Monday, May 7, 2007

Monday--a better day

Less eventful day---and keep in mind that the information that I provide was current this morning--and it is just what I know. Check boreal.org for current information as well.
  • 32+ structures burned on the end of the Gunflint Trail last night. Many of them were homes near the end of the trail.
  • Seagull Outfitters, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, and Way of the Wilderness Outfitters did not burn.
  • Seagull Fish Camp did not burn.
  • The Sag Store did not burn.
  • Our friend and tow boat operator/trainer Jerry Carpenter did not lose his cabin.
  • Wilderness Canoe Base was hit harder than we originally believed. Many of the structures are gone.
  • Ken Peterson did not lose his cabin.
  • 300 plus firefighters are coming in to the area tonite--a Type I team. Hopefully the wind will stay down and they'll be able to start to contain some of the borders of the fire.
  • Tuscarora is still fine, but guests are not allowed past the road block yet. We're not sure when that will lift, but we are hopeful and are preparing for the season ahead.
  • Shelby, Daniel, Ben and Will lost their fort back in the woods. They've worked on it all spring, and are sure that it should be counted among the structures lost to the fire.
  • Thank you for all of your messages of support. They mean a lot to all of us.

15 comments:

Aardvark said...
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Kim said...

Hi,
Thanks for the information. Thinking of you guys this week....glad to know WCB did not lose their major buildings.

Hugs to Andy and the kids,
Kim

24kgold said...

The best news is that everyone is safe. Thanks for the information and the updates. It's incredible how fast the fire is moving. Prayers are for the safety of all the firefighters now and the rest of the outfitters and homes in the way of this destructive fire

Terry

Rick Peterson said...

We're relieved to hear that everyone is safe. We're thinking of you.

Rick, Deb, James, Craig, and Jack Peterson

Unknown said...

Thanks for specific updates...We continue to think about and pray for you and all the others affected by this fire storm. Sorry to learn about Shelby and Dan's fort. If there is an upside to that circumstance it is in the value of the creativity and perseverance that will come through them as they build a new one in the future. As we imagine you are, we are encouraged with the new incident team coming in. Their expertise will surely bring tremendous help to those already involved. I close with an offering of sincere hope that soon your friendly wilderness guests can return for a visit to beautiful Tuscarora Lodge! Hugs from the Bauer Family

Sue Loehrs said...

Hi, I've been listening to the updates every day on the news and kept looking to see if you guys were ok. Last nite when they showed some of the locals that were staying in Grand Marais I kept looking for familiar faces. I'm glad to hear that you're ok and I pray it stays that way. It's so sad ..after visiting up there and seeing how beautiful it is it's heartbreaking to see how quickly that can change. Take care...our prayers are with you all. Sue Loehrs and Jeff Daly.

Shawna said...

Has anyone heard what structures at Wilderness Canoe Base were damaged? That has been our retreat destination for me for 8 years and for my other friends for over 30 years. It's kinda like home. I am keeping everyone in my prayers, but any news would be welcomed. Thank you.

bwcajac said...

I found this on Wapo Web Site, very sad new for Wilderness. Sounds like they will need lots of support this summer. From Wapo:From the sounds of it, the face of Wilderness Canoe Base has been drastically altered. The structures on Dominion Island are virtually gone – with the exception of the chapel (a nice victory!). Many buildings have been destroyed on Fish Hook Island as well, with the exception of Stillwater, Pine Cliff (dining center –whew!) and a few others. Trail Shack which houses all of the equipment is gone. The cove sustained minimal damage.
We will soon embark on a clean-up and decision making process for summer plans at Wilderness Canoe Base. Please continue to keep the residents of Seagull Lake, the community of Grand Marais, the hard working fire personnel, and our staff in your prayers.
For continued updates on the wildfires please go to www.mnics.org

Jack said...

Sounds like a scary experience. We heard all about it from Joe (we are in his 4th grade class). We hope everything turns out ok. We are thinking of you. From, Joe's class in Edina, MN

Scott said...

The Anoka Outdoor Adventure class is sending thier best to you. We also agree that the "Fort" should be included in the total losses. I hope they can apply for Federal Aid?!

Scott Birklid
Anoka High School

Scott said...
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Debra Luetmer said...

Dear, Sue,Andy, Shelby and Dan, We have been thinking about you and your little piece of heaven, sorry to hear about the fort. We are releaved to hear that as of today Tusc did not loose any buildings and that everyone is safe. We hold you all in our thoughts and prayers. Cassandra is in the middle of her finals and will head out on Sunday for NC to work at the Folk Art school and then she will head your way. We send you our love and well wishes Debra, John and family

Shawna said...

Thank you so much for the update on WCB. It's a relief that the major buildings are still there. It just makes you appreciate how amazing the BWCA really is and how lucky we all are to spend time and share memories there.

Anna George Meek said...

Just thought I'd send a quick note on behalf of all the Tuscarora fans I know in the Cities. We're watching the updates with you and, miles away, sending you thoughts of hope and safety and--well, RAIN. So relieved to know you're all safe! We'll be up this summer in droves.

Peace,
Anna Meek

Unknown said...

As new owners of land next to the Furgerson's, we wish for you and all residents of the Gunflint Trail better days ahead. Saddened for those who have lost some much but hopeful that no lives will be lost.
Our prayers go to all especially the firefighters and support personnel.
Thank you for your postings and we hope that as owners of land on the trail that we may able to help in some way those who have lost so much.