Around late March, my partner gets a particular gleam in his eye. Sailing season is fast approaching. (And by fast approaching, I mean the boat goes into the water on May 1. Fast is often a relative term in the context of sailing.) He’s spent the winter dreaming up new projects and hunting down obscure solutions to last year’s persistent problems. His enthusiasm is infectious, and by the time you’re reading this, we’ll have had our first overnight trip on Lake Superior for the year. On this trip I’ll be able to indulge in my own niche hobby: rock hunting.
My lifelong interest in agates was informed by an early introduction to Duluth’s beaches and summers spent combing the shore at my family’s cabin on the St. Croix River. Recent sailing trips across Lake Superior have expanded my collection to include Michigan fossils and geode-studded basalt.
I’ve found that one of the most interesting conversations you can have with someone is about their hobbies, which is why I found Alexandra Tostrud’s story about speed puzzler Heather Mueller so compelling (page 10). Since initially catching the puzzling bug in 2018, Mueller has embraced the fast-growing community around it and now sits on the board of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association. “In terms of a sport, it’s one of those activities where everybody’s cheering everybody else on,” Mueller says. “I think that’s what’s really helped grow the community because everybody feels welcomed and supported, and we’re just happy for each other’s successes.”
Speaking of community, our readers have once again proven their passion for the local community through our Best of Plymouth readers’ choice poll (page 18). Over the month of February, we invited residents to celebrate their favorite businesses, places, service providers and more. Thousands of votes stand as a testament to the love our readers have for Plymouth.
What are you passionate about? Shine a light on lesser-known hobbies you participate in by emailing me at madeline@localmedia.co.
Until next time,
—Madeline Kopiecki
