Wildersmith on the Gunflint

Fred Smith

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Fred Smith
Fred Smith, a native Iowan re-located to the wilderness of border country at the end of the century, has been writing of happenings in the upper Gunflint territory for going on eight years, first with the local paper, and since December 2008 for WTIP North Shore Community Radio. Fred feels life in the woods is extraordinary, and finds reporting on it to both a reading and listening audience a pleasurable challenge. Since retirement as a high school athletic administrator from Ankeny High School, Ankeny Iowa in 1999, the pace of Fred's life has become less hectic but nevertheless, remains busy in new ways with many volunteer activities along the Trail. Listen at your convenience by subscribing to a podcast.


Arts, cultural and history features on WTIP are made possible in part by funding from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. Check out other programs and features funded in part with support from the Heritage Fund.

 

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Seeing snow-covered trees is "kind of like meeting up with some old friends that have been long obscured on a summer vacation"

Wildersmith December 2

Fred Smith-

After a Thanksgiving run to Iowa for a family visit, the Smiths are back in the woods. One thing for which I continue to be thankful is that “wonder dog” from over on Hungry Jack Lake.


Fir Boughs

Wildersmith November 18

Fred Smith-

Quiet is the catchword in border country as we pass the halfway point of month 11.


 
Gunflint residents foster friendships with neighborhood foxes this week

Wildersmith November 11

Fred Smith-

The season that north country folk anticipate at this time of year continues AWOE (absent without explanation).


Whiskey Jack

Wildersmith November 4

Fred Smith-

The 20th anniversary of the northland’s great Halloween snowstorm was celebrated quietly with no repeat.


 
"How's that for warm and cuddly?"

Wildersmith October 28

Fred Smith-

Who would believe that October has come and almost gone? There she goes on the flurry of wings things headed south.


It's amazing how quickly the scenery changes this time of year

Wildersmith October 21

Fred Smith-

A big atmospheric turnabout has happened along the upper Trail.


 
There's a crackling crunch under foot this week up the Gunflint

Wildersmith October 14

Fred Smith-

Back at Wildersmith once more! Again my thanks go out to Rosey’s dad for covering me while I made a quick run to Iowa for a grandson’s visit.


Dagwagin (fall) has officially arrived in Gunflint territory!

Wildersmith September 30

Fred Smith-

It’s official now, Dagwagin (fall) in the north woods. After weeks of anticipation, the glorious season of color is what it is!


 
September has arrived, and so have cooler temperatures! Wildersmith hit a low of 22 degrees this month.

Wildersmith September 23

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Truly, east is east and west is west as old Sol kisses summer goodbye. “Fire & Ice” over the past week has been a prelude to our northland equinox.


Wildersmith spotted evidence in places along the Gunflint where a few young birches are dropping leaves

Wildersmith September 9

Fred Smith-

My how time flies! The first week of our month of the wild rice/harvest moon has slipped away.