 (Scroll Down)  ;void(0)) Since 1976, Nordic Sports has been outfitting Northeastern Michigan with comfortable clothing, rugged and casual footwear and quality outdoor gear for all "Up North" seasons. We are the place to come for hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and camping equipment and advice. We’re a true outdoor specialty shop offering the best in supplies and accessories from the outdoor industry's top names, and our personalized service and knowledge are well respected amongst our loyal following of long time customers. Whether you seek the solitude of the wilderness, or the relaxation of rivers and lakes, our friendly staff will assist you in choosing all the right gear -- and perhaps even give directions to one of our favorite outdoor spots. We're always happy to share tips and advice on where to explore, and we look forward to getting to know you, personally. We're located along the US-23 highway, across from the East Tawas City Park. Visit soon! Store Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 10am - 6pm. Continue your Nordic Sports experience by exploring the links below - at the bottom of the page: ;void(0)) Loons on Cooke Pond
Friday (July 4th) - We celebrated the holiday with an evening canoe outing on the AuSable River's Cooke Pond. We were thrilled to encounter a pair of Common Loons and their newly hatched chick. The Common Loon is listed as a threatened species in Michigan due to it's declining population. Loon chicks are very susceptible to human disturbance (motor boats) and predation by large fish, Snapping Turtles and Bald Eagles. The next few weeks will be critical for the survival of this loon chick. ;void(0)) Many people have probably heard loon calls on television or recordings, but there is nothing like the real experience provided by a nighttime chorus echoing in the AuSable River Valley. Our fascination with these aquatic birds turned into an obsession for preservation and loon conservation. We have been actively involved with habitat protection and monitoring in Northeastern Michigan. If you would like information about the Michigan Loon Preservation Association, please stop by the store. We love to chat about loons. ;void(0)) Classic Canoes
Monday (July 14th) - After enjoying a pleasant canoe trip on the AuSable River we stopped in for a visit with our friend, Dave McDaniel, at his canoe workshop in Sidtown, near Cooke Dam. Dave restores vintage classic wooden canoes, and he showed us his latest projects. Click on the photo to see a larger picture of Dave and his 1944 Pennyann Carry canoe.  Dave exhibits his canoes at wooden boat shows and regattas across the US and Canada. He has won many awards with his beautiful Rushton, Peterborough, B.N. Morris and Racine canoes. Tomorrow he will travel to Peterborough, Ontario to attend the 26th Annual Wooden Canoe Heritage Association assembly. If you would like to learn more about wooden canoes, click on the WCHA logo for further information. ;void(0)) Cooke Pond Loon Update
Sunday (July 27th) - We paddled to a sheltered bay near Horseshoe Island on the AuSable River's Cooke Pond for our twice-weekly visit with the loon family. ;void(0)) The little chick is now six weeks old and has grown considerably. The mother has been the primary attendant, spending most of her time with the chick. In another month that role will change and the male will spend considerable time teaching flight and foraging skills. The chick has grown a nice thick coat of brownish gray downy feathers which contrasts with it's white-feathered belly. The chick has become very adept at diving and making underwater turns. Interestingly, the young loon chick uses both feet and wings for underwater propulsion. It is now able to capture small bait fish and is probably collecting half of it's dietary needs on it's own.  Hike and canoe with us on PBS Great Getaways. (click on the logo to view some of the footage) | WHAT'S NEW ! | WHAT'S ON SALE ! | | Return Home | Clothing & Outerwear | Footwear | Kayaking & Canoeing | Hiking & Backpacking | Tawas Bird & Nature Observation | AuSable River Fly Fishing | Cross Country Skiing | Corsair Ski Trail Conditions | Events Schedule | Links | Contact Us | Employment | |
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