The smoke from the western wildfires disappeared this morning, and the sun reappeared. Within 2 to 3 weeks most of the leaves will on the ground. Tonight’s overnight low will be about 30F. In short, it is a beautiful time to be at the end of the Gunflint Trail. While the foliage is not at its peak, and the number of maple trees are limited, this is truly beautiful wilderness. Last Fall when I visited this area during the first week of November (six weeks from now) there was significant snow on the ground. Winter comes on fast in the Northland. Here are a few images from today’s meanderings.
Ruffed Grouse
Gunflint Lake (looking at Canada)
Magnetic Rock (early morning hike)
My New Gravel Bike (Cross River BWCA Entry Point)
Notice the monopod strapped to my read bike bag! This gravel bike setup lets me explore back roads … carrying my a small bike repair kit, my camera and monopod, and a light jacket.
Wonderful pictures as always, Rich!
May I ask why you went with a seatpost and P clamp mounted rear rack when your bike has rack mounts?
Alec … I am using this particular rack for very practical reasons … I already owned it. I transferred a bunch of gear from an inexpensive trail bike I am putting out to pasture. I had added “L shaped” handlebar ends, a rack, and mousetrap pedals to that bike. Thus I moved all that stuff over while setting up the new bike.
Hello, Years ago I was on a Grandmother canoe trip to the Gunflint B.Water area. We cover 13 lakes I believe, that year they had a blowdown of trees and lot of rain. Was mostly hard and wet going with portage of one mile being the longest. Each canoe had one grandmother, with the men carried the canoe and then going back to carry the bags. Beautiful area for sure,
but one day going in to a camp site the grandmonther I was with stood up as we were turning in and the wind turn us over in less than a second. We were in 40 feet deep water and could only hang onto the canoe, until other in our group pull us in.. The last day was steady rain and wind and we tied two canoe together to cross the final big lake. Never ever so glad to get off the water, Four canoes and 8 wet Iowans. Don
LOL! Standing in a canoe is not a smart idea! I’m glad all you Iowans made it home safely … albeit a bit wet.
My question is simple. Why is it called Magnetic Rock?
The rock is called “magnetic” for good reason. As you approach the rock, a compass will spin round and round. Northern Minnesota … a bit to the west of the Gunflint is named the Iron Range for good reason. This area actually has some of the oldest rock near the eath’s surface on our planet. The region is known as the “Canadian Shield”, which is a hard rock surface which the glaciers scoured clean to reveal
Great setup.
beautiful!!!