Canoe Race tradition continues under sunny skies

For the first time in three years, the weather cooperated and the Gunflint Canoe Races finished races in all divisions on Wednesday, July 21. A great time was had by all—paddlers and fans. Perhaps the most looked-forward-to event each year is the gunnel pumping. This year’s winners are both from Voyageur Canoe Outfitters. Kristi Ostrowski won the women’s event and Andy Spaeth won the men’s. Photo by Daryl Popkes The tradition of competition between paddlers on the Gunflint Trail continued on Wednesday, July 21 with hundreds of people lining the shore at Gunflint Lodge to watch the action. For the first time in three years, the weather cooperated and all of the race divisions were held. And the weather was great for the participants in the onland activities such as the putting green, cream puff eating contest, bean bag toss and minnow races.

Organizers were prepared for the more typical bad weather with a tent over the food table. Thisyear it provided shade for the folks who enjoyed the Gunflint Trail sloppy joes and other picnic foods.

Brother and sister paddling duo Karin and Stefan Jentoft won the long distance canoe race. They are the grandchildren of Don and Marty Pfotenhauer of Birch Lake. Winning the canoe that had been donated by the Wenonah Canoe Company of Wenonah, MN, were Jim and Margit Jamieson of Painesville, Ohio. The Jamiesons were not at their Gunflint Lake cabin because they were vacationing in Scotland.

The friendly competition was all for a good cause. Race proceeds benefit the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department, which is made up of 32 trained and dedicated members who are on duty to provide for the public’s safety in event of fire, emergencies and rescues. Thisyear’s funds will be used to help equip the fire department’s new tender-tanker and to add bathrooms to the three fire stations along the trail.

Don Kufahl (in the appropriate Birchbark canoe hat) chats with former Gunflint Trail Fire Chief Dan Baumann and Jason Merrill. Gunflint - Seagull - Sag canoe races

A crowd of canoes lines the shore as racers prepare to get underway. Photos by Daryl Popkes

What do canoe guides and outfitters do for fun? They go canoeing, of course. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun. There was lots of friendly competition on Gunflint Lake last Wednesday.