While we see trucks and trains moving freight around the country, goods are also traveling by freighter, and some of those ships are 1,000 feet long. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Sam Hankinson, Development Coordinator at the Port of Monroe about the health of Great Lakes shipping and how we can learn more about what’s cruising out on the water.

Key Takeaways:

• Great Lakes vessels can haul as much cargo in one trip as hundreds of rail cars or thousands of trucks, showcasing their efficiency and importance.
• The seasonality of Great Lakes shipping includes winter layup for maintenance and upkeep, ensuring the reliability of vessels during the active shipping season.
• Despite the age of some ships, proper maintenance and care can prolong their lifespan, highlighting the durability of vessels in freshwater environments.
• The tight-knit maritime community of the Great Lakes region comes together in times of need, exemplified by the prompt and collaborative response to maritime incidents.
• Resources such as the Marine Traffic app provide real-time vessel tracking, allowing enthusiasts and observers to monitor ship movements and identify passing vessels.

Notable Quotes:

1. "These vessels are carrying the iron ore that's going into steelmaking… They're doing everything. They're carrying the building blocks of America."
2. "These ships exist to move cargo, people make their livelihoods on the Great Lakes… when stuff goes wrong and people are in danger, our industry stands up, our community stands up."
3. "The winter layup period is a very important time… to prepare vessels for the next season and the seasons beyond."
4. "When you start tracking them, you will get it down to a science of how far away they are, when they're going to show up, and when the next one will be coming by."
5. "There is nothing wrong with traveling to a place like Duluth, Marquette, or Sault Ste. Marie… just sitting down by the water and waiting for the boats to go by and enjoying it at your own speed."

Resources:

• National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation
• Marine Traffic app

Don't miss out on the captivating insights and stories shared in this episode of the Lake Superior podcast. Tune in to the full episode for a deep dive into the world of shipping on the Great Lakes and discover more enriching content from the podcast series.

Music. Why is it important? For most--on a personal level--music stirs feelings, memories and sensations. But sharing music is also a way to for people to connect, bond thoughts and emotions when words won’t do. Lake Superior’s waves have been making their own melodies since time began, but the Big Blue also ranks a centuries old magnet luring musicians of all types to the shores to strum and sing. That tradition continues in Lutsen, on Minnesota’s north shore. Coming up July 18-21, 2024, Cook county will host the 3rd annual Lutsong Music Festival. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Lutsong co-founder Scott Schuler about the evolution of this boutique music festival and how a county of just 5,000 people has been able to attract such quality musicians.

Key Takeaways:

• The Lutsong Music Festival is a unique event showcasing Americana music, singer-songwriters, and stringed instruments against the backdrop of Lake Superior.
• The festival offers a mix of genres, from post-punk to jazz, with a focus on intimate performances and a communal campfire experience.
• Community support and partnerships with local businesses contribute to the festival's success, maintaining a grassroots and word-of-mouth approach.
• Special activities like morning hikes with a mycologist, foraging experiences, and a metal sculptor's ceremonial burn add to the festival's charm.
• Scott Schuler emphasizes the importance of maintaining the festival's intimate and magical vibe while considering future growth and venue options.

Notable Quotes:

• "It gets to be an easy sell. Once other people experience and get past it." - Scott Schuler
• "We try to keep that the best that we can. It hasn't changed a whole lot yet, although we doubled the second year what we did the first year." - Scott Schuler
• "A lot going on up here. The food's great. And there's so many other things to do while you're up here." - Scott Schuler

Resources:

• Lutsong Music Festival Website (https://lutsongmusicfestival.com/)

Make sure to check out the Lutsong Music Festival in Lutsen, Minnesota, for a unique Americana music experience against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior. Listen to the full episode for more insights and stay tuned for engaging content from the Lake Superior podcast.

A backpacking trip to Isle Royale heads up the Bucket List for many, but with 165 miles of trails and 36 campsites, planning a trip can be overwhelming, particularly for first-timers. Experience counts. In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with veteran backpacker Jon Prain. Known as the Isle Royale Guy, (also the name of his website) he shares tips about his decades of trips to this remote island park and ways to make it an even more memorable trek.

Key Takeaways:

• Emphasize the value of slowing down and fully immersing oneself in the natural beauty of Isle Royale.
• Encourage first-time visitors to prioritize preparedness, lightweight gear, and self-rescue skills for a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Highlight the impact of changing weather conditions on trip planning and stress the importance of flexibility and adaptability.
• Discuss the spiritual connection and sense of tranquility that can be found in the remoteness of Isle Royale.
• Recommend early booking, gear testing, and practicing hiking skills in advance to enhance the overall backpacking experience.

Notable Quotes:

• "Isle Royale really is remote. You have to be ready to do self-rescue, self-first aid if something goes wrong."
• "Prepare for the extremes in weather and for any type of weather because it could happen no matter what the forecast said."
• "Every year, I get that gear out, I check it, I test it, I work with it just to make sure it's all there and it's all working."
• "Less is more. If you see less of the island and really spend time focusing on it, you're actually going to get more out of it."

Resources:

• Jon Prain's Website
• National Park Service - Isle Royale National Park

For more insightful discussions and expert advice on exploring the beauty of Isle Royale National Park, tune in to the full episode and discover the wonders waiting for you in this picturesque wilderness destination. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a first-time visitor, Jon Prain's insights and experiences offer a valuable guide for making the most of your Isle Royale adventure.