Friday, August 7, 2009

Our travel mates, Jon and Kristine, are frequent visitors to this area, so they knew all the great places to take us today. Grand Marais was the perfect place to relax by the harbor with my latte from Java Moose. A breakfast treat at World's Best Donuts was our first stop before taking a stroll in and around the quaint shops, inspired art galleries, and historical sites.

A short walk down Broadway Avenue ends at the Coast Guard parking lot. There we picked up the trail that leads to Artists' Point, overlooking East Bay and Lake Superior--one of the most beloved and famous spots in Grand Marais. Our hike to the Point, took us over ancient lava rock and through a small boreal forest. It was great to witness the place that has been an inspiration for artists, photographers, and poets for many years.

After dining at the Blue Water Cafe, we made a brief stop at a scenic overlook to photograph Grand Marais from above, and then we traveled further up Highway 61 to just shy of the Canada border then back to the Grand Portage National Monument. The Grand Rendezvous was just getting underway as this was the time of year when furs from wintering posts, which reached into Canada were delivered down the historic Grand Portage. Re-enactors from across the country and Canada were on hand to demonstrate and educate us on this historic past.

Back at Lutsen's, Joel and I enjoyed dinner at the Poplar River Pub located in the main lodge while Mary stayed at the cabin with Jon and Kristine. Jon got another roaring fire going in the stove, and we roasted a few marshmallows over the flames to make s'mores. Kristine and I took a walk around the resort grounds discovering a hidden covered bridge over some rushing rapids. Back at the cabin, we played a couple more games of Farkle before turning in for the night.