Episodes
Friday May 22, 2020
Friday May 22, 2020
MARTHA IS BACK! And times have certainly changed! The Stay at Home Orders for the State of Minnesota expired on May 18. So we decided to take a look at how things will be on the North Shore for those coming up for a visit in the Summer of 2020. Then, we went to the mid-Gunflint Trail area to interview Carl Madsen, owner of the Rockwood Lodge on Poplar Lake. Carl has adapted some policy changes in the wake of COVID-19 that resemble other changes being made in the area. Listen and learn how you can enjoy the North Shore safely this summer. If you are planning a trip into the BWCA this summer, check out Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters at https://www.rockwoodbwca.com/.
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So what's up with the episode name? Initially we were going to adopt two slogans for the summer of 2020: "Be Smart About Being Safe" and "Plan to Plan Ahead". "Be Smart About Being Safe" is going to stay, but we're replacing "Plan to Plan Ahead" with "Be Like Barb". Listen to the episode to find out who Barb is, and why you should be more like her this summer!
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Wednesday May 06, 2020
Solo History Lesson #4 - Father Baraga's Cross
Wednesday May 06, 2020
Wednesday May 06, 2020
On today’s episode of Exploring the North Shore Solo History Lessons, we’re going to be learning about Father Baraga's Cross.
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Also known as "The Snowshoe Priest", Bishop Baraga serves the Upper Great Lakes tribes during the mid to late 1800s. This is the story of his harrowing journey across Lake Superior in 1846 to give aid to the Grand Portage tribe during an epidemic.
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
Solo History Lesson #3 - Things We Lost in the Fire
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
Wednesday Apr 15, 2020
It's now Stay at Home time, and that means a little change (hopefully very temporarily) to the podcast format. Jaye will be bringing you some North Shore History Lessons, solo for now until it's safe once again to venture out and explore and see other people.
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On April 11th, 2020 a fire swept through a block of downtown Grand Marais, destroying three beloved businesses: Picnic & Pine, Crooked Spoon Cafe, and White Pine North. This episode of Exploring the North Shore is dedicated to the history of the buildings destroyed in the fires. Learn about the histories of 15 Wisconsin Street, 17 Wisconsin Street, and 19 Wisconsin Street. Read more on the Exploring the North Shore website.
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Solo History Lesson #2 - Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
It's now Stay at Home time, and that means a little change (hopefully very temporarily) to the podcast format. Jaye will be bringing you some North Shore History Lessons, solo for now until it's safe once again to venture out and explore and see other people.
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Duluth became the proud home to the United States’ first transporter bridge in 1905. Then, the Aerial Bridge, just a ferry bridge at this point, was constructed in the harbor. Later, it was converted from a ferry bridge to the present-day bridge in 1929. The Aerial Lift Bridge spans the Duluth Ship Canal which leads iron ore ships into the Twin Ports from Lake Superior. The bridge connects the Canal Park and Park Point for car travel. Learn more about the history of this iconic piece of the North Shore in this week's solo history lesson.
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Wednesday Mar 18, 2020
Solo History Lesson #1 - Silver Bay
Wednesday Mar 18, 2020
Wednesday Mar 18, 2020
It's Social Distancing time, and that means a little change to the podcast format. Jaye will be bringing you some North Shore History Lessons, solo for now until it's safe once again to venture out and explore and see other people.
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If towns were amusement park rides, Silver Bay would be the roller coaster. From a small but booming city in the 60s to a town on the brink in the 70s. A virtual ghost town in the 80s, and back to booming (sort of) in the 90s. The 2000s has also brought its share of ups and downs to the little shoreside Lake Superior town. Find out more of the trouble and triumphs of Silver Bay, Minnesota in this episode of Exploring the North Shore.
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Dog Sledding with Jasmine Poppovich + An Interview with the Girl of 10,000 Lakes
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
Tuesday Mar 03, 2020
What an episode we have for you! We promised a sledding episode, but we didn't say what kind of sledding! Jaye and Martha join Jasmine Poppovich, the head dog musher at the Gunflint Lodge and Outfitters, for a dog sledding adventure on the Gunflint Trail. Jasmine not only takes us for a wild ride to Lonely Lake, but also teaches us more about dog sledding. Martha even goes to work helping to feed the dogs!
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Then, Jaye sits down to interview Jenny Anderson, better known as the Girl of 10,000 Lakes. Jenny and Jaye chat about fishing, being a social media influencer, being a mom who loves the outdoors, and we find out what Jenny's favorite lake is. Follow Jenny on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
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Places to go dog sledding on the North Shore:
Gunflint Lodge (Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail): https://www.gunflint.com/activities/dog-sledding-at-gunflint-lodge/
Bearskin Lodge / Camp Menogyn (Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail): http://www.bearskin.com/activities/winter/mushing/
Points Unknown (Hovland): http://www.points-unknown.com/
Endurance Kennels (Duluth): https://www.endurancekennels.com/
Positive Energy Outdoors (Duluth): https://www.outdooredventures.org/
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
Snowshoeing + Interview with Ashley Bredemus, Emily Theisen, & Jordan Mileski
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
Tuesday Feb 18, 2020
What an episode we have for you! To kick things off, Martha is back! Jaye and Martha hit the Gunflint Trail and find themselves on a snowshoeing adventure on the Honeymoon Bluff Trail. Listen in as Martha enjoys her very first snowshoe experience. Be sure to check out the video companion to this episode on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq-_rqJ-kkCLud4NlJljFVQ) as the audio does not do their shenanigans justice.
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Check out the Snowshoeing Guide on Exploring the North Shore for more tips and tricks to getting out and enjoy the Northwoods in the wintertime: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/snowshoeing/
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Then, Jaye sits down with three local Instagram influencers you will want to follow if you enjoy following outdoor adventure Instagram accounts. Ashley Bredemus documents her life living in the Pepper Shack, a small, secluded cabin at the end of the Gunflint Trail. But, really, it's her dog Arlo's Instagram. She just guest stars every now and then! Emily and Jordan do not live on the North Shore, but they are frequent visitors and their outdoor adventures will inspire you! Listen in as they talk about what they love most about the North Shore, and, of course, their favorite lake!
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Follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybredemus
Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilytheisen_
Follow Jordan: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.mileski/
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We apologize for the audio quality in the interview half of the episode. The conditions were interesting! But we hope you listen in, lots of good information!
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Ashley runs the Birchwood Wilderness Camp for Boys, along with her father. You can find more information on sending your son on a Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Adventure by visiting their website: https://birchwoodwildernesscamp.com/
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Tuesday Feb 04, 2020
Statues of the North Shore
Tuesday Feb 04, 2020
Tuesday Feb 04, 2020
Martha had to be out of town, so this week we bring you another great history episode! Jaye is joined by the owner of The Big Lake, Abby Tofte, to discuss the Statues of the North Shore. They discuss the now-gone King of Neptune that once graced Duluth's Canal Park before being destroyed in 1963. Then, they head up to Silver Bay to discuss their favorite North Shore statue: Rocky Taconite! Learn how Jaye's dad played a big role in Rocky's growing popularity in the mid-2010s. Finally, they jump down to Two Harbors to discuss what may be arguably the most well-known statue on the North Shore: Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur of Two Harbors. Find out why Pierre is pantsless, and all about the efforts put into saving him from being destroyed in 2008.
Learn more about Neptune, Rocky, and Pierre on the Exploring the North Shore website!
The King of Neptune: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/king-of-neptune-statue/
Rocky Taconite: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/rocky-taconite/
Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/pierre-the-pantsless-voyageur/
Join the Rocky Taconite Fan Club: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/rocky-taconite-fan-club/
Join the Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur of Two Harbors Fan Club: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/pierre-the-pantsless-voyageur-fan-club/
Check out Abby's online store for the Rocky Taconite t-shirt mentioned in the episode: https://thebiglakelife.com/collections/apparel
This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Ice Fishing in the BWCA
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Tuesday Jan 21, 2020
Joe is back for this week's episode all about ice fishing in the BWCA! Joe and Jaye are joined by Matthew Baxley (last heard from in the Haunted House episode), and Chelsea Lloyd. Plus, Chelsea's sister Whitney and friend, Rachel, come along for the adventure. Joe, Matthew, and Chelsea are the hosts of WTIP's Boundary Waters Podcast. In this cross-over episode, the group heads into the BWCA to ice fish on Duncan Lake. Learn the legalities of fishing in the BWCA, along with some tips and tricks from one of the area's most knowledgeable anglers (Joe). Also, listen to find out if we once again get skunked on an Exploring the North Shore fishing episode.
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You can find more information on fishing in the BWCA on the Cascade Vacation Rentals Website: https://www.cascadevacationrentals.com/area-info-ice-fishing-bwca.htm
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Plus, listen and subscribe to WTIP's Boundary Waters Podcast to hear more from Joe, Matthew, and Chelsea: https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/listing/wtip-boundary-waters-podcast/
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Finally, check out our new website! Full of fun stories, articles, and a detailed business listing for all things North Shore. If you love the North Shore, be sure to bookmark Exploring the North Shore and let us help you plan your next North Shore adventure! https://www.exploringnorthshore.com/
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This episode is sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals. Use promo code "Podcast" at check-out to receive Cascade's largest available percent off discount (discount changes seasonally). This episode is also sponsored by The Big Lake. Use promo code "Explore" at check-out to receive 15% off your first online order. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
Tuesday Jan 07, 2020
Ice Skating on the North Shore
Tuesday Jan 07, 2020
Tuesday Jan 07, 2020
Martha and Jaye kick off their "Wintertime Outdoor Adventure" series with one of their favorite childhood pastimes: Ice skating! Learn where you can find outdoor and indoor rinks along Lake Superior's North Shore. Also where NOT to try to ice skate. Then they head up to the Cook County Community Center for the grand opening of the brand new warming house and concession stand at the Grand Marais ice rink. They interview Diane Booth, director of the Cook County Community Center, and Joan Farnum, board member.
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Jaye is well aware that she forgot the full name of The Ruk in Silver Bay. It's Rukavina. :)
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Duluth Skating Rink Guide from CityMomsBlog: https://duluth.citymomsblog.com/duluth-activities/ice-skating-rink/
Two Harbors Arena Rex Skating: https://www.twoharborsyouthhockey.org/page/show/142563-rec-skating
Silver Bay Rukavina Arena: http://www.silverbay.com/?page_id=32
Birch Grove Community Center: http://toftemn.com/township/birch-grove.htm
Lutsen Resort: https://www.lutsenresort.com/activities/winter/
Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais: https://www.co.cook.mn.us/index.php/community-center
Ice Skating on Gunflint Lake: https://blog.visitcookcounty.com/the-joy-of-skating-on-a-frozen-lake-gunflint-lake
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This episode of Exploring the North Shore is Sponsored by Cascade Vacation Rentals and The Big Lake.