Duluth
And here, I neglect to tell the tale of my journey. Well, we'll not let that stand.
Misti and I set out on Saturday morning, to fine weather. Alas, it started clouding up just as we got to the Renaissance Faire in Twig, Minnesota. We spent some time listening to minstrels, browsing the stalls, enjoying the remarkable costumes (including an excellent Scots mercenary company from the Thirty Years' War era,) and finally watching a full-contact joust. Our champion won. ^_^ \/
A few rain showers and a glass of mead later, we made our way to the hotel, and passed as relaxing a night as possible while surrounded by ten-year old soccer players. On Sunday morning, we took the scenic highway along the North Shore, and visited Gooseberry Falls, the lighthouse at Split Rock, and Two Harbors. When in the area, be sure to visit Betty's Pies, just north of Two Harbors. The broasted chicken is outstanding, and the pies are to die for.
On our way back, we visited the Great Lakes Aquarium and toured the area around Canal Park. As we approached the canal, a Maltese freighter was inbound to pick up grain for Italy, and a coal carrier was departing at about the same time. It was fun watching them maneuver past each other in the harbor. We returned to the hotel, grabbed some supper, and took over the pool/hot tub/sauna for the better part of an hour. Misti said that was the fastest she'd ever seen me fall asleep. ^^'
Monday morning, we checked out of the hotel, and took a boat tour of the harbor. As it happened, another freighter was coming into port, so we circled them as they moved through the lock. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip. We finished the morning with a little shopping and a visit to Hell's Kitchen, of the outstanding walleye chowder and walleye BLT.
It's amusing, but the whole time we were in Duluth the weather was outstanding. Only a few sprinkles on Saturday, and it was clear and sunny until we drove through a downpour on our way back Monday afternoon. Our timing was good, too--we never had to wait long anywhere. I'd definitely recommend going, if you haven't before.
Misti and I set out on Saturday morning, to fine weather. Alas, it started clouding up just as we got to the Renaissance Faire in Twig, Minnesota. We spent some time listening to minstrels, browsing the stalls, enjoying the remarkable costumes (including an excellent Scots mercenary company from the Thirty Years' War era,) and finally watching a full-contact joust. Our champion won. ^_^ \/
A few rain showers and a glass of mead later, we made our way to the hotel, and passed as relaxing a night as possible while surrounded by ten-year old soccer players. On Sunday morning, we took the scenic highway along the North Shore, and visited Gooseberry Falls, the lighthouse at Split Rock, and Two Harbors. When in the area, be sure to visit Betty's Pies, just north of Two Harbors. The broasted chicken is outstanding, and the pies are to die for.
On our way back, we visited the Great Lakes Aquarium and toured the area around Canal Park. As we approached the canal, a Maltese freighter was inbound to pick up grain for Italy, and a coal carrier was departing at about the same time. It was fun watching them maneuver past each other in the harbor. We returned to the hotel, grabbed some supper, and took over the pool/hot tub/sauna for the better part of an hour. Misti said that was the fastest she'd ever seen me fall asleep. ^^'
Monday morning, we checked out of the hotel, and took a boat tour of the harbor. As it happened, another freighter was coming into port, so we circled them as they moved through the lock. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip. We finished the morning with a little shopping and a visit to Hell's Kitchen, of the outstanding walleye chowder and walleye BLT.
It's amusing, but the whole time we were in Duluth the weather was outstanding. Only a few sprinkles on Saturday, and it was clear and sunny until we drove through a downpour on our way back Monday afternoon. Our timing was good, too--we never had to wait long anywhere. I'd definitely recommend going, if you haven't before.