Well I must say my trip has started off real nice! Atikokan was really a blast! I took off from Bemidji on early xmas morning for Atikokan, On. I was greeted by pitch black skies and a nice flurry. Driving was a little bit slick but I was in no rush so no problems. I arrived at International Falls a little before 11 and was greeted by the biggest Smokey the Bear I have ever seen.
Crossing the border was interesting to say the least. I pull in and get asked a bunch of questions. Then they have me pull around and come inside. Get asked the same questions by 3 different people. Then they inform me that my car will be searched. Another comes in asks me the same questions and they let me know that they will be searching my labtop. Fast Forward 15 minutes after all that and they say "Mr. Pazian" you're free to go! Whew! I had nothing to hide but they sure made it seem like I did.
Just outside of Fort Frances at the border crossing I got some great views of Rainy Lake. Rainy Lake goes deep into Canada but is also home to Minnesota's only national park "Voyageurs".
Day 2 had much different conditions. A bit warmer and much more sunny!
The trails were looking awesome with frosty trees and blue skies! I ended up skiing with the head groomer and the treasurer of Beaten Path Nordic. Very nice people to join me on Boxing day eh?!?!
At one point we had 10 people with us chatting and enjoying the day. Very nice people in Atikokan, everyone stops to chat during their Ski.
Somehow after finishing skiing I convinced myself to snowshoe. I did a 2-4 mile trek over a lake and to a nice ridge to take some pictures of the Sunset. Very nice snowshoe indeed!
A Lake viewed from the Ridge
On the other side of the ridge there was this huge rock face
The Lake that started the Adventure!
I have a lot more pictures and some video. I will try to get them hosted at some point for all to see! Until then enjoy!
