Week in Review: July 29 - August 3

We had a great week!

Saturday we took a short hike to the “Witch Tree” (coined by Minneapolis artist Dewey Albinson who made the tree famous through his paintings).

It's also known by the Ojibwes (or Chippewas) as the Little Spirit Tree. Several legends surround the tree, but most of them center on a spirit trapped inside who must be appeased in order to guarantee safe passage while travelling the rough waters of Lake Superior. The Ojibwes hold the tree sacred and traditionally would leave offerings of tobacco at its base. Dick and I hiked to the tree on Saturday, and even today observed offerings tied to trees at the observation point. (Sadly, due to vandalism the public isn’t allowed closer than an observation point built by the Ojibwes to protect the area.)

The northern cedar tree stands only about 15 feet tall, and is at least 400 years. Historical writings state that French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, in 1731, stated that the tree’s maturity at the time and unique position at the edge of a cliff, were the cause of its stunted growth. Today the tree and the surrounding land are owned by the Ojibwe tribe  and access is generally prohibited unless accompanied by a tribal member.

Just can't stay away from the keyboard! Sunday I played at the Cornerstone Community Church in Grand Marais, followed by Sunday dinner at my aunt Bernice's home again. We supplied the turkey breast, and everyone else supplied the rest. YUM! Got back to Grand Portage (about 35 miles away) just in time to close up the vents before a HUGE thunder and rain storm hit. Boy, this place certainly knows how to storm! Rain came down in torrents, and the wind gusts were unbelievable. Did have internet access though, which was pretty amazing.

Monday we had our first "official" visitor. A friend from elementary & jr. high school stopped by to see us. Agatha lives in Colorado, but is from the Ojibwe Tribe so has connections here on the "res." (Her sister Marie was just elected to the Tribal Council of Elders.) They're having a family reunion this weekend, so most of her family will be in. Was interesting to get caught up on former classmates. Wish she was able to stay longer, but she'll be leaving on Monday the 6th.

Tuesday welcomed us with another lovely day. After breakfast we decided to climb Mt. Rose, a local place of interest. It's rated "difficult but short; 1 mile; climbing 300 verticle feet." Uh-huh... Let's just say it was a whole lot easier coming down that going up! Beautiful vistas of Grand Portage area. The lake haze prehibited photos of Isle Royal so we may need to do the climb again--or at least Dick will! LOL! We say a flock (or is it a gaggle?) of Canadian geese on our way to the Mountain.

On the way back I noticed that thimbleberries were ripe, so I introduced Dick to them. They're rather tart and quite seedy. I like them. Dick--not so much.

Wednesday brought a day of wind. Forecast says wind at 11 mpg, but the gusts seemed like 111 mph! We stayed close to the trailer that day. This photo was taken of clouds that afternoon, as we were just sitting around.

Thursday we decided to take a day trip up the Gunflint Trail. It's about 60 miles from Grand Marais, north towards Canada, through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. In 2007 a devastating wild fire went through, destroying almost 1,000 acreas of forest, including over 40 homes, resorts, cabins, etc.
One of the fastest and most damaging wildfires to hit Minnesota in decades. Photos show how nature is reclaiming the area, but the damage is still very evident. My family used to camp and fish in this area when we lived in Grand Marais, so this was especially sad to see. What I did see was what the forest hid: the rocky topography not evident when everything was forested.

 

(Gull Lake, at the end of the Trail)

As we were driving up the Trail we spotted a black bear in the middle of the road ahead. He had to weigh between 350 and 400 pounds. By the time I was able to get the camera out he had loped off into the woods, but it was a reminder that we were in the wild! On the way back down the trail we spotted a weasel running across the road in front of us.

On the way to the "end of the Trail" we did a short hike up Blueberry Hill, a local attraction, that rises 370 feet to the top of the Northern Light Lake Overlook Trail. It's rated as difficult and steep, but short at approximately 1 mile round trip. The summit is an outcropping of volcanic rock, with excellent views of Northern Light Lake and the surrounding Superior National Forest. In season, you can actually find wild blueberries -- we did! albeit only about a dozen. This climb was a WHOLE lot easier 45 years ago! I don't remember it being as rugged and steep as it is now.

I was asked to play at Sunday's outdoor church service during the Fisherman's Picnic, an annual event that is a "quintessential small town celebration... hearkening back to the days when much of the area's economy was based on logging and commercial fishing...when the entire community gathered for a shoreline potluck picnic featuring a fish fry of fresh Lake Superior herring." This event brings folks from all over the upper midwest, including Canada. So after our trek up the Gunflint Trail, we had dinner downtown at the Blue Water Cafe, and then rehearsal for Sunday. A beautiful evening with a full moon reflecting over Lake Superior. Light breeze, and temps in the mid 60s. Nice.

Friday is a day "at home." Normal activities like cleaning and laundry. A bit overcast with temps in the low 70s.

Blessings to you all. We love you, and miss you. Drop us a line if you feel so inclined: buckeye44@gmail.com or gcummings1017@gmail.com.  We'd love to hear from you!