Road Trip Magic to Lake Superior and Duluth

Great way to begin the weekend, we started early Saturday morning by hitting the court to play tennis and try out my Birthday Racket. Cool and sunny, it was so much fun, laughter and some exercise to get our appetites going. The new Wilson racket works fabulous for me, and it makes a nice "ping" when I hit the ball just right.

After loading the car with coffee, treats and some clothing layers, we hit the road... destination the bakery in McGregor. I've posted before about this gem of a bakery, everything made from scratch, and how good everything there is. We got a blueberry scone, cranberry danish, brownies
and other sweets along with a loaf of sour dough bread for a trail lunch.

Just before getting to Duluth, we stopped at a visitor center high on the hills to get maps and information. The views were breath taking, and we walked around some there and decided to hike the trail along the river. The trail head is across from the zoo, and was a good hike. A deer watched us walk by and a black cat came out to visit too. We stopped at a bench to enjoy a trail snack of cheese and bread, cold water and just enjoy the views, hawks circling overhead.

We then pulled into Duluth to visit one of my favorite coffee shops, "Jitters". The manager was not there, but I left a letter for him. We go back a ways. Delicious espresso and Peggy had a rich iced coffee drink. Great decor inside and friendly staff, we had to take a picture of our coffee break.

Next we traveled a little known delight called the "Seven Bridges Road". A twisty turny road, beginning near the Glensheen mansion and going up and up, crossing a small creek with rapids 7 times, with 7 stone one lane bridges. We were also going to try to find Enger Tower, but with detours and misdirection, we gave up to save that
adventure for the next time we go up to Superior.

We got back onto 35w and headed north to Gooseberry Falls. It poured rain and got dark for part of the drive, but miraculously cleared and got sunny when we arrived.... just the way we hoped.

We went to the top of the falls and looked down towards the lake, our hiking destination, Agate Beach. The crowds were thinning as it was later afternoon, and we often had the trails to ourselves. So romantic, scenic and fresh, it could not have been better.

We took a few side trails to look up at the falls from below, take pictures and absorb the beauty of this area.

The water was low enough to get out into the rocks and middle of the streams, look up at the falls and breath the fresh spray and air.






This is a real beautiful park. The lake appeared very calm, and there was no ship traffic that we could see. The blue of Lake Superior waters was like a gem stone, almost tropical this day. We hiked through a rock "tunnel" towards the beach, the temperature dropped a bit, as we got lower and lower towards the lake.







Photo opportunities everywhere, we knew we were in a magical place indeed.












At the lake, we headed south and up on the rocky shore, away from the beach. Peggy got friendly with some gulls that would not fly away. Maybe they were expecting some food? We were the only ones at the lake here, and enjoyed the sound of the waves and unbelievable scenery.


We drove back to Duluth to eat at my favorite downtown restaurant, the India Palace. Authentic curries and food, it is often voted the
"restaurant of the year" in Duluth. I knew the previous owners and they still have a hand in making sure everything is the way it should be with the quality of the cuisine. Peggy had the Chicken Curry and I had the Beef Curry, both ordered "hot", and we had a Cucumber Raita and some Indian Pickles for refreshing treats. Spicy and absolutely delicious.

It was time to head home, a day of fun, adventure and good times.

Church yesterday was awesome, as usual, with gospel music and great messages. We took it easy Sunday, I made a good steak dinner with garden fresh green beans with cheese sauce and some garlic toast before going for a nice walk in the dark. We watched a good comedy movie and enjoyed sitting with all the pets on the couch, Peggy's cat Jezzie is getting more used to Scooter and Charlie, pretty cool.

Today, we will get out and play some more tennis, maybe go for a short bicycle ride and get caught up on a few things before our week of work and routine begins again.

A great, long birthday celebration weekend of magical moments and Love... it doesn't get any better than this in Minnesota.

Peace!