North Country Trail in Wisconsin: Backtracking

Paul Lundgren Apr 20, 2024 3 Comments

Seven years ago I began a quest to hike the North Country Trail across Wisconsin. Similar to my 20-year process of completing the Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota, things are going slowly on the Sconnie side as well. In 2022 I completed just nine miles.

Despite my established reputation for tortoise-like hiking, I was determined to have a big year in 2023. Then I got busy with other things and ended up with exactly zero miles of NCT hiked that year.

I’ve already got one 2024 trek under my boots, but it kind of doesn’t count in terms of mileage. Which is why this chapter is titled “Backtracking.”

My only hike in 2022 began off Highway 53 on Holly Lucius Road, just south of Solon Springs. The previous chapter of my essay series concluded with a mistaken stroll on Highway 53, so I started my next hike by covering the path I should have taken at the end of my hike the year before. It wasn’t really backtracking, because I hadn’t walked this route yet, but it was a pause in my progression since it meant I would be arriving at Lucius Woods County Park for the second time.

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Outdoors , ,

How to prevent bad apples

Maija Jenson Apr 19, 2024 1 Comment
backyard apple tree

This Duluth apple tree has brought many hours of joy to its owners. (September 2022 photo by Maija Jenson)

There is redemption for bad apples; at least for the apples on your backyard tree. You might have a bad apple tree of your own or just wonder “Are those apples on Skyline good to eat?” A little tree love and your Halloween party guests will be bobbing for apples they can actually eat.

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Recommendations ,

Lozon’s Marine Bar and Grill

Paul Lundgren Apr 19, 2024 No Comments

Tracey Clark, owner of the resale shop Tracey’s Treasures of Duluth, submitted this photo of an old beer glass she recently acquired. It raises two questions: Where and when could a person or mermaid find Lozon’s Marine Bar and Grill? The answer, according to Superior city directories, was at 3827 E. Second St. in the Allouez neighborhood. Today that spot is the parking lot of the Tipsy Beaver Bar.

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History , ,

Radio (A Reflection and an Event)

David Beard Apr 18, 2024 No Comments

Before I start to talk about Luke Moravec and Bill Siemering, who visited the University of Minnesota Duluth on Zoom Wednesday afternoon, I want to talk a little bit about why I love radio so much.

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Art, Events

“Stalked by My Stepsister” shot in Duluth

David Beard Apr 17, 2024 No Comments

[This post originally contained an embedded video that is no longer available at its source.]

Local author Phil Sher sent me a note asking me to share that the Lifetime cable channel original movie Stalked by My Stepsister was shot in Duluth. It was released in October.

I think I can see the Lakewalk and Leif Erikson Park. I think I can see the interior of Glensheen. IMDB confirms the Duluth shooting sites.

Has anyone watched it, or know anyone involved in the shooting?


Random

Duluth Album Releases in 2024

Paul Lundgren Apr 16, 2024 2 Comments

Grant Glad
One Man’s Story
(Jan. 1)
Available on grantgladmusic.com

Pond Scum
Self titled
(Jan. 18)
Available on multiple platforms

Galleon
Self-titled EP
(Feb. 9)
Available on multiple platforms

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Music ,

Postcard from the Municipal Zoo at Fairmount Park

Paul Lundgren Apr 15, 2024 No Comments

This undated postcard, published by Arrowhead Trading Post, shows scenes from the Duluth Zoo and Kingsbury Creek in Fairmount Park. The zoo’s name was changed in the 1980s to Lake Superior Zoo.

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History , , ,

PDD Quiz: Homegrown 2024

Alison Moffat Apr 14, 2024 No Comments

Grab your field guide and study up for this week’s PDD quiz, which previews the upcoming 2024 Homegrown Music Festival.

A PDD current events quiz comes your way on April 28. Submit question ideas to Alison Moffat [email protected] by April 24.

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Music ,

Video Archive: KBJR Northland’s NewsCenter 2004 Newscast

PDDTV Apr 13, 2024 No Comments

Through the advanced technology of consumer-level analog video we take a look back 20 years to KBJR-TV’s 10 p.m. news telecast from April 13, 2004.

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History ,

Sadkin – “Saints of Catalina”

PDDTV Apr 12, 2024 No Comments

The new video for Sadkin‘s “Saints of Catalina” is a collaborative endeavor helmed by Henriette Blade, who conscripted a group of Duluth artists from a myriad of arts disciplines — actors, visual artists, ballet dancers and, of course, members of the band.

With this small legion of creators she directed, edited and produced a concept video loosely based on the classic dance performance and film Ballet of the Red Shoes, swathing it loosely to the song’s lyrics, which deal with unseen consciousness, the human experience and a struggling social morality all-but begging for a guiding light.


Music, Videos ,

Alan Sparhawk announces solo album in New Yorker article

PDD News Sieve Apr 11, 2024 No Comments

The New Yorker published an article today on Duluth musician Alan Sparhawk, chronicling his career in the seminal indie-rock band Low and concluding with news about his latest recordings. “The fruits of this work will be released this fall under his own name, as a record called White Roses, My God,” reads the article’s final sentence.


Music , ,

Two miracles inspire new cannabis grow store in Lincoln Park

Mark Nicklawske Apr 10, 2024 No Comments

Marios Glitsos, right, and fiancé Brooke Joyce are opening Grow Your Own Garden Supply at 1801 W. Michigan St. in Lincoln Park. The store will specialize in cannabis cultivation. (Photo by Mark Nicklawske)

It took at least two miracles for longtime cannabis grower Marios Glitsos to open a new Duluth garden supply store.

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News and Current Affairs , , ,

PDD Shop Talk: The Usual Spiel

Paul Lundgren Apr 10, 2024 No Comments
(Enter the amount of your choice.)

You know the spiel. All of the content on Perfect Duluth Day can be read for free. It is produced by people who are paid either poorly or not at all. Advertising revenue keeps the operation going; donations help us do more and do it better.

So if you appreciate the thorough listings of hoopla on the PDD Calendar and/or the features on the PDD Blog, kindly drop a few bucks in the PayPal account. Follow this link for more info about our fundraising.


Random

Emerging Artist Showcase: Nolen Sellwood

PDDTV Apr 09, 2024 No Comments

The Current’s Emerging Artists Showcase at the Duluth Masonic Temple in January brought together musicians from communities across the region to showcase and develop the next generation of songwriters and performers.

On the bill was folk musician Nolen Sellwood, a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth. His full performance is in the embedded video above.


Music, Videos ,

A & Dubs won’t open in summer 2024

PDD News Sieve Apr 08, 2024 No Comments

A & Dubs owners Syl and Sandy Hantz posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page that they will not reopen their drive-in Lincoln Park burger joint this summer. It was founded as an A & W in 1948 and parted with the chain to become A & Dubs in 1973.

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News and Current Affairs, Restaurants