Northern Wilds

As we put the finishing touches on this issue of Northern Wilds, the first snow of winter has arrived. It’s a bittersweet time when the days are short—too short, many would agree—and some regret the passing of summer while others anticipate the coming winter. For skiers, dog mushers, snowmobilers and ice anglers, winter is an exhilarating season. If you like winter sports, you’ll find stories that will rev you up in this issue.

Speaking of revving engines, we’ve added a new writer, Lee Boyt of Wisconsin, to keep you apprised of the latest developments in snowmobiling, boating and all-terrain vehicles, machines used as tools and toys throughout the Northern Wilds. Ely’s Iron Mike Hillman recalls the early era of snowmobiling with his tale of the troublesome Ski Don’t. In Strange Tales, Elle Andra-Warner introduces us to motorized vehicles of another kind: UFOs.

Wildlife photographer Michael Furtman sticks with flying objects he can identify, in this issue the rough-legged hawks which winter here. Gardener Joan Farnam stays firmly planted on the ground, reporting on deer-proof gardens you can make prior to next year’s growing season. Looking up, our resident adventurer—managing editor Shelby Gonzalez—nearly heads skyward with a snow kite. Bryan Hansel skis in circles (on purpose) as he describes some great loop routes to explore in the Boundary Waters.

If you are looking for something to do in Duluth, Kevin Bovee takes us on a tour of Bentleyville, one of the region’s major holiday attractions. Elle Andra Warner gives us the inside scoop on offbeat winter thrills in Thunder Bay. Shelby Gonzalez reveals the off-season wonders of state and provincial parks.

Long winter nights are best when you are warm and cozy. Anna Martineau-Merritt writes of the Ojibwe tradition of storytelling, where stories and their lessons are passed from one generation to the next via the spoken word. Another northern tradition is the Finnish sauna. Joan Farnam’s story will likely inspire you to take a steam bath.

So settle in and start reading. This issue of Northern Wilds is sure to warm up your winter.

—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt