Resonant words from the archives: Dear Calendar Owners, As I write this it is Memorial Weekend, 2007. I have just returned from working at the Ham Lake Fire on the Gunflint Trail, where sadly we lost homes and witnessed the destruction of wild places that were special to many people. It was perhaps all the…
Let It Snow! was first published in the 1998-1999 Ely Winter Times: Snow is pretty amazing stuff. Did you know that a light powder snow cover is 92% air? It has a higher R-value than fiberglass insulation. Just nine inches is enough to keep the soil from freezing even in sub-zero temperatures. In fact, snow…
This recipe was submitted to an Ethnic Eats of Ely cookbook that was compiled and published by the Slovenian Union of America Branch No. 23 in Ely, Minnesota. Makes 3 braids Ingredients: 2 cups scalded milk 10-12 whole cardamom seeds, shelled and pounded with a hammer) 3½ tsp yeast 8½ cups flour, divided into 3…
This article was first published in the 2019 Ely Winter Times. The first thing you need to know about a sauna is how to pronounce the word. It’s Finnish, a language in which each vowel is pronounced independently. So instead of an “aw” sound like “autumn” the “au” makes an “ow” sound like “now.” So…
From the archives: The Winter Sauna by Becca Brin Manlove, 1999-2000 Ely Winter Times We scurried quickly over the path of ice, clad in nothing but soggy wool socks and the steam roiling from our skin. “Hurry, Dayna! My socks are sticking!” “Well, mine are stuck!” Laughing hysterically, she bent over and grasped the top…
From Cache Lake Country by John Rowlands, a 1947 book full of poetic descriptions and practical directions: The Chief and I have been dressing the skin of his first buck which will make fine moccasins later on, although he wants to get a moose, too, for its hide will stand more wear…. A lot of…
We’ve crossed into November, or Gashkadino-Giizis, the Ojibwe name for the Freezing Over Moon. As the water freezes and snow begins to fall, many of us turn our attention toward upcoming gatherings with friends and family. Are you hoping to make something special to to share with others? We know just the thing! Sweet Manoomin…
The following was originally published as the sidebar text accompanying the above photo for November in the 2017 Boundary Waters & Quetico calendar. It’s time to winterize, and the herps (reptiles and amphibians) of Canoe Country have remarkable adaptations to winter weather. They brumate, rather than hibernate, which means they reduce their metabolism so much…
The following content was originally published in our 2016 Boundary Waters & Quetico calendar. Photo credit: Steve Voiles. Depending on your perspective, aspen trees are pulpwood, weeds, or trees at add beauty and character to canoe country. There are three species here, the most common being Populus tremuloides, or quaking aspen, also called popple in…
The following text was the September 2002 sidebar content in our Boundary Waters & Quetico calendar. Photo credit: Paul Sundberg. Lake Agnes. In the BWCAW and Quetico, peak leaf color is usually from the middle to the end of September. As early as July, single red maple leaves add bits of color to the…