While planning meals (and desserts) for upcoming fall trips, this caught our eye: Dark chocolate-dipped Granola Thins. Who knows what led the market research whiz-bangs at Nature Valley to flatten granola bars. But these interested us as a possibly more trail-ready ingredient for s’mores. Less packaging, better for you, and hopefully better tasting. You may [...]
The voyageurs will be there. The loggers and miners will be on hand, too. And native peoples from throughout history (and prehistory) will be present… so what’s your excuse? On Sunday the 4th of July, the new Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center celebrates its grand opening, inviting visitors to experience the story of the Gunflint [...]
About a full month earlier than normal, reports of “Ice out” were heard echoing throughout the North Country this weekend (not to be confused with all the woo-hoos and yee-haws.) Clear Lake in Ely is.. well, all clear. And Voyageur Canoe Outfitters have reported that most of the small lakes on the Gunflint are free [...]
If you could use GPS technology to track your movements in the wilderness, without actually carry the unit around? Yeah, why not? The GTX Corporation has gotten a patent for just that: GPS-enabled trail running shoes. Originally used in footwear for wandering Alzheimer’s patients, the concept has spread (as good ideas are prone to do.) [...]
It took a few weeks, but we’re back and very happy to be so! When our hosting service’s grid server suffered a security breach, we found some malicious code was causing our site to redirect users to random web sites. Many thanks go to our friend Matt for his troubleshooting expertise in eradicating the problem! [...]
Like a first time paddler launching into a vast island-dotted lake, the world became a lot bigger for me as I viewed “This is Canoeing,” the latest project from paddler/filmmaker Justine Curgenven. Gathered into this 2-disc set are 12 film featurettes, each bringing a fresh and memorable viewpoint of what it is to canoe today. [...]
The buzz began last week, when a spokesperson for a relief organization in Haiti made this desperate plea in a New York Times article: “Tents, tents, tents [...] That’s the word we want to get out. We need tents.” Some 100,00 tents, in fact, will be needed to shelter an estimated half million refugees. It [...]
Sunday begins the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth. The race is steeped in the history and legend of the North Shore mail carrier of the same name. And this year, organizers are bringing spectators closer to the race — and its roots. Read on for a glimpse of what to expect. Then rush [...]
Giving birth to bear cubs isn’t easy. Now, I’ve never done it, but something in me knows it must be. I just know. Tougher still, is delivering cubs in front of the whole world. Meet Lily the Black Bear. She’s become an internet sensation as an infrared den cam has captured her days and hours [...]
Duluth Pack has been making their Moose Hide Choppers since infinity ago. For so long, in fact, I’d heard a rumor that they actually hold a patent on the moose itself. As with their canoe packs, Duluth Pack’s choppers have maintained a certain loyalty among outdoorsy types. While most outerwear brands have chased after ever-newer [...]
To truly appreciate this time-lapse, you need to watch it in HD. The tiny waterbugs at the bottom right are the 40 teams competing in the Quebec Winter Carnival canoe race. Dodging icebergs. Risking capsized canoes and probably luring hungry arctic wolves. In all seriousness, this kind of crazy stunt is a beautiful way to [...]
Aspire to go winter camping, but have cold feet? Backpacker has posted a fairly comprehensive ‘winter camping essentials’ guide to help allay your fears and warm you up to the experience. The collection of articles covers how to dress, what to bring, and how to do what you need to do — all without losing [...]
It feels great to kickoff 2010 on a good note: Several positive changes are afoot on the BWCA’s Banadad Ski Trail this winter. First, the way has recently been paved (no, not literally) for better winter travel. A DNR grant, as well as donated time from volunteers have resulted in some wider, clearer and flatter [...]
I’ve never done a stellar job with knots, myself, but I’d give almost anything for the full story behind this one. Recently posted in the Duluth News-Tribune: “FOUND: Canoe on I-35. Call [# omitted] to identify.” Awesome. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!
Ah, snow caves and igloos: Bringers of warmth and shelter amidst Winter’s deepest cold. Symbols of welcome and hospitality — perhaps never more so when they’re spared for the next weary winter camper who comes along. So why do we have to drag them into the Leave No Trace debate? There’s an interesting discussion over [...]
