A SPECTACULAR day on Minnesota's North Shore!!

This was the best day yet, for sightseeing.  We left our campground and headed towards Grand Marais, a small town 40 miles SW of the Canadian border.  We took the scenic road, or as Pat puts it, the only road.  I felt like I was ooohing and aaahing at fireworks.  If  there wasn't  snow in the winter this might be a place to live when we're done traveling.  I am in love with Grand Marais!!

A schooner passing artist's point in Grand Marais in the fog.  The jogger turned around once she saw the gaggle of geese.  Good choice, or at least my Mom always told me geese are mean.

Our first stop was in Silver Bay, MN at a scenic overlook. Two paths, one took you to an overlook of the lake and the city, the other overlooked Cliffs, "Northshore Mining Taconite Plant."  It was huge.  Iron Ore (Taconite) is brought in by rail cars.  They can unload up to 70 cars in an hour.  At this plant the ore is turned into pellets which are shipped by boat to make steel.  The scenery was beautiful from the overlooks.  Just outside of town was the North Shore Adventure Park.  It had 75 challenging tree-top obstacles and 10 ziplines.  If we didn't have Krikkit with us, despite my back, I think I would have made Pat go with me.  If we only had one more day!😁

North Shore Adventure Park just outside Silver Bay 

It took a little over an hour and a half to reach Grand Marais. We ate lunch along the lake and enjoyed the picture perfect weather.  It was in the 60's, a breeze, clouds (not the rain kind) and just a little fog.  I took off for the rocks on the peninsula called Artist Point.  Pat stayed with Krik.  I went up the two steps on the path and headed left on the rocky surface.  I reached the end and admired the view for a while, thinking what a great place this would be if I had any artistic talent.  On return, I looked for an easier path.  I should not be allowed to go off by myself!  It took me a little longer getting back due to my lack of any sense of direction.  Pat then told me I went the wrong way to see the lighthouse, I needed to also go to the right.  So I set off again, turned right at the end of the path, climbed more rocks, walked on concrete walls that probably looked a lot narrower then they were, and reached the light.  It afforded a great view of Grand Marais and it's harbor. I made it back and didn't fall or even slip once.  Quite a feat for me.  I must say, I gripe about rocks getting in my Oboz sandals, but they were perfect for climbing on rocks and they feel good on my feet.  

Perfect lunch spot

View from artist's point

View from artist's point

Hopefully each stone was placed with a spiritual meaning.

I was thrilled about walking the narrow wall.

Grand Marais from the peninsula.

The schooner moved closer to shore and out of the fog.

We all need one of these!

A fun store anytime you find one.  See the cute dog outside?

We headed on another 20 minutes north to Naniboujou lodge.  Originally in 1927 this was an exclusive club.  Charter members of the Naniboujou Holding Company included Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey.  Listed on the National Register for Historic buildings, many of the original features are still intact.  The Cree Indian designs on the walls and ceilings of the dining room are supposed to be the most memorable. By 1935, they just couldn't make it financially and a hotel chain took it over.  Several ownership transitions have since taken place.  For more information on the unique history of this lodge, and the story of the current owners since the 1980's, go to:   https://www.naniboujou.com/history   The lodge, restaurant, activities, trails, etc., sound wonderful.  They do let the public in to look around, however, the entire setting is closed due to Covid.  I was so sad.  Even the road that leads to the lodge was closed, so we got a glimpse of the outside but not much of a picture.  The lodge owners said this business is based on personal service and social distancing wouldn't seem right. 

What we could see of Naniboujou lodge. 😞

Returning we stopped in front of a unique house with some rather unique art, and a lot of it.  They used glass, rocks and pieces of tree branches and more.  I think the pictures speak for themselves.  We enjoyed the fast moving waters of the Temperance River, and the cross of Father Frederic Baraga.  When he and his Indian companions survived a storm while crossing the lake from WI, they erected a wooden cross  in thanksgiving.  

There's SO much, where to begin.  I tried to zoom in on one section but not sure that helped.

We went past the lodge we stayed in 8 years ago.  Easily recognized by the large chairs on the highway.  Last night here, so we stopped at Betty's Pies.  Bumbleberry  pie for me again, and a Great Lake Pie shake for Pat. A piece of pie (warm according to Pat, and it melted his ice cream) on the bottom  and topped with a shake.  Pat likes his pie cold by the way.  It was a long day and we celebrated by stopping in Two Harbors to do a couple of loads of laundry before we leave tomorrow!🙄