Trumpeter Swans in the Twin Cities

I discovered that Trumpeter Swans congregate most of the winter in Shoreview in the channel connecting Sucker Lake to Vadnais Lake, just south of Sucker Lake. These lakes are part of the water supply system for the City of St. Paul. Mississippi River water is captured in Fridley and routed thru a series of lakes.  The steady flow of water keeps the channel open in the winter and so it becomes a wildlife oasis.  A scenic trail circles Sucker Lake and goes right along side the channel. Normally in winter this is a groomed X/C ski trail but the lack of snow this winter favored hiking.  Click here for a google map that shows where to park and where to view the Trumpeters. It's only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot.

The Swans hold tight even with when accompanied by a predator;albeit a leashed one!

 

New Year's at Tettegouche Camp

The Trail Shelter at Tettegouche Camp

Tettegouche Camp is a unique destination located in the back country of Tettegouche State Park, on the north shore of Lake Superior.  Cristin and I celebrated New Year's Eve at one of 4 rustic, historic cabins; the location was formerly a sportman's club.  The camp is a 1.5 mile hike or ski from the trail head. You must carry in all your food, clothing, and gear.  The cabins have electricty, propane heat, a wood burning stove, a dorm fridge, a 2 burner stove top, and pots and pans. Water is available from an outdoor hand pump.  A modern shower building is shared by all the camp guests. As much split firewood as you require is provided complimentary.  The camp is on scenic Mic Mac Lake and several excellent hiking and skiing trails intersect at the camp.  We stayed for 2 nights, departing on January 1, 2012.

A sled is a popular option for transporting
food and gear to the Camp.

Dusk falls on our trek in, revealing a crescent moon --
-- and it's only 4:30 P.M.!

Cabin B was our home for the weekend.

Scenic views of Lake Superior are the norm on the high ridges of the SHT.

The area had only a paltry 4 inches of snow, so we could not ski. On New Year's Eve day, we went for a 5 hour hike,  mainly on the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT),  to the High Falls on the Baptism River. 

All smiles at the Drainpipe, a notoriously steep section of the SHT. 

The High Falls on the Baptism River - the highest falls entirely in Minnesota -  are an icy shroud.
 (The Pigeon River Falls are higher but are 1/2 in Canada)

The suspension bridge over the Baptism R.

Back at HQ, the view of Mic Mac Lake from our cabin's porch.

 That evening we celebrated New Year's Eve in the quiet comfort of our lakeside cabin in front of roaring fire, sipping wine from a box --  we were roughing it, after all!  We departed the next day but not before doing lots of chores and saying goodbye to a new friend. 

Why do chores at the cabin seem so fun?

Saying goodbye to my new friend!

Interpretive signs are not necessary for Cristin to appreciate
 this view of Tettegouche Lake on New Year's Day 2012.

Upon reaching the car, we headed back to the Park Office on Hwy 61 to return the cabin key.  The weather had turned blustery and gray, a common mood of Lake Superior.

Shades of gray dominate on 1/1/12.

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!