Saturday, March 22, 2008
"Best Burgers on the Trail"
2:14 PM
I don't get a chance to go snowmobiling but our son Adam was up for his birthday and we made the best of the great weather. On one of our trips we started out heading down the Crab Lake Trail and then running the length of Crab Lake. As you get to the end of Crab there is a small trail that goes up the hill over to Little Mayhew Lake. This is the area that was hit the hardest last summer by the fire. The view is spectacular from the top of the hill before you head down into Little Mayhew. You look over Crab into the Gunflint Lake area. From Little Mayhew you head to Mayhew Lake. It was long and lots of snow drifts. We hit the main snowmobile trail and headed to Hungry Jack Lake.
Forrest was pulling a truck off the lake when we got there. Quite a site! The girls meet us there - Terry, Janelle and Hannah. We had stopped down to enjoy what are called the "Best Burgers on the Trail". The Place was jumping and Ericka serving food downstairs in the Lodge. The food was very good and if you are looking for a burger while on the Trail during the winter months you have to stop at Hungry Jack Lodge.
Adam and I headed back to Loon this time going on Poplar Lake then Iron Lake and home. It was a lot faster and much smoother than the snowmobile trail. It was a great ride and we both had good day.
Forrest was pulling a truck off the lake when we got there. Quite a site! The girls meet us there - Terry, Janelle and Hannah. We had stopped down to enjoy what are called the "Best Burgers on the Trail". The Place was jumping and Ericka serving food downstairs in the Lodge. The food was very good and if you are looking for a burger while on the Trail during the winter months you have to stop at Hungry Jack Lodge.
Adam and I headed back to Loon this time going on Poplar Lake then Iron Lake and home. It was a lot faster and much smoother than the snowmobile trail. It was a great ride and we both had good day.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Winter Tracks
8:07 AM
The Winter Tracks Festival just finished up and it was great!! There was something for everyone and most events are free to the public. All of the winter business along the Gunflint Trail and some in Grand Marais participate in this 5 day event. Just to give you some idea on what goes on there is everything from seminars to snow sculptures and northwoods crafts to knitting by the fire. There are events for cross country skiing to snowmobiles and kids to adults. There is truly something for everyone.
Terry and I even got to a few of the events. We stopped by Heston's Lodge on Gunflint Lake. There Barb was cooking pizza in an outdoor wood-fired bread oven. She had all the toppings and it was some of the best pizza I have ever tasted. So we stayed for more. I will admit it was somewhat cold outside but with oven fired up it wasn't too bad.
We drove around the area and took some pictures of the snow sculptures. All I can say is there are some very talented people up here. They started with a 5 foot by 5 foot block of snow and then started carving away. They made everything from a dog team to a snow wood stove. They had them placed along the Trail and at different resorts. They were all well done.
There was a dinner for all at Gunflint Lodge followed by a dance. It was well attended by over 200 people. So next year if you are looking for a late winter get-a-way consider the Winter Track Festival.
Terry and I even got to a few of the events. We stopped by Heston's Lodge on Gunflint Lake. There Barb was cooking pizza in an outdoor wood-fired bread oven. She had all the toppings and it was some of the best pizza I have ever tasted. So we stayed for more. I will admit it was somewhat cold outside but with oven fired up it wasn't too bad.
We drove around the area and took some pictures of the snow sculptures. All I can say is there are some very talented people up here. They started with a 5 foot by 5 foot block of snow and then started carving away. They made everything from a dog team to a snow wood stove. They had them placed along the Trail and at different resorts. They were all well done.
There was a dinner for all at Gunflint Lodge followed by a dance. It was well attended by over 200 people. So next year if you are looking for a late winter get-a-way consider the Winter Track Festival.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Winter Camping
2:29 PM
Many of you have meet Jerry Henkel-Johnson and his family over the years. They have been guests for over 20 years and know the area well. This year Jerry and a couple of his buddies wanted to try winter camping. I too have thought about it but never had the courage! Well Jerry and his friends picked the weekend to give it a try and what a weekend to pick. The temps dropped to -25 below and the winds were gusting up to 35 miles per hour. Now that is cold. They laid down a tarp and put some camping pads down next. Then came the sleeping bag and they would pull the tarp over the sleeping bag. Sleeping under the stars with the wind and the cold. Burrrrr. Not one night but two!
They did have a cook tent in which to do the meals but for the most part they spent the weekend out in the elements exploring and fishing. I give them credit. Jerry did catch one very nice lake trout - around 15 pounds. I think he earned it. Overall he said it was a great weekend and he is ready to go again.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Little Iron & Tucker Lakes
8:28 AM
Snowshoeing Saturday
Terry and I got a chance to get over to Little Iron & Tucker Lakes on Saturday. It was a nice temperature but it was snowing like crazy. We walked the shoreline of Little Iron and there were tons of animal tracks. Mostly deer tracks but there were also some signs of wolves. This year we have seen more wolves than ever before. In years past you would see signs of wolf activities but almost never accually see the wolf but that has changed. On this day we just saw the tracks of one or two wolves. Over on Tucker we saw few tracks but ran into some slush. Never fun because it builds up on your snowshoes and soon they wiegh a ton. It was a great day but couldn't take any pictures because of the heavy snow.
The picture I used today is one taken from the house. It is cold today -25, so there won't be any walking today maybe just a good book by the fireplace.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Great day for skiing!!
1:37 PM
Terry and I enjoyed a great day skiing. We headed out onto the lake and then over to the Crab Lake Trail. The weather is just right with a bright sun and nice temps. For those of you who have walked the trail in summers past there have been some changes. The fire last summer burned over the trail in many areas. You can see things you have never seen before. You really have a better sense of the surounding area. We didn't make it all the way to Crab Lake but we will next time.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Our First Posting
8:47 AM
Hi To All,
We are going to try and keep you all up to date on what is happening at Loon Lake. Winter activities, where the fish are hitting, new hiking trails, great canoe day trips and other things going on here at Loon Lake Lodge. So keep checking and if you find something that interest you let us know at info@visitloonlake.com.
We are going to try and keep you all up to date on what is happening at Loon Lake. Winter activities, where the fish are hitting, new hiking trails, great canoe day trips and other things going on here at Loon Lake Lodge. So keep checking and if you find something that interest you let us know at info@visitloonlake.com.
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