Flat Calm Beautiful.......

I really like Grand Marais, it has that something called sense of place. Unique in it's scenery and it's vibe. It has a bit of everything for everybody. You can find about anything you like there.

Northshore Minnesota May trip before the big holiday.

The harbor at Grand Marais is very nice. They have created a wonderful park and many people have put in great effort to make it so nice. This location was a gas station the first time I visited Grand Marais in 1983.

The Cross River Falls can be seen right from a wayside on Highway 61.

High Falls at the border is the highest falls in Minnesota. Last week after we snapped this shot it rained hard and the waterfalls are just flowing at a level not seen in almost a decade. I recall being in Grand Marais about nine years ago on Memorial Day weekend and it rained 3" and the falls were huge. There is a new visitor center at Grand Portage and a very nice improved trail to the falls. The drive up to the border and back is fantastic.

Spring is here when the bears are about.

Time to put away the bird feeders and mind your trash cans. The bears are hungry and looking for a picnic basket Yogi. Rangers said hang your food in the food bag up the tree when canoe camping. When car camping put that cooler in the truck. If you're luck you might spot a bear on the back roads grazing in the ditch. They eat a great deal of things. This one looks to be about 300 lbs. A guess of course, could be more? Always enjoyable to spot wildlife in the Lake Superior Region.

Earth day,Gaylord Nelson and the Apostle Islands.

In Wisconsin when one thinks of Earth Day you think of Gaylord Nelson.

His daughter was on Wisconsin Public Radio recently talking about the programs and continuing efforts to preserve what makes Wisconsin great.

http://www.nelsonearthday.net/nelson/environmental-decade.htm

The Thurday Program with Gaylord Nelson's daughter on WPR:

http://wpr.org/webcasting/audioarchives_display.cfm?Code=dun

Waterfall season

The waterfall season after the snowmelt is a wonderful time to explore the streams on the North shore of Minnesota. This is Gooseberry Falls of course. One of the most visited falls. You could visit a new falls each year as there are so many on the shore between Duluth and Canada.

The Run Begins!

The Steel Head are starting to run this spring already. It seems early to me but of course so is our spring. I'm not a fisherman but I like to see the fish and the activity at the streams.I saw a fellow catch a large steel head years ago on a big fly rod and it was quite exciting to watch.Nothing better then rushing fast water and waterfalls.

Minnesotasteelheader.com

Clear skies and no ice.

The sky was clear Sunday and there is no snow or ice to be seen.
Which is pretty incredible for the month of March. Alot of yard work is being done early. It was the sort of day that you just had to be outside even if it was a bit chilly in the wind. Sure makes it hard to ski however!
I've never seen Daffidills in March before.

The Breakup in Bayfield Wisconsin

Pancake ice in the channel between Bayfield and Madeline island shows the early spring.
No ice road this year to the island. The Ferry boats ran all winter this year.

Waterfall season starts early

A trip to Amnicon Falls State Park in Wisconsin shows the results of the snow melt. The waterfall was flowing strong. The meltdown is early this year due to the unusual warm weather.

Spring?

Quite possible the shortest winter in my history. March might set a warm temp record.

Call it climate change, climate cycles, altered jet stream or a fluke. It doesn't matter as it's happening. I must say it has me excited way ahead of time for spring and summer activities.

I did manage to ski twice. I would have liked to have gone again but then again I am pleased about not running the snow blower but once. I put it away last weekend and dumped the expensive gas into the car. The bears could be out of their dens early this year. I'd keep off the ice now if you want to fish. Doesn't seem to be worth the risk. This shot down at Canal Park says it all.

Better late then never, winter is here!

Snowfall depths in the area after recent storms.

Mike Seidel in Duluth Mn.

Mike Seidel in Duluth not to be confused with the Mike Seidel on the UMD Bulldogs.

This was Mike Seidel of Weather Channel fame.

He reported in front of the Inn on the Park and gave great National attention to Duluth today. He spoke of Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum which has a marker telling the story of the crib on the lake walk.

A sign near the ruins describes the building as a business venture gone bad. It was constructed in 1919 by Harvey Whitney, the locations' namesake to be used as a sand and gravel hopper to support the booming industrial expansion in Duluth, MN during that time. After just three short years, it was abandoned in 1922.

Also some great shots of huge waves and the lighthouses. I really enjoyed watching Duluth on the Weather Channel today. Really gave good National attention to a wonderful city.

What's happening? Plenty!

Snow on the North Central Radar tonight.

The Polar Plunge in Bayfield Wi. During the Winter Festivial.

I thought I’ve not posted for awhile but what is happening? Well I did my Sunday surfing and a lot is happening. Firstly the Northern Lights are very active this year. A photographer from Grand Portage captures aurora images very well and has been on WTIP radio talking about it a few times. Click on his website link below to see the pictures. Second the below average snowfall has had resorts doing a lot of advertising on Face book and on their web pages. But fear not, tonight the North Shore has a nice winter storm. Plenty of snow for XC skiing and downhill Skiing at Lutsen and Spirit Mountain. Winter is not over yet. The winter festival is next weekend in Bayfield WI and a few events were adjusted for conditions. The run on the water will be run on land this year. Unsafe ice conditions.They will have their polar plunge of course. Always fun to watch.

Active Northern Lights tonight:

http://www.travisnovitsky.com/

Big Country

I can’t help but stare at these daily Satellite shots with awe. All those frozen lakes and all that unpopulated land. Wild unspoiled land really still exists in the Upper Midwest. Pure water and fresh air galore. It is very inspiring to me. I’m making reservations already for cabins this year. Waterfalls, summertime hikes and fall colors. Much to look forward to this year.

Where is winter?

Apparently in Europe and the Western US. But not in the upper Midwest. The live cam down at the Canal in Duluth shows what looks like April. Water like glass instead of ice.

Bayfield Sled Dog Race Weekend!

The snow is a bit thin in spots but there is 5-6 inches on the Bayfield Peninsula and the race goes on! This is the winter of little winter but it's not stopping the folks in Bayfield.

Minnesota Power Cam

Quite often the live cams catch interesting images that have a art look to them.

It's a grey day in Duluth but sometimes grey is beautiful.

Snow at last for some!

Snow at last for the Northland. But not for all. Duluth Minnesota has none! Bayfield got 6-7 inches and the snowbelt of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan got plenty. Skiing in Lutsen would be good however as they have a nice base.

Winter in the Northland?

It doesn't look much like winter this year in Bayfield Wisconsin. The Sailboats all wrapped up in their winter clothing but no snow.

Ermine

A blogger from Copper Harbor Michigan spotted a Ermine on her hike in the snow today.

I have never heard of such a thing! What a outstanding looking member of the weasel family.