At the Kabetogama Center we learned a great deal about the furry creatures that encouraged immigration to and development of the Canadian and American North. A cut through a typical Beaver "house" provided insight into how these little guys survived. They stashed a supply of tender branches and twigs underwater during good weather, and placed the entrance to their home well underwater so that when the water froze during the winter, they would still have access to food. A layer of snow and ice over the top of the beaver dam insulated the interior and provided a safe place for caring for young. Did you know that beavers have a second set of lips behind their teeth so that they can carry branches through water and not swallow a bunch of water?
Several short trails show off the local environment. One such train took us on a 1/2 mile hike through three different tree zones. We enjoyed the walk because we had taken the precaution of applying bug spray before we left the car!
The undergrowth was amazing. This fragile, soft fern was almost undetectable among its neighbors.
A bit farther along the road we came across a lookout over a beaver pond. When beavers select a likely stream for their dam, the land behind it changes. At first a pond forms, and existing trees die due to the excess water. As time progresses, the beavers will have eaten all nearby goodies, and abandon their dam, leaving a water logged meadow behind. Eventually the dam deteriorates and allows the stream to revert to its original channel, drain the meadow, and allow new plants to flourish.
Near Ash River, we spotted a lookout over a part of Kabetogama Lake.
The Ash River Visitors Center for Voyageurs National Park is located in a special building. Tom Mead, along with two Finnish carpenters and a local stonemason, constructed the lodge and several cabins to provide accommodations for hunters and fishermen in 1935. Over the years, more building were built, including a sauna and additional privies.
The construction of the log buildings employed the use of "saddle notching", in which a log end or "crown" was extended or pronounced. Since a log structure is particularly susceptible to decay, a complete repair was conducted in 1997, but a majority of the logs are original and have been restored to their original condition.
At the end of the road, in the private resort area of Ash River, we happened upon this original use for discarded motorcycle tires!
As we left the town of Ash River, the overcast skies began to deposit a rather liquid type of moisture on the windshield of our car. At about 3 pm, the full on storm began. We're parked on the edge of a cliff in the valley of a drainage swale, so we're a bit concerned. A short visit to the park office resulted in a commitment to monitor the soil integrity and provide towing help when we leave if necessary. Thanks!
As I write this, about 6 pm CDT, the news reports .8" of rain today with more starting early tomorrow morning. Wish us luck!
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