Gunflint Trail Association

Snowplows have been common sights on the Gunflint Trail this week and will continue to be so in the coming week. We’ve had snow in the air since Monday, with an accumulation of about 3 inches so far this week. Another 1-2 inches of snowfall is expected tonight (Friday) and all of northeastern Minnesota is braced for heavy snowfall on Sunday. It’s been a while since the Gunflint Trail’s seen so many “chance of snow”s and “snow likely”s in the forecast, and we like it! February appears to be going out in a fit of snowy style.   Does this mean March will be coming as a lion? We’ll have to wait and see.

You can always find up to date information about current snow conditions on the Gunflint Trail website. To date, Golden Eagle Lodge in the mid-Trail area of the Gunflint Trail reports 43.35 inches of snowfall for winter 2011-2012. That puts the Gunflint Trail as a leader in Minnesota for snowfall this winter. Although this year’s 43 inches (and counting!) of snowfall is well below last winter’s 100+ inches, we’ve actually surpassed the 42 inches of total snowfall of winter 2009-2010.

The birds flock to the feeders during these snowy days.  Pine grosbeaks (pictured below), redpolls, and pine siskens are among the birds you can expect at a Gunflint Trail feeder this time of year. Other frequent feeder visitors include chickadees, nuthatches, and, of course, red squirrels.

In other news . . .

The DNR released results of the aerial moose survey that took place earlier this month. You can learn more about the current state of northeastern Minnesota’s moose population here.

Wildersmith, the Gunflint Trail’s own wordsmith, reported great fishing and a lynx sighting in his latest report from Gunflint Lake.

This past weekend saw some incredible Northern Lights action on the Gunflint Trail. You can check out some stunning pictures of the aurora borealis display on the Gunflint Trail’s Facebook profile.  With all the snow in the forecast, any night displays will be limited in the coming days, but that’s okay, we’ll take the snow.

Dog sledding, breast cancer research fundraising and a whole bunch of pink will be colliding again on Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10 in the whirlwind of events known as the sixth annual Mush for a Cure event on the Gunflint Trail. In its short history, Mush for a Cure has become a  late winter Gunflint Trail institution, gathering people from all walks of life  around a good cause for two days of somewhat chaotic fun.

Since its beginnings in 2007, the Mush for a Cure event has raised over $100,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and earlier this month, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Mush for a Cure became official partners. The event has always centered around an approximately 26 mile dog sled fun ride which begins at noon on March 10 on Gunflint Lake and finishes in the late afternoon at Trail Center Lodge on Poplar Lake. Prior to the race, mushers collect pledges and various other fundraisers are included in the evenings’ activities.

One popular fundraising events of Mush for a Cure is the The Bald, The Brave, and The Beautiful, begun in 2010, where distinguished men of the local community volunteer to have their heads shaved if a set amount of pledges is reached. This year U.S. Forest Service Gunflint District Ranger, Dennis Neitzke is not only volunteering to shave his head as part of “The Bald, The Brave, and The Beautiful” event, he’ll also dye his hair pink for ten days prior to the event  if he can raise $5000 for the cause by March 1.

Another addition to this year’s events will be Memorial Sky Lanterns. People will be invited to purchased pink sky lanterns to remember or honor individuals affected by breast cancer. At dusk on Saturday, the lanterns will be released into the sky.

Here’s a quick run down of the 2012 events:

Friday, March 9th
(all activities at Windigo Lodge)

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Pre-Registration

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.: Pink Pasta Party – open to the general public

8:00 – 10:00 p.m.: Pink Pajama Party – includes Grand March at 8:00 and the music of Trail’s End Band.

9:00 p.m.: The crowning of the King and Queen of the Party

9:30 p.m.: The Bald, The Brave and The Beautiful head shaving.

Saturday, March 10th
(Locations vary)

9:00 a.m.: Mushers check-in and pancake and sausage feed at Gunflint Pines.  Open to the public.

10:00 a.m.: Watch the skijor teams start at the Cross River  on the Gunflint Trail and finish at Gunflint Pines.

12:00 noon: Mass sourdough start for the sled teams on Gunflint Lake.

Noon-3:00: Opportunities to see the dog teams along the trail. Suggested sites: Start: Gunflint Pines, Gunflint Resort. Along the trail: Gunflint Lake boat landing, Iron Lake Access, Old Gunflint Trail (both west and east ends) Poplar Lake: Windigo Lodge, Nor’wester Lodge and the finish at Trail Center Lodge.

2:00-6:00:  Minnesota’s Jack Sparrow entertains in front of Trail Center Lodge

2:00-4:00ish: Teams coming into the finish line at Trail Center Lodge. Finishers bonfire, hot dog/marshmallow roast and party tent sponsored by Sarah and the gang at Trail Center Lodge.

5:00-6:00′ish: Prize ceremony

7:00 (or Dusk): Release of Memorial Sky Lanterns.

7:00-1:00:  D’Merritt dance at Trail Center Lodge.

More information is available at www.mushforacure.com

It’s known by many names – fisher, black cat, fisher cat, pekan, pequam, wejack, and woods-otter to name a few – but on the Gunflint Trail, this member of the weasel family is generally just referred to as a fisher.

Similar in appearance to its smaller weasel “cousin,” the pine marten, the fisher typically has a darker coat than pine martens and is significantly larger, with a weight range of 6-18 pounds.  While pine marten are somewhat frequent visitors at Gunflint Trail bird feeders in the winter months, it’s much more unlikely that for a fisher to steal into a backyard, since fishers keep to themselves and generally avoid open spaces. Conversely, you’re much more likely to spot a fisher along the side of the Gunflint Trail during the summer months than you are the smaller pine marten! Except for mating season, fishers prefer to be alone in coniferous forested areas.

Fishers are notorious for their “feisty” attitude.  These carnivores feed mostly on smaller mammals, including porcupines, but will eat berries and nuts too. Supposedly, fishers sometimes communicate with screams that sound eerily human.  In early – mid 20th century, when trapping was a common way for Gunflint Trail residents to bring in winter income, fishers were especially prized for their thick, soft coats. Gunflint Trail pioneer Russell Blankenberg remembered that at one point, fisher farms, similar to mink farms where animals were breed for their coats, were attempted, but the fishers’ vicious natures made it a less than pleasant experience. Anymore, human and fishers interactions are quite limited and do to difficulties that have arisen with breeding fishers in captivity, it’s uncommon to see fishers in zoos.

One of the most interesting things about fishers is their reproduction. According to the MN DNR: “Like most members of the weasel family, female fishers have what is called “delayed implantation.” Females get pregnant in spring, just 10 days after they have given birth. For the next several months, the young exist as tiny embryos. Then, two months before being born, the embryos develop into fetuses. One to five young fisher are born in a hollow tree, log or rock cavity. Within days after giving birth, the female will seek out a new mate.” That means female fishers are pregnant 350 days a year!

These secretive, tree climbing mammals are certainly some of the most fascinating Gunflint Trail residents.

Back on February 2, the groundhog didn’t see his shadow. Here on the Trail, we don’t worry too much about such things. Groundhog’s shadow or no, there’s always six weeks left of winter after February 2 on the Gunflint Trail . . . if not eight, nine, or even ten more weeks! Although we’ve recently gone through a warm snap, a fresh layer of snow is currently fluttering down to the ground. It will be winter for a while yet.

But now that it’s mid February, we’ve hit that magical tipping point where spring is closer than autumn. Gray jays, the first bird to hatch each spring, are already thinking about nesting. Even if you’ve spent this winter experiencing rather unwinter-y weather, it’s understandable if right about now you’re starting to feel the first twinges of spring fever.

The best way to shake off spring fever is to shake things up a bit. What better time then now to head north  and enjoy snowy winter on the Gunflint Trail? You can check out Gunflint Trail lodging specials here.

Presidents’ Day Weekend is always happening time on the Gunflint Trail. On Saturday, February 18, the annual Sawtooth International Ski Races will be held at Pincushion Mountain. All weekend long, North House Folk School will be holding its Northern Fibers Retreat.

In addition, there are still snow sculptures to be seen outside of some Gunflint Trail resorts.  Not to mention, plenty of trails to ski, snowshoe or ride; lakes to ice fish; snow angels to be made.

Winter’s not going away anytime soon on the Gunflint Trail. But if you don’t take advantage of it now, this is one season that has a sneaky way of melting away on all of us.

Because Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness regulations state that aircrafts must maintain a minimum altitude of 4000 ft when flying over the Boundary Waters, it’s rather unusual to see low-flying aircraft on the Gunflint Trail. But if you hear a rumble overhead this week, don’t be concerned. It’s probably just a MN DNR helicopter conducting the annual northeastern Minnesota moose survey.

The MN DNR has held the aerial moose survey every year since 1960. Typically the survey takes place in early January, but due to low snow in the western portion of the survey area (St. Louis and Lake Counties), the survey was pushed back into February this year.  The survey crews need at least eight inches of snow on the ground to make the moose more visible.

Here on the Gunflint, we have nearly two feet of snow in the woods.  It should be easy to spot the moose in our neck of the woods! To date, the Gunflint Trail has received 38″ of snow during Winter 2011-12. (Yes, we’re serious . . . it’s really winter here!)

You can view results from the 2011 moose survey here. The DNR will use the data from this survey to determine many things: total number of moose in the area, the level of reproduction,  the ratio of adult bull and cow moose, and permit numbers for the 2012 moose hunt.

By the way, the Winter Tracks Festival is in full swing along the Gunflint Trail and the rest of Cook County.  While helicopter rides are not part of the festivities, dog sled rides and horse drawn sleigh rides, not to mention snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and much more, most definitely are! Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy some beautiful winter weather and frolic in the snow.

“What do you do in the winter?”

Any Gunflint Trail business or resident has answered that question multiple times. But a better question might be: “What don’t you do in the winter?”

With the Gunflint Mail Run sled dog race last week, the wintery fun on the Gunflint Trail has been kicked into action. This week marks the start of the Winter Tracks Festival, which features a plethora of activities on the Gunflint Trail and throughout the rest of Cook County from February 3 -12.

Here’s what you can look forward to next week on the Gunflint Trail as part of the Winter Tracks festivities:

Monday, February 6:
Snowshoe Hike, 1 p.m. at Bearskin Lodge. Snowshoes provided (subject to availability) Reservations required: 218.388.2292

Tuesday, February 7:
Cross Country Ski Waxing, 1 p.m. Bearskin Lodge. The McCloughan family of skiers will offer their waxing tips and experience skiing on Gunflint Trail.

Thursday, February 9:
Guided Cross Country Ski Tour. 1 p.m. Meet at Bearskin Lodge, Gunflint Trail. Must have own equipment. All levels welcome.

Saturday, February 11:
Volks Ski 400 Grab your skis and commit to skiing a particular section of Cook County ski trail to contribute to collective effort of skiing all 400+ kilometers of Cook County ski trail in a single day!

Family Sliding Party with Hot Chocolate. From 12 noon – 2 p.m. at Gunflint Pines Resort.

Every Day:

Visit the Winter Plein Air Art Exhibit at the Grand Marais Art Colony in “uptown” Grand Marais daily: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The exhibit features painting created Jan 30 – Feb 5 in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and along the Gunflint Trail.

View beautiful snow sculptures at various locations throughout the county. On the Gunflint Trail, you can find sculptures at Bearskin Lodge and Gunflint Lodge.

Go snowshoeing.

Take a ski.

Set up a tip-up and get some ice fishing in.

Go for a ride: both sled dog rides and open horse sleigh rides are available on the Gunflint Trail.

Make a snow angel.

Have a snowball fight.

Go skating.

Enjoy winter on the Gunflint Trail!

The Volks Ski 400 is returning this February 11!

Established in 2010, the Volks Ski 400 is county-wide event which invites cross country skiers of all abilities to team up in an attempt to collectively ski all 400+ kilometers of Cook County’s groomed ski trails in a single day. Skiers are asked to sign up for their favorite section of Cook County ski trail to ski on Saturday, February 11 as part of the Volks Ski effort.  While you’re welcome to sign up as an individual, you’re encouraged to form a team.

There’s a $10 entry fee for the Volks Ski 400 and you’ll need to have a valid ski pass for the section of ski trail you’ve chosen. On the Gunflint Trail, that means you’ll either need a Central or Upper Gunflint Ski Pass, which can be purchased from participating lodges. The rest of Cook County’s ski trails require the Great Minnesota Ski Pass. For your participation in the Volks Ski, you’ll receive a long sleeved t-shirt and bragging rights.

Why attempt to ski every inch of Cook County ski trail in a day? Why not? The event is meant to showcase Cook County’s ski trail system, which just happens to be the largest groomed cross country ski trail system in North America. The event is non-competitive, giving you a chance to complete your trail section at your own rate.  The event also raises funds for the Children’s Nature Network. It’s a good time, good exercise, and a good cause all rolled into one.

If you’re participating in Winter Tracks, be sure to bring your passport. You’ll get another entry to win a Cook County getaway by taking part in the Volks Ski 400. Score!

The Gunflint Trail Mail Run Sled Dog race will be held this coming Monday and Tuesday, January 30 and 31st, on the Gunflint Trail.  The race is being held in lieu of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon which was cancelled earlier this month due to lack of snow on certain portions of the race course. Following the cancellation, the local Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais community banded together to quickly organize the Gunflint Trail Mail Run.

The race will include 16, 12-dog teams. The approximately 100 mile course begins on Devil Track Lake and heads north to Poplar Lake then looping back to Trail Center Lodge for a layover. Mushers will retrace their route back to Devil Track to finish.  Organizers say the event will be spectator friendly.

If you go, here are some of the details:

Winter camp: Starting Sunday night, a winter camp will be set up at the Devil Track Landing. The camp will be pitched through Monday night. Throughout this time, and depending on weather conditions, snow kiting demos, Marquette ski demos, and other winter activities will be held.

Race start: Monday, January 30, 4 p.m, at Devil Track Landing. The race with a sleeping bag start.

Midway Layover: On the evening of January 30/early morning of January 31,  mushers arrive at Trail Center Lodge on Poplar Lake, approximately 30 miles up the Gunflint Trail. A five-hour layover is required.

Expected Finish: Tuesday, January 31, Noon, at Devil Track Lake.

More information available by calling Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais at 218-387-3136.

Fresh snow keeps falling on the Gunflint Trail, which should ensure great race conditions.  See you at the races!

Here on the Gunflint Trail, we’re celebrating fresh dumping of snow.  But just because it currently looks like this on the Gunflint Trail, don’t think you’re limited to planning a winter camping trip.

Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about this summer’s camping trip on the Gunflint Trail. You can begin reserving your Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits for the 2012 season (May 1 – September 30) starting today, January 25.

Any overnight trip into the Boundary Waters from May 1 – September 30, be it canoeing, motoring, or hiking, requires an overnight permit. Permits are issued for individual entry points into the Boundary Waters and each entry point has its own quota for how many groups (each group is limited to nine people and/or four watercraft) are allowed to enter the Boundary Waters through that entry point daily.You can reserve your entrypoint for your entry date through recreation.gov.  A $6 reservation fee applies, in addition to the user fees associated with the permit: $16 per adult and $8 for children under 18.

If all this information seems a little overwhelming, you can learn more about Boundary Waters rules and regulations here.

However, the easiest thing to do in the early planning stages of your Boundary Waters trip is to call up any Gunflint Trail outfitter. They’re  happy to assist in any step of the trip planning process, whether this is your first or one hundredth trip into the Boundary Waters. They can recommend routes for your group and will handle the permit reservation for you, if you like.

Remember, no Gunflint Trail entry points are affected by the Pagami Fire closures and all Gunflint Trail entry points are open at full capacity for the 2012 season.

Where will you go this summer in the Boundary Waters?

2011 Beargrease dog team. Photo by Ramona Abrego.

While the Gunflint Trail’s been getting healthy doses of snow all winter long (there’s a good foot+ back in our woods), much of Minnesota has been suffering a largely snow-less winter.  That lack of snow along Minnesota’s North Shore lead to the cancellation of  this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, which runs from Duluth to Gunflint Trail and back annually*. This marks only the second cancellation of the race in its 29 year history. (The race was also cancelled in 2007 due to lack of snow.)

But just because there isn’t enough snow on the entire Beargrease course to host the marathon doesn’t mean there isn’t enough snow on the Gunflint Trail for a sled dog race.  So to celebrate snow and dogs, two local businesses – Trail Center Lodge and Devil Track Lodge – decided to host the Mail Run Dog Sled Race on January 30 and 31. The race will go up the Gunflint Trail from Devil Track Lodge to Trail Center where racers will turn around and head back to Devil Track Lodge to finish.  Details are just emerging about this race, but it promises to be spectator friendly. We’ll post more details as we get them.

This upcoming race is a nod to one of the Beargrease Marathon’s inspirations. Back in the late 70s,  the Gunflint Trail used to host an annual Gunflint Trail Mail Run Dog Sled Race. That race would eventually become the Beargrease Marathon, but in times of little snow elsewhere in Minnesota, the Gunflint Trail community likes to keep the annual tradition alive.

Can’t get enough puppy dog action? The ever popular Mush for a Cure sled dog “FUN”draiser will return this March 9-11 to raise money for breast cancer research.

*It should be noted that while the actual running of the Beargrease was cancelled, two associated events will go forward as planned in Duluth. The Beargrease Gala and Silent Auction will be held Friday, January 27^th, 6:00 p.m at the Greysolon Ballroom in the Moorish Room.  The “Cutest Puppy Contest” will be held Saturday, January 28th at 11 a.m. at Fitger’s Brewery Complex.