Hiking on the North Shore

A few weeks ago, my son David and I had a great time on the North Shore. My sister Raylene and I had been trying to coordinate getting out on one of my spontaneous road trips. We finally connected. Thanks Raylene for suggesting the trip and joining us.

Her daughter "A" (protecting her privacy a bit) also came with. She took a day off the Bocce Ball pro tour to join us. She had tried to fool us into thinking she didn't know how to play Bocce Ball at an Independence Day family gathering. But she performed expertly. That was fun to see.

We bypassed Gooseberry Falls where "everybody" stops. We stopped briefly atop Palisade Head. It is a quick stop with a nice view - and a nice breeze many days.

We didn't have tons of time, but we headed for Tettegouche State Park with the highest waterfall entirely within Minnesota. I admit the falls aren't terribly high compared to many states. But any waterfall is kind of cool to be around.

Many of my trips up nort' have been alone. So I got to share a few trails and views with David too.



"A" had her doubts about hiking. But she did great (like I knew she would). She handled the rocks and hills just fine. And she crossed the swinging bridge both ways. At that spot you pretty much have to come back across the bridge.



Even in July, the Lake Superior water is cool. Rather than wading in the Baptism River water, we braved the cold water. Hey, it gives us stories to tell! And we were surprised how tender our feet were over the nicely rounded rocks. David did great skipping rocks. And nobody got hit by a flying rock. There were some close calls though.





They all did great taking alternate routes to the top of a little cliff. Why use stairs when you can risk your life?





Next we headed to Split Rock State Park. We skipped the lighthouse and explored other parts of the park. We had a picnic dinner sitting on a rock with a nice view. It was too early for a sunset this time.





So you want to be a rock star...





We stopped in Two Harbors on the way back. Here is a little industrial beauty:



I enjoy getting a little exercise while exploring God's creation most anytime. But this trip was especially fun as I got to share some of my favorite experiences in a few hours' time.

It was a little hot. And our legs weren't used to the off-pavement hiking. But it was fun to see people accomplishing things they had never done before - even with some smiles sneaking out once in a while.

Thanks Raylene for the trip!

Most of the time when we say we can't do something, what we honestly mean is that we are unwilling to do it, or even try it. Are there positive things you "cannot" do waiting for you to experience? You may be surprised at what you can accomplish, one step at a time.