Duluth... all to ourselves!

A couple of days, the need for a road-trip and get away and let our minds open and breathe.. that's what we were thinking.

Peggy and I love going to Lake Superior, the scenery, the air and the food... and of course the people we encounter.

We let Scooter and Charlie stay at the "dog hotel" in Brainerd and headed out Weds morning, anxious to get to our favorite bakery in McGregor.

We fueled up, big-time, with scones, fresh berry danish, a pecan bar and a loaf of honey/corn bread.


We drove east past 35w and took the snaky back way into Duluth, through Jay Cooke state park. There was a sidewalk days type event going on downtown Duluth, but the rest of the city was open for our dibs.

We walked along the boardwalk, got a smoked trout sandwich to split and picnic at the aerial bridge and just relaxed...

We decided to keep going north and stay at Two Harbors.. what a treat that ended up being!

We explored the town and headed towards the lake, for all the times we've been through Two Harbors, I didn't know there was an old lighthouse and museum on the point.. can't see it from the roads.
We cooled our feet in the lake, it was very sunny and warm.. perfect day.















On a hiking trail heading north, away from the lighthouse, we came upon a grove of weirdly mutated trees... burls or bunions? Pretty cool looking though.

Two Harbors also has a railroad station museum and a display of the largest steam locomotive ever used on the iron range.. #229, a huge piece of machinery indeed! The town and area organizations are raising funds to do some needed restoration work on it. I would have loved to climb around on it and peek inside... but the signs said "NO"








Also displayed is the last steam powered tug-boat used in the harbor.. the Edna G. It was not open for tours, but I was able to climb around near it and practice our "trick photography".




As usual, Peggy and I found a very friendly coffee shop. It was already getting pretty warm outside as the town readied itself for Heritage Days. We timed this visit perfectly.. lots of fun displays and booths setting up around town.

Great to have an early start to our day, we watched Two Harbors waking up and getting ready to celebrate.







Touring the lighthouse and keepers quarters, we were surprised to find this high-chair.. EXACTLY like the one my Mother had coveted for years and is now being used by Granddaughter Lydia Grace! We knew we were where we were supposed to be for sure.













Years ago, an ore ship was caught by strong winds and turned into the rocks and wrecked here. The pilot-house of the ship was brought up to the lighthouse location as part of the historic displays... pretty cool. In it are the hand written logs of the ships engineer as he tried to reverse the engine thrust and pull off the rocks, with no success... great stuff to explore. Peggy looks magnificent on deck and would make an excellent Captain to anything I would want to sail for sure!




We wanted some smoked fish for lunch and headed to the shop we bought teriyaki trout on our recent honeymoon.. "Louie's"

The woman working there was excited when we came in, telling us how lucky we were in our timing... they had JUST TAKEN HONEY SMOKED SALMON OUT OF THE SMOKER!... it was still hot!

Lucky indeed, we bought a huge chunk along with some cheese curds... we headed south to a remote area where we could park, and climbed out on the rocky shoreline for a real lunch.. there was even a large flat rock for our table. We had our honey-corn bread, tearing off pieces, smooshing warm trout on and eating rustic sammiches... awesome good...


The camera has begun acting up, getting out of focus and hazy, fuzzy pictures sometimes.. we'll need to think of replacing it soon..

We love placing the camera on rocks or perches and, using the timer, run into place for our romantic shots... like this!






On our way, meandering as we drove, back home, we came upon a great view of the St. Louis river flowing north and eventually into Lake Superior.

We always get a little screwed up, compass-wise, when rivers are flowing anything but south...

We had an incredible adventure, even assisted in the rescue of a tiny skunk that had its front paw stuck in a waste basket at the hotel. Beautiful scenery, a fabulous dinner at the Rustic Inn, north of Two Harbors, and lots of time to talk, share and celebrate our Love and Life!

Peace!