Minnesota North Shore- The Catch of the Day

Typical July weather on the Northern Shores of Minnesota range between 70-85 degrees, but because of Lake Superior, the temperatures can easily drop to a cool 50-60’s. This July trip was well needed; the goal was to cover all 8 State Parks north of Two Harbors, MN.

MN State Parks north of the Two Harbors

Dan and I adore the North Shore and are blessed to live so close to this natural wonder. I have fond camping memories of the North Shore as my family went camping there often. We loaded the girls and headed on our way early, our first stop was “grandma’s house”. The girls always enjoy spending some cuddle time with her and even know when we are getting close to grandma’s home. Thanks mom for watching the furry grandkids on our trips!

Normally, you can see Lake Superior when you reach the top of the hill when coming into Duluth on MN Interstate 35. This scenery is absolutely beautiful as the view includes the enormous body of water we call Lake Superior and the grandeur of Duluth. This morning was a little different; as we reached the top of the hill, we could not see the lake or Duluth. A thick blanket of fog covered the city and the lake. We were not disappointed though as fog can add so much feeling to photography.

Our first stop was at Kendall’s Smokehouse where Dan purchased the fresh smoked fish that he was craving since we started out. After the fish was devoured,  we were off to meet up with friends in Two Harbors, MN but of course,  we had to stop and photograph along the way. We had a great time visiting and stayed at Cove Point Lodge.  I would highly recommend a stay in this lodge, the grounds are stunning and the cove offers spectacular views around every corner. We also noticed that the Spring flowers were still in bloom and stopped to smell them every chance we got- Wild Lupine, Daisy’s, Orange Hackweed, just to name a few. The fog this morning was inspiring, little did we know, this fog would stay with us for the majority of the trip adding to the beauty and enriching the colors of the North Shore in July.

What is the next stop you ask? Well, Dan and I will take you on a quick tour of Two Harbors, MN and an exploration of this area’s backroads.

 

Dan Found a friend

Cove Point Lodge

Advertisement

Winter Wonderland

According to Wikipedia,

The song, Winter Wonderland, was originally written in 1934 by Felix Bernard (music) and Richard B. Smith (lyrics). Throughout the years, it has been recorded by over 150 different artist!

When it snows, ain’t it thrillin’?
Tho’ your nose, gets a chillin’
We’ll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland.

Please enjoy some of the frolicking we have done in our little Winter Wonderland.

Grinding our way south… To and Fro

On a recent trip, we traveled about 500 miles through Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota.  A friend and co-worker made the statement “Wow, doesn’t the driving get boring when you are traveling from point A to point B?”  After a smile formed, I answered “No, that is what makes the trip worth while”.

We are constantly on the lookout for that special something on our trips; an abandoned building or home, a long forgotten car, an adorable wild or farm animal, or just the way the light is hitting a particular item.  Between the laughing, singing (which Dan loves), whistling, telling stories, making Daisy crowns :-), so on and so forth, we always have a great time on our travels.  The “in-between” is where the fun comes in… A turn of the head or an Ooohh, Ahhh, humff, or sigh might escape our lips, which in turn notifies the other of an upcoming special treat.  About 90% of the time, the slamming of the breaks or putting the car in reverse is followed by one of those subtle hints.  It is the “in-between” that we all forget about at times- You know, those sights or people that we otherwise take for granted as we are passing from point A to point B.

My friends comment really made me realize just how important life is and was an important reminder to cherish those “in-between” times.

Standing tall

Where’s the rabbit?

Dan and his daisy crown made by yours truly

Stone graffiti

Stone graffiti

Side by Side

The wiener trot

Trolls.. oh my!

Tindra’s look-a-like

Trolls.. oh my!

Our luck continues

It was a good night of fun and laughter; it is always nice to spend time with family.  The wee hours of the morning came a bit too soon and it was time to head back on the road after a much needed breakfast.   We packed up the car, put on sunglasses and headed south for the trip back home.  As it always does, our philosophy that the road less traveled proves to be more exciting held true for the day.

Among the multitude of countryside favorites that we encountered on this day, we ran into the most incredible abandoned farmstead.  One that to this day remains to be my favorite find of this year.  The main barn was an architectural favorite of mine and the photographic opportunities on this property was endless.  Was it the fact that the big city was spreading its wings and pushed this property into abandonment or was it that this once elaborate barn and farmstead had come to an end. Either way, we enjoyed our stay and were thankful for this opportunity before the buildings on this property are reduced to rumble.  I will file this one away in the memory banks.

I invite you to visit Dan’s blog “Back-roadin’ to Alexandria, MN and back” for his take and images from not only this property, but the whole trip as well.

As luck would have it

This gallery contains 20 photos.

As legends have it in Irish folk lore- at the end of every rainbow lays a pot of gold guarded by a mischievous creature the Leprechaun. This sly, mythical creature is custodian of not just the gold, but also other buried treasure that a rainbows end represents.  As luck would have it, I have been […]

Keep Your Eyes Open

This gallery contains 11 photos.

This is my first post and a HUGE thank you goes out to my family, friends, the Red Wing Photography Club and my partner in crime.  Dan, thank you for constantly pushing me forward and opening up my eyes a little father to the world around us. I am fortunate enough to have someone by […]