For those who have backpacked Isle Royale, you know it’s a rugged place. Imagine carrying a 20 pound camera and wooden tripod around, along with a stash of 4x5 black and white film. In 1967, Tom Haas, a 19 year old college student from Connecticut was on a mission with the National Park Service to photograph the island. Most of his travel was done by kayak and over the course of 20 years he captured 3,000 black and white images.

Now, nearly 5 decades later and with help from his wife Jeannie Thoren, the couple have published a book, “Isle Royale, A Photographer’s Circumnavigation 1967-1987.” In this episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara talk with Tom about his book and the people and places he captured leaving lasting memories at Isle Royale.

Key Takeaways:

• Tom Haas' passion for Isle Royale shines through in his meticulously captured black and white photographs, showcasing the island's timeless beauty.
• The book Isle Royale: A Photographer's Circumnavigation, 1967 to 1987 offers a glimpse into the rich history and captivating landscapes of Isle Royale.
• Tom's unique perspective as a longtime visitor and photographer provides a deep understanding of the island's evolution and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.
• The intimate portraits of fishing communities and natural landscapes captured by Tom Haas offer a poignant reflection on the vibrant history of Isle Royale.
• Through his work, Tom Haas encourages visitors to slow down, immerse themselves in the island's splendor, and embrace the beauty of Isle Royale at a leisurely pace.

Notable Quotes:

• "You don't have to be in a rush or cover a lot of ground to see a lot." - Tom Haas
• "Isle Royale is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to truly connect with nature and history in a unique way." - Tom Haas
• "Photography is not just about capturing images; it's about building trust, forming connections, and telling stories that resonate with the soul." - Tom Haas
• "Each photograph in the book reflects a moment frozen in time, preserving the essence of Isle Royale for future generations to cherish." - Tom Haas
• "The beauty of Isle Royale lies not just in its landscapes, but in the resilient spirit of its inhabitants and the timeless stories woven into its fabric." - Tom Haas

Resources:

• Tom Haas Photography Website: Tom Haas Photography

Don't miss the opportunity to delve into the enchanting world of Isle Royale through the lens of photographer and author Tom Haas. Listen to the full episode for a profound exploration of the park's history, beauty, and enduring legacy

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.