The Grand Portage

Way back when Europe wanted beaver skins to make men's hats...the only way for voyagers/trappers to get their skins to Lake Superior was the Pigeon River shown here.  They had to "portage" 8 miles around these falls.  Then they would carry needed supplies on their trip back to the west and the north by river.   This process developed into a large business - The Northwest Company and later, the Hudson Bay Company. 

This is Case with a "portager" friend who carries 90 pounds on his back with a forehead strap.  These portagers would carry supplies west and furs back on the 8 mile trail (16 total) in 6 hours.  This photo taken illegally in the National Grand Portage Museum.  I had to plead guilty to the curator and promise not to take anymore photos inside the museum.

Travel Blog Interruption

I interrupt the irregularly scheduled blog with this news flash....

Evergreens are already being harvested to make into wreaths and garland at places around here to send where you are so you can buy and have for Christmas...70 days away. 

Every year at this time when the "bough hunt" begins, I shake my head. It's so early.  Better to buy from the independent tree/wreath farmers who leave the northwoods to sell their own product in parking lots...definitely, fresher than the big retailers.  Of course, we think Obama owes us so we cut our own from the national forest.  There is a $5 fee per tree, but, like I said, Obama owes me.  I am on Obama care.  'Nuf said.

From a previous year....

...still with saw in hand.  You, go, Case!


We did get a few flurries last night....

Fun in Grand Marais, MN

This is a knick knack shop with curb appeal.  Photo taken after closing time but it is always hopping during the day.  The we went to the harbor to view the Lake and see the light house.  It blinked on and off a certain interval.  Our camera is a point and shoot, slow one so it took about 40 snaps between the two of us before Case finally got a shot with the light on. 

Spectacular Views of the Big Lake

Pies and Waterfalls

Along the North Shore of Lake Superior (MN) are pie joints and state parks with waterfalls.  Both are very good.   Photo is the pie menu board.  I had Berry Berry and Case had Raspberry Rhubarb.

Case is getting misted at Gooseberry Falls.

Lake Superior Circle Tour

...or also known as the Right Turn Tour because if you are driving clockwise, it is always right turns.  It is 1300+ miles.  We took 1600+ and seven days.  It is a BIG lake.  10% of the world's fresh water and it is shark-free!  I will be doing a few days of travelogue.

This is the highest point in Duluth where all the migratory birds fly over in the fall heading south.  When the birds come from the north and reach Lake Superior, they fly along the coast and fly over here to continue south.  There are as many as 12,000 a day.  When we were there, there were 3 in one hour.  Oh well...
On the platform above me are the spotters who also do the counting and identification of species.  There is a fake owl on a pole to the left of the platform. Small gray speck.   Hawks hate owls and will dive bomb the fake one. 

Highest Waterfall in Wisconsin

Big Manitou Falls in Pattison Sate Park is the highest waterfall in Wisconsin.  And 4th tallest east of the Mississippi River.  All on a beautiful Sunday afternoon about an hour from our home.  Retirement is grand!