A Working 4th and More NCT Miles
The wetland grasses have been thriving as a result of all the recent rains we have been receiving. Somehow a lot of a particular grass manages to find its way to grow through the narrow spaces between the boards in the boardwalk on the Chassell Historic Trail. This had resulted in a rather unsightly appearance.
Even though there were a number of interesting parade alternatives in the area, I made the decision to spend a big portion of my day pulling the grass out from between the boards in the boardwalk and sawing up a tree that fallen across the trail in the proximity of the sawmill. The grass pulling was a bit tedious, but at least the passing clouds kept it from getting uncomfortably warm. The grass will probably need pulling again soon, but at least it looks much more presentable going into the Strawberry Festival.
The balance of my day would be spent cutting grass at home as our Airbnb guests were out for the day.
Friday was spent coordinating upcoming work at the Chassell Heritage Center for the week ahead and coordinating some Remote Workforce Keweenaw items. Friday night I would head out fishing with my friend Eero. There would be a little more breeze than we wanted, but I would quickly catch a keeper smallmouth bass.
The lake would eventually lay down, but the walleye fishing was slow. Eero got one nice sized walleye.
Saturday we made our way down to the North Country Trail to an area out east of the Humpback Bridge where we parked alongside a narrow logging road and picked up the trail at a point where it intersects and travels briefly along the road.
Not unlike the significant growth I had seen on the Chassell Historic Trail, Julie and I would frequently encounter tall ferns and deep wetland grasses as we made our way eastward along the trail. It pays to stay alert as we would find gems tucked into all this green, like the blue flag iris below.
This segment of the trail has some really cool tree specimens starting with an amazing four-pronged white cedar as well as several others like the ones below that have significant girth and/or unique appearances!
The wet conditions have started to become favorable for mushroom growth. The numbers are not great yet, but maintaining a keen eye will allow you to spot the early arrivals.
As we neared the location where the power lines cross the Sturgeon River, we came across a more still portion of the river where the sky reflected beautifully upon the water.
Julie and I are both wearing new Keen boots. Something about the design of her boots is causing her to take on a lot of sticks and rocks which necessitated a number of stops along the way to empty them out. It may be time for some boot gaiters!
As it was a warm day and with the warming river water, we found a great place to take dip before wrapping up our 3.7 mile hike!
You can see my GoPro video from the hike on the Remote Workforce Keweenaw YouTube channel at this link:
Do you embrace winter and have the ability to work remotely? Consider locating in the Keweenaw where you will find ubiquitous natural beauty, no congestion, and lower crime! Not sure? Come UP for a workcation to check it out! Learn how at Visit Keweenaw at https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/plan/trip-ideas-itineraries/workcations/ Visit Remote Workforce Keweenaw at https://remoteworkforcekeweenaw.com. Learn about those making the decision to locate here by following the Remote Workforce Keweenaw Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RemoteWorkforceKeweenaw.