Black's Cliff Birch Bark Blog

Excerpt: Been a long day. I thought I had icefishing pics to post from the folks in Bayview. They have had luck the last 3 afternoons in the crappie fishing hot spot. We tried a few things to get their pics from their camera on my computer but it did not work. They have caught perch and crappie each day enough... Read more

Excerpt: What to do in the cold? Fire up the chainsaw and cut up some wood. Personally I would rather do office work and save this for a 30 degree day but each to their own. Steve and Troy saw the challenge of finishing the pile that was left from Ted and Mark Pile growing but little do they know... Read more

Excerpt: I am not sure the statement this squirrel is trying to say. Any squirrel mind readers please post a comment for the quote of the day from this squirrel Lower Kaubashine earlier in the morning at minus 15 degrees... Read more

Excerpt: Had a group of guys up fishing this weekend who listened to my advice on their 2nd day and headed over to where Grandpa Gibson was fishing. They did not start until 11 am and slow and steady all afternoon had the crappies coming through. The top 2 crappies were about 13 or so inches give or take maybe... Read more

Excerpt: We had a visitor at lunch come into our feeders, a Pillated Woodpecker. The biggest woodpecker that lives in our area. They are usually very spooky and do not stay around people. A few years ago I caught 2 of them on our Suet Feeder. Troy has seen 3 of them at one time. They are neat to see... Read more

Excerpt: One of our favorite guests of the year arrived, Tom the Treeman. Tom brings me a box of trees each time he comes to put on the fireplace mantels at the resort. Tom has no idea how many people have enjoyed his trees over the years. Thanks Tom from all your tree fans at the Cliff. This tree he... Read more

Excerpt: Headed out on the lake to see how Grandpa Gibson was doing at the shack. Through cellphones I had heard they had seen alot on the camera but nothing was biting. One of the highlights was 20 huge carp swimming by They ran into a huge school of perch that were not hungry for the minnow on the hook... Read more

Excerpt: Using the Macro and Black and White feature on IPhoto I think this pic came out nicely showing the frost and light snow we had this morning. All the trees were coated in crystals this morning I forgot to switch this to a Black and White but it still turned out nicely showing how pretty the whitepines are this... Read more

Excerpt: Headed out of the house to wander on to the lake for a good scratch and too see what was going on at the ice shack The shack looking quiet Along the way to walking to the shack I saw evidence of where it had been or Aliens were probing the lake again It is always fun to walk... Read more

Excerpt: I am loving this new camera. It is catching the colors and clarity much better. I have to pick up the Telophoto lens yet and those pics will be good as well next week. The contrast in colors at the lake at sunset was a sight to see... Read more

Excerpt: When I come past a cabin and see a new version of family entertainment going on like this I had to stop and take some pictures. What was going on? You be the judge You know there is trouble when the snow is perfect for packing Ready Aim.... Fire.... Who needs family therapy when a weekend at the Cliff... Read more

Excerpt: Besides the fact that Martin Luther was a great guy we also love him because a day off school for a 3 day weekend to have fun with the family! The Knarr family reported that the trails were alright but definitely were showing some bare spots and needed some snow. A few bare spots did not slow them down... Read more

Excerpt: Poe would like to report that he is now being followed around by a new camera. On the way back from dropping Ted and Mark off at the airport someone took a side trip into Best Buy. A new entry level SLR camera is the official camera used by the Birchbark Blog. A Cannon XSi. A new device means... Read more

Excerpt: Seeing the weather reports the last few days for next weekend was not encouraging, but it looks like it might be ok. Rain may stay away and we can keep more of our snow and maybe pick up some, depending on temps. I copied below from www.johndee.com my favorite weather site for the midwest. Check out John's site for... Read more

Excerpt: This has got to be the funniest icefishing shack I have seen in awhile. It is parked on Lake Minocqua in front of SaveMore this week I am wondering if they also have a potty as an amenity in the shack. This guy sure looks like he is looking for one. Who was the guy who got swallowed by... Read more

Excerpt: Winter is in full swing in the northwoods Lots of fun is being had in the snow and made into snow We have a big storm coming in Monday calling for about a foot of snow. That should make it the best conditions of the witner So far we are 1/2 full for the January 27th weekend so give... Read more

Excerpt: I went out to see what the guys were up to and saw Steve's Jetta up on the blocks. This car has over 300,000 miles and Steve prides himself in being able to keep it going. Although the noise it has been making lately has been enough to wake the dead All I saw were 2 legs sticking out... Read more

Excerpt: Ted and Mark arrived this week to help with getting the summer wood supply split up. They had a harrowing trip from Washington DC mid week with the big storm. Numerous delays at Dulles, OHare... all flights from O'Hare to Wausau canceled... rented car driven through 6 hours of a driving snowstorm to arrive in nowhere. This was Mark's... Read more

Excerpt: Cold Christmas break day on Lower Kaubashine. What to do? Enjoy the skating rink while it lasts The best way to skate. Lake skates, cross country ski boots clipped into a ski binding on a blade. Feet are warm and comfortable. Not a pinched toe or blister ever!! My idea of skating While we were getting ready to do... Read more