Daily trips from Ham Lake to Forest Lake are a part of my routine. If I have to travel to the south part of town my options are limited due to the wetlands in the Carlos Avery Nature Preserve which stretches from Anoka to Chisago County.
My favorite short cut through Columbus, Minnesota is well traveled. County Road 19 or Potomac can shave several minutes off a commute to Forest Lake Senior High by avoiding the stoplights on Broadway. My daily travels take me down this 55 mph road but I often slow down when I pass this wonderful piece of chainsaw art...the black bear and tree.
The first time I saw it, I marveled at the detail in the bear contrasted to the tree he is entwined with. The tree is as smooth as a piece of driftwood. Both figures seem to be carved out of the same tree...but yet they don't. '
At either rate, it is another wonderful example of a uniquely Minnesota roadside distraction!
Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:
Don't be distracted when making important real estate decisions! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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Hi Teri, What a cool post. When I saw the Bear I am reminded of the many many bear carvings found around Truckee on the way to Lake Tahoe. I never saw so many , they seem to be everywhere and the ones that are for sale are quite expensive. This one though is fabulous and since I don't know how the other ones were carved, I will think of this one as my favorite in the chainsaw carving category. Great Photo!
William--I have seen many a chainsaw, carved bear in Minnesota but this one is very unique. Glad you enjoyed it! :)
I like that, "roadside DISTRACTIONS." When you come across one of those unexpectedly, there can be a real danger of accident.
TERI, I have enjoyed your unique Minnesota artwork and this one is too cute!! We must not be as creative here in Texas.
Looks like lots of artful attractions in your area. At first, I thought that bear was real. Nice post.
Teri, It's been awhile since we have seen the artful side of Minnesota Thank you for this one, it's beautiful.
what a beautiful carving - we have some great chainsaw wood workers here in Central Oregon - it always amazes me the detail they can capture
I couldn't tear my eyes away from that photo Teri! Goodness, someone is extremely talented and creative. Thanks for taking a picture of it for all of us that can't simply drive there to view it.
Teri - You do such a great job of featuring your area's many highlights. I also admire the way you tie it in so well with your call to action for buyers or sellers. Very clever. Did you get much snow this morning? What a way to spoil spring.
Rosario--It does temporarily distract a driver. Luckily they are few and far between...more like landmarks...and fun to watch for.
Marchel--I am certain that there is creativity in Texas...Maybe not as many dead oaks and elms. :)
Joan--I run across them from time to time as I drive around the area showing houses etc. They are fun to find and there are many unique ones.
Mana--They are hard to see when snowcovered but I have one or two more coming up when I have time to get out and take the shots. Glad you enjoy them! :)
Thesa--This one I am still trying to figure out how in the heck they did it! It is beautiful in person too!
Kris--If you are ever out this way, I would be happy to give you the tour of our artful distractions! :) In the meantime, you can enjoy online.
Lynn--Thank you...Twice! This is a fun series for my blog to show some of the unique things I find running around Anoka County and the north metro. Today was not a great day for photos...not too much snow but enough is enough. Time for spring!
Yikes!! Bears - wow!! We have deer hear in NC! I think bears would be scary! The artsy kind are ok w/me!!
Snow!!! You still have snow up there? Snow and bears....wow!!
Teri, that is a unique wood carving in your area for sure. Did you say it was done by a chainsaw? From a distance it looks very life like.
Tracy--My neighbor had a bear on their deck a few years back. I have seen a couple of wild cats and foxes but also rare. Lots of deer around here too. They will come out of the nature preserves in the spring when looking for food. It is not common but they have been seen further into the city too. Most of the bear we see are carved like this one....And the snow was an unwelcome surprise for us as well. It is a much colder than normal spring! No one is too excited to see snow when May is around the corner!
Gary--I am certain this is a chainsaw bear...It is carved. I marvel at it everytime I pass it by!
Teri, I can't believe I almost missed an Artful Distraction, I absolutely love your series and all the fantastic art! SO glad I caught it, they are all incredible.
Howdy Teri
That is a very will done chainsaw art, that is for sure. I also want to thank you for stopping by to visit and commenting on my post.