Snowy Gunflint Trail Oct 14, 2004

This was the scene on the Gunflint Trail as I was leaving Bearskin and off to my next stop in Tofte along Lake Superior.

Snowy morning at Bearskin Oct 14th, 2004

My final morning at Bearskin and it was coated with snow. It was a great sight to see as it would be all melted by noon.

Snowy drive back to the cabin Oct 13, 2004

Yesterday on the 12th it was in the 70's, sunny and I was golfing. Today was rainy and to top it off it was 33 degrees and snowing on the drive back to Bearskin from Ely. Only in Minnesota! I was happy to have a new kayak.

Ely, MN Oct. 13th, 2004

I made it to my destination of Ely on my birthday and my goal was to stop at Piragis and buy my first kevlar canoe and kayak. I took the kayak and would later pick up my canoe in Winona when I got home. I also stopped at my favorite photographer's gallery in Ely. Jim Brandenburg lives in Ely and just so happened to stop in as I was there. I was fortunate enough for the chance to meet him as I was looking for some of his work to display on my walls at home. I found plenty and got a picture with him and some autographed issues of National Geographic with his articles in it. He worked for NG in the past.

It was a great birthday to spend in Ely and at Bearskin lodge.

Tower, Mn

Stopped in Tower on my way to Ely and looked around.

Embarrass Weather Center Oct. 13,2004

Went to look around in the Embarrass weather center as they had reports from the infamous winter of 1995-96.

Embarrass, MN Oct.13, 2004

Embarrass, MN is considered one of the coldest towns in the state along with Tower which is just a few miles away. International Falls along the border with Canada is also known as the "icebox" of Minnesota. Here I stopped at the Embarrass visitor center which looked a little creepy and then of course I seemed to have the right music on for this visit.

Drive to Ely Oct 13, 2004

I spent my birthday driving from Bearskin to Ely to finally buy my canoe and kayak. I have looked forward to this day for awhile. The weather was rainy but still liked seeing the fall colors. This was senic highway from Silver Bay to Ely.

Trails End Campground Oct 12,2004 part2

Perfect Fall evening, campfire, Lake Superior Mesabi Red, Gunflint Trail. Life is good.

Trails End Campground October 12, 2004

Spent the evening at the end of the Gunflint Trail on this day. This is part of the Seagull River which runs north from Seagull Lake to Gull Lake and into Saganaga Lake. Water is obviously low this time of year.

Misty morning on East Bearskin Lake 2004

The lake was covered with mist on this morning. Having a cup of coffee on the dock looking at this is my favorite way to start the day up at Bearskin on a sunny fall October day.

Golfing at Lutsen October 2004 Part 2

More golfing and the Poplar river at Lutsen.

Golfing at Lutsen Oct. 2004

This was from October of 2004. Perfect fall day with good colors. I decided to spend a day golfing at Lutsen. Very nice golf course with the Poplar river running through it. Yes, I was driving the golf cart and trying to video tape. I had to entertain myself somehow. This is a nice reminder of how good the colors can still be this time of year.

Trails End Campground 2004

I drove to the end of the Gunflint Trail to the camground to explore a little. The Gunflint Trail is 56 miles long starting in Grand Marais. This is a nice campground for a night or 2. The site here is by the Seagull River which is pretty low at this time of year.

Bearskin 2004 Dan C and Gunflint Trail

Dan and I driving back to the cabin after hanging out at the Gunflint Tavern. Here we are on the Gunflint Trail searching for moose at 1:30 am.

Bearskin 2004 Dan C.

Some footage of Dan C. and the cabin as we prepare to go biking on a perfect October day in 2004.

Bearskin October 8th, 2004

Here is another classic and funny moment from 2004. Dave, Dan and I were in Grand Marais at the Gunflint Tavern for the evening. Afterwards when we got back to the cabin, we dug into our growlers and well, the effects are shown here. We sure do like growlers but at this point it is around 3am. I am in bed trying to sleep. Dave had other ideas. Dave and Dan get a case of the giggles and this is classic.

Oct 9th and 10th, 2004

Dan and I went mountain biking at Lutsen. This is where I lost my camera while on the ski lift. I lost around 300 pictures or so. Lesson learned. After Dan left I was on my own for a few more days so I explored more of the Grand Marais area.

Back at Bearskin Oct. 2004

Dan C. was waiting for us as we got back to Grand Marais from Isle Royale. It was Dan's first time up at Bearskin. As you may know I am a big Halloween fan and back in these days I would bring up the scary music along with the fog machine and lights to have a little fun at night. Nothing like some Halloween fun in October up in the deep woods of Bearskin. Dan C. is doing the commentary here with the video camera.

As I look back at this video, this was the last visit I was at Bearskin. It has been 5 years since I have been back. I am really looking forward to going back this fall.

Back to Grand Portage and Gunflint Trail 2004

Here we head back to Grand Portage from Isle Royale on calm waters. After this we head back to the cabin on the Gunflint Trail.

Malone Bay Oct. 2004

Here we stop at Malone Bay to drop off a Dad and his 3 kids as they plan to fish on Siskiwit Lake from their canoe. So the question I had at the time is, it is October and should the kids be in school? Of course I would rather be on Isle Royale than in school too.

Heading towards Malone Bay 2004

On our way to Malone Bay on Isle Royale, Oct 2004

Daisy Farm to Malone Bay 2004

Here we are leaving Daisy Farm and heading towards Malone Bay along the south shore of Isle Royale.

Hiking in the Dark 2004

Hiking back to Daisy Farm from the Ojibway Tower in the dark. The quote of the trip is here as Dave asks "If a man is alone on Isle Royale with no women around, is he still wrong?" Classic.

Sunset from Ojibway Tower pt2

Sunset on Ojibway Tower Oct. 2004

Watching an incredible sunset from top of the Ojibway Tower on Isle Royale in October 2004.

Daisy Farm and Ojibway Tower 2004

After 5 and a half to 6 hours on the boat we finally make it to our campground for the night, Daisy Farm. It was a perfect sunny October day. After setting up camp, we went for a hike to Ojibway Tower. It was so relaxing just sitting up there watching the sunset.

Rock Harbor Lighthouse

Rock Harbor Lighthouse as we approach Daisy Farm.

Mott Island 2004

Passing by Mott Island which is the park headquarters.

Rock Harbor area

Passing the Rock Harbor area and passing by Tookers Island Dock.

Going around Blake Point2004

Here we are making the turn around Blake Point and heading towards Rock Harbor.

Blake Point and Passage Island

I am roaming around the cabin some more and then about 3pm we see Blake Point. As we go around on this clear day we can see Passage Island. I hope to make a stop there on my next trip.

Heading for Blake Point

As we continue on the north side of the island I take some time to read the info on the walls of the VII.

Leaving McCargoe Cove 2004

Here we are leaving McCargoe Cove and head east through the Amygdaloid Channel passing by the Ranger Cabin as a park ranger in his boat passes us.

McCargoe Cove dock

We make a stop to drop off some hikers at McCargoe Cove.

McCargoe Cove October 2004

Approaching and entering McCargoe Cove

Todd Harbor area and Hawk Island October 2004

Todd Harbor area and passing Hawk Island.

North side of Isle Royale 2004

This is in the area of Gull Rocks and Little Todd Harbor area.

Windigo October2004

Approaching Windigo and passing by the area of the America shipwreck in Washington Harbor.

Isle Royale October 2004

We are getting closer to Washington Harbor and Windigo. Here we are near the west end of the island and make a stop at the Sivertson fish dock to unload supplies.

Isle Royale October 2004 boat ride

More of the ride as we pass Rock of Ages Lighthouse as we head to Windigo first.

Isle Royale October 2004

This is our first trip to Isle Royale. We wanted to get a taste of this incredible park so we chose to take the boat around the whole island. We had only one night for this trip. It was October and Lake Superior can be pretty choppy this time of year. On this day it was smooth thankfully, so we could see the whole island from the boat. We were dropped off at Daisy Farm where we would camp for the night. This was before either one of us had much for gear so we rented camping gear in Grand Marais, MN. October is a great month for hiking and canoeing, IF you are fortunate enough to have mother nature on your side. The colors are great, cool but sunny days with no bugs. This is not a realy busy time of year so you feel like you have the island to yourself at times.

This was the boat ride over from Grand Portage, MN. It is about a 2 and a half hour ride to the first part of the island which is Windigo on the west end. There is nothing like this place. You are completely surrounded and at the mercy of mighty Lake Superior. Once you travel to this place, it is very easy to get hooked and you become a regular visitor after your first visit.

Bean and Bear Lakes Trail 2004 pt3

If a man is alone in the woods with no women around, is he still wrong?

Bean and Bear Lakes Trail October 2004 part2

Bean and Bear Lakes Trail October 2004

On this day Dave and I headed south to the small town of Silver Bay,MN to hike a section of the Superior Hiking Trail with overlooks of Bean and Bear Lake. This section is called the Twin Lakes Trail. We were past fall peak colors. This area is especially scenic during peak colors. It was a warm but windy day. I was battling a cold at this point but was not going to pass up this hike. This would also be our last day before getting on the boat to Isle Royale the next day.


For those who don't know us, I, for one can have a very dry and subtle sense of humor sometimes as shown in this video. I guess this was before I purchased a gps. I ALWAYS like to know where I am on the trail and map.

Duluth Train Ride 2004 pt 2

Gitchee Gumee Brewfest 2009

Dave and I made it up to Duluth last weekend for the Gitchee Gumee Brewfest in Superior Wisconsin for our 4th year in a row. In the past we would drive up on the day of the fest but this year we drove up on Friday to make a weekend out of it. It was so much better that way. We did not feel as rushed and could take in some sights and enjoy the fine breweries and pubs with great food to go along with their fine beer. The Thirsty Pagan in Superior has great pizza as well as a fine selection of barley pop. The North Coast Amber was my favorite with the Burntwood Black a close second. We filled 2 growlers of those 2 for our hotel fridge.

The Duluth harbor had plenty of ice and we could walk out on it. I like the ice look but have to say I am ready for some warm spring weather come April now. The brewfest was great and we really liked the new Canal Park Lodge hotel we stayed in.

Duluth Train Ride 2004

Good day for a train ride on a rainy day in Duluth.

Duluth Aquarium pt3

Duluth Aquarium 2004 pt2

Duluth Aquarium 2004

We spent a rainy day at the aquarium in Duluth checking out the sites.

Duluth 2004 pt2

Almost 2am and there is a lot of boat traffic by the bridge. We could hear everything.

Duluth 2004

We stayed in Duluth for a night before driving up the North Shore to Bearskin. We had a view of the Duluth airel bridge right from our porch to see the big freighters go by. They would go by just about any time of day or night.

Moon over Bearskin 2004

First night at Bearskin with a full moon.

Gunflint Trail Drive to Bearskin 2004

Driving on the Gunflint Trail with some Metallica.

Grand Marais Overlook2004

We are headed back to Bearskin after a stop in Grand Marais at the Pincushion Mtn overlook.

Grand Portage State Park 2004 pt5

Grand Portage State Park 2004 pt4

Grand Portage State Park 2004 pt3

Grand Portage State Park 2004 pt2

Grand Portage State Park 2004

Back in the USA 2004

Leaving Canada and crossing the border and the Piegon River which divides the U.S. and Ontario. We then go to Grand Portage State Park which is right on the border to see the High Falls.

Grand Portage Overlook 2004

Here we stop at the Grand Portage overlook just before we cross over into Canada. It is a clear day and we can see Isle Royale in the far distance about 17 to 20 miles away.

Crossing the Border Canada Pt2 2004

Moose Crossing......Moose Danger.....

Crossing the Border into Canada 2004

Leaving Canada 2004

Our last day in Canada as we head for the border.

Arriving at Blue Jay Haven in Canada 2004

Arriving in Canada 2004

After crossing the border Dave finds a sign that makes him proud. We are on our way to our house for the weekend. Lots of driving on dirt roads and nice big hills to look at. The long drive was worth it in the end.

View of the Sleeping Giant from Thunder Bay2004

Here we stopped at a city park in Thunder Bay to see the Sleeping Giant from afar. You can see the outline of the Giant laying on his back with his nose and forehead. It was a cold windy day out there on this day.

and a little more driving in Canada 2004

The endless dirt roads of Canada 2004

More driving in dark Canada 2004

Canada Driving back to Blue Jay Haven 2004

Driving back to the house along the dark dirt roads in Canada.

Night in Thunder Bay Canada 2004

On this night we are heading into Thunder Bay to see the town a bit. We are nice and laid back before leaving the house and then next thing we are driving back a little wound up. We sure do like Canada!

Time for a Beer Canada 2004

Cheers in Canada 2004

Cheers to the Mooseknuckle!

Hanging out on the deck Canada 2004

Blue Jay Haven House Day 1 2004

We just arrived at our house for the weekend in Canada with just enough light to see the sun set while hanging out on the deck having a few beers before dark.

Blue Jay Haven House in Canada 2004

Canada Hot Tub 2004

I wish I could have this view everyday!

More Scary Canada Driving 2004

Some X files, The Shining and Nightmare on Elm Street music to add to the drive through Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Canada.

Scary Canada 2004

Here we decide to make our drive in the deep northwoods of Canada a little creepy to add a little adventure to the drive. So how about some Halloween music for some fun.

Thunder Bay Lookout Storm Clouds 2004

This was pretty cool to see from the lookout. On the left the sun is nice and bright and on the right it was raining and some dark storm clouds coming our way. It never did reach us but it was quite a site to be that close without getting wet.

More Thunder Bay lookout 2004

Thunder Bay Lookout at Sleeping Giant 2004

This is a great lookout of Lake Superior called the Thunder Bay Lookout at Sleeping Giant. Incredible views.

Deer at Sleeping Giant 2004

The Porcupine at Sleeping Giant Park 2004

We must have not known much about the porcupine back in 2004. This is one of my favorite funny moments from this trip as we are in Canada and come across a porcupine. Dave has the video camera and at about the 3 minute mark he says he better roll up the window because he does not want the porcupine jumping through the window! It is a classic moment from Dave. You have to listen close but man, I still crack up every time I hear it.

Fitger's Bockfest Video 2009

Here are some clips from Saturday. I would like to participate in the bock stein race next year.

Fitger's Bockfest Polar Plunge 2009

Video of the polar plunge.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Canada

Here is some more driving around Sleeping Giant in 2004.

Fitger's Bockfest 2009

Fitger's Bockfest 2009

Dave, Scott and I headed to Duluth for Fitger's Bockfest as it was a nice sunny and warmer day near the big lake. I finally got to see the polar plunge and enjoyed watching the beer stein races. We also had to cross over into Superior to get our Gitchee Gumee Brewfest tickets as that event is fast approaching also. While we were there I picked up a 12 pack of New Glaurus' Fat Squirrel. Not sure why you can only buy it in Wisconsin but I got some while I had the chance.

It was a great day to be in Duluth.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Fall 2004

Entering Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Canada 2004

Kevlar Canoes

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest inventions as far as canoe camping is concerned. I bought my first wenonah kevlar canoe in 2004 and could not be more happy with it. It only weighs 43 lbs and can really take you deep into canoe country with the portages much easier than using a heavier canoe. Here is a video of how a kevlar canoe is made.
Click here to see the video.

More Eagle Canyon2004

More Eagle Canyon 2004

At the bottom of Eagle Canyon

Oberg Mtn HIke Pt 2

more from our hike last September of 2007

Oberg Mtn Trail Sept 2008

This is from Oberg Mtn Trail this past fall. We were about a week before the peak colors but you can see some red just turning on the maples. This is a great Fall hike.

Thunder Point on Knife Lake July 3,2008

This is from my BWCA canoe trip from July 2008. This point I am on is called Thunder Point. It is a good 100 feet or more above Knife Lake. I loved this lake as this was my first time on it. No motors are allowed so it is by canoe only which makes it very peaceful. If you listen close at the beginning, you can hear a loon call a few times.

Drive To Canada2004

Here Dave and I are driving to Canada from Grand Marais along Lake Superior.

Drive to Eagle Canyon2004

Here is a clip from our drive to Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge. It started out rainy but cleared up nicely later on.

Walking the Suspension Bridge in Canada

Here is some video of walking the longest suspension bridge in Canada at Eagle Canyon in Ontario. I thought I would share with those who would never walk across this as I know some are afraid of heights so this is much safer just watching.

Oct 1 2004 at Bearskin

Here is our first night at Bearskin of 2004 and Dave is asked what he thinks of Bearskin......"indescribable".......

Eagle Canyon in Canada October 2004

Bearskin 2004 Part 2

After a couple of days relaxing at the cabin Dave and I wanted to see some more of Canada so we headed over the border to visit Eagle Canyon and the suspension bridge. It is a long bridge that you can walk across and to say it gets your heart pumping is an understatement. Not the best choice if you are afraid of heights. It was a great view from the middle of the bridge looking over the canyon and seeing Lake Superior in the background.

Snowy Bearskin 2004

Bearskin 2004 Part 1

I rented our favorite cabin at Bearskin for the first 2 weeks of October. We had some great fall weather with a surprise snowfall as well. Dan came up for the first time and the 3 of us hung out in Grand Marais part of the time. We liked the Gunflint Tavern for some good beer and food. My Sister's Place was another one we liked too.

On our way back to the cabin we had to drive up the Gunflint Trail about 26 miles from Grand Marais. It was very dark on that road and we had a surprise along side the road. We were not going very fast and out of nowhere this cow moose was walking along side the road. It just kept trotting along and would look at us a few times until finally heading into the woods. Kinda creepy but still always great to see a moose.

Bearskin Lodge


October snow at Bearskin

Bearskin 2004

The October trip up to Bearskin in 2004 was packed with hiking new trails, biking at Lutsen again, a trip into Canada to visit Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and seeing the Eagle Canyon and walking on the very long suspension bridge over the canyon. We visited Isle Royale National Park for the first time. I made a trip to Ely, Embarrass and Tower MN for the first time. We hiked the Superior Hiking Trail in the Bean and Bear lake section. We also rented a house in Tofte overlooking Lake Superior for a couple days and we stopped at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on the way home. I guess I had some extra vacation days as I was up there from Oct 1st thru the 17th. I think I will have to post this trip in sections. Dave drove up again and Dan drove up for the first time to see what all this northwoods fun is all about.

More skiing

After waking up and seeing the weather report I could not just sit around home while knowing that the days to play in the snow were dwindling as spring is not far away. It was another sunny day so I decided to go somewhere close so I chose Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. I was curious to see Hidden Falls all frozen over. Plus I had never skied the trails there so today was a good day to do it. I skied 7 miles as the temperature only got up to 8 degrees while there. It did not feel that cold after I started on the trails. It is pretty amazing to hear the silence on a cold crisp day in the woods. No birds chirping but I did hear a tree branch crack more than once and it was loud. I was able to get up close to the falls as the ice was still very thick. It was so quiet I could actually hear the water running under the falls and ice. I really need to try and make cross country skiing a main part of my exercise routine more often next winter. It is so much more satisfying than running on a treadmill during the cold months.

Frozen Hidden Falls

Big Woods State Park

A great day for skiing

As we move closer to spring, I thought I better get out and get some cross country skiing in with all this new fresh snow. Dave and I headed to Bloomington to Hyland Park today. The trails were nice and groomed and it was a cold but sunny day. It was 10 degrees but as long as we kept moving we were fine as we dressed in layers and no cotton.

Me at Hyland Park

Dave

Overlooking frozen Hyland Lake

Hyland Park Visitor Center

Bring on the snow

We have not had much snow since the middle of January but that is supposed to change starting tomorrow as heavy snow is in the forecast. Here is a clip of our 2005 trip up on the Gunflint Trail. We stayed at Gunflint Pines and had a chance to do some snowmobiling on the upper Gunflint Trail. The scene with the deer is at Gunflint Lodge. We were snowmobiling on frozen Gunflint Lake.

Bearskin 2003

October 2003

The annual fall trip in 2003 was the year we got out and really explored the North Shore as much as we could while still trying to enjoy the relaxing peace and quiet of Bearskin. It is hard to do both in one trip, but we made the best of it. This year Dave and I were the only 2 up there so I guess you could say this was the year the TGNMAC really took off. For as much as we love hanging out at the cabin, grilling food and drinking some Northwoods beer, we like to be out on the trails as well. The highlights of this trip were the Fall colors, Tettegouche State Park, Lake Superior, Eagle mountain trail, mountain biking at Lutsen and of course Bearskin.



We started out staying in Duluth at the South Pier Inn right next to the Aeriel Lift Bridge. It was pretty cool to see the big 1000 ft. freighters go right by our window under the bridge. Dave apparently was ready for this year's adventure as we got back from checking out the night scene in Canal Park, we walked back to the hotel, and over the bridge had stopped to check out the view from under the bridge. We would watch as it went up to let the boats go through the canal and on out to sea. So there we are just hanging out and Dave decides he would like to get a better view from higher up. So as the bridge starts to go up for the next ship he decides he would like to grab on to the bridge as it is going up. Now I was not worried as I knew he really had no intentions of actually hanging on the whole way to the top. It was just for a couple of seconds, enough to get his feet off the ground. Well the bridge operator that has a booth at the top of the bridge had different thoughts of Dave's adventurous behavior, as there were cameras so he could see our every move. From his point of view, he may have thought that it was a terrorist....a very white and pale terrorist trying to conquer the bridge. Nope, he was just drunk as was I.

So all of a sudden we hear a loud voice come over the speaker system that could be heard from the bar we were at....."Let go of the bridge, let go of the bridge. " So he did and no harm was done. We then scooted back to the room as that was enough fun for our first night.


The next morning we on our way up the North Shore headed for the Gunflint Trail. We really seemed to hit the fall colors of October just right this year. It has to be one of the most scenic drives around on a sunny day like we had.

After a day of the cabin we took our mountain bikes and headed to Lutsen ski resort for some fun on the hills. This is a great place for some real mountain biking with some serious descents. The great thing was taking the lift chairs the skiers use in the winter to get up to the top of Moose Mountain. Mystery Mountain is not as extreme as Moose but for whatever reason, Moose was the only one open that day so we took it. We load our bikes on the back of the lift chair and up we go. It is a good thing to make sure your brakes are working well if biking here as once you start going down, it is hard to stop. The views were incredible as Lake Superior was shining bright out on the horizon. After 2 or 3 hours on the trails we were ready for a lunch break. Moose mountain has a nice little cafe up at the top with outdoor seating with views that is hard to beat.

On about day 3 our friend Brad and his girlfriend drove up from Minneapolis to join us. It was his first trip to Bearskin. The following day we all felt like going for a hike so we picked the Eagle Mountain Trail that was not too far from the Gunflint Trail. It was a 7 mile round trip and it crossed into the BWCAW with a nice view of Whale lake along the way. When at the summit of the trail, it is the highest point in Minnesota at 2301 feet. It was challenging in spots as there were parts that were very rocky. It was a nice fall hike and would do it again. Once we got to the top we took a break to soak in the views before heading back.


The next day we all headed up over the border into Canada. We wanted to see the Thunder Bay area. We chose to go see the thundering waters of Kakabeka Falls. What a cool place that was. After seeing that and having lunch in Thunder Bay, Brad drove back to the cabin while Dave and I wanted to check out some nightlife in Thunder Bay. I remember the drive back to Bearskin from Thunder Bay felt like a lifetime as it was pitch black out with not much too see but the star filled sky which was lit up.


After Brad had headed home the next day, Dave and I went to see Tettegouche State Park. It is one of my favorite parks as there are trails, waterfalls and of course the Big Lake. It was a perfect fall day for exploring and we did a lot of it that day. There was a big waterfall inland and along Lake Superior were some great views of Shovel Point.

It was a great trip and before we knew it, we had to head back home to the cities. There were some great memories from this trip for sure. Of course I can't wait to get back for 2004.

Bearskin2002

October 2002

In 2002 my Brother was living with me in Minneapolis and thought that since he had never been to Grand Marais or the Gunflint Trail, this would be the time for him to go. I am so glad he did come along as he soon joined the Navy the following year and has been very busy since with work and family in Florida.

We drove up and stayed at our favorite cabin at Bearskin. Dave and Jon drove up from the cities as well so this year was just the guys.

My brother Travis liked to fish and spent time out fishing from the dock. He caught a walleye and a northern pike if I remember right. We stayed up late that night drinking some beer and hanging out by the fire. Travis was still fishing pretty late and would come in every now and then to warm up and back fishing he went. Later on he rushes back to the cabin to tell us "something weird is going on in the sky" So we go out and take a look and sure enough it was the Northern Lights. I had never seen them in person before but have always wanted to. It was very cool to see so we all bundled up and sat out on the dock just watching the sky dance around. They did not have the green or pink colors as it was more of a white color just dancing all over the place. We would stay out there as long as we could, then go warm up by the fire and then go back out. I could have stayed out there all night but finally went to bed after 2 or 3 in the morning.

We did some do a little sightseeing too as we drove north of Grand Marais to Judge C.R. Magney State Park to see the Devil's Kettle Falls. We also stopped at Naniboujou Lodge for some hot drinks that was nearby. That would be a great place for Dinner.

On the way back we made a stop at the overlook of Hungry Jack Lake that was close to Bearskin. That was impressive.

Me and my brother

That was pretty much it for that year as it was great to be back at Bearskin.

Isle Royale Moose-Wolves Winter Study

I find the winter study of Isle Royale on moose and wolves to be of great interest. They are in their 51st year of this annual study to get information of these 2 amazing animals and how they survive the harsh winter conditions surrounded by Lake Superior. The moose are the main prey for the wolves and this is a graphic detailed study of what they do. Isle Royale is a National Park that is closed during the winter months. It is considered the state of Michigan but is actually closer to Minnesota and Canada. They also count the number of moose and wolves from a plane. Last year there were about 650 moose and 24 wolves made up of 4 packs. There used to be a lot more moose in years past and there is a big concern of their survival as they are very heat sensitive. If you would like to read more about this study click here.

October 2001 at Bearskin

In 2001 I headed up to Bearskin as I wanted to try and make this a yearly event. I tried to make this trip near my birthday which was around the Columbus Day holiday so that was an extra day to spend up at the cabin. Dave could not go up that year so I took my girlfriend at the time.



On this trip we had a new visitor at the cabin. He was a duck we named George. He would come right up to us with his buddies when we were sitting out on the dock looking for a meal. We would feed him bread crumbs as he liked that a lot.



After that first day, every morning he would be waiting for us at the bottom of the steps just staring at us like "well let's go, I don't have all day."





This year we decided to bring some pumpkins up and carve out on the dock. Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I just love the Indian Summer Days of Fall.





We decided to drive the whole length of the Gunflint Trail one day and were hoping to get a chance to see some moose. This was the rutting season for them, so there was a good chance to see at least one. I have never seen one in person before besides on tv or a magazine. On our drive to the end of the trail, we saw a red fox, but no moose. On our way back is when we had our chance. We saw a car pulled over so we slowed down and there they were right off the trail in a boggy area that we could see from the car. It was a bull and a cow right out in the open near the water. I was pretty impressed at how big they looked in person. So we stood there for about 15 minutes just watching.



Another highlight of the trip was driving up to the Canadian border in the town of Grand Portage. We were looking for a day hike and I found one in my guide book that looked like a good trail with good views of Lake Superior. We chose the Mt. Josephine Trail. The book said it was a short but steep hike. I was ready for a bit of a challenge. My girlfriend at the time.....not so much.


It was roughly a half mile up to the summit and yeah, it was a very steep climb. After about 10 minutes on the trail she was cursing me out the whole way to the top. She said she wanted to go for a hike, not climb a mountain! We had no idea there were hills like this in northern Minnesota. They are called the Sawtooth Mountains. They are nothing like out west, but I would call them big hills.


After finally reaching the top and avoiding getting beaten, the view was well worth the effort. We just sat and watched big Lake Superior for about an hour before heading back. We could also see Isle Royale from here and little did I know then, that Isle Royale would end up becoming one of my favorite places for hiking, canoeing and kayaking.

Bearskin2000....The beginning

Hello and welcome to my blog. I thought this would be a great place to share and organize my travels with family and friends and maybe even make some new friends along the way. Those who know me already are aware that I have a pretty strong passion for the northwoods and Lake Superior area.



My first trip up north was in the fall of 2000. Until then, I had never been north of Duluth. I was looking for a quiet place for a long weekend get away with friends when a co worker suggested the Gunflint Trail. He then told me that cell phones don't work up there and to me, that was the clincher.



So a couple of friends and I headed north where a whole new world opened up for me. I was used to living in the city at the time so I was looking for just the opposite and the Gunflint Trail was perfect. We stayed in a log cabin at Bearskin Lodge on East Bearskin Lake. A couple days later some more friends drove up from the cities and we had a great time with no tv. We did a little hiking around the area. We were not used to it being so quiet so we did bring our cd's. We were still fairly young so we brought a little bit of food and filled the fridge the only way we knew how.

After this trip and seeing the majestic Lake Superior I was hooked. My friend Dave has joined me on almost all of my trips and this was where it all started. After a couple of years we thought we better have a name for our adventures so that is where TGNMAC came in which stands for The Great Northwoods Mooseknuckle Adventure Club. We have been back to the Gunflint Trail many times since but then wanted to venture out and do more than stay at the same cabin. We finally worked our way up to becoming more active as I was a smoker on our first trip. These trips helped me quit and now we take canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and have even kayaked on Lake Superior.

I will add previous trips here as I go along as well as future trips as well so stay tuned......