All posts by richardhoeg@gmail.com

Sunrise Over the Gunflint Trail

Year 7

Fall is screaming towards Winter on the Gunflint Trail in northern Minnesota. I was out enjoying the wilderness shortly before 7 am (just after sunrise). The temperature was 26F. My only question from this most enjoyable morning … where the heck are the Spruce Grouse?! I saw tons of Ruffed Grouse, and I did look in the proper habitat.

Ruffed Grouse at Sunrise … cold but still eating!

Gunflint Lake … looking towards Canada.

Poplar Lake … losing heat / steaming (video link for email subscribers)

Milky Way over the Cross River (Gunflint Trail)

Year 7
Last night the smoke from western wildfires cleared out of the area. I took this image of the Milky Way where the Cross River flows into Gunflint Lake. The reeds were illuminated by about 1/2 second of light painting (i.e. I shined my flashlight on the scene so very quickly). Camera settings were: Sony A6300, Rokinon wide angle manual lens, ISO = 3,200, Aperture = 2.0, Exposure = 25 seconds.
 
This photograph demonstrates why last week the International Dark Sky Association named the BWCA the 13th dark sky gem in North America. The night sky where I took this photograph is rated a “one”, the best score possible in terms of darkness.
 
While I was on location last night for 45 minutes, the temperature fell from 42F to 37F. By 7 am this morning the temperature was 26F near Seagull Lake (low boggy area).
 
This image is so much better than the photograph I took a few nights ago. I finally had the clear skies I wanted … no moisture or forest fire smoke. Learn how I planned the shot.

Gunflint Trail Fall Colors

Year 7

The smoke from the western wildfires disappeared this morning, and the sun reappeared. Within 2 to 3 weeks most of the leaves will on the ground. Tonight’s overnight low will be about 30F. In short, it is a beautiful time to be at the end of the Gunflint Trail. While the foliage is not at its peak, and the number of maple trees are limited, this is truly beautiful wilderness. Last Fall when I visited this area during the first week of November (six weeks from now) there was significant snow on the ground. Winter comes on fast in the Northland. Here are a few images from today’s meanderings.

Ruffed Grouse

Gunflint Lake (looking at Canada)

Magnetic Rock (early morning hike)

My New Gravel Bike (Cross River BWCA Entry Point)

Notice the monopod strapped to my read bike bag! This gravel bike setup lets me explore back roads … carrying my a small bike repair kit, my camera and monopod, and a light jacket.