Minneapolis, MN

Location: Palisades State Park, SD

We decided to poke around Minneapolis. We obviously picked some game day to do this. The traffic was grid-lock insane. So glad we have a 15 ft. vehicle to get around.

First impressions on things indicating that we are not in California...

#1 The insane amount of bricks used in buildings!

 

#2 Closed cross-walks for those really cold days. I love this picture. Covered cross-walks as far as the eye can see.

 

After a hectic morning navigating our way around the city, we decided to head for Minnehana Park.

Ah, so much more our style. Loved how green, luscious and beautiful this city park is.

 

 

Of course we had to visit the famous falls.

 

 

 

 

Ned listening to the audio tour of points of interest in the park via his iPhone.

 

 

 

We rode over to the Mississippi River to investigate the lock. On a previous trip we drove up the Great River Road next to the Mississippi River. We spent a lot of time exploring the locks on the river. I think there are 27 in all. It was fun to see lock #1 here.

We spent some time at the US Corp of Engineer Center reading about the locks and the river. So interesting! I'll never get tired of spending time around the Mighty Miss.

There's a great little restaurant in the park called Sea Salt. It has amazing fresh fish such as crawfish, oysters, crab cakes, and fresh fish tacos. Who could resist having a late lunch with a local beer here?

 

 

 

Tonight we're camped at this place that we stumbled upon. There's no other way to describe it but magical. We took a twilight bike ride and hike to further explore the park. Who knew that there would be these wonderful cliffs and a great creek in the prairie of South Dakota?

 

 

We walked through these huge cliffs, next to the river, and on the path were tons of fireflies lighting up everywhere. It was like the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, only better. Cool find Palisades State Park, thanks!

 

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Duluth, MN

Location: William O'Brien State Park, MN

 

We thought for a change of pace we'd explore Duluth MN. Last time we were there it was in the fall and sooo cold. When we arrived it was pleasant & sunny.

Here's the Duluth Harbor lighthouse.

 

 

We had just started to explore the downtown area via the Lakewalk when the weather changed to cold and windy. Quick trip back to Winnie to layer-up and we were off!

 

 

 

 

 

The Lakewalk is pretty impressive. There's paths for cyclists as well as pedestrians (and trains!) right next to Lake Superior.

 

 

Lots of cute restaurants, pubs and sidewalk cafes.

 

After lunch at Northern Waters Smokehouse, famous for their smoked meats and fish (yes, it was delish!) we took a walk to the US Corp of Engineers Maritime Vistors Center.

Everyone here is so nice. We were invited to sit with some young kids (early 20's) for lunch. Really had a great time chatting up politics and the local scene with them.

 

We really enjoyed reading about the shipping industry on the Great Lakes, the shipwrecks and how the iron ore is loaded onto the big cargo ships.

Captain, my captain...looking good.

 

Here's the billboard that shows what ships will be coming in, with what cargo, time, length, etc.

 

 

 

That inspired us to hang out at the aerial bridge and watch for incoming ships. We watched a US Coast Guard Ship try and navigate thru the channel. It was crazy how big the swells became.

 

Food truck, Duluth style. Dry-docked boat selling donuts.

 

 

View of the Duluth skyline.

We decided this place was too cold for these Californians. BTW - we were wearing long-pants, long sleeve shirts and jackets. The locals were in flip-flops and short sleeves. Everything is relative I guess.

We decided to head south, closer to Minneapolis, for warmer weather.

Heading thru one of the small towns. Love the water tower shaped Iike a tea kettle.

When we pulled into the campground at 7ish tonight, the weather was back to the mid-80's. Once again changing back into our shorts and t-shirts. The mid-west has crazy weather.

 

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Madeline Island - Camping on Lake Superior

Location: Big Bay State Park, Madeline Island, WI

Today our adventures led us to Madeline Island in Lake Superior, next to The Apostle Islands. Seven years ago we stayed on this island in the fall. It was cold and rained on us the whole time. We vowed to come back and are so glad we experienced it on a hot summer day.

 

 

We caught the ferry from Bayfield midday. As soon as we got on board, I hightailed it to the top deck to get some photos. Uh-oh. Poor Ned was stuck in the van squished between several cars. They really pack the cars on like sardines. Here's Ned trying to climb out the window.

 

 

A view of the town of Bayfield as we head over to Madeline Island.

 

We decided the best way to explore the island was on bikes. We put another 20 miles or so on the odometer and found some really beautiful spots. Lake Superior is way too cold to swim in, but there are tons of kayakers and canoers enjoying the summer day.

I'm still amazed at how clear this water is.

 

 

We stopped along the way to take in some hikes. Here's Ned out on a point.

 

We decided to ride into the "town" of LaPointe. It consists of 2 blocks. However, what it lacks in size it makes up for in vibe. There's a definitely beach, art community that thrives during the months of June thru October. After that, I think there are only about 100 people that live on the island.

There were some tunes and good times coming from this place.

We opted for the ice cream shop and enjoyed just hanging out watching the tourists go by.

A favorite way to get around the island is on scooter. Fun to watch the tourists buzz by.

 

 

 

 

 

I just love some of the creative art displays in town. This one inspired me to recreate this when I get home. (Denise, Miss Master Gardner, want to help?)

 

 

The island has more wildflowers than I've ever seen. Fields of brightly colored flowers are everywhere.

Here's Ned riding next to some lupine. (What's that in his pocket? A local magazine for me and some mustard he picked up in town for the brats tonight....in case you're wondering).

 

Yep, I'm always happiest on my bike. We've clocked 200 miles so far this trip.

 

 

 

Before we left Bayfield, we made a stop at a fish market we had discovered in the fall of 2009. It had the best smoked whitefish we had ever tasted. We've compared many a smoked whitefish to this place and no one ever came close. We bought some and dang...it is still the best! I don't know how much longer they'll be around, but if you are even in Bayfield, WI do yourself a favor and stop in.

 

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Almost Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Location: Van Riper State Park, MI

We attempted to visit the Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior via boat. We made it half way, as far as Castle Rock. Once out of the harbor, the waves were 6 ft. It was quite a ride. The captain said to us, "We are turning back for your safety and comfort...and ours too. We don't want to clean up the aftermath.". Ha well put.

It was a gorgeous sunny day, but the winds were 25 to 30 knots.

 

Here are some of the Pictured Rocks within the harbor. Beautiful, but not as stunning as the ones on Lake Superior.

I was lucky to have caught a pic of the waves crashing on the base of the rock. The boat was bobbing around so much it was hard to steady the camera.

 

I was able to capture, with my long lens, a quick picture of the colored cliffs on Lake Superior. Would loved to have been upclose...oh well, next time. Good excuse to come back.

 

The water in Lake Superior really is this color and crystal clear. According to the captain, Lake Superior is the clearest of all the Great Lakes. The water starts from here and pours into the other 4 lakes.

So...I guess don't drink from Lake Ontario?

 

Ned heading out to open waters, before the bumpy ride really began.

 

 

 

This lighthouse was built in 1867. The style then was to build them like schoolhouses. It was last used in 1907.

 

We got to see the maiden voyage of this cruise line's newest boat. It's a catamaran, for much greater stability, and was certified this morning by the Coast Guard. The crew couldn't wait to take it out into the 6 ft waves to see how it performed. Yeah, boys will be boys.

 

 

Some kayakers in the safety of the harbor.

 

 

 

Before the cruise we had spent the morning exploring the land side of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We took a short hike to Sable Falls.

 

The Log Slides were interesting. We visited two different sites. This one was up a steep sand dune. In the 1890's this area produced millions of board feed of lumber annually. It was harvested in the winter, brought over with sleds on ice roads to these log slides and then dropped into the lake. By the early 1900's most of the forests were gone and the lumber barons moved on. Don't know if you can see the perspective, but this cliff drops straight down.

Here's a picture of the ice sled that was used in the winter (on the left).

Those are some mighty big wheels on the right!

 

Here's looking at the sand dunes from another view point. Imagine seeing these massive logs sliding down and into the lake.

 

 

 

Tonight is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It's also our last night on the Eastern Time Zone. I think it'll be light until 10:30 tonight. Here's a picture from our campsite at 8:30 pm.

Yes, the lake we are camping on is still pretty windy.

 

 

We went for a bike ride around 8:30. Here's my arty bike shot of the day...humor me.

 

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A Day on Mackinac Island

Location: Muskallonge Lake State Park

Today was all about exploring Mackinac Island with the family. The only way to get to this island is by ferry. It's claim to fame is no cars are allowed on the island. The only mode of transportation is by bike or horse drawn carriages.

The other big attraction is the plethora of fudge shops on one city block. The locals call the tourists "fudgies." They can be spotted by mispronouncing Mackinac Island (Mac-in-naw is the correct pronunciation), wearing bright colored clothing and carrying a camera around the neck.

For several days we've been making jokes about not wanting to be "fudgies". Before we left Brian (age 8), called a little meeting and said to us, "You guys, we can't be fudgies". Cracked everyone up. Needless to say, we were fudgies.

Brightly colored clothing...check

Camera around my neck...check

 

We arrived to the island by ferry

 

Excited tourists yes, fudgies possibly.

 

 

 

Kudos to the boys for doing the 8 mile ride around the island. We also rode our bikes from the campground to the ferry and back, for a total of 12 miles. Really proud of these troopers.

 

 

Along the way we stopped at Arch Rock. It was 270 steps to the top, but worth the gorgeous view.

Here's looking through the rock to the bike riders below.

 

 

And here's looking up to Arch rock from the bike path below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty years ago, Sheila worked on Mackinac Island during one summer in college. She worked as a bartender and waitress.

She was our official guide for the day. It was fun to hear her stories about life on the island. I think she should write a book. It would be quite entertaining! Here's a picture of where she lived and worked. The restaurant has since changed names, but she thinks the bunk bed dorm style rooms are probably still the same.

 

Gary and Dru took a 2.5 hour horse and buggy ride touring the island.

 

 

We all met up for lunch at a fun restaurant overlooking Lake Huron.

 

Yep, definitely felt like a fudgie, with my camera around my neck, gawking at all the grand hotels

 

 

and beautiful tree lined streets. Very charming town indeed.

 

 

Sadly, after such a great day and week with the family, Ned and I said our goodbyes and headed north, riding solo once again.

I am SO going to miss my great-nephews, and our bike rides...and my big bro, and my nephew, and Sheila and Dru. Thanks everyone for such a fun family vacation.

 

 

Tonight, Ned and I are camped in Upper Michigan on the Southern shore of Lake Superior. In one day we touched 3 of the Great Lakes. We were camped on Lake Michigan this morning, visited Mackinac Island in Lake Huron and now are at Lake Superior. Pretty cool.

This picture was taken at 8:30 pm. We still have two more hours of light. Crazy how light it is this far north.

 

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