Black's Cliff Birch Bark Blog

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: No inspiring pictures today, so I headed into the old pictures folder for those of you who like these old pics. This one is of Maynard with his pet deer Susie Loving this old car. What I would not give to have it to drive to town on errands This car is not bad either. Maynard in the front... 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

Excerpt: We spent our New Year out at Squirrel Hill (Winter Park) sledding down the big hill. They open the hill up for sledding one night only all year and we all went to enjoy it. Half of Minocqua was there with us shivering and slidding. Fun night. We were going to head to Camp 10 for some down hill... Read more

Excerpt: When there is snow on the walkway on Monday morning it is time to go back inside and light a fire We still have openings for both this weekend and Thanksgiving. Save More does a wonderful job on a pick it up Thanksgiving dinner if anyone wants to make their life very easy and escape the relatives... Read more

Excerpt: Poe would like to report that light snow is falling in the Northwoods. It has been a light and steady snowfall that has covered the ground. Conditions look great for heading off and playing in the woods or digging through the snow to hide a pig's ear For those who can not get enough of the snow falling on... Read more

Excerpt: It took me 20 minutes to chisel my car out of the ice, sleet, rain and snow that was encrusted on the windshield. Even after all that I did not have it all off the hood and side windows. I chanced it up to Moto Mart for coffee this morning. Steve was still closed for the holidays at Lifespring... Read more

Excerpt: Merry Christmas from our family to yours. The great Christmas storm of 2009 hit and we spent the day plowing and shoveling out. We got about 7 inches or so new snow on top of what we already had. We did receive over night some sleet/rain but not enough to damage the snow we have. The trails in the... Read more

Excerpt: We did get a little rain on top of our snow this morning. It has been light and we are supposed to get cold and snow on top of it this afternoon and evening. X Country trails should be fine and dandy. They will be grooming and when the cold comes in the conditons should be great. I am sure... Read more