Comments on: Going All In On the Gunflint Trail, Part 2

By: Spring is Early in Minnesota | Passing Thru

Spring is Early in Minnesota | Passing Thru — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:41:43 +0000

[...] Because our thoughts are are never far from the North Shore, I was happy to see Nace Hagemann’s video of the ice out progressing on Moss Lake off the Gunflint Trail in my reader this morning. Nace doesn’t know it, but I’ve been his secret admirer for years. He’s got a great reputation as a caring craftsman, just the guy you need when it comes to building yourself a house or repairing the one you’ve got. Plus he’s a writer and a musician, too! We’re lucky to be able to accompany his brief walk from yesterday: Another Facebook friend, master paddler Bryan Hansel, mentioned yesterday he anticipated a great night for viewing the aurora borealis. Bryan’s been working on a fascinating new retail concept that embraces his love of kayaking and canoeing, and he’s a talented photographer. I woke up this morning wondering if he saw something like this: And finally, here’s a golden morning someone captured along the Gunflint Trail last year. I loved being reminded by the paved road in the foreground how magic moments are always close by. We just have to remember to notice. Related Posts: Going All In On the Gunflint Trail Going All In On the Gunflint Trail, Part 2 [...]

By: Betsy Wuebker

Betsy Wuebker — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:03:06 +0000

Hi Friar – Oh, goody! I haven’t been to Hibbing, yet, but have wanted to make a pilgrimage to Bob Dylan’s old stompin’ ground. Now we have another reason to go there! Thanks.

Hi Mary – Welcome to PassingThru! and thank you for your gracious invite! We will definitely be in touch with you for our next visit. Pete remarked last night that he felt homesick for the Trail, even though we don’t live there. All I could say is, “I know.”

I have been to your Mush for the Cure site just now and am a little verklempt at the story of your friend from Manitoba. We lost Pete’s baby sister Margaret to breast cancer when she was about the same age. I think we must plan to come up in March for this. The route from Gunflint Pines to Trail Center is perfect to support all the activities you have planned. Love it! Thank you so much.

Hi Bryan – Thank you for the recommendation about the waterfall. I feel like we’re getting to be friends here!

I’ve been to your site also and was very impressed with the video and story in your latest post. The story reminds me of the Runestone (which we wrote about here: http://passingthru.com/2008/10/runes/ ) Would definitely like to say howdy the next time we’re up your way. Am still verklempt from the nice comments you, Sue and Mary have made. Thank you.

Hi Patricia – I have no doubt you would love everything having to do with Grand Marais and the Trail, as we do. I’ve not even begun to sing the praises of the town proper. I’m beginning to realize this could be quite an ongoing series. Your Christmas plans sound lovely. Thank you.

Hi Dear – The List. Keeps. Growing. Awesome. As long as we never run out of things to do, we won’t get old(er).

By: Pete

Pete — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:35:24 +0000

Stairway Portage is officially on the list. .-= Pete´s last blog ..Very Round Santa, Christmas Postage =-.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:10:22 +0000

Oh this was a wonderful post Betsy and Pete, Thank you I feel like I have been there. I would have loved the crackling fire and the summer time adventures, my family would go nuts for the cross country skiing – which is what they will all be doing Christmas day and for 2 days after….I am making split pea soup with ham and veggie split pea – corn bread and lots of carrots and celery – apple munchies….as our cabin does not have anything but a MW warming oven…. I am not good at too hot or too cold ….there is my middle ground! Delightful mini vacation found here
.-= Patricia´s last blog ..The Life of an Apple Tree =-.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:35:13 +0000

Maybe you're not up for the ski, but if you haven't canoed back to the Stairway Portage to see the waterfall, then it should be on your agenda for your next visit. It's an easy paddle with just a short portage. The waterfall is fantastic. .-= Bryan´s last blog ..Boundary Water’s Route: The Hunt for the Viking Dolmen =-.

By: Mary Black

Mary Black — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:25:43 +0000

Betsy,
Thank you for the mention of our lifestyle/website in the article. Sue had posted a link to the article on her Twitter site and I was quite surprised to see Black Magic Kennels mentioned AND have the description of our help wanted page quoted! Enjoyed reading the comments left by folks. Tell them, really, it isn’t that bad at 20 below…you just make sure you drink “just enough” so you don’t have to go out as often.

Sue didn’t mention that her and I are the founders of Mush For a Cure and our group is already making plans for the 2010 event in March. Check out the photos on http://www.MushForACure.com if you think the long underwear guy is funny!
If you are ever in the area again, you should “Pass thru” our way and visit us Off The Beaten Path. The dogs love attention!

Happy Trails,
Mary Black
Black Magic Kennels

By: Friar

Friar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:18:32 +0000

@Betsy

The triple drainage point is apparently near the town of Hibbing.

http://www.uwec.edu/andersrn/Drainage.htm

By: Betsy Wuebker

Betsy Wuebker — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:05:08 +0000

Hi Friar – I had never heard of a Triple Point before! Wow, now I’ll have to go looking for it. Thanks.

Hi Cath – We really liked Gunflint Pines. It’s homey and modest but the views and peace are things people gladly pay millions for. Thanks.

Hi Jannie – I did know that, and read somewhere it was an accurate description of the area when it was named long ago. LOL your comment reminds me of the “Round John Virgin” stories. Thanks.

Hi Dot – I’ll rough it up to a point, like you. I imagine you and me traveling together exclaiming over dogs! My daughter and I enjoyed that in Paris, where dogs are everywhere. I’m glad you liked this. Thanks.

Hi Bryan – That sounds like an awesome route. How about if I just stay back and be responsible for the hot toddies, though?

Hi Lori – They actually work with rescue for Rotties and Great Danes at the Lodge, as I recall. I would love to come back as one of those dogs, myself. Thanks.

Hi Davina – As always you’re so welcome.

Hi Sue – Welcome to PassingThru! I am so glad you liked this post. The links you posted will give everyone even more great impressions of this awesome place. I guess I don’t have to tell you how lucky you are. Thanks.

By: Sue

Sue — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:04:11 +0000

Thanks for the accurate tour up the Gunflint Trail. I pass through often as I live at the end of the Gunflint Trail, 56 miles from Grand Marais. Mark and Mary Black who offer sled dog rides and the job are our friends and they have a great operation. The Baker Boys are in school with our two kids and we all love Trail Center and the dogs. If you get a chance to come up in the winter try Winter Tracks or Mush for a Cure. If you like to run then try the Ham Run and of course if you like to canoe then there’s no better place than the Boundary Waters.

http://www.wintertracks.com http://www.mushforacure.com http://www.hamrunhalfmarathon.com http://www.boundarywatersblog.com

By: Davina

Davina — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:53:11 +0000

Dog-sledding, meteorites, cabins, northern lights, snapping fire… sigh! Now THAT all gives ME palpitations Thanks for the trip Betsy.
.-= Davina´s last blog ..93 Million Miles From Home =-.