Chronic pain has been a part of my life for many years. I usually recognize pain in others, by the way they walk, sit or stand... or sometimes just by the look in their eyes. The eyes are so revealing. About five years ago, we started traveling. Discovering beautiful places isn’t hard, especially if you listen to others and watch their eyes. There is a glimmer that represents beauty, a place they enjoyed, or possibly lived once. We learn much from each other. I look for that glimmer and, of course, follow with google searches.
July 4th in Middle Tennessee is hot, humid, and days off work. 2018 was no different — the idea of escaping the heat took us way north to Duluth, Minnesota, exploring the coast of Lake Superior. I had never heard of Duluth... but in conversation with a young patient in our office, I saw the glimmer. Her eyes as she spoke of it, a place she once lived near, peaked my interest.
We flew to Minneapolis the morning of July 4th then drove three hours Northeast to AmericInn – Proctor Minnesota. Super nice hotel with an indoor pool, local manager who gave great advice, yummy continental breakfast, and helpful staff.
Early the next day we headed north along Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Marias. The shoreline of Lake Superior is beautiful, and with a nice lake breeze the temps were perfect.
Visiting towns through the day, we learned fun facts, discovered the iron ore industry, and stopped at many state parks – the day was quite educational.
below - Gooseberry State Park - root beer colored waterfalls due to tannin
below - Tettegouche State Park - rock beach at Baptism River
below - Temperance River State Park - a powerful show of rapid water
below - Silver Bay - Taconite plant
We had a picnic lunch at Palisade Head and a fresh seafood meal at Harbor House Grille.
The city of Duluth was our agenda for day two. We spent the day on foot exploring the city. First stop: Canal Park, where we watched a 1000 foot Laker arrive in the canal and go under an Aerial Lift bridge. Pretty fascinating for a Tennessee girl!
Next we took a short boat ride on the Vista Fleet Cruise around Duluth – seeing the city from the Lake was fun.
The Lake Walk around Duluth took us around the city, with access to restaurants, shopping, a malt shop, and a beautiful rose garden. Train tracks, a mosaic tile mural, Vietnam memorial .. access to restrooms .. it a great way to spend the day.
Heading north up Hwy 61 in Two Harbors, we found Heritage Days and a Fourth of July parade. Probably several thousand folks lining the streets with chairs. We joined in and watched the local parade.
Before heading back to Minneapolis, we visited Russ Kendall’s Smoke Fish in Knife River for some amazing smoked lake trout and cheese.
Three very full days of exploring uncharted territory. Pleasant people, beautiful places, and we made it out with no mosquito bites!
Look for the glimmer... chase the beauty... and enjoy learning a new place.
Til next time,
Beverl