Where’s Winter?
According to the calendar, the first official day of spring is Tuesday, March 19. Most years, winter holds on for another month or two, with spring emerging around April or May. However, with the lack of snow this winter, and many days with above-average temps, spring might truly arrive early. Or maybe Mother Nature will surprise us with a giant snowstorm soon… only time will tell.
Moving into the March issue, we’ve got a great selection of stories, with this month themed as our Home issue. Kalli Hawkins brings us to Kaministiquia, near Thunder Bay, where Vic Germaniuk is currently constructing his dream high-performance, sustainable house. Back in Cook County, Hawkins gives us an update on the current real estate market and where it’s headed. Chris Pascone writes about wood stoves and the pros and cons of owning one. Hartley Newell-Acero talks about designing health into our homes. Last but not least, Eric Kaira taps into the earth on a quest for groundwater.
Like many events this winter, the Sleeping Giant Loppet ski festival in Thunder Bay is canceled this month due to the lack of snow. However, Pascone provides us with a great story on the annual event, which started back in 1978. Thankfully, the lack of snow has no effect on the Lake Superior surfing community, which is growing in popularity. Kaira interviews a few of these folks, including local “legend” Adam Goplin and Jermone “Jerry” Fischer, owner of The Back Alley in Duluth. While there might not be much snow, there’s plenty of ice, so why not go ice fishing? Fishing Hole columnist Joe Shead gives us details on Echo Lake in Lake County.
Dog Blog columnist Erin Altemus gives us an update from Alaska, where she just raced the Two Rivers 200 and is now getting ready to race the Iditarod on March 3. You can follow her journey online at iditarod.com, or search Sawtooth Racing on Facebook.
Looking for something fun to do indoors? Naomi Yaeger suggests soaring high at the Sky Zone trampoline park in Duluth, which is open to all ages. Northern Trails columnist Gord Ellis recommends some winter tackle tinkering while you wait for open water fishing. And Michelle Miller suggests attending the annual Cabin Fever Reliever fundraiser on March 10 in Two Harbors, featuring live music, storytelling, the Native Nations Expo, and more.
Even with little to no snow on the ground, there’s still lots to do—just check out our events calendar for ideas. And enjoy winter while you still can; spring is coming.—Breana Johnson