Lake Superior Goodness

A few of us here had a day off together so we took a day trip down the Michipicoten River! Even on our days off we can’t get enough boating….

Thanks to timers on cameras, we got a nice group shot from after our picnic lunch. We also tried to take a few jumping pictures (you know, to show our excitement over our day trip) but those aren’t easy with a timer. The pictures didn’t work quite like we hoped, but still definitely convey our excitement, even if we aren’t airborne.

From left to right: Meg, Chloe, Mirinda, Bryana, Karina

Have fun laughing at our expense. Next time hopefully we’ll all be airborne!

Check out these two shots of the Devil’s Chair. The first was taken in the last few weeks, the second was taken a few years back. Lots of changes happening! The seat is much larger now, and the debris has fallen down into one of the holes. Crazy what happens on this lake!

devil's chair 2011

"old" devil's chair

For this week, our author is Callan Godshalk! Enjoy, everyone!

The lake is full of power

The temperature makes me want to cower.

Not a chance anything could flower

Because in the cold, nothing would last even an hour

However, once you get 5 feet down, the water will not be sour

Because it will be clean

My strength comes from the lake

It’s origins and stories are not fake

Even about the lives and souls the spirits take

The right choices and decisions you must make

Because the lake is dangerous for Pete’s sake

I am connected with Superior connections

From the first day of our OO trip

To the last time we will all takes a dip

And the next time we raise our glasses for a sip

When the waters are rough and makes us tip

Even after Dom and Stacie get in the van and their pants go rip

Even when kids are kids and teachers get terse

So mad some may leave in a verse

And then people will take my purse

And spend all my money

So I can’t buy stuff for my honey

Not even a bunny or a jus of honey

Even when she has a rumbly in her tummy

The lake is awesome

Surrounded by balsams

Full of people that our dumb

And those that are fun

The lake is what makes us get out of bed

And see what the weather god’s have said.

Thanks, Callan! Happy Thursday, everyone.

This week’s poem is from Jake McCrinnis. Enjoy!!

The lake is the thread that holds me together

Like snow or my moosehide moccasins.

She’s everywhere and everything.

My strength comes in some mysterious way,

Some dour, hidden, secretive corner of my soul.

I search for that which I do not ever know.

I am connected to the Lake in some mysterious way.

It is a trot in the dour,

Tangible as slippery driftwood, yet still unknown.

I am connected to the lake in a manner I don’t understand.

She is there, on the verge of my dreams.

Hiding in my heart, whispering from my soul.

My strength comes from rocky coastlines.

It sings from hills ablaze in autumnal glory.

It ripples out from dour water lakes.

The lake is me, I am the Lake.

My spirit is forever entwined with her water

When you think of me, think first of this place.

Thanks Jake! Have a great weekend everyone!

Last night, we were fortunate enough to host a group of 8 canoeists undertaking a project called Trans CanEAUda. Through the spring, summer and fall they are attempting a 7000km paddling expedition from Ottawa, ON to Inuvik, NWT, as a way to raise awareness about water issues in Canada, and to raise funds for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) and the Ottawa Riverkeeper. The group of friends all have a variety of reasons for undertaking the trip, but the common thread is their love of nature. It was awesome to talk to them over dinner – they definitely left a mark on all of us here! Follow their expedition at TranscanEAUda or find them on Facebook. They have a SPOT device with them so you can track their progress for the duration of their trip! Thanks for stopping in. Good luck!

Group shot just before heading out

Trip mascot/leader, Yebo

Heading out the river mouth

Posting these poems every week is giving me lots of different ways of thinking about the lake, and I’m loving it. I hope all of you out in the world wide web are enjoying them too! Happy Thursday!

This week’s poem is by Katie Mumford:

The lake is very big and cold.

It screams power and intensity with its

roaring waves and crashing thunder

My strength comes from within, solely and fully

even in my darkest times and weary hours

there’s always a way to pull that strength

from within the depths of my sore and

aching body.

I am connected to this lake

all its power, attitude, beauty,

and memories.

I am connected to the memories

that connect me back to people

which connect me to myself.

My strength comes from within

It comes from the lake

The lake is Superior.

Thanks Katie!

This week’s poem is by Evan Rogt. Thanks Evan!

Canadian Dreamin’

The lake is a beautiful blonde Canadian gift

Waiting with beer and huge cleavage

For my great American ego to conquer

She sits staring back with her Baby Wawa Blues

Smiling with graceful intent of a deep night

Drip Drop Pound Pound Pound

The rain that so drops and drops and pounds

Puts me to sleep thinking of her shapely supple legs

My strength comes the moment I do

Arriving at present the spot that she sees so fit

I am connected by so many organs to her

Heart, brain, hand, paddle

I am connected by eyes to her beautiful pale lips

Known as granite green stone

By touch to her slap known as bitter cold

By love known as rain

It drives me mad, keeps me down and out

Under shelter

But so Damn connected

The lake is my beautiful Blue eyed Blond haired

Canadian girl

Waiting with beer and a warm bed

Sleep tight baby, rock me tonight Eh ?

Friends of Naturally Superior, Rock Island Lodge and big ol’ Lake Superior! Did you know our favorite lake has it’s own day? That’s right – Lake Superior Day is held annually on the third Sunday of every July as a way to highlight the importance of Lake Superior to the basin’s environment and economy. This year it falls on July 17! We encourage you to think about your connection to Superior – what are you going to do to celebrate this fantastic lake? Check out Lake Superior Day Forum for some ideas!

A group of students from Northland College in Ashland, WI spent a few days here at Rock Island Lodge last week. Aside from some paddling and hiking, the students wrote some fantastic poetry about the lake. Each followed a loose format where a few lines had to begin with certain words:

The lake is…

My strength comes…

I am connected…

I am connected…

My strength comes…

The lake is…

After that, the rest was up to each individual student! Some amazing stuff was created and we’ve decided to post one each week (or so)! Here’s the first one by Madison Carlson. Thanks, Northland!

The lake is grey,

Caught between misty hills,

And under leaden sky.

Rain falls.

And I wonder,

Is it that rain goes with poetry,

Or that poetry goes with rain?

Perhaps rain is poetry,

Tiny drops that make up a great water.

My strengths come from this water.

For we are water.

It rises in us to the beat of the tides.

Can you hear it?

I am connected to the spirits of the past.

Their hearts beat too,

On this lake,

To this rhythm.

The stars look down and wonder,

What is man,

This tiny crawling thing,

That he should claim the whole Earth as his own?

I am connected to those who will come after,

Children of the space age.

We have seen the stars so close,

But we cannot see them from our own doorsteps.

Who will show them what was lost?

My strength comes from these spirits .

I am strong with the strength of the past.

I must be strong for the future.

We will change the world.

We march to the beat of our hearts.

The lake is grey.

As night-lit glass,

And calm.

The lake goes on.

A huge thanks to Dan for uploading videos from his trips down the Pukaskwa, Dog and Cascade Rivers.

Pukaskwa River:  Pukaskwa River video:

Dog River: Dog River Video

Cascade River Video