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Monthly Archives: December 2008
I Spy a Lob Pine
Paddling in the Boundary Waters, I’ve taken for granted how easy it is to pass between lake and portage with the aid of well-marked maps and a compass. Nature’s job is reduced to providing the scenery.
In the early years Native guides helped trappers and Voyageurs, without a single waterproof MacKenzie among ‘em. But with all the look-alike trails and myriad lakes, how did so few get lost? How did they have such a concrete sense of direction?
Paging through The Voyageur’s Highway by Grace Lee Nute, I came across one way routes were marked: The Lob Pine.
Unofficial Winter Camping Application
Organizing a group to go winter camping is a serious matter. Every camper *must* carry their own weight and have gear that’s up to snuff. But perhaps most importantly, you’ve gotta have the right chemistry as a group, or someone will get voted off the island.
So it’s no wonder that the ‘unofficial winter camping application’ over at WinterCampers, reads the way it does. A good laugh…though I didn’t see any clear delineation of anti-spooning regulations.
Ham Lake Fire Suspect Commits Suicide
We were deeply saddened to hear that the man accused of starting the Ham Lake Fire, has reportedly committed suicide.
The May 2007 blaze burned 118 square miles and destroyed 150 buildings, but until yesterday, the tragic event had claimed no human lives. Our prayers go out on behalf of Mr. Posniak’s family and loved ones.
Get Through the Holidays With Survival Gifts
Nothing says “I care” more than bettering their odds against losing toes to frostbite or having to burn their clothes for warmth when firewood is short. So before they pack for that winter camping trip, stuff their stockings with these fine survival gift items recommended by Backpacker.
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree for 5 Bucks
You heard me right — here’s how to cut your own for one little five-spot, baby. Even better is the where: the lovely Superior National Forest.
Our family has done this several times, hiking into the woods with a camera and the Sven-Saw for our own Christmas tree. We’ll even make a weekend of it, staying in a cheap motel with an indoor pool for the kids [though I'd rather be in a tent]. It all makes for a genuine holiday adventure with loads of quality time and memories, which sure beats out the thrills of hitting door-buster sales at 3:12am. The only downside is that the process of getting the permit is mired in snail-mail, so allow a few days to get yourself set up.
To all my homies in Wisconsin, take heart: the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest also has managed areas where you can cut your own. Details here (PDF).
Sandstone Ice Festival vs. Christmas Shopping for Aunt Evelyn? Hmmm…
We’ve got your excuse to cancel all your weekend holiday shopping errands: Pack up your pitons and head up north for the Sandstone Ice Festival.
Sandstone? What for, you ask? How’s about ice-climbing in the rock quarry, for starters? Add to that, clinics on skijoring and winter camping, and a presentation by climber Dean Einerson on his Denali adventures. Just as BWCA ‘camping trips’ actually encompass numerous activities like paddling, hiking and fishing; festivals like this are proving to folks that winter camping is all about way more than just keeping your arse alive. This is a great opportunity to get your feet wet… or snowy, or whatever; although festival organizer Tony Vavricka tells me that a basic working knowledge of rock-climbing is recommended for the ice-climbing clinics.
I should add that new and notable this year, is lighted night climbing; I predict a few sweet flickr sets to come out of those sessions. On belay!
Surfing Lake Superior
When surfers emerge from the lake, icicles dangle from their suits. And out on the water they have to pump their shoulders every so often to break apart sheets of ice that form on their backs. If it’s too cold, ice chunks the size of Mini Coopers roll through the waves, making it impossible to surf.
How could there *not* be a fantastic story behind the hardy souls who ride the waves of Gitchee Gumee, even in wintertime? Not fantastic enough to compel me to take up the hobby… but just the idea that we have surfing on our own North Shore, makes me very proud in a certain familial kind of way. I’m stoked, dude! via Universal Klister.
Handle Your Hunger: YouBar Customized Nutrition Bars
Listen up, Outdoorsmen: Ever discover that your only trailside snack option is one of the wife’s “specially formulated for women” granola bars? With flavors like Lemon Zest and Chai? A situation as disgusting as it is, embarrassing. Don’t settle with living that way – you’re your own man, so why not design your own energy bar?
YouBars.com lets you build, name and ship yourself a box of your very own energy bars. Start with a nut butter base; bulk it up with some protein powder; throw in a handful of oats and your choice of other ingredients and sweeteners. Who makes the call on what nuts will be powering your bar? You do, mister. They even have a wide selection of berries and dried fruits for you softer fellas out there. Too bad they don’t have make-your-own pemmican, for tough guys like me. Whichever way you do build ‘em, eat slowly — each 13-bar box is not cheap. But then again, ‘hungry’ on the trail is not the same as ordinary hungry. Come ‘n’ get a taste. Via Trailspace.
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