A Bridge to Cross for Adventure
In the Northern Wilds, you have to cross a bridge, likely many of them, to reach any destination. Some are so small you hardly notice them. Others, like Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, are iconic. In this issue, we pay tribute to some of the landmark bridges throughout the Northern Wilds. Possibly you’ll cross one of these structures on your way to a September adventure. This is the time we make the transition into autumn. It usually begins with cool nights and crisp days. The leaves begin to change color. First the maples paint the hillsides red and orange. Near the end of the month, the aspen and birch glow with gold. Unfortunately, this fall we may see lackluster colors due to drought. The lack of moisture caused trees to begin dropping leaves in August.
September still promises to be a fun-filled month with art tours, festivals, races and musical events. Several writers share the ways they have fun in the fall. Grouse season begins this month. Inside you’ll find a guide to hunting this common and tasty gamebird. Marie Zhuikov recounts an autumn paddling adventure on the Whiteface River. Chris Pascone shares the story of a wooden sailing vessel that made it all the way from Russia to Duluth. Laura Ricketts explains the craft of Sámi knitting. Love cheesecake? Kitty Mayo has the lowdown on where you can find some of the Northern Wild’s best cheesecakes. Peter Fergus-Moore reports on a new independent bookstore in Thunder Bay.
Speaking of Canada, the U.S. border remains closed to Canadians until at least September 21, but fully vaccinated Americans can cross into Canada. Inside you’ll find the information you need to enter Canada. Canadian columnist Elle Andra-Warner weaves a historical tale that begins on a sternwheeler plying a remote Ontario and leads to the origins of the National Hockey League and the Montreal Canadiens. You can’t get more Canadian than that! Evan Kutzler serves a unique slice of Grand Marais history with a fascinating look at the background story from a postcard sent more than 100 years ago.
The postcard contains notes about the aftermath of a wildfire that nearly destroyed Grand Marais. Ironically, as we put the finishing touches on this issue, numerous wildfires are burning across the Northern Wilds. It’s a tense time. Our hearts go out to the folks who have suffered property loss from the fires. We are grateful for the numerous people working to get the fires under control. And we fervently hope there will be no more.—Shawn Perich and Amber Pratt
The latest issue for September 2021 is out!
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