July 19th—Cabin 6 Journal entry…
Awakened at 5:20am and was greeted by a view from the kitchen window that was breathtaking. The full moon was centered between the pine and the birch trees. The lake was calm so the reflection that the moon cast appeared with a slight shimmer.
There was a hint of blue in the sky that melded from gold to hints of pink just above the distant tree line. A faint mist at the far side separated the reverse reflection of the sky scene upon the mirror-like surface of the lake.
Simply spectacular! Of course many photos were taken from both inside of Cabin 6 and outside.
We experienced some rough weather these past 7 days, but this one short clip that was witnessed this morning of our departure is what I will most remember.
Dell Boccignone (with Judy) Santa Clara, California.
Author: Sue Ahrendt
Becoming a Boundary Waters Family
This summer the Outfitters of the Gunflint Trail have launched a new program—-focused on making the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness more accessible and welcoming to families. 
Check out http://www.becomingaboundarywatersfamily.com/ for the seminar schedule and the Woods Wisdom-pdf files. Stefan leads the Thursday night Tuscarora seminar—portaging and paddling basics.
We believe these woods hold great value for kids–
for their physical, emotional, and cognitive well being. And we think that the wilderness also makes the perfect backdrop for family adventures–to build memories and make connections.
These kids will grow up to take care of what they know and love—and it is our privilege to witness some of the moments–as these families introduce their kids to the Boundary Waters Canoe 
Area.
The Forces Have Landed on the Beach
THE DRAGON FLIES HAVE COME TO LIBERATE US!!
Every time staff members head out the outfitting door a fleet takes off to protect them—frantically attacking the black flies and mosquitoes….
We’ve had a healthy bug spring here at Tuscarora, plenty of rain (we like that), high water, cool June weather.
We’ve had a healthy bug spring here at Tuscarora, plenty of rain (we like that), high water, cool June weather.
Staff members have armed themselves with positive mental attitudes—
most effective (and charming) defenses.
Then there are the bug head nets—a splendid invention. And we’ve EVEN resorted to the bug dope—not a common thing when you live here. This morning I broke down and wore it on the road. Once I can get past the smell —I’m always amazed with how well that stuff works. 
most effective (and charming) defenses.
Then there are the bug head nets—a splendid invention. And we’ve EVEN resorted to the bug dope—not a common thing when you live here. This morning I broke down and wore it on the road. Once I can get past the smell —I’m always amazed with how well that stuff works. 
(Incidentally—I learned about DEET today—that it was invented by the US Army after jungle warfare in WWII….and it apparently interferes with the olfactory lobes in mosquitoes—they can’t smell our sweat to find us. Then I read some research on DEET, and am choosing the very effective Repel Lemon Eucalyptus alternative product in our store. )
On cloudy windless days, when the mosquitoes are the happiest , I remember some wise words of parenting advice given to me we first had a colicky new baby…My friend’s words seem to also apply to many life situations—Don’t worry, she said, just when something starts REALLY getting to you (when you wonder how you can function on two hours of sleep for the rest of your life)–, the pattern will change. One day you’ll wake up and that part will be over.
And so it seems!— the reinforcements have arrived.
They speed around and must kill millions. Can they make an actual dent in the population? Who knows—- but I do know that the bug cycles hit the decline every year when the dragon flies arrive. They are like the busy little army guys in the helicopters, working overtime to clear everybody’s heads. God bless the dragonflies!
And so it seems!— the reinforcements have arrived.
They speed around and must kill millions. Can they make an actual dent in the population? Who knows—- but I do know that the bug cycles hit the decline every year when the dragon flies arrive. They are like the busy little army guys in the helicopters, working overtime to clear everybody’s heads. God bless the dragonflies!
We had a great time!
Hello All!
Matt, Veronica and I recently stayed in cabin #2 over Father’s Day weekend. We all had a great time. Thanks so much for the wonderful memories. Veronica misses Denali very much and has told all her friends of her wonderful catch.
Kindest Regards,
Matt, Veronica and I recently stayed in cabin #2 over Father’s Day weekend. We all had a great time. Thanks so much for the wonderful memories. Veronica misses Denali very much and has told all her friends of her wonderful catch.
Kindest Regards,
Christine
Blueberry Blossoms
The other day Shelby and I visited our favorite blueberry spot, burned out by last year’s fire. I suspected they would come back, but not so many so soon! The absolute abundance is hard to believe.
It’s funny how blueberry patches inspire hoarding. Once, before I knew about Serious Picking Culture, my friend Ingrid took me to her hot spot in Chequamegon National Forest. (At the time I didn’t realize what a significant invitation that was). We drove into an area recently logged and could see people hunched over in different spots along the way. As we approached, they would disappear. We laughed as we watched them “hit the deck” so we wouldn’t discover their secret patches. Yet there was an entire forest of blueberries… we picked gallons.
The other day, as I drove from our secret spot, I was wondering about the incriminating photos—and Shelby warned me not to post them. I looked at the acres and acres of blueberry patches along the side roads of the upper Gunflint Trail—there will be no shortage this year! 
Still, we can’t tell you where we took the photos…
