30 October 2011
Student Response Worksheet (Lower)
Student Response Worksheet (Upper)
As we paddled down the Pigeon River towards Grand Portage the fact that Amy and I would be trading our tent for a house and trading our canoe for a car started to sink in. After 5 months paddling through some of the most remote, pristine wilderness we have ever seen, we would have to return to civilization – at least for a while. Sure
The water in the Pigeon River was very low and it took us all day to paddle, drag, and portage our way over beaver dams, down small rapids, and around Partridge Falls to Fort Charlotte and the start of the 8 ½ mile long Grand Portage. The sun was setting as we reached the portage so we set up camp along the edge of the river, ready to carry our canoes and supplies down to Lake Superior in the morning. Here we would follow in the footsteps of thousands of native
people and voyageurs that carried over 2 million beaver pelts over this historic portage during the height of the fur trade., a hot shower would feel good and a meal that isn’t mac and cheese, or rice and beans sounded pretty nice, but it is always sad to end a long wilderness journey. I wonder if the Voyageurs felt the same way as they approached Grand Portage 200 years ago?
Photo courtesy of www.bryanhansel.com
After dinner a faint shimmer of green light danced across the northern horizon. Bryan soon set up his camera and within minutes the Northern Lights covered the sky. Red, green, and yellow lights pulsed and swayed as we yelled, laughed, and ran around looking for the best view as the colors swirled across the sky.
In the morning we shouldered our packs and canoes and headed down the long trail to the Historic Fort on the Shores of Lake Superior and the town of Grand Portage. After 5 hours of walking we reached Lake Superior and dipped our canoe in its clear cold water. In a few months we will return to Grand Portage and begin paddling to Key West, Florida, which is over 4,000 miles away.
Image via Wikipedia
In Grand Portage we contacted Travis Novitsky, who is a members of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Travis grew up in Grand Portage and knows a lot about the area. He is also an excellent photographer. Following student’s requests, we asked him about the Spirit Little Cedar Tree.
Photo courtesy of www.travisnovitsky.com
Here is what he told us:
“Known as "Manido Gizhigans" to the Ojibwe people, the Spirit Little Cedar Tree (commonly known as the "Witch Tree") has been watching over the waters of Lake Superior on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation for an estimated 300-400 years. The tree has spiritual significance to the native Ojibwe people of Grand Portage, and the land the tree lives on is considered a sacred area. Whenever someone crosses the waters of the big lake to the Susie Islands or further beyond to Isle Royale or perhaps even Whitefish Bay, the tradition is to pass by the tree before starting the journey and sprinkle some tobacco at the base of the tree as an offering to the Great Spirit in return for a safe journey across the often treacherous waters of the big lake. Sometimes native people will also leave offerings of tobacco simply as a prayer, for example if they have a loved one that is battling illness they may leave tobacco and say a prayer for their loved one in the hopes that they will conquer their illness. Offerings may be left for many reasons, but historically the gift of tobacco was most commonly left in return for safe passage across the lake.”
Photo courtesy of www.travisnovitsky.com
In the Spring Amy and I will paddle to the Spirit Little Cedar Tree and leave an offering at the beginning of our long journey, but for now our canoe has been stowed for the winter and we are anxiously waiting for the lakes to freeze and snow to blanket the Boreal forest. Fennel’s coat is getting thicker and before long it will be time to dogsled!
Keep Exploring!
Dave
Northern Lights Links
This is a great resource for elementary students interested in the Northern Lights
http://ds9.ssl.berkeley.edu/auroras/story.html
Northern Lights for Upper Elementary and Middle School Students
http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/auroras/happen.html
Spirit Little Cedar Tree Link
Grand Portage Fur Trade
http://tfo.org/emissions/rendezvousvoyageur/en/index.html
http://www.northwestjournal.ca/
More Photos
Fennel's Field Notes
My time in a canoe has come to an end. After spending a chilly night at Fort Charlotte, I was surprised to see Dave and Bryan pick up the canoes the next morning. They were carrying the canoes instead of paddling! This meant that I wouldn't have a chance to ride. Amy put my pack on my back and away we went down a trail through the woods.
As we walked, I thought that surely we would see water around the next turn. We walked for a long time. Eventually, they put me on a leash and we crossed a road. Shortly after that, the trail ended at a big wooden building and a huge lake. I took a drink from the lake. The water was really cold! 
Amy's dad was there. I was confused when Dave, Amy, and Bryan didn't set up camp like they always do. Instead, they loaded all of their stuff into a car. I climbed inside too. Then they put the canoe on top of the car.
Now I spend a lot of time in the car with Dave and Amy. It is kind of like being in the canoe, except it goes faster. I heard that we will be visiting schools soon. I can't wait to see all the kids!
Photo courtesy of www.bryanhansel.com
Image via Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia
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Concept Diagram
