Well - you keep calling to ask so here's an update for you.  Currently we have about 12-14 inches of snow in the woods.  The ski and snowmobile trail base is approximately 4-6 inches.  We've had 1 new inch of snow in the past 48 hours- just enough to breath a little freshness into the ski trails.  Guests have been telling me that the ski trails are actually really nice.  The snowmobile trails are rideable but you may have to go a little slower than usual.

I know there's not much snow elsewhere in the state, but we really do have it.  Come and see!

Shari

It's a balmy -19F this morning and that's right, today is the trout fishing opener on MN Canada lakes outside or partly outside the BWCAW.  In the past 2 weeks, the phone calls checking ice conditions have increased steadily.  After a slow start this winter season we're happy to report that there is now a solid 10 inches approximately 100ft from shore.  We still advise using caution as you would on any ice. 

The deer have returned to the Campground for the winter.  They come up to the lodge for handouts each morning and around 3:30 each afternoon.  One little guy has been bold enough to hand feed for the past couple years and runs right up to me as soon as I appear outside.  I dont' encourage this with any of the other deer - but it's kind of fun to get this close to one.

Shari 

Well it what a great way to start the new year!   Sunny and beautiful and we had 3-4 inches of fresh snow to play with. Let's hope it's a sign of what's to come.   It's been awhile since I've posted so here's what's been happening.  

Christmas day was great for the Baker family.  It's the only day of the year we don't open the resort and we look forward to it all year.  We did the usual opening presents, play with the new toys and eat.  Then we got dressed in our outdoor gear, trailered the snowmobiles and went for an afternoon ride.  The riding was slow and careful as there was only about 4-6 inches on the ground yet.  We had a great ride never ran into anyone and found a moose antler too. 

The next morning the lake was finally frozen over, for the 3rd and final time this year.  It's very unusual for it to be happening this late.  The temps since then have dropped enough at night to keep building ice.  This year several of our Holiday time guests have asked about the sounds they have been hearing when they are outside at night. They are fasinated to find that they are the sounds of the ice forming.  It's pretty interesting to hear the moans, groans, glubs and zings as the Ice grows into it's form for the season.

Guests have been skiing, though prior to this recent snow - it has been more of a challenge.  Yesterday's snow finally allowed us to compact and comb most of the Ski trail System.   There is snow predicted for this Thursday so let's hope it doesn't get too warm before then. 

We have also been starting to use the snowmobile trails however we are still traveling at slow speeds and do not advise using Gunflint Lake at all yet.   Bob led a guided tour to the west end overlook and cross river and back.  Today guests rented sleds and took the same trip on their own.  

A couple days ago one of our guests ventured onto Gunflint Lake (following the shoreline) on his extreme skates.  They're 19 inch clamp on style skates designed for speed.  You can find more information about them at www.nordicskater.com.  During his adventure he got a little lecture from a concerned observer so today we checked the ice and approximately 50 ft from shore we had 5 inches.  It's not uncommon to be thinner in the center, so we are still not encouraging lake travel.

I'll have some fresh pictures to share tomorrow.  Until then - Good night.      Shari