On Minnesota's greatest lake...

 

 

 

 

                                           

"I would like to say I get tired of coming up here - but that would be a lie..."

This weekend we journeyed on our annual trek to Minnesota's greatest lake. We went up there with our oldest daughter, our son-in-law and our grandson. This really was the calm before the storm before the storm - they have sold their house and will soon be homeless. They are building a house on a wooded lot on the north side of their town, and in the interim, will be living with us.

We stayed at a resort a couple miles north of Two Harbors (which is about 20 miles northeast of Duluth). Over the years, my wife and have visited many of Minnesota's "greater lakes". Without exception, none of our majestic inland lakes compare to Lake Superior.

Yesterday after breakfast, we all packed up and headed north up the coast from Two Harbors. It was slightly under a two hour drive from Two Harbors to Grand Marias. The state parks we passed (and they are some of the best in the state), were packed. It is after all summer in Minnesota and on a weekend. Once we arrived in Grand Marias, we discovered there was a huge art show in progress. Some of the best artists and photographers in Minnesota (as well as points elsewhere) live in Grand Marias. Once we found a place to park not far from the exhibits, we started our journey.

It was the most wonderful day. The weather for Grand Marias was a bit warm, but very tolerable indeed. We wondered through some amazing art exhibits, chatted with some of the exhibitors, bought a few items, and then after a while, packed up and left for our resort.

Not too long ago, I read something which decried the low number of people from Minnesota who visit the North Shore. Many people who do not live in our state would give their eye-teeth to have this wondrous body of water so very close. Why people in our own state would not visit this lake confuses me.

I was raised, at least once a year the family would pack up any visit Duluth or points north. Consequently, when my wife and I were raising kids, that tradition continued. Now our grandson has had his first taste of Gitche Gumee. I can only hope he will grow to realize the gift we have all been given. Peace, tranquility, wisdom, wonder, majesty - all can be experienced by visiting Minnesota's greatest lake.

Our trip is now over and we are home with some souvenirs, but mostly memories. Stay classy and majestic Gitche - we will see you again in September...

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