The Walls Go Up

The New Knutson Begins...

Late last week, the foundation was poured for the new Knutson Hall. Soon, the walls will be going up. Be sure to keep checking back for photos, or subscribe to the feed by clicking the RSS icon.

*(disregard the dates on the photos) :)

Take The 2007 Surveys!

The campers and parents from summer 2007 are invited to take our short summer survey. Just follow the links below.

If you were a camper this summer, or a parent of a camper, please take just a couple of minutes to complete our survey. We are always trying to improve camp and your responses will help us find ways to make 2008 an even better summer than 2007.

Thanks!

1st Session Camper Survey

2nd Session Camper Survey

Parent Survey

"The Myth About Boys"

In case you missed it this summer, Time magazine ran an article called "The Myth About Boys" which refuted many recent theories, essays and articles describing the poor shape in which boys find themselves today. It was nice to see an article that echoes what I see developing at camp each year...a wonderful group of boys becoming young men. It only reinforces for me the validity of Chippewa's philosophy that strikes the right balance of structure, freedom and challenge in which boys thrive.

Back to Tulsa

The return trip from camp was as difficult as any, leaving while Cass Lake had a slight north breeze, sunny blue skies and a perfect temperature of 74 degrees. Paradise.

A few emails were waiting for me when I returned to Tulsa regarding dates. Good news for planning as the dates for 2008 have not changed from the 2007 dates. The website will be updated by the end of this week with the new enrollment information so stay tuned. In the meantime, be sure to check back here at the blog for frequent updates on Knutson Hall's reconstruction and other news!

Knutson Hall Comes Down

After 70 years of service to thousands of campers, Knutson Hall has come down. The final camper banquet was followed by an alumni event, Rendezvous 2007, which served the final meals in old Knutson. Now we look forward to the new Knutson Hall rising from the same spot over the next several months. We'll be sure to post pictures of the progress.

Mike Endres and JP with the Sign

The bell is removed from the top of Knutson.
Much of the floor has been saved to be reused in the new Knutson Hall.
Down it comes!

Second Session Photos III

My apologies for a short delay in posting more second session photos, but we had some internet difficulty here at camp. Here ya go...

Second Session Photos II

Second Session Photos I

First Session Photos III

The first session just flew by, but here are a few more photos from the session.

First Session Photos II

First Session Photos I

Camp is rolling...

With almost two weeks under our belt, it has been a wonderful start to the camping season. The weather has been beautiful and the boys have been progressing and passing ranks throughout the activity front.

As a reminder, please subscribe to the e-newsletter for more detailed updates on the camp session. To do so, please click here http://www.campchippewa.com/newsandevents.html and follow the link to the subscription page.

Countdown to Camp Part 3

Scatterball!!!! In just about 15 minutes, the call "scatterball" will ring through the Chippewa National Forest...the official start of our 72nd summer. The campers have arrived for first session, spaghetti has been served in Knutson Hall and beds are being made in the cabins. An exciting start to another memorable summer on Cass Lake.

Countdown to Camp Part 2

The rain from yesterday gave way to sunshine this morning. Many of the counselors have arrived and have taken the first canoe paddle on Cass Lake. The archery range is now ready for archers with the backstop hung and the targets set 30 meters from the firing line. Today, the field archery course will be cleared and targets returned to their summer homes. The masts and booms for the sailing fleet have been removed from the sail shanty, as have the sails which are being made ready for a busy sailing season. Just down the way, the kayaks hang silently on the racks, ready for a paddle down the shore. Only twelve more days...

CHANGES ABOUND!

First session is just a few short weeks away.

As Mike mentioned in his recent blog, he's arrived at camp, and even broken out the table tennis paddle.

Before too long, staff members will start to make their way up as well. They'll arrive, unpack, and get started on cleaning out the cabins, putting in the docks, and readying the archery range.

Aside from all of the great equipment that you may have seen last year, they'll be unwrapping some new camp gear as well.

New canoes for the voyageurs. A new sailboat for the skippers.

And according to former camper Takeshi Fugisaki - a Nintendo "Wii 2" for the counselors. Takeshi has been working with Nintendo for the past 5 years, and has managed to arrange for a "beta" version for the "target market game testers" that spend their off-time in the counselor retreat.

Just one more perk to being a counselor at Camp Chippewa.....

Countdown to Camp (Part 1 of 3)

The arrival of camp was met with sunshine and a slight breeze on Cass Lake...a perfect camp day. While the canoes have escaped their winter home, they have yet to make it to the canoe racks. Cass Lake and Buck Lake docks are still resting on shore and the sailboats sit silently in the Garden. Though the waterfront isn't quite ready for camp to begin, much of camp is. The nets are up on Cass Court and Bear Paw, the table tennis tables have already seen their first match and the Ivy Bowl is ready for a soccer match or softball game.

As the counselors begin to arrive, camp will slowly awaken. Keep an eye on the blog as camp comes alive for our 72nd summer.

Headed to Camp

The summer has arrived and camp is almost here!

I will be in transit from Tulsa to Cass Lake from Tuesday until Thursday. If you need to contact me, please call my cell phone which is listed on the camp's "Contact Us" page. I am not quite sure how often I will be able to update this blog during this summer because of our unreliable and slow internet connection. However, I will be sure to keep you posted on the plans for the blog once I arrive at camp. Check back soon.

I'll see many of you at camp in a couple of weeks!

Photos from Tri-City Challenge

In early May, Chippewa campers and counselors met in Sandwich, Illinois for a unique triathlon. Here are a few photos from the event. (For the complete story, read this post or for the results read this one.)

The Chippewa competitors prepare for the race.

Left to right are Matt Hudson, Sam Campbell, Mario Sgro, Adam Jeffers, Jonah Mueller, Thomas Beadle and Grant Campbell.

Sam and Thomas take their canoe to the start.

Grant, the organizer of the two Chippewa teams, arrives at the bike to run transition.

At the finish, Sam, Matt, Adam and Thomas await the remaining team members. Thomas took top honors among the Chippewa guys, followed closely by Adam.

From Far and Wide...

72 years ago, camp opened its doors for the first time, welcoming five boys from Tulsa, Oklahoma. For many years, Tulsa was the only source of campers. Jump ahead to 2007 and I am amazed at the number of states and even foreign countries from which our boys and staff arrive. In fact, over the last five years, campers and staff have come from 36 states and 12 countries around the world. This summer, we'll add a new country to the list, as two boys will be coming from China. Isn't it remarkable how far the Chippewa family reaches? I am just delighted to see Chippewa's diverse camper list grow to places as far away as Beijing.

Mary's Apple Butter

It's time for one of Mary's favorite recipes to be revealed...her famous Apple Butter spread! Be careful with this recipe, however, as it produces enough apple butter to feed a small army.

Apple Butter
1 1/2 gallons of apple sauce
6 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup apple cider vinegar

Mix ingredients well and pour into shallow baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 hours. (Mary adds that you should remove it when it "turns to apple butter.") Makes 5 quarts of apple butter.

New Canoes on Order

Just as the sailors will be enjoying new equipment for their fleet, so will the canoeists. Just ordered from Wenonah canoe works are three Spirit II canoes. The Spirit II is a light-weight Royalex, has three ash thwarts and is an all-around canoes like the Penobscot, great for flat water or white water. No doubt these beautiful new boats will find their way to the Canadian trails this year.

And The Winner Is....

On Sunday morning, the Fox Valley Triathlon began on the shores of the Fox River and ended in the town of Sandwich, Illinois. In between, two hours of canoeing, biking and running. When the dust settled, it was Thomas Beadle who edged out Adam Jeffers for first place among Team Chippewa. It was a proud showing for the Chippewa campers, who took three of the top four finishes.

Following the race, the group retired to Brothers restaurant to sample the "World Famous Beef Roll" in the town of Sandwich.

It was a great race, and we'll be sure to watch the race website for final overall standings of Team Chippewa. Congrats to each of the triathletes (Thomas Beadle, Matt Hudson, Sam Campbell, Jonah Mueller, Adam Jeffers, Grant Campbell and Mario Sgro) for an outstanding race. Special thanks to Grant for organizing the team. As the camp director, it is wonderful to see the great camaraderie among the campers and staff of Chippewa, whether at Cass Lake or in Sandwich, Illinois. No doubt, many more "beef rolls" await our guys following the race next May.

Chippewa Team to Compete on May 6th

A year ago, two campers and two counselors from Chicago competed in the Tri-City Challenge triathlon near Sandwich, Illinois as Team Chippewa. Once again, Chippewa faithful will be canoeing, biking and running at the Challenge just southwest of Chicago.

Sam Campbell, Adam Jeffers and Matt Hudson will join returning triathletes Thomas Beadle, Grant Campbell, and Jonah Mueller at the 2007 event Sunday, May 6th. The first segment of the race is canoeing for 5 miles, the second is biking for 13 miles, and the final segment is running a 5K. If you are interested in joining the competition, be sure to contact Grant Campbell soon. If you need his information, please feel free to email or call me.

I'll be headed up to cheer everyone on and for a traditional stop at Sandwich for new t-shirts. Word on the street indicates that a few bets may have been made on the top finisher. My money is secretly on Thomas Beadle.

Sheets and Blankets

For all of you parents out there, I thought I'd pass along a few thoughts about sheets for camp. Every year, I receive several calls asking to help clarify what sheets and blankets are best to pack for camp. The equipment list suggests that you pack cot-sized sheets, preferably non-white, flat sheets. Admittedly, these can be a bit hard to find. One place to find them is Campmor, though they only offer white sheets. These white sheets will work fine and are pretty cheap. Cot-sized flat sheets are much easier for your son to handle while at camp. Twin-sized sheets seem a bit too large when making the bed as part of the morning inspection, though they can work if twin sized are your only option.

Regarding blankets...fleece blankets have been a big hit with parents in recent years. In the old days, wool blankets were the typical choice, but fleece blankets are lighter, pack smaller and are just about as warm as wool. Either wool or fleece make great camp blankets, while large comforters are less desirable. Morning inspection is a daily routine, and a tidy area with a well-made bed is part of the checklist. The fleece and wool blankets simplify this morning routine.

Please remember that we do not rent sheets or blankets at camp. Also, be certain to mark all of the bedding with your son's name. Don't hesitate to call or email with any questions.

Planet Earth

Natalie and I have been watching the Discovery channel series called Planet Earth. Last week, one of the episodes was about forests. Much of the footage was shot in the northern forests, like what we see in Canada and have at camp. It truly is wonderful that Cap staked his claim in the Chippewa National Forest in 1935. As time goes on, being in a national forest will help limit the amount of development on and around Cass Lake and help preserve those huge red and white pines around camp. Those trees are a beautiful sight on the walk down to Buck Lake.

America's Cup Sets Sail

Without much fanfare in the US, the 32nd America's Cup is underway in Valencia, Spain with the commencement of the Challenger series. A quick check of the leader board finds the US team, BMW Oracle, leading all challengers. Most predict this to be one of the closest America's Cup in history, so it will be fun to watch the progress over the next several weeks. So far, the races have been plagued by little wind, and several races have yet to set sail. We'll keep an eye on BMW Oracle as the racing unfolds. In the meantime, we'll look forward to racing our new sailboat in the Kamaji regatta this summer!

Weekend Trip to Camp

I was walking Moby around my neighborhood yesterday when I heard the unmistakable song of the white-throated sparrow. Anyone who has been in a canoe in Canada recognizes its distinctive whistle. Hearing it in Tulsa undoubtedly means that the sparrow's migration back north has started. Of course, that means our migration back to camp is just around the corner.

JP, CJ and I will be headed to camp this weekend for a quick pre-camp planning trip. Many new exciting plans are ahead for camp and we'll be laying the groundwork for a few new projects during the weekend. Also, CJ will be working with his beehive preparing it for the summer months. Summer is almost here!

JP's Stories for Your iPod

Just in case you hadn't noticed, you can now download camp stories for your iPod. Currently, we have two stories posted, both read by JP. The Legend of Cedar Island and a story about the mameguesu are on our website. Click here to view our downloads and to add one of JP's stories to your iPod.

Coolest Places I've Been With Camp. Part 2: York Factory, Manitoba.

About 350 miles northeast of Norway House, Manitoba (as the canoe paddles, not as the crow flies) is York Factory. Located at the mouth of the Hayes River, York Factory was the long time North American headquarters of the Hudson Bay Company. Yes, the same Hudson Bay Company that Natalie and Cammy work for. As it sits on its banks over-looking the Hudson Bay and the Hayes River, York Factory is now a National Historic Site of Canada as well as an archaeological site. York Factory also plays host to literally dozens of tourist each year.

I went to York Factory in 2003 on the Hayes River trip with Sam Thiessen and 4 or 5 campers (their names elude me). As you approach York Factory, it sits 50 to 70 feet above the river on the bank, giving it that regal "don't mess with this fort" look. What is so great about the trading post now is it is a museum, so you can walk the grounds, learn the history of the area, the fort, the people, and touch everything. That's right, a museum where you can touch whatever you want. Items on display are essentially the items that were traded here at the post, not including pelts. We also climbed up into the lookout tower where people have been signing their names on the wall since as far back as at least 1929.

The highlight of York Factory was using one of the original branding irons used to mark goods. After deciding not to brand our biceps, the park staff was kind enough to brand the lid of one of our wanagans. The lid looks so cool now with its big YF emblazoned on it. Miraculously, the lid survived the trip house fire the following winter and will soon be on display in the new trip house.

One final note: On the flight out of York Factory, you fly over the Nelson River and a hydroelectric dam that is freakin' huge. As it turns out, this dam is the main supplier of electricity for the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota. How they get that electricity from Northern-nowhere Canada to the Twin Cities is beyond me. I just don't understand electricity at all.

Bloodvein 2006 Photos

In case you hadn't seen them, the Bloodvein 2006 photos were posted a while back on the camp website. Thanks to Thomas Beadle who took most of the pictures. You can see them by going to the Chippewa Photo Albums page.

Thomas Beadle took this great photo last summer on the 'Vein!

Martin Strel Does It Again

Some of you may recall that in 2002, we headed out into the middle of Cass Lake in kayaks and the Chips Ahoy to see Martin Strel, the Slovenian swimmer, on his way to set a new world record by swimming the entire length of the Mississippi. As he passed through Cass Lake, CJ and some kayakers paddled alongside him while some of us watched him from the pontoon boat.

Over the weekend, Martin Strel made news again, crushing his previous world record by swimming the length of the Amazon. Amazing! You can find more information on Martin's website and on Wikipedia.

Martin swimming across Cass Lake in 2002

Spring Break at Camp

For all of you guys that recently returned from the beach during Spring Break, be happy you didn't head to camp. Today's high? 17 degrees. Low? 0 degrees. A little chilly for dip time!

About Sleeping Bags

I often receive calls or emails asking to recommend a sleeping bag for camp. With such a huge variety of bags available, it can certainly be a bit confusing. So, here is a short synopsis of considerations when you are hunting for sleeping bags.

When looking for a good bag for camp, it should be compressible (in other words, it stuffs into a smalls space) and sufficiently warm (which I'll discuss more below.) You will want to avoid large cotton sleeping bags that are rolled up. They are simply too bulky and a disaster when they become wet. Most of the sleeping bags you will consider should have a nylon exterior.

Next, be aware that good sleeping bags are generally placed in one of two categories: down or synthetic. This refers to the stuffing of the sleeping bag. Down is the most effective insulator and longest lasting stuffing, but it is more expensive. Synthetics have become pretty darned nice over the last several years with products like Qualofil and Lite Loft, but it is a bit heavier and doesn't compress quite as small. The good thing about synthetic bags is that they dry faster and are cheaper. Salesmen will tell you (as I used to do when I was a salesman at a backpacking store) that you can also stay warm in a wet synthetic bag, but the reality is that nobody wants to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, whether it is down or synthetic. It's simply too uncomfortable.

So which do I recommend? Depending on your age and camping experience and goals, I lean towards down. It may cost more, but if you feel that you can keep your bag dry, the bag will last forever and will keep you comfortable. If you are a bit younger and are not sure if you will do much overnight camping in the future, go for synthetic. It will last a long time and will dry much faster if it gets wet.

Finally, the temperature rating of the bag should be between 2o degrees and 40 degrees. This is the temperature above which the bag will keep you warm. My experience has been that even a 30 degree bag can make me hot in most camping situations.

For easy reference, here are a few bags I recommend:
Down Sleeping Bags
Marmot Arroyo
Marmot Arete

Synthetic Sleeping Bags
North Face Cat's Meow
North Face Equinox
Kelty Light Year

Good luck and don't hesitate to call me with any questions.

Website Updates

We just updated the camp website with a few new items. Parents will be happy to know that we are adding the Health Form to our Forms page so it can be downloaded at any time. Also, we have changed the tour page so you can take a tour around camp. Click the photo to check it out...

"Hi Mom, Camp is Great!"

Last year, Deb Mallin wrote a wonderful article about being a mother of first year campers. If this is your first summer as a camp mom or if you aren't sure whether your son is ready for camp, please take just a moment to read "Off They Go--A Mother's Guide."

New Vessel for the Fleet

Sailors, get ready to high-side this summer. Just purchased : a stunning 1998 Melges X-boat for the Chippewa sailing fleet. This is a beautiful boat that was used mainly for racing. It will certainly be ready for the regatta this summer at camp if any of you skippers are up to the task.

Before it can set sail on Cass Lake, however, we'll need a name. Any ideas?

An Ode to Camp Chippewa

I’m so very excited,
Your time is quite near,
You’ve brought so much fun,
I’d like to give a cheer.

New sports, new activities,
New counselor, new cabin,
Old friends, old chums,
And lots of blabin’

From Chicago and New York,
You’ve brought us together,
St. Louis and Manchester,
Whatever the weather

Oh awesome Camp Chippewa,
We love you each summer,
We’d stay all our lives,
It couldn’t be funner!

By Spencer Dillon
Spencer is from Wilmette, Illinois and wrote this poem during his sixth grade year after his first summer at Chippewa.

Canadian Trips 2007

As you know, the Seal River trip will be headed out for the first time since 1995. What other trips are headed out? Once again, the Quetico awaits our voyageurs headed into the ninth grade. As wonderful and remote as many of our other trips are, few trips offer the rugged beauty and challenge as can be found in the Quetico.

For our older guys, the Sanford-Elsie trip will be one destination. Great fishing, fun whitewater and the legendary Indian Head cliff and Horse Falls. A return trip to the Gammon River also is in the works for first session. Portaging over the watershed in the Woodland Caribou Provincial Park will be rewarded with classic rapids and chutes. Keep your eye out for pictographs as well as you paddle Aiken Lake. Finally, the second session will launch a new trip for Chippewa. We have been studying the Kopka River for the last several years and look forward to camp's first descent to Lake Nipigon. Among the highlights...three 3o-foot waterfalls.

Chippewa voyageurs will again find real adventure on the trails of the north country, paddling and portaging the ancient canoe routes. It will be another amazing year for trips.

Parent Handbooks On the Way

Travels plans, packing, and all of the mysteries of preparing for the coming summer are addressed in the revised Parent Handbook. Look for yours in the mailbox by the end of the week. Can't wait? Download a copy from the Forms page on the camp website. Word from our travel agent, Travel One, asks that you book early this year to ensure the cheapest airfare possible. Contact Amy at Travel One by calling 800-245-1111.

Mary's Mac & Cheese

By popular demand and special request, here is Mary's recipe for Mac & Cheese:

Macaroni
Powder cheddar cheese sauce mix
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Butter or Margarine
Milk
Lawry's Seasoning Salt
Salt
Pepper

Cook desired amount of macaroni in boiling water until soft. Drain, then add butter and cheddar cheese sauce mix (powder). Add Lawry's seasoning and salt, pepper to taste. Add milk "to right consistency." Fill casserole dish to half with macaroni, cover with shredded cheddar cheese, then finish filling dish with macaroni. Cover with cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Seal River Maps

For those headed north to the Seal this summer, here are the maps that will be used during your adventure. They are 1:250,000 scale. Remember, you can order them from World of Maps (800-214-8524) if you would like your own set.

64J – Tadoule Lake
64I – Shethanei Lake
54L – Churchill
54M – Caribou River

Want more information, check out the blog entry titled 'Ordering Canadian Trip Maps' from December.

Passports for Canada? Not so fast!

Good news from the Bush Administration this week as passport requirements for children entering Canada have eased. Previously, passports were to be required for all US citizens entering Canada by land beginning January 2008. In a change from these plans, however, children aged 15 or younger will only be required to have parental consent and a certified copy of their birth certificate. (In other words, no change from our current camp policy.) Children aged 16 to 18 traveling with groups like camps will likely also be exempt from the passport requirement. We are working to clarify this, however.

This is great news for all of you parents. If you need clarification, please don't hesitate to give me a call. If you already have a passport, it is certainly acceptable for crossing into Canada now and in the future. This change in law does not effect the men on our staff, however. Counselors, it's time to start thinking about getting your passports if you want to head out on the trail!

Now Showing - 2006 Highlights Movie Trailer

The 2006 Chippewa Highlights video has been receiving high marks from the Open House guests. Just last week, Texans stopped by to check it out in Houston and Dallas. Denver and Minneapolis, you guys are the next stop for the premiere. Want a sneak peak? Be sure to head over to the Chippewa Movies webpage (http://www.campchippewa.com/moviesandstuff.html) to check out the trailer for the new DVD.

Chicago and Milwaukee families who did not receive copies at the Open House, your DVDs will be in the mail next week, so check your mail boxes!

On The Road Again...

Just returned from two great Open Houses in Phoenix and San Francisco. Rob and I were even joined by Peter Evans who happened to be visiting San Francisco at the time. You never know which counselor might drop in. Dallas and Houston, you're up next! See you there.

Swimming with Sharks?

Rob and I had a great time in Chicago and Milwaukee at the Open Houses. We found this shark on the wall at the Haft home, so a few of the guys decided to strike a pose for the hammerhead. Grant Campbell and I also traveled to Kansas City and St. Louis just last week for a couple of fun Open Houses. Next stop, Phoenix and San Francisco. See you there.

Headed to Chicago and Milwaukee

Rob and I are hitting the road with stops in Milwaukee and Chicago. Hope to see everyone at the Open Houses. Since I will be out of the office for awhile, you can reach me on my cell phone listed on camp's Contact Us page.

Summer Camp Blues

The front page of the Tulsa World newspaper today was filled with images of the weekend ice storm in Oklahoma. Inside, however, was a great article about fighting homesickness at camp. The key, according to a study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics, is the parents' role in preparing their son or daughter before camp. Here are five key points quoted from the article by Lisa Smith:

1. Involve children in the decision to spend time away from home, so that the child has a sense of control.
2. Tell children that homesickness is normal, but that they can use strategies such as writing letters home, sharing their feelings with other people and thinking about the benefits of camp to help.
3. Parents should arrange for a practice time away from home before camp.
4. Don't make a pick-up plan or "a deal" with a child to bring him home if he doesn't like the experience of being away. This undermines the child's sense that a parent has confidence in his ability to be on his own.
5. Don't make negative or anxious comments about the separation to children.

In my experience, number four has been a common pitfall among anxious parents and campers. The key is to recognize your role as a parent in setting your son up for a successful summer away from home. If you are a first time camp parent, or even if your son is an old-timer, this is some great advice.

Join an Open House

Just as an ice storm is hitting Tulsa, my mind wants to wander back to the summer on Cass Lake. There's no better way to do that than by watching the new Chippewa Highlights DVD, now in the final stages of production. It will be ready for viewing at any of the Chippewa Open Houses. Make plans to join us to relive last summer's adventures and to share in plans for 2007. I'll be headed to 11 cities, with Rob and JP joining in the fun at some of them. Check out the dates, times and locations here: http://www.campchippewa.com/campfairs.html. Join us!

Mary's New Summer Home

CJ and Mike Endres were up at camp over the holidays and took a few photos of the new cook's cabin. This is where Mary, Ada. Margie, Roxy, Gina and Becky will be next summer. It's just behind Knutson Hall next to Tamarac/Trillium cabin. Looks great!

Coolest Places I’ve Been With Camp. Part 1: Northern Most Point of Wisconsin

As you all know the three tenets of Camp Chippewa are: Adventure, Tradition, and Character. While tradition and character are great, adventure is what stirs the soul. In my guest blog I will highlight some of the many cool places I have been lucky enough to go to with camp. My apologies to those who have had to endure the many pit stops and long-cuts to see some of the Northwoods finest roadside, lakeside, and riverside attractions.

On a hiking trail just below the Devils Island lighthouse in the Apostle Islands is a true one of a kind landmark: The Northern Most Point of Wisconsin. Nowhere else in the world can you find the northern most point of Wisconsin, not even in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. From this vantage point, looking north, you realize that Lake Superior really lives up to its name, more so than any of the other Great Lakes (especially Huron). It’s freakin’ huge.

The Northern Most Point of Wisconsin isn’t the only thing to see on Devil’s Island. There is also Devil’s Island Lighthouse which was built in 1898. The lighthouse contains a rare Fresnel (pronounced fre-NELL) lens which was some kind of great advancement in lighthouse lanterns. Back in the woods behind the lighthouse there is an old tractor that along with the car that can be found on the portage into McCrea Lake on the Savant and the car on the portage out of Beaverhouse Lake on the Quetico fits in the “how in the heck did that thing get there” category.

The only downside to the Northern Most Point of Wisconsin is that you can’t actually stand there. Because of the precariousness of the ground, if you stand there you will fall 20 feet down into Lake Superior, making you the The Northern Most Wettest Person in Wisconsin.

Mary's Monster Cookies

What better way to start the New Year than with one of Mary's best cookie recipes...her Monster Cookies. Mary has written down many of her recipes for us, so be sure to check back for more. If you have any requests, let me know.

Monster Cookies
3 eggs
1 stick of margarine
1 cup of brown sugar
1 cup of white sugar
1 3/4 cup of flour
3 cups of oatmeal (quick)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 teaspoons of soda
1 1/2 cups of peanut butter
3/4 cups of chocolate chips
3/4 cups of M&Ms

Mix all ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees. Be careful not to overbake. Makes about 25 cookies.