Boundarywaters

June in the Boundary Waters Couldn't be Better

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by Sue prom

The month of June in the BWCA finds all sorts of canoe trippers. From groups of men fishing to groups of students just released from school. There are a few families taking their vacations in June but it’s usually the serious fishermen who prefer to paddle during the month of June.

The water is still cool at the beginning of June and is perfect for catching walleye. Walleye is one of the most sought after fish in the BWCA for their tasty fillets. Fishing at dusk and dawn for these feisty fish usually produces great results. In addition to walleye the lake trout continue to be shallow and hungry until later in the month of June. Northern pike will bite in June and smallmouth bass begin their feeding frenzy about the 2^nd week in June. The fishing in the BWCA is good throughout the summer but it is excellent in June.

The wildflowers of the BWCA are really abundant in June. Wood anemone, roses, bunchberries, blue bead lilies and hawkweed are blooming and strawberries and serviceberries are ready to eat. It’s a great time to see the flora of the canoe country.

The wildlife is out and about including some newly born ones. Moose, deer and bear may bring their young out on their first major explorations and if you’re lucky you’ll be there to see them. Young fox might be seen as well as pine marten, fisher and more.

The longest day of the summer is in June and the days right before and after the solstice are perfect for paddling the BWCA. The sun rises just after 5am and doesn’t set until just after 9:00pm providing 16 hours of daylight to paddle and portage through the canoe country. A person wanting to cover some miles can certainly do so in June.

The water temperature begins to warm up in June and most people can tolerate swimming in the chilly lakes by mid-month. The average high air temperature is around 73 degrees and the average low around 51 degrees. The black flies are normally gone by mid-June and the mosquitoes taper off rapidly by then too. You’ll still have mosquitoes at dusk and dawn but once the sun goes down campers can enjoy time at the campfire.

June with it's long days and short nights, warm waters and great fishing is a canoe country lovers dream.

Why is May a great time to paddle the BWCA?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by Sue prom

     Each month in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers the canoe camper a different experience. While the water temperature in May might be too chilly for swimming it's just perfect for catching a meal of lake trout. There are lots of great reasons to plan a May BWCA canoe trip.

     The ice is usually off of most of the Boundary Waters lakes during the first week of May. This is the time of the year to go if you are in search of solitude or moose antlers. Moose lose their antlers during the winter and often times it’s along one of the portage paths. Being one of the first people on the BWCA portages means you could find one of these treasures. The USFS encourages you to leave the antler where you find it for others to enjoy.

     As soon as the ice is off the loons return to the wilderness lakes of the Boundary Waters. The bald eagles will have already returned to their nests before the ice is off. The mosquitoes don’t normally appear until later in May but the black flies could come any time depending upon the weather. Wildlife viewing is generally very good due to the lack of people in the BWCA.

Lake trout fishing in the Boundary Waters is phenomenal in May when the water of the BWCA is the coldest. The lake trout are close to the surface and are usually hungry for a meal so are eager to bite. They’ll continue to bite throughout the summer but they swim deeper and deeper as the summer goes on.

The temperatures in May can be very warm or quite chilly. We’ve had snow and we’ve had 90 degree days in the Boundary Waters in May. The average daytime high temperature in May is 66 degrees and the average low is around 45 degrees. Rainfall is minimal with just under 3 inches being the average in the BWCA for May.

If you're looking for a time to have the Boundary Waters all to yourself then take a canoe trip in May. The smell of spring is in the air, the lake trout are biting and your chances of seeing wildlife are wonderful. The BWCA is a great place to be in May.

BWCA Canoe Trips for Boy Scouts

Friday, February 10, 2012 by Sue prom

     Every year we outfit a fair amount of Boy Scouts for their canoe trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. There is a Boy Scout Base over on Moose Lake outside of Ely, Minnesota but we have been told time after time that Scout Troops would rather outfit their BWCA trip with us.

     We've heard from Boy Scout Troops who have outfitted with the Sommers Boy Scout Base and they have said our equipment is much nicer and the prices for outfitting with Voyageur are less expensive. The quality of equipment is important when you're out in the wilderness and any little discount helps when it comes to how much a BWCA trip costs especially for Boy Scouts who often have to fundraise for all of their money.

     Another reason Boy Scout Troops like us is that we're located at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Moose Lake where the Scout Base is located is quite busy and and our location is less hectic. Scout Troops love to be made to feel special and at Voyageur we make them feel very special. We provide each Scout with a map, t-shirt and patch when they choose the complete outfitting package.

     Unlike the Boy Scout Base or other Boy Scout destinations you don't need to reserve your space at Voyageur three years in advance of your trip. You can reserve now for a trip this summer or you can even wait until April or May to let us know. Chances are there will be plenty of permits available for your Scout Troop to camp in the Boundary Waters.

     We love to outfit all types of groups and individuals at Voyageur and we'd love to see you all this summer. If you know of a Boy Scout Troop that might be interested in a BWCA canoe trip then be sure to tell them about Voyageur, we'll take great care of them.

Voyageur Canoe Outfitters a BWCA outfitter

Boundary Waters Equipment- Need a Kevlar Canoe?

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Sue prom

     There are some people who say, "You have to have a kevlar canoe for the BWCA." While I most often paddle a kevlar canoe on my Boundary Waters Canoe Camping trips I don't think everyone has to paddle one.
     Kevlar canoes are great for BWCA canoe trips when there is going to be alot of portaging. They are lightweight for carrying and make portages much easier for those without alot of strength and endurance.
     It's also great to paddle a kevlar canoe when you're planning to travel alot. The kevlar canoe is made for speed and paddlers in a kevlar canoe can get places pretty quickly. Their streamlined design and almost weightlessness make paddling a kevlar a breeze.
     There are however a couple of times when you may not want to paddle a kevlar canoe in the Boundary Waters. For an inexperienced paddler the kevlar canoe may feel less stable than a wider canoe. If a beginner is looking for a solid, safe canoe then an aluminum or royalex canoe may be a better choice. Also, if a person isn't planning to portage at all then the advantage of the lightness of the kevlar canoe no longer becomes important. And if a person is planning to spend alot of time fishing then the royalex or aluminum canoe allows more room for gear and could be the better choice.
     I prefer to paddle and portage kevlar canoes and for most people they are the best canoe for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. However, you don't have to have a kevlar canoe to enjoy the BWCA even if you're planning to portage. Some folks swear by their 100 pound sturdy boats and as long as you're in the Boundary Waters that's all that really matters.

BWCA Trips with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters

Monday, February 6, 2012 by Sue prom

     Every once in awhile we'll hear the question, "Why should I paddle with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters?" Our first thought to this question is, "Because we're the best!" And while this statement is true it might sound a bit like bragging so we usually tone it down a little bit.

     Our answer to why take your BWCA trip with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters goes something like this.  We've been year round residents at the end of the Gunflint Trail since 1993 and have been outfitting BWCA trips since then.

     We're 56 miles from the nearest town of Grand Marais, MN and you are already in the wilderness when you begin your trip up the Trail. Just by driving the Gunflint Trail and coming to Voyageur you're farther into the wilderness than some people get on their Boundary Waters canoe trips.

     We love what we do and where we live and this shows. Our enthusiasm and love of the wilderness is evident and we want to share this love with as many people as we can. We take pride in being the best there is in BWCA trip outfitting. We're knowledgeable about the Boundary Waters, Quetico Park, wilderness fishing and camping and everything Gunflint Trail.

      We have an excellent facility and incredible staff and we provide a one-of-a-kind outfitting experience. We guarantee your satisfaction with Voyageur and the number of repeat customers we have speaks loudly.

     There it is in a nutshell. While it may be easier to just say we're the best it's probably better to give the lengthy explanation, even though we really are the best!

Boundary Waters Checklist

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 by Sue prom

   I love to keep check lists of everything so it should come as no surprise that I have a Boundary Waters Checklist. This checklist contains many important items that need to be packed before a BWCA canoe camping trip, things to do before I leave on my trip and items I have to do when I get home from a canoe trip.

     My Boundary Waters Checklist of things I have to do before a canoe camping trip is relatively short. I make sure I leave an itinerary of my BWCA travel plans with someone, have my fishing license and travel permit. You would be shocked to know how many times I almost leave for a canoe camping adventure without my BWCA permit. I also like to make sure my canoe has current registration on it, I have a printout of the latest weather forecast and know approximately when sunrise and sunset times are. With this all complete it's time to pack for the actual BWCA canoe trip.

     Trying to remember what all to bring on a BWCA trip can be difficult so I reccommend looking at our website.   We list all of the canoe camping gear needed to go on a Boundary Waters canoe trip. In addition we have a BWCA Checklist of items we suggest you bring along of your own. These two lists will help you when packing for your canoe trip.

     Upon my return to civilization I immediately grab a cold Diet Coke. Until this happens I can't function correctly. The after BWCA canoe trip checklist is also short. Be sure to contact your loved ones to make sure they know you are out of the woods safely. Then you can remove all garbage & food waste out of your pack so it doesn't begin to smell if it hasn't already. If any of your gear is damp and even if it isn't then it's a great idea to hang up your gear and let it dry out so it doesn't grow mold or get musty. One other thing to do is to update your Boundary Waters Checklist so you can add things you wish you would have brought along and delete things you didn't use.

     Keep in mind this Boundary Waters checklist when you're planning and preparing for your next BWCA canoe trip. It will help keep you organized and it will make your Boundary Waters canoe trip all the more enjoyable.

Boundary Waters Fishing Trips and Tips to Ensure it's a Successful One

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Sue prom

     There are ways to improve your odds for catching fish on a Boundary Waters canoe camping trip. I'll share with you five sure fire ways to experience success on your BWCA canoe trip.

     Make sure the Boundary Waters lake you are fishing in has the type of fish in it you are trying to catch. There's no bigger waste of time than jigging for walleye when you're on a lake that doesn't contain walleye. The MN DNR has a listing of most of the lakes in the BWCA and what type of fish are in them. Make sure you're using the right technique to catch fish on the right lake.

     When you're on a Boundary Waters fishing trip make sure you bring along a good variety of lures and plenty of them. There's nothing more depressing than losing the hot lure and not having a replacement one in your tackle box.   You'll no doubt lose a lure or two by getting them snagged on logs or rocks so bring along plenty of them so you don't find yourself without the one lure that was working the best.

     Before you head into the wilderness waters of the BWCA make sure you have good line on your reel. Replace old fishing line with new 8-10 pound test and plenty of it. Remember you'll get snags and tangles and you want to have enough line even if you have to cut it a couple of times.

     Go through the hassle of bringing along live bait. Chances are you'll be able to catch plenty of fish in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness without live bait but why take the chance? You can increase your chance of catching fish by having a good variety of bait for the fish to choose from.

     Lastly, spend plenty of time fishing while you're on your Boundary Waters canoe trip. If you're constantly paddling from campsite to campsite then you won't have as much time to fish. You'll lower your odds for catching fish if you don't spend enough time fishing. Plan to set up a base camp and spend the majority of your time with your line in the water.

     Consider these five BWCA fishing tips when you're planning your next Boundary Waters Canoe camping trip. You'll improve your odds of catching fish and of enjoying a fresh meal of fish while on your Boundary Waters fishing trip.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Permits Available Beginning January 25th

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Sue prom

     If you have your Boundary Waters Canoe Trip for this summer all planned out then you can reserve your permit beginning January 25th, 2012. If you don't have your plans determined then don't worry, there's plenty of time to make your plans especially if you're paddling out of the Gunflint Trail.

     The Gunflint Trail side of the BWCA is not as heavily used as entry points into the BWCA near Ely, MN. We'll often have Boundary Waters permits available up until the last minute. However, if you want a particular entry point on a particular day then the sooner you reserve your permit the better.

     How do you reserve a BWCA Permit? You can give us a call with all of the information below and we'll do it for you or you can do it yourself. It's quite easy and you can reserve your Boundary Waters permit online or by telephone(1-877-444-6777) When reserving a BWCA camping permit you'll need the following.

Name, address and telephone number of the party leader.
Name of up to 3 alternate party leaders
Number of watercraft(estimated & can be changed) up to 4/permit
Number of adults & children(17 & under) estimated & can be changed upon arrival at your permit pick-up location.
Entry point & Entry Date(these are set in stone)
Exit Point(is not set in stone)
Permit Pick Up Location(Choose us, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters if you're outfitting with us or entering at an entry point near us). By default the permit will be sent to the USFS Ranger Station closest to your BWCA entry point.
Submit payment with a credit card($6 Reservation Fee, $16/adult, $8/youth)

That's all there is to reserving a Boundary Waters canoe trip permit. If you need help determining an entry point or route then feel free to give us a call. We love to talk about canoeing in the BWCA. 1-888-CANOEIT

How To Reserve a Quetico Park Canoe Trip Permit

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Sue prom

We love to help our guests reserve their Quetico Park permits for their annual wilderness canoe trip. Our jobs just got easier because the Quetico Provincial Park finally accepts reservations online. Most of the details are the same including the overnight camping fees for children and adults at $8.50 & $21.50 respectively. There's still a reservation deposit of $100 required that gets applied to your overnight camping fees upon your arrival at the Ranger Station. Reservation and cancellation fees depend upon whether you make your reservation online or call it in. You can find those rates on their website.

We'll gladly still reserve your Quetico permit for your canoe trip but if you want to reserve your own online then visit their website and follow the directions below.

Pick your reservation type- Quetico is a backcountry reservation

Choose your arrival date(can only reserve 5 months in advance of the start date of your trip)
Pick your park- Quetico Park
Pick your party size- 9 or less* Next you start an entry search by choosing one of the options to the right. Find on Map, In a List or On a Calendar.
Pick your Residency- Non-Resident or Canadian
Pick your entry Point- Cache Bay is our closest

You'll then be prompted to reserve or start a new search. As with any website it's easier to create a profile before you begin the reservation process so you don't lose any of your reservation information. You'll need to submit payment in the form of a credit card so have one nearby.

If you'd rather make your reservation by telephone then check out the information below. For questions regarding reservation policies you can find those ONLINE.

From the Quetico Park website...

To make a reservation, cancellation or change by phone, please call:
1-888-ONT-PARK
1-888-668-7275

Simply call our toll free hotline (14 hours a day, 7a.m. to 9p.m. EST, seven days a week, 363 days a year).

Before you call remember:

When making a telephone reservation, you will be asked for the following information:
- park name
- arrival/departure date
- type of site required (hydro, tent or trailer, lakefront etc.)
- your name, address, postal code, telephone number and email address
- number in your party
- method of payment (e.g. credit card number and expiry date)

BWCA Campsites and Entry Points Reduced for 2012 Season Due to Pagami Fire

Friday, January 6, 2012 by Sue prom

     Yesterday we received a letter from the USFS outlining changes made to Boundary Waters entry point quotas and campsites. According to the Forest Service 114 campsites were affected by the fire. Not all of those received equal fire damage and out of those only 75 campsites will be closed at the beginning of the 2012 season.

     The Forest service will open the BWCAW campsites when the sites are safe and rehabilitated. Some campsites just need some snags removed while others need attention to prevent erosion. The USFS said, "Forest Service crews will be opening most campsites early in the 2012 season."

     The were 23 lakes with campsites that were affected and of course none of these were near the Gunflint Trail. The lakes included are, One, Two, Three, Four, Hudson, Insula, Horseshoe, Brewis, North Wilder, South Wilder, Harbor, Clearwater, Gull, Pietro, Hudson Pond, Baskatong, Bog, Isabella Lake, Isabella River, Kawashong, Quadga and Rice. The reductions range from 1 campsite removed up to 13 on Insula.

     In order to prevent crowding in this area of the Boundary Waters the USFS has reduced quotas for entry point lakes.  According to their document there will be no quota for Little Isabella River, Bog Lake or Island River and the Pow Wow Hiking Trail is closed until further notice. Isabella Lake will have 1 permit a day as will Snake River. All of these areas have restrictions regarding day use and directions which one may go so be sure to check with an outfitter or the USFS before traveling. Lake One lost 4 permits a day but gained 2 permits called Lake One Restricted.

     The Lake One Restricted will be in place until the other four permits are added to the regular Lake One quota. Folks entering the BWCA with the restricted permit will not be allowed to camp on Lake One, Two, Three, Four or Hudson at any time.  This isn't a problem for people who want to travel on the fist and last day of their canoe trip.

     On the Gunflint Trail we're thankful to have all of our entry point permit quotas in place and campsites ready for use. We can start reserving BWCA permits on January 25th so give us a call 1-888-CANOEIT or send us an email to get yours reserved.

Don't forget to read the Boundary Waters Blog too!

Winter Wildlife on the Gunflint Trail

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by Sue prom

     There are so many reasons to visit the Gunflint Trail in the winter. There are groomed cross-country ski trails, lakes to ice fish on, forests to snowshoe in, endless opportunties for snowmobiling, stars to gaze at and wildlife to watch.

     To see wildlife on the Gunflint Trail you don't even have to get out of your vehicle. Just head up the hill out of Grand Marais and keep your eyes open. Before long you'll most likely see a moose or three. Thirteen moose from Grand Marais to the end of the Gunflint Trail in one drive is our record. This year a friend of ours saw seven before making it half-way up the Trail.

     Snowshoe hare, fox, pine marten, deer and wolves can often be seen while driving the Gunflint Trail as well. If you want a closer look at deer then head up to Gunflint Lake where residents and resorters feed the deer sometimes from their hands. Where there are deer there are sure to be wolves so the Gunflint Lake area is great for seeing and hearing wolves.

     While out on a snowshoe trek the other day I saw an otter slide in the snow. I haven't seen an otter yet this winter but they are around any open or moving water and are fun to watch.

      Canadian Lynx are even spotted on the Gunflint Trail and side roads.   The Gunflint Trail is a winter wonderland where there's wonderful wildlife to watch. Come see for yourself and visit us at Voyageur.

Voyageur's wildlife at the end of the Gunflint Trail

Resolve to Visit Voyageur in 2012

Monday, January 2, 2012 by Sue prom

     If there's one New Year's Resolution that should be easy to stick to it is to Visit Voyageur Canoe Outfitters in 2012. Whether it is for a Boundary Waters Canoe trip or a stay at the end of the Gunflint Trail you must include a trip North on your 2012 Bucket List.

     The lakes are frozen but will be liquid once again before we know it. We can reserve your BWCA canoe camping permit beginning January 25th but there's no need to worry if you don't have your canoe trip dates determined at that time. There will still be plenty of permits available throughout the entire summer.

     Our cabins are booking up quite nicely for the summer of 2012. There are still plenty of weeks open for you and your family to enjoy time at the edge of the Boundary Waters at the end of the Gunflint Trail. Call today to reserve your place in the woods.

     We're wishing you the best in 2012 and we're hoping you'll include us in your New Year's Resolutions.

Happy New Year from our home to yours.

Wishing All a Very Merry Christmas

Friday, December 23, 2011 by Sue prom

It's a white winter wonderland at Voyageur and we couldn't be happier with our snow. The Gunflint Trail is a beautiful place to spend Christmas or any time of the year. The BWCA is blanketed in snow and the lakes are almost all frozen.

We're wishing you and your family the happiest holidays ever from our neck of the woods to yours.

Boundary Waters Frozen

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Sue prom

     With the exception of a few of the big parts of the big lakes the Boundary Waters on the Gunflint Trail are frozen. Saganaga and Gunflint Lake still have some open water due to windy, warmer weather but they too will freeze over completely very soon.

     Visitors to the BWCA must now use methods other than paddling to travel the wilderness area. Snowshoes are a popular choice as are cross-country skis depending upon the terrain. Travel by dogsled allows you to cover alot of territory and no matter how you get around it's a wonderful time to explore the BWCA.

     Here's hoping you'll discover the frozen lakes of the Boundary Waters this winter.

Boundary Waters Permits for 2012

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 by Sue prom

     The 2012 Boundary Waters Permit Reservation process begins online on January 25th, 2012. We can take your reservation any time prior to the BWCA permit season opening, just get us your information and we'll take care of it.

     There will be no lottery for BWCA entry point permits on the Gunflint Trail this year so we'll make all permit reservations on the 25th of January. If you know your entry date and entry point then we can process your reservation now. The number of people in the group, the exit date and exit point are all estimated so we just need the basic information to take care of your reservation for a Boundary Waters permit.

     We're looking forward to being a part of your BWCA canoe camping trip so give us a call today. 1-888-CANOEIT or visit http://www.canoeit.com

Aurora Borealis Opportunities on the Gunflint Trail

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 by Sue prom

     I'm not a big fan of the short days during winter but there is an advantage to more hours of darkness. When the sky is dark for so many hours it provides more time to view the northern lights.

     In the summer we're busy at Voyageur and often go to sleep early. When the sun doesn't set until 9:30pm and the sky isn't actually dark until much later it's not very likely we will see the northern lights.

     The first five years we owned Voyageur we didn't have indoor plumbing and used an outhouse. During this time is when I saw the northern lights most frequently. We didn't have aurora alerts back then but it didn't matter because if they were out, then I would see them.

     There was some solar activity during the night and the aurora borealis are expected to be in the sky this evening. The Gunflint Trail is a great place to view them and with a little luck the sky will be clear and I'll get to see the northern lights dancing in the night sky tonight.

And by the way, if you ever see the northern lights are out then please call me. It doesn't matter what time of the night it is I get out of bed for northern lights.
1-888-CANOEIT

Easter or Thanksgiving on the Gunflint Trail?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011 by Sue prom

     A forecast for sunshine and 50's for Thanksgiving Day on the Gunflint Trail. With the snow melting and warm temperatures it feels more like Easter than Thanksgiving. The temperatures will cool off soon so we'll just enjoy the nice weather while it's here.

     Thanksgiving is a reminder for us to be thankful for everything we have. We at Voyageur are very thankful for all of our past guests and readers of our blogs. We thoroughly enjoy outfitting canoe groups into the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park. We love to introduce people to the wilderness waters and share our love of the Gunflint Trail. We are thankful for your support that allows us to live year round in this magical place next to the BWCA.

     We hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks to you, we'll be enjoying ours at the end of the Gunflint Trail.

Paddling Season in the BWCA Ends for 2011

Monday, November 21, 2011 by Sue prom

     For most normal folks the 2011 Boundary Waters paddling season has come to an end. The smaller lakes are becoming solid with ice and a coat of white snow blankets the earth. It's time to put away the paddles and pull out my cross-country skis.

     Last night the temperature got down to 1 degree above zero. I'm not quite ready for the cold weather as I don't even have my snow boots out yet. I guess I was thinking the beautiful fall weather would last forever, but I guess I thought wrong.

     The next time I head out into the BWCA it will either be on snowshoes or cross-country skis as the days of paddling are over.

Lottery for Entry Points on Two BWCA Lakes

Saturday, November 19, 2011 by Sue prom

     At the Fall USFS Boundary Waters Cooperator meeting the officials told the outfitters there was no longer going to be a lottery for BWCA permits. Their decision to get rid of the lottery was based upon availability of permits after the lottery. There were  plenty of permits left long after the lottery with the exception of five BWCA entry points.

     There will only be a lottery for Moose Lake entry points F, G & 25 and Fall Lake entry points D & 24.  These BWCA entry point permits are often gone after the lottery and people were concerned about the ability of the reservation program to handle the large number of permit applications at the first opportunity to reserve permits.

     A trial of the reservation process was conducted and results were not what was expected. In order to make this year's BWCA permit reservation process go smoothly there will still be a lottery for those Boundary Waters permits most in demand on Fall and Moose Lake.

     All other entry point permits will be reserved on a first come first served basis. The lottery will begin on December 19th and end on January 19th with the lottery ran on the 20th. Regular BWCA permit application season opens on the 25th of January at 9am Central.

     We'll take your reservation at Voyageur anytime you're ready and can reserve your BWCA permit too.

Suicidal Snow Buntings on the Gunflint Trail

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by Sue prom

     The snow buntings are experiencing a nice long stay on the Gunlfint Trail this year. Without snow on the ground they have plenty of food to eat and no reason to leave. I sometimes wonder if some of the birds dislike their time on the Gunflint Trail and want it over sooner rather than later?

     One could come to this conclusion when driving the Gunflint Trail during the daytime. The flocks of birds scatter themselves on the road and wait until the last possible moment to fly away. Every so often one waits until just after that last possible moment and ends up as part of a vehicle's grill.

     Was this snow bunting tired of spending time on the Gunflint Trail? I can't imagine any bird, animal or person wanting to leave the Gunflint Trail so I'll have to blame it on the snow buntings family or age. They are either young and fearless or related to the chicken. Either would explain their desire to play "chicken" on the road.