Outdoors
2011 Youth Outdoor EXPO
Saturday, May 21, 9am-2pm
Youth ages 7-15 (and parents) are invited to join Hartley Nature Center and the McCabe Duluth Chapter of the Izaak Walton League for this annual free event. Activities include bird banding, birdhouse building, laser hunting simulation, fly tying and casting, and more. Youth receive a free Subway sandwich and Cold Stone ice cream. Participants must pre-register by calling 724-6735.
Summer Ski Suggestions
I’ve got some business travel set up for Northern Colorado and Utah in late June. Any suggestions for a resort which may still be running lifts? Ideally, I’d like to find something open during the week of 20 June. Arapahoe Basin is open until the 19th – that’s the latest I’ve been able to find. Also – suggestions on renting gear verses checking or shipping? Seems that for a two day junket – one is better off just renting from the shop.
Summer Opportunity for Youth in Duluth
Duluth’s Urban Wilderness Camp is open for registration. We take small groups of kids (10-12 years old) into Duluth’s public forests and explore local treasures. This summer, we have camps at Fairmont Park (by the zoo), Lower Chester Park, and Lester Park.
Each camp runs Monday through Thursday, 9-3:30. We do things like swim in local creeks, search for crayfish, find agates, safely eat wild plants and berries, explore forests and creeks, play disc golf and capture the flag, make up games, paddle canoes, fish, cook over fires, tie knots, set up tarps, ride the city bus, hike on the Superior Hiking Trail, bike on the Munger Trail, paddle canoes, work and play as a team, and take care of our local urban wilderness. Each day, we have healthy snacks provided by Duluth’s Whole Foods Co-op! For more information or to sign up for this or other Hartley Nature Center summer camps, go to hartleynature.org or call 218 724-6735.
Lutsen sucks … water from trout streams
I was disappointed but not surprised to hear that state lawmakers moved one step closer to allowing Lutsen Mountain ski resort to pump more water out of the Poplar River. As John Myers reported in the DNT this week, the concerns about the effects of this on fish populations have many groups concerned.
I am personally planning on telling Lutsen that not only will I not be visiting their resort anytime soon, I’ll also be spreading the word through any channel I can find. I wish there was some way I could suggest that others also send them a note saying you’ll be doing the same.
For example, people could voice their concern on Lutsen’s Facebook by “liking it” and then voicing your displeasure: page.
People could also email Lutsen to let them know you’re going to boycott the resort.
What I can’t find is the direct email address of the resort’s co-owner, Charles Skinner. I wonder where he lives. We could all visit his house and say, “hi.”
South Shore Camping
I did not plan ahead very well for this summer to get my camping reservations established at the 6 month or 1 year window reservations open up. Probably for the best as this encourages some exploration. I’m looking for advice on campgrounds along the south shore of the Lake. I haven’t done much camping in Wisconsin — a few nights on Madeline — that’s it [not including sleeping in the car in Superior]. Anybody willing to share their favorite camping spots in northern Wisconsin? I don’t need hook-ups or showers or KOA amenities. A developed swimming area and beach would be nice, as the kids will be in tow.
For sweeties or tweeties, head to the Western Waterfront Trail
Western Waterfront Trail runs along the St. Louis River
Not sure why I’m thinking this way, but if you’d like to impress your sweetie with your knowledge of Duluth’s cool places, plus get some exercise and check out spring, you can’t go wrong with a nice long walk on the Western Waterfront Trail. The St. Louis River is full of migrating birds, the trail is wide enough and dry enough for hand-holding, and it is so much more “perfect Duluth” than the tourist-lined Lakewalk.
Read more details, including directions to the seldom-used but way better eastern trailhead.
Duluth endurance cyclists leave mark in Trans-Iowa
From left Charlie Farrow and Tim Ek (who, along with Jason Buffington and Jeremy Kershaw make up the Death Before Dishonor group) at last year's Trans-Iowa. Note the headlamps because they will be riding all night.
Two of Duluth’s strongest endurance cyclists completed an amazing feat today in Iowa. The Trans-Iowa is a two-day, 300-mile bike race on mostly gravel backroads that starts at 4 a.m. on Saturday morning and finishes when you either cross the finish line or quit, which many people do. To win, you have to pretty much ride without stopping for a little more than 24 hours. (more…)
Where in Duluth?
This one is probably pretty easy, but bonus if you know what it’s for. (I don’t, so you could probably make something up.)
Duluth Smelting
Rick LeBlanc of Hermantown surpassed tradition by biting the head off not just his first smelt, but about two dozen others, too, at the Lester River on May 5, 1983. (Duluth News-Tribune file photo)
At this time of year, 20 or 30+ years ago, the hot topic in Duluth and Superior would have been the status of the smelt run.
Duluth’s mostly-vanished smelting tradition has been discussed on Perfect Duluth Day at least once before. It’s been a frequently requested item for the News Tribune Attic to cover.
So, by popular demand, the latest post in the News Tribune Attic includes a bunch of photos and a couple contemporary accounts of smelting in Duluth in the early 1980s. Enjoy!
Miller Creek Disk Golf Course
Public Meeting: Friday, April 29, 11 a.m. to noon at Lake Superior College. Click here for details.
UMD Heritage Orchard a Contestant in Edy’s Fruit Bar Contest
I had a chance to take a pack of kids out to a working orchard near Wrenshall, MN (pictured above) and it was just a fantastic experience, I’d never seen anything like it before, except in books. There used to be groves like this, and “wild” groves used by people and critters for sustenance all around our region, but there aren’t many left anymore according to the experts at UMD.
Imagine an apple production and consumption culture within a thriving orchardist community, small orchards dotting the landscape, filled with heritage varieties locally adapted to our region. This was the reality of the area around Duluth, Minn., during the first half of the 20th century. But the advent of the industrial food system divested this community of its heritage, although those abandoned orchards beckon our call back to a more sustainable way of life.
Last fall, I read about a new orchard coming in near 6th Ave E in Duluth’s Hillside. Today I found out about this chance to win an orchard for the Duluth Area from Edy’s Fruit Bars. Here’s a link to sign in and vote, vote early and often.
As of today Duluth was placed 3rd in the nation: Not too shabby. Hopefully if people can stay on this we can come out on top. Almost forgot: Duluth community members and organizations will get the fruit. If this is successful expect a surge in NICE homegrown Duluth pies & cobblers in the next 5-10-15 years.
First Tick Post of the Year – 2011 Edition
I found one by my dog’s ear yesterday. Here we go again!
Past first tick of the year posts:
March 29, 2010
May 8, 2009
June 8, 2008
May 11, 2007
June 6, 2005
Fox Farm > Lake County Demo Forest
I’m trying to trail it this weekend. There are a couple of sections between here and Two Harbors that I want to tackle. My usual crew has other obligations. Looking for a #2 to cruise up Friday afternoon (4-4:30ish) and come back early Sunday afternoon.
I’m completely self sufficient, pretty serious about it type backpacker. I like to get out and bang out a few miles to get the blood going.
Anyone want to hit it with me? The weather looks iffy, but that’s why we have Merino wool and Gore-Tex, right?
Become a Citizen Scientist!
Celebrate Earth Week by helping community organizations collect information about our world. Join St. Louis River Alliance Director Julene Boe to see what it’s like to get your hands wet and help out.
Great Lakes Aquarium will host a community class called “Becoming a Citizen Scientist.” At the class, St. Louis River Alliance will share its work and show you ways to get involved in citizen science!
Tuesday, April 19, 4:30-5:30 pm
Cost: Free; donations accepted.
All proceeds go toward stewardship efforts on the St. Louis River.
Contact Sarah Erickson at serickson @ glaquarium.org or 218-740-2007.
For more information, check out Community Education spring classes at Great Lakes Aquarium.
Free Outdoor Tennis Courts in Duluth
Does anyone know locations for outdoor tennis courts in Duluth where you don’t have to pay a court fee to play?
Lake Superior Surfing … Hang Ten!
[The post originally contained an embedded video that no longer exists at its source.]
Team Red Bull finds some nice waves on Big Sexy (aka Lake Superior). Never under estimate Big Sexy, she can be a real bitch.
To motorcycle or not to motorcycle
I am thinking seriously about picking up an older, used motorcycle in the interest of saving myself some money on these higher fuel prices. I am wondering if it is worth having a motorcycle for commuting in Duluth with our limited days of warmth. I am not averse to riding in cold weather if it is above freezing but would like to avoid snow, ice or any heavy rain. With that being said, are there any current riders out there have any knowledge on how many days a year you can actually ride your motorcycle in Duluth and if you feel like it is worth owning one in this climate?
West Duluth Porcupine Hotel
On Wednesday I saw this porcupine high at the top of a tree on Raleigh Street, feasting away on bark. Then on Thursday there were two of them (one up high, one down low). (more…)
Film for Thought: A Look into Sustainable Agriculture in MN
Join MPIRG for an informative, interactive night on sustainable farming in Minnesota. We will be showing the MN-based film ‘Farming Forward,’ hearing from UMD farms, and planting seed-starters. All are welcome, and it is free to attend!
Tuesday, April 12, 6:30pm, UMD’s Kirby Lounge
Please contact MPIRG with questions: [email protected]
Hope to see you there!
Native Tree & Shrub Sale ends April 15
The annual Native Tree and Shrub Sale ends on April 15, so place your order now. Learn about each species and print a Tree Order Form — all available online at southstlouisswcd.org, or call the Soil & Water Conservation District office, 723-4867.
Duluth Surfing Footage from CBS News
[This post originally contained an embedded video that no longer exists.]
Ice volcanoes, if you dare!
The ice volcanoes of Park Point are spouting off big-time right now. Grab your ski goggles, your rain pants and your windbreaker and head on down.
Wow ’em with waterfalls
How many out-of-town guests have you brought up the North Shore to Gooseberry Falls? It’s the nearest of the North Shore’s “greatest hits.”
Now you can wow your out-of-town friends before they even get here. Take a waterfall photography class at Gooseberry, from Paul Sundberg. Paul is the former manager of Gooseberry Falls State Park and father of Duluth’s own biking chiropractor, Adam Sundberg. It’s March 26. Preregistration is required.
Weather Fight!
Toughest Weather City Tournament – Midwest Bracket
Duluth vs. Des Moines in round 1. How about we go kick some Des Moinian ass eh?
Duluth
- Brutal cold and snow
- 79.6″ snow
- 45 days of subzero cold
- 2 days of 90+ heat
Des Moines
- Snow/ice, river flood, severe t-storms
- 36″ snow
- 15 days of subzero cold
- 24 days of 90+ heat
Kayaking the snowy banks of Minnesota’s Blue Earth River
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vogk-yth1Z4
Might as well go ahead and try this at home.