Is there anything more likely to raise an argument in the backcountry and backpacking community than bear spray vs guns for bear protection??? Probably not. It seems like there is no middle ground anymore, simply people on one side of the debate or the other slinging stones and quotes from papers at each other across the fence.
Can we get to the truth of the matter? Is it even possible to convince someone one way or the other, or have people long ago made up their minds?? Guns vs Bear Spray for protection in the backcountry, what’s the answer?
Well, it’s happening yet again. The same old story since the West was filled by farmers and ranchers. Last week we talked about the reintroduction of Grizzilies to places like the Northern Cascades and the impact on that environment and those people who spend time in those backcountry parts.
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DALL·E-2024-05-04-10.18.47-A-pixel-art-scene-depicting-wolves-and-ranchers-in-the-Old-West.-The-scene-shows-a-dusty-landscape-with-arid-plains-and-sparse-vegetation.-In-the-fore.webp10241024Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-05-04 22:48:172024-05-10 16:47:20Wolves vs Ranchers. The Ultimate Showdown.
If you’re an outdoor lover like us, especially those people who are the persuasion of being into backpacking, hiking, and other backcountry activities … you’ve probably noticed two things in recent years …
the increased instances of bear (grizzly) vs man interactions (not so good).
grizzlies are being introduced back into many ecosystems.
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DALL·E-2024-04-29-20.13.36-A-pixel-art-scene-depicting-a-grizzly-bear-chasing-Oliver-Twist-in-an-old-London-setting.-Oliver-Twist-is-a-young-boy-dressed-in-19th-century-ragged-c.webp10241024Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-04-30 01:57:302024-05-01 22:34:20The Re-Introduction of Grizzly Bears into Woods Near You
Springtime is here. Rain is in the air. Things are getting green in the woods. The Average Flatlanders are all about Spring Turkey Hunting. We scouted a few areas, ran into a plethora of turkeys, and called in two Gobblers, a shot, and a miss! Plenty of turkeys, but nothing in the fridge yet.
But, time is on our side. This is only our first foray into the woods in quest of a turkey to call our own, we did find some morels. More to come!
If you’ve never been exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior, especially that hidden gem of the GreatWhite North, Grand Marais, then you’ve been missing out on one of the best-hidden vacation and adventure destination spots you can find.
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PXL_20240316_233201799-scaled.jpg25601928Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-04-13 21:53:532024-05-01 22:35:32Exploring Grand Grand Marais on Lake Superior’s North Shore
I’ve never had an actual bushcraft or survival kit, usually, I just throw whatever I have into my backpack when heading out. It was time to upgrade to the “real-deal.”
I was curious what would actually be inside a bushcraft survival kit. Time to find out!
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.png00Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-04-12 15:44:222024-04-12 15:44:22Unboxing of a new Survival and Bushcraft Kit
Nestled into the tall trees on the North Shore of Lake Superior, MN is a lesser-known but hidden gem of a campground and State Park called Tettegouche State Park / Baptism River. While most North Shore explorers and vacations stop at the more popular Split Rock State Park or Gooseberry Falls State Park, they forget that a little farther north lies another, and arguably better State Park and Camp Ground located on the raging and rushing waters of Baptism River.
The campground is located directly on the North Shore highway and is a circle loop with all campsites buried into the tall trees giving a great barrier and much privacy between each site, more than most campers are used to at busy and loud State Park grounds most summer evenings.
The relatively small size of the 20-some-odd campsites also gives it a smaller friendly appeal.
One of the best parts about the Tettegouche State Park / Baptism River campground is the fact it has YEAR-ROUND open HEATED restrooms and shower facilities that are well-kept and clean. Especially for those looking for a place to call home in the offseasons of early spring or fall, when the campground is only holding a few visitors, it feels like you have the North Shore to yourself and these heated and learn restrooms and showers are a wonder to behold.
One of the best parts about camping at Baptism River is there there are trails and hiking right from the campground, you can easily hike .3 miles to beautiful waterfalls! You don’t even have to get in your car.
Also, this is located farther North of the popular Split Rock and Gooseberry Falls State Parks, so you are within striking distance of Grand Marais and the more rugged North Shore scenery than if you had stayed a little farther south.
If you are looking for campsite on the North Shore, skip the more popular Split Rock and Gooseberry falls, head north to Baptism River!
seclusion of campsites
close to North Shore popular towns like Grand Marais
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.png00Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-03-23 14:47:372024-03-23 14:47:37Camping at Tettegouche State Park / Baptism River
So you’ve heard of the North Shore of Lake Superior uh? The wind-swept lands of wolves, rocks, trees, waterfalls, and raging storms. It’s hard to beat.
The North Shore is still one of those precious gems that haven’t quite been overrun by the teaming hordes of developers who run their dozers everywhere putting in resorts and the like. It’s probably coming and getting closer, but it hasn’t happened yet. The best part about visiting the North Shore of Lake Superior early in the spring, say March, is that the vacations haven’t descended with their BMWs and Escalades yet, it’s very quiet and relaxed.
From Two Harbors to Grand Marais the restaurants are not that busy, and the many waterfalls and State Parks aren’t teaming with screaming children and city folk.
The weather can be quite nice or quite not nice in the Spring along the North Shore, it can go from 50’s and calm to 17 degrees with gale-force winds.
Some places you have to stop if you are on the North Shore in the Spring.
Cascade River State Park
Nice easy walking with tons of waterfalls, you will have the place to yourself.
year-round heated showers and restrooms, a short walk to Baptism River, and more waterfalls.
The Angry Trout is the best place to eat in Grand Marais
Get pie from Betties or Rustic Inn and Cafe
Split Rock Lighthouse and hiking at Split Rock State Park.
beautiful hikes along the lake with many rock beaches to explore
Castle Danger brewery
Honestly, the best part about a weekend camping or visiting the North Shore in the early Spring is simply not dealing with the crowds. It’s mostly just locals out and about, with a few hardy camping souls mixed in. You will have all the waterfalls, beaches, and trails to yourself for the most part … with just a few stragglers here and there.
The weather can border on bad, but it’s manageable if you are prepared.
The best way to deal with this is to plan a trip that is a mix of exploring the woods, waterfalls, and lakes, along with plenty of stops at restaurants, towns, etc. This gives you a break from the wind and the waves you might need.
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.png00Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-03-23 13:51:232024-03-23 13:51:23North Shore of Lake Superior – Spring 2024
It’s becoming more and more common all across the country … from the Midwest to the West Coast and back again, to run into Mountain Lions in the woods. With successful reintroductions and an exploding population of deer and other small game, Mountain Lions are making a serious comeback in many areas where they were previously never found.
This has been the case for the wandering of the Average Flatlanders recently. The past few years have been a constant stream of news reports and videos of Mountain Lions traveling around the area we call home.
Recently we went fishing in the same spot where numerous Mountain Lion traps have been set.
https://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.png00Daniel Beachhttps://averageflatlander.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AFlogoW-300x138.pngDaniel Beach2024-03-12 19:31:252024-03-12 19:31:25Fishing in Mountain Lion Country
