Outdoors
Ledges Section of Lakewalk
I just learned this section of the Lakewalk is open. Does anyone know when it opened, or the story about volunteers working on it to meet a deadline? The Private Property signs are on 23rd Avenue East. The other signs are at the beginning of this section of the Lakewalk, at the end of 23rd. How about a sign that reads “Public Welcome”? (more…)
Bridge Repair in Duluth: Must be some federal stimulous money involved
Since I wrote a post last summer about rickety old bridges, I thought it was only fair to note that some new boards showed up recently on this little creek overpass in West Duluth. I’m not sure if the city is responsible or some industrious snowmobiler took things upon himself. Either way, I appreciate it.
2nd Annual Open Studio
Duluth nature photographer Ryan Tischer is hosting his 2nd Annual Open Studio on Dec. 4,5,6 (Fri, Sat, Sun) from 10 am – 5 pm at Washington Studios Artist Co-op. 315 N. Lake Ave. – Studio # 403
Free drinks and appetizers are available for those who attend. He is featuring a scratch and ding sale, which means great deals on almost perfect art (up to 80% off). All other artwork is at least 15% off…this deal is only available if you attend the Open Studio.
Visit www.ryantischerphoto.com for more info.
Skiing at Chester Bowl
The ski lottery was held a few weeks ago at Chester Bowl, but there are still some ski rental packages available. The Chester Bowl Improvement Club provides inexpensive season ski packages, including skis, poles, boots, helmets, and season ski passes, for those that want to take part in skiing, lessons or other activities at Chester Bowl. You also get a day pass to Spirit Mt. and Mont du Lac. Many parents call the Chester Bowl Ski Program the best deal in town, but for those unable to afford the already low prices, scholarships are available.
Check out the Chester Bowl website for more info.
UMD Fall Sustainability Fair: Nov. 4
UMD Fall Sustainability Fair
When: Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10-3
Where: UMD Kirby Student Center
What: Sustainability is the balance achieved when a society is able to provide for its own needs without compromising the needs of future generations. The bi-annual UMD Sustainability Fair has been established to highlight the progress of sustainability efforts within our community. The Fall 2009 Sustainability Fair will feature panel discussions and presentations focusing on the issue of food, in conjunction with the Superior Grown Food Summit which will be held at UMD on Saturday, Nov. 14. However, sustainability encompasses multiple, overlapping issues, including: education, energy, natural resources, government, economy, health, transportation and social justice. Public and private groups representing these facets will be present to showcase their progress.
How are you liking the Lakewalk extension?
I didn’t get around to checking it out until yesterday, but I must say the new Lakewalk extension to 47th Avenue East is fantastic. Call it reason #1,327 to love Duluth.
My only complaint: What’s the deal with the annoying chain-link fence that runs the entire stretch? I suppose it’s to prevent toddlers from crawling in front of a train, but can’t we sacrifice a few kids for the sake of aesthetics?
Silver Creek Cliff (less than an hour from Duluth)
Paul Lundgren kind of stole my thunder on this with his excellent photo-essay on the North Shore earlier this week, but I was out in the same neighborhood for a work project last week myself. Truly I was in a big hurry and swamped with about a dozen things, but I just couldn’t help but stop for half an hour and snap some photos on the way back. It was the same day as the big Vikings-Packers game and I thought if they turned out it might make a good PDD post/tip for armchair quarterbacks on a great (brief) weekend road trip, but … that didn’t happen and now we may be past peak colors up in those woods. Still its a great drive anytime of year. And it’s fun going through the tunnel, too. (more…)
Fall colors on Lake Superior’s North Shore: Silver Bay and Beaver Bay area
Someone left this for me to find on the footbridge across Penn Creek. Kudos to the artist. (more…)
Bike racks anyone?
I sent an e-mail to the Duluth Transit Authority last year questioning why it takes bike racks off before winter — seeing how in cities with somewhat similar weather (e.g. Minneapolis, Portland) leave them on year ’round and are rated some of the best cycler-friendly cities nationwide.
This morning I did the same, but with results:
I have forwarded this on for a response.
I do believe we have decided this year not to remove them.
I will supply a response when I get it.
Thank you for your inquiry.Aleda M. Johnson
Director of Information Technology
Duluth Transit Authority
—–
Good news for cyclists, hope to see you all on the roads/trails this winter!
Morley Park Fall Fundraising Festival
This Saturday is the Fall Fundraising Festival for Morley Heights Park. Join us from 10am to 2pm for a free fun outdoor party in the park and help us raise the money to erect a new playground for our neighborhood. Enjoy live music by Rachel Kilgour and the Duluth Suzuki Violin students, food, and free games and activities for the whole family!
Directions to Morley Park: From Snively Road, turn northwest onto Morley Parkway and follow up the hill to the park.
For more information on our efforts, visit our blog at https://morleyheights.blogspot.com/ or find us on Facebook. Hope to see you there!
Fall Colors – Trestle Inn – On the Road with Jason Davis
Good “On the Road” segment that aired a few weeks ago on KSTP 5 Twin Cites. It was nice to see my friends at the Trestle Inn get some free advertising. I was up there on Grouse opener to have lunch and a couple drinks and was talking to the owners and they have got a lot calls since the airing with people asking, “Where are you? I put you into our GPS and it can’t find you.” Sue says, “OK first turn off the GPS and I will tell you how to get here.” They insist, “But my GPS can’t find you. What is the problem?” She politely says again, “OK if you want me to help you find us just turn off your GPS and I will tell you how to get here.” https://www.trestleinn.com
Minnesota North Shore Fall Colors Report 2009
This year’s fall colors are a bit behind due to warmer than normal weather, but should start to peak in the next few weeks. Typically the peak happens sooner if you go inland from the shore. The colors right on or near the shores of Lake Superior tend to peak a little bit later.
See Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder for more info.
Old Cemetery
One of the oldest and prettiest cemeteries in the area is also one of the most obscure. This one is on Cemetery Road off County Road Z, near County Road A, just south of Superior.
The Glensheen Luxury Experience
Northland Brainchild Concert Series: Pt. 2
*The Glensheen Luxury Experience*
Friday, Sept. 25 (when the leaves are changing)
@ Glensheen Mansion, Duluth
Featuring:
*Haunted House
*Moonstone
*The Unit Breed (Portland)
*Brothers Band (Duluth)
*Bat Breath
*Obchod Na Korze
bbreath+obchod=splitset
The Ones That Got Away
This little snake managed to make the swim across Bent Trout Lake in Barnum without getting snatched into our boat. Roger had one lunge at it before it found refuge in the weeds.
A conversation that occurred about two hours later, when we saw a circle of small waves nearby on an otherwise calm lake:
Roger: What the hell is that over there?
Paul: Holy crap. Is that a whole school of fish?
Roger: I’ve never seen anything like it. Something’s going on over there.
Paul: Troll over! That’s gotta be fish or beaver or something.
Voice from the shore: Those aren’t fish! Those are scuba divers!
Paul: OK. Well, I guess we’re idiots then.
Roger: Yep. Pretty much.
Duluth Pack – Backpacker Magazine “Get Out More” Event
Backpacker Magazine Get Out More
Sept. 9 | 6-8 p.m. – Backpacker Magazine visits the Duluth Pack retail store in Duluth as a part of its “Get Out More” events. Free outdoor gear give-a-ways, slideshow and more. getoutmore2009.com | duluthpack.com
Duluth Pack is one of about 50 places Backpacker Magazine will visit in the USA.
Nature Identification Quiz
Is that a hawk, a turkey vulture or a twig?
(Shot today in Duluth, along the western hillside.)
Camping Gear for Rent in Duluth
I am looking for a business that rents camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, etc.). We are planning a short weekend camping trip and aren’t quite ready to go all out and purchase everything. Is there anywhere in Duluth or Superior that offers this kind of service? Also, is there anywhere that rents small fishing boats?
Ah, September
I’d like to welcome the best month in Duluth.
It’s a twister ma!
A tornado touched down a few times in Minneapolis. The Electric Fetus was hit.
We saw it coming from our work windows and headed to the basement. It touched down about five blocks from my theater.
Ride the Rubber Chicken Charter to Applefest this October!
On Saturday, October 3, make it a beautiful fall day of crunchy apples and corny jokes as KUWS Radio and Rubber Chicken Theater invite you to ride in style to Applefest in Bayfield aboard the Rubber Chicken Charter.
The Rubber Chicken Charter will leave from Wessman Arena on the campus of UWS at 11:00am, and gets back to Superior at 10:30pm. There will be plenty of time in beautiful Bayfield to enjoy the sights and sounds of Applefest, then, at 5:00pm, you will be in the audience for the LIVE broadcast of The Rubber Chicken Radio Hour. The show will be performed smack dab in the middle of Applefest, right on the main stage. The show will feature local musicians from Big Top Chautauqua, a Brett Favre apple sketch or two, and other fun surprises.
Cost to ride the Rubber Chicken Charter is just $20. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today by contacting Kim Gustafson at KUWS Radio (kgustafs@uwsuper.edu, 715-394-8530). Credit cards are accepted.
Farmers Market at UMD: Wednesday
Farmers Market at UMD
Every Wednesday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
UMD Kirby Plaza Bus Hub
LOCAL Produce, Music and Artisans!
Contact:
Leah Nelson
nels5131 @ d.umn.edu
218-940-2138
Ride the Bus or Park for FREE in Lot E! (more…)
This PDD brought to you by the brothers Ring
My boys are fascinated with this discovery they made last night at Brighton Beach. Our bedtime talk was filled with the possibilities of the other worlds that just might lie at the other end of a tunnel.
Do you have a favorite culvert in Duluth? I think we have more exploring to do.