Writing this note has been more challenging this year.
Gathering thoughts for a holiday message, I’m reminded that because we
are so greatly influenced by Lake Superior’s large body of warmth (yes,
it really did warm up this year), I found myself out mowing the lawn on
Halloween. Our second frost of the season waited until November 3 to hit
us, at which time the impatiens were still striving to reach the bottoms
of the window frames, higher than ever before. It says a lot that we actually
had a growing season this year. Real tomatoes, apples that were fully ripened
(and delicious) and, of course, a lawn that wouldn’t quit.
Last winter was one that many people thought was stellar. El Niño,
that pervasive warm spot in the Pacific Ocean, really did have an influence
on the lake region’s weather to the extent that it was mild, ever so mild.
And there was a huge reduction in the amount of snow we got. A kind winter
is often accepted as a gift, with great thanks, but we also found that
it was not a good winter for the many friends who cater to (or enjoy) seasonal
recreation. Without a lot of snowfall, snowmobilers couldn’t find groomed
trails, skiing ended a bit early and many lakes didn’t freeze as deeply
as normal.
We all could do with a better holiday present this winter. We’re sort of
looking forward to La Niña (the cold counterpart to El Niño)
for an increased amount of the white stuff. It is actually fun to be out
in a fresh snowfall, trekking with snowshoes or on skis, blazing new trails
with the snowmobile. As a family recreation, even dog sledding has become
a major attraction for the region (see page 60 for our story on this treat).
Of course, it’s also the holidays and a time of year when thinking about
family gets a person all choked up. I look forward to those gatherings
that we have planned and the surprise reunions that inevitably pop up as
a result of friends returning on visits. Believe it or not, a lot of people
travel “north” to the lake for the holidays, actually seeking out that
cold, crisp air we have flowing around here. There’s always something about
Lake Superior holidays that makes them memorable.
We’ve tried to construct a “family” oriented issue this time, one that
will help you get into the mood of thinking about those friends and family
as they gather. From our story about how a top Lake Superior chef celebrates
at home to the short “My Lake Superior” at the end of the magazine, we
want you to think about the “togetherness” of the season. And, as we delve
into the final year of this century, all at the magazine wish you the very
best in 1999.
Paul L. Hayden
Editor
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A Holiday Message