Archive for the ‘Outdoor Activities’ Category
March Gales On Lake Superior
Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
Instead of receiving the predicted blizzard on the North Shore last week, we were visited by the Gales of March on Lake Superior. The picture of our Great Lake was magnificent, painted with dark blue, green and sometimes brown. The waves came crashing in with an enormous white cap topping. To add to this beautiful and surreal scenario, was the magnificent artistry of ice sculptures found on rock ledges and cliffs. This scene, I am certain, can only be created by Mother Nature herself. Watching the waves on the shores made me daydream about the tales of Lake Superior. My speculations are that if Lake Superior could talk, the stories would fill the Lake itself. Lake Superior was named Gichigami by the Ojibwe for ‘big water’ and is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It is truly the greatest of the Great Lakes measuring to be the largest, deepest and coldest of the five with an average temperature of 40 degrees in the summer (brrrrr!). The best part about Lake Superior is that it is ‘right out the back door’ and for miles and miles and miles! -Cindy
Tags: Cascade Vacation Rentals, Duluth, Grand Marais, Lake Superior, Lutsen, Minnesota, North Shore, Northern Minnesota, Tofte
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Specials, Spring Events, Travel, Views and Scenery |
The Warmth of Winter
Tuesday, February 8th, 2011
We’re still in what I think of as the “deep freeze” part of winter – the days are still pretty short and the snow, while beautiful, is deep and hard to traverse unless you are on groomed trails. But, very soon, the warmest part of winter will be upon us, and I can’t wait.
Starting sometime between late February and early March, the days get noticeably longer. Nighttime temps are still well below freezing, but sub-zero days are behind us. The longer, sunnier days melt the snow slightly, giving a firmer base for skiing, snowshoeing or sledding. Plenty of people take advantage of these conditions at Lutsen Mountains or the xc trail systems, and they should, because it’s great. But, when I want to get away from the crowds, I head to the lakes. The snow there often forms a crust, making it possible to skate ski across the surface at high speeds.
Steve and I have crossed large lakes at more than twice the speed it would take in a canoe. It’s such a fun way to explore a wilderness lake from a new perspective, noticing otter tracks and bird nests. We’ll often see a wolf kill site. The wolves can run on top of the crusts with their large feet. Deer and moose, with their relatively small feet, “posthole” in the snow and get caught by the wolves. It’s over quickly, and the wolves (helped by the ravens and eagles) leave just a bit of hair and blood to mark the site.
Fast snow is, of course, also great for sledding. The warmer temps make it easier for little kids to stay out all day, building and improving their sledding runs. My 3 kids are already working on their run – from the driveway plow pile, down the drive, where they run into the other plow pile at the bottom. My 9 year-old tells me that the plan is to cut a channel in the second plow pile, allowing them to jump over it and continue down the long slope to the pond. We’ll see if that happens. Either way, I’m sure there will be a lot of excited screams and epic crashes that end in a pile of laughing kids.
If you think you might visit us this winter, I highly recommend March. It’s my favorite month of “Warm Winter.”
Tags: skiing, sledding, snow
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Wildlife, Winter Events |
Beargrease 2011
Tuesday, February 1st, 2011
For the second year in a row we have been able to make it to the Beargrease Mid Distance finish here in Tofte. It is such an awesome feeling to see the teams race down the hill towards the finish line. The dogs and mushers stop for a minute before they go to their trucks so you get a chance to really see the dogs that went through the race. They are always smaller than I think they should be. Some are wearing booties and others are not or maybe they fell off during the race. Most of the time the dogs are quiet, but this year there was one dog who insisted on letting the others know he wanted to race a little more (his picture is below). The local school brings kids to see the race which is a wonderful learning lesson for them on what people can achieve when they put their minds to it.
I was a little star stuck when I saw Jeff King, a 4 time winner of the Iditarod, who was a host of the race. I should have gotten up the courage to ask for a photo with him.
We will also look forward to Mush for a Cure which will be held March 11-12. It has gotten lots of publicity over its fight to keep its name. This local race benefits breast cancer research. It is a fun one to watch too! The race starts on Gunflint Lake and the teams make their way to Trail Center. If you are in the area that weekend, head up the Gunflint Trail for some dog sled excitement! – Kris
Tags: Beargrease, Gunflint Trail, Jeff King, Mush for a Cure, Tofte
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Stories and Pictures |
Country Snow vs. City Snow
Wednesday, January 26th, 2011
I was down in Minneapolis recently, and they have some big snow down there this year. Lots of people were getting out to enjoy the snow in the parks and on the trails, snowshoeing and skiing. But, I also saw lots of people trudging along icy sidewalks on their way to work, sitting in traffic jams and freezing at bus stops. There were plow piles at everyintersection and the streets were covered in dirty snow and ice. I do not miss that part of city life. I much prefer snow up north.
Up here, our snow stays nice and clean all winter long. It’s positively pristine in the woods. Everywhere you look, unblemished white snow stretches off into the trees, just waiting to be explored. It clings to the spruce trees in big fat dollops, like icing, changing shapes when the sun hits them. While the snow is great for sports like skiing and snowmobiling, I think this lovely, powdery snow just begs to be explored on snowshoes. The great thing about snowshoeing is that anyone can do it. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. If you’re interested in trying it during your stay, just give us a call and we’ll direct you to a knowledgeable outfitter.
Another piece of our winter landscape you just can’t see in the city: ice formations on Lake Superior. Even though I don’t live on the lake, I drive past it for long stretches every day. I think it’s especially beautiful in the winter, when the steam rises off it in the morning (because the lake is often warmer than the air) and when you can watch the changing ice formations. Sometimes the lake freezes solid, but more often it freezes at night and thaws in the day, creating ice floes of different sizes, shapes and colors. Sometimes you can even hear them hitting each other with each wave, like windchimes. The waves also create ice sculptures on shore – coating rocks, logs, trees and railings to create fantastic icicles, swirls and domes.
Snowshoeing and ice-watching: Two of the simplest ways to enjoy the North Shore in winter. Of course, there are a million other outdoor activities as well, from ice-climbing to dogsledding, trips are offered most days from January through March. Why not give us a call to help plan your winter adventure?
Tags: Lake Superior, North Shore, Snowshoeing
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Stories and Pictures, Winter Events |
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
No, not the holidays…river skiing! A local favorite, river skiing is considered by some to be ultimate North Shore winter activity. Some of the rivers leading from the forest into Lake Superior are ski-able. It’s a great rush skiing (or sometimes jumping or rappelling) down frozen waterfalls and through deep gorges. However, we’re not going to tell you here which rivers those are, because it can be dangerous and you MUST have an experienced river skiing guide with you. If you are a fit, experienced skier and want to give it a try, call us for more information. Only on the magical North Shore of Lake Superior can you ski from a forested hillside, down into a narrow canyon, over a waterfall and all the way to a cobblestone beach.
Not quite ready for river skiing? We’ve got plenty of other skiing opportunities, both xc and downhill. Or maybe it’s more your style to go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride, or even stay inside by the fire, enjoying a book and watching Lake Superior crash on the snowy shore? We’ve got those kind of thrills, too.
Tags: North Shore, skiing, Sleigh Rides
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Winter Events |
Embracing Minnesota Winter
Tuesday, January 11th, 2011
This year we have decided to embrace winter to its fullest with our son Carson. He is now 3, and should get accustomed to the cold Minnesota weather and the fun you can have even when it is cold and you might now want to go out! Two weekends ago we attempted to try downhill skiing in our backyard! Joe put on his skis too and they ventured down the small hill we have. It was exciting, but after a few runs we decided that downhill skiing would probably work better at Lutsen Mountains where it is meant to happen!
This weekend we went out to Caribou Lake in Lutsen to try out Carson’s new cross country skis. For his first time out he did a great job. Joe’s mom is visiting, so she helped us out and made sure he was following the path and staying upright. We probably enjoyed about an hour of outdoor fun. It wasn’t that cold unless the wind was blowing. As you can see in the pictures below, we probably could have just enjoyed a walk on the lake, but skiing was too much fun! We skied back to the car with the promise of hot chocolate when we got home. This weekend I expect there may be a chance to try out some new skates at the local Birch Grove school rink! – Kris
Skiing on Caribou Lake in Lutsen for the 1st Time
A Nice Winter Day!
Tags: Cross Country Skiing, Lutsen, Lutsen Mountains, Minnesota
Posted in Outdoor Activities |
Have You Tried Winter Yet?
Wednesday, January 5th, 2011
“What do you do up here in the winter?” Summer visitors ask this question often – especially as they walk through our office looking at gorgeous winter photos taken by friends and family. We point at the pictures of people skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding and winter camping and say, “There we are – enjoying winter!”
We especially love winter because it’s quieter and we have more time to enjoy our beautiful area. Here’s how you can do it too (and win bragging rights amongst your friends):
Snowshoeing is the easiest way to get out in the winter woods – it can be done anywhere (except on the cross country ski trails. Skiers get crabby about that.) and allows you to access spots you wouldn’t otherwise see.
Snowshoe rentals are available at:
- Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte (right across from our office)
- Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais (they also offer guided snowshoe hikes)
- Lake Superior Trading Post in Grand Marais 218-387-2020
Snowmobiling is a great way to see lots of beautiful country in a day trip. Snowmobile rentals are available at:
- Cross River Rentals in Schroeder
- Steve’s Sports in Grand Marais 800-487-1835
Cross country skiing is a near religion for some people in our county, and we have the 400+ kilometers of groomed trails to prove it.
Cross country skis can be rented at many places in the county. A few of the best are:
- Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte
- Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais (they also lead guided ski tours)
- Devils Track Nordic Ski Shop 218-387-3373
Here is a complete list of other ski outfitters in the Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail area.
It’s easy to get started with any of these sports, so why not give it a try? We’re happy to help direct you to the best guides and outfitters for your adventure. We can also tell you which of our rental homes are best for certain sports: easy access to snowmobile trails, close to cross country trails or great places to explore on snowshoes…we’ve got them all!
Tags: skiing, snowmobiling, Snowshoeing
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Winter Events |
World’s Best Cross Country Skiing?
Wednesday, December 29th, 2010
Cross country skiing isn’t as flashy as downhill skiing or snowboarding. Cross country trails aren’t usually the subject of front page articles in travel magazines (at least not in the U.S.) It’s hard to find a definitive list of the best cross country ski trails in the U.S. So, I am hereby nominating Cook County’s 400+ km of groomed trails for the title “World’s Best Cross Country Skiing.”
Where else can you traverse maple hillsides while taking in 180 degree views of the largest freshwater lake on earth? When you’re done with that trail, you can zip over to the next set of trails and enjoy river and inland lake views. How about skiing with a bird’s eye view of Grand Marais harbor? A trip up the Gunflint Trail will take you deep into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. There you can ski comfortably from lodge to lodge – or you can head off-trail to explore the winter woods. You could ski all of this in one day – but it’s definitely better to take a weekend to enjoy it.
Cook County started a new ski festival two winters ago to celebrate our amazing trail system. Even if you can’t make it for the big “Volks Ski” day on February 12, you can participate all season long by sharing trail stories and insights from your skiing days. Their website is a great source of information on trail maps, conditions and features.
Is the Cook County trail system the World’s Best? Why not give it a try and decide for yourself?
Tags: Cascade Vacation Rentals, Gunflint Trail, skiing
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Winter Events |
Guided Winter Tours
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Now it’s time to really get started with winter fun. This year, a new sort of winter adventure will be available through Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais. They will be offering guided day trips including dogsledding, ice fishing, skijouring, ice climbing and snow kiting. Never tried (or heard of) these things before? No problem. Their expert guides will show you the way. For those who are interested in half-day trips, they also offer guided snowshoeing and cross country skiing treks. For more information, including pricing, visit their site.
If you would like help planning your winter vacation, from purchasing lift tickets to choosing a dogsled trip, just give our staff a call at 1-800-950-4361. (Of course, we can also help you find a place to stay.)
Tags: Cascade Vacation Rentals, Dog Sledding, Grand Marais
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Winter Events |
Winterer’s Gathering
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
Have you tried winter yet? Winter on the North Shore is a unique experience – and not necessarily a popular one. Many seasonal residents leave, fewer tourists visit, and even most year-round residents hunker down in the winter. But, a small and hardy group of “winterers” embraces the season and stays outside as much as possible. (Full disclosure: Steve and I used to be such people. We led winter camping and dogsled trips over in Ely.)
North House hosts its annual “Winterers Gathering and Artic Film Fest” each November. My favorite part of the gathering (besides the great deals at the ski swap) is to wander through the campus and look at the demonstrations. There are fancy canvas tents set up, complete with woodstoves. Craftspeople show off their skillfully made snowshoes, mukluks and kicksleds. Veteran winter campers demonstrate their techniques for cooking, travelling and generally staying warm. Usually, a local musher will bring a team of dogs to socialize with the crowd. It’s an unusual scene, but there is a wonderful enthusiasm to it. Everyone there appreciates what winter has to offer: quiet spaces, a slower pace and breathtaking beauty. True “winterers” are not climbing Everest in neon parkas, they simply appreciate the charms of this underrated season.
If you want to check out the Winterer’s Gathering for yourself, this link will tell you everything you need to know. We have some great deals on rental homes during that weekend. Give us a call!
Tags: Dog Sledding, North Shore, Snowshoeing
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Travel, Winter Events |
