Stop in and visit the Gunflint Trail Information Center in Grand Marais the next time you visit. The info center is located right at the Grand Marais City sign next to the Java Moose coffee house on 61. We have loads of information regarding the trail, places to stay, places to eat, maps on the BWCA and a good selection of books.
There are wonderful winter sports to enjoy on the Gunflint Trail. Between skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing how about a sleigh ride? We went on a sleigh ride at Okontoe the other night and it was great winter fun. The night-time route is lit by 110 lanterns and the stars were incredible. You have to really bundle up to keep warm but after the sleigh ride you enjoy hot chocolate in the Okontoe lodge and that takes the final chill off. If you have not taken a winter sleigh ride before, you would really enjoy this one.
The February 2007 issue of National Geographic Adventure included a feature article on the Gunflint's Lodge to Lodge Skiing program. The article by Jim Gorman, "Pushing the Boundary," is about his ski trip between Bearskin Lodge, Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, then along the Banadad Ski Trail to the Croft Yurt and ending at a Gunflint Lodge.
In describing the Gunflint Ski Trails Gorman writes, "In the Midwest and possible in the nation the Gunflint Nordic Trail system's fusion of wilderness and creature comforts is unrivaled and no portion exemplifies this like the Banadad.
The Gunflint's Lodge to Lodge Ski Adventures is offered through Boundary Country Trekking.
I work at the Gunflint Trail Information Center in Grand Marais. I am extremely lucky to have a lovely view of the harbor and Lake beyond from where I sit. Yesterday, I noticed an otter bobbing its head up and down in the water and thanks to the binoculars always at the Java Moose next door I was able to see it a little closer. The other day a man came in and told me that an otter had a fish on the ice and then an eagle swooped down and stole it. I moved here almost a year ago and have been keeping track of the number of moose that I've seen on the trail. I am now up to 45 moose and one dear moose on Clearwater Road 
was wonderful enough to stand there and let me take his photo over and over. It is quite common to see lots of wildlife including moose, deer, fox, bear, wolves, eagles, otters and loons. I still get very excited when I am lucky enough to see any of these animals.
Well, the talk of the area lately seems to be the snow forecast. Monday we received about 2 inches of snow up the Gunflint Trail, less closer to town. The forecast does say snow likely today and early evening, as well as tomorrow, Friday and Saturday. I just called Bob Baker from Gunflint Pines on Gunflint Lake and it is snowing up there right now! Although we have not received a typical snowfall this year, cross country skiing is still good on the Gunflint Trail and people are out snowmobling. Please check out our links to Winter Activities for more information. There is still a lot of winter left for enjoying these activities so come on up and enjoy them with us.
It seems one of the allures of the northwoods and "getting away" is taking the time to create a delicious meal - even more satisfying when the meal consists of local products that can be harvested oneself. My first meal using my new woodstove/cookstove was last night and I look forward to making one with fresh raspberries, fish, venison, grouse, blueberries or wild rice. My first Boundary Waters trip did provide some fresh fish (that some fishermen gave to my sister and me since we weren't catching our own) as well as mint tea made from mint collected from the island where we spent a wonderful week. "A Taste of the Gunflint Trail" is a wonderful resource for recipes consisting of local fare; I found it a fascinating read. 
Not only does it have numerous delicious recipes, but also includes a brief history including historic photographs of the many lodges that once stood along the Gunflint Trail (most are still here). Reading it takes you back to "good days" when hard work, harvesting one's meal and a good cup of coffee with your neighbor helped to create a soulful life and home. You can purchase this book at most of the lodge gift shops, the Gunflint Trail Information Center or online at www.gunflint-trail.com — then on the Online Shopping link.
So until you are next on the trail, may you take the time for good food, good friends and a peaceful day.
Good morning and happy Tuesday. It's COLD, but beautiful and sunny here today - I can see the sun sparkling on Lake Superior, but am imagining the sun sparking on the snow up the Gunflint…. wishing I was out there 'stayin' warm' by skiing on our extensive network of ski and snowmobile trails (http://www.gunflint-trail.com/winter/). We had a forecast of A LOT below zero for last night… we never really know what to expect up here and it is different depending on the weather website. Being a newcomer and having my first cabin in the northwoods, I get a little nervous when it's going to be COLD-I'm still finding out where to set my thermostat on my propane heater and how to best "stoke" my woodstove to maximize heating the cabin through the night. One great thing about the cold is the opportunity to have a wood fire in either a woodstove or a fireplace. 
I have a woodstove that has a separate oven compartment for baking. There is nothing better than the sound and smell of a wood fire. I can just stare at the flames and find instant peace as it sounds is common for many… one of the reasons why we love it here! Many of the cabins and lodges on the Gunflint do have woodstoves and/or fireplaces for your enjoyment and peace of mind.
Clearwater Lodge (www.clearwaterwateroutfitters.com), the only Lodge on the Gunflint Trail on the National Register of Historic places is open this winter and has one cabin as well as Lodge rooms available. 
They have a beautiful old fireplace that helps heat the lodge this winter as well as providing historic ambiance to your visit.
Old Northwoods Lodge (www.oldnorthwoods.com), located on Poplar Lake, has an incredibly impressive Rumford fireplace and mantel located in their lodge dining room. 
Rumford fireplaces were common in the early 1800's and because of their shallow depth they reflect more heat back into the room. The rich history, warmth and friendly attitudes "up the trail" help to bring relaxation, peace and quiet for those who have the opportunity to live here fulltime as well as those who come to "live here" for a couple days or a week each year.
I had the opportunity to attend a WinterTracks (www.wintertracks.com) meeting at Gunflint Lodge last week in their lovely conference center 
. This photo of the ceiling of the conference center was taken at last year's WinterTracks Snowboot ball. While discussing the wintertracks events of: snowshoeing, skiing, sleigh rides, skijoring, snowmobiling, hot cocoa, fun music, fishing, ice auger and snow carving contests, we enjoyed coffee, tea and delicious scones made by Shari Baker of Gunflint Pines (www.gunflintpines.com) with a recipe from Barb Gecas of Heston's Lodge (www.hestons.com). After the meeting, I drove over to the lodge at Gunflint Pines and worked on my laptop utilizing their wireless internet connectivity while enjoying a toasty, cracklin' fire in their woodstove, deer right outside the window, their sweet dog Sota laying next to me, big fish, antlers, bear hides, wooden skis and old dogsleds on the walls creating a lovely, relaxing northwoods atmosphere. Before I left I had the opportunity to feed a deer out of my hand.
…. I know, I know, but anyway…. To top off the evening, it snowed on my entire drive down the trail and I managed to enjoy (and not hit) the THREE moose I saw right on Gunflint Trail. ….Great people, warm food, relaxing atmosphere, interesting adventures, loads of wildlife and very little traffic… ahhhhhhh
Diamond willow is a tough fibrous wood which is native to this area. It is most commonly found growing in clumps. The leaves are long and narrow and the bark is dark gray, rough and very tough. The diamonds are formed from a fungus which kills the sapwood in the affected area. These areas become dormant and the rest of the tree keeps growing leaving the diamonds.
The willow is picked between July and August when the sap is running. It is then peeled, revealing the diamonds. After drying for a year, the wood is ready to work.
The photo is diamond willow plant stand in the Clearwater Lodge. It actually started out many, many years ago an ashtray but works best for us with as a plant stand. There is great handmade diamond willow furniture at a number of the lodges on the trail to check out on your next visit here.
Lynn
January 6th is the 12th celebration of Winter Trails Day. Winter Trails is an annual event that takes place at more than 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The event is held to introduce newcomers to the winter sports of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing without any cost attached. According to an article on the web more than 12,000 people participated during last year's event. The Winter Trails Day website offers tons of information about winter sports. There is information on where specific events are held, how to dress for winter outings, the benefits of winter activities and much more. According to their list of events there are resorts on the Gunflint Trail participating including Boundary Country Trekking, Golden Eagle and Gunflint Lodge. Give them a call to find out what type of program they will be offering and get out and enjoy the snow on Winter Trails Day 2007.
