder Bay. In his memoir, “Over the Years,” Dr. J. Alex Munro wrote that Paddy would stop by their homestead and tell “about the fairies or leprechauns that he claimed dwelt on his rock-strewn place.” He often saw fairy faces from his window but said they vanished as soon as he stepped outside to take a closer look.

According to First Nations elders and historians, little folk have lived around the shores of Lake Superior for eons. Ojibway tell of little people known as maymaygwaysiwuk (there are various spellings); historian Grace Lee Nute mentions water fairies who traveled between Isle Royale and Thunder Bay; and others have mentioned the pukwdjinees, fairies who lived on Lake Superior’s southern shore.

Last year, while doing a story on Lake Superior, I asked an experienced paddler, who was well-respected by Aboriginal elders and knew the lake well, where was his favorite place on Lake Superior. “Where I think there are little people that the elders have told us about,” he replied without hesitation, adding the little folk always playfully mess around with him.

Our ancestors lived closer to nature than we do, and actually had frequent interaction with nature spirits. Nancy Arrowsmith, “Field Guide to the Little People.”

Hillhaven is a warm, sweet, safe place to be in the winter with all the freedom you want and just the help you need.

ILL HAVE N Do you feel safe in your home this Winter?

northern sky

MARCH 2014

By Deane Morrison UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA STARWATCH

March owes its name to Mars, the Roman god of war, and so it is fitting that this month the planet bearing his name should be among the highlights.

Earth is now hot on the heels of Mars, and will soon lap it in the orbital race. The brightening Red Planet rises about three hours after sunset on the 1st but the interval drops to one hour by the 28th. Watch it come up in the east, near the bright star Spica, in Virgo.

March’s full moon arrives at midday on the 16th. It will be visible before setting at 7 a.m. that morning, and after rising in twilight that evening. Algonquin Indians called this moon by many names: Full Worm Moon, for the reappearance of worms in the softening earth; Full Crow Moon, for the cawing of the birds near winter’s end; and Full Crust Moon, for the crust that forms on snow after melting and refreezing.

The waxing moon makes a bright pair with Jupiter on the 9th, and the waning moon makes some nice predawn pairings. On the 18th and 19th, it’s close to Mars and Spica in the southwest, and on the 27th a crescent hangs in the east with Venus.

March is a good time to find the subtly lovely Beehive star cluster, which is high in the south during the mid-evening hours. Use binoculars, and try about 9 p.m. on a moonless night later in the month. Find Regulus, the brightest star in Leo, in the southeast, then Jupiter, the brightest object

A computer-generated image of the Sapas Mons (foreground) and Maat Mons volcanoes on Venus. |NASA/JPL

of all, high in the south. The Beehive will be just above a line connecting Regulus and Jupiter, a little closer to Regulus.

The vernal equinox ushers in spring at 11:57 a.m. on the 20th, when the sun crosses the equator into the northern sky and Earth’s sunward face will be lighted from pole to pole.

The University of Minnesota offers public viewings of the night sky at its Duluth campus. For more information and viewing schedules, see: Duluth, Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium: www.d.umn.edu/planet Contact: Deane Morrison, University Relations, (612) 624-2346, morri029@umn.edu. Find U of M astronomers and links to the world of astronomy at www.astro.umn.edu

Ted Young, an island, and the Boundary Country dream

By Erin Altemus

Jorgenson so he could do tours.

Those who have lived on the Gunflint Trail know Ted Young and his wife, Barbara, as the folks who lived on a Poplar Lake island for almost three decades. Their last name says a lot about their demeanor, which is to say that even though they are in their 70s, the Youngs are anything but old.

At 75, Ted has wild grey hair that shoots upward and outward in an energetic display, much akin to Albert Einstein. The Youngs have been operating their lodging business since the late 70s, and despite being well past the age of retirement, they don’t intend to quit any time soon. “Oh, we’ve talked about it,” Ted said. “But where else would we go?”

Ted’s parents bought the 14-acre island on Poplar Lake in 1952, but his father passed away shortly thereafter. In the summers, Ted’s mother would take the family up north, and they would rent out their home in St. Paul for income. Ted worked at Rockwood Lodge for $1.50 a day. Later he began guiding, first for $15 day and then $25. “I felt rich,” he said. And this was before he finished high school.

After high school, college and a career in community organizing, Ted moved with Barbara to the island. It was the mid-70s. They insulated the cabin and began heating with wood. That first winter the wood pile only lasted a few weeks. The snowmobile

When the Youngs had their child Joey, Barbara insisted they needed a phone. “It was the first modern thing we got,” Ted said. “It was another 10 or 15 years before we got power.”

During freeze-up and ice-out, the Youngs skidded a canoe across the ice from a neighbor’s cabin 100 yards away. Once Ted fell through but used the canoe to pull himself out. By the time he got back to his neighbor’s cabin, he was frozen from the waist down. Eventually they thought to string a line from one shore to the other to help pull themselves across. Even with this extra challenge, Joey hardly missed a day of school because of the ice. As Joey got older, he rode a bike on the snowmobile trail to get to the bus.

The Youngs put up their first yurt in 1984. They had one extra bedroom on their own cabin for guest use as well. Between sled dog tours and the yurt-to-yurt skiing, they made their living. In the spring of 2001, they moved to the mainland and opened a new bed-and-breakfast the day after 9/11. Many of their guests were flying in from other parts of the country, and over the next few months, most of them cancelled. “We had a big mortgage to pay,” Ted said. “It was a tough winter.”

For many years, the Youngs managed the Banadad Ski Trail themselves. Now there is

keep the place running. They both answer the phone and respond to email inquiries.

For many years, the Youngs were heavily involved in community happenings. “We were professional meeting-goers,” he joked. Now they refrain from participating in most of these things.

“I like the quiet, the nature. …I like to ski, but after going out twice a week to groom trails, I don’t have much energy left for skiing,” he said. “I really like meeting people. We travel vicariously with our guests from all over the world…but it’s also nice once-inawhile to have nobody.”

When asked if he ever thought about quitting, or living somewhere different, Ted replied: “We live in vacationland. Why would we want to go anywhere else?”

Ted Young enjoys skiing on the Banadad Ski Trail when he can.

| BARBARA YOUNG

As a child, Joey Young grew up on the

Hovland 63 Chessie Trail

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293 Mile O’Pine Rd 5 acre parcel overlooking Gunflint Lake.

MLS#29842 $100,000.00

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

Lot 2 Quist Acres 5 acre parcel on Quist Road outside of Grand Marais.

MLS#30439 $47,500

Lot 5 Quist Acres 5 acre parcel on Quist Road outside of Grand Marais, sister parcel to Lot 2.

MLS#30440 $49,900

xxx Mile O’Pine 3.30 acres, Gunflint Trail.

MLS#30837 $199,900

Lot 13 Sawmill Bay 233’ shoreline 2.2 acres $88,000

$125,000 MLS #6001646

Meeting of Water and Wilderness! 200 ft of Ledge rock sprawling for what seems like a football field in to Lake superior! north of Castle danger, Phenom build site!

Mls#30422 $409,000

neW! ironiC isn’t it? a condo in the middle of the northwoods, isabella location! What a great idea for those outdoor enthusiasts looking for very nice accommodations to come back to after a full day of fishing, boating, hiking, biking, snowmobiling and cross country skiing! it’s really the best of the northwoods at a great price! Mls#6001979 $145,000

extra- ordinary lutsen Lake superior home! Unforgettable to say the least, enjoy a Gorgeous superior stone Corner Fireplace with main Level Living, and a modern functional design that welcomes your own touches for updating! Over 300 ft of shoreline, garage and outdoor fireplace! Mls#6000899 $735,000

l a K e superior and lutsen

Leads to the Good Life! sweet Lake superior build ready parcel in the heart of Lutsen, driveway in place all you need is some vision for laying out your home to take advantage of the Creek and the level ledgerock of Lake superior! Mls#31207 $295,000

VaCation getaWay at CH ateau

leVeaux! Fabulous Location, improving rental incomes and tons of interior improvements of Common Lodge entry, swimming Pool, etc! Condo is m int Condition, Great Views! Mls#26043 reduCed! $124,600 asK for #31!

CliffHouse oV erlooK ing l a K e superior! Lake superior Views at Lutsen resort, Fine dining and stylish living at your own piece of the north shore! Finely appointed, this townhome won’t disappoint! Mls#28460 $499,000 or Half sHare at $279,000

lutsen sea Villas, Level accessible Lake superior! The Lutsen sea Villas are a Great Way for those who enjoy vacationing long term or short term along the north shore! a ffordable association dues make for low maintenance living with a good management company available for offsetting the ownership costs. a nd if you want to keep the Villa all to yourself, you can! One, two and three bedroom Villas available, most recently update and all in the heart of Lutsen just a short shuttle to Lutsen mountains ski resort! From $189,000 Call tOday!

Mls#6001261 B3 $300,000

Mls#6001265 B1 $400,000

Bargain Buy Villas! K3 Big reduCtion! $189,000 e3 $224,900 sWeet!

lutsen l a K e HoMe, Wilderness Living! in between the boundary Waters and Lutsen mountains ski resort with miles of snowmobile and cross county trails between! year round a mazing Cabin, Oversized garage with workshop & bunkhouse! Mls#29855 $379,000

doozie

HoW aBout foCusing on tHe fisHing? year round

and

sK i in sK i out to Moose Mountain! enjoy low maintenance vacation living at the famed Caribou highlands resort, tons of amenities and good year round rental revenues to off set ownership costs!

Mls#6001192-4 Br 4 Ba asK for 503 Moose Mt $299,000

Mls#6000261 studio asK for 108a $76,900 reduCed!!

Mls#6000681 1Br 2Ba $80,000 sold!!

Mls#6001787 1 Br 1 BatH Mint! $109,900 asK for 128B!neW!

siMple li V ing in a one BedrooM Ca Bin W itH guest BunKHouse! it’s a starter cabin or retirement getaway, you decide! m inute’s to Lake superior’s sugarloaf Cove, a gorgeous piece of land with Lake views and plenty of room to add on to this cute little cabin! Mls#30641 $89,000

80 aCres W itH drea M y green HoMe! hilltop Living in between Finland and isabella on hwy 1, super location and so much

Mls#6001599

$159,900 Ca Bin W itH 60 aCres $199,000!

Mls#6001308 $129,900

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

Swallow Lake Land, isabella a rea Wilderness shoreline in a mature pine area off deep Lake rd. multitude of Lakes abound, much recreational opportunity!

Mls#30253 $99,000

Enough Is Enough! We are talking 30 acres of elevated rolling hills bordering the r idge looking down the Little manitou r iver to Lake superior. Can subdivide, but at this price, you’ll want to keep it all for yourself! Mls#24573 $179,000

Super Views, Super Future! bordering county lands, this 6 ac parcel can easily be subdivided in to 3 parcels, all with views of the big Lake! Or keep it all for yourself! hUGe Lake views, it won’t disappoint! Mls#30736 reduCed! $129,900

Lake Superior Views Sprawl before you on this gorgeous piece of land at White tail r idge, a lakeview community very near to tettagouche state Park with nice Lake superior access! Mls#6000717

$115,000

Sonju Lake Road Large acreage parcels! 40 plus acre lots ranging from $35k to $60k. a ll 170 acres for $180,000

Mls#6001324+

HUGE Lake Superior Views on 5 ac, creek and electric at build site! Gorgous Cliff, borders county land $89,900

Access to Wilson Lake with Acreage! nice little Camping shack in place, enjoy the hilltop views of the maples! Forge a path through the woods to Wilson Lake and you’ll have all the Walleye you can eat, Wilson Lake is the Walleye Capital of the northwoods!

Mls#27884 $109,900

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

30 ac parcel is a combination of marsh lands and meandering beaver ponds with high ground in the north West corner with some nice maples and views of the surrounding marsh grasses and sawtooth r idges, Mls#6001525 $47,500

Perhaps the most unique piece of property on the north shore! Old rock quarry is surrounded by steep ledge rock reaching up to the sky. your own little lagoon like lake on the top of sawtooth mountain ridge, it’s simply stunning. rugged terrain that was touched by man many years ago, time has now passed and the land has gone back to wilderness with mature pines and south facing maples. Mls#6001560-66 froM $95,000

30 Ac and 40 Ac parcel, almost adjoining Prime Wilderness with road access available and tons of wildlife through moose ponds, with some high ground for building sites. Great Value and tons of end of the road feel!

Mls#6001525 from $47,500 for 30 acres!

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

Over 5 acres of Young Aspen and Lake superior Views on the sugarloaf road, Walk to superior hiking trail or sugarloaf Cove on Lake superior!

Mls#25632 $29,900

Sugarloaf Retreats on High Ridge Drive, located up the surgaloaf road from sugarloaf Cove naturalist a rea, enjoy large acreage parcels at rock bottom prices! From $62,000!

Mls#25701-4

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

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 $24,900

Hilltop Views at LeVeaux Mountain! From spectacular Lake Views to sites bordering superior national Forest… even a site overlooking a Wildlife pond! Give these sites a look if you like location location location!

Mls#27035-26505-30560 from $19,500!!

LOCATION says it all, enjoy nice Lake superior Views and tons of Privacy bordering county lands, toftevaag is a great spot to build your dream cabin, especially for year round living close to all that tofte offers! Mls#2409130549 reduced from $53,000

Lot 9 at Overlook Trail! huge Lake superior Views, year round access & electric $84,900 Mls#6001353 pending

Lutsen Lake v iews & w i L derness Lands!

Boulder Point at Lutsen Mountains! recreational 10 acres off ski hill road, flat Plateau with awesome Views of moose mountain and Lake superior!

Mls#6001621 $75,000

Honeymoon Trail Wildlife Lands! 10 ac nearby Poplar r iver in Lutsen, great hunting or hiking land at a sUPer Great price! nice boreal Forest with build site bordering UsFs lands! Mls#26729 $39,900

Caribou Lake Area Build Site on 5 Ac! at the base of the sawtooth r idge overlooking Caribou Lake is this sweet land perfect for your year round cabin with easy access to all that Lutsen Offers!

Mls#6000-049 reduCed! $49,900

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

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 $41,900

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#tBa $79,000

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

m ls#6001796 $39,000

Bargain Clara Lake site! yr round access, electric at street and cleared build site perfect for your Getaway Cabin on Coveted Clara Lake!

Mls#6001680 $155,000

Grand Marais Location Location Location!

A River Runs Through It! 160 acres of Upland and r iver Frontage on the Cascade r iver near eagle mountain, a r are Find with tons of opportunity. Whether hunting land or Wilderness retreat, this is a Great Opportunity! Mls#31732 reduCed $159,000

Between Grand Marais and Devil Track Lake 60 Acres! rolling terrain and nice mixed forest and grasslands just up the Gunflint trail and devil track Lake rd, this is a great location and an amazing price!

Mls#6000-606 $95,900

Bordering Cascade River Park! Potential to subdivide or keep it all for yourself! nice Lake superior Views from multiple build sites, hike right in to the Park land with access to Cascade r iver falls and Lake superior! Mls#31097 reduCed! $225,000

County Rd 7 Murphy Mountain Lake View lands! bargain buys in young Poplar Forest, easy clearing for sweet Lake superior Views for as little as $39,900! Or enjoy hilltop build site with driveway in place, creek bordering site for $89,900! Mls#25633

$149,000

deV il traCK l a K e 400 ft of priMe sHoreline This is one of the very few left with 400 ft of deep shoreline and nearly 15 acres of land! Long winding driveway through mature pines leads to old cabin site with drilled well ready to go! Give this a look and you will understand the value in being an established build ready piece of land! Mls#6000548 $425,000

deluxe Ca Mp on CariBou l a K e! rustic Lake Living with Log outhouse and shower room, bunk area and year round dock on 150 ft of nice Caribou shoreline! sweet trees and lots of privacy! Mls#31096 $212,000

gust la K e lot in lutsen year round access with drilled well, driveway in place and cleared build site! Just a hop skip and a jump from the bWCa with year round access! oW ner finanCing!! Mls#24313 $144,900

sW eet sHoreline on deeryard l a K e, west of Grand marais, south facing and 10 acres of maples, Old Growth White Pines and ancient Cedars all abutting public land. Current owners got you started: a garage that was their starter cabin complete with power, heat, water and septic tank! Mls#6001066 $189,000 reduCed!

lake superior properties

tHree speCtaCular lake superior lots at terraCe poiNt. Outstanding shoreline views all the way to Artist Point & Grand Marais. Each has dramatic shoreline. Great location west of town. priced from $175,000 to the unique and pristine point at $409,900. Mls 6000590, 6001067, 6001068.

lake superior CoND 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 onsite manager. Facility is in excellent condition for easy and affordable lakefront living or vacation rental. Mls #6000473 $90,000.

CoMMerCial properties iN

tHe outpost Motel.

Thriving business and home with great view of the big lake. The Outpost Motel offers motel rooms and kitchenette suites. In addition there is a loft apartment and a cottage. The great location close to Grand Marais sits directly across the highway from Lake Superior beach. Direct access to the Superior Hiking Trail. Mls #6001280. $689,000.

speCtaCular piNCusHioN BeD aND BreakFast

Updated 5 bedroom, 6 bath home on 14.8 acres. New 2 car garage and two decks. Direct ski in/ski out access to Pincushion Mountain ski trails. Frontage on Little Devils Track River is fabulous. Just minutes from Grand Marais. Resort/Commercial zoning.

Mls 6001839 $374,900.00

lutseN CoMMerCial HWY 61 FroNtaGe.

Two acres, zoned GC. Location, visibility, nice forest, lake view. Includes a third (one-acre) parcel zoned residential. Mls #6001891 $179,000.

CasCaDe lake priVaCY.

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

Mls #31513 $700,000.

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 #6000757 $265,800.

priVaCY oN little ollie BaY oF poplar lake. Northwoods charm. 2 BR/1 BA, sauna, large deck. Adjoins BWCAW. Walk to Banadad Ski Trail. Nightly rental with good history.

Mls #6000398 $259,900.

FaMilY CaBiN— BirCH lake.

Family retreat w/2 BR, 1 BA, large deck, charming log bunkhouse, 1-car garage. Great privacy, large dock on 150’ shoreline. Mls #31680 $199,900.

CaBiN oN trout lake.

Charming custom-built 1 BR cabin with 150’ shoreline on desirable Trout Lake. Knotty pine paneling, lots of artistic touches. 3.27 acres. Mls #31258 $199,900.

BorDer, Beaut Y aND BWCaW.

Rare opportunity to own a private wilderness escape, North Fowl Lake. 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.

leVel lot, NiCe WooDs, easY sHore. This Devil Track Lake lot has easy access from county road, power, phone and great building sites. South shore, 200 ft. frontage, great views. Build your home on the lake here.

Mls #6001771 $198,900.

larGe aND priVate lake lot. This Greenwood Lake parcel has great views, classic boulder shore, dense pine forest and easy lake access. Plenty ofelbow room with many nice cabin/home sites. Mls #6001764 $192,500

Great lot oN looN lake. This lot is located on the south side of Loon Lake and offers great lake views. The main road is in place and power is on the lot line. This lot offers a great shoreline and many nice trees. Mls #6001605 $192,000

NeW!

aMaZiNG HoMe Near trestle piNe lake.

3 BR, 2 BA home up the Gunflint Trail only a few minutes from many great lakes. The interior has an open bright feeling and is move-in ready!

Mls #6001793 $169,000

Qualit Y 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.

iNlaND Water properties

CaBiN Creek CoVe oN

NiNeMile lake.

2 lakelots left on the west bay of Ninemile Lake. Lots have excellent bldg sites nestled in a dense mixed forest. Year round access. Power at site. CC&R’s apply. Brochure available.

l ots start at $89,300.

trout HaVeN.

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

sNoWsHoe ruN at Hare lake. Beautiful lots with maple, spruce and cedars. Privacy, surrounded by U.S.F.S. lands. A trout lake; good fishing. Brochure available. starting at $33,500.

HoMes & CaBiNs

larGe HoMe, t Wo apartMeNts, HuGe lake VieW.

Main level 3 BR home with fireplace, quality kitchen, formal dining room, master suite. Two full apartments on the lower levels, each with private entrances provides great income. Includes 2-car attached garage with workshop, 1,000 sq. ft. heated outbuilding, plus 10 acres with paths and privacy.

Mls #6001835 $398,000

piNCusHioN MouNtaiN reCreatioN area HoMe.

Close to town yet situated in the woods on ski and hiking trails. 3

BR, 2 BA, on 4.75 acres. Large living room with beautiful white tile fireplace and large dining room with Carlton Peak rock chimney. Remodeled kitchen; walk-out basement with sun room. Unique design, lots of wood and windows; several unique handmade doors. Mls #6001099 $349,000

eNerGY eFFiCieNt HoMe.

Earth sheltered home with over 55 acres and a creek. Conveniently located near Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail. 4 BR, 3 BA with a 2-car detached garage. Updated and remodeled with many custom features. This home is designed for the person who wants to live the rural, energy-efficient lifestyle.

Mls #6001251. $297,000

CouNtrY HoMe iN HoVlaND.

Lovely 4 BR/3 BA home on 7.76 acres. Master suite with huge walk-in closet. Open living room with stone fireplace, formal dining room, big kitchen. Office/ den opens into the attached garage. 32’ x 40’ pole building has storage for toys. Partially finished basement. Country living at its best!

Mls #6000522 $259,300.

GraND Marais HoMe.

Conveniently located in town with incredible views of Lake Superior. The home features 4 BR, 3 BA with a great layout and tons of storage space. Master BR includes a custom whirlpool tub, skylight, and a separate covered porch overlooking the harbor. The kitchen has been totally redone. Outside you will find a private patio area, heated drive-through garage, gardens, flowerbeds and custom landscaping.

Mls #6001152 $247,000

reMote outpost.

The 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.

CasCaDe ValleY retreat.

Charming cottage on 30 acres with adjoining public lands. Well-built cabin has great views of the Cascade River Valley from the screen porch. Sauna building with sitting area, fireplace, dressing room and large cedar sauna. Remote location but good access, and only a short drive to Grand Marais.

Mls #6001829 $169,900

rustiC lo G, roiliNG riVer, MoDerN CoMForts.

This log kit 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 #6001631 $169,900.

starter HoMe or Base CaMp. Warm and comfortable cabin in the woods. Great place to call home with room to add or expand as you grow. Easy access on lower Arrowhead Trail Power, phone, outhouse, garden space, big potential.

Welcome sandra & Jack McHugh!

After many years of enjoying time spent on the North Shore, Sandra and Jack McHugh have made their dreams come true by making Lutsen their home, and joining the real estate team at Red Pine Realty. Now, they hope to help you with making your real estate dreams come true. With more than 30 years of experience in project management, and the rewarding experience of finding and purchasing property in Cook County, they are ready and able to make your real estate search or sale a successful and pleasant experience. Put your dreams in their hands and let them take care of the details.

Mls #6000609 $54,900 Scan your smartphone here!

HoMes & CaBiNs

DraMatiC

CasCaDe riVer propert Y.

Twenty acres with 660’ on Cascade River. Good road, building site in cedar. Common property at spectacular waterfalls. Association, assessments. Seasonal access. Mls #31332 $109,500.

10 aCres oN

CouNt Y rD. #14.

330’ of bubbling creek runs through this beautifully wooded and very private parcel. Build sites near the water. Mls #31619 $99,500.

stuNNiNG riVer aND 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 #6000298 $85,900.

40 aCres W/MoNs Creek FroNtaGe.

Easy road access. Good building sites. Mature trees. Deeded access to Lost Lake.

Mls #31103 $79,900.

40 aC – lost lake retreats.

Mons Creek flowage with great views and tons of wildlife. Private and secluded location. Includes deeded access to private lake.

Mls #27877 $79,500.

WooDs, Water & seClusioN.

Nice ‘40’ with good timber and 1000’ frontage on Mons Creek. Great building site. Private deeded access to Lost Lake.

Mls #31808 $69,900.

NeW! GraND Marais

HoMe site oN Creek.

Nice wooded lot with City services: water, sewer and electric at site. Nice south exposure and frontage on Cedar Creek.

Mls #6001830 $63,900

l aND/BuilDiNG sites

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

Mls #6000299 $214,900.

oVer 217 aCres/CaMp 20 roaD

Lovely open land with many ponds and streams. Mls #31645 $216,700.

VieWs FroM terraCe poiNt.

Two lots for development at Terrace Point. One has townhome foundation in place.

Mls #6001069 $94,500

Mls #6001100 $175,000

Maples, VieWs, priVaCY.

85+ acres near Hovland. New road access, adjoining federal land. South exposure and views. Seasonal access. Mls #6001633 $99,900.

5 aCres oN GuNFliNt trail.

A great lot with an amazing view overlooking Loon Lake. This lot includes legal access to Loon Lake for you to dock your boat, swim and relax. Mls #6001601 $94,000

FiVe aCres Near toWN.

Ready to build, Croftville location, Superior view, nice forest, RC/Residential zoning.

Mls #6001810 $80,000.

5 aCres Near DeVil traCk lake. Deep wooded home site – just steps from Devil Track Lake, and DNR access. Enjoy the lake without the high taxes! Mls #31534 $74,900.

FiVe WooDeD aCres.

Surveyed. Septic and access road in place. Close to Devil Track Lake.

Mls #6000318 $65,000. Additional 6 +/- acre parcel available.

10 aCres Near 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

laND Near GraND Marais.

Beautiful 5-ac lot just minutes from town. Meadow, power/ phone. Driveway in. Great home site.

Mls #6001604 $59,900.

larGe parCel WitH possiBle suBDiVisioN poteNtial.

Great Lake Superior views on the higher elevations. A small creek runs through part of the parcel. Priced below assessed value. Mls #6001758 $129,000

reaDY For You to BuilD.

This 5 acre lot is located only a few miles from town but offers great privacy. Nice slope, great trees and possibility for views of Lake Superior! The driveway is in place.

Mls#6001470 $54,900.

lake eFFeCt HoMe site –HoVlaND.

Great 4-acre home site. 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#6001463 $52,900.

WoNDerFul VieWs oF lake superior!

3 lots available; wooded and private. Minutes to ski hill, Superior National, Lutsen shops. Surveyed, year round access. Mls #6000671 l ots start at $52,000.

Great CaBiN spot!

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 #6001242 $50,250.

HoMe or CaBiN siteGreat lutseN lo CatioN. 4.09 acres, power and phone. Walk to landing on Christine Lake. Adjoins state land.

Mls #31546 $44,900.

reCreatioNal parCel iN HoVlaND.

43+ acres close to the public landing on Tom Lake. Survey complete; may subdivide into two 20+ acre parcels. Road plowed year round in special taxing district. Owner/Agent. Mls #6001471 $37,500

Got reMote?

Can't beat this property for "off-the-beaten-path". If it's seclusion you seek, a place that's tough to get there, and worth the effort (or, the effort is half the fun), this wilderness 19-acre recreational property is for you. Surrounded by State & USFS lands. Hike in access from Devil Fish Lake.

Mls#6001477 $37,000.

Lake Superior View

$49,700 - Bloomquist Mtn. Road –5.8A 10

MLS 6001509

$69,900 - County Road 67 - 4 A Enjoy the majestic beauty of Superior without premium lakeshore price! Creek runs through property, and Co. Rd. means easy access. MLS 6001752

$69,900 - East Highway 61 – 6.8A Exceptional

MLS 6000432

$239,900 - Birch Cliff Road - 2.25A

MLS 6001658

Exceptional views of the rugged Superior Shoreline and 280’ of cliff frontage. Gravel driveway, electric, and cleared building site.

Inland Lake Lots

McFarland Lake

Four sites, 7 – 230A, 0 – 300’ shore. Excellent recreational land. Building and septic sites identified. MLS 31140 $63,900 - $155,000

Chester Lake, Hovland This 40A is the only private parcel on Chester Lake! 300’ frontage, cabin & outbuildings sold as is. MLS 31502 $179,000

Devil Track Lake, Grand Marais Pri-

vate 2.97A lot with unique, natural boat harbor and over 245’ of frontage on north shore! MLS 6001302 $229,900

Kemo Lake, Grand Marais One of only 4 lots on south shore. Private 2.34A with 200’ frontage on excellent trout lake! MLS 6000747 $159,900

Poplar Lake, Grand Marais, 0.94A, 291’ with four portage routes into BWCAW. MLS 6001194 $169,900

Sag Lake, Grand Marais, 1.1A and 191’ frontage on Sag. Year round access, electric & phone. Direct access to BWCAW. MLS 6001454 $99,900

Spectacular views, 611’ of shore,

Homes & Cabins

Lake Superior Lots

Inland Lake Homes

New Levels of Service

6 LAKE SUPERIOR ISLANDS

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

UPPER SCOTCH LAKE

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. $1,200,000 CDN

WATERFRONT - NEEBING

cottage with year-round road access. Great views. 20 minutes from the border. $319,000.00 CDN

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

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

Historic inn of post-and-beam construction overlooking beautiful Nipigon Bay and Lake Superior. 17 guest rooms, dining room, banquet room, lounge and much more. Combines easy accessibility to outdoor adventures with the quiet comfort of Victorian elegance. Incredible opportunity. $299,000 CDN

– CONMEE TOWNSHIP

Almost 3000 continuous acres about 35 miles west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Bordering Crown land on the west and road accessible. Many water features and a wide variety of plant and animal life. Many opportunities such as large private compound, your own huge hunting retreat or resort and so on. Mixed timber. $895,000 CDN

LAND

RED ROCK INN

CATCHLIGHT

Spruce Grouse My friend Shawn Conrad and I were hiking a trail at a state park when we saw this male spruce

ahead of us. It hopped up on a snowbank and stood perfectly still. I know this sounds impossible but I really believe the grouse thought if it didn’t move, we wouldn’t be able to see it. — Earl Orf

grouse

Jobs for attracting new neighbors