David Cowardin Posts

Call Me Mental

Jan 19, 2014 1 Comment

Tomorrow I will be embarking on a story-telling campaign to break the stigma of mental illness. The project, ‘Call Me Mental,’ is a partnership between the Human Development Center and Lola Visuals. Stories will be released in episodes online along the trip and a feature length documentary will follow later this year.

We are also asking people to submit their stories, in any format, to our website. If you choose to remain anonymous, that is absolutely okay. You can also check out our Kickstarter if you would like to help support this project.


Art, News and Current Affairs

CrossFit Duluth

Mar 10, 2013 7 Comments

CrossFit has finally made it to Duluth!


Recommendations, Sports

GPS Instruction

Jan 31, 2013 No Comments

Is anyone out there savvy with a Garmin? This fella needs some instruction and he’s looking to hire someone to walk him through his device.


Outdoors

Where should I get my Christmas tree?

Nov 26, 2012 11 Comments

Does anyone know of a good place where you can chop down your own tree?


Outdoors, Recommendations

Post Election Day Hunt

Nov 09, 2012 9 Comments

By David Cowardin
Duluth Outdoors Editor 

After the 2012 presidential election, there are only so many things a man can do to come back down to earth. Hunting grouse is one of them.

“Think of it as hiking with a gun,” my friend Luke said.

You see, I’ve never been hunting. Ever. So Luke was showing me how simple it really is.

“It’s really just an excuse to get out into the woods,” he said as he stopped to rub some pine needles between his fingers, telling me how much sweeter they smells after a rain.

We were about 30 miles north on Rice Lake Road, hiking around a small lake listening for the heavy thump of a grouse. The sky was gray and everything was wet: the sweet smell of pine was strong.

Read More


News and Current Affairs, Outdoors, Politics

Outdoor Alliance Meeting

Oct 24, 2012 No Comments

Representatives from the Outdoor Alliance met with local outdoor leaders last night at Hartley Nature Center. The goal was to form a collaborative effort in making local green space more accessible and maximizing outdoor opportunities for Duluthians and tourists alike. Last night’s meeting got the ball rolling in what will likely be a very successful collaboration between outdoor leaders in the region.

Learn more about the Outdoor Alliance


Events, News and Current Affairs, Outdoors

Precious Waters Flotilla Podcast

Sep 14, 2012 No Comments

In August, I ventured north to Finland to meet a man I had only communicated with via email. Little did I know, you have to hike a mile back into the woods to find his modest log cabin he built for his wife and two sons.

Rory Scoles will be guiding a group of sulfide mining protestors on a 30-day canoe trip from the Polymet Mine Site to the St. Paul Capitol. I sat down with Rory at his favorite look-out, the only spot he gets reception on his phone and the best spot to view the wild rice he is harvesting and that could be in danger if proposed mining projects go through.

Listen to the interview at Duluth Outdoors.


News and Current Affairs, Outdoors

I am Manitou and so are you

Aug 26, 2012 3 Comments

Manitou, referring to spirit beings in Algonquian groups of Native Americans, is also the name of a river along Minnesota’s north shore. The Manitou River runs through George Crosby Manitou State Park where I decided to camp alone Saturday night.

Check out the story and more pictures at Duluth Outdoors.


Outdoors, Photos

Crescent Moon Campground

Aug 22, 2012 5 Comments

By David Cowardin
Duluth Outdoors Editor 

If you haven’t been to the mouth of the Lester River since the flood hit in June, it’s worth checking out: Rocks and debris have formed an island resembling a crescent moon about 50 feet from shore.

When I first saw it, many thoughts came to mind:

Read More


Outdoors, Photos

Flood Video: Calling Extras to the Set

Aug 19, 2012 No Comments

LoLa Visuals is putting together a video for the city of Duluth to bring to the state legislature in attempts to attain state assistance for flood victims. We are filming the closing shot Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. in Canal Park by the pier and need as many people as possible to come join. The final shot will include Sarah Krueger singing “High Tide or Low Tide” with an expanse of Duluthians surrounding her swaying to the music; a final plea for the state to stand by us in both high times and low times.


Events, Music, Politics, Videos

Any spider experts out there?

Aug 15, 2012 4 Comments

I was hiking Tischer Creek when I ran into a spider web and found this guy crawling around. Does anyone know what kind of spider it is?

More pictures and the story from my hike.


Outdoors, Photos ,

Brewhouse Triathlon Results

Aug 09, 2012 3 Comments

Race results are in and photos have been posted. It was a bit chilly up at Pike Lake for the 26th Annual Brewhouse Triathlon but competitors seemed faster than ever.

2012 Short Course Results

2012 Long Course Results 

More race photos and media at Duluth Outdoors


Events, Outdoors, Photos, Sports

Wednesday Night at the Races

Aug 08, 2012 1 Comment

The rain cleared just in time for Wednesday Night Races at UMD, leaving behind a puddle for Josh Birchhill’s daughter to play in.

The rain cleared just in time for Wednesday Night at the Races. It has become a summer tradition for hundreds of families throughout the Northland. The youth race series is held on six consecutive Wednesday evenings in July and August, and draws an average of over 500 children per night.

Check out the photo gallery at Duluth Outdoors!


Events, News and Current Affairs, Photos, Sports

Birthday on the Brule River

Aug 07, 2012 3 Comments

By David Cowardin
Duluth Outdoors Editor 

My parents were on their way to Duluth for my 24th birthday and I gave them a call:

“How about we paddle the Brule?” I asked my mom.

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line, hesitation that said she wasn’t thrilled about the idea but wasn’t prepared to say no on my birthday. So 20 minutes later I had my canoe strapped to the roof of my vehicle and was on my way to meet my parents in Superior, Wisconsin. From there we consolidated vehicles and navigated through the city’s orange-cone maze before moving onward to Brule.

Read More


Outdoors

Twin Ports Bridge Festival 2012 Documentary

Aug 05, 2012 No Comments

July 7-8, 2012
Bayfront Park


Art, Events, Music, Videos , , , ,