What's NEW at the Hideaways

Wow, 2022 went by so quickly.

We completed a few updates and changes at the hideaways last year. One of the biggest projects was the first phase of eradicating the invasive Buckthorn bushes that grow along the Knife River at Riverwood Hideaway. We are also clearing out the dead Spruce and Balsam trees which were killed by the notorious little Spruce Budworm. Working under the assistance of a USDA grant program (and finding TNT Timber Company) has been really helpful in laying out the plan for the entire project. Ultimately, these efforts will create a healthier forest and riverway ecosystem in which we can blaze new trails for hiking and snowshoeing.

Cedarwood Hideaway received new bedroom windows and chairs around the dining table. The biggest project there was the construction of an entirely new vault privy, which also allowed for the parking area to be expanded and brought closer to the door of the cabin. Though the trails remained extremely wet most of the summer, I finally got out there to cut the young aspen so that it is ready for snowshoeing now that we have plenty of snow.

Snow removal has already been the biggest challenge so far this winter. Everything is buried. But of course, with the snow come tracks — my favorite thing to sleuth out while I’m tromping in the woods. It is amazing to see tiny tunnels under the deep snow, the long leg marks of deer trying to navigate through it and long trails of bird feet over the top of the snow. Aside from being lucky enough to spy areas on the river (at Riverwood) where Otters may have come out to play, you might also see a long swoop of wing marks across the snow where it is likely that a raptor scooped up its prey.

Whether you visit in winter, spring or next summer, you are sure to find many magical discoveries in the wild woods of our Two Harbors Hideaways. We hope you can join us soon.

Winter in the Woods 2021-22

After back to back snowstorms along the North Shore, the trees were indescribably gorgeous. I buckled up my snowshoes and headed over to Riverwood Hideaway to blaze a trail through two feet of fluffy snow. Even with the snowshoes it was a lot of work tamping a trail.

Ice on the river was still too precarious to test. Because of the earlier warm ups, the river swelled, froze, and melted again leaving thick ice sheets hanging high up on its banks. It’s also deeper than it has ever been heading into winter, which should be good for fish and otter navigation. I didn’t see signs of river otters on my trek, but most winters, we see that they had been surfacing through holes in the ice, then frolicking and sliding down the banks on their bellies.

I am often startled by the loud sound of a ruffed grouse suddenly taking off after I scared it off its branch or out of its warm hole in the snow. These big birds cluster in groups to feed on seeds in the trees. If you listen carefully, you can also hear them talking amongst themselves in little high pitched squeaks. Watch for lines of their three-clawed tracks, and gold and white pill-shaped scat as well. You may even come across one of their snow dens.

And speaking of dens, a family of deer had slept right next to the outhouse just before the big snow. If you see areas of matted snow (and you will see deer tracks too) you know it is where they bedded down for the night.

At Cedarwood Hideaway, bobcat tracks have been sighted and we will be putting up a trail cam to see if we can get a glimpse of the elusive feline.

The Ravens, if not always seen, definitely make themselves heard as their guttural calls echo through the frozen trees.

Other than the sounds of birds, I love winter for that complete silence that other seasons can’t replicate. Especially while it is snowing and I hear each flake hit my coat. It just doesn’t get more serene than that.

A New Hideaway

It’s been a long, at times, frustrating process, but Riverwood Hideaway is finally ready for guests! Brien’s persistence throughout renovation has been inspiring. Little by little we removed what was deteriorated and replaced it with new wood, stone, glass and tile. We installed a full kitchen, propane refrigerator and gas stove/furnace for heat throughout the year.

While we worked, interesting creatures passed through the property or hung out near the cabin. Fascinating caterpillars and moths, a mama deer and her fawn, and even a young moose who walked the river for miles. Our area of the Knife River has the most concentrated number of spawning beds for steelhead and rainbow trout. As I step into the cool water, tiny fish dart around my legs.

Lots of late summer wildflowers are blooming along the river and trails. Asters, Daisy Fleabane and Maximilion Sunflowers to name a few. There are still some raspberries to eat along the way and we were thrilled to find blueberry plants in one of the areas that had been cleared of deadwood.

During heavy winds a few weeks ago, we were saddened by the loss of an ancient White Pine that had towered over the property. We planted fifty white pine saplings and as we clear out dead trees from the spruce budworm infestation, we will continue to plant many more native hardwoods and conifers.

It is our hope that we can protect this haven filled with native plants and creatures - as a special place where guests can experience all of the wonders of living in the forest beside the Knife RIver.

The Guest Experience→

While work continues on Riverwood Hideaway, Brien and I decided to spend a night at Cedarwood Hideaway as our guests would experience it.

We hiked the blue trail, which at this time of year is a little wet. It was too windy and dry for an outdoor fire, so we lit one in the wood stove and settled in for the evening. It wasn’t long before our pup, Lou, alerted us to something outside. When we went to the window, we both saw a gigantic bat fly through the yard. We believe it was a “Big Brown Bat” whose wingspan can reach up to sixteen inches. As it grew darker, we read books by the light of the propane and battery lamps.

In the morning, the sun rising cast a brilliant backdrop to the dark silhouette of forest. We had to head out fairly early, but had time to enjoy a little breakfast and delicious guest coffee from Duluth Coffee Company (purchased at Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors). As we loaded the car, we were excited to hear robins and the thumping sound of ruffed grouse - ultimate signs of spring!

This weekend, we also took a little time to walk the Lake Superior Shoreline in Two Harbors from the Edna G Tugboat to the Lighthouse. There are interpretive signs along the trail that tell some history of Two Harbors. That shoreline, known as Agate Bay, housed all of the buildings comprising the newly built town in the early 1880s. The resident tugboat has a long work history in the area as well. She is, at this time, in dire need of repairs. “Friends of the Edna G” are fervently working to raise money to save her from sinking into the lake.

The Edna G is parked near the Depot (History) Museum and train engine - a fun spot to check out some local history. There will be an August event in celebration of her service - see twoharborshideaways.com home page for a link to that and other events happening this summer.

We enjoyed our night as a guest and taking time to walk the interpretive trail along the shore.

Perhaps you can visit soon and check it out too.

Announcing Riverwood Hideaway

We are so excited to be announcing the addition of a second “Hideaway” - this one nestled along the Knife River. We have a lot of work to do before opening. In addition to gutting and rebuilding the entire four hundred square foot interior of this adorable cabin, we are required to install a brand new vault privy. We will also be working for some time with Lake County on tree removal and reforestation. A parasitic insect called spruce budworm wiped out most of the balsam and spruce trees throughout the region and invasive buckthorn trees are multiplying along the river. We will be planting young conifers and hardwoods in their place.

For those of you who love Cedarwood Hideaway’s trails through the pristine forest, there will be sixteen acres of footpaths and thirteen hundred feet of riverfront to enjoy. Fly fishing (catch and release) agate picking and wading in the cool rapids in the summer, as well as snow shoeing on the river in the winter are just some of the fun activities in store for you when you stay at Riverwood Hideaway. We hope to open before summer of 2021.

Like Cedarwood Hideaway, Riverwood is only five miles from town, and boasts a myriad of wild animals and birds. Coyotes, wolves and bobcats are evident, especially in the winter months. We have raccoons, porcupines, fox, bears and many other mammals that come out of hibernation in the spring to forage for their first meals.

We will keep you updated on the progress of Riverwood Hideaway, but meanwhile, book your North Shore outing at Cedarwood Hideaway - your stay on the wild side of town!

Winter Solstice 2020→

With the arrival of Winter Solstice, so too a beautiful snowfall which leaves the landscape bright, the trees draped in softness. We should be able to snowshoe now without getting caught up on stumps and roots. We recently worked to clear (and re-mark) the longer blue trail. As usual, there are snowshoe hare tracks everywhere, but this time, Devin was lucky enough to catch movement and signaled me to look. In a flash, the not-so-little critter was invisible again, having darted into the brush or blended into its white environment.

There are miniature trails that cross our path leading from one golf-ball sized hole to another, and an occasional large canine track likely left by a local coyote. Though wolf tracks are a rarity, and unmistakable since they are as large as human boot tracks, it is possible to see them as well.

As we arrive back at Cedarwood Hideaway, the sun is setting and the full moon rises into the treetops. The landscape glows with the brilliance on the horizon and we look forward to our next adventure in the woods.

The Turning

The trees at Cedarwood Hideaway are turning with a stunning display of color. Though the days are shortening, and I always miss the seemingly infinite sunshine of mid-summer, autumn is truly becoming my favorite season. There is a sweet smell of earth unlike that in any other season as plants and trees wind down. Bugs (especially mosquitoes) are nowhere to be found, and it’s easy to navigate as ground cover thins. Yesterday, I braved the Blue Trail to see what conditions were like, and it was still pretty wet in the middle, but once through the soggy parts, the forest was dappled with a brilliant glow from the yellow aspens and reddening maples. And everywhere, the ochre fingers reach out for me. I climb over tree roots that crawl across the forest floor as they reproduce and communicate through a network of amazing twining shoots. Emerging from the trail, I return to the sugar maple in the yard which appears to be ablaze. Now is the time to catch the season before both leaves and temperatures drop. But don’t worry if you have to book a little later, winter is also magical in the forest surrounding Cedarwood Hideaway.

May 2020 - The Enchanted Forest - by Shelley

While the trail is wet and muddy at this time of year, it is possible to dodge the leaf-filled pools and puddles and enjoy the magic of buds beginning to swell, grasses turning green and that rich smell of earth waking up to produce new life. The frogs have been chirping at ear piercing decibels, but as egg clusters appear, their calls become less intense, more intermittent. Dandelions light up the grass beside the cabin, and soon other wildflowers will appear throughout the yard.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus is also maintaining its hold on the landscape of our lives, and changing how we move in the World. It is also changing our perspectives on what really matters. The time that we are able to spend with loved ones, beyond our immediate household, is limited at best. Time spent in Nature has become a saving grace for many. Even a walk or bike through a park can feel like a luxury. We are lucky to have so many resources, here on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.

And as the spread of the virus slows, and we continue to make every effort to keep our visitors safe, we hope that you will once again, be able to take a break from your “new normal” and enjoy the peace of wild places. Whether you come to explore or just unwind, we look forward to welcoming you back soon.

Winter 2019-2020

snowshoe hare tracks

By Shelley

With the early heavy snow, we already have perfect conditions for snowshoeing, and in fact, bought two pair of snowshoes for our guests to use in the 20 acres of ribbon marked trails at Cedarwood Hideaway. Devin and I finally got out there to groom the track, and it is beautiful. The quiet of the forest, provides the meditative time needed to refuel after the hectic holiday scramble . Trekking amidst towering aspen, ash, spruce and birch, with a few cedar trees in the mix, is a great way to submerge oneself in the natural world.

All around me, an abundance of tracks from fur bearing inhabitants of the woods, form trails of their own. Especially, the well- camouflaged snowshoe hare, which I stop and strain to spy wherever I come across an area tamped and nibbled by their kind. It is likely that one is watching me as I scan the snowscape.

The temperature warms, chunks of snow fall from evergreen and deciduous limbs, and water from clumps of snow, still clinging to branches, drips in the sunlight. A raven squawks a few times, just before a train whistle sounds through the timbre.

I imagine living here a hundred years ago, when spending time foraging and hunting was the work we did. When more of us understood that we are vitally connected to the land and all that lives upon it.

As the cabin comes into view at the end of the trail, I am grateful for these places in which we can reconnect with all that is wild and beautiful and VITAL.

Summer 2019 - by Shelley

Summer has finally arrived with the appearance of tiny wild strawberries, blossoms on the thimbleberry plants, and so many variations of the color green! For some reason, I have an affinity toward the bright and feathery flowers of both orange and yellow hawkweed. It was fun to hear that guests had even discovered edible oyster mushrooms on the property.

Tiny tadpoles wriggle about in a rain-filled pool along the driveway, and Ravens can always be heard calling through the trees. The lupines are in full bloom along the roadside, and large stands of milkweed attract many monarch butterflies.

By day, fawns can now be seen at the heels of their mothers, and fireflies light up the yard at night with their bright blinking glow.

It’s finally hot enough to take that dip into Lake Superior! So get out and enjoy summer in the wild!

April Snow 2019 by Shelley→

Devin and I enjoyed a hike on the green and blue trails a few days after the snowstorm that hit the entire state of Minnesota. It was easy hiking through not-so-deep snow, and we were still able to see the remnants of melting Snowshoe Hare and Ruffed Grouse tracks. There are eagles soaring overhead, and ravens calling through the trees. The dogs have a new enthusiasm for sniffing and digging, as the smells of spring and critters on the move lie just under the dwindling layer of white. The air is warm and comfortable, and even a few ice chunks in my boots don’t bother me. Trees are on the verge of budding, sprigs of green glint in the afternoon sun, and small pools develop as the solidity of winter loosens its grip on the forest.