Minnesota Downhill Ski Report
Down hill skiing opportunities are slowly melting away in Minnesota. However, there are a few skiing sites that can help you fill that "end of season" need for one more swoooosh down the slopes. ENJOY!!!!
Metro South
Afton Alps
Hastings, MN 55033
651-436-5245 or 800-328-1328
www.aftonalps.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/16/10 Spring Skiing 20"-48"
Notes: Open Mon - Thurs 9:30am-5pm. Fri - Sun 9am-5pm. Snowtubing closed for the season.
Buck Hill
Burnsville, MN 55306
952-435-7174
Notes: Closed for the season
Elm Creek Winter Rec. Area
Maple Grove, MN 55369
763-694-7894
Notes: Closed for the Season
Hyland Ski & Snowboard
Bloomington, MN 55438
763-694-7800
Notes: Closed for the Season
Mount Kato
Mankato, MN 56001
800-668-5286
Notes: CLOSED for the Season
Welch Village
Welch, MN 55089
651-222-7079
www.welchvillage.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/15/10 Machine Groomed 12"-50"
Notes: 45 runs open, terrain park. Noon-7PM Mon-Thurs, 9am-7pm Fri-Sun.
Metro North
Powder Ridge
Kimball, MN 55353
1-800-348-7734
www.powderridge.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/08/10 Spring Skiing 20"-50"
Notes: 100% open, Spring conditions.
Wild Mountain
Taylors Falls, MN 55084
651-465-6315
www.wildmountain.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/11/10 Spring Skiing 28"-56"
Notes: 4 Terrain Parks open. www.wildmountain.com for more info and events.
Minnesota North
Andes Tower Hills
Alexandria, MN 56343
1-87-SKI-ANDES
Notes: Closed.
Buena Vista
Bemidji, MN 56601
800-777-7958
Notes: Buena Vista Ski Area is closed for the season.
Giants Ridge
Biwabik, MN 55708
800-688-SNOW (7669)
www.giantsridge.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/11/10 Spring Skiing 24"-45"
Notes: Hours of operation - 9:00am - 4:30 pm Mon thru Thurs and 9:00am - 8:00pm Fri, Sat and Sun.
Lutsen Mountains
Lutsen, MN 55612
218-663-7281
www.lutsen.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/11/10 Spring Skiing 32"-48"
Notes: Open with 4 Mountains, 10 lifts, 67 Runs and Terrain Park
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 55810
800-642-6377
www.spiritmt.com Last Ski Area Update: 03/11/10 Spring Skiing 18"-36"
Notes: 100% Downhill Runs OPEN. All 22km of Nordic Trails are OPEN and groomed. Both Terrain Parks and Halfpipe are OPEN.
Posted by: cjjohnso on March 16, 2010 at 12:05 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: downhill, minnesota, news, skiing, spring
The Iron Ring
I love live theater.
And, at times, live theater delivers more than a performance. it delivers life with all the expected emotions, feelings, sights and sounds. The Iron Ring takes those "expectations" a step futher.
You’ve wagered a bet. The stakes are high. The roll of the dice is all that lies between precious fortune and forfeiting your life to the ownership of a powerful king. As young Tamar, the central character of Minneapolis' Children’s Theatre Company’s (CTC) production of The Iron Ring learns, honor holds more weight than, perhaps, one man alone can carry.
So starts the stage adaptation of Lloyd Alexander’s fascinating adventure set deep in ancient India. In a quest to honor his debt to the powerful King Jaya, Tamar, the young king of Sundari who was born to the warrior caste, sets out to repay his debt and save his soul. Along the way, he is joined by a cast of comic characters—a mischievous monkey who finds himself wrapped in danger, an overgrown bird (of sorts) that has lost its memory—and the lovely, but courageous Mirri, a love interest to which young Tamar is oblivious.
Joined by the beautiful artistry of Ragamala Dance and the work of acclaimed Twin Cities’ choreographer Ranee Ramaswamy, The Iron Ring is an epic tale infused with humor and the fascinating movements of Bharatanatyam dance, a 2,000 year-old dance form originating in India.
“Ranee introduced me to The Iron Ring and this has been an amazing partnership. She brings a deep love of storytelling, and the Ragamala dancers are so exquisitely talented,” says Peter C. Brosius, artistic director for CTC and director of The Iron Ring. “I am dazzled by the dance form: its fierceness, delicacy and precision.”
The Iron Ring is based on Lloyd Alexander’s book by the same name and adapted for stage by Charles Way. Music composition is by Victor Zupanc; costume design is by Mary Anna Culligan; and lighting design is by Rebecca Fuller Jensen.
A cast of 14 includes five Ragamala dancers (Ashwini Ramaswamy, Tamara Nadel, Alison Kirwin, Amanda Dlouhy and Bria Borcherding), guest actor Ansa Akyea (King Jaya), four CTC performing apprentices and company members Reed Sigmund (Tamar), Gerald Drake (Rajaswami), Autumn Ness (Queen Shila Rani and Garunda) and Dean Holt (Hashkar, the monkey).
The Iron Ring...begins its' run March 12 and runs through April 10, 2010. Tickets information is available by calling (612) 874-0400 or by visiting www.childrenstheatre.org.
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the first theatre for young people to win the coveted Tony® Award for Outstanding Regional Theater (2003). Founded in 1965, CTC serves more than 300,000 people annually and is one of the 20 largest theater companies in the nation. CTC is noted for defining worldwide standards for youth theatre with an innovative mix of classic tales, celebrated international productions and challenging new work.
Posted by: cjjohnso on March 12, 2010 at 9:57 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: children, minneapolis, minnesota, news, the iron ring, theater
"SLUSH" for a Cure?
Mush for a Cure or Slush for a Cure?
It's been a long winter...and a white one. But just when we need some white in northeastern Minnesota it appears spring has decided to step in. No matter! The major charity event along the Gunflint Trail is still set to happen and you're invited to join in.
Mother Nature made the final decision for organizers of the sled dog Fundraiser Mush for a Cure. She decided no one should let the dogs out at the 4th Annual Mush for a Cure. There is some snow left on the Gunflint Trail but temperatures in the 50’s and the strong spring sunshine earlier in the week did their number on the frozen lakes and trails. The forecast calls for rain and more warm temperatures, exactly what the folks involved with the Mush for a Cure did not want to hear.
According to musher and organizer Mary Black, “All of the Mush for a Cure activities will be held this year, except for the mushing. The conditions just aren’t safe for 40 sled dog teams to travel the course.”
The mushers are still planning to come to the 4th Annual Mush for a Cure, some with their dogs and some without. Most mushers are grateful to know they will not be putting themselves or their dog teams in danger. They are also happy the rest of the festivities will go on as planned. According to participants, it’s not the mushing that matters but all of the funds that have been raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and how much fun the event is.
Kicking off the event will be The Pink Prom Pasta Party Friday night and The Bald, The Brave and the Beautiful. Heads are going to be shaved, a king and a queen crowned and a large amount of pasta consumed. Saturday morning there will be pancakes at Gunflint Pines, musher contests for prizes and then a dog truck procession to Trail Center where the fun will continue.
A carnival like atmosphere complete with competitions and games at Trail Center will further the fun for everyone. Locals and mushers have been looking forward to the 4th Annual Mush for a Cure since last year’s event and seeing mushers and dogs dressed in pink was just a part of the fun. The other part was seeing the community band together for a good cause and a great time and that won’t change at this year’s Mush for a Cure.
For more information about details of events throughout the weekend visit http://www.mushforacure.com.
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Posted by: cjjohnso on March 12, 2010 at 7:52 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: cancer, cure, dog sledding, minnesota, mush for a cure, snow
Minnesota Winter Trails Report
Rain is falling on much of the state - combined with above freezing temperatures, the trails are deteriorating rapidly. In general, trails throughout most of Minnesota are either in poor condition or have been closed due to a lack of snow. One exception is the Gunflint Trail at Grand Marias, which still offers fair to good conditions for skiing and snowmobiling. Skiers and snowmobilers wanting to hit the trails should first call ahead for the most current conditions.
A Snowmobile State Trail sticker is required for all snowmobiles operating on state or grant-in-aid trails.
All cross-country skiers on state park or forest ski trails, or on state or grant-in-aid trails, who are 16 years old or older must have a Minnesota Ski Pass.
To order cross-country ski passes and snowmobile trail stickers, dial 1-888-665-4236 or access the DNR Online License Sales web site.
Northeast Region
Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail
Most area cross-country ski trails are in spring condition, with many parts of the ski trail systems still offering good conditions. Groomers were out on many of the trails last week, and grooming continues where possible. There are klister conditions on some of the classic ski trails. Up the Gunflint Trail, ski trails in the Central Gunflint Trail vicinity have a 3-4 inch base, with 8 inches of snow in the woods. Skiers report late spring conditions. Snowmobile trail conditions are best along the Swamper and Musquash trails, and on the lower portion of the Gunflint Snowmobile Trail. These are accessed from the east end of Devil's Track Lake at The Landing Restaurant, at the parking lot at Two Island Lake, and the lot on the Gunflint Trail at the South Brule River. Many area lakes also offer good snow and fun riding conditions. Please contact the Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail Information Center for more information at 1-888-922-5000 or www.grandmarais.com.
Most other ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have now been closed due to a lack of snow. Trails may reopen with a significant snowfall.
Northwest and Central Region
All ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have now been closed due to a lack of snow. Trails may reopen with a significant snowfall.
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan Vicinity
All ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have now been closed due to a lack of snow. Trails may reopen with a significant snowfall.
Southern Region
All ski and snowmobile trails are either in poor condition or have now been closed due to a lack of snow. Trails may reopen with a significant snowfall.
Posted by: cjjohnso on March 11, 2010 at 2:32 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: cross country skiing, minnesota, news, snow, snowmobiles, trails
Minnesota Festivals & Events
Southern Minnesota
Eagle Spot Weekends will be offered each Saturday and Sunday through March 21 at Colvill Park in Red Wing, where many bald eagles either overwinter or stop during migration. Experienced volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions about eagle behavior, ecology and recovery, and there will be spotting scopes and binoculars for spectacular close up views. For more information, dial 1-800-498-3444, or visit www.redwing.org
The National Eagle Center in Wabasha will be the site of Soar With The Eagles each Saturday and Sunday through 28. This weekend's theme is The Eagle, with special activities such as eagle feeding, raptor education, the Irish Minstrels band, photography classes, and a homing pigeon release. For rates and times, dial 1-877-332-4537, or check out www.nationaleaglecenter.org
The 27th Annual Farm & Home Show will be held at the Windom Area Middle & High School buildings on Saturday, March 13, with over 80 vendors displaying their products and offering information on their services. There will also be educational seminars, a quilt show, live entertainment, a performance by the Zoo Man, and a petting zoo. Enjoy a great lunch here as well. Admission is free. For further information, dial 1-800-794-6366, or visit www.winwacc.com
The Steele County Fairgrounds Four Seasons Centre in Owatonna will be the site of the 9th Annual North American Farm & Power Show, Thursday through Saturday, March 18-20. Featured will be a wide range of indoor and outdoor agricultural and ag-related exhibits, products and information. To learn more, dial 1-800-423-6466, or check out www.visitowatonna.org
The Austin Home and Vacation Show will be held at the Riverside Arena in Austin, Friday through Sunday, March 19-21, with more than 140 home, lawn, garden, vacation and recreation exhibitors. In addition, enjoy Home Depot staff offering do-it-yourself seminars, Linder Farm Network officials answering agriculture-related questions, Captain Jack Sparrow’s moving pirate ship with photo sessions for the kids, the Koster race car simulator, the Jaycees trout tank, and drawings for a number of grand prizes. Admission is free. To find out more, dial 1-800-444-5713, or visit www.austincvb.com
The Olmsted County Fairgrounds 4-H Building in Rochester will be the site of the 2010 Rochester Woodcarvers 34th Annual Show, Saturday and Sunday, March 20 & 21. This annual woodcarving show offers the public an opportunity to see the wide variety of carving styles used by woodcarvers. There will be a People's Choice Competition, and carvings, tools, blanks and wood will be for sale. Admission is free. For more information, dial 507/285-1620, or check out www.rochesterwoodcarvers.com
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
The St. Paul RiverCentre will present the 21st Annual Let's Play Hockey Expo, Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13. Held in conjunction with the Minnesota boy's state high school hockey tournament, the Expo features more than 150 companies displaying the latest in hockey equipment and merchandise, hockey schools and camps, training devices and retail sales. Come try out new skates, sticks and helmets, and test your skills at many interactive booths. There will also be many door prizes and giveaways. Admission is free. For more information, dial 612-729-0023, or visit www.letsplayhockey.com
The Minnesota Golf Show will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, March 12–14. In addition to over 100 exhibitors, enjoy the indoor driving range, the $100,000 putting contest, the Closest to the Pin contest, the First Tee Kid's Clinic, the new 2nd Swing golf area, the Golf Academy Stage with instruction by some of the area's finest golf professionals, and the Golf Lounge where you can relax with your favorite beverage and watch the latest PGA tournament action! For further information, dial 612/335-6000, or check out www.minnesotagolfshow.com
The Landmark Center in St. Paul will hold the annual Day of Irish Dance on Sunday, March 14, with all things Irish including lively Celtic music, dancing and authentic vendors. And on Wednesday, March 17, head to the Landmark Center for the St. Patrick's Day Irish Celebration, with Irish culture, dance, music and vendors - at noon, head outside for the 44th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. To find out more, dial 651/292-3225, or visit www.landmarkcenter.org. For more on the parade, check out www.stpatsassoc.org
Wild Wild Midwest, featuring the North Star Roller Girls, will be held at Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday, March 20, featuring bouts between the Banger Sisters and Delta Delta Di, and between the Violent Femmes and the Kilmore Girls. Families and fans of all ages welcome, with pre-game entertainment by the cowboy yodeling band Rope Trick, children's activities by ARTrageous Adventures, and pre-game demonstrations on the basics of roller derby. To learn more, dial 612/208-9411, or visit www.northstarrollergirls.com
The Minneapolis Convention Center will be the site of the 78th Annual Northwest Sportshow, Wednesday through Sunday, March 24–28. This amazing outdoor fun marketplace offers everything for outdoor adventures, including hundreds of boats, the latest RVs, and gear and accessories for boating, fishing, hunting and camping! Witness dock dogs in action, register for vacation giveaways, fish tank demonstrations, the trout pond, Hunter's Laser Shot Gallery, and visit with outfitters and resorts to plan your next trip, book a vacation, and enjoy once-a-year deals! For rates and times, and to find out more, dial 1-800-777-4766, or check out www.northwestsportshow.com
And just some of the upcoming concerts and performances will include:
Mamma Mia! (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, March 9-14
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, March 14
Experience Hendrix featuring Joe Satriani, Billy Cox & Sacred Steel at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 17
Norah Jones at The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium in St. Paul, March 17
Baby Wants Candy at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, March 19
George Lopez at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 19
Bill Engvall at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, March 20
Alice In Chains at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, March 21
The Black Eyed Peas at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 22
Celtic Woman - Songs from the Heart at the Xcel Energy Center, March 24
The Jagermeister Country Tour featuring Eric Church & Josh Thompson at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, March 25
Willie Nelson at Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel in Prior Lake, March 26
Cheech & Chong at the Historic State Theatre, March 26
The Wizard of Oz at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 26-28
Michael Bublé at the Xcel Energy Center, March 28
Trampled By Turtles at First Avenue in Minneapolis, April 9
Carol Burnett at the Historic State Theatre, April 14
The Magnolias 25th Anniversary Show at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis, April 23
Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, April 28
The Bangles at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis, April 29
Pat Metheny at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, May 9
Smucker's Stars on Ice at the Xcel Energy Center, May 9
Brooks & Dunn "Last Rodeo" Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, May 14
Cats at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 14-16
The Barenaked Ladies at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, May 17
Daughtry at the Target Center in Minneapolis, May 19
Nickelback with Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown & Sick Puppies at the Target Center, May 24
Carole King / James Taylor - Troubadour Reunion at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, May 25
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Xcel Energy Center, June 22
U2 360º Tour at the TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, June 27
Pavement at the St. Paul RiverCentre Roy Wilkins Auditorium, September 12
The Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, September 15
For further information on any of these performances or events, please contact Ticketmaster at 651/989-5151
Central Minnesota
The city of Menahga will hold their annual St. Urho's Day celebration on Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13. Just some of the festivities and highlights include a pancake breakfast, the Changing of the Guard, a parade, bar stool races, a dance, and a pageant/talent show. Menahga is located 11 miles south of Park Rapids. For further information, dial 218/564-4754, or visit www.cityofmenahga.com
The 36th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration will be held Saturday, March 13 in the city of Crosslake. The St. Patrick's Day Parade will travel through downtown at 2:00 p.m. Just some of the other festivities include hot air balloon tether rides, Leprechaun coloring contest, a food & beverage garden, and live music and dancing all day. To learn more, dial 1-800-450-2838, or check out www.explorebrainerdlakes.com
Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Little Falls will present Habitat Day on Saturday morning, March 13, when participants will learn about two avian species that use nest boxes, the bluebird and wood duck. Activities include assembling a nest box to take home and set outside for new avian residents. There will also be numerous exhibits and information from resource-oriented groups and organizations. To find out more, dial 320/632-1575, or visit www.fws.gov/midwest/cranemeadows. For information on lodging and other area highlights, contact the Little Falls Visitors' Bureau at 1-800-325-5916, or www.littlefallsmn.com
Maple Syruping - From Tree to Taste will be offered at Sibley State Park in New London on Saturday, March 20. Join park staff as they demonstrate a springtime tradition, and explore the history of maple syruping, the tools of the trade, sap collection, processing, and best of all – tasting! Reservations are required. To find out more, dial 320/354-2055, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/sibley/index.html
WestRidge Mall in Fergus Falls will host the annual Spring Craft Show on Saturday, March 20. And on Sunday, March 21, head to the Charles Beck Gallery on the M State campus for the 39th Annual Area Invitational Art Show, where more than 50 artists from Fergus Falls and the surrounding area will have their paintings, carvings and ceramics on display. To learn more, dial 1-800-726-8959, or check out www.visitfergusfalls.com
A Maple Syruping Demonstration will be offered at Lake Maria State Park in Monticello on Saturday, March 27, with a chance to learn the basics of making real maple syrup. Highlights include on-going demonstrations on how to select and tap maple trees, and how to cook the sap. Afterwards, enjoy real maple syrup. For more information, dial 763/878-2325, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_maria/index.html
Northwest Minnesota
The Sportsman's 2010 Snowmobile Rally will be held Friday and Saturday, March 12 & 13, at the Sportsman's Lodge on Oak Island, the northernmost point in Minnesota. Snowmobilers and spectators will enjoy two full days of fun runs and radar runs, with a chance to win a 2010 600 IQ Shift Polaris Snowmobile. Other highlights include live entertainment, great food, snow games, children's games, and a Polar Splash. To learn more, dial 1-800-772-8411, or visit www.snowrally.sportsmanslodges.com
A Celtic Festival will be offered at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead on Saturday, March 13, to celebrate the rich culture of the seven Celtic Nations featuring. Enjoy a day filled with traditional Celtic music, watch bagpipers and the impressive footwork of dancers, participate in Make-And-Take craft activities and workshops, and feast on traditional Celtic foods! Admission to the Celtic Festival is free. For further information, dial 218/299-5340, or check out www.cityofmoorhead.com/parks
Big Bog State Park, located on Upper Red Lake at Waskish will present Ice Fishing on Ludlow Pond on Sunday, March 21. Bring your jiggle stick or an ordinary fishing pole and try your luck at catching some Ludlow Island panfish. The holes will be pre-drilled, and bait will be provided. Meet at the North Unit parking lot. To find out more, dial 218/647-8592, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/big_bog/index.html
Night Ranger will perform at Northern Lights Casino in Walker on Saturday, March 27. And on Saturday and Sunday, March 27 & 28, head to the Walker Area Community Center for the annual Sport & Travel Show. For more information on these and other area activities, as well as area lodging information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or check out www.leech-lake.com
Lake Bronson State Park, located two miles east of the town of Lake Bronson, will present The Annual Spring Dance on Saturday, March 27. Come learn about Sharp-tailed Grouse and their annual courtship display. The presentation will also cover historic and natural information about Sharp-tailed Grouse. And, be the first to reserve your spot in a viewing blind which will open in April, where you can witness the dance for yourself. Meet at the Victor Johnson Visitor Center - the park access is on County Highway 28. To learn more, dial 218/754-2200, or visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/lake_bronson/index.html
The Jose Cole Circus will perform at the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center in Thief River Falls, Tuesday evening, April 6. For more information, dial 1-800-827-1629, or check out www.visittrf.com
Northeast Minnesota
The 4th Annual Mush For A Cure will take place along the Gunflint Trail, running northwest from Grand Marais, on Saturday, March 13. This non-competitive sled dog race celebrates the sport of dog mushing, with proceeds donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Spectators will want to come early for the many fun activities on Friday, March 12, including Cut For A Cure haircuts, the Pink Pasta Party to meet the mushers, the Bald, Brave and Beautiful competition, and a Pink Prom dance party. And after the race on Saturday, hang out with your new mushing friends and dance to the sounds of Rod ‘n Real. To learn more, dial 218/388-2224, or visit www.mushforacure.com. For lodging information, contact the Grand Marais Visitors Bureau at 1-888-922-5000 or www.GrandMarais.com
The IRA Civic Center in Grand Rapids will host the 43rd Annual Jaycee's Home, Sport & Travel Show, Friday, March 19 through Sunday, March 21. And don't miss Fun Day on Sunday, March 21 at Mount Itasca, located in nearby Coleraine, featuring games, races, and more! For further information, dial 1-800-355-9740, or check out www.VisitGrandRapids.com
Saturday and Sunday, March 20 & 21, Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort in Biwabik will host their annual Giants Ridge Spring Carnival, with a fun-filled weekend of ski and snowboard competitions, live music and costume contests. For more information, dial 1-800-688-7669, or visit www.giantsridge.com
The 2010 World Of Wheels will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Friday through Sunday, March 26-28, with a huge variety of award-winning customs, locally-owned and built trucks, 4x4s, racing carts, hot rods, street rods, race-cars, custom cycles, classics, antiques, and feature vehicles. There will also be a multitude of vendors and fun, family entertainment. For rates and times, dial 952/925-4848, or check out http://duluthworldofwheels.com
Papa Charlie's at Lutsen Mountain in the city of Lutsen will host a Spring Carnival Festival, Friday through Sunday, March 26-28. Highlights include a comedy show, lots of live music and dancing, a Summit Chalet Deck Party, a family fun race and obstacle course, a costume contest, fireworks display, and the 3rd Annual Beach Party! Show up to the Deck Party in your costume, bathing suit, beach gear or grass skirt for outdoor music and a BBQ, weather permitting. Admission is free. For further information, dial 218/406-1320, or visit www.lutsen.com
The Audubon Center of the Northwoods in Sandstone will host the annual Pancake Brunch and Maple Syruping Program on Saturday, March 27, when participants will have a chance to tap trees, collect sap, process to sap, and enjoy real maple syrup! To find out more, dial 1-888-404-7743, or check out www.audubon-center.org
Treasures of the Earth Green Art & Goods will be offered at the Unitarian Church in Duluth on Saturday, March 27. Over 30 regional artists will display and sell items made out of recycled material or local natural materials. There also will be local nature photographers and paint artists. Come shop, learn, and support local artists. Admission is free. To learn more, dial 218/525-5098, or visit www.wendyupnorth.com
Posted by: cjjohnso on March 10, 2010 at 8:09 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: black eyed peas, carole king, celtic women, duluth, events, festivals, golf, irish, minnesota, news, nickelodeon, snowmobile, sportshow, st patrick
Timber Twister
don't you just hate it when winter is over and you can no longer "swoosh" down the snow covered slopes at break-neck speed, whizing by tree trunks and catapulting over downed logs on two fiberglass sticks attached to your feet?
Okay, we don't really do that, but the "speed and slope" stuff is pretty exciting. And now, Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minnesota is going to give us all an oportunity to experience this type of excitement year 'round.
A NEW Attraction is Coming to Spirit Mountain in July 2010
Spirit Mountain Recreation Area is excited to announce the anticipated opening of Duluth’s newest and most thrilling attraction, “Timber Twister”, in July 2010. “Timber Twister” is a year-round alpine coaster and will be the only one in the Midwest. There are only four others currently in operation in the U.S. making this a very distinctive attraction.
Those riding “Timber Twister” will race along a 3,200 foot track, through the forest, and down the mountain in individual coaster cars. Riders can travel alone or in pairs, and have complete control of their speed (up to 26 mph) for a truly unique, hands-on experience. Unlike an alpine slide, the coaster makes hairpin turns, is elevated off the ground like a roller coaster, and operates year-round due to its unique track system. With a few weather exceptions, riders will enjoy this one-of-a-kind sensation throughout the year. At the end of the ride down the mountain, guests will settle back in their cars for a comfortable and scenic return trip to the top. The complete “Timber Twister” experience will take riders on a thrilling six-minute journey while overlooking the wondrous views of Lake Superior.
According to Spirit Mountain’s Executive Director, Renee Mattson, “We are delighted to be building this alpine coaster. It will bring Spirit Mountain to a new level of business in the summer months, and be a wonderful addition to our winter business. In addition, it will bring many new travelers to the area, and will greatly enrich the experience for all those visiting Duluth. The “Timber Twister” brings Spirit Mountain one step closer to becoming the year-round recreation area that it was intended to be.”
The “Timber Twister” is a major component of the Spirit Mountain Master Plan that was approved in August 2008. Construction will begin in March and April with a Grand Opening planned for July 1st.
Posted by: cjjohnso on February 26, 2010 at 10:49 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: hairpin turns, lake superior, minnesota, mountain, news, thrills, track, twister
Looking For "Toothy" Monsters In Minnesota
Minnesota is making Muskie more available.
In response to growing interest in muskellunge fishing, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering the stocking of muskie in five new waters starting in the fall of 2011.
Proposed for muskie management are Roosevelt Lake in Cass and Crow Wing counties; Upper South Long Lake and Lower South Long Lake in Crow Wing County; Tetonka Lake in Le Sueur County; and the Sauk River Chain in Stearns County.
“All of these waters meet or exceed the biological and physical criteria for muskie management,” said Dirk Peterson, DNR acting fisheries chief. He said there are eight key biological considerations,
including:
- Proposed muskie waters must be greater than 500 acres.
- Waters must contain adequate numbers and species of prey fish.
- Water clarity must be moderate to clear.
- Gillnet catches for northern pike must be three or less.
- Waters must have the potential to produce a trophy fish.
“All five proposals are consistent with our management approach,”
said Peterson. “Also they have been selected in part because of their geographic location. These lakes represent a strategic approach to provide muskie fishing where opportunity is limited.”
The muskie is one of Minnesota’s largest fish, growing to more than 50 pounds and more than 50 inches in length. Anglers have become increasingly interested in the so-called “fish of 10,000 casts” now that 50-plus inch fish can be caught in Lake Mille Lacs, Lake Vermillion
and other waters that have been stocked since the 1980s.
“As muskie grew in size and abundance, so did interest catching them,” said Peterson, noting that muskie anglers are the fastest-growing segment of Minnesota’s fishing population. He said the DNR is addressing the trend of increasing interest in muskie through a long-range northern pike and muskie plan that was developed with stakeholder input. That plan calls for adding up to eight new muskie waters by 2020.
Today’s announcement of the five waters under consideration marks the beginning of a lengthy process to determine if the lakes will eventually become muskie waters. The DNR will post information on the proposed stocking at boat landings at the five lakes this spring, conduct public input meetings this summer and fall, and accept public comments until early next winter. If the DNR decides to move forward with the proposals, stocking would start in 2011. It would be 12 to 15 years after that before the fish reach 48-inches, the minimum size at which a muskie can be kept.
“Our process will be very transparent,” said Peterson, who noted the agency recognizes the muskie’s mystique appeals to a certain segment of anglers and generates the opposite reaction in others. The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming DNR stakeholder roundtable and later by a citizen advisory committee that is focusing on northern pike and muskie management.
Currently, muskies are found in 116 Minnesota water bodies. Of these,
64 are waters that have been stocked by the DNR.
Posted by: cjjohnso on January 07, 2010 at 3:43 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: fishing, minnesota, muskie, news, stocking, water
Minnesota's Split Rock Lighthouse Turns 100
Many times when people hear or think of the North Shore of Lake Superior their minds quickly recall the eerie lyrics of the song of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Many ships have fallen victim to vicious "Nor-easters'" on the worlds largest fresh water lake.
One hundred years ago a place along Minnesota's north shore was cleared and a lighthouse was erected to help Lake Superior captains navigate this inland sea. It was called Split Rock Lighthouse...and it still stands today.
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark's construction.
(Early construction photo of Split Rock Lighthouse - photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society)
In early 1907, the U.S. Congress appropriated $75,000 for "a lighthouse and fog signal in the vicinity of Split Rock, Minnesota." Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service in 1910, Split Rock Light Station soon became one of Minnesota's best-known landmarks. Restoration began in the 1970s, resulting in a lighthouse that now offers a historic picture of life in this remote and spectacular setting.
In the early years of the 20th century, iron ore shipments on Lake Superior doubled and redoubled. United States Steel's bulk ore carriers became “the greatest exclusive freight-carrying fleet sailing under one ownership in the world,” so the demand for a new lighthouse on the lake's inhospitable North Shore was hardly surprising. This rocky coastline has been called the most dangerous piece of water in the world.
The U. S. Lighthouse Service operated the site until 1939, when the U.S. Coast Guard took command. By that time, Split Rock's picturesque setting near U.S. Highway 61, built in 1924, had made it "the most visited lighthouse in the United States." The station closed in 1969, when modern navigational equipment made it obsolete. The State of Minnesota obtained the scenic and historic landmark in 1971. The Minnesota Historical Society now administers the 25-acre historic site restored to its pre-1924 appearance, a time when the isolated light station was accessible only by water
(photo of Split Rock Lighthouse - photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society)
Thousands of people each year enjoy the fantastic view of Lake Superiour from Minnesota's Split Rock Lighthouse.
Posted by: cjjohnso on December 28, 2009 at 12:31 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: anniversary, lake superior, lighthouse, minnesota, news, north shore, sea, shipwrecks
Holiday Message
This story was passed on to me some time ago. It is sad and joyous at the same time. Its' message is powerful yet releasing. Its' full meaning is special and unique to each who read it. At this special time of year when people are scurrying around to make sure they have enough of everything for themselves and everyone in their lives, this story and message provides enough.
Recently I overheard a Father and daughter in their last moments together at an airport. They had announced the departure.
Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the Father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'
The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'
They kissed and the daughter left.
The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'
'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'.
'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is - the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.
'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'
He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone...' He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more.
'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
He then began to cry and walked away.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.
TAKE TIME TO LIVE....
To my friends and loved ones, I WISH YOU ENOUGH
Posted by: cjjohnso on December 22, 2009 at 11:19 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: daughter, enough, father, forever, goodbye, joy, spirit
"2010" Noteable Minnesota Festivals & Events
Should you be looking for some interesting Minnesota events to experience in 2010, here is a brief list of a few of the more than 800 festivals and events hosted by Minnesota communities each year. You can find all the rest on www.exploreminnesota.com
A Few Noteable Minnesota Events in 2010
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 21-31, 2010
Long known as the nation’s oldest winter festival, since 1886 the Carnival provides indoor and outdoor fun, while reliving the ancient legend of springtime’s triumph over winter. The celebration includes 75 events including parades, ice and snow carving competitions, ice skating, golf on ice and singing contests.
www.winter-carnival.com
Grumpy Old Men Festival, Wabasha
Feb. 27, 2010
Celebrate winter with that grumpy old man’s hobby of ice fishing, in the town that inspired the movie of the same name. Other activities include an ice shack contest, Frisbee games, golf tournaments on snow, bird watching and a spaghetti dinner and dance. You may not run into Walter Matthau or Jack Lemmon, but this quaint Mississippi River town knows how to celebrate.
www.wabashamn.org
Minnesota Twins Home Opener, Minneapolis
April 12, 2010
History will be made when the Minnesota Twins open their season at Target Field, the new home of major league baseball in the state. With one of the most unique, spectacular parks in all of America, spectators will be thrilled with the seating bowl situated in the heart of downtown Minneapolis.
www.minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ballpark
Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival, Moorhead
June 25-27, 2010
Authentic Scandinavian event featuring dancing, entertainment, booths and food celebrating the heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The festival takes place at the Heritage Hjemkomst Center, home of the Viking ship which sailed from Minnesota to Norway in 1982.
www.scandinavianhjemkomstfestival.com
Sommerfest, Minneapolis
July-August, 2010
This annual music festival is offered by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vanska. Sommerfest concerts are held over a four-week period in midsummer at Orchestra Hall; concerts range from light to classical. Outside the Hall, Peavey Plaza becomes a Marktplatz offering food stands and music. The orchestra performs free live music on the plaza before and after each show, ranging from folk to jazz to polka band. www.minnesotaorchestra.org/sommerfest
Grand Celebration Powwow, Hinckley
July 2010
This American Indian event is the largest Pow Wow in the Midwest with over 1,200 dancers, drummers and singers from nearly every tribe in the USA and Canada participating. In addition to the dancing, visitors learn American Indian traditions, eat Indian food and can purchase Indian crafts.
www.millelacsojibwe.org
Split Rock Lighthouse 100th Anniversary, Two Harbors
July 31, 2010
Shipwrecks from a mighty 1905 November gale prompted this rugged landmark’s construction on the shore of Lake Superior. Completed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service on July 21, 1910, Split Rock Light Station soon became one of Minnesota’s best known landmarks. Restored to its 1920s appearance, the lighthouse offers a glimpse of lighthouse life in this remote and spectacular setting. Events will take place throughout 2010 to commemorate this anniversary year.
www.mnhs.org/splitrock
Bayfront Blues Festival, Duluth
Aug. 6-8, 2010
One of the largest annual outdoor music festivals in the Midwest showcases nearly 30 national performances on two concert stages. Additional weekend events include a Moonlight Mardi Gras Cruise and live Blues at nearly 20 Duluth nightclubs. The event takes place in Canal Park on Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. www.bayfrontblues.com
Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul
Aug. 26-Sept. 6, 2010
The Great Minnesota Get-together features world class entertainment, agricultural exhibits, horse shows, a rodeo, arts and craft displays, amusement park rides, a daily parade and food of every variety. The event attracts almost 2 million visitors each year. www.mnstatefair.org
Holidazzle Parades, Minneapolis
Nov. 26-Dec. 19, 2010
The annual Macy’s Holidazzle Parade shows over one million brilliant lights as visitors watch their favorite storybook characters come to life. Lighted floats, musical groups and costumed characters all lit up parade down the Nicollet Mall at 6:30pm, even as the winter weather descends upon Minneapolis. The parade is free to watch, and runs Thursday through Sunday during the holiday season.
www.macysholidazzle.com
Posted by: cjjohnso on December 17, 2009 at 9:59 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: carnival, duluth, hjemkomst, hollidazzle, lake superior, lighthouse, minneapolis, minnesota, minnesota state fair, minnesota twins, news, norway, parades, sweden
Where's there's Ice there's Fish...low
Now, don't run to fix that patch in your pop-up ice shack or change the sparkplug in your ice auger, but a "steady gate" wouldn't be out of the question.
Great news! Great ice! Great fishing!
"No" this isn't Lake of the Woods ice fishing for this season...it is an aerial photo of the Brainerd Lakes $50-thousand dollare ice fishing extravaganza from a couple of years ago. But, it definately shows people's enthusiasm for ice fishing in Minnesota! (photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota Tourism)
That pretty much sums up the early ice conditions on Lake of the Woods.
Ice fishing is in full swing with ice depths ranging from 12 inches plus in the Morris Point area.
Houses are going out and ATVs and snowmobiles are being used for transportation. Resorters are saying this is the best ice they’ve seen in 10 years. Very smooth, very flat and very clear. All this makes for great conditions for the great fishing.
As of this writing, walleyes are biting in 15-24 feet of water using shiner minnows. Sizes range from 15-18 inches with reports coming in about a 28.5 inch walleye caught this past weekend and a 32” and a 42” inch northern coming through the holes.
Near Pine Island fishing is showing consistent schools of 16-18 inch walleye coming through and a bunch of little saugers. Again, the ice here is clear and is around 10 inches thick. Temperatures in the area have already been as low as -27 so the area continues to make ice.
Remember "ice" is NEVER 100 percent safe, so check with your favorite at Lake of the Woods or any lake resort you may travel to for ice road conditions and travel to and from the fish houses.
Remember safety first!!
Posted by: cjjohnso on December 14, 2009 at 11:16 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: ice fishing, ice thickness, island, minnesota, news, northern pike, snowmobiles, walleye, winter
Nunset Boulevard
Nunset Boulevard
New York playwright Dan Goggin decided the best place in the entire world to premiere his newest “Nunsense” nonsense was the Chanhassen Dinner Theater in Chanhassen, Minnesota.
My wife Jolaine and I like musical comedy and have always been a fan of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Thus, deciding to see Nunset Boulevard, Goggin’s latest and last in this series of productions was an easy choice. We have enjoyed numerous excellent performances at the Chanhassen.
I do have to admit, however, we both were “disappointed” with the Nunset Boulevard presentation! Disappointed that it didn’t run another hour !!!!
I rarely cry but this show kept tears of joy in my eyes from the beginning to the end.
Okay, without giving the entire thing away, here is kind of how the play unfolds.
It’s good that opposites attract because these five Hoboken Nuns are about as opposite from each other…I don’t really know if you can have five opposites at the same time…as the north and south poles.
This quintet of black and white penguin-types have been invited to perform at the Hollywood Bowl, only to find out it is the Hollywood-Bowl-A-Rama. Yup, a bowling alley in Tinsel Town.
Oh, there’s more.
They decide they will honor the contract their agent committed them to and perform at the bowling alley cabaret lounge…between P.A. announcements asking patrons to move cars and check under their chairs for lost car keys.
During their “run” the Nuns learn that a big Hollywood producer is casting a new movie and they decide to audition. Well…at least they still have the cabaret gig.
Nunset Boulevard has some wonderful songs, interesting dance segments and one slightly “daffy” Nun (Sister Amnesia) that, at times has everyone in the audience scratching their heads while they laugh out loud.
At times I was laughing so much I tried to wipe the tears out of my eyes with the sleeve of my wife’s sweater. She told me the swelling around my eyes, where she inserted her elbow, would go away soon.
The music was wonderful and light. The characters, all five of them, a total delight. The singing (some interesting lyrics) and dancing was up to Chanhassen’s excellent standards and the set for Nunset Boulevard was something else.
Sitting in the Fireside Theater you felt as though you were actually sitting in the “Hollywood Bowl”…if you squinted real tight and looked directly into a spotlight.
You’re gonna love it!
cj
Posted by: cjjohnso on November 20, 2009 at 8:49 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: chanhassen theater, dancing, hollywood, minneapolis, news, singing, sunset boulevard
You Can Make The Holidays...Holidays
Minnesota’s “miracle of seasons” offers residents and visitors a plethora of experiences at any given moment.
There are always things to do, new places to visit or favorite spots to re-visit.
In-doors or out-doors, Minnesota is a state that millions of people just can’t get enough of and return year after year, season after season.
I am allowed to brag about Minnesota like this…not just because I work with media representatives who do stories about Minnesota…but, because I am a 40-year “transplant” to the land of 10-thousand lakes.
Each year I speak to media, groups, schools and organizations throughout the midwest about various destinations, attractions and activities in Minnesota. Without exception, one or more in attendance will comment after my presentation about my enthusiasm for this remarkable state.
The enthusiasm is real.
Having had the opportunity to travel edge-to-edge in Minnesota during the past ten years has fueled that enthusiasm even more.
That said, I would like to focus on something that also stirs personal passion during this holiday season. It has nothing to do with a unique place to visit or an attraction to experience. This something carries with it its’ own uniqueness and special experience through the act of doing.
Minnesota residents and its’ many visitors have a lot to be thankful for in just the natural beauty and wonders of the state.
So while we ponder and prepare for trips to family and friends across Minnesota and elsewhere during this holiday season, let’s not forget those for whom the holidays may be just another day on the calendar, another day to survive, another night without a warm place to sleep, another day without friends and family near.
It is difficult for many to believe that in this land of abundance there are still people suffering the pains of hunger or people freezing for lack of a roof or people lonely because they have not or cannot be together with family or friends.
This wonderful country has found answers for many crises, has worked to right many wrongs and has provided freedom for its people far and beyond similar accomplishments in any other country on earth.
However, the answer to hunger, homelessness and loneliness for many still eludes us.
I have found Midwesterners…to be generous and caring people.
If you can, during this long holiday season, try to find a way to take an extra step by donating to a food pantry…helping out a homeless shelter…visiting someone who you know will be alone at this time.
As much as you will help others you will help yourself beyond your greatest expectations, in the knowledge that you made a positive difference in someone’s life…if even for a moment.
It’s kind of a “pay it forward” attitude.
And, should you see someone...any time of year... that can’t seem to afford a smile, give ‘em one of yours!
Posted by: cjjohnso on November 12, 2009 at 2:26 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: family, holidays, lakes, media, minnesota, news
Is That A Deer In Your Headlights?
As Minnesota’s 1.2 million white-tailed deer population begins mating
season and becomes more active, the Minnesota departments of Public
Safety (DPS) and Natural Resources (DNR) urge motorist to drive at safe
speeds and pay attention. Deer movement peaks after sundown and before
sunrise.
photo courtesy Explore Minnesota Tourism
In the last three years in Minnesota, 2006-, there were 9,820
deer-vehicle crashes resulting in 18 deaths of which 16 were
motorcyclists. The crashes also resulted in 76 serious injuries of which
57 were motorcyclists. DPS reports the overrepresentation of
motorcyclists is due to the fact that motorcyclists lack the protective
cage other motorists have in vehicles. DPS and DNR estimate that only
one-third of the crashes are reported.
“Deer-vehicle crashes are hard to avoid, but these crashes can be
prevented if motorists buckle up, drive at safe speeds and never swerve
when encountering a deer in the road,” said Cheri Marti, director of
DPS Office of Traffic Safety. “Swerving to avoid a deer or any other
animal can result in your vehicle going off the road or into oncoming
traffic. The best defense is to be buckled and brake.”
Marti said that a motorcyclist’s best response is to slow down
quickly and, unlike other vehicles, swerve around the animal if traffic
allows. Riders are encouraged to wear helmets and other protective gear
to prevent injury or death in a crash.
Col. Jim Konrad, DNR Enforcement director noted that being
knowledgeable about deer activities can also help Minnesotan’s stay
out of harm’s way, especially during the fall breeding season,
commonly referred to as the “rut.” During the rut, deer are more
active than usual as they become preoccupied with mating. Summer’s
fawns can also make their ways onto roadways after their mothers leave
them to mate.
“It’s a time when deer don’t seem to maintain that invisibility
and distance that typically keeps them from dangerous interactions with
motorists,” Konrad said. He noted that drivers shouldn’t assume
trouble has passed completely when a deer successfully crosses the road.
Deer frequently travel in groups.
Hunters also play a role in moving deer during daylight hours. Small
game hunters moving through fields occasionally flush deer from their
resting places. Bear and bow hunters also flush deer from forested
areas.
“If you see hunters in blaze orange near the road it’s probably a
good idea to slow down, especially if you hear gunfire,” Konrad said.
Motorists also should slow down whenever farmers are harvesting
cornfields because deer are often flushed from fields as farm equipment
approaches them.
If a deer is struck by a vehicle, but not killed, drivers are urged to
stay their distance because some deer may recover and move on. However,
if a deer does not move on, or poses a public safety risk, drivers are
encouraged to report the incident to a DNR conservation officer or other
local law enforcement agency.
Motorist Safety Tips for Deer:
· Drive at safe speeds and be prepared and alert for
deer.
· Don't swerve to avoid a deer, this can cause you to lose control
and travel off the road or into oncoming traffic. The best defense is to
buckle up and brake.
· Don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from
crossing roads in front of you. Stay alert.
· Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes
on the shoulder of the road. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow
down.
· Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population; where
deer-crossing signs are posted; places where deer commonly cross roads;
areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forest land; and
whenever in forested areas between dusk and dawn.
· Deer do unpredictable things. Sometimes they stop in the middle
of the road when crossing. Sometimes they cross and quickly re-cross
back from where they came; sometimes they move toward an approaching
vehicle. Assume nothing. Slow down; blow your horn to urge the deer to
leave the road. Stop if the deer stays on the road; don’t try to go
around it.
· Any Minnesota resident may claim a road-killed animal by
contacting a law enforcement officer. An authorization permit will be
issued allowing the individual to lawfully possess the deer.
Posted by: cjjohnso on October 14, 2009 at 2:06 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: accidents, deer, mating, minnesota, motorcycles, news, outdoors, vehicles, woods and waters
Minnesota's Mississippi Monster
Minnesota’s Mississippi Monster
There’s something in the Mississippi River near Lake City, Minnesota. “Something” that no one has been able to identify or fully document
It was back in 1871 that the Minnesota State Historical Society recorded in The Minnesota Book of Days; April 28, 1871 “a lake monster is seen swimming in Lake Pepin”.
Pepie was born.
Taking that information, Larry Nielson, a Lake City businessman, promoter and founding member of the Lake City Tourism Bureau decided to offer a reward to anyone who could document Pepie’s existence. As Larry described his venture, “over the years I have heard stories of Pepie, MN State Historical Society data, Indian lore, etc. Recently I was watching a documentary about Loch Ness. I thought to myself that it looked like an area I would want to visit. In the documentary, they were searching for Nessie, but alas they were not able to prove the existence of the Loch Ness Monster. I got to thinking. Loch Ness and Lake Pepin are almost identical in size and topography. We each have historical sightings of a lake monster but positive proof seems hard to come by”. So, Larry posted a fifty-thousand dollar reward for proof positive that Pepie exists.
Enter Heidi Frier.
( Pictured:Heidi Freier, documentary film Director and Expedition leader, Cory Breault, scuba diver, Larry Nielson, Lake City, MN businessman and promoter, Michael Blue, underwater camera operator, sonar and audio engineer, Tom House, cameraman, Michael Bartsch, Assistant Director, cameraman, Gary W. Peterson, cameraman )
It will be a while yet before we find out what an underwater dive crew discovered in the dark depths of the Mississippi River near Lake City.
What they saw and experienced and possibly filmed, only they know at this time.
Heidi Freier is a documentary film director and led the expedition to Minnesota’s Lake Pepin over the Labor Day weekend. They were searching the legendary Pepie. Pepie is known to locals as the Lake Pepin Monster. There are many stories about Pepie and the lore surrounding this creature continues to grow.
( Photo: Director Heidi Freier prior to departure. Photo by Tom House, thomashousephotography.com)
When I contacted Heidi, she and her seven member documentary crew had just finished their exploratory dives. I asked Heidi how she came to hear of Pepie and what prompted her to do a documentary about the legendary Mississippi beast?
As Heidi recalled, “The story about recent Pepie sightings and the $50,000 reward offered by the Lake City Tourism Bureau surfaced as I was finishing my last documentary ("Running of the Llamas") and thinking about what to do next. I’m a bit of an armchair cryptozoologist and have always been intrigued by stories of the Loch Ness Monster. The opportunity to do something similar here in Minnesota was irresistible”! She continued, “it’s fair to say I am drawn to subjects that are quirky in some way. If all goes well, this could be the first in a series”. I believe there are good reasons why some legends persist over generations. And it’s more fun to allow for the possibility that we don’t know everything there is to know”.
Heidi’s crew came equipped with a scuba diver, underwater cameras and sonar gear. Heidi says the diver reportedly saw something so large that it literally scared him out of the water and he refused to go back in! I asked her to describe for me what the diver reportedly saw....how big, how close, how come it scared him so much? Has the sighting given him nightmares? Will he ever re-enter the waters of Lake Pepin?
Heidi was somewhat guarded as she explained...”I will say we saw some unexplained readings on the sonar equipment and sent our scuba diver down to try to get a look. He was under a long time and resurfaced in a panic. Whatever he saw scared him right out of the water. I don't know how it's affecting him now.
( Photo Diver Cory Breault is apprehensive. Photo by Tom House)
Having been scared to such a degree that he didn't want to re-enter the river, will this experience cause him to give up his underwater searching for unknown monsters?
“Cory was reluctant to dive in Lake Pepin in the first place. I’m guessing his monster hunting days are over”. Heidi continued her recollection of her divers experience in the muddy Mississippi...”his (her diver) diving career was previously limited to tropical and coastal waters; while he’d encountered large creatures in the ocean, they were readily identifiable. I’d hoped he would become a regular collaborator but he won’t return my calls. The crew also caught some "unexplained sightings" on their underwater camera but they were not able to definitively prove the existence of Pepie...at this time”.
I pushed a bit further asking Heidi to tell me some of the sighting descriptions various crew members gave. Heidi was a bit more explicit in her descriptions...”everyone was excited by the unusual sonar readings and sounds. The sonar operator was reporting something 30-35 feet long in the vicinity of the dive site. The underwater footage is creepy but somewhat inconclusive. We're still analyzing all of the data we collected”.
Larry Nielsen also related recent “sightings” in the Lake City area...”Resident Shelly Schimbeno saw something several years ago while water-skiing. She works at the restaurant her parents own called Chickadee Cottage. Local home owner Roger Garlitch saw something “very large” about two weeks ago in front of his dock that scared him pretty good. Many of us have seen large wakes, big “logs” floating upstream against the current, etc. A woman from Moline, Illinois and myself saw a large shadowy something in the moonlight on a moonlight cruise this past Labor Day. Lot’s of sightings like that, no proof”.
Next I asked Heidi to give me her assessment of the teams experience on Lake Pepin? What would you tell the public about what may inhabit the waters? Will your story of Pepie drive people away from the lake or draw them to the location in hopes of sighting the monster? Heidi’s response was once again as mysterious as the legend of Pepie...”We had a very exciting and productive experience on Lake Pepin. I assembled a somewhat skeptical team of experts who ended up being unanimous in the opinion that we detected something in the water that day. I can’t say it was a lake monster, and I can’t say it wasn’t”.
As to whether or not the public with blanket the Mississippi River with boats at Lake Pepin because of Heidi’s findings she replied “People will have to draw their own conclusions but I’d guess this could result in others wanting to take a look. People travel to Scotland from all over the world in hopes of spotting Nessie, and there isn't even a reward offered there as far as I know”.
(photo Director Heidi Freier addresses the Expedition Team prior to departure. Photo by Larry Nielson )
Nielsen also indicated that since the reward for Pepie has been posted and the legend grows and more and more people are discovering Minnesota’s lower Mississippi River Valley...many of them remarking they are amazed at the beauty and wish they had visited before Pepie drew them to the shore.
I felt compelled to ask Heidi if she and her crew will return and would she enter the water at Lake Pepin, knowing what she knows today? Her answer was a yes and a no...”Everyone but the diver is on board to go out on the Lake again. I'm not done looking for Pepie!
So, when might the Pepie documentary be available to the public? “The expedition received funding from a lake monster "discovery and preservation" society located in Great Britain. I imagine they’ll be instrumental in getting the documentary out in the U.K. With any luck it will be picked up in the US by a cable TV network. Angular Features (my production company) will organize local screenings on both sides of Lake Pepin in the foreseeable future”.
Nielsen is a businessman and promoter who owns a couple of Hotels and a paddlewheel boat “Pearl of the Lake” in Lake City, Minnesota. He says “whenever a TV feature is aired or newspaper article printed, our phone calls in Lake City the next day are usually 2 or 3 times normal volume. Also, many people stop by on their way through town or make a special trip to town to ask about Pepie. We know that this has made people interested in the area.
Larry added, “National Geographic Magazine called the Lake Pepin area one of the 10 most scenic drives in America. Yet many don’t know about it and have a habit of “going up north” for vacations. Last year two sisters from Minneapolis were down for the first time. One of them exclaimed to me; This (Lake Pepin) is so beautiful and I can’t believe we didn’t have to fly to get here”.
(photo: Expedition guide Fizz Kizer studies map of Lake Pepin. Photo by Michael Bartsch)
And....When you visit, keep and eye on the water. You may meet “Pepie”!
Don’t forget to visit www.pepie.net
Posted by: cjjohnso on October 09, 2009 at 11:07 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: documentary, lake pepin, minnesota, mississippi river, monster, news, pepie, red wing, scared
Time To Put Your Boat To Bed....Nearly!!!
When you've gotta say goodbye for the season.
(aka: winterizing your boat)
Thanks to our good friends at Minnesota's Crestliner boat company, we have some excellent advice on making sure our boats and motors are as ready for winter as we are. Get a pencil. Take some notes. Or, just print out this column and take it out to your boat when you're ready to winterize.
For some people, winterizing a boat means adding fuel stabilizer, draining the engine and adding antifreeze. But to the tender and compassionate boat owner, it's more like a loving, traditional rite. Especially if you're tucking her in for a long Minnesota winter.
Appearance matters: Face it. You won't have your hands on her all winter long. Now's the time to give her some tender loving care, and show her just how much she means to you.
• Check the hull for stress cracks and have a professional take care of anything that looks serious.
• Remove all barnacles and other tagalongs from the bottom of the boat.
• Use a pressure washer to remove dirt and sea scum.
• Touch up paint nicks to prevent corrosion.
Pretty on the inside: Do we have to say it? Don't neglect the interior! You'll want to use a boat cover that's well-ventilated for good airflow to minimize moisture and avoid mold. But before you even think of putting on the cover, take some time to prepare the interior features for that long Minnesota sleep:
• Use vinyl cleaners or gel protectants to prevent vinyl from drying out and cracking.
• Any removable electronics should spend the winter in a kinder location.
• Spray all exposed electrical connections with moisture-displacing lubricant.
• Do a thorough cleaning of all brightwork, vacuum/wash the carpets and deck.
• Built-in units, including sinks and showers, should be drained and pumped with antifreeze.
Maintenance matters: A few little maintenance tasks will also go a long way:
• Disconnect all batteries and clean the terminals with baking soda solution. Put Vaseline on the clean, dry terminals and store the fully charged battery in a ventilated area.
• Store the outboard in a down position, if possible. Cover the exhaust outlet to keep it from collecting water.
• Check the motor for frayed or loose wires, connections and clamps. Replace mushy or cracked hoses, and check belt conditions – adjust the tension as needed.
• Add stabilizer to the fuel tank and idle the engine for 10 to 20 minutes to distribute it throughout the system.
• Check your propeller and hub in water or through a garden house attachment. Prop blades can nick or bend during the season, and the hub can become stripped. Take advantage of the winter break to replace the propeller if needed and make any other necessary repairs.
• Make sure to check your owners manual for specific requirements for your model.
Professional help: Get it sooner rather than later. Don't store significant structural damage or engine problems along with your boat. If you do, you'll also give those unwelcome problems more time to incubate and compound… possibly leading to a bigger headache in the spring. Invest in professional repair early, and you won't regret it.
Storage: If you plan to store your beloved outdoors, make sure you've got a proper boat cover in order to prevent ice accumulation – that nasty Minnesota event that will split open your hatches and window tracks, inviting leaks and water damage in the spring.
Finally, if the thought of all this tedious cleaning and storage preparation starts to get you down, just remember: the better condition you store your boat in, the happier you'll both be when you reunite in the spring.
Posted by: cjjohnso on October 02, 2009 at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: barnacles, batteries, boats, carpet, cleaning, fuel, minnesota, news, outboard engines, propeller, stabilizer, vinyl cleaners, winterizing
Oh Yes...We've Got Fish!
There is no question that a huge majority of residents and visitors to Minnesota each year love to fish. Fishing is one of the primary magnets that “hooks” people into and around the state.
In recent years, anglers in Minnesota have shown concerns for various restrictions placed on fishing limits…slot limits in particular…on some Minnesota waters. To those concerns I can simply say, as an avid fisherman myself, “limits” are a medicine that becomes necessary at times to promote a healthy fishery. I am not a marine biologist, but I certainly respect the expertise of these individuals in caring for Minnesota waters. I know I am over-simplifying the subject, but any of us who fish Minnesota waters have seen the increased pressure many lakes and rivers in the state have been under in recent years. For this reason and others, I am willing to accept necessary limits that will make a fishery healthier and more productive in the future. I also practice “catch and release” most of the time I am on the water and enjoy the excitement of the hunt as much as the catch.
There is another fishing related concern I hear from other anglers from time to time. That concern has to do with how much pressure is put on Minnesota waters by fishing tournaments each year.
The DNR limits the size and frequency of tournaments on lakes smaller than 55,000 acres.
By limiting the number of contests held on any lake on a monthly basis, the Minnesota DNR is addressing the concerns of lake users that fishing tournaments may disturb their fishing, swimming, boating and other water recreation. For the most part, the tournament program has resulted in fewer complaints over the last several years because tournament organizers distributed tournaments over a number of lakes rather than focusing on a select few.
So you see, there is a method to what we lay-people may perceive at times as madness in keeping Minnesota waters healthy and productive.
We’ve probably all seen photographs from 50 or 60 years ago depicting a half dozen anglers posing with 75 or more walleyes or northerns or muskies that they caught on a single outing in Minnesota. Fifty years ago the fishing pressure on Minnesota waters was probably half of what it is today. So, those types of “stringers” are part of history.
But, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Minnesota’s number one past-time…fishing.
We can! We simply need to preserve the resources that we have and help them grow.
Remember, in Minnesota the fishn's always great. It’s the catch'n we’ve got to work on!
Then we can work on the "release" part.
Posted by: cjjohnso on September 08, 2009 at 2:27 PM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: catch and release, fishing, minnesota
Minnesota Fall Color Ideas
Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area - Photo credit Explore Minnesota Tourism
Warm, sunny days and cool nighttime temperatures will soon result in the appearance of fall colors across Minnesota.
The brilliant colors of fall inspire us to try to capture some of these beautiful images with our cameras. But too often, the great scene we saw doesn't translate into a great photo. However, with a little extra thought and care, we casual photographers can catch some of the magic of fall in our pictures.
Ely Minnesota Wilderness Photo - Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota Tourism
Here are some tips from Explore Minnesota Tourism photographer Paul Stafford. You may have seen much of Paul’s fabulous photo work on commercials, in magazines and on billboards in and around Minnesota as well as filling hundreds of pages on the Explore Minnesota Tourism web site at www.exploreminnesota.com.
Paul says “photos of fall landscapes need something significant to catch the eye, such as a figure, a prominent physical feature, a condition of light, or a special splash of color. Paul believes good landscape images often require two or more visits to a location to find the right viewpoint and the right time of day to photograph the scene.
Minnesota's Leech Lake Area - Photo credit: Explore Minnesota Tourism
Paul suggests you try some of these ideas for composition and lighting”;
Show depth in landscapes by putting elements in the foreground, middle distance and background. The eye travels to a light spot in a picture, so try to place one deep in your composition.
• Possibly frame your subject with branches or other elements in the foreground to call attention to it.
• To avoid a static, symmetrical look, set up off-balanced compositions. Place the focus of interest away from the center of the photograph.
• Shoot early and late in the day. Early morning and late afternoon light turns a golden color, bathing everything it strikes in a warm glow.
• Try using a polarizing filter, which deepens blue skies and enriches fall colors by removing glare and reflections in shiny leaves.
Minnesota’s fall color reports are gathered from information provided by color observers in state parks.
Typically, fall colors in Minnesota peak in along the Canadian border in mid to late September. Peak colors generally come to the northern third of Minnesota in the last week in September or early October. The following weekends bring peak colors in central Minnesota including the Twin Cities area. On average, the southern and southeastern part of the state should have good color through the third week in October.
“The fall color season always brings visitors out to enjoy the scenic beauty of Minnesota state parks. Since all 72 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are open to the public year round, people have the opportunity for recreation and relaxation in all seasons.
Another major factor that helps boost fall visitation – fewer bugs and mosquitoes.
On weekends, Minnesota's state parks are usually pretty busy in the fall. If you want to spend a more quiet time in the park, come during the week if you can. During the week, camping is more available and you likely will not need a reservation.
Visitors from several states flock to Minnesota each fall to enjoy the spectacular fall colors and the potential of capturing a special memory on film.
Minnesota's Savanna Portage State Park - Photo Credit: Explore Minnesota Tourism
You can follow the progress of the fall colors in Minnesota be checking the state tourism website at www.exploreminnesota.com.
Posted by: cjjohnso on September 02, 2009 at 9:43 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Tags: fall colors, midwest, minnesota, north countr, photos, sunrise, sunset, tourism, travel, water, wilderness, woods
Deer Women
A while back I profiled a Minnesota lady who wanted to let other women know that deer hunting is NOT just a man’s sport! And, Judy Koep of the Brainerd Lakes area can cite 47 years of hunting experience to prove it.
Judy says she got started in deer hunting because I didn't want to stay home when Marv ( Marv Koep is a Fishing Hall of Fame guide in the Breezy Point area and, Judy’s husband ) left for an outing. Judy had small game hunted before and enjoyed the outdoors. She grew up on a farm and enjoyed tramping in the woods., etc. so it was natural that she started deer hunting the first year we were married and has hunted every year since.
Judy remembers ‘breaking in’ to what had always been considered the man’s sport, deer hunting. Judy says her father-in-law had a fit when he heard that Marv was taking her along hunting and made "no bones" about it. but Judy persisted and she says eventually he grew to like the idea. In fact, when she hunted on my father-in-laws land, he would even give her some of the better stands. Judy says she really took a lot of abuse by some men hunters one year, but it only made her more determined to continue hunting.
"Now, all of Marv's sisters and their daughters hunt” said Judy.
Judy does admit, however, that her deer camp is probably a bit different than the traditional deer camps that men relish. “Most of the time the ladies deer camp, is her own home!! Nice warm bed. Although, Judy admits she has stayed in cabins, etc. Judy says the ladies in her deer camp take it serious and get a good nights sleep the night before Opening.
Judy’s deer hunt is mostly “just for ladies”. Judy started hunting at age 20, but her daughter and granddaughter started soon after taking gun training. They all look forward to the fun of getting together for chili at the local cafe and talk smart about their hunting experiences. Judy says her daughter Shelley is by far a better woods-person and that her granddaughter prefers the fun of the hunting party, eating, telling stories. We laugh and laugh” reflects Judy.
Judy Koep likes everything about being outdoors. And she likes to be very quiet when she is outdoors so she can take in all that is new and interesting around her. For example…”On a 'drive' one time she was standing on a little rise in a swampy area. She stood perfectly still and a chickadee landed on the brim of her hat. It looked her in the face, swinging its’ head back and forth. Judy says she stayed perfectly still and she and that bird had a long stand off before it flew off.
“Being so still, you see, smell and hear so much that you never experience by just taking a walk in the woods. It's the deer's home, they know every inch so you have to outsmart them” said Judy.
But, being still doesn’t mean that Judy doesn’t get her buck.
As Judy tells her story...“I have usually shot a deer every year. Maybe only once or twice that I have not filled out. My most prized deer was when I was sitting in the woods across from a drive that the other hunters were making. As I sat so still I heard or sensed something behind me and low and behold there was a nice buck sneaking in from the back-side, but going away from me. I did get it after a few shots. and everybody else that was hunting with us thought I must be lost and was firing for help or something”.
Daughter or Grand-daughter, it doesn’t matter, Judy lets everyone in her hunting party know there are rules to follow. Judy says “they know from dad (Marv) that they are welcome, but they are to follow good sportsmanship and especially safety rules!
Judy also has some tips for ladies, or anyone else that want to get started deer hunting. “Go with a brother, dad or husband that will introduce you to the great outdoors. Wear warm but comfortable clothes. Enjoy and appreciate every little thing about nature that you see, hear or smell. Expect nothing and you'll receive so much”.
Yes, even Judy has had a couple of hair-raising tales to tell about her deer hunting experience. This sounds like a tall tale but Judy claims she almost got run over by a buck. As Judy tells it, "I shot it ( the buck) while I was sitting on the ground, it swung around and came right for me. My gun jammed when my jacket cloth got caught in the rifle chamber when I ejected the shell. I ducked behind the tree and dirt hit me in the face as the buck swung by. I had a hard time sleeping that night.
For a long time Judy's kid's laughed about "Grandma got run over by a ( reindeer)--deer" the Christmas song” said Judy.
How much does Judy enjoy deer hunting in Minnesota? Judy is her church’s organist on Sunday’s.
She said that when her church’s new pastor came to town sometime back, she told him that in Minnesota the first weekend in November is considered….."HOLY WEEK - end".
She didn't say whether or not the pastor was impressed!
Posted by: cjjohnso on August 26, 2009 at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Purple Feet Are Happy Feet
If you have no problem with shedding tears…of laughter…have I got a plan for you!
For those old enough to remember the “I Love Lucy” television show, this event will bring back fond memories. For those too young to remember the program but may have seen re-runs on the tube, this will help you understand why your parents break into laughter whenever “I Love Lucy” comes up in a conversation.
It seems everyone who has seen this early comedy t-v show has a favorite segment. One of the favorites was the “Candy Factory” show. But the most mentioned Lucille Ball scene was from Lucy’s Italian Movie….The Grape Stomp”.
Well scrub your “tootsies” and dress up as Lucy and prepare to re-enact the famous grape stomping scene September 11th through the 13th.
Every fall the Carlos Creek Winery near Alexandria, Minnesota holds it’s Grape Stomp Weekend. The highlight of the weekend is the Lucy look-alike contest capped off with a “grape stomp”. Yup, Lucy Wanna-Be’s kick off their shoes, climb into a vat full of grapes and “squish” away to the encouragement and cheers of hundreds of onlookers. No survey has been officially conducted to determine just how long it takes to get the grape stains off the contestants’ feet, but speculation is the contestants wear “opaque socks” for several weeks.
Entry is free, and contestants are expected to get messy. I have personally witnessed this event on a couple of occasions and recommend you bring a box of tissues with you because you are going to laugh 'till you cry!
But there is more to experience and take in when you attend the Grape Stomp. You can relax and listen to several musical groups playing everything from bluegrass to classic rock and roll. You will enjoy more than 200 food and craft vendors set up on the winery grounds and specializing in all sorts of unique foods and handcrafted items.
Carlos Creek Winery boasts the largest grape vineyard in Minnesota and has an orchard of 8,000 apple trees. Enjoy winery tours anytime of the day. Feel free to walk around the grounds and tour Minnesota's largest Siberian Elm Maze and Wine Cave.
And, Alexandria, Minnesota has a lot to offer their visitors. This city, surrounded by lakes, has gotten a lot of press as home to the Runestone, a rock with carvings reputed to have been left as a message by Viking explorers six centuries ago. The controversy over the authenticity of the stone continues, and visitors can check it out for themselves at the Runestone Museum in downtown, Alexandria. Now, I'm Norwegian and the only way I could tell if the Rhunestone is real, is if it was made out of Lefse. I know mhy Lefse!
And, Main-street Alexandria offers up even more venues to fill out your day or weekend visit. Several antique shops are conveniently located along the busy main-street…along with several restaurants and a comfortable coffee shop with windows on main-street so you can “people watch” as you relax over a meal or a steaming cup of coffee. There are also plenty of resorts around the numerous lakes in the Alexandria area that offer a wonderful fall escape. You can also keep an eye on the fall colors that are about to erupt about the time of the Grape Stomp.
Oh, and make sure you have film in your camera.
Enjoy!
Posted by: cjjohnso on August 14, 2009 at 8:52 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
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