Bob serves as the Asst. Fire Chief and an EMT on our local volunteer fire department and I serve as an EMT.  At 1:11am this morning Bob and I were awoken by a page for a fire call. Usually it takes a minute or two for the information to register as we are waking from a dead sleep.  This time however we were immediately alert as the call was for a cabin fire at Gunflint Lodge next door.  Their cabin units numbered 26 & 27 was fully engulfed in flames.  Guests were staying in the units but no one was injured. 

This fall we've deciced to add an additional color to our fall color palet - white!  That's right - we woke to a nice inch of snow on the ground this morning.  I've heard we're not alone as much of Minnesota got the same treatment.  It's not unheard of to have snow this early.  In fact I remember the earliest I've noted seeing snow was September 12th one year.  It usually is pretty short lived.  In fact I'm still hoping that we have a suprise November with a couple of nice weather weeks.  Here's a couple pictures so you can enjoy the fall colors.

Now we really need to finish splitting the wood.  Anyone want to help!  We've got openings next weekend. - Shari

Sometimes it's as simple as a smile and a nod on their way out the door, or an expressed thank you.  But occassionally a guest will go out of their way to reply with an e-mail or letter.  No matter how it comes back to us it reaffirms why we do what we do.  Thank you for sharing your vacation time with us. - Bob & Shari

"We have been home now for a week after spending our vacation with you on the Gunflint Trail. It was hard to get back into our regular work routine after camping, hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking for 2 weeks in Minnesota. We had a great time and enjoyed every minute. The campsite was great, your hospitality excellent and the beauty of the BWCA amazing. We saw eagles, beaver, fox, porcupine, deer, Loons, and even one bear. Thank you so much for your help. We are fortunate that there are people like you who make the sacrifices to provide the rest of us with the opportunity to experience the Northwoods!

Thanks again!

Tim and Connie

Last night, Bob and I had just retired for the evening and were just about to fall asleep, when Bob thought he heard something outside.  He thought it might be somthing getting at the Chickens - which reminded me I had not secured them in the coop for the evening - so I ran to the basement, out the back door to find that all was well, they were safe and secure.  I locked them up, and trudged back up the 2 flights of stairs to let Bob know they were safe. 

Then he said - but can't you hear that?  "No - What?" so I went to the window to listen more closely.  I thought I heard someone yell "Heyyyy!"  So I figured I'd better go down and figure out what was going on.  So out into the lodge to the entry, open the door, look around and see the Little red Garbage truck parked out front, and garbage strewn about - Bear sign!  So I popped back into the house to let Bob know bears were getting into the garbage.  

 ***I should stop here and explain to those that might not know - we have had a Mama bear and her two cubs on garbage check all summer.  Each evening they check each canister to see that we've removed the trash and left nothing behind.

As Bob was rousting, I returned to the lodge entry to see what I could see.  There was mama bear not 10ft outside the front door rifling through the lone bag of garbage that was from today.  I heard the Cubs bawling from a nearby tree, but couldn't understand what had spooked them.  By now Bob was in the living room finding a headlamp, so I announced the location of Mama.  I went to fetch my camera and he went to the window only to see a wolf now perusing the trash.  Mama was off securing her young.  We watched the wolf - then I tried to take a picture through the window (I think you all knew how that went).  He got scared, but only stepped away for a few moments.  He returned to snatch one last treat - then mama bear returned to say she'd had enough of his theivery and chased him off.  Shortly thereafter the cubs returned to explore the truck and scrounge remains. 

Bob and I watched them in silence from our window seats until they blended in with the darkness of the evening.  Then we grabbed a rake and new garbage bag - cleaned up the mess and headed off to bed.  - Just another reason we love life in the Northwoods. - Shari