Boreal Access

During the summers we have the constant color of fireweed along the trail. It turns reddish in the fall and then goes to seed. This is a native perennial that grows to 5 feet. Pink flowers with 4 round petals form on a tall, conspicuous spike which blooms from the bottom up. Common along roadsides. The stems are covered with alternate, willow-like leaves. The common name is derived from its responsive growth after fires. Fireweed is often one of the first species to colonize newly exposed areas.

Our Fireweed has started to seed but it is still very beautiful, just in a different way from the summer pink blossoms.

The path from the lodge to the main waterfront is through red berries at this time of the year. In the spring this dwarf dogwood aka bunchberry is covered in bright white star shape flowers. With fall the red berries come out and soon the leaves will turn purple.

With these friends and family, when the kids are 5 years old, they can go on a canoe trip with the Dads. So we had 4 Dad's with 5 kids who were bouncing with enthusiasm and good cheer (the kids) having their pancake breakfast and heading out on their annual canoe trip.

There are still a number of little brothers and sisters at home who are waiting their turn when they turn 5 to join the annul fun.

By sitting in the lodge, you would not know that all our cabins are full because that quiet time of the summer has started. Kids are back in school and this is the time for adults to get away to cabins and go on canoe trips.

I noticed that the fall colors are just starting on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais. Now every time we drive to Grand Marais we will see the colors move a little more up the trail coming towards us. It is right on schedule for peaking the third week of September. The bunch berries which start off in spring with small white flowers now have red berries and Moose have been spotted on the roads again.

It was in the 40's last night and about 65 degrees today. Half our guests came in to check the weather report and loved the cooler weather and the other half bemoaned the chilly air. I built a nice roaring fire in the fireplace and put on my favorite red clearwater sweatshirt and enjoyed every minute of the brisk morning. This is the time of the year that I am finally able to take a few minutes in the morning and use our fantastic lodge porch and drink my coffee while watching the lake. How I love these days.

Lynn

Today is my last day of work at Clearwater Lodge. The summer was wonderful. Canoeing, camping and walking in the woods with Erik will be greatly missed, as well as his companionship. I'll definitely miss Jim's singing(or whistling, humming, drumming, etc...)that was within earshot constantly. Kwas kept me on my toes as far as my gullible nature goes, and supplied laughter without a doubt. Lily will be missed the most. She taught me many valuable lessons that I will keep close to my heart. Needless to say I am not especially looking forward to another 9 months in the classroom, but I am already excited for a winter visit with the sled dogs in Ely.

I would like to thank Mike, Peggy and Lynn for two summers of employment in the part of the state I love most. I appreciate everything I have learned from living in the great white north.

I thought the pie was an appropriate treat for this afternoon.

Goodbye Clearwater,
-Tori