Merry Christmas

Have a happy holiday and a good New Year 2012. Back in 1961 toys were a bit different but the excitement was the same. This picture is me the blogger of course.

Ski Holiday in Yupperland

Took a big ski holiday with relatives in the U.P of Michigan. A bonus of a unplanned trip. I thought the last trips of the year had been taken and I'd not get to Michigan this fall. But last minute plans came up and you can't pass up on skiing in Michigan! The lodge was nice with many game mounts. Skis on the walls and ceilings. Not the largest in the U.P but certainly nice. I really enjoyed the place. Can anybody guess where this was? I'd be impressed if you did.

Bentleyville Duluth Minnesota

A few shots of Bentleyville in Duluth Minnesota. Each year they add more and more lights. It’s quite the attraction. Would be nice if it snowed before Christmas this year.The last shot is the daily fly over Satellite shot of Lake Superior Region. I love it when the lakes freeze in the Boundary Waters and you can see them clearly on the shot. The sheer volume of lakes is astounding to me. How did the Explorers of old find their way?Imagine the wilderness back then as right now it’s pretty incredible present day.

http://bentleyvilleusa.org/

Meteorological winter begins

According to the weatherman winter has begun this week. Of course the official winter for most begins with the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. Either way it's here and evidence can be seen in Lutsen Minnesota. The Mountaintop Restaurant has quite a view at the top of Moose Mountain. They make snow of course and they opened Thanksgiving weekend.
Lutsen Ski resort is really wonderful with many activities. Even just dining and sightseeing can be very enjoyable. The view from the Mountaintop Restaurant can be all the way to Michigan on a clear day. Skiing is the best in the Midwest with over 90 runs when fully open. Or you can simply ride to the top in the Tram and have a lunch with a fireplace. What a view! The daily satellite shot shows the snow and the frozen lakes on the Northshore.

Time is running out for the old Ore Dock.

Removal of the old Ore Dock in Ashland has begun this fall. It will be very odd to see it gone after all these years. It will take time to remove as it's a massive job. But it has started now and there is no turning back. It is the last Ore Dock from the days of Iron Ore. Once there were four massive docks and soon there will be none. It will be odd to see nothing sticking out into the Chequamegon Bay.

Stoney Point Surfing

Saturday on the North Shore a passing weather front brought some nice waves. The surfers come out at Stoney Point and a few around the Lester River. It has to be chilly even with the wet suit. They have a blog and notify each other when the surf is up and the weather forecast.Technology and Lake Superior surfing! The birch trees in November also look nice without their leaves. In the Split Rock,Gooseberry Falls area the stark white trees against the grey sky tells you it's November and snow is soon to follow.

North Shore Holiday Weekend

The Christmas Tree lighting in Grand Marais Minnesota.

A cabin with a wood stove is always a bonus while watching movies after dinner.

On the way home we drove past Stoney Point as we knew surfers would be out.There was a huge break but the surfers didn't linger long and ran to cars to warm up. Red faces and cold feet.The wind chill had to be bad. We saw a few catch a wave or two.

Saturday night had some snow flurries but didn't amount to much at all. Looks like next week the winter may arrive as colder temps are in the forecast.

Shoppers were out in force this weekend. Downtown Grand Marais was busy. I go for the Sven and Ole's pizza for lunch. Ever have a Chicken and Wild Rice pizza? How about some Herring?

http://svenandoles.com/

It's all good fun!

The Snowshoe Priest

As you travel up the North Shore of Minnesota right before you arrive at Tofte Mn. you come to a wayside and the Cross River. You can stop at the bridge and look at a nice waterfall and hike up the river a bit. But I'm guessing quite a few have no idea why it's called Cross River and that you can drive to the mouth of the river and see a Cross marker. Bishop Baraga made a crossing from Wisconsin with a open canoe and two Indian paddlers to render aid due to a epidemic. It's a miracle he made it considering how quickly Lake Superior can change. In the winter he would snowshoe to missions and was called the Snowshoe Priest.But the canoe Priest could apply in this case. So next time you arrive at the Cross River take a right toward the lake and check out the nice views and the marker. The mouth of the river is a nice spot in the summertime. These shots were taken on a wonderful August day. This weekend there is a storm warning and skiers are hoping for the first big snowfall of the new winter season.

More fall pics before the winter

I just can't let the fall go, it was perhaps the best in years. The number of blue clear sky days in October were very nice about peak time. The colors were just golden. Grand Marais Minnesota got a dusting of snow this week. Soon it's ski time but for now it's still great memories of leaves for me. That is a picture from Artist Point in Grand Marais, the Coast Guard station as the sun was going down. The light was just right in the golden hour. The bottom picture was taken on the Superior Hiking Trail near Caribou Lake. Just a fantastic day that I'll be thinking about for quite some time. It's hard to time peak color with a perfect blue day, getting away from work and other duties. When it all comes together it's simply wonderful.

Artist Point Grand Marais Minnesota

One of the most popular walks in Grand Marais is on Artist Point. People que up on the steps and walk on the seawall to the light house.

The thoughts a picture provokes......

This wonderful live cam from a Duluth B&B has some of the best shots in Duluth.
http://www.solglimt.com/ I find the pictures very nice when it's flat calm and sunny. I look at the shot and think of all the history that has taken place on these shores. If those hills could talk. If you dig just a bit you would be shocked all the events that have happened in the Twin Ports area. Matter of fact it would take a lifetime to read it all. It's that rich with history.

Cascade Lodge Lutsen Minnesota

The Cascade Lodge near Lutsen Minnesota is a 85 year old Lodge. There is a great deal of history related to these old lodges. Alot of nostalgia also. I really like the fact you can stay in these places and feel the history. Behind the lodge are cabins you can rent. Some as old as 1922.They have been restored nicely and the interior logs are really a nice visual treat. You feel like your in the North land when you sleep in a cabin. The smell of the fireplace and the sound of the nearby river is wonderful. It really is a old fashion holiday that someday won't be around anymore. Newer cabins or resorts just don't have the same feeling. A luxury condo at a resort just doesn't give the same touch. I don't want a hot tub or a mint on my pillow. But if you reserve your cabin or lodge room they do have a chocolate chip cookie option if you want some homemade cookies waiting for you. Check out the link below, it's a family lodge and even pets are allowed in some of the cabins. After a few days on the North shore you won't want to leave.

http://www.cascadelodgemn.com/

UFO in Grand Marais Mn?

At first viewing I thought there was a UFO over the Coast Guard Station in Grand Marias Minnesota. But at closer look I guess it's just raining and that is a rain drop on the lens of the LIVE CAM that is located on the Harbor Inn. There is a book out by the former owner of the Cascade Lodge and Blue Water Cafe called Downtown Grand Marais if you enjoy history. Eugene Glader is the author. So if you wonder what building was what before it is what it is today this is the book. Great photographs of Grand Marais long ago.

This weeks auroras

I got a view of a bit of the auroras but nothing vivid and the North land was mostly covered in cloud. But from a satellite we can clearly see the event. It's really a wonder to see in the shot.I would really love to be up on the border sometime when a major event occurs.

Grand Marais Mn. Sunset

It was a flawless fall weekend with clear skies and peak color. Nice meals and good hikes. We went to town for dinner but delayed dinner due to a lovely sunset. Dinner can wait, you don't often see this in our daily lives. And in the last picture all the sudden it's gone. The sunset and the fall week. But of course that is what makes it so good, it's precious. I'm already thinking about the next fall and what is to come. It was a summer of the North shore and Grand Marais this year. Never got around the other end of Lake Superior this summer but you can't do everything. I'm lucky to have done what I've done this year. And that is a great deal. Next trip to Lutsen might be to ski? Spring skiing in March? We shall see what comes in the New Year.

More fall.....

I just can't let fall go, the weather forecast is quite good for the last week of October and there is still some color. Mostly yellows and rust. A wonderful time to hike with a dog. Crunch goes the leaves under your feet. I forced a extra trip up the North shore this year. I'll never regret it as the weather and leaves were wonderful. I have over 300 pictures from the last trip alone. The picture of the leaf on the pine branch looks staged but it was not.

Seawall Motel, Grand Marais Mn.

I was in Grand Marais for fall color week and that caused me to think of the past. Back in the 1980's we stayed at the Seawall Motel right on HWY 61 over looking the harbor. I wish it was never razed but it's gone. I found a old postcard of the motel.

Down the coast heading home

The last stop on our fall color tour was at Palisade Head. It was a bit sad as we knew we were leaving the North Shore and heading back to a new work week and the routine. But ah we have our great memories and pictures. I never tire of the Palisades which are about 350 feet high and always a thrill to look down. Climbers were on their ropes and going down when we stopped.

Murals all around Grand Marais Minnesota

You can’t help but notice the big mural on the Beaver House in Grand Marais Mn. But if you look around a bit you will see others as well. There is the Edmond Fitzgerald on a wall and the Steamship America on a store. There are scenes painted here and there. Who did all of this was the question? I got back home and did a look up. A fellow in his early 80’s is the artist. But he doesn’t even think he is a artist, he just paints he says. People keep asking him to do more so he does. This fellow is Lyle Saethre of Grand Marais and he has lived there his entire life. He doesn’t want history to be lost so paints these scenes of the past. They are fantastic and I think everybody really enjoys them. I know we do.

Link to a interview with the artist:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-eAJ5HFh9k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Deep Roots

While on a fall color stroll this weekend I came across a interesting tree due to all it's exposed roots.

Lutsen Mountain Live cam

Partly Cloudy and a bit past peak this Sunday at Lutsen Mountain. I was happy to find that they have a LIVE CAM on top of Eagle Mountain looking down at Papa Charles's restaurant and Moose Mountain. Maples no longer bright red but it's all still very nice

More fall color....

There is an urgency to fall that I feel. Indian summer only lasts so long and anytime the sun is out and the leaves golden you know it’s not to last. It’s my favorite time of year and it goes so very fast. So we pretty much drove the wheels off the SUV last week to see all the vistas and country drives. Pictured is a vista above the Cascade River valley. You can make out the river in the middle of the frame. And County Road 14 above Grand Marais on the ridge was quite colorful. A nice drive with WTIP Community Radio on dial. Quite the mix of programs and music they play, all of which is interesting. Also a great way to know what is happening during your stay. Many choices of entertainment in the local restaurants. Folks singers and Bluegrass groups. Time a late dinner to the entertainment.

Pagami Creek Fire jumps the line

I will admit, I'm fascinated with these daily satellite shots. When it's clear you can see everything and I feel like a spy. You can see the maples still red on the ridges near Lake Superior and you can clearly see smoke rising from the Pagami Creek Fire. The high winds have caused the fire to jump the fire lines in certain areas. They are fighting it hard. You can clearly see the burn area on the shot. That is alot of landscape that burned. If you know your lakes you can see the old Hamm Lake fire burn on the shot just above Gunflint Lake also. It's brown in color. That was over three years ago I believe. Click on the image for a larger view. For daily updates and details about the fire click on the link below:

http://www.inciweb.org/incident/2534/

Fall Color ride Lutsen Mountain Minnesota

Everybody and their dog (in some cases) were at Lutsen Mountains for fall color and a Gondola ride up Moose Mountain. A ride to the top and lunch at the Mountain top Chalet that was built just a few years ago to replace the older restaurant. It's quite a thrill to take the ride and the view all the way to Upper Michigan. We ate down below at Papa Charlie's restaurant at the bottom as it was less crowded. They have excellent burgers and sweet potato fries. And there is a deck facing Moose Mountain. I would guess when we left that the line for the Gondola was at least a 100 people deep if not more? It was quite the scene and my thoughts were there are more quiet places to see fall color. Perhaps we will be back for spring break and skiing in March!

White Sky Rock/Caribou Lake Minnesota

The trail up to the overlook at White Sky Rock. It was a golden climb with the leaves filtering the sun. Simply wonderful and great exercise on a rather steep grade but only about a 1/3 of a mile.

White Sky Rock overlook was just fantastic in full peak color. Maples galore. Minnesota nice was very apparent as everybody was very chatty and remarking what a view! White Sky is the name of a Indian chief that lived in the area of the lake. Caribou Lake is below the overlook and Lake Superior is in the distance. One lady at the top was near 80 years old. Anybody can get up there if you pace yourself. And what a pay off at the top. You just don't see this everyday.

Lookout Mountain, Lutsen Minnesota

Behind the Cascade Lodge in Lutsen Minnesota is Lookout Mountain. Eat a big breakfast at the Lodge restaurant and then burn it off hiking up to see the fall color. It was more then we had expected. On the way up thru birch and other trees it was all brown and yellow. We arrived at the top to find Maples in full red. Aspens and Birches in yellow and gold. It really was the big pay off for the hike up. Then down to the Cascade River valley to see the waterfalls and spawning Salmon. It really was a fall wonderland. Fall color week is just the best if you can time it.

Cascade River Minnesota Salmon Run

The Pink Salmon were running strong upon our arrival at the river this past weekend. We were lucky to time our visit to see this at peak. Also the leaves were peak for Maples on the ridges.

The weather was glorious cool and sunny. Perfect weather for hiking the trails. More to come so

Stay tuned......

Peak Fall Color weekend on the NorthShore of MN.

This is reported to be a peak fall color weekend on Northshore of Minnesota. But perhaps could see some aurora colors as well? I sure hope so! Click on the links below to check for Northern Lights and Northern Leaf color reports. I'll be using my smart phone to do just that. Tonight the Aurora is active but it's a bit cloudy so not certain they can be seen? The weekend is forecasted to be clear and sunny. Cool hiking weather! Nothing at this point could stop me from getting up HWY 61 to Carlton Peak or Lookout Mountain. This will be a good one. Stay tuned for pictures.


http://www.spaceweather.com/

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors/index.html

Pagami Creek Fire and Fall Colors.

No visible plumes of smoke today on the daily satellite shot. You can clearly see the burn area on the map. 93,000 acres of it. If you look close on the ridges just above the lake you can see fall color. It should be just about peak this weekend in areas. This is important because I leave for a week of color hiking and touring in about two days. Good food, good hikes and colorful leaves. It's my most favorite time of the year. I've been thinking about it for two weeks.