tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57929780028757378462024-03-05T04:47:43.491-06:00Travels with Rocky the DogA blog about our travels with our dog Rocky in our All Terrain Tacoma truck camper.*Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-47668978999287390582022-09-07T15:24:00.001-05:002022-09-08T11:49:50.287-05:00Hogback Lake<div><p> Where did the summer go? Family visits and house projects had consumed the days since our spring waterfall trip. Labor Day was fast approaching and we decided a camping trip was in order. </p><p> We settled on a U.S. Forest Service rustic campground in the Superior National Forest. We like the rustic campgrounds. With no services, these sites are more likely to attract our style of campers. Located on Hogback Lake, the campground offered hiking and canoeing opportunities. With only 3 well-spaced sites, we were likely to have the peace and quiet we enjoy while camping. I borrowed my friend Bob's hand-built skin-on-frame canoe. We loaded up the trailer and departed on Monday morning.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iHmWU5RVn6pJMuKqacUJVZMC01ROyThyfHrw_ixaC8C4lfXvKwWA5wWJyc-yLPPNU_ApIeCg_AV4yfTWUtnnUekKpSqInTWY6LBZQa9pYQqnGu7fdGP5uI-JYdgc5oXyE5K8VPT28ET4s21aHerxW0y6pGBuV3Hq7aIgiykRs5Z2VUVSE7qHFnsS/s812/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-05%20at%201.55.21%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="812" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iHmWU5RVn6pJMuKqacUJVZMC01ROyThyfHrw_ixaC8C4lfXvKwWA5wWJyc-yLPPNU_ApIeCg_AV4yfTWUtnnUekKpSqInTWY6LBZQa9pYQqnGu7fdGP5uI-JYdgc5oXyE5K8VPT28ET4s21aHerxW0y6pGBuV3Hq7aIgiykRs5Z2VUVSE7qHFnsS/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-05%20at%201.55.21%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We arrived at Hogback Lake at around 3 PM. One of the three campsites was taken. We selected the best remaining site and set up camp. The site was nicely wooded with a picnic table and a fire pit. </p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Ng_hg3Dg7IGeT-iYntV6FkW91ZNbplryekpg6gYkYx-eJIhyNgdNR_XB_p7GBrGozYpMD9FlyXmKaje3BrhV8-HpAAAdBAGCZyJE0QBUxtsDHNU-sAYuL1Zr2IUrn57QgW1DqEtKrsaZC41Ne-BzVmwAh0beIZhfHyPVXyhtzgXpYwkSmK7C2DB/s4032/IMG_8585.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7Ng_hg3Dg7IGeT-iYntV6FkW91ZNbplryekpg6gYkYx-eJIhyNgdNR_XB_p7GBrGozYpMD9FlyXmKaje3BrhV8-HpAAAdBAGCZyJE0QBUxtsDHNU-sAYuL1Zr2IUrn57QgW1DqEtKrsaZC41Ne-BzVmwAh0beIZhfHyPVXyhtzgXpYwkSmK7C2DB/s320/IMG_8585.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZSSfyivVtTjPuErf44dax2Aq-94wa2tzcIhtj27AgOz9j96EX_YbUSu2v40WSPHGKbSrrq66pDZT2VZJ72zFSAazRTRjGQG5vM8bDPG55mzZPKTqnG9TP2VD6nJ46Cdvao5rBwRfE6xya_dEQIL8EYERr7kv4wP0Se_4KI1z6lkR5iA_G82tQ_4V/s4032/IMG_8515.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZSSfyivVtTjPuErf44dax2Aq-94wa2tzcIhtj27AgOz9j96EX_YbUSu2v40WSPHGKbSrrq66pDZT2VZJ72zFSAazRTRjGQG5vM8bDPG55mzZPKTqnG9TP2VD6nJ46Cdvao5rBwRfE6xya_dEQIL8EYERr7kv4wP0Se_4KI1z6lkR5iA_G82tQ_4V/s320/IMG_8515.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILPCNMPykVrgCSA31rfTcIQ1HqzgiIKT4Mh19SL-GgDO_lld6iFHha2sfQaN3u7GIHyJeY0P5j5kES2CSunQcNU5GvChDjUtVabQvzEFPpyTthfO_iu6spZf-RaOND8WZLOj3nk7bCabZHjOc0pMwCPoPqeMWNOU-rdhEcbDY_aGJyrMjaL87S0eu/s4032/IMG_8549.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILPCNMPykVrgCSA31rfTcIQ1HqzgiIKT4Mh19SL-GgDO_lld6iFHha2sfQaN3u7GIHyJeY0P5j5kES2CSunQcNU5GvChDjUtVabQvzEFPpyTthfO_iu6spZf-RaOND8WZLOj3nk7bCabZHjOc0pMwCPoPqeMWNOU-rdhEcbDY_aGJyrMjaL87S0eu/s320/IMG_8549.HEIC" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><p></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILPCNMPykVrgCSA31rfTcIQ1HqzgiIKT4Mh19SL-GgDO_lld6iFHha2sfQaN3u7GIHyJeY0P5j5kES2CSunQcNU5GvChDjUtVabQvzEFPpyTthfO_iu6spZf-RaOND8WZLOj3nk7bCabZHjOc0pMwCPoPqeMWNOU-rdhEcbDY_aGJyrMjaL87S0eu/s4032/IMG_8549.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p>We had dodged rain on the way up but it found us soon after we arrived. We set up the Clam screen house over the picnic table to provide a bug and rain shelter and cooked dinner. After dinner we took a walk around the campground. Our neighbors turned out to be a retired lady school teacher and her friend. Ivonne, from Florida, camps all summer in Minnesota and returns to Florida for the winter. Her friend was from Wisconsin. Ivonne, an avid fisherman was an energetic 87 years old! Her friend, a former student, was younger. Good, interesting neighbors.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0AVnctuEcmFyIxGhxS4V3XyLcWxmZ79NQJzgzbVBePc2x-gxV63AT1JWQpDdXbzJ70VQOXxppmBZAGk9liRVDhwq-fNql5LBakkxausm5cPXg6NJb11dRjnfH0wWHxY_0W0l1Ye9bZ53PBrHfsSy2AbetD-F60BUzgFTfG5HilRcmXf44oLb72C4/s4032/IMG_8509.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0AVnctuEcmFyIxGhxS4V3XyLcWxmZ79NQJzgzbVBePc2x-gxV63AT1JWQpDdXbzJ70VQOXxppmBZAGk9liRVDhwq-fNql5LBakkxausm5cPXg6NJb11dRjnfH0wWHxY_0W0l1Ye9bZ53PBrHfsSy2AbetD-F60BUzgFTfG5HilRcmXf44oLb72C4/s320/IMG_8509.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>We checked out a sign at the boat launch which showed options for hiking and canoeing. Hogback Lake connects to Canal Lake and a short portage allows access to Scarp Lake. A loop trail system offered several miles of back country hiking. We retired to camp to have a fire and consider our options for the coming days.</p><p>We awoke to a beautiful sunny day with cool temperatures. We made breakfast of eggs, bacon and hashbrowns. A couple Canada Jays paid us a visit, looking for a handout. After cleaning up and doing dishes, we explored our surroundings a bit more. We enjoyed the views of the lake and some sun on the boat launch dock. A nice breeze was blowing in from the northwest. The lake was pretty calm but we could see whitecaps on the far shore. We decided this was a good day for a hike, hoping tomorrow would bring less wind and better canoeing.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWrzu8jGuASAIJPxbLYj8ujMn33wG7HDhOua4GYtd8ewYiVupjE2gthZLZDRxUrvFX10UqcIUboEFArpqfdAkz4vTlx9uHg3mvz3XecLNVqRBvtksWh9AEq2FtTflUFGIBSRqFY-x-96x_n_dBVnx6iXRS8xxGVsMcp8qglcRUOUYpXvec9O3W1h6/s4032/IMG_8514.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWrzu8jGuASAIJPxbLYj8ujMn33wG7HDhOua4GYtd8ewYiVupjE2gthZLZDRxUrvFX10UqcIUboEFArpqfdAkz4vTlx9uHg3mvz3XecLNVqRBvtksWh9AEq2FtTflUFGIBSRqFY-x-96x_n_dBVnx6iXRS8xxGVsMcp8qglcRUOUYpXvec9O3W1h6/s320/IMG_8514.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the sun on the dock<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOxZG9u5TNQ1UW6rf-SzpudgZ-sy90VdNSB9n_uSqoA98r7dVU9SoSF6_TbPVU1aa2GBgRwtGPv__IWEp-OWA4jlTxbLZHC9q1yMfDUNDKeXtysVxjAFk2wpG40n6X4anvy9CIx7FHWiGTaevg2CzbX-Dw5Dw4YRUvDWwEFcV9Z2nN9cPbU4nRhEt/s4032/IMG_8513.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOxZG9u5TNQ1UW6rf-SzpudgZ-sy90VdNSB9n_uSqoA98r7dVU9SoSF6_TbPVU1aa2GBgRwtGPv__IWEp-OWA4jlTxbLZHC9q1yMfDUNDKeXtysVxjAFk2wpG40n6X4anvy9CIx7FHWiGTaevg2CzbX-Dw5Dw4YRUvDWwEFcV9Z2nN9cPbU4nRhEt/s320/IMG_8513.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Hogback Lake from the dock<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> We ate a light lunch, loaded rain gear and snacks into the pack and set off to explore the woods a bit. The trail left from the boat launch area and climbed up to a ridge running between the lakes. We followed the ridge above Scarp Lake for a while, enjoying the views and the wildflowers. We returned the way we came and followed the trail to Canal Lake, then returned to camp. </p><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79aHpEa_fJMtVWYDk0YRTV3nuTS-0LIQ9Osq4M4EqnOS_NeG6d5dd-3xinVJ0fsrwG-2Te96LfZj8C-ptOLFU-pq3Cz1HGyxesEXEW59dydvMs7rYVrOEj5CPceEc1UtCiAqM2mpeGx9-v50NE107VXu4hgsslAY7fT1qNMLL84yPIbdoLf3xC8qX/s4032/IMG_8520.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79aHpEa_fJMtVWYDk0YRTV3nuTS-0LIQ9Osq4M4EqnOS_NeG6d5dd-3xinVJ0fsrwG-2Te96LfZj8C-ptOLFU-pq3Cz1HGyxesEXEW59dydvMs7rYVrOEj5CPceEc1UtCiAqM2mpeGx9-v50NE107VXu4hgsslAY7fT1qNMLL84yPIbdoLf3xC8qX/s320/IMG_8520.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice pines on the trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcPOB3J3hqKx7TQk2TUTq7olOzqzJAQxBC-UgMd0Y2axGEqlj6lXTi4kxJ5jh4fTmkClZ9wzYWiO8TchITzNWgFkZSaMBHTHkoFQl-W-sAxQPWTIFWLN5VMStZYDOYsiMSPrVMMiTk3JOmh6tjzc_IneGWiEBvJOaJKPI0fMd-eyjxRfoG41Zq8kj/s4032/IMG_8521.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcPOB3J3hqKx7TQk2TUTq7olOzqzJAQxBC-UgMd0Y2axGEqlj6lXTi4kxJ5jh4fTmkClZ9wzYWiO8TchITzNWgFkZSaMBHTHkoFQl-W-sAxQPWTIFWLN5VMStZYDOYsiMSPrVMMiTk3JOmh6tjzc_IneGWiEBvJOaJKPI0fMd-eyjxRfoG41Zq8kj/s320/IMG_8521.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqx8di9HvR-sNCxlqToM6yFYHG1ToM24Wt3j_QgGLW2ZCzx01Xqi-iWEGrCEcksF6X-jEtAyY5wtIqaFu5hCMQV-OgQSvbIbC7j2iDdSMuWwfEH9yG67p2wAP6fPM9pDQhJCL1e3VGbShm7kB_QltUmWZ87sP2ZmqsBdTEXAFVK67QjEvBLIMW7CV/s4032/IMG_8528.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqx8di9HvR-sNCxlqToM6yFYHG1ToM24Wt3j_QgGLW2ZCzx01Xqi-iWEGrCEcksF6X-jEtAyY5wtIqaFu5hCMQV-OgQSvbIbC7j2iDdSMuWwfEH9yG67p2wAP6fPM9pDQhJCL1e3VGbShm7kB_QltUmWZ87sP2ZmqsBdTEXAFVK67QjEvBLIMW7CV/s320/IMG_8528.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glimpse of a lake through the trees<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTW91XelLOhWyc7EZb8QeVFg_W-b6-rRjjI7Nr-gWi_XA1Uk2z-MZFN4GvM2EEMnuaX6O5T1PZ-pf62e40BhOv3Xmikx_0a20z7L2R6XrYTM4gDP9jkGGfyK2ByzKqSHjWkUqxUlHN4SGO2I9HKRq9p5jJmJkJjvZaQ6VY1u7HCmzyWw9yQmRmsL4/s4032/IMG_8529.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTW91XelLOhWyc7EZb8QeVFg_W-b6-rRjjI7Nr-gWi_XA1Uk2z-MZFN4GvM2EEMnuaX6O5T1PZ-pf62e40BhOv3Xmikx_0a20z7L2R6XrYTM4gDP9jkGGfyK2ByzKqSHjWkUqxUlHN4SGO2I9HKRq9p5jJmJkJjvZaQ6VY1u7HCmzyWw9yQmRmsL4/s320/IMG_8529.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail signpost<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRAq8USgQSA7OapFPNqZLKPpQKnak5XdXtZmzOkhv5sWYSzXihF1d1Tjcwp4vbpnUCB-26EeuVSfvEkDAZ9Ay3VYkTN3R3xI1Iqv91CZpi0UBP1NBrOBcSvLI-bvWfGJN_bv0jZJkD6W6nv4tZ50lbZG7RaxoLG5uVXVQycH3yIUTme4Mx0aGV42O/s4032/IMG_8531.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMRAq8USgQSA7OapFPNqZLKPpQKnak5XdXtZmzOkhv5sWYSzXihF1d1Tjcwp4vbpnUCB-26EeuVSfvEkDAZ9Ay3VYkTN3R3xI1Iqv91CZpi0UBP1NBrOBcSvLI-bvWfGJN_bv0jZJkD6W6nv4tZ50lbZG7RaxoLG5uVXVQycH3yIUTme4Mx0aGV42O/s320/IMG_8531.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarp Lake from the ridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51hlhY3RlW2yMF4MJRh2b4jQb3bDlQU4_fonIKCuCkgJVTlHdr1JXBRuhfQ-RRg9vpzCqnjHcO6fqbpxLMFzolHYNvOwFGhao6gXIDtWBjICCYqNfBU3IaDkKZ-KoJ1MHr4Wkpf8HsEvHoyO36HFNSh8TycyfQy5-O0mRfVay51cgUJjx9xBxtl1s/s4032/IMG_8532.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51hlhY3RlW2yMF4MJRh2b4jQb3bDlQU4_fonIKCuCkgJVTlHdr1JXBRuhfQ-RRg9vpzCqnjHcO6fqbpxLMFzolHYNvOwFGhao6gXIDtWBjICCYqNfBU3IaDkKZ-KoJ1MHr4Wkpf8HsEvHoyO36HFNSh8TycyfQy5-O0mRfVay51cgUJjx9xBxtl1s/s320/IMG_8532.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52YhC2fY-Hn9Nqo4vgw7Tex05AU19vXTMzTSpPh3tkUPz_ks4hd93ezXiRh8ulnx21IXn_QBIXXC6G8lN7UySj0a-ZSr_Va83PXeHk-TSq1jfFKCyT-WwQjCUFBz_SJAQhxiNygaWA29TyVf_3N_zp5FTgmIBu6Mb_KxcT2R5jgJ8tz2egkSAPK7H/s4032/IMG_8534.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52YhC2fY-Hn9Nqo4vgw7Tex05AU19vXTMzTSpPh3tkUPz_ks4hd93ezXiRh8ulnx21IXn_QBIXXC6G8lN7UySj0a-ZSr_Va83PXeHk-TSq1jfFKCyT-WwQjCUFBz_SJAQhxiNygaWA29TyVf_3N_zp5FTgmIBu6Mb_KxcT2R5jgJ8tz2egkSAPK7H/s320/IMG_8534.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pearly Everlasting</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0JZEpvMe7hIoufKHdRyJT1R6sB0XTDdx9xdhcleNVuXgaLFIWHyJWDUGtGItciJUFhG8xcckog2dqUV2QpLCrl8oPJ9_u-faD-59yA_XeGPlCvUflL7R7p2b19v_2Df03V5k0rBFb-Y29LZj_L4Puvd4g2o3mcm_awUtVu2UK54_Iqe_p5MBinTX/s4032/IMG_8535.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0JZEpvMe7hIoufKHdRyJT1R6sB0XTDdx9xdhcleNVuXgaLFIWHyJWDUGtGItciJUFhG8xcckog2dqUV2QpLCrl8oPJ9_u-faD-59yA_XeGPlCvUflL7R7p2b19v_2Df03V5k0rBFb-Y29LZj_L4Puvd4g2o3mcm_awUtVu2UK54_Iqe_p5MBinTX/s320/IMG_8535.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy on the trail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAlQXr3xbVZ12cKlpfJ_FsUxW4Yh09ZRhHD3qnT5p5xrSHJYRDdWeRCf5j9rRsABMI7E64p3pLQlhK_ytTZYce4COTZSHZgZRsgfUN7F1yWqypsGFDEOlvtk43hBFBNQiHbCSeGdQ7NgWoiwFiuS1qxYrSn9EyYMs6zspDmOpr-C54gTs07sUt-WY/s4032/IMG_8525.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAlQXr3xbVZ12cKlpfJ_FsUxW4Yh09ZRhHD3qnT5p5xrSHJYRDdWeRCf5j9rRsABMI7E64p3pLQlhK_ytTZYce4COTZSHZgZRsgfUN7F1yWqypsGFDEOlvtk43hBFBNQiHbCSeGdQ7NgWoiwFiuS1qxYrSn9EyYMs6zspDmOpr-C54gTs07sUt-WY/s320/IMG_8525.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asters</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIip_m0ETkTGVXsDbftOsEOmVu6vs2LGdjQsJV6aWtiGlnGiYIjcfY-Wx6Xe8HG7uf1s4dD8-g_MyLQCR-7XP0e4WlEIl1BxBpcFdNYNtNZuIfOl2QbSMPoFdy5iH307oZ9wpeKYIdRFWKSspJCC5PmoAD4qV-OsMIN6Cjvd1c-NPZ_3o5C9DU1wBT/s4032/IMG_8526.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIip_m0ETkTGVXsDbftOsEOmVu6vs2LGdjQsJV6aWtiGlnGiYIjcfY-Wx6Xe8HG7uf1s4dD8-g_MyLQCR-7XP0e4WlEIl1BxBpcFdNYNtNZuIfOl2QbSMPoFdy5iH307oZ9wpeKYIdRFWKSspJCC5PmoAD4qV-OsMIN6Cjvd1c-NPZ_3o5C9DU1wBT/s320/IMG_8526.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign of fall?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32lFcksvWbJuOhZgmnmPOVjrWWJM_CJYrwYNIMtZ1rV2q17QSCgOWg6V_K00nxit0reYCPFpwNC-Tp35EGWKq9mk-FvvwX2sZsApBGwO2YAavThGwU8rgxrFmtxVDTX-ET0vbBQS3F41s1iye1nxwBxRhn6p0JGA9fa-JyF7UkFocEHVXbS_RVxVI/s4032/IMG_8538.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32lFcksvWbJuOhZgmnmPOVjrWWJM_CJYrwYNIMtZ1rV2q17QSCgOWg6V_K00nxit0reYCPFpwNC-Tp35EGWKq9mk-FvvwX2sZsApBGwO2YAavThGwU8rgxrFmtxVDTX-ET0vbBQS3F41s1iye1nxwBxRhn6p0JGA9fa-JyF7UkFocEHVXbS_RVxVI/s320/IMG_8538.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moss topped stump<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpddcA5td_M9IzxK7PS_q1vRRa6dThuB3ffs2jztcdVILXov6aGjHl9WXEJ_G21g_qJt4W9zNWovKPefscdKiCF1yCN6K-B5upaoUCDWooy76m6cXAhie_vNVgGn1cy95qMwH05yARp0LqXsnyN3mK7kDELRsYjuyYk_sPBN1w46xPA3r11AvJU6T/s994/IMG_EDAA72FF6E3E-1%20(1).jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="729" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivpddcA5td_M9IzxK7PS_q1vRRa6dThuB3ffs2jztcdVILXov6aGjHl9WXEJ_G21g_qJt4W9zNWovKPefscdKiCF1yCN6K-B5upaoUCDWooy76m6cXAhie_vNVgGn1cy95qMwH05yARp0LqXsnyN3mK7kDELRsYjuyYk_sPBN1w46xPA3r11AvJU6T/s320/IMG_EDAA72FF6E3E-1%20(1).jpeg" width="235" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What bird is that?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY33jLOBdFCd50BacbT_hZJYLDg9AXRhVWAk_iU4jcT8TMbSs5cLYsoAAZ62qLsEO9wq6xhQvZVQnmQv68MfmhcMLH35csyFL3sNA_GzECgCnJRgljojHnHWhiLj3Bx7ADop2oI0X5vyUbe4Frd1vvDrjq7HlSTtvXR6ODaeqTnPRNhyw3clKLKiJ/s4032/IMG_8546.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY33jLOBdFCd50BacbT_hZJYLDg9AXRhVWAk_iU4jcT8TMbSs5cLYsoAAZ62qLsEO9wq6xhQvZVQnmQv68MfmhcMLH35csyFL3sNA_GzECgCnJRgljojHnHWhiLj3Bx7ADop2oI0X5vyUbe4Frd1vvDrjq7HlSTtvXR6ODaeqTnPRNhyw3clKLKiJ/s320/IMG_8546.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Hogback Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p>After our hike, we relaxed in camp, read books and I prepared some wood for a campfire. We ate dinner, watched a nice sunset and new moon rise. The wind kept the bugs away and we enjoyed a nice campfire. The clear night sky provided an impressive display, including the Milky Way and a couple of shooting stars. We went to sleep serenaded by the familiar and cherished calls of a loon. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4LkRm8ykDjrC4464HQJT8GvlAeXD1c5tlB_MFZfN2NDrc9ySAEBVad16MPGK20RyW1yGfSCTAQCsGbD3IfbORME-jCqKDodwRFkVG7PQZ4mk9cQixPwbPXvdIlH2ZkYzuDEsPzV9eQG7tTnkxUmm8fdZ9n2-SbtJourYZHvolYVY2AtEDnLrtOdn/s4032/IMG_8550.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4LkRm8ykDjrC4464HQJT8GvlAeXD1c5tlB_MFZfN2NDrc9ySAEBVad16MPGK20RyW1yGfSCTAQCsGbD3IfbORME-jCqKDodwRFkVG7PQZ4mk9cQixPwbPXvdIlH2ZkYzuDEsPzV9eQG7tTnkxUmm8fdZ9n2-SbtJourYZHvolYVY2AtEDnLrtOdn/s320/IMG_8550.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonrise over Hogback Lake</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We woke to another sunny but windy day. A new tradition- we made cinnamon rolls in our Coleman camp oven to augment another breakfast of eggs and sausages. Good strong coffee for me and tea for Kathy. And no surprise, a visit from the Canada Jays. We spent another relaxing morning in camp. Eventually, although the wind was still blowing, we decided to go canoeing. We packed a lunch and carried the canoe over to the shore for launching.<br /></p><p>Hogback Lake is connected to Canal Lake by a narrow passage. We explored Canal Lake a bit and found the portage to Scarp Lake. The portage was well traveled and ended in a marshy area on the Scarp Lake side. There was a shallow passage through the marshy area into the lake. After a short time of feeling like we were Humphrey Bogart and Kate Hepburn in the African Queen, we found ourselves in Scarp Lake. The wind was blowing pretty good and we sailed down the lake, passing a large beaver lodge and some impressive rock cliffs that probably inspired the name of the lake. The trip back against the wind was a bit challenging but we followed close to shore and made it back to the portage without trouble. We found a nice lunch spot on Canal Lake and had a picnic in the sun. A large painted turtle poked its head out of the lake near shore to check us out before swimming on.<br /><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCRpBfD65sqYpHiK7G8o-hegbN1e4Goi03BgbxG0NzmyI5E2MyOSjqnNZv-51SZMns5puPDdq9X4pTLcsDRILEN_F4G37pt3FW85hHcbeuY3JfKWVr9GGchenvZneiJleXWqlgERuY1m60L9THyABbWPxx_xGFrpby0yVP55zfDU6v6XZQpB-y7cj/s4032/IMG_8552.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCRpBfD65sqYpHiK7G8o-hegbN1e4Goi03BgbxG0NzmyI5E2MyOSjqnNZv-51SZMns5puPDdq9X4pTLcsDRILEN_F4G37pt3FW85hHcbeuY3JfKWVr9GGchenvZneiJleXWqlgERuY1m60L9THyABbWPxx_xGFrpby0yVP55zfDU6v6XZQpB-y7cj/s320/IMG_8552.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from under the canoe on the portage<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG9kudJqZiirh8mJqJaa58IWXAHv0dVe7lK4RjaH7epDr3nCGXP8uRimMMWdWsW4IEJOwvBoAi4enjYdxZNwh-3BbUG4Fb7NDxZ3B4ZMG44KdRUwB_Gvvu-nrNbDOcasmmlLBx0_bCsVTZYHLXm3WJHa3c2Ccziif2Fw9pdWCRVkxqS0ymSCqlliy/s320/IMG_8569.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of portage to Scarp Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiJa49E_uqLMtOX3GHChPpHfyyjDQQyxhgq0jgGUeZNmCMVIdZPTfNCEsMnDPaKQF4G_bjE9OtH6tBLVu6s2tU6M2biFQ5RzCASp26NAm7q6szw-J1DOOifsFzto-PbYXaIsYvCJWbcJI5YOhPnsr2K6EstUNiEG9zLtp7N5WeUSaxprS5wN2bRmo/s4032/IMG_8555.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMiJa49E_uqLMtOX3GHChPpHfyyjDQQyxhgq0jgGUeZNmCMVIdZPTfNCEsMnDPaKQF4G_bjE9OtH6tBLVu6s2tU6M2biFQ5RzCASp26NAm7q6szw-J1DOOifsFzto-PbYXaIsYvCJWbcJI5YOhPnsr2K6EstUNiEG9zLtp7N5WeUSaxprS5wN2bRmo/s320/IMG_8555.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow passage</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pYsBrx411rJ5sMJDB4dypojhS79lsFuR4Qbq-zEi_OqrQT9HbN5lNqjHGaZPJj6VpZVZX8AqKRGl9uby-ITTHm18EIXlNop8AcoJ1Y1YqwiDnzQKz0u1h72Ya8TEDkpLIerGFT9Rl4WE4oTwwlCVjXxfIy3h2iwKpMQaESuyLQVz30HXm9TUN8TK/s4032/IMG_8570.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pYsBrx411rJ5sMJDB4dypojhS79lsFuR4Qbq-zEi_OqrQT9HbN5lNqjHGaZPJj6VpZVZX8AqKRGl9uby-ITTHm18EIXlNop8AcoJ1Y1YqwiDnzQKz0u1h72Ya8TEDkpLIerGFT9Rl4WE4oTwwlCVjXxfIy3h2iwKpMQaESuyLQVz30HXm9TUN8TK/s320/IMG_8570.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portage back to Canal Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8txTtTLMTvwZkct4fMUgtlGPTF_5JT9Wkdw6yXkjauWzLJfQoj3GR8Afpv7Hskqf7BTJCfUlVzhM6Rejudz3nZWVsi1KcHYT3BA7sTAmMIsq5XcbV6KMqH8eNZ_WKGNVf8G3NTWlObrlnhhnJlBf4Ree9DpFO9rL73KZZab3v0gi1Pqnev4JY1Bd/s4032/IMG_8571.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju8txTtTLMTvwZkct4fMUgtlGPTF_5JT9Wkdw6yXkjauWzLJfQoj3GR8Afpv7Hskqf7BTJCfUlVzhM6Rejudz3nZWVsi1KcHYT3BA7sTAmMIsq5XcbV6KMqH8eNZ_WKGNVf8G3NTWlObrlnhhnJlBf4Ree9DpFO9rL73KZZab3v0gi1Pqnev4JY1Bd/s320/IMG_8571.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of portage to Canal Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u44QvWesOSYWg3Iw1K-fVk44QPXvjl0BmwL90aqkcLSkq_zQTE0eFCR3dLScm29X26Kk1KxF3CYoo4rosj0MocellpHZIX04IVyH4rCW39w1ay_-MqpWsHwKiR_LRgtcoIDNc_IgqxHAMkv143SSDNzEkkVZAaMru29T8YZBVQsWBDpagYm2HqCq/s3764/IMG_8572.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3764" data-original-width="2823" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3u44QvWesOSYWg3Iw1K-fVk44QPXvjl0BmwL90aqkcLSkq_zQTE0eFCR3dLScm29X26Kk1KxF3CYoo4rosj0MocellpHZIX04IVyH4rCW39w1ay_-MqpWsHwKiR_LRgtcoIDNc_IgqxHAMkv143SSDNzEkkVZAaMru29T8YZBVQsWBDpagYm2HqCq/s320/IMG_8572.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch spot on Canal Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHK3pz_WQitWcBMrAzQuyXn6UNpSjNVs6ts6GDz1Vg9bd73NfV2UWEKX5u33K02E7KcPttoPuYbhNo0SICgGQR7lvxc2mrmZo7KGO7LVxE4pjZUb2lxgU-mQVJc9xEDTx0nj11HI9md9jzlcQGGrx6AnKLUkgixJ4DRWD69qVXErkEiTyh1pP6mc_/s4032/IMG_8574.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHK3pz_WQitWcBMrAzQuyXn6UNpSjNVs6ts6GDz1Vg9bd73NfV2UWEKX5u33K02E7KcPttoPuYbhNo0SICgGQR7lvxc2mrmZo7KGO7LVxE4pjZUb2lxgU-mQVJc9xEDTx0nj11HI9md9jzlcQGGrx6AnKLUkgixJ4DRWD69qVXErkEiTyh1pP6mc_/s320/IMG_8574.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice spot for a picnic<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAyQOY9cb7-H7SPu2vcjLk6DCqB2bb-vTOicAQAoj9R7-QZg59lij9M0-f6MFgMVzmB0Ov1XFyRXV9dC4ZjF2EFHI2hm_-uUcpO9EusfnWKl5DRRyScaS8pGWJ2ae55Rob5YBpHk1GeI97FPT2bTxeyz7emTp9ZIRNr5ZNT39DDqMDmJBSXFMYcZB/s4032/IMG_8576.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAyQOY9cb7-H7SPu2vcjLk6DCqB2bb-vTOicAQAoj9R7-QZg59lij9M0-f6MFgMVzmB0Ov1XFyRXV9dC4ZjF2EFHI2hm_-uUcpO9EusfnWKl5DRRyScaS8pGWJ2ae55Rob5YBpHk1GeI97FPT2bTxeyz7emTp9ZIRNr5ZNT39DDqMDmJBSXFMYcZB/s320/IMG_8576.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunchtime view<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div><p>After our lunch break we paddled back to camp. We spent some time watching a loon fish- it's fun to try and guess where it would surface after a dive. Kathy read her book in the Clam and I set up the hammock for a nice nap. After dinner we walked around the campground a bit and I took some photos of the woods. Then we read our books until dark. We spent some time looking at the stars on another clear night- so many stars.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRm8GToQJ4Mk2w6UUodEL9VQfJWfE6V6Sx27oPjRL1Q5ZBZwzxg-n45UaDR8unnR_aDH4hoFmmeZUfyM6e0ipQM-z5QXFGGZUZovfkrxtyml4BKH5-bF74wFQqzQhNsERhV3xBJ3BO92WcTJiD-OldUihfwtkrOW4frLRz97kWVrJbPiNbTC-DsT7/s4032/IMG_8586.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRm8GToQJ4Mk2w6UUodEL9VQfJWfE6V6Sx27oPjRL1Q5ZBZwzxg-n45UaDR8unnR_aDH4hoFmmeZUfyM6e0ipQM-z5QXFGGZUZovfkrxtyml4BKH5-bF74wFQqzQhNsERhV3xBJ3BO92WcTJiD-OldUihfwtkrOW4frLRz97kWVrJbPiNbTC-DsT7/s320/IMG_8586.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious work by a Pileated woodpecker<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJlEgNv9V_44Yd_grqTyseUPnh9g7dRMenDmHUNo2WKoN774JDdSt2ELw46FQleO1iejPNMD9oZw3AL0jqCiSmQfTVjen9V-tY32PM0C-_xv4BC0tQoatEpg04xq0h9Vxxg89Azr1gemXLEWzKhOS8wR90GINl-moLyacpMYsjHnNcGGdflzX_RYb/s4032/IMG_8587.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJlEgNv9V_44Yd_grqTyseUPnh9g7dRMenDmHUNo2WKoN774JDdSt2ELw46FQleO1iejPNMD9oZw3AL0jqCiSmQfTVjen9V-tY32PM0C-_xv4BC0tQoatEpg04xq0h9Vxxg89Azr1gemXLEWzKhOS8wR90GINl-moLyacpMYsjHnNcGGdflzX_RYb/s320/IMG_8587.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Base of the tree showing impressive output<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div></div><div><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TwvByVkcbPh8JNQALFsmm1X1mPhSZul_KQKJl65_HZAZGrE9BeAN8zAvXhoGT6IsqI_T0y-qkxmu2DyrYjbRuxbUhjwOu_0gABiRA32UJXy2Koiubkiscscr4_NAicNa-kIW8tinX-x0JIgiKvsPFBcPUaN-yqnYtaQnhTAgwKIw3jzZhEQzghrA/s4032/IMG_8583.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-TwvByVkcbPh8JNQALFsmm1X1mPhSZul_KQKJl65_HZAZGrE9BeAN8zAvXhoGT6IsqI_T0y-qkxmu2DyrYjbRuxbUhjwOu_0gABiRA32UJXy2Koiubkiscscr4_NAicNa-kIW8tinX-x0JIgiKvsPFBcPUaN-yqnYtaQnhTAgwKIw3jzZhEQzghrA/s320/IMG_8583.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woodland scene<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxIZxkI5NARgBSIUu7D5VJK2300_YQgKYDPvsGu1wIELFBgQvOqSZd0yzPxSul5LMR4iIY2A33WlrWNk_dLdcZuxxmZGPKmmdRJTeHtD7X1-prQsZ3wTgUCxwFxyGFn2uQ-74LQk5iqewTdLAXPFggUX1t0BlY-Dw35t2o4iGcp92VkZ_31WuNUlw/s4032/IMG_8582.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxIZxkI5NARgBSIUu7D5VJK2300_YQgKYDPvsGu1wIELFBgQvOqSZd0yzPxSul5LMR4iIY2A33WlrWNk_dLdcZuxxmZGPKmmdRJTeHtD7X1-prQsZ3wTgUCxwFxyGFn2uQ-74LQk5iqewTdLAXPFggUX1t0BlY-Dw35t2o4iGcp92VkZ_31WuNUlw/s320/IMG_8582.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woods with lake in the background<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><p></p><p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqa_1WVjkufAlJend2aRBgq-ZDQ5o8J6G8HpGWcwirNw7dVD6UpRgxsbF_xo8eAfag4Rb-dgvhzWxYfzdcxEX_Ag_aFttXJ_rQ7tLhaOJDQtrrTiekggjiEFnGie1Br8sw9nhFwnwTWSle5GmCB7C-TbmLQjO6WFcX-qC8PGKJ1RX8Ok8xp-d44-Tw/s4032/IMG_8579.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqa_1WVjkufAlJend2aRBgq-ZDQ5o8J6G8HpGWcwirNw7dVD6UpRgxsbF_xo8eAfag4Rb-dgvhzWxYfzdcxEX_Ag_aFttXJ_rQ7tLhaOJDQtrrTiekggjiEFnGie1Br8sw9nhFwnwTWSle5GmCB7C-TbmLQjO6WFcX-qC8PGKJ1RX8Ok8xp-d44-Tw/s320/IMG_8579.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting moss<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXBU99DgudPRZ7G9jFedAUO_-HybC6PVS0rhjyNZZFsPohb93s0pEQOdkqRvMSwDE_qWSDKrF00609CfSHULNpZiLsRXoSyfpdzsMOFRiKHQsvCJtaHGYTInZbO0tTxtjztA6zwhZ0u14ROIrmYTB515TEC0GsWQhT7fUMAAnHiceGqD_yUNvW2T3/s4032/IMG_8578.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXBU99DgudPRZ7G9jFedAUO_-HybC6PVS0rhjyNZZFsPohb93s0pEQOdkqRvMSwDE_qWSDKrF00609CfSHULNpZiLsRXoSyfpdzsMOFRiKHQsvCJtaHGYTInZbO0tTxtjztA6zwhZ0u14ROIrmYTB515TEC0GsWQhT7fUMAAnHiceGqD_yUNvW2T3/s320/IMG_8578.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree roots<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2JR4Y3KiMP0Hi-ZpB14qcv6FKnyAL8TUc55b16GkDCoSZAhS8DvCkzRhfATtFdbCqsdAUL5glmKTbR-Eg2Qh2cF0QVAA0ItkPd5oSJxiLzRrO6xNM1JjGL_3moGwJqPhchsWLTpyeAW267Qeq6fMFf_gZnkZUopfAe9Ym-GeRFoAPSixa9eJ_pAb/s4032/IMG_8577.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2JR4Y3KiMP0Hi-ZpB14qcv6FKnyAL8TUc55b16GkDCoSZAhS8DvCkzRhfATtFdbCqsdAUL5glmKTbR-Eg2Qh2cF0QVAA0ItkPd5oSJxiLzRrO6xNM1JjGL_3moGwJqPhchsWLTpyeAW267Qeq6fMFf_gZnkZUopfAe9Ym-GeRFoAPSixa9eJ_pAb/s320/IMG_8577.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Hogback Lake from the woods<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyqWCJI-8yXQAEmS26GuE-6FDKuniSbAnU3lf82QvMsI4YbUmyqm7KFaN7PNV_zBdShz73fXbH5lDg1xxxK83qUb8B_b2ArJM07sNNtqAf-BGQ_na5b-N5APxWzE0Z9WIT-H4sEmoqONGqBuw8d1wZepjq42OShg1goTurpwj95Lur8qGg-3CB-AJ/s4032/IMG_8581.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyqWCJI-8yXQAEmS26GuE-6FDKuniSbAnU3lf82QvMsI4YbUmyqm7KFaN7PNV_zBdShz73fXbH5lDg1xxxK83qUb8B_b2ArJM07sNNtqAf-BGQ_na5b-N5APxWzE0Z9WIT-H4sEmoqONGqBuw8d1wZepjq42OShg1goTurpwj95Lur8qGg-3CB-AJ/s320/IMG_8581.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hogback Lake scene<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> <br /></p><p>Thursday morning we had a leisurely breakfast and packed up camp for the drive home. I had to trouble-shoot the trailer lights which stopped working on the way up. I determined the contacts in the wiring connection to the truck were the problem. Once I got those cleaned up all the lights were working again. <br /></p><p>On the way home we scouted out some other rustic campgrounds in the area for future reference. We had a very pleasant picnic lunch on the shore of Eighteen Lake. We stopped for dinner at a favorite spot- the Northview Drive-in in Webster, Wisconsin. It is an old-fashioned drive-in with car-side service and great hamburgers. We opted for a table. A nice way to wrap up a relaxing camping trip.</p><p><br /></p></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSVUdN65FKnoM1zieZwkZLZWXZcUZCo9RYxOCHJeS25-EHQthlilX2CuarNIFz0PGzKMUW4_s5wF7rREV5pRfqt_b3NHXVBEaCVCN0LzGJeFY7iAtIm5OF04y4jz25WNDzrpfoGLOc_fAJj-svwrZqModkle68Ge81NN0YtIHs606P6bgH7ti7Vn1/s4032/IMG_8596.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSVUdN65FKnoM1zieZwkZLZWXZcUZCo9RYxOCHJeS25-EHQthlilX2CuarNIFz0PGzKMUW4_s5wF7rREV5pRfqt_b3NHXVBEaCVCN0LzGJeFY7iAtIm5OF04y4jz25WNDzrpfoGLOc_fAJj-svwrZqModkle68Ge81NN0YtIHs606P6bgH7ti7Vn1/s320/IMG_8596.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice lunch spot at Eighteen Lake<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LvqoGVCgSEXv13oDzSiyLljY7gx58tplJgoPMIG0axgg8f2oMg97bLHLacTpAnsVhthuAR1Wmr74Jo3ma8vsBfES9FOWNtnbC2vV0bqE2_XC7xfTr4fB_lTXji_53mOTRwfEQlngsyhMghU0k9qX0_KPuwF8LeQXoADWyRrVJBt2LN0B9k2QT_my/s4032/IMG_8600.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LvqoGVCgSEXv13oDzSiyLljY7gx58tplJgoPMIG0axgg8f2oMg97bLHLacTpAnsVhthuAR1Wmr74Jo3ma8vsBfES9FOWNtnbC2vV0bqE2_XC7xfTr4fB_lTXji_53mOTRwfEQlngsyhMghU0k9qX0_KPuwF8LeQXoADWyRrVJBt2LN0B9k2QT_my/s320/IMG_8600.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northview Drive-in<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8hXHKreVLDwjZjBhwhesIr1kOjeaf_xj3ymPWxRM04jWMo2aZizlWo5ykOxxJT2upsYqA6712Z5YT5lHu2-FfmgypIp2KQPU2HMxvtbXU5vaXbWP010Ao7fCSiGvhMc0iUzWH1VUFxfwDnHRPuIQShRagP3NsiMT-daMUQvn0kSReXsrxsfCfXP0/s1280/reststop.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8hXHKreVLDwjZjBhwhesIr1kOjeaf_xj3ymPWxRM04jWMo2aZizlWo5ykOxxJT2upsYqA6712Z5YT5lHu2-FfmgypIp2KQPU2HMxvtbXU5vaXbWP010Ao7fCSiGvhMc0iUzWH1VUFxfwDnHRPuIQShRagP3NsiMT-daMUQvn0kSReXsrxsfCfXP0/s320/reststop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last rest stop before home<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-73816962775841492382022-06-06T16:53:00.005-05:002022-06-07T19:52:07.602-05:00Waterfalls of the North Shore<div style="text-align: left;"><div><p>Renowned for its natural beauty and scenic waterfalls, the shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota is known as the North Shore. It is one of our favorite destinations.<br /></p><p>The north country benefited from heavy snow cover this past winter. Welcome relief for last year's drought, the snow persisted until late into a mostly absent spring. When warmer temperatures finally arrived, the snow melt was fast and furious, and spring storms added heavy rain to the mix. The numerous streams that originate in the forest were quickly filled to flood stage as they carried the water over ancient rock, culminating in spectacular waterfalls at the edge of Lake Superior. Many streams overflowed their banks and carried away trees and historic bridges that stood in the way. After a drought year when many of the streams were nearly dry, it was a sight to see. <a href="https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/05/14/rivers-along-north-shore-overflowing-after-large-rainfall/" target="_blank">CBS Local News coverage of North Shore river flooding</a></p><p>We decided to take a trip north and check it out for ourselves. We waited a couple of weeks after the peak since the flooding had closed
most of the parks and trails that we wanted to visit. There would still be plenty of water flowing.<br /></p><p>There was lots to do before we could go camping. The camper was still tucked away in the garage from the winter and needed to be loaded on the truck. The camper battery needed replacing after 10 years of faithful service and the propane tanks needed refilling. We did all that and conducted the normal spring search for misplaced gear. We loaded up and left home on a Monday.</p><p>Note: you can click on the pictures for a larger version. <br /></p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l7KRGU6iFTSypvwmPExLoJ5D_KtkdTQVoPLtqtjiRPwJZLE2vzswCjHyDz7-3MDBnLAs_bIhXimqFJZv1YrItjsA9GODvG2G1cAWwVfSnzabm0OuKBmCUVwd7IfDaOXWjnrMk2j0fsOKBvPreWgNHo4BAEfH3wKY2-dE4c-bxhJm2LefqkhsB0JG/s776/Screen%20Shot%202022-06-05%20at%206.01.49%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="776" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2l7KRGU6iFTSypvwmPExLoJ5D_KtkdTQVoPLtqtjiRPwJZLE2vzswCjHyDz7-3MDBnLAs_bIhXimqFJZv1YrItjsA9GODvG2G1cAWwVfSnzabm0OuKBmCUVwd7IfDaOXWjnrMk2j0fsOKBvPreWgNHo4BAEfH3wKY2-dE4c-bxhJm2LefqkhsB0JG/s320/Screen%20Shot%202022-06-05%20at%206.01.49%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location of Poplar River Campground<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Our destination was a rustic USFS campground along the Poplar River north of Tofte. We stopped at the Tofte Ranger station for last minute intelligence about closed roads and what not. We picked up a new forest map as ours was many years old. We arrived at the campground around 4 PM to find it empty. We picked the nicest campsite on the bank above the river and set up camp. The river was flowing full and the rapids provided a nice backgound sound.<br /> <p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL1l0n4UH07P2juJ7D9wkxPfMdW082fwibI5qmXtJV2b0GdFcsr8C6KndvcmdkliU1eTtr60ZUz_o1h207pi4OvWP0zMydd7F6wuVthMLYpVkLZtDuvlzyLNQG3XmeIocZNy50RicnmwYu460SGvoYQ2JckSnZ0ZlQ5VigJRtlvUeuR38AXGoTxMK/s4032/IMG_8346.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimL1l0n4UH07P2juJ7D9wkxPfMdW082fwibI5qmXtJV2b0GdFcsr8C6KndvcmdkliU1eTtr60ZUz_o1h207pi4OvWP0zMydd7F6wuVthMLYpVkLZtDuvlzyLNQG3XmeIocZNy50RicnmwYu460SGvoYQ2JckSnZ0ZlQ5VigJRtlvUeuR38AXGoTxMK/s320/IMG_8346.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Poplar River from camp<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IplP665pP5eg46Sp59bqRZV__CC7q35LX16-Ew7LJ3ry74NIHXXEoGMTMTvUhcVPwS9ZpNp1FdBbcN_gNAncM_bzOpdPbjk22pno375ZMFeaGNst4-MQ8bWRUy1NSk3FD0uYZo9gsK0q0dN4gJLaE0DCjRMSCMEVhbpnHArrRId8vQxEkRm_oLLm/s4032/IMG_8355.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IplP665pP5eg46Sp59bqRZV__CC7q35LX16-Ew7LJ3ry74NIHXXEoGMTMTvUhcVPwS9ZpNp1FdBbcN_gNAncM_bzOpdPbjk22pno375ZMFeaGNst4-MQ8bWRUy1NSk3FD0uYZo9gsK0q0dN4gJLaE0DCjRMSCMEVhbpnHArrRId8vQxEkRm_oLLm/s320/IMG_8355.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapids below camp<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKOwB_BSyybC84zrtAnxBmUGqIVLx6BfY3QWG3gt1nP_fC23axJ4d6YhtEZgH0Z2HO9bARIZUbCLuzFg85BzgMm7pzHO57lQhO0ir61FMQuFK-XdskZ4QaRtC-ncggtQf9W0Ke30d-lp7_UlAt43N869QqzskKmvfU4vuwlBSLAIDcarIqCqV7Zpf/s4032/IMG_8354.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKOwB_BSyybC84zrtAnxBmUGqIVLx6BfY3QWG3gt1nP_fC23axJ4d6YhtEZgH0Z2HO9bARIZUbCLuzFg85BzgMm7pzHO57lQhO0ir61FMQuFK-XdskZ4QaRtC-ncggtQf9W0Ke30d-lp7_UlAt43N869QqzskKmvfU4vuwlBSLAIDcarIqCqV7Zpf/s320/IMG_8354.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of rapids</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We set up camp and made dinner. After dinner we relaxed and planned the next day. A nice campfire was welcome on the chilly evening. We stayed out until after dark. Chilled and sleepy, after dousing the fire we hopped in the camper and fell asleep to the pleasant sound of the river.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGRskbqhJwZSWOBtCx7oOQ7qrZJ1ntCu2ye2tC9tnILf0FYvwbt2Pn_3QGaMUhKaRiy7hNxCW0NywI-R3bZ17wjI7ZvtXkrZY7ZbKx313EEK3R1SJRiuFuM2nDB8ZurEWGAifDmQ8OA3hJlQy6292gmoL6N0W2hGc7uioyKVtkpgr7h6ctEXG6dBj/s4032/IMG_8347.HEIC" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGRskbqhJwZSWOBtCx7oOQ7qrZJ1ntCu2ye2tC9tnILf0FYvwbt2Pn_3QGaMUhKaRiy7hNxCW0NywI-R3bZ17wjI7ZvtXkrZY7ZbKx313EEK3R1SJRiuFuM2nDB8ZurEWGAifDmQ8OA3hJlQy6292gmoL6N0W2hGc7uioyKVtkpgr7h6ctEXG6dBj/s320/IMG_8347.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking dinner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSjXIRoXqVhX3keD8HoQjSZcI-EKy01j1JYpZqgT7CO-D-nrrAlHP8KE-W7FnMJccPQue_SALvx4tPTkdo0L5J_ZsFHHuanD0IZAaOQyLiCjlX6Jmnv4NeRG3YyOwXV7SgaZnT6FubwMFV9YXkowdhrfkMQ-sMmcQ7X4-0rC2VbreqH4mQyWOJ2JR/s4032/IMG_8348.HEIC" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSjXIRoXqVhX3keD8HoQjSZcI-EKy01j1JYpZqgT7CO-D-nrrAlHP8KE-W7FnMJccPQue_SALvx4tPTkdo0L5J_ZsFHHuanD0IZAaOQyLiCjlX6Jmnv4NeRG3YyOwXV7SgaZnT6FubwMFV9YXkowdhrfkMQ-sMmcQ7X4-0rC2VbreqH4mQyWOJ2JR/s320/IMG_8348.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting water from the trailer<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-zvmxecLXffwlQHbmCrLcJJqldPzrvLYhBS_sfhlX62gIgW2Vyb0a-2tyTftvyPVbnz8GzWHQ7kRbP1o-dv2tLHIgDVUZmfddMTTZBXhrO6zdnMvyen-vQOgVDCf_UVsVATgDogGTeZ3JNquI4FSYjLn3iA5wET1sVjVlkSXouin8PsiP0Se5FVH/s4032/IMG_8350.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-zvmxecLXffwlQHbmCrLcJJqldPzrvLYhBS_sfhlX62gIgW2Vyb0a-2tyTftvyPVbnz8GzWHQ7kRbP1o-dv2tLHIgDVUZmfddMTTZBXhrO6zdnMvyen-vQOgVDCf_UVsVATgDogGTeZ3JNquI4FSYjLn3iA5wET1sVjVlkSXouin8PsiP0Se5FVH/s320/IMG_8350.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice evening campfire<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We woke to a brisk 34°F in the camper. I'm glad we can reach the furnace thermostat from the bed. In no time the camper was warmed to 60° and we could emerge from our cozy covers in comfort. Breakfast was to be a special treat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r_wzL5FGIklNd_KOAfuFdqZAoUK1j1rnuoF8W23GIF1zXQLeEMPwl-qHnoQ-M5UbBVycrl1wReFpKzK1LWRhuWPpY-IbtixGantXVc1L_Da0ZJEZXDmMCY11ccaVJhuaMmyRbZEO9u8aYme7NBrIyw9XezRw6MVGVhYTgRA39GkIx5C4qgAQfR9-/s4032/IMG_8351.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-r_wzL5FGIklNd_KOAfuFdqZAoUK1j1rnuoF8W23GIF1zXQLeEMPwl-qHnoQ-M5UbBVycrl1wReFpKzK1LWRhuWPpY-IbtixGantXVc1L_Da0ZJEZXDmMCY11ccaVJhuaMmyRbZEO9u8aYme7NBrIyw9XezRw6MVGVhYTgRA39GkIx5C4qgAQfR9-/s320/IMG_8351.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Coleman camp oven<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcRW_Yr8hIabeXe93YB5G9MFfRCFfCyddotkKWcBMBBglDdG7KVJpPIu-FFc8FSNwf18t7iBm0Rrr2SbDenXKbLbL5NiuVwriX6iVxAmwHBKSMmG9_ILzQvatOTbLHFQlXezIrHbXTZvGRKrrtSaUCff_Q2WkC3-MMFpBbUJonEoDSyabDVukNkgc/s4032/IMG_8353.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcRW_Yr8hIabeXe93YB5G9MFfRCFfCyddotkKWcBMBBglDdG7KVJpPIu-FFc8FSNwf18t7iBm0Rrr2SbDenXKbLbL5NiuVwriX6iVxAmwHBKSMmG9_ILzQvatOTbLHFQlXezIrHbXTZvGRKrrtSaUCff_Q2WkC3-MMFpBbUJonEoDSyabDVukNkgc/s320/IMG_8353.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon rolls!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend Bob had given us a vintage Coleman camp oven handed down to him from his parents many years ago. It had never been used and was in the original box complete with instructions. We deciphered the diagrams of how to unfold it and set it up on our camp stove. In no time we had fresh Pillsbury cinnamon rolls- a first for camping for us! Yes we ate them all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFBlBjDqHGkETFYIHDfcv68C0vS3TFcSEahcUY4DYg3yQfXxK4ffmaAoRM3caGO68ap3MllbMzl-LqF3VW8IirrvdSOOy4QkhBXzoXB9E1s_WFrpIiG2_0hdBX7XkWig4W4X0Zrv4TXFDuHH5VHal89eLsgZ76C5_8bnNflp_AA-6YfVGR0w-a8Jm/s4032/IMG_8357.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFBlBjDqHGkETFYIHDfcv68C0vS3TFcSEahcUY4DYg3yQfXxK4ffmaAoRM3caGO68ap3MllbMzl-LqF3VW8IirrvdSOOy4QkhBXzoXB9E1s_WFrpIiG2_0hdBX7XkWig4W4X0Zrv4TXFDuHH5VHal89eLsgZ76C5_8bnNflp_AA-6YfVGR0w-a8Jm/s320/IMG_8357.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clean camp<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We cleaned up camp and set off for the day's adventures, leaving a chair and the tablecloth to indicate our planned return to passersby. I locked the trailer with some cables and removed the coupler to discourage opportunistic bad behavior. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our first stop was the Cascade River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3YuB3oLr30zi_1mKmtL4RZkYrRR9caTK2wdY1wMfUohEBvduZaKQjTKEEIZN5-LVkoh748-yFmkDRIaOAFtdzs9z6hq-oFC_I9m2PTLDuh6TI8AzEfg__ZUquNNyJh1oLmmArggNADV3XQm7acFohze75kQwGgyiIo_mAjzkYxdKsnTw0XyfQ_Pu/s4032/IMG_8369.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3YuB3oLr30zi_1mKmtL4RZkYrRR9caTK2wdY1wMfUohEBvduZaKQjTKEEIZN5-LVkoh748-yFmkDRIaOAFtdzs9z6hq-oFC_I9m2PTLDuh6TI8AzEfg__ZUquNNyJh1oLmmArggNADV3XQm7acFohze75kQwGgyiIo_mAjzkYxdKsnTw0XyfQ_Pu/s320/IMG_8369.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6tkS6mpPcZ-4DWWVjZHwzoVtuv37rI9eeqCX4xsn0W0wvihWnn_A8omgNiZettM4iVEMV12BtF4uJYaOFm6Sv0gnjOt1eqbTU3EFQujBRnN-S_am2u28tuPcw23E-1X00JBtBBCxCzVC3ri0nbgsgfDFSMVCvTKEPl7HI-toqA8xfznGZbXYufBS/s4032/IMG_8361.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6tkS6mpPcZ-4DWWVjZHwzoVtuv37rI9eeqCX4xsn0W0wvihWnn_A8omgNiZettM4iVEMV12BtF4uJYaOFm6Sv0gnjOt1eqbTU3EFQujBRnN-S_am2u28tuPcw23E-1X00JBtBBCxCzVC3ri0nbgsgfDFSMVCvTKEPl7HI-toqA8xfznGZbXYufBS/s320/IMG_8361.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was mesmerizing to watch the water. The sound was deafening. I took several videos to try to capture the experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Note: after the videos play, YouTube will suggest a random video to play next. Please ignore their suggestions. I have no control over this and I haven't figured out how to disable it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">If you would like to replay the video, simply click the replay<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWlGEDYWNoXEfAWOEZWouI2WGrtv467uNsFfrzYF1Rti_hPiUZXaD3ebo1qrVov_R_abUsV282qGxXcVCRcG4NhpdEDqegb6af2pXL1mZZc5F3O3enj8LOa-fcdZh2ncuDuzc2NF9Pmw3BFz5BHHoq7yp3nk8z-NwvXeyNosoHh4J3JdxQin1gWtF/s52/Screen%20Shot%202022-06-05%20at%206.46.43%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="44" data-original-width="52" height="20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWlGEDYWNoXEfAWOEZWouI2WGrtv467uNsFfrzYF1Rti_hPiUZXaD3ebo1qrVov_R_abUsV282qGxXcVCRcG4NhpdEDqegb6af2pXL1mZZc5F3O3enj8LOa-fcdZh2ncuDuzc2NF9Pmw3BFz5BHHoq7yp3nk8z-NwvXeyNosoHh4J3JdxQin1gWtF/w24-h20/Screen%20Shot%202022-06-05%20at%206.46.43%20PM.png" width="24" /></a> symbol. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwPZo1J_n_8" width="320" youtube-src-id="TwPZo1J_n_8"></iframe></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwPZo1J_n_8&t=1s" target="_blank">Click to watch video on YouTube</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lECgpI_4HtQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="lECgpI_4HtQ"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/uQq_HuTo5EI" target="_blank">Click to watch video on YouTube</a><br /></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent a couple hours scrambling over the rocks finding new vantage points and enjoying the power of the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU2Nivn_3PIdvRraizFCdmBYWRZFCRFfZSviumwOh90DAcwrmGz4ibYkWVUCgEn5PxUX1ta9RYN2j-JOXhwc_ITBd7i9LYEIhp1DbEUxdlOAxdu9pWAb8XR4NIumlur5jm2tcWoSauh7T8tnS42PgB7VMujxBux4D6I2h-_9E7BlWVDnV2x7WnOJW/s4032/IMG_8371.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU2Nivn_3PIdvRraizFCdmBYWRZFCRFfZSviumwOh90DAcwrmGz4ibYkWVUCgEn5PxUX1ta9RYN2j-JOXhwc_ITBd7i9LYEIhp1DbEUxdlOAxdu9pWAb8XR4NIumlur5jm2tcWoSauh7T8tnS42PgB7VMujxBux4D6I2h-_9E7BlWVDnV2x7WnOJW/s320/IMG_8371.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGWIaE6xevxuhxLLJ5mePfgsB3nj6QzShMbC0TkdCAA8Bvft4EaRH8f-zl8ZT6aoi6NR_ajobwmdJhhKfvuKJVDZxrCITTYIbw3hKHamz9sMPv9d7LV-jb0Ek2OnNvCRRP_KNUxrNXmW5YSQdgGPqdD1i8HN_Q6wl7FYyIBm551ZERUZUPliTwSsh/s4032/IMG_8370.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGWIaE6xevxuhxLLJ5mePfgsB3nj6QzShMbC0TkdCAA8Bvft4EaRH8f-zl8ZT6aoi6NR_ajobwmdJhhKfvuKJVDZxrCITTYIbw3hKHamz9sMPv9d7LV-jb0Ek2OnNvCRRP_KNUxrNXmW5YSQdgGPqdD1i8HN_Q6wl7FYyIBm551ZERUZUPliTwSsh/s320/IMG_8370.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cascade River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We decided to drive to <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/virtual_tour/tettegouche/dialup.html" target="_blank">Tettegouche State Park</a> for lunch. From the DNR website:<br /><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Established in 1979 to preserve an outstanding example of the North
Shore Highlands Biocultural Region, the 9,346 acres of Tettegouche State
Park contain a unique combination of natural features: rugged,
semi-mountainous terrain, one mile of Lake Superior shoreline, six
inland lakes, cascading rivers and waterfalls, and an undisturbed
northern hardwood forest.</p><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> Nature lovers adore this park! Hiking
trails along the Baptism River provide views of many falls and cascades
including High Falls, the spectacular 60-foot waterfall. In addition, a
section of the Superior Hiking Trail runs through the park.</div><div style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our plan was to have lunch and then hike to the High Falls of the Baptism River. These falls are the highest within Minnesota and we had never seen them in person. The usual trail from the park campground was closed by the flood, which also wiped out a swinging bridge over the river used to access a view of the falls. We chose an alternate route which used a spur of the Superior Hiking Trail to reach the river below the falls and then from there, a trail along the river to reach the falls. The hike turned out to be more challenging than we anticipated with some very steep up and down sections over rough, rocky terrain. There were some nice long views from high ridges. We persevered and eventually reached our destination. The falls were pretty spectacular. I failed to take photos during the toughest stretches of the hike but got a few good ones of the falls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnamfYj7MAeBU1lPoT_jkOBDAZg8jKIIwvfBGRhpHIAcL0rutlLIDh9HThQC85OU0Vfv8hj7RFyCaSPMgXtUlhNWRYFabmD5RV0eo_S6-vyY2xRD3hutqxjoenBT4HoaBKbm2F6nBKA0qDOcBRnC1eaRF3Ldupm4DvVgUaXs2FkLpw20DfpXsc7gHS/s4032/IMG_8373.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnamfYj7MAeBU1lPoT_jkOBDAZg8jKIIwvfBGRhpHIAcL0rutlLIDh9HThQC85OU0Vfv8hj7RFyCaSPMgXtUlhNWRYFabmD5RV0eo_S6-vyY2xRD3hutqxjoenBT4HoaBKbm2F6nBKA0qDOcBRnC1eaRF3Ldupm4DvVgUaXs2FkLpw20DfpXsc7gHS/s320/IMG_8373.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hike to the High Falls of the Baptism River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-22xzjHlvj_hCxOpHwBbdNrD29Ya6ruyq90e9wK1WpWBXFGAvch46Vb_xQHJIWZbQDsDc3ezQIFl5a8y7ELDWI3K_DFVv0NYpkzmzfbaJQ1Z9HdCSNlRmY6DuP9i-ZrOJFRL14WFBx5EVFu0VwLdQz30oMQCYneHHACg5wxsbjpWwPNh9jpMIv53x/s3875/IMG_8372.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3875" data-original-width="2906" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-22xzjHlvj_hCxOpHwBbdNrD29Ya6ruyq90e9wK1WpWBXFGAvch46Vb_xQHJIWZbQDsDc3ezQIFl5a8y7ELDWI3K_DFVv0NYpkzmzfbaJQ1Z9HdCSNlRmY6DuP9i-ZrOJFRL14WFBx5EVFu0VwLdQz30oMQCYneHHACg5wxsbjpWwPNh9jpMIv53x/s320/IMG_8372.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to Lake Superior from the Superior Hiking Trail<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdVFnKsDl5OvJ-TkJY009MOBWiNgJNpz73Etb9C0wojXDSmsF-W4lQrcPrPfDwWS43LQ9Asi25wUgZMTr4HZGKGZpi_62mwCF0MiMhLAqBn057_z4l9TmnQWfIaQCTVLeHqVVkPeUaXwf4d6losZg9RcylnxJicRPcCcjGktOKN2wbFjXDiAjx1uG/s3484/IMG_8376.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3484" data-original-width="2794" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdVFnKsDl5OvJ-TkJY009MOBWiNgJNpz73Etb9C0wojXDSmsF-W4lQrcPrPfDwWS43LQ9Asi25wUgZMTr4HZGKGZpi_62mwCF0MiMhLAqBn057_z4l9TmnQWfIaQCTVLeHqVVkPeUaXwf4d6losZg9RcylnxJicRPcCcjGktOKN2wbFjXDiAjx1uG/s320/IMG_8376.HEIC" width="257" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The High Falls of the Baptism River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGrRWKKYGMeDBUIczbfMKR6NKtf7-h6tiutx0zvJKI41BWt4oG-HzvWb4F5grMAKJnHpMJR3i_hUBR44vWdD1XX6eCL_U12S_te0NIUC8zeCj97LKd2IB4BTaOzBcSw_fSk0fweXBS8EJkKIPrsuEe_WRkhfLVYNsdNdEBTY1eH-pcrRTe8YFsoro/s4032/IMG_8377.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGrRWKKYGMeDBUIczbfMKR6NKtf7-h6tiutx0zvJKI41BWt4oG-HzvWb4F5grMAKJnHpMJR3i_hUBR44vWdD1XX6eCL_U12S_te0NIUC8zeCj97LKd2IB4BTaOzBcSw_fSk0fweXBS8EJkKIPrsuEe_WRkhfLVYNsdNdEBTY1eH-pcrRTe8YFsoro/s320/IMG_8377.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The High Falls of the Baptism River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxsg4JBXwMBJyZ5CIQy4Phq6Cjh2SEDCXlj7BVrfT5KjsH9RZrCd3LWSQw9HZdokVa_aMS0a8dBu-PbC0yUU1pM_zhvNWICQcsU4kdXba7NlS0BdIHulGSLPCwZk361GzIIeb-Mhuj_B5dI1jjRX6LezOZnl0xZboqos1_Utf5-p24UIgaEE3Y0zy/s4032/IMG_8380.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxsg4JBXwMBJyZ5CIQy4Phq6Cjh2SEDCXlj7BVrfT5KjsH9RZrCd3LWSQw9HZdokVa_aMS0a8dBu-PbC0yUU1pM_zhvNWICQcsU4kdXba7NlS0BdIHulGSLPCwZk361GzIIeb-Mhuj_B5dI1jjRX6LezOZnl0xZboqos1_Utf5-p24UIgaEE3Y0zy/s320/IMG_8380.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The High Falls of the Baptism River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XOz62nN1F4DK5THx1WEiVSOjrbW9ny-xWdomIcK1b8wp_U8TpCKXgtzbEWjcfyghW4MrF1WYRxhbfEJOeDTy5ex2fEBCtRmCuYFy2ufhxU0XMc0_AksSoeTHgmzeB1KxhJw0sl85IDX9JrtwEs4zwftxTxo3Mbwujyxz4drHcPWtaLoUEkwwSoBQ/s4032/IMG_8385.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XOz62nN1F4DK5THx1WEiVSOjrbW9ny-xWdomIcK1b8wp_U8TpCKXgtzbEWjcfyghW4MrF1WYRxhbfEJOeDTy5ex2fEBCtRmCuYFy2ufhxU0XMc0_AksSoeTHgmzeB1KxhJw0sl85IDX9JrtwEs4zwftxTxo3Mbwujyxz4drHcPWtaLoUEkwwSoBQ/s320/IMG_8385.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Superior Hiking Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8pb8ffrPIyfJWeDM43dXUrasc-DR55WmjTg2EKQa8s_mryHAeu_Kdo0OcZKjE6hD2pBZ3zXETy0YbYcTlqxdaTbInSjO9h2KMIwnxE1w-MRGhxe7UybnulIOyEvvK0Qe0C4ANA6MLvi25LkhnY-EpB4Vi9zmBQbjM9qUCQm8Oyhwj0vPRUOF3mMf/s4032/IMG_8384.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8pb8ffrPIyfJWeDM43dXUrasc-DR55WmjTg2EKQa8s_mryHAeu_Kdo0OcZKjE6hD2pBZ3zXETy0YbYcTlqxdaTbInSjO9h2KMIwnxE1w-MRGhxe7UybnulIOyEvvK0Qe0C4ANA6MLvi25LkhnY-EpB4Vi9zmBQbjM9qUCQm8Oyhwj0vPRUOF3mMf/s320/IMG_8384.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Superior Hiking Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We were pretty tired after the hike back to the truck. I got a text from Mark, a friend with a cabin nearby inviting us to their place for happy hour. Nothing could have sounded better! We had a nice visit with snacks and drinks sitting in the wilderness overlooking a lake. Good friends and good times.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next morning, Mark sent me a live picture of a visitor checking out our happy hour site from the evening before. I posted it here as a video to capture the motion.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PkAhMUsx1nY" width="320" youtube-src-id="PkAhMUsx1nY"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/PkAhMUsx1nY" target="_blank">Click to watch video on YouTube</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Wolves are common in Minnesota but they are not usually checking out people's patios! We were sitting in those very chairs the night before. This young one was probably looking for some of the tasty snacks we had consumed.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Driving back to camp we ran into a bit of an obstacle- a tree had fallen across the road.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlygEmens3uyglDUlPCYbHfR7TzLr0WvWVui0HOxc_hrZ7yafzOPx9uN6QeT9eUJx8wSxqUDoY0VmhCrxRNnjHbDEArR2b7xKgXd7pTa5Z_ZUL0HVb8TBof9JiBylz1JkNDK856B1ckv51K6j1bjZuiXbtBHFIkTWMbWsqBafVLzAI8-lIG42XzIA/s4032/IMG_8386.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlygEmens3uyglDUlPCYbHfR7TzLr0WvWVui0HOxc_hrZ7yafzOPx9uN6QeT9eUJx8wSxqUDoY0VmhCrxRNnjHbDEArR2b7xKgXd7pTa5Z_ZUL0HVb8TBof9JiBylz1JkNDK856B1ckv51K6j1bjZuiXbtBHFIkTWMbWsqBafVLzAI8-lIG42XzIA/s320/IMG_8386.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tree across the road<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Our saw was back at camp. Fortunately, I was able to pull the tree sufficiently aside for Kathy to drive the truck past and we made it back to camp without further trouble. I will carry the saw with us from now on.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yqjBYjGtETwyvmN5M3fjd0cECczFeSHme7lRlLDDqHcwonz4OCXcDyoFsxJLbTnyKzusrEnKo2Js1-vimzyoy8M4wVob1rfAZ_M44GOLDs6k863j1PE8naAUr8JLMd2ARWpeg1qDO9CuBqItmr4bAmCz2XVKHz0-bY2faAZMYgu35XNQJLXAV3Zg/s4032/IMG_8389.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yqjBYjGtETwyvmN5M3fjd0cECczFeSHme7lRlLDDqHcwonz4OCXcDyoFsxJLbTnyKzusrEnKo2Js1-vimzyoy8M4wVob1rfAZ_M44GOLDs6k863j1PE8naAUr8JLMd2ARWpeg1qDO9CuBqItmr4bAmCz2XVKHz0-bY2faAZMYgu35XNQJLXAV3Zg/s320/IMG_8389.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poplar River near camp<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">We had a light dinner and went to bed, pleasantly tired from the day. In the morning, the furnace got another workout and we had a nice breakfast of eggs and sausage wrapped in tortillas. A snowshoe hare, halfway through with its seasonal color change joined us for a time. With rain threatening, we packed up camp and headed towards home. We planned to stop at a couple more waterfalls on the way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk-zhswiTopxTQ2nsOG2IeqzUih_5mSPP1cwyMP68YrSgMSe6dnEC3JS6NYzZyhnyCBcARAAYQe-mQ4BXL_MPqKEOOW1S9EG9DqUSzKshFDQpNFMm3XGTDGNpkArk5umcm1Y3u5DPUMOZonHrN6HzBWWiS4iPLtzcglF-kfzqKGP6B65HpQ4REAeD/s4032/IMG_8391.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsk-zhswiTopxTQ2nsOG2IeqzUih_5mSPP1cwyMP68YrSgMSe6dnEC3JS6NYzZyhnyCBcARAAYQe-mQ4BXL_MPqKEOOW1S9EG9DqUSzKshFDQpNFMm3XGTDGNpkArk5umcm1Y3u5DPUMOZonHrN6HzBWWiS4iPLtzcglF-kfzqKGP6B65HpQ4REAeD/s320/IMG_8391.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving the Honeymoon Trail in the Superior National Forest<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">First up was the Temperance River. Flowing through a narrow basalt canyon, the water has sculpted smooth curves and potholes into the rock as it roars through.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcoQ07k1KCaScgQg-pJUgSikzmsDZwWilUWfuvVx7-k-5ITDlXrNk2LZ2HZEnTV3RQePVNgTYWBPL-ztuU_YdlqkXh-dEn3SpJAvsHjIR_FU_oet0Nf8wb0-LC9bs-wGXtHEhv4lSudtLPvnJQBnwN9vHlOPUnIk4suefGRrLLg7ijvFoXcwqtCJC/s4032/IMG_8393.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcoQ07k1KCaScgQg-pJUgSikzmsDZwWilUWfuvVx7-k-5ITDlXrNk2LZ2HZEnTV3RQePVNgTYWBPL-ztuU_YdlqkXh-dEn3SpJAvsHjIR_FU_oet0Nf8wb0-LC9bs-wGXtHEhv4lSudtLPvnJQBnwN9vHlOPUnIk4suefGRrLLg7ijvFoXcwqtCJC/s320/IMG_8393.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temperance River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpVRHvX6tp4y8Qjt6sODX_3cmyVrAQ-criZ-IvFujeCwaGn_0CFnAn5FeTBhVqzM8zpJ3RtiF-oROw4mfLAjgJ3a5Ui1HJ6iMKbHNGQBGEIfm1KvO_H_-3KjNMSe7CFHqQTqzpBmtxCRGf-UXc4aDZrpwx8on_mroqqSdFR0mHJrubm93E1RLdt2k/s3135/IMG_8398.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3135" data-original-width="2239" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpVRHvX6tp4y8Qjt6sODX_3cmyVrAQ-criZ-IvFujeCwaGn_0CFnAn5FeTBhVqzM8zpJ3RtiF-oROw4mfLAjgJ3a5Ui1HJ6iMKbHNGQBGEIfm1KvO_H_-3KjNMSe7CFHqQTqzpBmtxCRGf-UXc4aDZrpwx8on_mroqqSdFR0mHJrubm93E1RLdt2k/s320/IMG_8398.HEIC" width="229" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temperance River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uQq_HuTo5EI" width="320" youtube-src-id="uQq_HuTo5EI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/lECgpI_4HtQ" target="_blank">Click to watch video on YouTube</a><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f0WkOghQpDY" width="320" youtube-src-id="f0WkOghQpDY"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/TwPZo1J_n_8" target="_blank">Click to watch video on YouTube</a><br /></p><p> </p><p>Our next stop was <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00172#homepage" target="_blank">Gooseberry Falls State Park</a>. From the DNR website:</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;">Gooseberry Falls is the gateway to the North Shore. It is known for
its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline,
Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and north woods
wildlife. Listen to the thunderous roar of the Upper, Middle and Lower
Falls of the Gooseberry River as it plummets through a rocky gorge.
Watch for waves, ships, or the moon rise on Lake Superior from an
ancient lava flow known as the Picnic Flow. </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"> Hike or ski to see
the Fifth Falls through a forest of evergreens, aspen, and birch, and
enjoy camping in modern campsites, picnicking, and relaxing along the
Lake Superior shoreline or the Gooseberry River.</p></div><p>I have many memories as a kid of scrambling around these waterfalls as do our kids.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCAHMoYt_6AP1C5lPjtJ7gx-KdZmCtquSTv5rYBCzJjMNWlNZ-0Y_diCt8W9Szm9AuBC-T4dqLHz5jvnlKvHwKwMifTpzogAspWYZ0b0aPBkj7nbu7KTF7vWmwIgZdlAsChq2u-WCCopjgLzC0-GH6A4uh63XsXbUoKe8POxn80eRXD5QJWLLwhsM/s4032/IMG_8408.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCAHMoYt_6AP1C5lPjtJ7gx-KdZmCtquSTv5rYBCzJjMNWlNZ-0Y_diCt8W9Szm9AuBC-T4dqLHz5jvnlKvHwKwMifTpzogAspWYZ0b0aPBkj7nbu7KTF7vWmwIgZdlAsChq2u-WCCopjgLzC0-GH6A4uh63XsXbUoKe8POxn80eRXD5QJWLLwhsM/s320/IMG_8408.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Falls at Gooseberry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrFVyzHq2f7J9py-PURwAi2iQ2QVVp-T_ynXKFrXsFciZ51fL72-GG__Q3kp7qcW-VVYVdGi-V7h-YO-cItCIlg2FsIQkMpmJcS1-p4PFiP_5SFqF4usDXDMC0zv1SWPS3v-es4KerVj4ISqJtnYYb3iBoNMFPARycboiDenbsWRuI4opwOsHGdkW/s4032/IMG_8406.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFrFVyzHq2f7J9py-PURwAi2iQ2QVVp-T_ynXKFrXsFciZ51fL72-GG__Q3kp7qcW-VVYVdGi-V7h-YO-cItCIlg2FsIQkMpmJcS1-p4PFiP_5SFqF4usDXDMC0zv1SWPS3v-es4KerVj4ISqJtnYYb3iBoNMFPARycboiDenbsWRuI4opwOsHGdkW/s320/IMG_8406.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Falls at Gooseberry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzcg3s8YEAjqqUwcDf42jW-tylNxBOTCnFJ3So6q5EQ7mV4vl6W5S99xWRgNEf2hvJtwigbrvMJFVANWDe3i2sq-E0lYwOsZhw7F1x9AhuOUN6AaNPgv4iQz_73wxVrzPv6fVsJhN5LW2mbfcd9lMqqXulWf_3M6yWtolv11qXe8L32Sur5oSdGtg/s4032/IMG_8405.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzcg3s8YEAjqqUwcDf42jW-tylNxBOTCnFJ3So6q5EQ7mV4vl6W5S99xWRgNEf2hvJtwigbrvMJFVANWDe3i2sq-E0lYwOsZhw7F1x9AhuOUN6AaNPgv4iQz_73wxVrzPv6fVsJhN5LW2mbfcd9lMqqXulWf_3M6yWtolv11qXe8L32Sur5oSdGtg/s320/IMG_8405.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Falls at Gooseberry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhoKW5Pwc8YJg60oaAPORlOyIBdKaZbluMaplYCKMSZkexnf-o81xNISnIlx_Pd7rFRjJLesqHVr2vnAghHrVJSb0QD6j4LeJFFFsvWmX31YSdiNcYTOrUxMU5iWPei24Q69ZMAqi48K8XfZo_CqmvoEnQRj1RP7A5eiRtTpKRCLmEX5TaFK1jkWO/s4032/IMG_8404.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhoKW5Pwc8YJg60oaAPORlOyIBdKaZbluMaplYCKMSZkexnf-o81xNISnIlx_Pd7rFRjJLesqHVr2vnAghHrVJSb0QD6j4LeJFFFsvWmX31YSdiNcYTOrUxMU5iWPei24Q69ZMAqi48K8XfZo_CqmvoEnQRj1RP7A5eiRtTpKRCLmEX5TaFK1jkWO/s320/IMG_8404.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Falls at Gooseberry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacYLDS0IHzcx4MkhqTDLo0I1_an8teyRaIfGrtImU5T141OK2JJMFnsE41V4frNzNEWxBzCJBGa-j1veR0CXIKuvtkaM865GN5yI44wqNL2FzI_y3ZNmCocDcnX5dNsiCOWHARRTf3RQUaZw6tGqj8Z7cqryhrsce6RQuT_hhgykcuxjvFr3aO2VS/s4032/IMG_8403.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacYLDS0IHzcx4MkhqTDLo0I1_an8teyRaIfGrtImU5T141OK2JJMFnsE41V4frNzNEWxBzCJBGa-j1veR0CXIKuvtkaM865GN5yI44wqNL2FzI_y3ZNmCocDcnX5dNsiCOWHARRTf3RQUaZw6tGqj8Z7cqryhrsce6RQuT_hhgykcuxjvFr3aO2VS/s320/IMG_8403.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower Falls at Gooseberry<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The rain had increased to the point of making a picnic less than enjoyable so we ate lunch in the truck. After lunch we said our goodbyes to the North Shore and headed for home. Along the way another young wolf casually crossed the highway in front of us.</p><p>We are blessed in Minnesota with an abundance of clean water and we are thankful for that. We will return again to the beauty of the North Shore.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-37774092726429349112021-12-31T11:42:00.000-06:002022-10-07T13:22:47.578-05:002021<p>Looking back at the year on New Year's Eve I realized I hadn't made a single blog entry this year. It is tempting to write the whole year off. The pandemic overshadowed everything and kept us close to home much of the year. But we were careful and avoided getting sick with Covid or anything else.</p><p>A look back also reminds us of some good times in the midst of it all. I have posted some photos to help us remember the year. We look forward to better times to come in 2022. You can click on the photos to see a larger version.<br /></p><p>The year in review-</p><p>In January we spent a week at our friends' cabin in the deep northwoods. Temperatures reached the -20°s at night and stayed below zero during the day. But we loved the escape from quarantine to the solitude and quiet of a Minnesota winter, enjoying snowshoe hikes on the frozen lake and through the snowy woods. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU6a3e7WDVlOGIoPn0TG1zflHHzOyFKMEHmaEBgwDQ_pphlIvcu-VvX28nhOSNXyBwBEo7RoRm8H3PhxhYGxX4PRRw43SzDQYdiOw6c-VndH_t__sehRQ_p79T50vTnFdYJe0eFBYN3bAgnteAQeXsUNkJHlmwiTNvHaIH4BUoDPm2Os9FozDr8wcW=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU6a3e7WDVlOGIoPn0TG1zflHHzOyFKMEHmaEBgwDQ_pphlIvcu-VvX28nhOSNXyBwBEo7RoRm8H3PhxhYGxX4PRRw43SzDQYdiOw6c-VndH_t__sehRQ_p79T50vTnFdYJe0eFBYN3bAgnteAQeXsUNkJHlmwiTNvHaIH4BUoDPm2Os9FozDr8wcW=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip500OJ8ZDncaTpD7saPU6mSmIoE_jJU-tSPQTxFB8CUyotzYXPG-A0ot2x28Nx0JVFIZwc7-D6WJsixRozVxb04Q8iPevcQUUHSkkvbScad4ZRONDgveCwuLktanGFeweX1RySC14hK4LcQEs1WKvDP-Hu0P0hz18A8fELSScoi8E0EwTtflTPlwD=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip500OJ8ZDncaTpD7saPU6mSmIoE_jJU-tSPQTxFB8CUyotzYXPG-A0ot2x28Nx0JVFIZwc7-D6WJsixRozVxb04Q8iPevcQUUHSkkvbScad4ZRONDgveCwuLktanGFeweX1RySC14hK4LcQEs1WKvDP-Hu0P0hz18A8fELSScoi8E0EwTtflTPlwD=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN1g6XlfbEZ80xMQjYwDDWyff1AL7aPtJUpviyqzUFFrsTcIiqCjNj7_2ZDqLSKTM8t05IGaQQbK-JP35yLSqAlRagTf3cmEOqIcCSpjFkB13e0wB_8g8hvN_XeQ8gy1N461_zqzJ6Hde1SJrRd1zxIVugWM_bFW3MZnZ5E07EKEd2qGDmJ_FOk6Ry=s1808" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1808" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN1g6XlfbEZ80xMQjYwDDWyff1AL7aPtJUpviyqzUFFrsTcIiqCjNj7_2ZDqLSKTM8t05IGaQQbK-JP35yLSqAlRagTf3cmEOqIcCSpjFkB13e0wB_8g8hvN_XeQ8gy1N461_zqzJ6Hde1SJrRd1zxIVugWM_bFW3MZnZ5E07EKEd2qGDmJ_FOk6Ry=s320" width="188" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXh5YyOymtvDzGepI56O1uEpgLSzGxu0dGSuyMyFt36U5WhdOchzFDman21u6VzlrJ4gAwo04JR8dLXT69SXoUjmouZ-HtAzEv2-oEpoOsrA3NNFvnIOS5BDKNrQ49ev3MRGJy-vJm_M0eQLb9mnoDXv-mqQ4oQEX7myqSp7vTipne3ekXBepf7HH1=s3720" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3720" data-original-width="2790" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXh5YyOymtvDzGepI56O1uEpgLSzGxu0dGSuyMyFt36U5WhdOchzFDman21u6VzlrJ4gAwo04JR8dLXT69SXoUjmouZ-HtAzEv2-oEpoOsrA3NNFvnIOS5BDKNrQ49ev3MRGJy-vJm_M0eQLb9mnoDXv-mqQ4oQEX7myqSp7vTipne3ekXBepf7HH1=s320" width="240" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Otter and wolf tracks were fun to see in the snow.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzmnj7Q2nrplP19ImeNTBTljn5pHmwEHToQOiRaLwrm4HZ2b3RsWT2fBA8gRkGej-bcQ37R8iOlvd824-7WNX3qcMf4fPSF0M5XhBmkvxznNN5AkQi7CzZ0ElH4TkeFXBxP7_AAEjv0pNK3lfaLtdPBeKX07nPUNGtpYaQv0dg61FIBCUvrycx1v1I=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzmnj7Q2nrplP19ImeNTBTljn5pHmwEHToQOiRaLwrm4HZ2b3RsWT2fBA8gRkGej-bcQ37R8iOlvd824-7WNX3qcMf4fPSF0M5XhBmkvxznNN5AkQi7CzZ0ElH4TkeFXBxP7_AAEjv0pNK3lfaLtdPBeKX07nPUNGtpYaQv0dg61FIBCUvrycx1v1I=s320" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are thankful for our generous friends' offer of their beautiful retreat for our respite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj64UA4AvW6Q3mlmQVkywssf1eSWZ7fSBOS19ctZLz_0DiKkOZAyoURE2s47ttpWUQdpUuCooJ9Y3XO-gnXGIO832pbKKg0xbtigA44eC8dBLmdr6JajRx20g6CR3iozstrhXwM1iK1P35RGam0xS2fmai6d_A_3m8WlkE07aiSdvSkK4v65Wd2B8GV=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj64UA4AvW6Q3mlmQVkywssf1eSWZ7fSBOS19ctZLz_0DiKkOZAyoURE2s47ttpWUQdpUuCooJ9Y3XO-gnXGIO832pbKKg0xbtigA44eC8dBLmdr6JajRx20g6CR3iozstrhXwM1iK1P35RGam0xS2fmai6d_A_3m8WlkE07aiSdvSkK4v65Wd2B8GV=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p> </p><p>February and March brought vaccinations and a hope for a return to more normal life. I resumed volunteering at Urban Boatbuilders, a now quiet boat shop which had been closed by Covid for much of the past year. Classes and the apprenticeship started up again in the fall, complete with masks for all.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFdpf3pW2sNvgpBZMuvJtIbpTMqr9JXMttCjB1udG6jBMYuDgUSfiUke2D-QCGxO_hViEc527i9-t5Zuq0eICJ464ig1Ofuwy_MYzLK04vetxENJg7CKV3tdgg5YudUM5Aj5V4WB4Fc0lNLwsleyUgPxVQDfe3x4Q1cyvtIFzuVb8W9wDPlys99qz=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrFdpf3pW2sNvgpBZMuvJtIbpTMqr9JXMttCjB1udG6jBMYuDgUSfiUke2D-QCGxO_hViEc527i9-t5Zuq0eICJ464ig1Ofuwy_MYzLK04vetxENJg7CKV3tdgg5YudUM5Aj5V4WB4Fc0lNLwsleyUgPxVQDfe3x4Q1cyvtIFzuVb8W9wDPlys99qz=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLw57-vf-qEU6DIACSwXso0jHK_4ONCVQeBFy5Pvb-XLH6lUSoW5YNCHDP2VTgQ73d830N3AuMjdYIebsOmynJCj4Qg-4QgEpMa1hnVA8MmhaHY7nUxfN-Zz_t9breGYstyZPAJuB9TDZ3znJJXSKM5OAYlRdANbIj-A0cn0vsaTx2SbQtuol2B_jQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLw57-vf-qEU6DIACSwXso0jHK_4ONCVQeBFy5Pvb-XLH6lUSoW5YNCHDP2VTgQ73d830N3AuMjdYIebsOmynJCj4Qg-4QgEpMa1hnVA8MmhaHY7nUxfN-Zz_t9breGYstyZPAJuB9TDZ3znJJXSKM5OAYlRdANbIj-A0cn0vsaTx2SbQtuol2B_jQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVWf-EQbGavaeYPAgTEosWPR87tlcvcuYIC7YPisAmmVlYfXyu_TMfyFbd-MxFVB7bki2FgCWlUj4-hUxmyQBDTS6w3mjDAyUpQa7XvSRGQl4sXx6VQFcFTVosNqPEx_FDwcK7qCBd__Q-zQQAgRDC5kSmxqGo7lxugIte6XVdHDhddEBkdGS3nQ83=s2738" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2738" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVWf-EQbGavaeYPAgTEosWPR87tlcvcuYIC7YPisAmmVlYfXyu_TMfyFbd-MxFVB7bki2FgCWlUj4-hUxmyQBDTS6w3mjDAyUpQa7XvSRGQl4sXx6VQFcFTVosNqPEx_FDwcK7qCBd__Q-zQQAgRDC5kSmxqGo7lxugIte6XVdHDhddEBkdGS3nQ83=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p> </p><p>June marked 50 years of marriage for Kathy and I, and news of a growing family, which we celebrated in the mountains of Colorado with the kids. We enjoyed some epic hikes, including a wild dash down a mountainside to escape lightning and a hail storm. The highlight was a surprise world-wide zoom call with family members from the U.S. and Spain to watch a slide show of pictures from 50 years together. We are indeed fortunate to have such a great family with whom to share our memories.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKL0KB-XaqG-fAGlQhoEN7YG8whsTwWcWESiFQuAuQpkn7wDNkiO71ujqHZCOTTfUU17EvsYP_xfRjEl3GyDrgaPiAcvgI4SiWcc_7iP8UWawjhIviVetkD63N6p6sQcOC0umNcmSKAoMkziuxfgI49xmHqea-J-4EpQgBA7UH1Nn4vYV_ZmI1zUxG=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKL0KB-XaqG-fAGlQhoEN7YG8whsTwWcWESiFQuAuQpkn7wDNkiO71ujqHZCOTTfUU17EvsYP_xfRjEl3GyDrgaPiAcvgI4SiWcc_7iP8UWawjhIviVetkD63N6p6sQcOC0umNcmSKAoMkziuxfgI49xmHqea-J-4EpQgBA7UH1Nn4vYV_ZmI1zUxG=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdK09nFhAMlq5BD7SBsI3G1o1v5QhrqRYcnSOSpzg8Ugyb0hUsoV3KnSRQTWZHsua9tC43qI2Pq8pwLYWoZKWvhPJ1zpIelTXprmD0lTmJk0K5qdWChvUIRncaYI5vQ-ysz-1RweilqVXiquYVGDXT2LeHXd-xmlRzCdcmxYtA163JdUNcC0a_xXjT=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdK09nFhAMlq5BD7SBsI3G1o1v5QhrqRYcnSOSpzg8Ugyb0hUsoV3KnSRQTWZHsua9tC43qI2Pq8pwLYWoZKWvhPJ1zpIelTXprmD0lTmJk0K5qdWChvUIRncaYI5vQ-ysz-1RweilqVXiquYVGDXT2LeHXd-xmlRzCdcmxYtA163JdUNcC0a_xXjT=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtQggGiBa19x4KoEQU-_6j9TThZI3eVaYrDMjsNRUe2buAykeb1mTdaxIzcbs9VvvgP11lq6y_bN8t_Ng3KY9lp6ZowJQMYlK26K6s3J5jI4o8mmaXFTWcZAzx_hVd03627d-_19xj7P09kDjtw91QsvuRTxpYqSO-Ef-wh7f9pNw-Kfg_wK0Rfyrc=s3088" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtQggGiBa19x4KoEQU-_6j9TThZI3eVaYrDMjsNRUe2buAykeb1mTdaxIzcbs9VvvgP11lq6y_bN8t_Ng3KY9lp6ZowJQMYlK26K6s3J5jI4o8mmaXFTWcZAzx_hVd03627d-_19xj7P09kDjtw91QsvuRTxpYqSO-Ef-wh7f9pNw-Kfg_wK0Rfyrc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCKxHC-nRZQfHsAcgJIrTg7GdfwAkudnJuWac3w1SSvqMdRjnyVXKhnM6iju0WCaJ8KogCNAUtPAkx0sLd9RhZmb1ngGg-9XjbxohMuFDzcGKFyUtnIjf8UP5L8DWPTI6kf31mOBzuRflTFxVXq0H_1gKUgsRjuBTavhUm6qH5XxLIEobfSiOH8G1X=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCKxHC-nRZQfHsAcgJIrTg7GdfwAkudnJuWac3w1SSvqMdRjnyVXKhnM6iju0WCaJ8KogCNAUtPAkx0sLd9RhZmb1ngGg-9XjbxohMuFDzcGKFyUtnIjf8UP5L8DWPTI6kf31mOBzuRflTFxVXq0H_1gKUgsRjuBTavhUm6qH5XxLIEobfSiOH8G1X=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5kcZJKJJi6kIlL7RAjIwMmvGcc5w8YlUBgr34MgGcEIW54TFio2EFIXf9052sd-UptQbJnvc5knyOUgSXFJxLdCMbvzTcGAj_yQCQSENSBlJuwDSj67Ds9Ut0ty48vgO9mAFhHsbpqe9ZMEjzAX1ovfA6lYpi9c6uA3P_TXv6qfpLdrgLLWt0cSh-=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5kcZJKJJi6kIlL7RAjIwMmvGcc5w8YlUBgr34MgGcEIW54TFio2EFIXf9052sd-UptQbJnvc5knyOUgSXFJxLdCMbvzTcGAj_yQCQSENSBlJuwDSj67Ds9Ut0ty48vgO9mAFhHsbpqe9ZMEjzAX1ovfA6lYpi9c6uA3P_TXv6qfpLdrgLLWt0cSh-=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy8F7vWgTwy8UwpUj-c-wzCa8lAi7XmhE6nyuf2z7xjT2LPceFtQcGwbeYPQr4qm9oYCshGEFOXKP7vEf4UcuUogpstAADUVQsFd_b8h-DgOrS1XGM18s8SnK6OtCVku3oZloRovaI80tMX6QsqTwDA_i480G3GxVkNLA3yFk11inRc9dT3bIFeaMO=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjy8F7vWgTwy8UwpUj-c-wzCa8lAi7XmhE6nyuf2z7xjT2LPceFtQcGwbeYPQr4qm9oYCshGEFOXKP7vEf4UcuUogpstAADUVQsFd_b8h-DgOrS1XGM18s8SnK6OtCVku3oZloRovaI80tMX6QsqTwDA_i480G3GxVkNLA3yFk11inRc9dT3bIFeaMO=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhToqIPvwmR77oDePsDItPYXXLsh5M2J5fKJgnsD9-q73s_x0WV2amVLrIXDMHbgM4v07x_ftXIeP1YTR2N16_G0zjYh6ChzqLMd8w1ocUQNy7wUHQFTecbiPTGxFndU3oZDDcavboX9Dc1emalRDhlXbtGKdQUfvYaLLFpNyZWPDrS8Y9JgCHg8z8m=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhToqIPvwmR77oDePsDItPYXXLsh5M2J5fKJgnsD9-q73s_x0WV2amVLrIXDMHbgM4v07x_ftXIeP1YTR2N16_G0zjYh6ChzqLMd8w1ocUQNy7wUHQFTecbiPTGxFndU3oZDDcavboX9Dc1emalRDhlXbtGKdQUfvYaLLFpNyZWPDrS8Y9JgCHg8z8m=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>In July we returned to the northwoods cabin for some dog sitting duty and summer fun while our friends attended a wedding. Fat tire bikes and endless games of fetch were just a perfect antidote to canine energy and Covid fatigue. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixxplsO1OOEd93ukUSdeNooH-GNr52afSF8yjOy1I0nmw2uayhpvbzPZpM5eY1d3wa0LZkYTBmG1W3ob78blNxV9b2eDnyRzGDmm6U1fAeEwywnHC5AWrXkO2yhQmFmJloeDqgsM-_ZNpQBwa1UFoQw8Ql8PO7Nh6ZA-EDCJNCpKHeAm7HvOJUwEwY=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixxplsO1OOEd93ukUSdeNooH-GNr52afSF8yjOy1I0nmw2uayhpvbzPZpM5eY1d3wa0LZkYTBmG1W3ob78blNxV9b2eDnyRzGDmm6U1fAeEwywnHC5AWrXkO2yhQmFmJloeDqgsM-_ZNpQBwa1UFoQw8Ql8PO7Nh6ZA-EDCJNCpKHeAm7HvOJUwEwY=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN_TNFWd_MThmz1-UGxCkKCG_FYw37mjpDtnIDXUsFmp1ezuFoBVrFSBD1dznMIzWdPUeeQRPwAcCAV7RTBq6E4xlki59gYnl_rrfR5cUK5jIzDp3Hh5c5XWrNrry3QVguT2AoFfLctLkNWfqyGezL103tAGO_TM-rVC4R7vwsI7K5W07U0P_YBTi-=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjN_TNFWd_MThmz1-UGxCkKCG_FYw37mjpDtnIDXUsFmp1ezuFoBVrFSBD1dznMIzWdPUeeQRPwAcCAV7RTBq6E4xlki59gYnl_rrfR5cUK5jIzDp3Hh5c5XWrNrry3QVguT2AoFfLctLkNWfqyGezL103tAGO_TM-rVC4R7vwsI7K5W07U0P_YBTi-=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyVtO7ZDDUnPxA9vq6rWdfl42bRqscq2OH1kJBx_GfiwZgc814iCvLIX7ogsUt-2TyliRAruXP0j6dj1naQJ-ViP0-EADlWnfHNnNMSNL5vtv3_AsmQJaR98yjYvs6HcHckAMXVqYDuiCfe2Yr8eLvHqIK3bZr4Nt_jrBbbgNGSHWO7zQ4T_RYei56=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyVtO7ZDDUnPxA9vq6rWdfl42bRqscq2OH1kJBx_GfiwZgc814iCvLIX7ogsUt-2TyliRAruXP0j6dj1naQJ-ViP0-EADlWnfHNnNMSNL5vtv3_AsmQJaR98yjYvs6HcHckAMXVqYDuiCfe2Yr8eLvHqIK3bZr4Nt_jrBbbgNGSHWO7zQ4T_RYei56=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUqHUR7o0C8vtAAlTPVqXfa2mGfXMP0LH8XsPN1x9ZLQ3jdwh6TyRrcAwMLPK3KFMf83ZdatuM5l9IJVYlem6fpET1v7mDpsP21gdp-ovW3YSTPrilm8VXBHckgYwM3sFHJULS4vaiJs5tVvqmzYitjHs09nP8CuOj_TAsHP2KkBibzSip5UvlHlNs=s2709" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2709" data-original-width="2032" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUqHUR7o0C8vtAAlTPVqXfa2mGfXMP0LH8XsPN1x9ZLQ3jdwh6TyRrcAwMLPK3KFMf83ZdatuM5l9IJVYlem6fpET1v7mDpsP21gdp-ovW3YSTPrilm8VXBHckgYwM3sFHJULS4vaiJs5tVvqmzYitjHs09nP8CuOj_TAsHP2KkBibzSip5UvlHlNs=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is nothing better than a quiet summer paddle with loons and a dog on a wilderness lake in Minnesota.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTy45XsL6PScDV4kWdwAnEmr1BgElEtvGh8E9V2V-6EDjTHDkfYSCC7Nmx2GnVSwTiO4h-2z73MFlRCo0Dc-4oFgu19ts4hqL2xLhdtjJH9Ez5CMx0JWj_foJO2liPZQxWFf2qGWbCTFNS3NNnr8eQvFZF3BkPzCFJatbfEQBeR4PsnN0YJrI9CvoB=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTy45XsL6PScDV4kWdwAnEmr1BgElEtvGh8E9V2V-6EDjTHDkfYSCC7Nmx2GnVSwTiO4h-2z73MFlRCo0Dc-4oFgu19ts4hqL2xLhdtjJH9Ez5CMx0JWj_foJO2liPZQxWFf2qGWbCTFNS3NNnr8eQvFZF3BkPzCFJatbfEQBeR4PsnN0YJrI9CvoB=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>In September we traveled to Perch Lake and the Rainbow Wilderness in Wisconsin for our only camping trip of the year. We did some paddling on Perch Lake, hiked into the Rainbow Wilderness and took a side trip to hike up St. Peter's Dome- the highest point in the Chequamegon National Forest. Time in the natural world is so important.<br /></p><p> We hope to get back to regular camping in 2022.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG73LaBxHGkjBWyXLEuJEnRqHt3mEH7721Q52jJZSSy8fhdijfBwUiEuKVgDP3HjOrpPY0DL_-Ht6dK3vKuiU2lwsYVHMnD8ahPEHTV-aFPRG77pw-8hFIA06DUDJPL18b92-9ZfT2pSdqkD8dZiewVdkA2KyPHw9991qtROYLFXmawU9UqHtk9TCv=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG73LaBxHGkjBWyXLEuJEnRqHt3mEH7721Q52jJZSSy8fhdijfBwUiEuKVgDP3HjOrpPY0DL_-Ht6dK3vKuiU2lwsYVHMnD8ahPEHTV-aFPRG77pw-8hFIA06DUDJPL18b92-9ZfT2pSdqkD8dZiewVdkA2KyPHw9991qtROYLFXmawU9UqHtk9TCv=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnKdQD5SlU6y7T1O7TBcq5IUyUBOXCMbgdl-800I6rm23jTqByKzViCnNFaRmE9ufMfiZw5MT_vnaNZlBhPFhYq2cUfG7HM3-HSw8egAg-OE56_8VrI00air4ypFTQMKtkvSOlUoRNwqXv4cuC8irRwwhcGLpLSsa1ic4qJqNgHH4vi5Tb06Jn2CIs=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhnKdQD5SlU6y7T1O7TBcq5IUyUBOXCMbgdl-800I6rm23jTqByKzViCnNFaRmE9ufMfiZw5MT_vnaNZlBhPFhYq2cUfG7HM3-HSw8egAg-OE56_8VrI00air4ypFTQMKtkvSOlUoRNwqXv4cuC8irRwwhcGLpLSsa1ic4qJqNgHH4vi5Tb06Jn2CIs=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8g8YVnRr2me9npOEvYzFcL-pipn2n1obY5NDZ6TPyeY8VaJrm4wL3EgzzpXVDTvp226Wn6Rq5GhQl6LvGiHBZMIb-mcjYqzuxv-PiGOqZJQ9CMzthvb7OoL7CXCYtbGW1mIp7iMW9y5AJEaEnfxdNCjqjyuqJ4V5WC4rnMCfw71UnwAk6vELJC3-G=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8g8YVnRr2me9npOEvYzFcL-pipn2n1obY5NDZ6TPyeY8VaJrm4wL3EgzzpXVDTvp226Wn6Rq5GhQl6LvGiHBZMIb-mcjYqzuxv-PiGOqZJQ9CMzthvb7OoL7CXCYtbGW1mIp7iMW9y5AJEaEnfxdNCjqjyuqJ4V5WC4rnMCfw71UnwAk6vELJC3-G=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjncOIGrRqrG2hcBeasHV7a8Mu68cUReVOO7yXKhCe7LJ0_n59L08Nufc2ftynRS4dBa3XSRXxE1yETk_eig-IFVlycvCey6Kjplr5Aq_75ZfK3cqCSTpQe7L_0KuehI1S5shQBQP3_gR_S6hOpuoNZpmyYw22DhmEey2Um_vo7X9LK-18VHyyZmNl7=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjncOIGrRqrG2hcBeasHV7a8Mu68cUReVOO7yXKhCe7LJ0_n59L08Nufc2ftynRS4dBa3XSRXxE1yETk_eig-IFVlycvCey6Kjplr5Aq_75ZfK3cqCSTpQe7L_0KuehI1S5shQBQP3_gR_S6hOpuoNZpmyYw22DhmEey2Um_vo7X9LK-18VHyyZmNl7=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>The hike to the summit of St. Peters Dome was a beautiful and peaceful walk in the woods with a wonderful overlook of the fall colors at the end. It was possible to see all the way to Lake Superior some 30 miles distant as the crow flies. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaGwvdRA9-3v_C9GX8kVz0Hm-g5BwDybt_3xT5gI_Nuo04c8x54JgWZSFHvA7KzCBSxrz33gkIGaDoL3TWqJcm0QmmF7g6DaaHUWVpSXUd_H4Ylg-RJvdOx3DeuY6ginMSz0DKVUJ7skjBlZKRNN61TIe5CIV6BCs4v0gV7GTLLMOzAIi9IHEj5jQP=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaGwvdRA9-3v_C9GX8kVz0Hm-g5BwDybt_3xT5gI_Nuo04c8x54JgWZSFHvA7KzCBSxrz33gkIGaDoL3TWqJcm0QmmF7g6DaaHUWVpSXUd_H4Ylg-RJvdOx3DeuY6ginMSz0DKVUJ7skjBlZKRNN61TIe5CIV6BCs4v0gV7GTLLMOzAIi9IHEj5jQP=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3FiDYgcuR6VRZzSYPLUtQJdYx0jUWaAkOkifKiMPniGj8T2U33nkzt7UJg2lzcZBAToQxLyktxnFHcuWzp4BxmIkXz0cGkv1k38BeUadb5vx2yaCJh6ZVJKp95wUtF6TBVvWYLDuLzMxIXbzoCGuwKKEiHJKLfvyQdV2rn02Sl3X4MsusAnJfLxd1=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2820" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3FiDYgcuR6VRZzSYPLUtQJdYx0jUWaAkOkifKiMPniGj8T2U33nkzt7UJg2lzcZBAToQxLyktxnFHcuWzp4BxmIkXz0cGkv1k38BeUadb5vx2yaCJh6ZVJKp95wUtF6TBVvWYLDuLzMxIXbzoCGuwKKEiHJKLfvyQdV2rn02Sl3X4MsusAnJfLxd1=s320" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia1wBbRuNovJwMXXNFPNrkqv0W0HHOWWj1PDSGdDWFHwnLTItI3Qy5iSJnP9_jfXvL7cEyAoJvVFx13o46IL8dPqFGTh0-C9ZEAIxtOFYmC-7LtCcWvN5JCSJA2pj_fxLnU0CiZV41fFM9nOcF4seQp0Oo462S1bAL7pOPbZHyuk8O087zuNZ83xRF=s6039" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2323" data-original-width="6039" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia1wBbRuNovJwMXXNFPNrkqv0W0HHOWWj1PDSGdDWFHwnLTItI3Qy5iSJnP9_jfXvL7cEyAoJvVFx13o46IL8dPqFGTh0-C9ZEAIxtOFYmC-7LtCcWvN5JCSJA2pj_fxLnU0CiZV41fFM9nOcF4seQp0Oo462S1bAL7pOPbZHyuk8O087zuNZ83xRF=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4hsYlM0mNqF_l2IWtt_uHZIfQiZF9UUJD5Lj7E6Yl9XDaW8x3U9Jh-UnSBWMAyF63nt_DDkE5TRXYBcNY2ubnBFV83lxDoBpClPzozn_5aAP2qbhAoxassPQLLZNgU1H3hQtJNBvVl2rr5p7NKdbuRxdb0U5X4QiT0rkJLfRkT9QLdRhLJTQ3zx7j=s3782" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2836" data-original-width="3782" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4hsYlM0mNqF_l2IWtt_uHZIfQiZF9UUJD5Lj7E6Yl9XDaW8x3U9Jh-UnSBWMAyF63nt_DDkE5TRXYBcNY2ubnBFV83lxDoBpClPzozn_5aAP2qbhAoxassPQLLZNgU1H3hQtJNBvVl2rr5p7NKdbuRxdb0U5X4QiT0rkJLfRkT9QLdRhLJTQ3zx7j=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMDVPAKbekFQGzLDAsa_KhM8XnW6Kyd0oMBSfStusUmCbdPueZGngg7v256pfuUsF3MOL3wcLgScVUYAioVQlzZL2RBRtSg-mTiqNRoDRbeUcZeTntJIvv4WOxLAAocbFJy3Q9fYm91LjTfd-RAmLVgkbatqAjRDYwIOBN3kWtwQf58pasvX9xZ9Hl=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMDVPAKbekFQGzLDAsa_KhM8XnW6Kyd0oMBSfStusUmCbdPueZGngg7v256pfuUsF3MOL3wcLgScVUYAioVQlzZL2RBRtSg-mTiqNRoDRbeUcZeTntJIvv4WOxLAAocbFJy3Q9fYm91LjTfd-RAmLVgkbatqAjRDYwIOBN3kWtwQf58pasvX9xZ9Hl=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilCbxImtRcoDmMOriAdC5hOYpNGsMskeNSPyAYkiqiKO9a1LSTmC2L_aurA3QB6oFERBBQ0C75J2hyIrwr0DH7iiGwQcEcrW5c5h1Q88u-BnyI5gZq1h_4hXfXQCUNRnXcyMWS06uwS0biG7XdOdaPVQDuVtVOjKagVJeCLZRGrlZFDYnBb2X8QzbG=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilCbxImtRcoDmMOriAdC5hOYpNGsMskeNSPyAYkiqiKO9a1LSTmC2L_aurA3QB6oFERBBQ0C75J2hyIrwr0DH7iiGwQcEcrW5c5h1Q88u-BnyI5gZq1h_4hXfXQCUNRnXcyMWS06uwS0biG7XdOdaPVQDuVtVOjKagVJeCLZRGrlZFDYnBb2X8QzbG=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWRidYlrrWNHiqVJuS9hXrD7NdUl2q64MtqeiZcTnZsbRe8jcs4GhhFjXed_V9Wkc8No6miN530xlNEy2yRjKA7rfn2uBuysMxBOHNbua8bD5Pa1N9_i7RQNu1ZBLpOxCn5ma7W0-ADV3rAgtcEaJD7hFTU30dRLGprrzHe-LrAQXauLDug3pDcGYq=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWRidYlrrWNHiqVJuS9hXrD7NdUl2q64MtqeiZcTnZsbRe8jcs4GhhFjXed_V9Wkc8No6miN530xlNEy2yRjKA7rfn2uBuysMxBOHNbua8bD5Pa1N9_i7RQNu1ZBLpOxCn5ma7W0-ADV3rAgtcEaJD7hFTU30dRLGprrzHe-LrAQXauLDug3pDcGYq=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p> After a refreshing few days we packed the trailer and headed home.</p><p>In October, Kathy traveled to St George Utah for her annual appearance in the Huntsman Senior Games volleyball tournament. I drove to Denver to meet up with her on her way home for a visit with the kids. We helped with a few home improvement projects and enjoyed a short visit.</p><p>We closed out the year with a trip to Palm Springs to visit Kathy's cousin and to celebrate Christmas with her and our daughter. We visited the Coachella Valley Preserve for a nice hike and enjoyed hanging out at the very nice condo with a private courtyard and beautiful grounds. We had a memorable Christmas Eve dinner and a relaxing Christmas.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGe6HoR8TX-Tt2Mux88pTrNbCRM65HuPm6JXGgSTeVxwsGfvVhabclfUBNxBAGpNvor_eLvLh3eEbJfvdL8kItwsIa1FtU6sNk3-KsT82Ssh7LaTazW-CxQpTecZk6_cUwaxOmItuhRUcqEQQmKuYtB5xc0X10qGfePGhmUQMqlAF-xJ8KYB7qrGCF=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGe6HoR8TX-Tt2Mux88pTrNbCRM65HuPm6JXGgSTeVxwsGfvVhabclfUBNxBAGpNvor_eLvLh3eEbJfvdL8kItwsIa1FtU6sNk3-KsT82Ssh7LaTazW-CxQpTecZk6_cUwaxOmItuhRUcqEQQmKuYtB5xc0X10qGfePGhmUQMqlAF-xJ8KYB7qrGCF=s320" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuhrNVCc7r_NLTEy7vUxp3rECOQ5-JjPLLY3A2g948aZODkCuHrPjKEz9mivI1J-Ho5VvY88GDfHTI9dz3Qy8dy3Um5cs69cxvFnw_KfdXLjp_43QalRs20v1NDtcqwemediumSOYHnvnl_ua2Biu16TNyNepxcS0fD60v-tRJzPMJ7WEIiYin2D6Q=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuhrNVCc7r_NLTEy7vUxp3rECOQ5-JjPLLY3A2g948aZODkCuHrPjKEz9mivI1J-Ho5VvY88GDfHTI9dz3Qy8dy3Um5cs69cxvFnw_KfdXLjp_43QalRs20v1NDtcqwemediumSOYHnvnl_ua2Biu16TNyNepxcS0fD60v-tRJzPMJ7WEIiYin2D6Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSU6mBUdAsP_3TuBAHGRcGL1kPANLw0t4KgsNscwZg_8PZV1X_xWGHE_qbholvaMPBOllb6l6PvCqJBvJXoWSYa-Y6KUgez4oOC_3i4nxRVa8kc5jUf2EQ41OAEYnQZ_A0-AanNNvaq4tc-uJEhNDSm38s9GREj7Cv7fllucXHV_f4RHreCmGX9SmR=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSU6mBUdAsP_3TuBAHGRcGL1kPANLw0t4KgsNscwZg_8PZV1X_xWGHE_qbholvaMPBOllb6l6PvCqJBvJXoWSYa-Y6KUgez4oOC_3i4nxRVa8kc5jUf2EQ41OAEYnQZ_A0-AanNNvaq4tc-uJEhNDSm38s9GREj7Cv7fllucXHV_f4RHreCmGX9SmR=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgof_qW2QrFNrgOoMbrl8pb5h6PoQuTcFfEz1dSpPBta7j2pIHD5x-KW3_lTNgqkQUG5TIbbhAG0GJrvXTGHXeyDWaWSamFkaSzrDeGbDc6VeeYStkYDTutXnEHzY2YWa6Vcqa_t0ydl2aGKELN8AoAkxf0aTHLb8yOrJqh7_58KvDW72vMLUL_3Hij=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgof_qW2QrFNrgOoMbrl8pb5h6PoQuTcFfEz1dSpPBta7j2pIHD5x-KW3_lTNgqkQUG5TIbbhAG0GJrvXTGHXeyDWaWSamFkaSzrDeGbDc6VeeYStkYDTutXnEHzY2YWa6Vcqa_t0ydl2aGKELN8AoAkxf0aTHLb8yOrJqh7_58KvDW72vMLUL_3Hij=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQAUvq3T7h2_qjiGfzKg6a6sseLCMUisfhc43TRd3M3BLQAn9wmt-xvIkpP1YIyODHcfez0-7oRWJeDmsjAahSR7phe1t52-8XYbbeZhJ9d-5JTK3CQWXumAcUbDpux_3fONvBZoaZuzGKS241cMM1WPekWv481_ZfHZk2efLzQWvRv8nAlT5Xc96Z=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQAUvq3T7h2_qjiGfzKg6a6sseLCMUisfhc43TRd3M3BLQAn9wmt-xvIkpP1YIyODHcfez0-7oRWJeDmsjAahSR7phe1t52-8XYbbeZhJ9d-5JTK3CQWXumAcUbDpux_3fONvBZoaZuzGKS241cMM1WPekWv481_ZfHZk2efLzQWvRv8nAlT5Xc96Z=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>We took a nice hike on a rare rainy day along Hurkey Creek in the San Bernardino National Forest. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzWbNo_FzcruYQOfCb3botVmcZ6qYt7PUDI80EpQzMmwISEVYwk8uMILZhpxYLqw5rpgO3oIcgwuXUSXZL7_YHl1FjNwnjXkNr8JS5khtUo0MQLjX4N53wfl_M1l3xkF-W3xtTuuWOA1Qh3QbGncdMCXYGkBkkKGmPAu7gXGaOERMnL6Qq-6brYwXZ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzWbNo_FzcruYQOfCb3botVmcZ6qYt7PUDI80EpQzMmwISEVYwk8uMILZhpxYLqw5rpgO3oIcgwuXUSXZL7_YHl1FjNwnjXkNr8JS5khtUo0MQLjX4N53wfl_M1l3xkF-W3xtTuuWOA1Qh3QbGncdMCXYGkBkkKGmPAu7gXGaOERMnL6Qq-6brYwXZ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEah3iWfqbKmB2lnLBVBT7Ane8ZEvwqYhKeyFNDiNISObjYpGdITn8uKU0B1LPRYJzWo1SSvyv_fQMyW8LUydwx94U5KkT8mXiZL5Yu8MWRYe39_3iQ_hWLWOvNq3TaERqTuv2KEloh5pJQukPSNSc6eX1xmZlzHt27815MgN1myaOtyL_0xNpGYmI=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvM1E7nEEgiwFuNsk5LK0mNmw3rup25gD8gKVRlpWwKbrcl3y3U_H_OEp1WUzYkQk3QtaofGCfn9SnShXbUo6IQam_CZgyOeE0OckDCLv9OK7RtThZ0ycKpVNC6GHYTpz3HX3dqe77-BvyK0Q4UtYzdW1yp2AffhR245xj0MqABVjQMxhgNTkDjKWT=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvM1E7nEEgiwFuNsk5LK0mNmw3rup25gD8gKVRlpWwKbrcl3y3U_H_OEp1WUzYkQk3QtaofGCfn9SnShXbUo6IQam_CZgyOeE0OckDCLv9OK7RtThZ0ycKpVNC6GHYTpz3HX3dqe77-BvyK0Q4UtYzdW1yp2AffhR245xj0MqABVjQMxhgNTkDjKWT=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFT6B6SJBlKw9BWzVBuO7vRkshxv1MY_tw6wRFXFDUuC5qCcn8HIlKXQT8yL_E4lWb3LvP0HoXFdOSnkYIAErkdTdzt9xKXgr3Gl_1hf-p_ExymMbEtcaWhleVpMVErtrezdfZ4hyQLd1Ka4uVXJqFmvbXlpwr1mKNPXulHv_TCaZsJbe-Wu8L5ZOe=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFT6B6SJBlKw9BWzVBuO7vRkshxv1MY_tw6wRFXFDUuC5qCcn8HIlKXQT8yL_E4lWb3LvP0HoXFdOSnkYIAErkdTdzt9xKXgr3Gl_1hf-p_ExymMbEtcaWhleVpMVErtrezdfZ4hyQLd1Ka4uVXJqFmvbXlpwr1mKNPXulHv_TCaZsJbe-Wu8L5ZOe=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuPaevlVTitWm-hTErFmTOxcB5sk4aNF4CvbBMyo5bqJwUYjTLrfSdtMD5L99DTCgdpTGQzfF3ShPDBiI6Ves0zDrcoQTxEmbWgMCIyiYcP3idL8fajHOJqwR3gOVNcMJ4UGfqPUfIGHWcYtKyRGMOuB65qQD--shnDLMQ8eB7n5qrXvaS6JidLlhj=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuPaevlVTitWm-hTErFmTOxcB5sk4aNF4CvbBMyo5bqJwUYjTLrfSdtMD5L99DTCgdpTGQzfF3ShPDBiI6Ves0zDrcoQTxEmbWgMCIyiYcP3idL8fajHOJqwR3gOVNcMJ4UGfqPUfIGHWcYtKyRGMOuB65qQD--shnDLMQ8eB7n5qrXvaS6JidLlhj=s320" width="240" /></a></div> <br /><p>A highlight was a walking tour of a Palm Springs neighborhood that took Christmas lights to another level. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCUKcZuD4RskDQGXiWpkmhZ_0J8B_-KHIhgHlFYFiKvwxm4Zlvo9LsQFiNdIRQee-rV8pQmWvbrS5cudqivtaqqInw8l-pWV4l41FjAVz0B3JSBdLV5Z_J4lj5_VZnZxe6OfcxX6sgdVkfKEJnDJ7mj9BwlsW6Q3oqMvASJY23MKj3lhNwOwVcWuRc=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCUKcZuD4RskDQGXiWpkmhZ_0J8B_-KHIhgHlFYFiKvwxm4Zlvo9LsQFiNdIRQee-rV8pQmWvbrS5cudqivtaqqInw8l-pWV4l41FjAVz0B3JSBdLV5Z_J4lj5_VZnZxe6OfcxX6sgdVkfKEJnDJ7mj9BwlsW6Q3oqMvASJY23MKj3lhNwOwVcWuRc=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPgCGcA5FSNaVTA33skPAoXfzf96RQl6-PgOw3U35ILvnNjJ4BZGA11mVJZTTW2znmFwH-rCvJ3ntQ9fcpRQSuzSMlW5tpANODkAhWkVTAodecdY6kkOkG1mQjuLwmWxf9S1fNImzF-irTf0S0qy7ASGCwq6v7YjaVqHccoS6Y5lsUnTWW_Y59doxK=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPgCGcA5FSNaVTA33skPAoXfzf96RQl6-PgOw3U35ILvnNjJ4BZGA11mVJZTTW2znmFwH-rCvJ3ntQ9fcpRQSuzSMlW5tpANODkAhWkVTAodecdY6kkOkG1mQjuLwmWxf9S1fNImzF-irTf0S0qy7ASGCwq6v7YjaVqHccoS6Y5lsUnTWW_Y59doxK=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We also drove up to Los Angeles to see our daughter's apartment, tour the sites and had some memorable meals. We enjoyed a drink at a legendary Hollywood spot. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGVOvyh089C6HzEZ-wo6iPM7j0HHfE6yhiWw_6xWKj2HKYb6N_hggG1vJWbeAaxBQP3InJSd18hdj-4h7DSt6VT6OpIIy00gsjXqo3gF32DTI3wA6QO7GK1_8myxQRITQMzDNPlILsmIDU013lF8JzC1w5zaHfDUs4GhKXq13-GJg8UE9wn7YvAzVo=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGVOvyh089C6HzEZ-wo6iPM7j0HHfE6yhiWw_6xWKj2HKYb6N_hggG1vJWbeAaxBQP3InJSd18hdj-4h7DSt6VT6OpIIy00gsjXqo3gF32DTI3wA6QO7GK1_8myxQRITQMzDNPlILsmIDU013lF8JzC1w5zaHfDUs4GhKXq13-GJg8UE9wn7YvAzVo=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>We left Palm Springs in beautiful sunshine, marred only by Sun
Country canceling our flight and leaving us on our own to find our way home.
Delta Airlines came to the rescue and we only lost a day. The Palm Springs airport is very nice- the outdoor waiting area was appreciated on a pandemic-tinged travel day.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6U3CTFZzxCGvVrjy7PSnO0uPrg6KPTg7ZLNe4bSb8MBDCrCZtGvkarjhheSa3zv1bxNtzSgtveyIYAxqb14GVE_N1oxZ8JZfldwC6zhvjiuczpJZiQb7YoKfJgTC-GKuMSaltDGJ8rvPhfVOMPCruN1L_e7oy6j_w_aO7iSxKntyqOMYMZa1tcrSn=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6U3CTFZzxCGvVrjy7PSnO0uPrg6KPTg7ZLNe4bSb8MBDCrCZtGvkarjhheSa3zv1bxNtzSgtveyIYAxqb14GVE_N1oxZ8JZfldwC6zhvjiuczpJZiQb7YoKfJgTC-GKuMSaltDGJ8rvPhfVOMPCruN1L_e7oy6j_w_aO7iSxKntyqOMYMZa1tcrSn=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>We survived the Sun Country Airlines holiday travel debacle and made it home in time to celebrate the arrival of the new year.</p><p>Here's hoping for health and good fortune for all in 2022.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-70966004192000744472020-09-26T16:48:00.004-05:002020-10-01T16:57:54.102-05:00Fall Color Trip 2020 (Michigan's U.P.)<p>It has been a long, lost summer as far as camping goes- only one very short trip to northern Minnesota in August. Otherwise we stayed close to home. We had managed to stay healthy and with the arrival of September we decided we needed to go camping. A road trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula would provide a needed dose of nature with fall color and allow us to escape the quarantine for a bit.</p><p>We headed for the Ottawa National Forest's Black River Harbor campground on Lake Superior north of Bessemer, Michigan <br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU0XyoEl1IgsAGbX3F85EddwVE7kIuWtoAzOaYRyvOFXTCkEh57jFeCQu6XGSTqO0NU7-AFcwMlZNng1XgXISkWaLP_3MyR3UgYkAkImSGQ5zovj9aLwvMWHusriXsMC24MEnDsq-TlU/s958/Screen+Shot+2020-09-26+at+11.53.32+AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="958" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU0XyoEl1IgsAGbX3F85EddwVE7kIuWtoAzOaYRyvOFXTCkEh57jFeCQu6XGSTqO0NU7-AFcwMlZNng1XgXISkWaLP_3MyR3UgYkAkImSGQ5zovj9aLwvMWHusriXsMC24MEnDsq-TlU/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-09-26+at+11.53.32+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The campground sits high above Lake Superior just west of the harbor park and has 40 nicely spaced campsites of which 23 are first-come-first-served. There is no running water or electricity and 2 well-maintained pit toilets. There are paths to overlooks and a steep and eroded old road down to the long sand beach- great for rock-hunting and gazing at the big lake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived in late-afternoon to find plenty of open sites. We picked one on the Lake Superior side and registered. A strong wind from the south was blowing with gusts up to 30 mph but our site was protected by the forest of trees surrounding us.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After setting up camp, we made dinner. We set up our Clam screen room, anticipating bugs but the strong wind kept the bugs away. We would appreciate it later in our stay. We collected some of the abundant dead fall for a campfire, which is allowed in the national forest. We followed the steep trail down to the beach to watch the sunset, which was filtered through the smoke from western forest fires.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: click on the photos for a larger version. </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfKJfoSl-rbY0dr-ujPcI69eHwbyAF7ZRc45aPtUPrsOSj4aIJPchsSb0ZDn2nVEPsXJhOWU8oKymeQo5-Z0jJQC-rzObatfSr0-NDC7p0XSLZ77_vXrUk0-ghbmD6hW2rMct6KcKwIY/s4032/IMG_4149.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtfKJfoSl-rbY0dr-ujPcI69eHwbyAF7ZRc45aPtUPrsOSj4aIJPchsSb0ZDn2nVEPsXJhOWU8oKymeQo5-Z0jJQC-rzObatfSr0-NDC7p0XSLZ77_vXrUk0-ghbmD6hW2rMct6KcKwIY/s320/IMG_4149.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite through the trees<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJSzcs-9GtYihyZZeIKpDduBkuFjSE3epwatW8qcK3piH0L453qez6HQZ86ww79XhnO1s6Ze4n2WX-fY744GEOHN1YSKfklGEiwjuBTRosnjVzoG5QUmsoKETot6DoaTdmKUjH0TE2Rg/s4032/IMG_6019+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJSzcs-9GtYihyZZeIKpDduBkuFjSE3epwatW8qcK3piH0L453qez6HQZ86ww79XhnO1s6Ze4n2WX-fY744GEOHN1YSKfklGEiwjuBTRosnjVzoG5QUmsoKETot6DoaTdmKUjH0TE2Rg/s320/IMG_6019+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWAk21vzISR2sKM_wi0mU0nnnNHM6PNi1gL2JPBRAKRShTOx7xiC6hk0JXv85VVyRdsRoc9SDQLnWoU6CSA0WmQo7KzIgNCmPOSKZ323a0Z0tl-htHws9HJvdqvI5LbTU1aiszMIHSTw/s4032/IMG_1576.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWAk21vzISR2sKM_wi0mU0nnnNHM6PNi1gL2JPBRAKRShTOx7xiC6hk0JXv85VVyRdsRoc9SDQLnWoU6CSA0WmQo7KzIgNCmPOSKZ323a0Z0tl-htHws9HJvdqvI5LbTU1aiszMIHSTw/s320/IMG_1576.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset through the smoke<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVFWpOKJUHXWkP-F6VBvHzZxu4ITJ1CeSnXBUx9drbsLaYg33OHzKZUyBYwpgv8SVl-aJP0WAi-7Iy6lbba-qU35si3zu_6OhC4aZ4mg6EFvzelODVr-ctH-Qlz5SIOGX4aqkVUPdL8Y/s4032/IMG_1579.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVFWpOKJUHXWkP-F6VBvHzZxu4ITJ1CeSnXBUx9drbsLaYg33OHzKZUyBYwpgv8SVl-aJP0WAi-7Iy6lbba-qU35si3zu_6OhC4aZ4mg6EFvzelODVr-ctH-Qlz5SIOGX4aqkVUPdL8Y/s320/IMG_1579.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Message on the beach<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4-lt9knd9Svgf_FZZ4_OTbOeVHW1sAletkUTB98487rKi_NrxcZbVh9u4YZKCAuRyvuaA_r7qe2X86BImt5iF72qJwIMZzAq8hkaUd7b4AId9mPqqLU1h97iRcpp5qyPka8kM_y2Kzc/s4032/IMG_7367.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4-lt9knd9Svgf_FZZ4_OTbOeVHW1sAletkUTB98487rKi_NrxcZbVh9u4YZKCAuRyvuaA_r7qe2X86BImt5iF72qJwIMZzAq8hkaUd7b4AId9mPqqLU1h97iRcpp5qyPka8kM_y2Kzc/s320/IMG_7367.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlooking Lake Superior from the campground<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-WyVkPR0Mxl5mFJsb1WMe_IHiNYotLSkfdvIq0qoQFCvI4jFEGPmme4mW-pqkFidDoV2qBF3J3UuS7F_7Xp4WW9b7Y5hOpHBDhMDkZDSOGXREhPm0HI_KpWK_qkPxOasWAAGyhXxzAE/s2832/IMG_7362.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1769" data-original-width="2832" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-WyVkPR0Mxl5mFJsb1WMe_IHiNYotLSkfdvIq0qoQFCvI4jFEGPmme4mW-pqkFidDoV2qBF3J3UuS7F_7Xp4WW9b7Y5hOpHBDhMDkZDSOGXREhPm0HI_KpWK_qkPxOasWAAGyhXxzAE/s320/IMG_7362.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening campfires are part of our camping ritual<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>The next day we explored the surroundings, visiting nearby waterfalls and enjoying walks in the woods. We returned to camp in the afternoon to relax, read our books and gather more firewood. </p><p>The Black River drops 200 feet in the last two miles before reaching Lake Superior. There are 5 waterfalls along this stretch, with trails and overlooks for sightseeing. Water levels were low compared to the spring runoff, but the waterfalls were still beautiful.</p><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHoU1_T3dMMvx8U_USNBeW2Z9uHWmXp4B0WeP83lb7Y9yYh_kUS5NTnshhO-r-nRArg063m1sEh_lZNDS0HS8E_GtlsqgSW8ZpwSHx57Z5NtBjjTTHCbvM1gC-6DMw4Hzj7WvvXsSIVw/s4032/IMG_5128+2.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHoU1_T3dMMvx8U_USNBeW2Z9uHWmXp4B0WeP83lb7Y9yYh_kUS5NTnshhO-r-nRArg063m1sEh_lZNDS0HS8E_GtlsqgSW8ZpwSHx57Z5NtBjjTTHCbvM1gC-6DMw4Hzj7WvvXsSIVw/s320/IMG_5128+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potawatomi Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLAy1d1aBgx3k8IG3F8h9lO4CXy0uEZnDMlZjOfI7dSeBVbsP07Bwuel-lx65KhgHS9eru3peq8X4dJVxWbzjzQpYz40OgxVtQcb7VtyQCXMK7GkQFEG759cT4ynW3TTRGBoKHVOP7T8/s4032/IMG_6365+2.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLAy1d1aBgx3k8IG3F8h9lO4CXy0uEZnDMlZjOfI7dSeBVbsP07Bwuel-lx65KhgHS9eru3peq8X4dJVxWbzjzQpYz40OgxVtQcb7VtyQCXMK7GkQFEG759cT4ynW3TTRGBoKHVOP7T8/s320/IMG_6365+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy at Potawatomi Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTtGlhPneqWhF3_5YuKjfxX6CrnqISuqjckcbCao6XCM7VdKhJMMxU4U032sC6KQlRevUpSvd90KhSzi2jmm85lSL8TCp6_YDcvVzBHE9T0oS7A9eECi0aWBA5lctUizliGkzs41d7iI/s4032/IMG_1007+2.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvTtGlhPneqWhF3_5YuKjfxX6CrnqISuqjckcbCao6XCM7VdKhJMMxU4U032sC6KQlRevUpSvd90KhSzi2jmm85lSL8TCp6_YDcvVzBHE9T0oS7A9eECi0aWBA5lctUizliGkzs41d7iI/s320/IMG_1007+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice walk in the woods<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AGQ1EkN2XQA4lV9uFc4Wd9U78hP4Wf6Vmv3UQxMEfrczhXV_gfJ1V5rjxpO779Y_-400hZZ4Z2_XOPE28yh1lAhEv4REs4_mnUXOykssONrx49rkEf-ugRA0euRTc7OppvF0sQvR3cE/s4032/IMG_5057.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8AGQ1EkN2XQA4lV9uFc4Wd9U78hP4Wf6Vmv3UQxMEfrczhXV_gfJ1V5rjxpO779Y_-400hZZ4Z2_XOPE28yh1lAhEv4REs4_mnUXOykssONrx49rkEf-ugRA0euRTc7OppvF0sQvR3cE/s320/IMG_5057.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall color is coming<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gfQPD-FTxcUR-BIuRU-hKChVpTD_EejLNMOpEhWgZ4zpmL4kLzzdwNi_nktJ7Kmfytqa1crd3MmdaBs67dLsDI3BWfe4LpvxCj0xMULIDuiRv9JcZzWDc81D_scZMNgLl67qL7WlKnQ/s5450/IMG_7344+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2936" data-original-width="5450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gfQPD-FTxcUR-BIuRU-hKChVpTD_EejLNMOpEhWgZ4zpmL4kLzzdwNi_nktJ7Kmfytqa1crd3MmdaBs67dLsDI3BWfe4LpvxCj0xMULIDuiRv9JcZzWDc81D_scZMNgLl67qL7WlKnQ/s320/IMG_7344+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conglomerate Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpd9dtEXzUeqN2igauSq0ZdUe0LETN_bFmGu71p8OBhH0A_pMlU75aJrKwSM6Ez0Hy-e1eHD8r6Arv5UlSK2Ljc914et5q9YRJyK9XfIEf-Komy7yawa0eYBk5XETi5Fehtb2HdBTS6k/s4032/IMG_5760.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpd9dtEXzUeqN2igauSq0ZdUe0LETN_bFmGu71p8OBhH0A_pMlU75aJrKwSM6Ez0Hy-e1eHD8r6Arv5UlSK2Ljc914et5q9YRJyK9XfIEf-Komy7yawa0eYBk5XETi5Fehtb2HdBTS6k/s320/IMG_5760.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downstream from Conglomerate Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_eAYAvRprRjVz0LshPBgMCQxdPG7xlbyvXv0lFRBxQvfJLSNHWdHew4t8YNi8fT06pgGzwFiowXp3bkLuM1YLXmKbPmYPdkTCHtivffDC4d7I4dhwN-W8AY4b-vCkVlzs2l7w3n-JwE/s4032/IMG_1167.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_eAYAvRprRjVz0LshPBgMCQxdPG7xlbyvXv0lFRBxQvfJLSNHWdHew4t8YNi8fT06pgGzwFiowXp3bkLuM1YLXmKbPmYPdkTCHtivffDC4d7I4dhwN-W8AY4b-vCkVlzs2l7w3n-JwE/s320/IMG_1167.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5XiO1BXUNDnmhM_5aYzk56YVNeBPLEzHPMe1RdW_0BXkqLZd46fRzczhTbbWR2HdOxJkGkTWw6Wes_zQuGMiv7QmaBpwD0yt1HXlHnZJ6t02UA-9sxIGkzdyUTeCnum9nRM_dPIW4go/s4032/IMG_1580.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5XiO1BXUNDnmhM_5aYzk56YVNeBPLEzHPMe1RdW_0BXkqLZd46fRzczhTbbWR2HdOxJkGkTWw6Wes_zQuGMiv7QmaBpwD0yt1HXlHnZJ6t02UA-9sxIGkzdyUTeCnum9nRM_dPIW4go/s320/IMG_1580.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downstream from Rainbow Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis40yOTzWBSAlZBA-6y6IVbKXLv9IYW-b5AMEvL-z3lTNb-Nddt8C04QnITb0WVq59Cov8oZrneGaRkY2pMYo2muvLLRWD22X0hXi-eaJa4dxTfS91ZNBGuVDJBLS15PtMi157l4MAsbc/s4032/IMG_3198.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis40yOTzWBSAlZBA-6y6IVbKXLv9IYW-b5AMEvL-z3lTNb-Nddt8C04QnITb0WVq59Cov8oZrneGaRkY2pMYo2muvLLRWD22X0hXi-eaJa4dxTfS91ZNBGuVDJBLS15PtMi157l4MAsbc/s320/IMG_3198.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of steps up from Rainbow Falls<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p> </p><p>Scenes from woodland walks:</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YoSkclvBFjRiOjwTnupFa9CNYROCs8HzM3Q7bFxLZ3u5vWHEI56WTsvCNjSqxbUgtL9LRw6NUkyErLDuj3pNlSkOx0AdtbO3hf5sQI0h3AEt7JNU4TxXsxjdrKM4dZCoc5qTDTdP4Ws/s4032/IMG_7358+2.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4YoSkclvBFjRiOjwTnupFa9CNYROCs8HzM3Q7bFxLZ3u5vWHEI56WTsvCNjSqxbUgtL9LRw6NUkyErLDuj3pNlSkOx0AdtbO3hf5sQI0h3AEt7JNU4TxXsxjdrKM4dZCoc5qTDTdP4Ws/s320/IMG_7358+2.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMyN8zoaCtszXpQgNJ5Joc998oeFXzd7IEfI5eyEOn3sj7BjnaU2Sp5BrM3DtDYNUSQW-J3OqN7NF9eEiJIYA5_gtTlRuCSO5ZynqPXLX6JbEmZLifojTqgq6SYVKhP1osnCAr4fab8c/s4032/IMG_7357.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMyN8zoaCtszXpQgNJ5Joc998oeFXzd7IEfI5eyEOn3sj7BjnaU2Sp5BrM3DtDYNUSQW-J3OqN7NF9eEiJIYA5_gtTlRuCSO5ZynqPXLX6JbEmZLifojTqgq6SYVKhP1osnCAr4fab8c/s320/IMG_7357.jpeg" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHNnXzMuCL2KlPeG7NZHdWOoi-vBJngQ9QbfyNL9BxHINnSYMeeZVWTRH7-b18SnaJrQIPMC7GCPTacXMwUib_MY3Fd-f8U1XR4ED-ht9dixYB41QDKANhuCTvtBhUOoUzl6aycAETcI/s4032/IMG_4493.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHNnXzMuCL2KlPeG7NZHdWOoi-vBJngQ9QbfyNL9BxHINnSYMeeZVWTRH7-b18SnaJrQIPMC7GCPTacXMwUib_MY3Fd-f8U1XR4ED-ht9dixYB41QDKANhuCTvtBhUOoUzl6aycAETcI/s320/IMG_4493.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting mushroom<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG6POBjrmHMTyNQ9A8MaZ_flKyXa2r2rnZwzNJ457PYfT4uhrZTS5bRhxLD_uNuwYZd8aEYCNKbjysu95rwLTIrVc_b3Bg-FMNY7WlKL_6s8CgZlBSH_btcJhoDyj3c_QCE3I-v_BmJw/s4032/IMG_7360.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGG6POBjrmHMTyNQ9A8MaZ_flKyXa2r2rnZwzNJ457PYfT4uhrZTS5bRhxLD_uNuwYZd8aEYCNKbjysu95rwLTIrVc_b3Bg-FMNY7WlKL_6s8CgZlBSH_btcJhoDyj3c_QCE3I-v_BmJw/s320/IMG_7360.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E0CwEa4ZLmlvofFS3PI-cTSUsAeLESsp3A0zAFQpoqM8LXAjE6QQ8sq45an5w5_1KbUFA5siI6Pw5ZqqlMh__Dw8FElHc2B93WRtAMsv2LUW3ku1YaDGF0WPboZngWduXUE3aOqj7QE/s4032/IMG_7361.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8E0CwEa4ZLmlvofFS3PI-cTSUsAeLESsp3A0zAFQpoqM8LXAjE6QQ8sq45an5w5_1KbUFA5siI6Pw5ZqqlMh__Dw8FElHc2B93WRtAMsv2LUW3ku1YaDGF0WPboZngWduXUE3aOqj7QE/s320/IMG_7361.jpeg" /></a> <br /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The next day we decided to do some back country exploring to find our way to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. As usual, our DeLorme map book did not match the roads on the ground. The GPS was not much help. We followed small forest roads to many gates and dead ends, and had fun doing it. <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSccuj6xp7Je8esnjq2me1zahl82hf7_IRpnY5uiSfsnmxi85dQBss3guhJOjy1poDvd0tdWAKRGa2boBxjLCL04KBxO3M_fwI9AdpTds7qKrYTbCPdF8U-9se045mcoN6iNTIk2AgfE/s3971/IMG_8541+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3971" data-original-width="2978" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSccuj6xp7Je8esnjq2me1zahl82hf7_IRpnY5uiSfsnmxi85dQBss3guhJOjy1poDvd0tdWAKRGa2boBxjLCL04KBxO3M_fwI9AdpTds7qKrYTbCPdF8U-9se045mcoN6iNTIk2AgfE/s320/IMG_8541+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring back roads<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Eventually we resorted to the main roads. Along the way we enjoyed the fall colors. We guessed we were a few days before peak color but it was beautiful nonetheless.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0PHL9SNumr_MW_tpAqwSNHXtpYm-focR7zUOpqVod9LsIl-QApBCWnYOhsG-37CzHRj4VIXNEYez1lht12ehioCOqP62UmFHi3Huo5BXYSjvyJ7PzovB7wKcXoiO6kIaUz5ICDAhRDw/s4032/IMG_7222.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0PHL9SNumr_MW_tpAqwSNHXtpYm-focR7zUOpqVod9LsIl-QApBCWnYOhsG-37CzHRj4VIXNEYez1lht12ehioCOqP62UmFHi3Huo5BXYSjvyJ7PzovB7wKcXoiO6kIaUz5ICDAhRDw/s320/IMG_7222.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside fall color<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We came around a bend in the road to see an unusual construction reaching for the sky. What is that? We decided to check it out. It turned out to be the <a href="https://copperpeak.net/" target="_blank">Copper Peak</a>- reported to be the only ski flying hill outside of Europe. Ski flying events have not been held there since 1994, but plans are in the works to bring them back. Now, chairlift rides up the hill can be had in the summer, with an elevator to the top of the jump. You have to walk the final 8 stories to get the view from the very top- 26 stories up in the air. I can't imagine sliding off that thing on skis. We did not take the ride but you can see photos here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/copperpeak/">https://www.instagram.com/copperpeak/</a></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BqEhodjmVhcyqQXVtMypLCg2wt_lnpGukpgndmNBfW7yupjRi9xfAHthkqdR7GN-gqTvSe-cd2F0uIoYWp3AlhDkudNLRUjnVOcgAyhuMGb0o1uDnMBej2FShGDMdVrY0mqxQdye58U/s4032/IMG_6969+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BqEhodjmVhcyqQXVtMypLCg2wt_lnpGukpgndmNBfW7yupjRi9xfAHthkqdR7GN-gqTvSe-cd2F0uIoYWp3AlhDkudNLRUjnVOcgAyhuMGb0o1uDnMBej2FShGDMdVrY0mqxQdye58U/s320/IMG_6969+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is that?<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4zzyQu2m2AfJW11lm3EZFZPAVoeteRMlQ2rqyHnbct_n78Y1f8G4ItrvI6S3H6ujJGiJSTeHPJgKkvms-xJ7LvaFGeB1uCYVILjxVCo0btt_EVvS4Ai_A8V71Z3TmJbU1nVMfBbEWHc/s4032/IMG_1238+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4zzyQu2m2AfJW11lm3EZFZPAVoeteRMlQ2rqyHnbct_n78Y1f8G4ItrvI6S3H6ujJGiJSTeHPJgKkvms-xJ7LvaFGeB1uCYVILjxVCo0btt_EVvS4Ai_A8V71Z3TmJbU1nVMfBbEWHc/s320/IMG_1238+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the parking lot below<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoV-k1GS8RLpc7_uIshCswd9JPkHpT06OyRO6sjemvcT3owAEtWivMglfIyNLasXL8kB1yANWJeSxB55lTICJu0TwV54vReCM3AEP5ICobGEmW9b2MzyWlakM9mCPoSpcG7vldksC_XQ4/s4032/IMG_9607+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoV-k1GS8RLpc7_uIshCswd9JPkHpT06OyRO6sjemvcT3owAEtWivMglfIyNLasXL8kB1yANWJeSxB55lTICJu0TwV54vReCM3AEP5ICobGEmW9b2MzyWlakM9mCPoSpcG7vldksC_XQ4/s320/IMG_9607+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landing hill<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Along the way we passed several trailheads for the North Country Trail, which follows the Black River on its way from North Dakota to Vermont.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqr7_p7ocNZLwJ1yj9PyR3MCITCglKhRIKa3uRDrBAoHUTiLNBTWPBGqIXljpOqyeldJiIH6YCnxWvlTdp29B0EizWEr-OoOn-1SiCH8uHR-B3GYFtuyDmmoPxeizFRR4fNmniqo6d5E/s4032/IMG_6804+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQqr7_p7ocNZLwJ1yj9PyR3MCITCglKhRIKa3uRDrBAoHUTiLNBTWPBGqIXljpOqyeldJiIH6YCnxWvlTdp29B0EizWEr-OoOn-1SiCH8uHR-B3GYFtuyDmmoPxeizFRR4fNmniqo6d5E/s320/IMG_6804+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signpost at North Country Trail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The main attraction for us at Porcupine Mountains this trip was the overlook to Lake of the Clouds. We anticipated a great view of the fall colors and were not disappointed. Granite cliffs, Lake of the Clouds and the Presque Isle River were framed by wonderful fall foliage.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHtemwU9a_hju3U1x9AdJV7CCtZxckg53uXu_yHmz90AnxYH9DTyzqTf9_P6enmgxMVNPxqzjADOhTt-pyXQhPeS6uGsfptg5a368G-XiIX9mSgQJrvqlqmcAgPt5sXSxEawFjlZaTJI/s4032/IMG_9757+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHtemwU9a_hju3U1x9AdJV7CCtZxckg53uXu_yHmz90AnxYH9DTyzqTf9_P6enmgxMVNPxqzjADOhTt-pyXQhPeS6uGsfptg5a368G-XiIX9mSgQJrvqlqmcAgPt5sXSxEawFjlZaTJI/s320/IMG_9757+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake of the Clouds<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUIavPZnd_n6ab2e43IybndA5p_hePZ086Z52YF5qbl3ZhbR0XSblUfEnDwTY9GLiFpaAs5r61qliii5yNHQeAWbNkGEG-oGpabXjh5uHHb2LP4q3EroxIjE3p4kzQ_v3Vli7aX21wig/s4032/IMG_2798+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUIavPZnd_n6ab2e43IybndA5p_hePZ086Z52YF5qbl3ZhbR0XSblUfEnDwTY9GLiFpaAs5r61qliii5yNHQeAWbNkGEG-oGpabXjh5uHHb2LP4q3EroxIjE3p4kzQ_v3Vli7aX21wig/s320/IMG_2798+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presque Isle River<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNY3HqSrDmdk_ZPssAbks52My1KO3vUbqMeMHwgv_SJCTisMxVBQN-hEOHtPDSsJ8gcTD4O3MexSBhfHvxqtKoPubDqskI_0rIc-W5QrU22vA6D9dbU5mx83gNZ-XIKChUYPM_7kRolw/s4032/IMG_1835.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNY3HqSrDmdk_ZPssAbks52My1KO3vUbqMeMHwgv_SJCTisMxVBQN-hEOHtPDSsJ8gcTD4O3MexSBhfHvxqtKoPubDqskI_0rIc-W5QrU22vA6D9dbU5mx83gNZ-XIKChUYPM_7kRolw/s320/IMG_1835.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River and mountains<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjf4BYQOYD4peOEu8q049DXy4C5J2-uLnhu0FN0dO-Bb_vzRzBqQHgha6MJYGvbgPnA3V0eVcLvMhR2-y_nEs77-I8lIcON6qy-2t7LEy5C_Cv4zd2FepQ_lEUWX0QlxLGcK-HwLWawuY/s4032/IMG_7205+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjf4BYQOYD4peOEu8q049DXy4C5J2-uLnhu0FN0dO-Bb_vzRzBqQHgha6MJYGvbgPnA3V0eVcLvMhR2-y_nEs77-I8lIcON6qy-2t7LEy5C_Cv4zd2FepQ_lEUWX0QlxLGcK-HwLWawuY/s320/IMG_7205+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River, mountains and granite<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p>Before heading to the Porcupine Mountains we explored the Black River Harbor park. An old fishing boat that had seen better days was displayed with some information about its life in the old days.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictVSkQ1B_ltMwlosXjLjM82bdL9OaQu2Cftop8hI6gwaI0QzU1GsDhbuCnpfoJhGb4HIdo8taLmGGy_mXw2LxQOCyRvH1rhbfQHzObToR3PDopWMJblP4FcmSyWit9SWFqUpC78w04Ds/s4032/IMG_7368.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEictVSkQ1B_ltMwlosXjLjM82bdL9OaQu2Cftop8hI6gwaI0QzU1GsDhbuCnpfoJhGb4HIdo8taLmGGy_mXw2LxQOCyRvH1rhbfQHzObToR3PDopWMJblP4FcmSyWit9SWFqUpC78w04Ds/s320/IMG_7368.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAhqhXuV2ajWXyR8wJasWy3nM2VMvLYtqp2XdCmLuBsPjdaftzi2pJ6iTr64dDjxoUsRcngFWeQhYTbV89EYsvhBTa5P_LBlQ6UH6JS_NhRmX2eFU0gDbDq03hyMyJwfa6yFtI1-mWDU/s4032/IMG_7369.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAhqhXuV2ajWXyR8wJasWy3nM2VMvLYtqp2XdCmLuBsPjdaftzi2pJ6iTr64dDjxoUsRcngFWeQhYTbV89EYsvhBTa5P_LBlQ6UH6JS_NhRmX2eFU0gDbDq03hyMyJwfa6yFtI1-mWDU/s320/IMG_7369.jpeg" /></a></div><p>At the harbor there is an interesting suspension bridge over the river which allow access to a fine Lake Superior sand beach. The bridge was originally built by the CCC in 1938-39 and reconstructed by the USFS in 1968. We enjoyed walking across the bridge, checking out the construction details and feeling it respond to our movements.<br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIglKSCW4TlEZ1wK0CJ1R6b0MVuCsWutSCyRw_4dPMt8QHgH7RYDXBrX8BndCDUKtAMBPPZq7kjkFX6VmMYJN6O5SQZEAAZ1YjA4lW7_YUzSyXZbMmai24WE_V7j8ehmCy-Qd9XZbiqiE/s4032/IMG_7378.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIglKSCW4TlEZ1wK0CJ1R6b0MVuCsWutSCyRw_4dPMt8QHgH7RYDXBrX8BndCDUKtAMBPPZq7kjkFX6VmMYJN6O5SQZEAAZ1YjA4lW7_YUzSyXZbMmai24WE_V7j8ehmCy-Qd9XZbiqiE/s320/IMG_7378.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signpost at suspension bridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyxy2RZG2YP9Egdb1x_xHTFQ9OJuM1KQ2zUiCDBCQzM71FcfnKPScihz8v0mdrV1hFdeehSuBgHcguTVx2HYnCSS8YAZyEiwTxha2gbowRYDFbUy-_23pVw1q6gL3h2wq54uiBVJBeUg/s4032/IMG_7379+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyxy2RZG2YP9Egdb1x_xHTFQ9OJuM1KQ2zUiCDBCQzM71FcfnKPScihz8v0mdrV1hFdeehSuBgHcguTVx2HYnCSS8YAZyEiwTxha2gbowRYDFbUy-_23pVw1q6gL3h2wq54uiBVJBeUg/s320/IMG_7379+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the bridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Kr6t3uR6Pt_nuOVJeI4S9rMyytcO8aMqtALGgjkbIfBJ78wv61YwK9yRspi8vTmgj1oSoUODpOc1FZCipOAmIUjXGPAJ-xgS4XW6KZBax1cLIhx0x6xNMbjA760jQ19cZ4dhaQPZnDY/s4032/IMG_7371.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Kr6t3uR6Pt_nuOVJeI4S9rMyytcO8aMqtALGgjkbIfBJ78wv61YwK9yRspi8vTmgj1oSoUODpOc1FZCipOAmIUjXGPAJ-xgS4XW6KZBax1cLIhx0x6xNMbjA760jQ19cZ4dhaQPZnDY/s320/IMG_7371.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge from the walkway below<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kANKQPmdsQJ-9gLJrTkicojs2kbp7bu8lwEmY5B0hB4Vnb4nLL2nkFlTSDeui67PnE19RlBHg8CrCuV85jeOZyig5K4WtD8iluywcSDWVRquLyC0xB7rNTg-4Gi_6z8pEf1Dqi6OJb0/s4032/IMG_7376.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kANKQPmdsQJ-9gLJrTkicojs2kbp7bu8lwEmY5B0hB4Vnb4nLL2nkFlTSDeui67PnE19RlBHg8CrCuV85jeOZyig5K4WtD8iluywcSDWVRquLyC0xB7rNTg-4Gi_6z8pEf1Dqi6OJb0/s320/IMG_7376.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The harbor walkway<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xyp8YJnY0hP99vTKY7kRhA4pWNQWfH6a7CmYPhs4URtBf314JDdTC1GeKi-_93Ia9sJn2P1bXK3nrBJR_VPAp8f5bI5N1fH1pjHdN8NtdbaOAT_k-o6ydU0zNT_2Ir6EQWxr5jDTSMQ/s4032/IMG_7377+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xyp8YJnY0hP99vTKY7kRhA4pWNQWfH6a7CmYPhs4URtBf314JDdTC1GeKi-_93Ia9sJn2P1bXK3nrBJR_VPAp8f5bI5N1fH1pjHdN8NtdbaOAT_k-o6ydU0zNT_2Ir6EQWxr5jDTSMQ/s320/IMG_7377+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the bridge tower<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UtBSBpket8DHwM1fM1U2p_53xJzsiIeav3LD5flRyfFwEIBn3J35Hxt5841l7jMHvhd4Z_EhcQXEKY_YzYPKJ2cqDnQh_d5clROgKyPen3XwcQ24syQL0m_fjA5Z-bQ0qildVAakBE0/s4032/IMG_7392+2.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UtBSBpket8DHwM1fM1U2p_53xJzsiIeav3LD5flRyfFwEIBn3J35Hxt5841l7jMHvhd4Z_EhcQXEKY_YzYPKJ2cqDnQh_d5clROgKyPen3XwcQ24syQL0m_fjA5Z-bQ0qildVAakBE0/s320/IMG_7392+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable detail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0et6sKTLioE0q0Aln7Pn2t4HDerpZmzF_qzrImSaNMM4zev5DJemBXoQNBuVZaitISHQEh6JUBpnqsQLs8hwwuYAymUBnGD7SwzXLaCP5HEFD-AJqmqlHh-dazAZWeeuW0OBEUcR0NI/s4032/IMG_7393+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0et6sKTLioE0q0Aln7Pn2t4HDerpZmzF_qzrImSaNMM4zev5DJemBXoQNBuVZaitISHQEh6JUBpnqsQLs8hwwuYAymUBnGD7SwzXLaCP5HEFD-AJqmqlHh-dazAZWeeuW0OBEUcR0NI/s320/IMG_7393+2.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another cable detail<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR0w3eRLYWXn-X9S7gEAOQyB29qjXAFVqZgFacbPt_sm5JBSiE2NWP5R3a2muwvJpa0YQqaVRTJClMUAsbwwToERD4YoimaWR8eyZtVlgFef7vCNJKOiBFg_v4K1EVgwGL0mgOPkVWLQ/s4032/IMG_7390.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR0w3eRLYWXn-X9S7gEAOQyB29qjXAFVqZgFacbPt_sm5JBSiE2NWP5R3a2muwvJpa0YQqaVRTJClMUAsbwwToERD4YoimaWR8eyZtVlgFef7vCNJKOiBFg_v4K1EVgwGL0mgOPkVWLQ/s320/IMG_7390.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque from 1968 rebuild<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDWg1VO5OJH4T6c968jtyR9f6rdx2x4V3cRmY4yxzeasxXmBUWnmFh24apPvh7PBBuMp9DcUeR9wmwErLH_SlCeG357bhRulpQbxDNQba_ar-XLQB8zZkK8rwMtA6f-cmTqfHexBuaoY/s4032/IMG_5063.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDWg1VO5OJH4T6c968jtyR9f6rdx2x4V3cRmY4yxzeasxXmBUWnmFh24apPvh7PBBuMp9DcUeR9wmwErLH_SlCeG357bhRulpQbxDNQba_ar-XLQB8zZkK8rwMtA6f-cmTqfHexBuaoY/s320/IMG_5063.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stone anchor block<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqGAOH9zr22957hIeHyauygMeDtcNkL-K9-X6PX3dUTt3ojmyj19oZQycEw4_KChBHloOGWMO8MIamOdDeMD40PJxAz5uCBq3Ew6lW_hkhefsEo4qN5YuNuwumerSEpGVXuqjShOId_Q/s4032/IMG_6116.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqGAOH9zr22957hIeHyauygMeDtcNkL-K9-X6PX3dUTt3ojmyj19oZQycEw4_KChBHloOGWMO8MIamOdDeMD40PJxAz5uCBq3Ew6lW_hkhefsEo4qN5YuNuwumerSEpGVXuqjShOId_Q/s320/IMG_6116.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable connection<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhukDwygxUSmYCKYlc1VDYWcTcerLzAls-H5Mi0SacpcVR6cg12Y4y5IphfHaKyHjlcDQ0HoTTryM9oXu1eQseqfuT9lhPpzgFCWFqa6cuJDOyuiAcyzsQbMxCK_QcXmScZXAOwsOuvs/s3862/IMG_7380.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3862" data-original-width="2896" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhukDwygxUSmYCKYlc1VDYWcTcerLzAls-H5Mi0SacpcVR6cg12Y4y5IphfHaKyHjlcDQ0HoTTryM9oXu1eQseqfuT9lhPpzgFCWFqa6cuJDOyuiAcyzsQbMxCK_QcXmScZXAOwsOuvs/s320/IMG_7380.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Black River from bridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihbtOQq4aSwREn9KAr5U-QIBbL7xRxVOdNj08veEQJaDhpKArb8lYnCCNt0EeZMfxNHVtmIFMRqBtBtep63Ow_-wJXit97dY-BIgn_lgnDwUjoMNaRs58d4n2gRZcv0gwvPjl_4k1E64/s4032/IMG_7381.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihbtOQq4aSwREn9KAr5U-QIBbL7xRxVOdNj08veEQJaDhpKArb8lYnCCNt0EeZMfxNHVtmIFMRqBtBtep63Ow_-wJXit97dY-BIgn_lgnDwUjoMNaRs58d4n2gRZcv0gwvPjl_4k1E64/s320/IMG_7381.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black River Harbor entrance<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIj9YvbFkozAz4PLHZ8K4vR58mZKCMdand7vCgnLBVY3dl_gn5EyoticVTDDh8bc3CuVZWyvrEdehSWJwZEmvKIEEwwZ-GUqCa15Qcv69rkDex5_iy0-MLXNx_bn9RNRWHq9qQjHGAW0/s3897/IMG_7385.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3897" data-original-width="2922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIj9YvbFkozAz4PLHZ8K4vR58mZKCMdand7vCgnLBVY3dl_gn5EyoticVTDDh8bc3CuVZWyvrEdehSWJwZEmvKIEEwwZ-GUqCa15Qcv69rkDex5_iy0-MLXNx_bn9RNRWHq9qQjHGAW0/s320/IMG_7385.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Lake Superior at harbor jetty<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji36xm5X_nv8fkJtG8KMDncivdnj7UvbbGuT0Cz5V-vujX9hAa0bupe3H3jP6j3Jt9KE7ju6o2F4Z4e4mLh5tBQPmNFuzTjbf7OpgY3IObm67CKSKzvDOT8XtNJiWb9bM5WJcBJf-agRU/s4032/IMG_7389.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji36xm5X_nv8fkJtG8KMDncivdnj7UvbbGuT0Cz5V-vujX9hAa0bupe3H3jP6j3Jt9KE7ju6o2F4Z4e4mLh5tBQPmNFuzTjbf7OpgY3IObm67CKSKzvDOT8XtNJiWb9bM5WJcBJf-agRU/s320/IMG_7389.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach driftwood<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlTYLiOSIJxwZkVOfS9k9U0xPwMu14GiCynvZHl6t-lSHdbnaMb7Lc041PNPe7t-FceFO55Upbhv-U6P96JskQr7RwRCo0Dc_RHO0ZUvO9mbMj_-L6iMynM4NAZeCca9vRIG7JWVeLTk/s3872/IMG_7396.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3872" data-original-width="2904" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlTYLiOSIJxwZkVOfS9k9U0xPwMu14GiCynvZHl6t-lSHdbnaMb7Lc041PNPe7t-FceFO55Upbhv-U6P96JskQr7RwRCo0Dc_RHO0ZUvO9mbMj_-L6iMynM4NAZeCca9vRIG7JWVeLTk/s320/IMG_7396.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the harbor from the bridge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>With commitments at home we had to end our stay at Black River Harbor. The drive home was sweet with the fall display in full swing. Spectacular vistas of forested hills and sparkling lakes kept us entertained and provided a fitting conclusion to a fine trip.<br /><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf017Rc7XwbizAuplxtE8ogpEL2jp1qhCmmwSGmIYz8W8aYC3ebw8Xqn7dOqR8pMOYBO8AGNMaoPK270nO8plFc3TmeAAR8tZF4_eh66du6NQWs4gr3jZuo1a5Hhz1c7tnIcPICus1Iqk/s3966/IMG_3416+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2974" data-original-width="3966" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf017Rc7XwbizAuplxtE8ogpEL2jp1qhCmmwSGmIYz8W8aYC3ebw8Xqn7dOqR8pMOYBO8AGNMaoPK270nO8plFc3TmeAAR8tZF4_eh66du6NQWs4gr3jZuo1a5Hhz1c7tnIcPICus1Iqk/s320/IMG_3416+2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin lunch spot on the drive home<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-53100401189478071002019-09-11T10:26:00.000-05:002019-09-11T20:26:04.625-05:00Another Trip to Denver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The impending Labor Day weekend gave us a good excuse to drive to Denver again. Our son and daughter-in-law would have 3 days off and we could help out with some more house projects. We mapped out a different route this time to check out some new camping spots and sights to see along the way.</div>
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We left on Tuesday afternoon. The drive to Denver is possible in 2 long days but we prefer to break it up into 3 shorter days. Our first target was Lake Shetek State Park in southwestern Minnesota. We enjoy taking the back roads rather than the freeways. The drive
through southwestern Minnesota takes us through a rolling landscape of
healthy farms and small towns. We arrived at the park in early evening.</div>
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From the park website: </div>
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The word "Shetek" is Ojibwe for "pelican,<b>"</b> a bird which
visits Lake Shetek during the summer and fall. The park contains the
largest lake in southwestern Minnesota, which forms the headwaters of
the Des Moines River.</div>
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Lake Shetek lies in the Coteau des Prairie ("highlands of the prairie")
region of Minnesota, a geological area which separates the Minnesota
River from the Missouri River watershed. </div>
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Before modern agriculture was introduced, most of the Lake Shetek area
was a treeless prairie with hundreds of species of wildflowers and
grasses. Today, a large portion of the 1,108-acre park consists of old
fields and forests of oak, hackberry, basswood, elm, and ash. Efforts to restore the prairie are underway.</div>
</blockquote>
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We checked in at the park office, selected a campsite and settled
in for the evening. There were a few other campers but the campground was quiet. A nice breeze kept the bugs at bay. After dinner we
took a walk around the campground and enjoyed the sunset over the lake.</div>
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Note: please click on the photos to see a larger version.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5PWRHuI1bKmqLetzfRexmkEXAZjCqMffqgyqopaD2kyF8sfir80YDN3a8aCWkXEK11KZQBfphpCwCNdngzUUan35kQmnaEs2xh5PKapuxNLt4DMExgq3SEo34BfkT5MLNJzQ_uc1biw/s1600/IMG_6747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5PWRHuI1bKmqLetzfRexmkEXAZjCqMffqgyqopaD2kyF8sfir80YDN3a8aCWkXEK11KZQBfphpCwCNdngzUUan35kQmnaEs2xh5PKapuxNLt4DMExgq3SEo34BfkT5MLNJzQ_uc1biw/s320/IMG_6747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at Lake Shetek.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDItgGzsWmol-4KHLr43L45rEQpDOwxw88C-C4anDES7i0FwekQLXDr_hHv258V1NdVA5lCiIPBM9DLWt_SpHnuf2txSB1mJMN8eNqlVRgxxMkxcyGXV6sRAaMQTapxYDJ1pKorVLSJo/s1600/IMG_6752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDItgGzsWmol-4KHLr43L45rEQpDOwxw88C-C4anDES7i0FwekQLXDr_hHv258V1NdVA5lCiIPBM9DLWt_SpHnuf2txSB1mJMN8eNqlVRgxxMkxcyGXV6sRAaMQTapxYDJ1pKorVLSJo/s320/IMG_6752.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the lake.</td></tr>
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The next day took us through South Dakota, across the Missouri River and into into Nebraska. At the town of Garretson, South Dakota, we stopped briefly to visit Devils Gulch at Palisades State Park.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEEYv-WjExLzG-MsE7ObJv0-1zq1W67PlYZ8nC3egHNEmSzgYSxQhzVa0xnmikKkDh_yqLCURrn0HP2vGq-YiTtxjsu40GkhZuhgM1t2NNxhXqMRldJ2t8hF53PBSJ5wuTA2pmBzwtNA/s1600/IMG_6753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEEYv-WjExLzG-MsE7ObJv0-1zq1W67PlYZ8nC3egHNEmSzgYSxQhzVa0xnmikKkDh_yqLCURrn0HP2vGq-YiTtxjsu40GkhZuhgM1t2NNxhXqMRldJ2t8hF53PBSJ5wuTA2pmBzwtNA/s320/IMG_6753.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Devil's Gulch near the parking area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1UoPKkgvLWxYgeyxYPUQpS72z7_RKBZlRivjBHS008KHbGZ0i4pjakv8IXfTT7RY-lIcP7k3V_SLX-Drdrm1mfslGmd2S-Ykr9iSFgcaKSA5eZ9LqUvDQtS2aVvuhyphenhyphenuQmVRix7QhfW8/s1600/IMG_6754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1UoPKkgvLWxYgeyxYPUQpS72z7_RKBZlRivjBHS008KHbGZ0i4pjakv8IXfTT7RY-lIcP7k3V_SLX-Drdrm1mfslGmd2S-Ykr9iSFgcaKSA5eZ9LqUvDQtS2aVvuhyphenhyphenuQmVRix7QhfW8/s320/IMG_6754.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Devil's Gulch.</td></tr>
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Split Rock Creek cuts through the Sioux quartzite at Palisades State Park to make a spectacular gorge. We did not take time to hike around but based on photos on the internet, Palisades State Park looks like a place we will return to in the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/b1718bd3cbd064ebd6d91a4cff51de96b808b891/c=36-0-604-427/local/-/media/2018/05/23/SiouxFalls/SiouxFalls/636626693174480805-SFABrd-03-01-2013-ArgusLeader-1-D002-2013-02-28-IMG-SoDakScenes401.jpg-1-1-6P3GETE5-L189715283-IMG-SoDakScenes401.jpg-1-1-6P3GETE5.jpg?width=520&height=390&fit=crop" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="520" height="240" src="https://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/b1718bd3cbd064ebd6d91a4cff51de96b808b891/c=36-0-604-427/local/-/media/2018/05/23/SiouxFalls/SiouxFalls/636626693174480805-SFABrd-03-01-2013-ArgusLeader-1-D002-2013-02-28-IMG-SoDakScenes401.jpg-1-1-6P3GETE5-L189715283-IMG-SoDakScenes401.jpg-1-1-6P3GETE5.jpg?width=520&height=390&fit=crop" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image of Palisades State Park from the Argus Leader by Ray Reiffenberger</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZvOutVl_SkSaZkQ5Dv10nsEqNJuVMVG7rmrOmT7PVLdxBw_xTBsXmn5Kq6gh99COuWBRAan5Hq-fXKhE-ELliSfD95b4Eglo0WpCf0OYEh-ba560QP2cuui1j1lP2L2GYjemWP6i3BY/s1600/IMG_6755.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZvOutVl_SkSaZkQ5Dv10nsEqNJuVMVG7rmrOmT7PVLdxBw_xTBsXmn5Kq6gh99COuWBRAan5Hq-fXKhE-ELliSfD95b4Eglo0WpCf0OYEh-ba560QP2cuui1j1lP2L2GYjemWP6i3BY/s320/IMG_6755.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Missouri River valley.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQELvGVFjTcPaf7-XPAgYvkaflpRhCI2QFSoBrf1sxVLej-0J-UK5l6vQ3r1RTbCByXKjgKGAr9-jEpgpRfBSDvUiTrR1MHohF81hdvJBOllw4M7u93INi7SZq0GtWx1_ACA3Bsd-Zyw/s1600/IMG_6756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQELvGVFjTcPaf7-XPAgYvkaflpRhCI2QFSoBrf1sxVLej-0J-UK5l6vQ3r1RTbCByXKjgKGAr9-jEpgpRfBSDvUiTrR1MHohF81hdvJBOllw4M7u93INi7SZq0GtWx1_ACA3Bsd-Zyw/s320/IMG_6756.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Missouri River.</td></tr>
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We passed through vast fields of sunflowers and endured several long road construction delays. We have usually camped in the Sandhills of the Nebraska National Forest. This trip we decided to check out other potential camping sites. We thought we might find a good spot in the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest or along the Niobrara National Scenic River. There was a nice rustic campground in the National Forest but we passed it by in the heat and humidity. Stifling heat and bugs chased us from several other sites. We eventually ended up at Merritt Reservoir near the town of Valentine.<br />
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The reservoir was created by an earthen dam on the Snake River. A well-developed recreation area with several campgrounds surrounds the reservoir and provided us with a very pleasant campsite right next to the lake.<br />
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We set up camp, made dinner and enjoyed the sunset.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n_e2jVAViXax9bzGTZZWbz_PGbOA08E1T5sjo6sg8_VvHwYNaxLfDSDs66FQ_vfdvtW8A1j92uiLHhLFCi8jN_Ovady_PC6KvyzBa_428ccF-sAh_9umov-N9WM0cuFR2baikVqGgps/s1600/IMG_6762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n_e2jVAViXax9bzGTZZWbz_PGbOA08E1T5sjo6sg8_VvHwYNaxLfDSDs66FQ_vfdvtW8A1j92uiLHhLFCi8jN_Ovady_PC6KvyzBa_428ccF-sAh_9umov-N9WM0cuFR2baikVqGgps/s320/IMG_6762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset in camp at Merritt Reservoir.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK-3L-9y0NYhQFqN3nm3mKyJVybNMrwk0-8jBeCAm38KjlnFhx_w9kJ9gXhiz4yJ8IPDmKQUop1uhZuCZInrkG24A0YPsi5mw19wrb_shwPcx98j47Eoim7w_x29zOpQLxgPODoFXBo4/s1600/IMG_6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK-3L-9y0NYhQFqN3nm3mKyJVybNMrwk0-8jBeCAm38KjlnFhx_w9kJ9gXhiz4yJ8IPDmKQUop1uhZuCZInrkG24A0YPsi5mw19wrb_shwPcx98j47Eoim7w_x29zOpQLxgPODoFXBo4/s320/IMG_6766.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning in camp- ready to hit the road.</td></tr>
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We arrived in Denver on Thursday afternoon, having survived a few more construction delays and detours. We also had an unanticipated water crossing, where 8 inches of floodwaters had covered the highway south of Valentine. Cars and trucks were allowed through one at a time in alternating directions and we eventually took our turn without incident.<br />
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We enjoyed three good days of projects and hanging out with our son and daughter-in-law. A highlight for me was delivering an old Craftsman reel lawn mower that had been bought new by my father in the 1950s and well used by me and my brothers mowing our lawns growing up. Although the mower had been recently sharpened, childhood memories flooded back as my son and I struggled to push the mower through the thick grass which hadn't been mowed for a month. Once the grass was chopped to a civilized length, the mower worked well. It will be perfect for the small Denver lawn. Of course I forgot to take a picture but found a match on the internet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8KmiplidinQIAjaCLlV-fl3LUaX8v9Or-4wtqguD4G_ef1AiqHFoxAguLiO2q5qcRNUFxLOarPJcythRIsakntTZDU9fPmtrwGThGQndFTZi9O33i_Nza6Npa85Df_W6zMOmIw-CV7k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-09-11+at+12.51.54+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX8KmiplidinQIAjaCLlV-fl3LUaX8v9Or-4wtqguD4G_ef1AiqHFoxAguLiO2q5qcRNUFxLOarPJcythRIsakntTZDU9fPmtrwGThGQndFTZi9O33i_Nza6Npa85Df_W6zMOmIw-CV7k/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-09-11+at+12.51.54+PM.png" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craftsman mower (photo from eBay)</td></tr>
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On Tuesday, the kids had to return to work. We packed up and hit the road again for home. We encountered heavy traffic in Boulder where we stopped at Costco to get a lost screw for my glasses replaced. We also stopped at REI to pick up a butane canister for a Jetboil stove that my son had given me for making morning coffee.<br />
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With those errands accomplished, we headed to Rocky Mountain National Park. Last time we had gone straight to the west side of the park for camping. This time we had decided to try our luck with getting a campsite on the more popular east side of the park. We knew chances were slim based on checking the campsite reservation system before we left Denver. Sure enough, all the campgrounds were full with cars waiting in line at each one. So we headed over the Trail Ridge Road to the west side where reservations are not allowed at the Timber Creek campground. We arrived around 5 PM and found plentiful camping available. We picked a site with room for our truck and trailer and set up camp.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTj-tqIYDWoeoLHRaKEfMmUR7Ba0sW5cIPKJHaPTvX8bc-S_UhTM_yyPl4uODZsYj0joA5u5UDN3mP6gu0VRQN1lUfY9T6mmyTRgMaTgtqkVf3aCC3R9CPnsZHnHQ4-P8yG6JawjA-0U/s1600/IMG_6768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioTj-tqIYDWoeoLHRaKEfMmUR7Ba0sW5cIPKJHaPTvX8bc-S_UhTM_yyPl4uODZsYj0joA5u5UDN3mP6gu0VRQN1lUfY9T6mmyTRgMaTgtqkVf3aCC3R9CPnsZHnHQ4-P8yG6JawjA-0U/s320/IMG_6768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at Timber Creek campground.</td></tr>
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In the morning we woke to a herd of elk wandering through camp, grazing on the grass and poking their noses into tents. We enjoyed watching them. Eventually they meandered off on their way to the nearby meadow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yXwLfqsYal4WSJ0ALw7x3tORSgWrMSm74zrwQUkBeHSiCc-NyGrYutZSDCgA8hASEMp6mKQBHKN1utYupRMQeg4AadV8ckqKtqX7OSP6aaSpl4b0we3P2Rss7QdhlnI4xfWRO-WctHY/s1600/IMG_1381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1332" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yXwLfqsYal4WSJ0ALw7x3tORSgWrMSm74zrwQUkBeHSiCc-NyGrYutZSDCgA8hASEMp6mKQBHKN1utYupRMQeg4AadV8ckqKtqX7OSP6aaSpl4b0we3P2Rss7QdhlnI4xfWRO-WctHY/s320/IMG_1381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk checking out a tent.</td></tr>
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We decided on a hike over to the Holzwarth Historic Site about a mile from camp. Rain was forecast for the afternoon and we thought we could do the hike and return to camp before the storm hit. The hike took us through a beautiful mountain meadow and eventually across the Colorado River to the site. Seeing the mighty Colorado as a small stream recalled a similar place at the source of the Mississippi River in Minnesota. On our way back, a cow moose wandered through the meadow ahead of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z39DBLXKi26wm2euXswrNTHD3g1aHPV_Jadrh0j7OjvoVZarGx0geitL06jqR5rcKLHz8G43ND8kY_OhyNRZj7btU5n5EBkG62JPE_BegA8cIO_UefgqEc7n7FpT3Qa_mSYK8_KcvLE/s1600/IMG_6774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z39DBLXKi26wm2euXswrNTHD3g1aHPV_Jadrh0j7OjvoVZarGx0geitL06jqR5rcKLHz8G43ND8kY_OhyNRZj7btU5n5EBkG62JPE_BegA8cIO_UefgqEc7n7FpT3Qa_mSYK8_KcvLE/s320/IMG_6774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful mountain meadow.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtjpTU2GH9KhKF0NAR58YgMw0zTMtmRS78emzRDwcN-e30J6kzIw0YFOBCFDN8c8yjLLk0p9tmmgS7FtaSHSc7a1-8-6B1wqfgBqLsPdguizy7LmEdK4hPyIYNc2HN7SalHxXqTce_Vw/s1600/IMG_6775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtjpTU2GH9KhKF0NAR58YgMw0zTMtmRS78emzRDwcN-e30J6kzIw0YFOBCFDN8c8yjLLk0p9tmmgS7FtaSHSc7a1-8-6B1wqfgBqLsPdguizy7LmEdK4hPyIYNc2HN7SalHxXqTce_Vw/s320/IMG_6775.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meadow is closed in the evenings during the rutting season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjaewOrcs3R392DWSTTifaJ-_IIBJAuFMZn_Z_g5yT2ChNJyXA-MwGtfJXO1m6OBto1_yLWoiF44UmuGgS1Gst_J8d-oMUoHWZRs7iBQxpaRDNhMFgzBmIuU0VChTnWUDA9L7eWJAmeQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-09-10+at+8.55.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="407" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjaewOrcs3R392DWSTTifaJ-_IIBJAuFMZn_Z_g5yT2ChNJyXA-MwGtfJXO1m6OBto1_yLWoiF44UmuGgS1Gst_J8d-oMUoHWZRs7iBQxpaRDNhMFgzBmIuU0VChTnWUDA9L7eWJAmeQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-09-10+at+8.55.51+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signpost at the Colorado River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkseC1FnzQYOWiwwu573eH7POMc5WFv08LyUsRYIExrTOpybDaJNhChEbz3KhNNcZlZmeIpUaN9Xn8-4W6JMneXjsGBSuPkfvwZbPGUhWYweUR6K_uFrLnHt21IUHH7EdhAXPgidYZW88/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-09-10+at+9.02.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkseC1FnzQYOWiwwu573eH7POMc5WFv08LyUsRYIExrTOpybDaJNhChEbz3KhNNcZlZmeIpUaN9Xn8-4W6JMneXjsGBSuPkfvwZbPGUhWYweUR6K_uFrLnHt21IUHH7EdhAXPgidYZW88/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-09-10+at+9.02.37+PM.png" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail from the signpost.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaD0k_p-n_wgDnVy69KzN3yxL9wRQOU82NWuA3E9dY9l6PeYSLr-jXOwZFKqViwXvprBx-JEFEBZdeL6uVGQ2h83fj9kyGfvHMV58v6cd4N2HCC5MXXnydtgqllLpaRZNFOuXPMNdT2k/s1600/EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaD0k_p-n_wgDnVy69KzN3yxL9wRQOU82NWuA3E9dY9l6PeYSLr-jXOwZFKqViwXvprBx-JEFEBZdeL6uVGQ2h83fj9kyGfvHMV58v6cd4N2HCC5MXXnydtgqllLpaRZNFOuXPMNdT2k/s320/EFFECTS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Colorado River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuICTCsQ7APx6rtq0tkumEaYOHYjKF_o9Xh4CayAq_mps50JtsF82yoGxqJuBNgU9PEUK_PB1kjIKzMxnn52d8ytXhhQrQ-0qaShs9-rdp9mehdWlm5EeZghLCu1JlwthOxiACo3xSytw/s1600/IMG_6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuICTCsQ7APx6rtq0tkumEaYOHYjKF_o9Xh4CayAq_mps50JtsF82yoGxqJuBNgU9PEUK_PB1kjIKzMxnn52d8ytXhhQrQ-0qaShs9-rdp9mehdWlm5EeZghLCu1JlwthOxiACo3xSytw/s320/IMG_6782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old horse corral and scenic meadow.</td></tr>
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The Holzwarth Ranch was originally homesteaded in 1917 and over time
became a tourist destination for people wanting to spend time in the
scenic area. We imagined people driving their Model T cars up the rough
road in the 1920s to spend some time at the ranch. The property was acquired by the Nature Conservancy in 1974 and eventually
transferred to the park. We enjoyed the hike and visit quite a lot. More
information on the history can be found here: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/holzwarth-historic-site.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/holzwarth-historic-site.htm</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3M4O5zFI8NE2OAz3sXj4MpwuKMowkvzKce4WbsSeP2xV2fY7uL_DgAIqAttGj0UumWI8YfWT1m-AXj2ya5XnfiZUxeBRgi1_wBv3-xYXtViD5SQA4tZ8EKUiWO6sXTcNSIc0hFF4FW4/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3M4O5zFI8NE2OAz3sXj4MpwuKMowkvzKce4WbsSeP2xV2fY7uL_DgAIqAttGj0UumWI8YfWT1m-AXj2ya5XnfiZUxeBRgi1_wBv3-xYXtViD5SQA4tZ8EKUiWO6sXTcNSIc0hFF4FW4/s320/IMG_6788.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign post at the Holzwarth site- lots of buildings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8HgretMRZjFPFH-Skej6jty1Tw9p8BmhSoZu63Vg5HUktUEEH1JsajRvJMYA3swExUAaGZn52BjDVx52-qAEftou_34B38zktjKgIDR5OrdnEUs5ejen-02rDDnv9-3-tInpsONjA7c/s1600/IMG_6785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8HgretMRZjFPFH-Skej6jty1Tw9p8BmhSoZu63Vg5HUktUEEH1JsajRvJMYA3swExUAaGZn52BjDVx52-qAEftou_34B38zktjKgIDR5OrdnEUs5ejen-02rDDnv9-3-tInpsONjA7c/s320/IMG_6785.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Mama Cabin" where meals were prepared and served.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cpCSarwV6r1T0Z3JPgYbbJAyvz9N2FhDKf9ATqiEYl6GLGAaEs0AS76GV4Bcwk8fgQhSFcIrG-n2KS0y-D_I6rmLd2Xe-KiWFEnWQeiiSU4y2L4sl0zfKpKdkmSxV_KBcE6ABVCLyMA/s1600/IMG_6786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cpCSarwV6r1T0Z3JPgYbbJAyvz9N2FhDKf9ATqiEYl6GLGAaEs0AS76GV4Bcwk8fgQhSFcIrG-n2KS0y-D_I6rmLd2Xe-KiWFEnWQeiiSU4y2L4sl0zfKpKdkmSxV_KBcE6ABVCLyMA/s320/IMG_6786.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Door to the taxidermy shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKFvCwBEwftni9rwiewB0GNtNu2LLVBN77xC9GEbCJUDiGGCg2ok9qRaE4WwsZNKzatDXBWcuaxyGTVXJrjgRBqqlb6vv5TyR1yZYFt_cEep5F5sWidsnsc28akHQbbXj59PbFG2JylM/s1600/IMG_6790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKFvCwBEwftni9rwiewB0GNtNu2LLVBN77xC9GEbCJUDiGGCg2ok9qRaE4WwsZNKzatDXBWcuaxyGTVXJrjgRBqqlb6vv5TyR1yZYFt_cEep5F5sWidsnsc28akHQbbXj59PbFG2JylM/s320/IMG_6790.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene back at camp.</td></tr>
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We returned to camp just before the storm hit. Lightning and thunder with lots of rain made us thankful for our camper. We stayed inside and read our books until the storm passed. The weather cleared up in time for dinner and a show by another herd of elk that descended from the hills into camp after dinner. We heard the bull bugling before we saw him- a distinctive, wild sound. Cows, calves, and young males grazed their way through the campground while people watched. Finally the large bull elk emerged from the trees. He stayed on the hill overseeing the action while the rest of the herd came into camp. We watched the big bull chase off a young male who expressed too much interest in one of the cows hanging out near the big bull. We watched the cows still nursing calves and bulls too young to have antlers but still exhibiting rutting behaviors. The herd wandered on and the bull took a route around the campground. All in all, a great show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbB3XCkUt4BzM9l5H9EZ0SX4Z1MjcFCiGJGG12sGOf2UYLhPNzGReVUYcXTHxQ0fq1Tvp7ZIcrXNGVjyr0DqB9XyoElzGNtg3SM-fc3OaCAVkIupQ4tXOD6udy387ARs14RtASFPkmL8/s1600/IMG_6791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbB3XCkUt4BzM9l5H9EZ0SX4Z1MjcFCiGJGG12sGOf2UYLhPNzGReVUYcXTHxQ0fq1Tvp7ZIcrXNGVjyr0DqB9XyoElzGNtg3SM-fc3OaCAVkIupQ4tXOD6udy387ARs14RtASFPkmL8/s320/IMG_6791.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk in camp in the evening.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP5qro12sIlbzjD09st6oNJoTQOgG5O5nlBw9_0Pd3MshgNFpHUZN3DvW9tb00V7dtcTcqRQSFblfRnrigNgr8CIrNoyMXVhk23FC9qAw5IqqIXjPLLF2C5B2LQSXNrdYOoiUhfPRZZA/s1600/IMG_6793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1281" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIP5qro12sIlbzjD09st6oNJoTQOgG5O5nlBw9_0Pd3MshgNFpHUZN3DvW9tb00V7dtcTcqRQSFblfRnrigNgr8CIrNoyMXVhk23FC9qAw5IqqIXjPLLF2C5B2LQSXNrdYOoiUhfPRZZA/s320/IMG_6793.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big bull is visible on the hill, just right of center in the photo.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmsXgnk1fUNlRacjKtd1hKjQ17jq0enfzmqBKG9u-dMjBDty_Zcs4HiFC184R7G3OG7WSuGP8cGWpXYiWwK9w3M7c559Q2XUv00UwV3K8MhGQKWP2ctBhF1P4MamjSrMfYZ-KWG0qDBA/s1600/IMG_6797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmsXgnk1fUNlRacjKtd1hKjQ17jq0enfzmqBKG9u-dMjBDty_Zcs4HiFC184R7G3OG7WSuGP8cGWpXYiWwK9w3M7c559Q2XUv00UwV3K8MhGQKWP2ctBhF1P4MamjSrMfYZ-KWG0qDBA/s320/IMG_6797.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk cow wandering through camp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8aZBrvdMl2-1Z31Z6WW-njzarhj357X47VRTp3MWrceq8xqCtYx8_MeU-f9YIPB0sP2Rxu4-AldF9UDsWWqAcGVU1pgotqJD_GUH1wT293dXCDucneQ8kfblJhpTL0SppB2OZKdDnRU/s1600/IMG_6800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8aZBrvdMl2-1Z31Z6WW-njzarhj357X47VRTp3MWrceq8xqCtYx8_MeU-f9YIPB0sP2Rxu4-AldF9UDsWWqAcGVU1pgotqJD_GUH1wT293dXCDucneQ8kfblJhpTL0SppB2OZKdDnRU/s320/IMG_6800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky mountain sunset.</td></tr>
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The next morning we departed early on the next leg of our trip home. Our intended target was the Black Hills area of South Dakota. We drove the Trail Ridge Road again, in early morning this time, with nice views of the valleys below.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH2zuPPMc5hsxVH9nqHctQNK3dWYw-Tt2QMhwDdCN9fSkfwVDGYwQb3ZhtCDyuMsC7rRXHvUsteggq0JOb7mBT4NGac820F7ogOKKLH8jOh77tDklI_b3-EBQMR6BK_PzDSpvWZyPtSM/s1600/IMG_6802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH2zuPPMc5hsxVH9nqHctQNK3dWYw-Tt2QMhwDdCN9fSkfwVDGYwQb3ZhtCDyuMsC7rRXHvUsteggq0JOb7mBT4NGac820F7ogOKKLH8jOh77tDklI_b3-EBQMR6BK_PzDSpvWZyPtSM/s320/IMG_6802.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the valley from Trail Ridge Road.</td></tr>
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Our route took us through Estes Park and along the Big Thompson River. We stopped for lunch at a nice county park along the river before leaving the mountain scenery behind. As we passed through the flat prairie and sand hills of Eastern Wyoming we saw antelope mingling with the cows. We eventually made it to Wind Cave National Park. We camped in a nondescript campsite in the national park campground alongside lots of RV-style campers. The campers were quiet though and we had a good night's sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYJyVp9lY53ekOnmtgA5CrtNfknAHcjEVxEhwzts9J_bGlU1svihSqoMm7XZGiHaHIpforiKj-jp_-BPHTYdMbYIu-C4evKmvKOb1rghcmGisxJ0h2posmT-xNCp8xym9uTVclmQQtzE/s1600/IMG_6804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYJyVp9lY53ekOnmtgA5CrtNfknAHcjEVxEhwzts9J_bGlU1svihSqoMm7XZGiHaHIpforiKj-jp_-BPHTYdMbYIu-C4evKmvKOb1rghcmGisxJ0h2posmT-xNCp8xym9uTVclmQQtzE/s320/IMG_6804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Thompson River.</td></tr>
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We woke to cloudy skies and distant thunder. We packed up and were on the road just as the rain hit. It rained off and on the rest of the day. Our drive took us through the Black Hills and Custer State Park in South Dakota. Bison were seemingly everywhere and often on the road. We stopped several times and had to negotiate with some big bull bison to give us a share of the road. The road was very scenic with deep pine woods and occasional high overlooks. We enjoyed that portion of the drive a lot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL-Gh2sBwjhrTk7NQYnIXTDHbOrbTJOjFFlsx5Rtux0Boc7z5t3Rj-lsogluwDMUxx74QE5B1TDlUeD8YKWmpEPAHJej8kvt86phogmM0b6Drh-yg-O2DZeFSJkLwqBhuAlhHIaO3sx4/s1600/IMG_6807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL-Gh2sBwjhrTk7NQYnIXTDHbOrbTJOjFFlsx5Rtux0Boc7z5t3Rj-lsogluwDMUxx74QE5B1TDlUeD8YKWmpEPAHJej8kvt86phogmM0b6Drh-yg-O2DZeFSJkLwqBhuAlhHIaO3sx4/s320/IMG_6807.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitary bison in the rain.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zqGa3HWPy0cFUINVuVb2gSga6rqyFJ633iDkYT8ENG9vAVkDgF0n9Ml1fkYs-vb-vTnGce2lHUl4BFO10dwCsR-ybQND-OFNEkul69r3xVap52q8lac1oVOGmnR_SX0wyjQYBafXul0/s1600/IMG_6810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zqGa3HWPy0cFUINVuVb2gSga6rqyFJ633iDkYT8ENG9vAVkDgF0n9Ml1fkYs-vb-vTnGce2lHUl4BFO10dwCsR-ybQND-OFNEkul69r3xVap52q8lac1oVOGmnR_SX0wyjQYBafXul0/s320/IMG_6810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More grazing bison.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQFXf839m3A582_4MUoVS-S4YPebOB47hMCwa1A_HeQhE7MFj1TDOqPqwz0KNqH_Rslm9Xb7r0IKl_TD8H1m_Ddh7LHUU5S7uoZ9a1HNft57dVU4Xfa2D-V3gKKi6ceppd-y5xlCpFyA/s1600/IMG_6812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQFXf839m3A582_4MUoVS-S4YPebOB47hMCwa1A_HeQhE7MFj1TDOqPqwz0KNqH_Rslm9Xb7r0IKl_TD8H1m_Ddh7LHUU5S7uoZ9a1HNft57dVU4Xfa2D-V3gKKi6ceppd-y5xlCpFyA/s320/IMG_6812.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Black Hills.</td></tr>
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After leaving the Black Hills, the road stretched straight and flat ahead of us as we crossed South Dakota. We finally made camp at Camden State Park in Minnesota in a nice site on the edge of the prairie. Our campsite was close to the shower building and we took advantage of nice hot showers.<br />
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The next day broke rainy again. We completed our drive home, stopping along the way for a good breakfast at Mike's Cafe in Marshall, Minnesota. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1-qBKhg-nAK5GBSBcAbDmJhpcymwbyjc1Nc5mGBxKg69s_jzbqytG3E5CklUdHQXJO4V-qrUroyL-NJDwOpCmj_RVUMIx0BDudGehigasg1xFiYhZ9Hsj-ZMAYDsnzIz3w3Erb0hlxk/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1-qBKhg-nAK5GBSBcAbDmJhpcymwbyjc1Nc5mGBxKg69s_jzbqytG3E5CklUdHQXJO4V-qrUroyL-NJDwOpCmj_RVUMIx0BDudGehigasg1xFiYhZ9Hsj-ZMAYDsnzIz3w3Erb0hlxk/s320/IMG_6816.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Camden State Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wNhWVhsqUQAo5-BpIKYFk7BtinPINpv0aSdk4oRvi5u4UlDWDEm55gouZtgQO24YZvlpiq9ZI5M-CvkR69cZWWGUsZ7VOvCdho5E_Yhob_mWazlehGHZjUn8-r9qwCMULdR0XEqGevE/s1600/IMG_6817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wNhWVhsqUQAo5-BpIKYFk7BtinPINpv0aSdk4oRvi5u4UlDWDEm55gouZtgQO24YZvlpiq9ZI5M-CvkR69cZWWGUsZ7VOvCdho5E_Yhob_mWazlehGHZjUn8-r9qwCMULdR0XEqGevE/s320/IMG_6817.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie view next to our camp.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-63339647002144719652019-08-21T11:52:00.001-05:002020-10-25T22:30:18.246-05:00Exploring the Superior National Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6bEQy85SdO-ONP_8vs5CYmh00clwdoDkGE6Fh2xvWe-Rayu8ZOxSdgEAJzXjWacKgkwefPdzHiuAp1gJ4srFg02CigGtloSLHgUZyccCdrxzQ1Dfj-vARGoeOD_ms8JHpPD4i5zlUiU/s1600/IMG_6635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6bEQy85SdO-ONP_8vs5CYmh00clwdoDkGE6Fh2xvWe-Rayu8ZOxSdgEAJzXjWacKgkwefPdzHiuAp1gJ4srFg02CigGtloSLHgUZyccCdrxzQ1Dfj-vARGoeOD_ms8JHpPD4i5zlUiU/s320/IMG_6635.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitefish Lake- a nice place to spend a summer day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: you can click on photos to see a larger version.</span></div>
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Summer in Minnesota is meant to be spent alongside a lake, with nothing to do but hang out, feel the warm sun and cooling breeze, maybe paddle a canoe a bit. This was our plan.<br />
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We set out on Monday afternoon with our sights set on a small, rustic US Forest Service campground on Whitefish Lake in the Superior National Forest. The trailer was loaded with our gear and two skin-on-frame boats. The boats were borrowed from <a href="http://urbanboatbuilders.org/" target="_blank">Urban Boatbuilders</a> where I have been a volunteer since I retired.<br />
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The goal was to camp for a few days, explore the lakes and surrounding forest, and just relax.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK3oeYiarhbKAt9AWK-dxUxwGojFHmwrZNBaD6__WxN6whcktnX9cGkAS_HYfcVcF-UY_yw4l_wrak1ZxBXjKavpPEV8kKToWQ1_lhMy85EIIt1rpUtLCjLJn-691HgXBrI5oARsw0GI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-08-21+at+10.47.07+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="350" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLK3oeYiarhbKAt9AWK-dxUxwGojFHmwrZNBaD6__WxN6whcktnX9cGkAS_HYfcVcF-UY_yw4l_wrak1ZxBXjKavpPEV8kKToWQ1_lhMy85EIIt1rpUtLCjLJn-691HgXBrI5oARsw0GI/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-08-21+at+10.47.07+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location of Whitefish Lake</td></tr>
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We arrived at the small, rustic Whitefish campground around 6 PM. There were 3 campsites nicely spaced, each with a picnic table and a fire ring. One of the 3 sites was occupied. We chose another, leaving the 3rd site empty between us. We set up camp under a darkening sky with rain threatening. The Clam screen house was deployed over the picnic table and provided a pleasant bug-free shelter for a light dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2KSOOySz_n-x1u_PspDWq99YtYZH5uDBEeJ1rXrIEdMhNyBdUZMClgWF7msgl4hawJdkMxrCmnZz2k-nNmTfxQvpRmG5opMd8mH655OhiOQpxJlsMRu3TW9wXevJtIfgS_Et2qj1Y6E/s1600/IMG_6627.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2KSOOySz_n-x1u_PspDWq99YtYZH5uDBEeJ1rXrIEdMhNyBdUZMClgWF7msgl4hawJdkMxrCmnZz2k-nNmTfxQvpRmG5opMd8mH655OhiOQpxJlsMRu3TW9wXevJtIfgS_Et2qj1Y6E/s320/IMG_6627.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Whitefish Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuF0CdBTvyl0ZF80IUpVLv00qrUn-NH9JaclgC5E7Pz1pEIEvKJLdchzg-9lIa_m5UKqKS3nuapCOt3jginp04mRZcMGBr3z8wzKRQkASQ_jXGvDUMam8FNrSJVUcuffqbuw65NkdL1E/s1600/IMG_6600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuF0CdBTvyl0ZF80IUpVLv00qrUn-NH9JaclgC5E7Pz1pEIEvKJLdchzg-9lIa_m5UKqKS3nuapCOt3jginp04mRZcMGBr3z8wzKRQkASQ_jXGvDUMam8FNrSJVUcuffqbuw65NkdL1E/s320/IMG_6600.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp at Whitefish Lake</td></tr>
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After dinner, we walked around the campground and over to the shore of Whitefish Lake. A small boat landing was located at the end of a short trail from the gravel parking lot. The parking lot held a few trucks left by folks out on the lake. Our neighbor had returned from fishing, leaving his boat tied up at the landing. The sun was setting on the distant shore.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwKM9WHLdk_ZkZamPaHx-cpq2T3L54YXhJatALA0tpoTuFQr42sSLL7ZHvTMOplO6fTY08bCHPLWNqc5OpfOjtJI2fGkFmWt7KnCeUzoCXPSZvtYjSmLVO79KILj3h9c2mDnTgY1zRPo/s1600/boat+landing+at+Whitefish+Lake.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="524" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwKM9WHLdk_ZkZamPaHx-cpq2T3L54YXhJatALA0tpoTuFQr42sSLL7ZHvTMOplO6fTY08bCHPLWNqc5OpfOjtJI2fGkFmWt7KnCeUzoCXPSZvtYjSmLVO79KILj3h9c2mDnTgY1zRPo/s320/boat+landing+at+Whitefish+Lake.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whitefish Lake boat landing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It was getting dark and would soon be raining. We retired to the camper for a good game of cribbage before heading to bed. We drifted off to the sound of light rain on the camper roof.<br />
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We woke to a grey, rainy morning. I made coffee and a pot of oatmeal while Kathy straightened up the camper for the day.<br />
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A lazy morning waiting for the clouds to clear was on order. We discovered raspberry bushes around our campsite with ripe berries waiting to be picked. Tomorrow's breakfast would include fresh berries!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3ocEfsEAT2N1NsiZ5dP111BCXGaF4ErYpeccV25rhq62-ateWifNTPIG03Ly-ndzPycTl398GrIa1UuwAlxcQ2ORyF0CM65tCx_WEUwLIJyViAZ-7VCpD44iqIr7rezmIYx-pZjx32c/s1600/IMG_6594.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3ocEfsEAT2N1NsiZ5dP111BCXGaF4ErYpeccV25rhq62-ateWifNTPIG03Ly-ndzPycTl398GrIa1UuwAlxcQ2ORyF0CM65tCx_WEUwLIJyViAZ-7VCpD44iqIr7rezmIYx-pZjx32c/s320/IMG_6594.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view from our screen house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeJtm8m4l8tlAs_6oxzT-hCguqiNjfQ0bHePqS5bKRjcLQXCYP4RaNXhxZQBGM5b0Wm619iigLtVKEd1cPMd7fjxp_3vtC3xoaJFO1tmFdEo6Q1VR4QF3j9KBZT45hBcREzA5v62z_bY/s1600/IMG_6596.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYeJtm8m4l8tlAs_6oxzT-hCguqiNjfQ0bHePqS5bKRjcLQXCYP4RaNXhxZQBGM5b0Wm619iigLtVKEd1cPMd7fjxp_3vtC3xoaJFO1tmFdEo6Q1VR4QF3j9KBZT45hBcREzA5v62z_bY/s320/IMG_6596.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning coffee and a contented man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh7ojHCTpxY-pF6mWICzMHwHdM9eRc-NoPMPnu8cnx62K5lRTJStCJfMWz3K3aISwxkSukkqhKzW_-t5vEuwoJaHY1FfMwUxn_kkXBfo-jdCGMD01Zsgy0K5itoqbbWEcopLO34eHz6Q/s1600/IMG_6604.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh7ojHCTpxY-pF6mWICzMHwHdM9eRc-NoPMPnu8cnx62K5lRTJStCJfMWz3K3aISwxkSukkqhKzW_-t5vEuwoJaHY1FfMwUxn_kkXBfo-jdCGMD01Zsgy0K5itoqbbWEcopLO34eHz6Q/s320/IMG_6604.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberries!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSBF2pD4zJK8DYha3arT3fQ9CaIy0NfLZZIQOw0zu2ff9wyygvIP0CSW5-VKe29xPhf-3e5Iboh8sZaWPPttUj19DL34QTSWbulhacAUkA-PUVXoiiWtOa-7h9MKqrwmgKcIxBVJpXxE/s1600/IMG_6605.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSBF2pD4zJK8DYha3arT3fQ9CaIy0NfLZZIQOw0zu2ff9wyygvIP0CSW5-VKe29xPhf-3e5Iboh8sZaWPPttUj19DL34QTSWbulhacAUkA-PUVXoiiWtOa-7h9MKqrwmgKcIxBVJpXxE/s320/IMG_6605.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More raspberries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNRA6bxHYPqTdekrlpjgBmF2_1aw1FfaFOfpbeXLxsNNtIau5MILtl5tAvNndWzZIXSUtFYmVFRniwIzIb2kOkd_fiVZqI19ftrSokn4kE592VKYOkr_HgQ4_jxUZ09Wy44dlCv8ki0k/s1600/IMG_6694.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNRA6bxHYPqTdekrlpjgBmF2_1aw1FfaFOfpbeXLxsNNtIau5MILtl5tAvNndWzZIXSUtFYmVFRniwIzIb2kOkd_fiVZqI19ftrSokn4kE592VKYOkr_HgQ4_jxUZ09Wy44dlCv8ki0k/s320/IMG_6694.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to take a picture before they were mostly gone. Tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The sun started to break through the clouds around noon. We decided to explore Whitefish Lake. We had two boats- a Wee Lassie and a Rob Roy. These boats are skin-on-frame style and very light weight- perfect for two old paddlers to carry and paddle.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW-F4WiVEYd6JxHhrdjBAoSF_dleMVxuZkNesqAwtyyViQQzL9dr0AacsBLYaY1AxJeEP_lJB5quYk8LihvR-EEe_nvhHA1r1tOENmbNsJO2Lrd3NhwbjClN8Am2rgLUbM3RABeuxEmk/s1600/IMG_6679.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaW-F4WiVEYd6JxHhrdjBAoSF_dleMVxuZkNesqAwtyyViQQzL9dr0AacsBLYaY1AxJeEP_lJB5quYk8LihvR-EEe_nvhHA1r1tOENmbNsJO2Lrd3NhwbjClN8Am2rgLUbM3RABeuxEmk/s320/IMG_6679.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats ready to launch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Minnesota is known for its many lakes. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), located on the Canadian border, is unique due to its unspoiled character and many lakes. Portage trails connect many of the lakes, making it possible to travel from one lake to the next, carrying a boat between them. It is a very popular destination, each trip requiring a permit from the US Forest Service. Much of our camping while the kids were growing up were canoe trips in the BWCA.<br />
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One of the attractions of Whitefish Lake for us was that it is connected to several other lakes by portage trails. Although outside the BWCA, it provides a very similar experience of visiting several wild lakes with the added attraction of no need for a permit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgr7Pe6xZXeV6p6xAEDtpFlh9QkaFeELVIIH6pihPHeFFIcjg_uilPJRPEKvOgu_Ughr7W1ijVkI5lVUYpYlgLjiIlVfk42L3MoaeEEXFbREfOJagkq2DjwRlSjnTQ7Z3y2rA0YTGnJQ/s1600/IMG_6634.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgr7Pe6xZXeV6p6xAEDtpFlh9QkaFeELVIIH6pihPHeFFIcjg_uilPJRPEKvOgu_Ughr7W1ijVkI5lVUYpYlgLjiIlVfk42L3MoaeEEXFbREfOJagkq2DjwRlSjnTQ7Z3y2rA0YTGnJQ/s320/IMG_6634.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign post map at Whitefish Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We launched and set off to test our boats and see the sights. Kathy took the Rob Roy and I the Wee Lassie. The weather was mixed sun and clouds and a light wind blowing toward our camp. We set a course across the lake and planned to follow the shore back to camp. I hoped to discover the portage to Elbow Lake along the way. We had a nice paddle and did find the portage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSOvMRgRWjBNYd7qv1WzMDabzGCQebRd9y5U6vTxV2rUKMlxiSMGNAiODIZGj5oSIyA_E9bN_ne8jweFFvTxtNPOdJ9kwlLK5DSp3wbttFMxI5f72kZehRQO8JgBZDGmcU1-bpwXb_6c/s1600/IMG_6609.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSOvMRgRWjBNYd7qv1WzMDabzGCQebRd9y5U6vTxV2rUKMlxiSMGNAiODIZGj5oSIyA_E9bN_ne8jweFFvTxtNPOdJ9kwlLK5DSp3wbttFMxI5f72kZehRQO8JgBZDGmcU1-bpwXb_6c/s320/IMG_6609.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy paddling the Rob Roy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60BUSde4xDLU1__SzDpgYUe_z5FULSjv3kER-xj2gGD1NELsYkt3II-zY61u7mPF_8x11pf59JOggsxvBALG7vIUGxjat0Tj5VzVj-O_Uzq7ot7DXRSvCkGjc2wLNd7tt7njJHpkNoSM/s1600/IMG_6611.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60BUSde4xDLU1__SzDpgYUe_z5FULSjv3kER-xj2gGD1NELsYkt3II-zY61u7mPF_8x11pf59JOggsxvBALG7vIUGxjat0Tj5VzVj-O_Uzq7ot7DXRSvCkGjc2wLNd7tt7njJHpkNoSM/s320/IMG_6611.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-lake meetup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ElQd4brns-xN_HuDmWwIRPWmYphe4dgTScStanwkYJruOsA8sxry1vIN3f05cK9TaTVuxj9u6xFz0hxxJ5NNHsCZeAtRR0XHZsL3WjfVlnfPoO5bFrBvaN1yRC2FaDoWjGpFfWxwv60/s1600/IMG_6612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ElQd4brns-xN_HuDmWwIRPWmYphe4dgTScStanwkYJruOsA8sxry1vIN3f05cK9TaTVuxj9u6xFz0hxxJ5NNHsCZeAtRR0XHZsL3WjfVlnfPoO5bFrBvaN1yRC2FaDoWjGpFfWxwv60/s320/IMG_6612.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stately old pine on the shore</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_32TS8tO9kZqsgxf8aYIi5WgTQtTHzAcz0b1wI2QyCBprUxHc9EQkBA4KO3wMkgrIZUU0UUfwRWx2FxRSBiUPGZFTs-fc01X3HvGVJfnaPfY9-BbZh1QNh_-xT-kmrz4g5Mrrjul5BY/s1600/IMG_6613.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_32TS8tO9kZqsgxf8aYIi5WgTQtTHzAcz0b1wI2QyCBprUxHc9EQkBA4KO3wMkgrIZUU0UUfwRWx2FxRSBiUPGZFTs-fc01X3HvGVJfnaPfY9-BbZh1QNh_-xT-kmrz4g5Mrrjul5BY/s320/IMG_6613.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of Kathy paddling the Rob Roy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IHIOuFaG4ZzveDPlfmsfoNndc3l-CpZx3VIT2SnwKunLCe98o_RAm6xkkoqsBq_Tfz1mezt6P_LGEjkGXE_y7AVLFHTFFtc91TxxFtwejlI94aqfMEGGutuamyvTzGIN477o0RQwkFQ/s1600/IMG_6614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2IHIOuFaG4ZzveDPlfmsfoNndc3l-CpZx3VIT2SnwKunLCe98o_RAm6xkkoqsBq_Tfz1mezt6P_LGEjkGXE_y7AVLFHTFFtc91TxxFtwejlI94aqfMEGGutuamyvTzGIN477o0RQwkFQ/s320/IMG_6614.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just don't have the selfie thing down. I thought I was smiling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We returned to camp with tired muscles but refreshed from the activity. I busied myself preparing wood for the evening camp fire while Kathy enjoyed some camp hangout time. The afternoon promised a nice evening ahead. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p9EiZCGOhBqPW3m91jxjP25WdoL2MGQzYcQCreCxs-BbPt3Tdux_YVbQow2CD0xQrWHvylIHpUfpHCnM8W1HI2aNLzb9yfcn6aZq6gJbuNWplf4fijRTLX_mQjon4hyphenhyphen-8-hmSH2HDcY/s1600/IMG_6690.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4p9EiZCGOhBqPW3m91jxjP25WdoL2MGQzYcQCreCxs-BbPt3Tdux_YVbQow2CD0xQrWHvylIHpUfpHCnM8W1HI2aNLzb9yfcn6aZq6gJbuNWplf4fijRTLX_mQjon4hyphenhyphen-8-hmSH2HDcY/s320/IMG_6690.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campfire tools and the result</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A mourning cloak butterfly made a visit and landed on a life vest drying in the sun. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_A6z_2LKSQ9tQz4AdB0d9-TSHhS_eAmF_9UEUSSdEiTQk63pmsxG8oC3nRydHC-KKp1zqX4ZsgXKvkSvtl0mzn2mPBrix4CCN_PRnaiKXSRmGWfoxmWblSSO2DITurKzbYj_re4Lcu4k/s1600/Mourning+Cloak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="541" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_A6z_2LKSQ9tQz4AdB0d9-TSHhS_eAmF_9UEUSSdEiTQk63pmsxG8oC3nRydHC-KKp1zqX4ZsgXKvkSvtl0mzn2mPBrix4CCN_PRnaiKXSRmGWfoxmWblSSO2DITurKzbYj_re4Lcu4k/s320/Mourning+Cloak.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mourning Cloak butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Chilly temps kept the bugs at bay and we enjoyed a nice evening campfire.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6o2ccBzImPJV5Ljwk_afV4qn0XU7VqL6VqXYo-p43Pnk8jwnR6P9ksBDYqEL6jP5c9P2JwfT9SGS9jP_kW1exUhQkeQXTakmkwBtSU0rWklq3OEF4S7JeTk3qJOQ-dMy3TkIZamwW7w/s1600/IMG_6693.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6o2ccBzImPJV5Ljwk_afV4qn0XU7VqL6VqXYo-p43Pnk8jwnR6P9ksBDYqEL6jP5c9P2JwfT9SGS9jP_kW1exUhQkeQXTakmkwBtSU0rWklq3OEF4S7JeTk3qJOQ-dMy3TkIZamwW7w/s320/IMG_6693.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice campfire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Wednesday dawned to another cloudy morning. We had hoped for a sunny day based on the forecast the evening before from our weather radio. We were planning a longer paddling day this day. We made burritos for a leisurely breakfast and decided to wait for the weather to improve. I split some more wood for an evening fire.<br />
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Going into a storage compartment under the rear seat platform in the truck, I discovered a nice fluffy mouse nest! An old t-shirt rag in the storage compartment had provided the raw material. How did a mouse get into the cab of the truck? How long had it been there? I puzzled about it for awhile and then remembered we had opened the sliding window a crack for fresh air during the drive up. Kathy had remembered it and closed it the next morning. That must be how it got inside. I tossed the nest and looked for the mouse- no sign it was still in the cab. It could have hopped out when the door was left open. I thought that was the end of it but there is more to come on this story.<br />
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I wandered around the campground and found an impressive wasp nest. I watched the wasps come and go for a bit and pondered the mystery of nature. Why do these insects build such impressive nests, only to die off during the winter and abandon their art?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl66GdyJx5zxBnQUIbuuSmhAJFoGp5PPgk1RFCdeXZbIe9rl_XHD4T-Kr4sIBk6YB1Y1aZmPfJqhkO5jIl5_Tx79g15l0qmMDkQLRZ9SCBsUuTmOZArxL_LP2pC0ipmH6HTfr2AbIqMc/s1600/IMG_6632.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl66GdyJx5zxBnQUIbuuSmhAJFoGp5PPgk1RFCdeXZbIe9rl_XHD4T-Kr4sIBk6YB1Y1aZmPfJqhkO5jIl5_Tx79g15l0qmMDkQLRZ9SCBsUuTmOZArxL_LP2pC0ipmH6HTfr2AbIqMc/s320/IMG_6632.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is that in the tree?</td></tr>
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On returning home, I identified the architects as likely being bald-faced hornets, based on their distinctive black and white coloring. The queens are the only ones to survive the winter. Queens are produced late in the summer. Their eggs are fertilized in the fall by males produced by the colony only for this purpose. As temperatures fall, the colony dies off. The queens survive by hibernating in a deep crevice. In the spring, the queen builds a small nest, lays her eggs and hatches workers which take over the nest building task. The queen then focuses on laying eggs. At first, the nest grows slowly. But as more workers are produced, the pace picks up resulting in an impressive nest such as the one I saw. The cycle of life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztXKNataGZ9UQuxbK30vQhEeXoFIAMXsn9FylOhZ_Bh-qNvhdmTl8hQF9_XjSqxi52-naHmu-le9AaC6HDhms5Qn0TN6g8WFfZX4iqHcB2A4RiEVfZIxBLdYxNGJYSjO_Up027hirCZc/s1600/IMG_6632+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztXKNataGZ9UQuxbK30vQhEeXoFIAMXsn9FylOhZ_Bh-qNvhdmTl8hQF9_XjSqxi52-naHmu-le9AaC6HDhms5Qn0TN6g8WFfZX4iqHcB2A4RiEVfZIxBLdYxNGJYSjO_Up027hirCZc/s320/IMG_6632+2.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer view of bald-faced hornet nest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Midday brought increasing periods of sun. We ate a light lunch and decided to spend the afternoon paddling. We dressed for water, gathered up our equipment and boats and headed over to the boat landing. This day I would paddle the Rob Roy and Kathy the Wee Lassie. Blue sky and light winds greeted us. We launched and paddled to the Elbow Lake portage which we had found the day before.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9-uDNyKsaQtCleT0zKh325yIOlb4wGDzQBhTRVuDE5CK5TyTF8j1-wM2rfK9YSVNeVV04TdMopDCiFHgBP2LXDefxudcn2SDPkj5xq50PECSq938Iz4huyODxgXE3Sznbfj4TKIbNtc/s1600/IMG_6635.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9-uDNyKsaQtCleT0zKh325yIOlb4wGDzQBhTRVuDE5CK5TyTF8j1-wM2rfK9YSVNeVV04TdMopDCiFHgBP2LXDefxudcn2SDPkj5xq50PECSq938Iz4huyODxgXE3Sznbfj4TKIbNtc/s320/IMG_6635.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy paddling the Wee Lassie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0pO-RP_7tNvhcUr5rjaPLyNpuGqET22_mrE30MnfD7kadlG34VBrSwLamzoBZbSgoaK0micGcSkSNFly7Z4HoHOtjGe9PBef7qyLxKWtnZTvEbcea-3q7Y5AUhXQnRFgI-nVbhe5_7E/s1600/IMG_6644.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0pO-RP_7tNvhcUr5rjaPLyNpuGqET22_mrE30MnfD7kadlG34VBrSwLamzoBZbSgoaK0micGcSkSNFly7Z4HoHOtjGe9PBef7qyLxKWtnZTvEbcea-3q7Y5AUhXQnRFgI-nVbhe5_7E/s320/IMG_6644.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signpost at portage to Elbow Lake- 65 rods</td></tr>
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Portages are measured in rods. One rod equals 16.5 feet. The portage to Elbow Lake was 65 rods or about 1000 feet- a short walk through the woods. The path was well traveled with boardwalks over the wet areas. That's a nice feature that is not allowed in the BWCA wilderness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTMv-b2sz2pEc93ioViPx-4DUD5sNQlVCd4sOlYa5qR-TfCCayg0ibDdpLGZW2kK-pYtiBSJnPmN4kIwqYLuyoiapK_lKUnwwK3GnoBpHE2Q02NsuL3C_Hp8qldv7L7aRGOFSB60DLjs/s1600/IMG_6640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTMv-b2sz2pEc93ioViPx-4DUD5sNQlVCd4sOlYa5qR-TfCCayg0ibDdpLGZW2kK-pYtiBSJnPmN4kIwqYLuyoiapK_lKUnwwK3GnoBpHE2Q02NsuL3C_Hp8qldv7L7aRGOFSB60DLjs/s320/IMG_6640.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portage to Elbow Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XfQIrXzsdlLiAGQqAa6e6fcoTGFqPDQf4sZqOsttrD2Le7REW2ZcFzFIYzLZgfifYQG-7qrnytLUnhBsVtYOhFU0TdGLdNANNMOTnt4iuxSPb5YZmilHlsq3KvHdPWgLr-Y-JnNElHA/s1600/IMG_6645.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XfQIrXzsdlLiAGQqAa6e6fcoTGFqPDQf4sZqOsttrD2Le7REW2ZcFzFIYzLZgfifYQG-7qrnytLUnhBsVtYOhFU0TdGLdNANNMOTnt4iuxSPb5YZmilHlsq3KvHdPWgLr-Y-JnNElHA/s320/IMG_6645.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from under the canoe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU672uOIbmHgoeFQ1tXNDmHBRc3eovLwAm0R92vZTejnFJrPIFebvsegTYfsfgPYl9kt94Y4-RtxtazdMg36hwR3D9QFPqJzGPXxEjz0BszqRmzxAg9HieWjjwxcktY57q5450fNJqbU/s1600/IMG_6641.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicU672uOIbmHgoeFQ1tXNDmHBRc3eovLwAm0R92vZTejnFJrPIFebvsegTYfsfgPYl9kt94Y4-RtxtazdMg36hwR3D9QFPqJzGPXxEjz0BszqRmzxAg9HieWjjwxcktY57q5450fNJqbU/s320/IMG_6641.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice walk from lake to lake.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_kfSr8019Z17XNpQc5Hc8a21qqbsWSPQbYs0IB8rxA1m9LPx9ERgltEf9X59C-WEO_Fnk8vtlRjb3p9d_skEYeSfHNrQenMQCza4zIFzs0OHLzQfqQJhLw6AHsVtbUjFn2wNTJEwM4M/s1600/IMG_6642.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_kfSr8019Z17XNpQc5Hc8a21qqbsWSPQbYs0IB8rxA1m9LPx9ERgltEf9X59C-WEO_Fnk8vtlRjb3p9d_skEYeSfHNrQenMQCza4zIFzs0OHLzQfqQJhLw6AHsVtbUjFn2wNTJEwM4M/s320/IMG_6642.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Elbow Lake from the portage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTnyCEVR6HAafX8aqpe829K5tqa7Bh9URT9C1Hp75F1xSW0ZyWw1o_SAISE2ORoEMYBXnkPX5jRHhGqVCjsfKyFaIYnVM6No7LfUPYLkAle6Gaamn9s7sDs2gxBND84B37voVCoC0WV8/s1600/IMG_6643.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTnyCEVR6HAafX8aqpe829K5tqa7Bh9URT9C1Hp75F1xSW0ZyWw1o_SAISE2ORoEMYBXnkPX5jRHhGqVCjsfKyFaIYnVM6No7LfUPYLkAle6Gaamn9s7sDs2gxBND84B37voVCoC0WV8/s320/IMG_6643.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat landing at Elbow Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxklZ3uaz7imP_myKFEHSenvxRFDJPtObBEXehrILfJwh8MNhN4iRlhshJGYCWkmd2L1YDlFeahRxmeQtpkhbJ9IDx2kfUTNfMMXBAgmA34lbELw9-LpL3L2xCi6cQgliFZFUj1bxt4U/s1600/IMG_6646.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxklZ3uaz7imP_myKFEHSenvxRFDJPtObBEXehrILfJwh8MNhN4iRlhshJGYCWkmd2L1YDlFeahRxmeQtpkhbJ9IDx2kfUTNfMMXBAgmA34lbELw9-LpL3L2xCi6cQgliFZFUj1bxt4U/s320/IMG_6646.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portaging the Wee Lassie- so light I could carry it with one hand -<br />
or balanced on my head</td></tr>
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We reached the other side and launched into Elbow Lake. I always enjoy entering a new lake- each has their own personality. Elbow is a narrow lake with a bend in the middle- true to its name. We explored the lake, finding water lilies, and an attractive wild shoreline. A loon flew overhead. As we paddled, a dark line of storm clouds was growing on the horizon. The weather turned from sunny to cloudy as a cold front rippled over us. We abandoned our plan of visiting another lake and decided to head back to camp before we got caught in a storm.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-90n0aHLDtx5LBwV5X6Cwixb7RwI8mzpI2Lw5sMcLHCr-xIE-XonJVbOp8qmT1S-2vnfxcVLzTKvphKU4Ig2KCGkC5cUucH1oryLhqgfFq25O1GEdoeAFQj9KWzspG1Ykxf-quRo5b8Q/s1600/IMG_6651.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-90n0aHLDtx5LBwV5X6Cwixb7RwI8mzpI2Lw5sMcLHCr-xIE-XonJVbOp8qmT1S-2vnfxcVLzTKvphKU4Ig2KCGkC5cUucH1oryLhqgfFq25O1GEdoeAFQj9KWzspG1Ykxf-quRo5b8Q/s320/IMG_6651.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee Lassie at Elbow Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqHHWr-jVRA9-LqT3fLMfCVz-gN-4xF2us8z78daHsb6tC0vyIqJgy-id1z8wVotUpu6tzDI6BOUv25iEC0dfkrAo98e_tGx-7CzOvcEfYkLb__0xQTx0ufkphmmx3oGXM78BaCQtCcw/s1600/IMG_6655.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqHHWr-jVRA9-LqT3fLMfCVz-gN-4xF2us8z78daHsb6tC0vyIqJgy-id1z8wVotUpu6tzDI6BOUv25iEC0dfkrAo98e_tGx-7CzOvcEfYkLb__0xQTx0ufkphmmx3oGXM78BaCQtCcw/s320/IMG_6655.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling Elbow Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv8egMO6ExWaFnmTCB4LAYTNzmEDEkG3JoEzATOJMoMmO7pnyRrWMRJq4nLTVxOPUBQuougstpiYPKaDvLdxd3P3iRACKooc9RGY6XqYv64fTkS-5Swv6YgsesKLHkySbCgE9PdxtHbg/s1600/IMG_6661.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAv8egMO6ExWaFnmTCB4LAYTNzmEDEkG3JoEzATOJMoMmO7pnyRrWMRJq4nLTVxOPUBQuougstpiYPKaDvLdxd3P3iRACKooc9RGY6XqYv64fTkS-5Swv6YgsesKLHkySbCgE9PdxtHbg/s320/IMG_6661.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs602MGjgY052Q9vv5ASdkumU2U6ThaaT6Wu4sDTvbAIx0TnqG_HR4Ic5-66pd1D2jDbi8Ry_9JWqpzn4XZe9ulT4SuUpnh8-XqP78uBQJfqzyBgwVcZdKCPEatKUQ9ozzysdfKofDdc/s1600/IMG_6658.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVs602MGjgY052Q9vv5ASdkumU2U6ThaaT6Wu4sDTvbAIx0TnqG_HR4Ic5-66pd1D2jDbi8Ry_9JWqpzn4XZe9ulT4SuUpnh8-XqP78uBQJfqzyBgwVcZdKCPEatKUQ9ozzysdfKofDdc/s320/IMG_6658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking this way- sunny day</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aa-EXzZC7lFoutX0ZWkubKLpuhB4ePRiWsffPjAGblnX2_K4UhoRQXvvtcBhLcdoj6DSL2O3OGfQ0TqBIZngHoZOEJXCPEpJ3FRKgBP9e28mXnChhE_LIp-PljkPi5RRmd_gFexaQzI/s1600/IMG_6657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aa-EXzZC7lFoutX0ZWkubKLpuhB4ePRiWsffPjAGblnX2_K4UhoRQXvvtcBhLcdoj6DSL2O3OGfQ0TqBIZngHoZOEJXCPEpJ3FRKgBP9e28mXnChhE_LIp-PljkPi5RRmd_gFexaQzI/s320/IMG_6657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking this way- not so much</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_pE89z9WaGgqDRJ6XFwSLOss0p0A0sLe3n8u1RPcRVkcbFjcXlACxqZV0oeg8co49XxBSBcVXE-48vRGaRlYBTPvt8gd4EBk7mvmjlsHbpvOwcWW6Vzj-r02mnUVfvmcppTAoUcTrXw/s1600/IMG_6659.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_pE89z9WaGgqDRJ6XFwSLOss0p0A0sLe3n8u1RPcRVkcbFjcXlACxqZV0oeg8co49XxBSBcVXE-48vRGaRlYBTPvt8gd4EBk7mvmjlsHbpvOwcWW6Vzj-r02mnUVfvmcppTAoUcTrXw/s320/IMG_6659.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That speck in the middle is a loon flying over us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ka-dBqCWu0ngV0ApKkwLmBO1J9dyYxC2VSuvrYyORw2itUnprjSyoaAhwxl7ONa5GbpQkPTQLh-MmOiLuzKPxsDISeh6JvvoVx9_0tt5ZzD2GfTCJeIUinT_zGk5-TKRgzdwnttbqw/s1600/IMG_6654.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2ka-dBqCWu0ngV0ApKkwLmBO1J9dyYxC2VSuvrYyORw2itUnprjSyoaAhwxl7ONa5GbpQkPTQLh-MmOiLuzKPxsDISeh6JvvoVx9_0tt5ZzD2GfTCJeIUinT_zGk5-TKRgzdwnttbqw/s320/IMG_6654.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Lily- look close you will see a moth hanging out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMm64jQz-3XyXoaGV7_gkrcm_SUKS9WTbW-5crZBbppnw6iAEd7ZfuXtyX8ir9221rVVBZE9e98XI99DLR5oAwRBG9j5SxvWMnJWFGeoOKfPsmDrkPANfe6pKWDj_p5li7wbavwSzpvY/s1600/IMG_6667.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMm64jQz-3XyXoaGV7_gkrcm_SUKS9WTbW-5crZBbppnw6iAEd7ZfuXtyX8ir9221rVVBZE9e98XI99DLR5oAwRBG9j5SxvWMnJWFGeoOKfPsmDrkPANfe6pKWDj_p5li7wbavwSzpvY/s320/IMG_6667.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Lily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRFdvB-5GqMWUPatU_OsAEumPvoY_VFSOqjWfBt6QXcmljc9gUznsZHiPginctvJcQb6V-rCq3Q7WDhdcUayNS1L-2AfCk6XOOEam4XYolT6Uxc91xYwRZrX37CKMQVB4FU8Ku7StlM0/s1600/IMG_6668.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRFdvB-5GqMWUPatU_OsAEumPvoY_VFSOqjWfBt6QXcmljc9gUznsZHiPginctvJcQb6V-rCq3Q7WDhdcUayNS1L-2AfCk6XOOEam4XYolT6Uxc91xYwRZrX37CKMQVB4FU8Ku7StlM0/s320/IMG_6668.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another water lily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw5DQkHUJRM4RKMEwlOnckBuNe2K5MShB9Ej0runMAmC0FgAH_hzxQzpGRYgoydblydliLFW3EYLAI1_5hK6tGyIDZOEhHUcmX3X9WygibG1_5Lu4L7qyhXpY0WL2ChKeIkyKbJuad8E/s1600/IMG_6669+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw5DQkHUJRM4RKMEwlOnckBuNe2K5MShB9Ej0runMAmC0FgAH_hzxQzpGRYgoydblydliLFW3EYLAI1_5hK6tGyIDZOEhHUcmX3X9WygibG1_5Lu4L7qyhXpY0WL2ChKeIkyKbJuad8E/s320/IMG_6669+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild shore</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-LV05k1rZZFOz_e1RSfF78EGNP5lnTT_0VZJrAWstniZ1dXBLEJIQUxMTw9uMcfLi-K-r8QFPv2qLBwb_LYVqkIl2cd9S9Ilpy_l_WWihVAU-37WAwU2iHKTm57-UK_HQhTUtlen8zo/s1600/IMG_6666.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-LV05k1rZZFOz_e1RSfF78EGNP5lnTT_0VZJrAWstniZ1dXBLEJIQUxMTw9uMcfLi-K-r8QFPv2qLBwb_LYVqkIl2cd9S9Ilpy_l_WWihVAU-37WAwU2iHKTm57-UK_HQhTUtlen8zo/s320/IMG_6666.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shoreline view</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elbow Lake portage to Whitefish Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxBesQGgWFcxC-02odxYyUbMk1JNE1tvcj_r5PuIQy4XYvoIppzwfiTP_7lT5_1zWj2jRqSQAY3S4_c48eoIuRG1jeioP5s6F4iGJsENFGzozLN1Do6XmfVvjmy7zSlY1KwPiJQ2fq48/s1600/IMG_6675.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNxBesQGgWFcxC-02odxYyUbMk1JNE1tvcj_r5PuIQy4XYvoIppzwfiTP_7lT5_1zWj2jRqSQAY3S4_c48eoIuRG1jeioP5s6F4iGJsENFGzozLN1Do6XmfVvjmy7zSlY1KwPiJQ2fq48/s320/IMG_6675.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrying the Wee Lassie on my shoulder</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As I got out of my boat at the portage, I noticed a fair amount of blood on the life jacket I had been resting my legs on. Where did that come from? A quick inspection showed a freely bleeding wound on my ankle. I washed it off in the lake and marveled that I hadn't even noticed it before. Then I realized it was probably a leech bite. They don't hurt and they bleed profusely due to the anesthetic and anticoagulant released by the leech. Sure enough, the leech was swimming around in the bit of water in the bottom of my boat- must have just dropped off. Kathy caught it as I tipped the boat back and forth. Back in the lake it went, no real harm done. We arrived back at camp just as the rain began.<br />
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We had passed an interesting looking establishment called the Trestle Inn and Saloon on the way to Whitefish Lake. It is not normal for us to eat at restaurants when we are camping, but age softens the rules. The rain gave us a good excuse to check out the Trestle Inn for dinner. It was about 8 miles down the road. We changed out of our paddling clothes, dropped the camper roof and took off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1ApobQ-d8NjXaHODRN6mCl3brW2Cdz7qTo58yJuZwqsJOIWP62-fZ9SHYzo0KBNteQI_xYpaiLX4Jw3JZzqcOl_q17chZjlNWIJrTd-gbwOP0AyrU_e-u46yEOw2nKIA9p1kdnbnIk8/s1600/IMG_6686.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1ApobQ-d8NjXaHODRN6mCl3brW2Cdz7qTo58yJuZwqsJOIWP62-fZ9SHYzo0KBNteQI_xYpaiLX4Jw3JZzqcOl_q17chZjlNWIJrTd-gbwOP0AyrU_e-u46yEOw2nKIA9p1kdnbnIk8/s320/IMG_6686.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trestle Inn and Saloon</td></tr>
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The Trestle Inn is one of those unique places you find off the beaten path. The place has an appropriate woodsy/homey feel. There were the requisite locals hanging out at the bar. A great jukebox playing the Traveling Wilburys among others. Funny signs hanging on the walls and posts. And friendly servers. We took a seat at a big table (there weren't any small tables). <a href="http://www.trestleinn.com/index.html" target="_blank">http://www.trestleinn.com/index.html</a><br />
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We arrived in early evening before the "All You Can Eat Chicken Wings" special took effect. Also, before the bingo games started. This was all fine with us. Kathy had her usual cheeseburger and fries. I had a small sirloin steak with baked potato and a nice green salad with blue cheese dressing. The food was good. Kathy had a nice chat with a pleasant young woman sweeping the porch as we left. All in all, a very enjoyable evening.<br />
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The weather had cleared while we ate dinner. On the way back to camp, I decided to explore the road past our campground- basically a dead end two track which offered the prospect of discovery. Kathy acquiesced to my desire to explore. We stopped often to check wet spots and rocky sections before proceeding. Signs of wildlife were abundant on the road but we didn't see any critters. We followed the track until it became too wet and rocky to explore further- a fun diversion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0BTpm4SKty1mKIuNR6Fx_MrATz5OCbuML3OH55gPs5HYhSs7daMw3znUzVc8RR07RAwpe7szL7WonNJRa0cTxqp6fX4AUa-YpRiFn49iJcAuZFmf-wy1Wi0n9K8N0tqxZ0xt8UE-ISs/s1600/IMG_6687.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0BTpm4SKty1mKIuNR6Fx_MrATz5OCbuML3OH55gPs5HYhSs7daMw3znUzVc8RR07RAwpe7szL7WonNJRa0cTxqp6fX4AUa-YpRiFn49iJcAuZFmf-wy1Wi0n9K8N0tqxZ0xt8UE-ISs/s320/IMG_6687.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring a back road</td></tr>
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Back in camp, we had another nice fire after which I gave Kathy an opportunity to redeem her loss at cribbage the first night. She was well on her way to doing just that. But with a spectacular hand at the last chance, I pulled out another victory by one point. She was good-natured about it and I suspect my luck at cards will run out soon enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE68jXG3WUDsBK-wwTmM__YL2G4eKWsAY7k7-pNHR_dpRKSxER2Yb6AE66a-Yq5TXP9PjpfFlgy_HqBp_1pFmNBxexASzvS_0dRIs1BHa7iYPXojD8JA8ttxwDzrrpOhpRFummD4BuFT8/s1600/IMG_6629.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE68jXG3WUDsBK-wwTmM__YL2G4eKWsAY7k7-pNHR_dpRKSxER2Yb6AE66a-Yq5TXP9PjpfFlgy_HqBp_1pFmNBxexASzvS_0dRIs1BHa7iYPXojD8JA8ttxwDzrrpOhpRFummD4BuFT8/s320/IMG_6629.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon rise over Whitefish Lake</td></tr>
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Thursday was a day to relocate to another part of the National Forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgcud630ZgcfizV_Vz6LIADBuGnXnu1642e-VkK8szLsGVprwoZoZLkAcUB_bV7aGD3cP7cqrX69Gnwp0ZibYiLLZn_-UELp-RaDC5TJzBc3EHAy5dXDZnW2Rlc6BKJ16jPBhDkc0nUM/s1600/IMG_6696.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgcud630ZgcfizV_Vz6LIADBuGnXnu1642e-VkK8szLsGVprwoZoZLkAcUB_bV7aGD3cP7cqrX69Gnwp0ZibYiLLZn_-UELp-RaDC5TJzBc3EHAy5dXDZnW2Rlc6BKJ16jPBhDkc0nUM/s320/IMG_6696.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed up and leaving Whitefish Lake camp</td></tr>
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Back in 2008, we had participated in a project to replant trees after the 2007 <a href="https://wildfiretoday.com/2017/05/05/10-years-ago-today-ham-lake-fire/" target="_blank">Ham Lake Fire</a>, a major fire along the Gunflint Trail. The Gunflint Trail is a road which runs from the town of Grand Marais to the BWCA some 60 miles northwest. The fire was caused by an unattended camp fire and burned 75,000 acres. Many cabins, homes and businesses were lost or damaged.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrawubqRFSafiUtZJyrICh8q6VKhor52uCWjKhxwnFYkSbPjNL5F9dl_2MgEFHq4fA5YE0W4HE_cdKJ2WdDN3gLE4x7gL5O6s5nwqnvxVTuvyUEst7VDGvDPcQRYEbDMoBTFBPslyo_g/s1600/DSC_8349.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrawubqRFSafiUtZJyrICh8q6VKhor52uCWjKhxwnFYkSbPjNL5F9dl_2MgEFHq4fA5YE0W4HE_cdKJ2WdDN3gLE4x7gL5O6s5nwqnvxVTuvyUEst7VDGvDPcQRYEbDMoBTFBPslyo_g/s320/DSC_8349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gunflint GreenUp in 2008</td></tr>
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In ten years of the Gunflint Greenup project, over 500,000 trees have been planted by volunteers with assistance from the US Forest Service. Our small group planted 1200 seedlings in 2008. Now, 11 years after our planting work, we wanted to see how the trees we planted were doing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YNGvucQVul0cugAbcMLve1ApGPJJH_NUlYn-Mmtx_tvscuqfjhD1io1MgxYa8IZ8A5RYOWSZczPlxQ-mUPfbp5s_P1JP9Kc_loL3aaZ-ZSsg_aZQ2AuagZjU7XB6U3bXBY4cghBKqs4/s1600/DSC_8196.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YNGvucQVul0cugAbcMLve1ApGPJJH_NUlYn-Mmtx_tvscuqfjhD1io1MgxYa8IZ8A5RYOWSZczPlxQ-mUPfbp5s_P1JP9Kc_loL3aaZ-ZSsg_aZQ2AuagZjU7XB6U3bXBY4cghBKqs4/s320/DSC_8196.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy and I planting trees in May 2008</td></tr>
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We took the back roads, which in a National Forest can sometimes hardly be called roads. That is the fun of our style of travel. The truck can handle pretty poor roads. In this case, as is usual, a shortcut turned into the long way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3_LDPbisT6ktKBNIHE_fmGjA_s-8FoLbo5ZRDP9AwQUnsVBosqEDn2KTPCQD8PNi0eG0hDuyhKp_bgaYyGywrMIglAgd3_sx4Jsv9GFLhcUw53s2zr6CD-qjDD6sc77eiEYVqGXNLOo/s1600/IMG_6697.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3_LDPbisT6ktKBNIHE_fmGjA_s-8FoLbo5ZRDP9AwQUnsVBosqEDn2KTPCQD8PNi0eG0hDuyhKp_bgaYyGywrMIglAgd3_sx4Jsv9GFLhcUw53s2zr6CD-qjDD6sc77eiEYVqGXNLOo/s320/IMG_6697.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A back roads shortcut</td></tr>
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We arrived at Iron Lake, along the Gunflint Trail near where we had planted trees, around 3 PM. There is a small forest service campground on the lake. The campsites were nicely spaced with dense aspen regrowth separating them. There were several open sites.<br />
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We selected a site. Kathy jumped out of the truck to help guide the trailer as I backed it into place. Something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. Sitting on the hood next to the windshield was a mouse! It had popped up out of the engine compartment. It turned and ran down the hood and jumped off. Kathy saw it as it jumped and watched it run into the woods. Was that the same mouse from Whitefish Lake? Seemed impossible. In any event it was gone into the woods, good riddance!<br />
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We quickly discovered that the bugs, especially mosquitoes, liked the site also. They were swarming around us- not appealing.<br />
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After some debate, we decided to drive to the end of the Gunflint Trail about 15 miles distant to check out another campground. If it was full, which I suspected it would be, we would still have time to return to Iron Lake.<br />
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A benefit of driving to the end of the trail would be a visit to the <a href="https://www.chikwauk.com/" target="_blank">Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.</a> We had visited the museum back in 2013 in conjunction with the North House Folk School wooden boat show. A trip report is here: <a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2013/06/north-house-folk-school.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2013/06/north-house-folk-school.html</a><br />
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Since then a timber-framed building to house an historic boat collection had been built by volunteers and recently opened. My friend Jane from Urban Boatbuilders had assisted in the construction and I wanted to see it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_tIbvWXeOomvRrwHNIlNvuADX9SOEfbykbhbdDA9DXzGZL449qw8aX3Fl7S8jn_ox3D2otgzH4Bbkj52zeUR3PyODXHhvfcvu9gDT0MISr53tKZ4zRmtSuebDPQ35tUXCQElCneN_0/s1600/Chik-Wauk.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="941" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBY_tIbvWXeOomvRrwHNIlNvuADX9SOEfbykbhbdDA9DXzGZL449qw8aX3Fl7S8jn_ox3D2otgzH4Bbkj52zeUR3PyODXHhvfcvu9gDT0MISr53tKZ4zRmtSuebDPQ35tUXCQElCneN_0/s320/Chik-Wauk.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center<br />
Photo by Chik-Wauk Museum</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As expected, the Trail's End Campground was full. No surprise- the BWCA is a popular place and Trail's End is a good jumping off place. We enjoyed a quick visit to Chik-Wauk. The boat museum is a beautiful building and I enjoyed seeing it. I was so enamored, I forgot to take pictures.<br />
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Here is a link to some photos and more information about it:<a href="https://www.chikwauk.com/watercraft.php" target="_blank"> https://www.chikwauk.com/watercraft.php</a><br />
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We returned to Iron Lake and set up camp, choosing a different site this time. We were again so very thankful to have the Clam screen house. The mosquitoes would have carried us away. It was warm and muggy and I decided to risk a swim in Iron Lake. I wrapped up in my towel and found a trail down the embankment to the lake shore. I was contemplating the lake when a loon popped up not 20 feet in front of me. We looked at each other for a bit and then the loon dove under the water again. A closer look revealed a steep drop-off just off shore. I could dive into the water from just a few feet from shore which is what I did. The bugs did not bother me as I toweled off and I felt much refreshed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUY5pi-XA1sy-crjTmj4XQyb2PWCoUF6HBhInTKWLTqYsIsbNLvLiGmsJuRDIpRe7aWhOjYAXsFx_tmCAbrY7imRKDJq2e75J7T2-tqYVcbXUQswnFq2jzXcLC_3MYFphB64LysTcQhg/s1600/IMG_6705.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUY5pi-XA1sy-crjTmj4XQyb2PWCoUF6HBhInTKWLTqYsIsbNLvLiGmsJuRDIpRe7aWhOjYAXsFx_tmCAbrY7imRKDJq2e75J7T2-tqYVcbXUQswnFq2jzXcLC_3MYFphB64LysTcQhg/s320/IMG_6705.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Iron Lake</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6wTnSECtrsLQia3IjK7cGneeH6awhBzLnTLLymiUvYXCQY-9F6aWOj_bOJoEjtq9Waa3fdUFKS0msrHeNGJdA5RJxJd8v5tNOjiQfiUb2gH7aAxbQFf3scV9rqRkgXnfIMMIK7-mUXc/s1600/IMG_6706.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6wTnSECtrsLQia3IjK7cGneeH6awhBzLnTLLymiUvYXCQY-9F6aWOj_bOJoEjtq9Waa3fdUFKS0msrHeNGJdA5RJxJd8v5tNOjiQfiUb2gH7aAxbQFf3scV9rqRkgXnfIMMIK7-mUXc/s320/IMG_6706.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the trail to the lake from camp</td></tr>
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We ate dinner in peace in our screen house. It was getting dark. It was our last night camping for this trip and I decided to have another camp fire to burn the last of our firewood. We packed up the Clam and loaded our gear into the trailer for a quick getaway in the morning. We would have breakfast in Grand Marais.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9FYkFT2uXtIaLt-ldq2PUxQQ-YuiyjW3Q_gxOUqqkGHzhdwfQ8WJa0TQFDH9_XkYEL0FJ8XQyDoAsU0m8NLxqa4VGjGPNM3tu2rsJm-K4M1Kcvcv_r3FoOjXIdizGFBxhsWq32IJIok/s1600/IMG_6707.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9FYkFT2uXtIaLt-ldq2PUxQQ-YuiyjW3Q_gxOUqqkGHzhdwfQ8WJa0TQFDH9_XkYEL0FJ8XQyDoAsU0m8NLxqa4VGjGPNM3tu2rsJm-K4M1Kcvcv_r3FoOjXIdizGFBxhsWq32IJIok/s320/IMG_6707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Iron Lake</td></tr>
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Kathy retired to the camper to watch the fire from there. I put on my hoodie and camp hat, treated them with Deet and went to work. The resulting fire was one of the nicest of the trip. The bugs did not bother me while I tended the fire and Kathy enjoyed it from the camper.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPdjkFanU9UOnRf9WrpuMANN7WeBGCBAz7ExcCtmuoZ3ugl1cLd-xaE211HJc263oZsuFKJFDUdJOF9sGm8msXKOxpALyI_vgvepwjFMMualZfwlrVPCkdeDuKo4sJRKfcthiCTjf8MI/s1600/IMG_6709.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPdjkFanU9UOnRf9WrpuMANN7WeBGCBAz7ExcCtmuoZ3ugl1cLd-xaE211HJc263oZsuFKJFDUdJOF9sGm8msXKOxpALyI_vgvepwjFMMualZfwlrVPCkdeDuKo4sJRKfcthiCTjf8MI/s320/IMG_6709.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice campfire</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ymcuHL_kWbJ2sp9Kr7q1BEHNFAo2UUW5lQKNW4ZgFNc0UiNwkm1yuqaN81DyNkzhrqP2X0v2-nhpwwykSl9qyg-xtGeXN_5Zah5izvP8MeR4pYKsrSIuCHMFyAVYx5Q6_cIFZNF9D90/s1600/IMG_6713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ymcuHL_kWbJ2sp9Kr7q1BEHNFAo2UUW5lQKNW4ZgFNc0UiNwkm1yuqaN81DyNkzhrqP2X0v2-nhpwwykSl9qyg-xtGeXN_5Zah5izvP8MeR4pYKsrSIuCHMFyAVYx5Q6_cIFZNF9D90/s320/IMG_6713.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon rise at Iron Lake</td></tr>
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Friday morning we packed up the camper and got ready for the day's drive to the other side of the forest. Before we left, I decided to pop the hood and have look-see. This is not my normal routine but the mouse event from the day before had me curious. Sure enough, there was a mouse looking at me from under the air cleaner cover! Was it the same one? Couldn't be, could it? Kathy and I chased it around the engine compartment before losing sight of it. Did it leave? I hope so. It would get hot in there before the day was over. I checked around and discovered a bit of damage to the firewall insulation from the mouse- nothing serious but frustrating nonetheless and a new nuisance to contend with while camping.<br />
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We left camp and drove a section of the Old Gunflint Trail to check out our trees. They were doing well. The extent of vegetation regrowth since the fire was impressive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbsjujf2LrTidM3UhjwWUKowoWQHEolDNUJlLgJo_gxGKyKR-F0_8TJPkU-CK-AEsHwCaUvfjaCVTfXKZDexow_s2uZuLy8yZVlCSx8_a4TjG_jNUrefijzU1fmOvQLDiPtuyroZbVe8/s1600/IMG_6716.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNbsjujf2LrTidM3UhjwWUKowoWQHEolDNUJlLgJo_gxGKyKR-F0_8TJPkU-CK-AEsHwCaUvfjaCVTfXKZDexow_s2uZuLy8yZVlCSx8_a4TjG_jNUrefijzU1fmOvQLDiPtuyroZbVe8/s320/IMG_6716.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees from Gunflint GreenUp- planted as seedlings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVrSNIxUxB1a_NgIelOAbgg38u_0XWkCssHf9vLxS-r3_0v3TmuHxv7HD-IEmKMx1HnXsBlkFIZBTSdGMIOvWgWpW8BFFczd1GrX3O98bfoWrlJLT-rjFF95JE5Y6ixTRBoyrOCT7b2Y/s1600/IMG_6717.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVrSNIxUxB1a_NgIelOAbgg38u_0XWkCssHf9vLxS-r3_0v3TmuHxv7HD-IEmKMx1HnXsBlkFIZBTSdGMIOvWgWpW8BFFczd1GrX3O98bfoWrlJLT-rjFF95JE5Y6ixTRBoyrOCT7b2Y/s320/IMG_6717.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees are doing well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGNVpJZFwwx30Ih5Gtu3vdYxckR-oEQCt35cMPE9QBFXlNCDyHM3gBSJ5eofN3pBRwhw1Y33L6SI5JLs8FjyH91LXbHDavW889-p5S-BfytVXGb5nldsAX-kVjmXQE_KpNMl5H6hIZ1Y/s1600/IMG_6718.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzGNVpJZFwwx30Ih5Gtu3vdYxckR-oEQCt35cMPE9QBFXlNCDyHM3gBSJ5eofN3pBRwhw1Y33L6SI5JLs8FjyH91LXbHDavW889-p5S-BfytVXGb5nldsAX-kVjmXQE_KpNMl5H6hIZ1Y/s320/IMG_6718.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old survivor with a new generation</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium2Mohlun2J5eWbQ5ZjMRDZ6r-gP9-epQvAN3w-Po_OXxyrZBGA9DzeJeGUH7WHo0_qSwNGtBv2Ci0jj3WaaMHnYgMqdLOAx-OdZlfWoWFAULfwS_p1HVdiko3XIJldrJed6-v8bHF2k/s1600/IMG_6719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEium2Mohlun2J5eWbQ5ZjMRDZ6r-gP9-epQvAN3w-Po_OXxyrZBGA9DzeJeGUH7WHo0_qSwNGtBv2Ci0jj3WaaMHnYgMqdLOAx-OdZlfWoWFAULfwS_p1HVdiko3XIJldrJed6-v8bHF2k/s320/IMG_6719.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Gunflint Trail</td></tr>
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We headed into Grand Marais for breakfast. We had a good meal at the Blue Water Cafe. After breakfast we decided to walk over to the North House Folk School. A timber framing class was underway. We poked around a bit, checking out projects from previous classes. Of interest was a small building with a sod roof, based on a Norwegian skjelter design. More info here: <a href="https://northhouse.org/blog/building-a-skjelter" target="_blank">https://northhouse.org/blog/building-a-skjelter</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9NlqXQtxOeNnnjqXoPOza7CnLgrgrfXWqFVphyphenhyphenUVYL2IHwF4uwRaSJGiEvZy06mt-N52u75HnsLQdRnGoj85jBhvVwrmikKhvEJXpEPKHRvccKxIYLnrIbh7aZr6tuD12mLsr0Il9T4/s1600/North+House+web+photo.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="620" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9NlqXQtxOeNnnjqXoPOza7CnLgrgrfXWqFVphyphenhyphenUVYL2IHwF4uwRaSJGiEvZy06mt-N52u75HnsLQdRnGoj85jBhvVwrmikKhvEJXpEPKHRvccKxIYLnrIbh7aZr6tuD12mLsr0Il9T4/s320/North+House+web+photo.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North House Folk School from Lake Superior<br />
Photo from https://www.oldhouseonline.com</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxmKxf3eGkaVgzA-A_lTiQexjKR9Uau4qlY9GkiTAQR0lCAcn2Xu9UJAn8KNAKVUXNj7QiPtjvSAc0hOMDw_HFz2bAAZQ-YYcSzS48iPXj6WLLQ5jWvOjxd9C10wbdF-680ASazHrM8Y/s1600/IMG_6728.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxmKxf3eGkaVgzA-A_lTiQexjKR9Uau4qlY9GkiTAQR0lCAcn2Xu9UJAn8KNAKVUXNj7QiPtjvSAc0hOMDw_HFz2bAAZQ-YYcSzS48iPXj6WLLQ5jWvOjxd9C10wbdF-680ASazHrM8Y/s320/IMG_6728.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norwegian Skjelter</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFezAxEsb1nrO_vM4lsYSaJqZK8QMb-DgKALrLUpjHiZw1QRP91ZtqJ9UyTBKioZdGF2rlVZYjNVRTC7CVGANg_o1JX2eA-NsWeYusfGVUJ-L_AT8D-6FNuhivP-TLn2t4DFHcNFXQvs/s1600/mike-loeffler-july-21.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFezAxEsb1nrO_vM4lsYSaJqZK8QMb-DgKALrLUpjHiZw1QRP91ZtqJ9UyTBKioZdGF2rlVZYjNVRTC7CVGANg_o1JX2eA-NsWeYusfGVUJ-L_AT8D-6FNuhivP-TLn2t4DFHcNFXQvs/s320/mike-loeffler-july-21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view<br />
Photo by North House Folk School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5AuR4sQQFb9Anu-KCWQJJ6yU2T5sv4PAZE5WkeLYfdkHKHNWZ9YZOA2qo-QpV50PsDfePl5PAc_EVDFUHrKNz77YS8H3OC3CyCUKSfrg-PrtjGPZKf2mPqwRLB51QV0_EQip99OL0MM/s1600/IMG_6722.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH5AuR4sQQFb9Anu-KCWQJJ6yU2T5sv4PAZE5WkeLYfdkHKHNWZ9YZOA2qo-QpV50PsDfePl5PAc_EVDFUHrKNz77YS8H3OC3CyCUKSfrg-PrtjGPZKf2mPqwRLB51QV0_EQip99OL0MM/s320/IMG_6722.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from skjelter<br />
Photo by North House Folk School </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUbnLUbAtfTJy1sYSLW4-Z6UGe82iSOUe_-i-p6hszVYA6X5ZFB8XsElI_HSGwALPISjWIfBaEMhb3BIAKU1RoENsY3GWIHlMYHhuPWLy8fCpJpMOUOksRbiCGrzZvlZ_swyGXQr0JGk/s1600/IMG_6724.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUbnLUbAtfTJy1sYSLW4-Z6UGe82iSOUe_-i-p6hszVYA6X5ZFB8XsElI_HSGwALPISjWIfBaEMhb3BIAKU1RoENsY3GWIHlMYHhuPWLy8fCpJpMOUOksRbiCGrzZvlZ_swyGXQr0JGk/s320/IMG_6724.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timber framing class underway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH9HTp5ROTfuvS7nyOrdh1fEmgucJ1F0jtCUoR_QiMWSlqTX6NSgKX5GV9LjSQDplEmp_GntlXQuk30eINNLb2rslk92iC20EnAOxUyHg6q8YlgrrYPFMLQuiCO7iC3pmySdkXuLVYps/s1600/IMG_6723.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH9HTp5ROTfuvS7nyOrdh1fEmgucJ1F0jtCUoR_QiMWSlqTX6NSgKX5GV9LjSQDplEmp_GntlXQuk30eINNLb2rslk92iC20EnAOxUyHg6q8YlgrrYPFMLQuiCO7iC3pmySdkXuLVYps/s320/IMG_6723.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class projects at North House Folk School</td></tr>
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Grand Marais is known for its long history as a center for art and artists. After our North House visit, we popped in for a quick tour of the <a href="https://www.cookcountyhistory.org/the-history-of-the-jhp-art-gallery" target="_blank">Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.</a> An interesting collection of paintings was on display. We enjoyed learning about Anna Johnson and the interesting history of the gallery.<br />
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After the gallery, we left Grand Marais for home, about 5 hours distant. On the way we stopped at a favorite overlook just south of Duluth. The Evergreen Memorial Overlook honors veterans of the Armed Forces. Jay Cooke State Park and the St Louis River Valley stretch out below. A nice way to say goodbye to the north country.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xAD5VhI6OLFFkS4C9qkn5iTyDaAprDRqD5L5Z9wLLnuU1uERBITuijdxg3Zx9sQ-xuBYy3hlqMEh0Y2DOmIHyZ7XSwqiv__MgAsTp4Vm1TWsNZy9hHyjVHT3R9Nl6seI2bB9oTto2DE/s1600/IMG_6730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xAD5VhI6OLFFkS4C9qkn5iTyDaAprDRqD5L5Z9wLLnuU1uERBITuijdxg3Zx9sQ-xuBYy3hlqMEh0Y2DOmIHyZ7XSwqiv__MgAsTp4Vm1TWsNZy9hHyjVHT3R9Nl6seI2bB9oTto2DE/s320/IMG_6730.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Evergreen Memorial Drive overlook</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-12897144374627018612019-07-23T11:07:00.003-05:002020-05-18T21:48:19.143-05:00Exploring the Chippewa National Forest<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chippewa National Forest</td></tr>
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(Note: you can click on the photos for a larger version)<br />
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We had planned a trip to Canada to visit Lake Superior National Park, making use of an annual pass to the Canadian National Parks that we had purchased last year in Banff. The pass expired in July so timing was good. Unfortunately, life happens and we had to change our plan.<br />
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We settled on a visit to the Chippewa National Forest. Most of our Minnesota camping has been in the Superior National Forest. We decided to try the Chip for a change of pace and bit of exploring.<br />
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From the forest website (<a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/chippewa" target="_blank">https://www.fs.usda.gov/chippewa</a>):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Chippewa National Forest is the first National Forest established
east of the Mississippi River in 1908 and is the home to more lakes and
wetlands than any other National Forest. The forest was originally known
as the Minnesota National Forest. The name was changed in 1928 to honor
the original inhabitants. Today, the Forest and Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe share goals and offer visitors a chance to experience Anishinabe
culture and learn about the past from prehistory to early, logging-era
and Civilian Conservation Corps days.</blockquote>
We packed up the trailer with supplies and equipment, loaded the canoe on the roof of the camper and headed out. Our plan was to find a nice dispersed site next to a lake to hang out in for a while and enjoy the Minnesota summer. Arriving in mid-afternoon, we stopped at the USFS office in Deer River to obtain a forest map and inquire about dispersed sites. The person at the front desk was very helpful with maps but could not offer any first hand information about specific sites. We were on our own.<br />
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We set our sights on a couple of dispersed campsites marked on the map. They were remote sites accessed by forest roads. We spent a couple of hours following maps, searching without success. The scale of the forest map was so large that important detail was lacking. Roads were missing or inaccurately placed. Our DeLorme mapbook was not much better. At one point we drove down a two-track "road" hoping it would lead to a great site. It turned out to be a dead end without room to turn around. I got a lot of practice backing up the trailer in the deep woods to get out of that situation. Unbeknownst to us at the time but discovered later, our targets were walk-in sites rather than road accessed. This distinction was not marked on the maps. No wonder we could not find them. It would have been helpful had the USFS person pointed that out when we were looking at maps in the office. But we could (should) have done more prior due diligence ourselves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailer packed for the trip.</td></tr>
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With the day waning, we decided to head for a USFS campground on Clubhouse Lake, not far from where we were. We found the campground without any trouble and were pleasantly surprised to find a nice secluded site next to the lake. Being mid-week, the campground was not busy but we got the last lakefront site. We filled out the registration and set up camp. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked in the campsite at Clubhouse Lake.</td></tr>
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The trailer held all our equipment making setting up camp easier than usual. There was no schlepping of equipment out of the camper before we could pop the roof and no loading of stuff into the truck before bed. The trailer also held a new piece of equipment- a Clam screenhouse. This was a much looked-forward-to piece of gear. Our much loved homemade awning and screen house has a major drawback in that it is attached to the truck and must be dismantled if we want to go exploring. The Clam solves this problem. It is very easy to set up and large enough to fit over the picnic table with room for chairs inside as well. This provided a comfortable place to hang out during peak bug times- a necessity in the Minnesota woods. The drawback of the Clam is it's packed size- basically huge. It wouldn't fit in the camper but it fits in the trailer just fine. We will still use our homemade design when we don't want to take the trailer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of camp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of camp. <br />
There were no other campsites next to us.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of camp showing the Clam screenhouse set up over the picnic table.</td></tr>
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The afternoon was hot and exceedingly muggy. I was dripping with sweat by the time we got set up and organized. I decided a swim was in order. The campground had a nice beach for swimming- the lake water was crystal clear and the bottom was firm sand with no weeds. The water was refreshingly cool. I eased into the lake for a relaxing dip, cooled off and returned to our camp refreshed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Clubhouse Lake from the beach.</td></tr>
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We enjoyed a leisurely dinner and a walk around the campground. As the sun was setting, I busied myself splitting some wood for a campfire. Kathy settled into the Clam with a book. After a nice fire we retired to bed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking around the campground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of entwined pines.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two trees make one.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset through the pines.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhb4y7EtBdmECB2mrDDDjsoS5L4PwM230DjEDCQNvGGNAYUUDhqsZpo-8QUR_JLZTgt7XzqwMvwd2cxMzGlEDHGUs4vmX8ccie0xinje1KbFAHidHPJarRTTxA37UtzWk3P0O2MT0pOY/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKhb4y7EtBdmECB2mrDDDjsoS5L4PwM230DjEDCQNvGGNAYUUDhqsZpo-8QUR_JLZTgt7XzqwMvwd2cxMzGlEDHGUs4vmX8ccie0xinje1KbFAHidHPJarRTTxA37UtzWk3P0O2MT0pOY/s320/IMG_6505.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonrise over Clubhouse Lake</td></tr>
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We woke to dark clouds in the morning- so dark but not yet raining. We busied ourselves making coffee and breakfast. We tidied up just in time for the deluge to hit. A serious thunderstrom rolled through with heavy rain, lightning and thunder. We sat in the camper and watched it blow through. We pulled out the weather radio to get the forecast- continued rain throughout the day with clearing in the late afternoon. We decided to do a driving tour of the forest while we waited for the weather to clear.<br />
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Our first stop was a nearby visitor center in the town of Marcell. The place was very nice with informative exhibits on plant and animal life and a small gift shop. The campground host had suggested we could get a county road map there. We found a local older volunteer there who was a wealth of information. We described our frustration of the day before- he informed us that the sites we were looking for were walk-in sites. He sold us a county road map which had much better detail and information. We used it to search out a few more recommended dispersed campsites. This time we were able to find the sites but did not find one to our liking. We did find some very nice walk-in sites. We checked out another campground but it was not as nice as the one we were were at already. We decided to stay put.<br />
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All in all, it was a fun day of exploring pretty forest roads. We saw many deer with fawns and a lot of nice forest vistas. We returned to camp in the late afternoon as the sun was coming out. Another warm and muggy evening was ahead of us. I opted for another swim. We decided against a campfire this night due to the sticky weather.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the swimming beach.</td></tr>
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The sun on distant thunderheads provided sufficient visual entertainment. While sitting at the beach enjoying the breeze, we met some folks from Idaho that were camped across the way and walked over to introduce themselves. A married couple and the husband's sister. We had a nice conversation sitting around the picnic table. They liked the Clam and inquired about it, having been suffering with the mosquitos and flies. I mentioned I had bought ours online from a store located in Grand Rapids, a town about 40 miles away. L&M Fleet Supply had the best price I could find. The Idaho folks decided to drive there the next day to get one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YDhmjgcnwbm6spI-ZfwpmUHC_s4DYR6Ss6uFPy-GSOxh2swLhvANPbKVRdIMjRbcF2UidFfagvUgL40MsIUnlUd8_ZnR2pQtKSlWscNkJQHlk2MVuvmAE57f-_rUnsrQtDywiwNVLkI/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2YDhmjgcnwbm6spI-ZfwpmUHC_s4DYR6Ss6uFPy-GSOxh2swLhvANPbKVRdIMjRbcF2UidFfagvUgL40MsIUnlUd8_ZnR2pQtKSlWscNkJQHlk2MVuvmAE57f-_rUnsrQtDywiwNVLkI/s320/IMG_6513.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant thunderheads brewing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kpi8pwk25KqJf7C1-LZVPQGmqJdakBOxNXEizOxdnbLEcyGeE0Ap-TyZfWgXRMRiyXImiyz9pxcHbfoV5F3UkHj8Todzr-x5BULKSiXjxUISb0YoEG_xHzxI8OKjH_WB-htpjqqeTd0/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kpi8pwk25KqJf7C1-LZVPQGmqJdakBOxNXEizOxdnbLEcyGeE0Ap-TyZfWgXRMRiyXImiyz9pxcHbfoV5F3UkHj8Todzr-x5BULKSiXjxUISb0YoEG_xHzxI8OKjH_WB-htpjqqeTd0/s320/IMG_6509.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was interesting watching the clouds grow in size and turbulence.</td></tr>
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The next day dawned sunny and breezy. We decided to take the canoe out for a paddle. We packed a lunch and toured Clubhouse Lake. We found a large active beaver lodge, saw a bald eagle soaring overhead and several deer wading in the water. I guess they like to cool off also. We ended up returning to the campground to eat our lunch at the picnic area by the water. It was very pleasant. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffij-jw-XUGp20bLZGmuWtIs83CI5D59NHNihP4emjYOJrwAo6us_VJ5kpq-FBDKUqpc-m1H4vRFeikSXwEP3tPeULewGjsQ2zX8826DD0V0L96YDaCr_8WBh_mqNa9ZmjfWY924Itqw/s1600/IMG_6525.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffij-jw-XUGp20bLZGmuWtIs83CI5D59NHNihP4emjYOJrwAo6us_VJ5kpq-FBDKUqpc-m1H4vRFeikSXwEP3tPeULewGjsQ2zX8826DD0V0L96YDaCr_8WBh_mqNa9ZmjfWY924Itqw/s320/IMG_6525.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">checking out a beaver lodge. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtthAJqiuOXZOaPOcVKWowwtZii4qn8uo6CSlmZXwKVJ8QHAAzIxjiVmDd9ATVdTH_YL92ogQeAXJwx3BRId_RgW3SA63ulAnphA6j21UueVgITVfaF4n-ojRq2mJDgLk6NCyRITx-kmo/s1600/IMG_6519.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtthAJqiuOXZOaPOcVKWowwtZii4qn8uo6CSlmZXwKVJ8QHAAzIxjiVmDd9ATVdTH_YL92ogQeAXJwx3BRId_RgW3SA63ulAnphA6j21UueVgITVfaF4n-ojRq2mJDgLk6NCyRITx-kmo/s320/IMG_6519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice day for a paddle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFoxO1iyUqkmWMzWFtsInD4eAzWYySkBwgFWNBtMX2kHEZtewevHZp6JWmitwVZjprWvz1s5MEQYhTkXEMxOAmJbBodAml_MEwNOfQ7gukQ_6yJdMZR5mJBHXTJIRLnzRvrn75BdBeWw/s1600/IMG_6527.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFoxO1iyUqkmWMzWFtsInD4eAzWYySkBwgFWNBtMX2kHEZtewevHZp6JWmitwVZjprWvz1s5MEQYhTkXEMxOAmJbBodAml_MEwNOfQ7gukQ_6yJdMZR5mJBHXTJIRLnzRvrn75BdBeWw/s320/IMG_6527.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic spot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After lunch we decided to take a field trip to check out a couple of sites I had noticed on the forest map. The first was called the Lost Forty. It turns out the Lost Forty is actually 144 acres of old growth pines that escaped logging due to a surveying error. The trees are estimated to be 300-400 years old. There is a short hiking trail that winds through the site. Even on a sunny day the light was dim and the trees were majestic. We tried to imagine the time when the northern third of the state was covered in trees like this. It was a fun walk.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW-FAl4Jkp6POjRU6r7emKLK_RIGQvpjolOv177b-q1ymr5kF5925UFq-NAsNBEsgm7iFIyUonjfUP5BuYBXoDn7pI61htTeZp_VQl0wCFDoS6AxvJWoxLy9Uhfz_8v2ZZkQBzCjkZcU/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW-FAl4Jkp6POjRU6r7emKLK_RIGQvpjolOv177b-q1ymr5kF5925UFq-NAsNBEsgm7iFIyUonjfUP5BuYBXoDn7pI61htTeZp_VQl0wCFDoS6AxvJWoxLy9Uhfz_8v2ZZkQBzCjkZcU/s320/IMG_6551.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road to Lost Forty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbmq5SSBPdKRoBjf3vEqedHtrdzI6ZRjDdMGKiD4CP4wdCl3Thja7rnvgx8WE6cCrC1d4nkL9akgPWssj1qIIMC4dZjGGbPKrVvhyphenhyphenQeoRqelmEp7CUegN0eTPjdd5W2P-3pKfhuf0cNE/s1600/IMG_6533.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEbmq5SSBPdKRoBjf3vEqedHtrdzI6ZRjDdMGKiD4CP4wdCl3Thja7rnvgx8WE6cCrC1d4nkL9akgPWssj1qIIMC4dZjGGbPKrVvhyphenhyphenQeoRqelmEp7CUegN0eTPjdd5W2P-3pKfhuf0cNE/s320/IMG_6533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at Lost Forty.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC8FhDoZKaBqTWUiUqgNmNTcOilJ_BQVhdEVRAkyV-GIcI10_sspCUsKouqE3J_-NzUR9yQv588KCrDSJOn-VJOVuDNX_tYWu-RSXy7DPziMXNPaOnniPBOCHQCWuuuhJV8cis76g3ZU/s1600/IMG_6535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC8FhDoZKaBqTWUiUqgNmNTcOilJ_BQVhdEVRAkyV-GIcI10_sspCUsKouqE3J_-NzUR9yQv588KCrDSJOn-VJOVuDNX_tYWu-RSXy7DPziMXNPaOnniPBOCHQCWuuuhJV8cis76g3ZU/s320/IMG_6535.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a tall tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAeBGJjjC7EwdbK1aSvvmLly7Ti3wdU3410hPOP22HJhU4JbZl0MohFe7Nfv_-1vdMCylOjEdJtTSnAmIWEdSKh9vvakJ23-sNOYW2JhGiYQbrRrM4IuWr9scK1O85ZjDyq9abJqhLsM/s1600/IMG_6537.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAeBGJjjC7EwdbK1aSvvmLly7Ti3wdU3410hPOP22HJhU4JbZl0MohFe7Nfv_-1vdMCylOjEdJtTSnAmIWEdSKh9vvakJ23-sNOYW2JhGiYQbrRrM4IuWr9scK1O85ZjDyq9abJqhLsM/s320/IMG_6537.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trees were majestic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMdh1PhchluCYMxcdSpbm-HZl8zVG54qHbIC7-GBm1kjzCJSqLOdgc79FJj7RAHO1yUtxxd0w8SRNUI1gGhRpqZUDNipLQtM2VvwEjCb_Uwd0BrZ87seJV6fobQWtHw0Ga3qOtwI_Ih8/s1600/IMG_6538.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMdh1PhchluCYMxcdSpbm-HZl8zVG54qHbIC7-GBm1kjzCJSqLOdgc79FJj7RAHO1yUtxxd0w8SRNUI1gGhRpqZUDNipLQtM2VvwEjCb_Uwd0BrZ87seJV6fobQWtHw0Ga3qOtwI_Ih8/s320/IMG_6538.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old bark.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWABkcCY5iSuvrm-zP-CJJ1eGFdzhaTcbijCxv6LqyoxsPC1uvM36JaySgE0OtUPiuFHYOYh2olwmL9FenyfDceDWTDctTTvgIkYjwpn0S4MPT0LvL28JYcF4ZarP3xSN8VvEjvn-sbs0/s1600/IMG_6539.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWABkcCY5iSuvrm-zP-CJJ1eGFdzhaTcbijCxv6LqyoxsPC1uvM36JaySgE0OtUPiuFHYOYh2olwmL9FenyfDceDWTDctTTvgIkYjwpn0S4MPT0LvL28JYcF4ZarP3xSN8VvEjvn-sbs0/s320/IMG_6539.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice walk in the woods.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueU0wgPIbHH3GIyCJf1B9YffeW8HJ4D3B1SyVln5ZF6UW9kzEaZbiiVUc6Wezj-2B2c_L-F0LYWtNcBtfEsLbMbrnWKPSx-fk62Q4CbAt0ZdKRP3tLbV1vrEV9zeWc__SlYZ8WAduyt8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-23+at+10.17.15+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="864" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueU0wgPIbHH3GIyCJf1B9YffeW8HJ4D3B1SyVln5ZF6UW9kzEaZbiiVUc6Wezj-2B2c_L-F0LYWtNcBtfEsLbMbrnWKPSx-fk62Q4CbAt0ZdKRP3tLbV1vrEV9zeWc__SlYZ8WAduyt8/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-07-23+at+10.17.15+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fallen giant makes a good backrest.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjQoZJkZKA149ElHyg9ZtkHT2zcsGqDk-KgBm5yprX42iGmYyTZeSF-cTI7e_z6MA1ghdX-w68z-6WRmZ5hXUbgRAlSzodb585chx-dPvDLunzLz6l20x2tofvbYvD43QrTgzplNvnBY/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKjQoZJkZKA149ElHyg9ZtkHT2zcsGqDk-KgBm5yprX42iGmYyTZeSF-cTI7e_z6MA1ghdX-w68z-6WRmZ5hXUbgRAlSzodb585chx-dPvDLunzLz6l20x2tofvbYvD43QrTgzplNvnBY/s320/IMG_6543.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on a big tree trunk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaJyuq3ltYTt3k2bVXmZToeCPGE49d74ikMpKZgDUCtt50ViQDeYSLZvLPOuwvI_NYB5Rijn69WqGAY6BI1ISkc4yGKNAN8YrPgV6aLxVlqv1oCZUqGGS955i_QCg93fHasfXWGzTWrY/s1600/IMG_6550.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaJyuq3ltYTt3k2bVXmZToeCPGE49d74ikMpKZgDUCtt50ViQDeYSLZvLPOuwvI_NYB5Rijn69WqGAY6BI1ISkc4yGKNAN8YrPgV6aLxVlqv1oCZUqGGS955i_QCg93fHasfXWGzTWrY/s320/IMG_6550.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another big tree.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJJqu-9jJcxAwkTjAIDtpHEoNh6gzwQGVwT4mXUxKUO7t-JPUmyuEBuodkND0-769cdAp9PDz2EOaLmV32r4e-Diuh6NRSmIQg34UNPbWunbjgZ6mYlCcYoZgnIEd8k9mAsqDGfoU8Bc/s1600/IMG_6554.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJJqu-9jJcxAwkTjAIDtpHEoNh6gzwQGVwT4mXUxKUO7t-JPUmyuEBuodkND0-769cdAp9PDz2EOaLmV32r4e-Diuh6NRSmIQg34UNPbWunbjgZ6mYlCcYoZgnIEd8k9mAsqDGfoU8Bc/s320/IMG_6554.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on the road at the Lost Forty.</td></tr>
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After our walk we explored a narrow forest road that crossed a small stream. The one lane bridge afforded a nice view of a wetland and the forest beyond. We returned back the way we came.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1psYiXDk53tBzanuetUvKDy9pDYbkXxGoq5W7ALPxahEPzkGhPi0ZSpASDXSAvUb_trvPc2U-zgR-YLGF7UG_3kStJhKkkkcZH2adGBZgUimFNJI_MXusQhkYC_MDGs1kwJ8wYB0y2qM/s1600/IMG_6558.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1psYiXDk53tBzanuetUvKDy9pDYbkXxGoq5W7ALPxahEPzkGhPi0ZSpASDXSAvUb_trvPc2U-zgR-YLGF7UG_3kStJhKkkkcZH2adGBZgUimFNJI_MXusQhkYC_MDGs1kwJ8wYB0y2qM/s320/IMG_6558.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small creek and wetland from one lane bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zQIZO_kUWhwsugXWfqaUbTzumu4RbMvw4RxHRpPSYMJK8Xj9D2gXpLQ_0vkGa6Y83xLgfr_E-rbgWFM9_ji7W5PNAZCbLoTt4IQAnKfvBvgNjdL1gBcbnXkWdjQnTiopqUKVthc26qw/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zQIZO_kUWhwsugXWfqaUbTzumu4RbMvw4RxHRpPSYMJK8Xj9D2gXpLQ_0vkGa6Y83xLgfr_E-rbgWFM9_ji7W5PNAZCbLoTt4IQAnKfvBvgNjdL1gBcbnXkWdjQnTiopqUKVthc26qw/s320/IMG_6559.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-lane bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQmHFdQ1wTOaKAeydQ0uBT8Cjnq9IIESK2AJQJzK90UDwgf719wojtiKBwMwHFkQff3zsX31uz6IKzQ22OfRMkuknoD4Kehog6MYk7B2dDEzQzj5qCcl67rfkSXwLFQiD443Ba0sAT-c/s1600/IMG_6560.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQmHFdQ1wTOaKAeydQ0uBT8Cjnq9IIESK2AJQJzK90UDwgf719wojtiKBwMwHFkQff3zsX31uz6IKzQ22OfRMkuknoD4Kehog6MYk7B2dDEzQzj5qCcl67rfkSXwLFQiD443Ba0sAT-c/s320/IMG_6560.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the forest wetland.</td></tr>
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The next site I wanted to see was a feature on the map labeled Braided
Delta Eskers. Eskers are land forms created by melting glaciers. ( see <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esker" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esker</a>).
When we got to the site, I realized we would probably have better luck
seeing them if we could fly. Dense forest cover pretty much obscured the
land forms but the topography of the forest road gave us the idea with a
succession of quick up and down hills as we traversed the eskers.<br />
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I did find the site on Google Earth. Here is a screen shot of the areial view. The eskers are visible in the patterns of the vegetation. We drove the forest road going west to east across the upper portion of the pic. If you want to look it up the coordinates are: 47°39'34.22"N, 93°39'46.60"W.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnfrtMJhHbUaGBzGF_jUcW6Ncigt2Z75D2DPo300QBedtgkcf7JwaZxjN34h-0GUVmD4e9a2FVZA_IGDAr0q7UJy_oiI0yGrKfH-Vgv3AZFxlK0Vxz4L617Nocyivr8Guxe6y2I-DCgc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-23+at+9.37.08+AM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="814" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnfrtMJhHbUaGBzGF_jUcW6Ncigt2Z75D2DPo300QBedtgkcf7JwaZxjN34h-0GUVmD4e9a2FVZA_IGDAr0q7UJy_oiI0yGrKfH-Vgv3AZFxlK0Vxz4L617Nocyivr8Guxe6y2I-DCgc/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-07-23+at+9.37.08+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Earth view of braided delta eskers.</td></tr>
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After our field trip, we returned to camp for another relaxing evening. The folks from Idaho returned with their Clam tent matching ours. They were happy. After dinner I took another swim and we secured camp for the evening.</div>
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The next day would see another cloudy morning with rain threatening. We had to vacate our campsite by 1 PM as it was reserved by others for the weekend. We decided to take a leisurely trip toward home exploring as we went. If we found a campsite to our liking, we would camp another night. Otherwise we would head home.</div>
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We stopped at several state parks on our way.</div>
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Schoolcraft State Park was first. Located along the Mississippi River, it recognizes Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the early Indian agent credited with charting the headwaters of the Mississippi. </div>
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From the park website (<a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00263#information" target="_blank">https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00263#information</a>)<span id="goog_65913443"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_65913444"></span>:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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The park was named for Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who with Anishinabe guide
Ozawindib charted the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Schoolcraft
was a long-time agent for the Chippewa Indians at Sault Saint Marie.
During his term as Indian agent he wrote several volumes of customs,
legends and history about the Indians. It was from his writings that
Longfellow gathered the material for "The Legend of Hiawatha." From
studies of Schoolcraft's diary it is believed he camped in this area on
his trip to the headwaters of the Mississippi. On the field at the
southern end of the park is the site of the first recorded homestead in
Torrey Township. It was a well-known stopping place for early river
travelers and lumberjacks who worked the river. Many relics of the
logging days have been found on the premises, as well as evidence of the
Indians who camped here long before then. The cook shacks or wannigans
as they were called, tied up near the mouth of the Vermillion River. It
was from these flat-bottomed river boats that the hungry men who drove
the logs down the Vermillion and Mississippi rivers were fed.</div>
</blockquote>
There were a few canoeists camped there. The park was dark and buggy on this rainy day and we did not hang around long. We also visited the Crow Wing State Forest Greer Lake campground nearby. Located next to Greer Lake, there were a few families camped there in RVs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVmXQlSv0X41gUStmfw_bKfXlThBJOvbwmeBceuS9t5-Ob7Gk1YFO2LTSqBIwg7N6vQGr5DYxJpNyTsZwPfHoKrEoQMvvj54p4irNIOHqeV8Opd8LoLfNttCYUsTZHECBceKxkM42KnU/s1600/IMG_6566.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVmXQlSv0X41gUStmfw_bKfXlThBJOvbwmeBceuS9t5-Ob7Gk1YFO2LTSqBIwg7N6vQGr5DYxJpNyTsZwPfHoKrEoQMvvj54p4irNIOHqeV8Opd8LoLfNttCYUsTZHECBceKxkM42KnU/s320/IMG_6566.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving back roads near Schoolcraft State Park.</td></tr>
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Next on our exploration was the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area (<a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=sra00302#homepage" target="_blank">https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=sra00302#homepage</a>). We had to negotiate closed roads and construction to reach the park but we enjoyed our visit.<br />
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This park was created out of land abandoned 30 years ago by open pit iron mining companies after their mines closed. This area was interesting to me as I visited it as a child on vacation with my family while the mines were still operating. I remember looking down into the deep mine pits and seeing the enormous trucks hauling ore. <br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXpC4e7r1B0a9eXLBFNFztR5BsYyynbS7obG-6lut4FwCbExB6EwstIytrQ8_mGkvfC12LpSIMeqToIK0f-sDavUPvkhGYb00D8cgowdCzzxSBN35-Gmbs4TZ2hwdU3pOWsWJ-3MWPJU/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXpC4e7r1B0a9eXLBFNFztR5BsYyynbS7obG-6lut4FwCbExB6EwstIytrQ8_mGkvfC12LpSIMeqToIK0f-sDavUPvkhGYb00D8cgowdCzzxSBN35-Gmbs4TZ2hwdU3pOWsWJ-3MWPJU/s320/Crosby+mine+1956.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with my Mom and brother looking into the pit<br />1956<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>
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The mine pits are now filled with water and the land covered with trees. The park has been developed as a mountain biking destination and from what we saw it is popular. Scuba diving in the mine pits, canoeing and fishing are also popular activities. Even though a rainy day, there were many bikers roaming about. We drove up to an overlook with great views of the area- maybe the same vantage I had as a kid. We ate our lunch under a picnic shelter as a light rain fell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo-yUF-LvQVGT14N1Pl2hx3iKtvnCLWjuZKF30DElxRNCUY9GDx0jSQxm_2SHJw5NSPSCjxI6GiL457BydHv3lRKEaJ9AOGEXLc46-JBn5aOjW785WyDnIsoYwsFCQPyHWWOFYVyNHUI/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo-yUF-LvQVGT14N1Pl2hx3iKtvnCLWjuZKF30DElxRNCUY9GDx0jSQxm_2SHJw5NSPSCjxI6GiL457BydHv3lRKEaJ9AOGEXLc46-JBn5aOjW785WyDnIsoYwsFCQPyHWWOFYVyNHUI/s320/IMG_6571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View now from overlook at Cuyuna Country</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy at Cuyuna Overlook.</td></tr>
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Our final destination on our route home was Sand Dunes State Forest (<a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00045#homepage" target="_blank">https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_forests/forest.html?id=sft00045#homepage</a>). <br />
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From the website:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Sand Dunes State Forest is located within the bounds of Orrock Township,
named after the first white settler in the area, Robert Orrock, who
arrived in 1857. When the first settlers came, the land was virgin
prairie. Most of these pioneers were farmers, so most of this prairie
was turned by their plows. The early major crops were oats, rye, wheat,
barley, corn, potatoes, and hay. Even though the sandy soils were not
conducive to high yields, farming continued as a major source of income
for many families until the late 1920s and early 1930s. The Great
Depression of the '30s and the Dust Bowl drought of 1933–34 brought an
end to most farming in the area. The light, worn-out soils "took to the
air and drifted like snow" over roads and onto front porches. Concerned
citizens who wanted to stabilize the drifting sand began experimental
tree planting in 1941. Many species, including both hardwoods and
conifers, were planted. The conifers surpassed the hardwood species in
survival and growth. </blockquote>
The state forest includes the Uncas Dunes Scientific and Natural Area, which protects the sensitive dunes area as well as a rare dry barrens oak savanna.<br />
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More information here: <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01039" target="_blank">https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01039</a><br />
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Kathy and I did an ill-fated bicycle camping trip in this location shortly after we were married. Taking road bikes to an area known for dry sand was just a bad idea. At one point we were trudging through foot-deep sand carrying our loaded bikes just to make some progress. Riding was impossible. Nevertheless, we camped and survived to tell the story later.<br />
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There is a small rustic campground located near a lake. On this evening, there were a few folks camped in the campground. At this point we were only an hour away from home. We discussed staying but decided to save the camping fee and head for home. We stopped for dinner at the Sunshine Depot in Elk River, site of many family outings as a kid and later as an adult.<br />
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A short drive later we were home again and thinking about our next trip. Thanks for reading our report.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCDRw6S-JQK1R33k_gRu0uryCVYO10XAIi96teyq-x8PtophTwyi6gtohfdcSlgQDP2Vb8L4L3NfTJhST8xTssBRdc4yDGAgEThMA5_ehqWrgxhgi3fvTXdK5q6x56t2N16i4ii3FwIw/s1600/IMG_6565.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCDRw6S-JQK1R33k_gRu0uryCVYO10XAIi96teyq-x8PtophTwyi6gtohfdcSlgQDP2Vb8L4L3NfTJhST8xTssBRdc4yDGAgEThMA5_ehqWrgxhgi3fvTXdK5q6x56t2N16i4ii3FwIw/s320/IMG_6565.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite place to be- exploring the back roads.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-20456729352680958962019-07-20T21:21:00.003-05:002022-09-05T13:34:17.462-05:00Trailer UpdateAs recounted in our trip to Denver blog post, the original Fulton coupler on the trailer failed to hold the hitch ball securely and the trailer popped off the hitch during a rough railroad crossing. I have a suspicion as to what caused the coupler to fail. Further investigation is required. In the meantime, I resolved to make a new coupler that would be more reliable.<br />
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The criteria for the new coupler: it must provide a reliable attachment to the truck; it must be attached to the trailer in a way that would be secure without altering the existing draw bars or casting; it must allow easy removal so that the original coupler could be reinstalled in the future if desired.<br />
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I had seen a design on the internet that met my criteria and seemed within my skill set to build.<br />
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I bought some supplies including a 2 inch receiver tube 18 inches long and a standard 2 inch straight coupler. I decided to change coupler ball size from 1 7/8 inches to the more common 2 inch ball. I had some 2 inch steel tube left over from the spare tire project.<br />
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Here is what I came up with:<br />
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I started by cutting the top and bottom out of the receiver tube for about 8 inches of length to make two wings. I fired up the torch and heated the tube to bend the wings to match the angle of the drawbars. After a few test fits, I was satisfied. I measured the locations of the existing holes in the drawbars and casting and transferred the measurements to the tube for drilling. The large hole for the main bolt holding the coupler and the safety chain brackets was a challenge as the hole needed to be at an angle to the coupler wings. A bit of grinding with the dremel tool was needed to make it all fit together.<br />
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The rest of the project consisted of painting and bolting parts together. I am happy with how it all turned out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7KDNxwe9HAsYHZ-3dNZSAGYRK-66g2hhO_4eGjlPwz-t_WMytKr1BP9uu5g-H_vuUpM8oaD_SSgp5C2pksRiTTWtuCAINT3S0UbHDrsLkUyKvJ8mRkq9k-W9hMnI5Z7nzIVj-KN7tsk/s1600/IMG_6463.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7KDNxwe9HAsYHZ-3dNZSAGYRK-66g2hhO_4eGjlPwz-t_WMytKr1BP9uu5g-H_vuUpM8oaD_SSgp5C2pksRiTTWtuCAINT3S0UbHDrsLkUyKvJ8mRkq9k-W9hMnI5Z7nzIVj-KN7tsk/s320/IMG_6463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bending the wings after cutting the top and bottom out of the tube.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlyOvIrYLUXuG1tMr2US7i-ob1TCtQnbKWkI_F77JrNaQQMcC14h9__Q77k6vkcS2NhzAFBy7JaPmOxhXpPEdbaIxz4vqrOn5JkUzaBExEJefb7bvlZ5JrXQvahaVU1eXEaP7QPkDoFM/s1600/IMG_6466.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlyOvIrYLUXuG1tMr2US7i-ob1TCtQnbKWkI_F77JrNaQQMcC14h9__Q77k6vkcS2NhzAFBy7JaPmOxhXpPEdbaIxz4vqrOn5JkUzaBExEJefb7bvlZ5JrXQvahaVU1eXEaP7QPkDoFM/s320/IMG_6466.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test fitting after drilling the holes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XgR6_r1fUjoHb5bvgRG5sxdCgXBxiV1keXbUaZDuN4G3S_1UHo0KGIQ0QGsHo6bOs1uYq7pLxpbrkpsjDtwDuRWfKz4NJQFaabk_gInURtSvmZEzyUBrWwWumAMxxJ3CxVzQGUmvDAE/s1600/IMG_6467.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XgR6_r1fUjoHb5bvgRG5sxdCgXBxiV1keXbUaZDuN4G3S_1UHo0KGIQ0QGsHo6bOs1uYq7pLxpbrkpsjDtwDuRWfKz4NJQFaabk_gInURtSvmZEzyUBrWwWumAMxxJ3CxVzQGUmvDAE/s320/IMG_6467.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6w-ttns_c2fwb9zyZYgMOkk9P7cJssXFUmAZU_8qhW1N58_XZln-KJSb068rcIAUgk4vY82lLGIjILOytGcJLdrEA7SqzZ0zqWSI2uBaChAULRrFZS5-dlbZCS3UKFZ7nNtf2YHkaDY/s1600/IMG_6469.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6w-ttns_c2fwb9zyZYgMOkk9P7cJssXFUmAZU_8qhW1N58_XZln-KJSb068rcIAUgk4vY82lLGIjILOytGcJLdrEA7SqzZ0zqWSI2uBaChAULRrFZS5-dlbZCS3UKFZ7nNtf2YHkaDY/s320/IMG_6469.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view testing the fit of the new coupler</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvHaMqvMNvnW1Pjw0iJbwNM0kpkkSB-ZhGBmFrXR7fABFKwFW71_Dt4918q1R9ndQPSGcmaacVI5B0EqLP_gNSjJTtGpBR9QgmNfLfY53egxS1CtfwfTP8_GSwpR3UE8KJ7zGej6WoE0/s1600/IMG_6476.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvHaMqvMNvnW1Pjw0iJbwNM0kpkkSB-ZhGBmFrXR7fABFKwFW71_Dt4918q1R9ndQPSGcmaacVI5B0EqLP_gNSjJTtGpBR9QgmNfLfY53egxS1CtfwfTP8_GSwpR3UE8KJ7zGej6WoE0/s320/IMG_6476.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting all the parts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUUmEiSy3zdkQcE8cEh13aKmB2-e6kXUhFZoDvwNqL3Os1SeP3NodAmCXGtrKob5TlrnTyEjS721KU1jk3sezosPWMm90QYUFQBdQbHcAljsVHLI8SXkMJfzoCi7OzLEpf-BX9G8d2DU/s1600/coupler+edited.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="755" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUUmEiSy3zdkQcE8cEh13aKmB2-e6kXUhFZoDvwNqL3Os1SeP3NodAmCXGtrKob5TlrnTyEjS721KU1jk3sezosPWMm90QYUFQBdQbHcAljsVHLI8SXkMJfzoCi7OzLEpf-BX9G8d2DU/s320/coupler+edited.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of finished coupler.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN3cznI-qUl5epSx2BZqVfzNB-ei7kDp6ZkxcNF8ySskYEQYS6e1fLK9g_PfkNQ9vROErbkBJYMAlQ_W18R76IxPEK1VggZAiwYpI076dhV0a968yHBI2YQj0_eHLZsvTQzroKx_tAtc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-20+at+9.06.26+PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="786" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZN3cznI-qUl5epSx2BZqVfzNB-ei7kDp6ZkxcNF8ySskYEQYS6e1fLK9g_PfkNQ9vROErbkBJYMAlQ_W18R76IxPEK1VggZAiwYpI076dhV0a968yHBI2YQj0_eHLZsvTQzroKx_tAtc/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-07-20+at+9.06.26+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trailer at right angles to the truck- useful when camping.</td></tr>
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While I had the torch out and the drawbar casting removed, I decided to fix the damage to the landing leg pivot caused when the trailer disconnected from the truck. I cleaned up the damaged part with the grinder and welded some steel back to where it had been scrubbed off by the pavement. A bit of grinding returned the piece more or less to its original shape. Once primed and painted and back on the trailer, the repair is not noticeable.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3OBRxVSJXaoy1zKXLqPWO1sZ1-IWAtJi_Msbxw2obtEdzfss5bkWOm_wlOlb-zCx3P4aFnL7xFP9ZSTtk2VMOKOiJNg2u17F05EpH0Q_4qDLGNX7QvpsehKGCoFA5na6nCcBzjLHGaY/s1600/IMG_6472.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3OBRxVSJXaoy1zKXLqPWO1sZ1-IWAtJi_Msbxw2obtEdzfss5bkWOm_wlOlb-zCx3P4aFnL7xFP9ZSTtk2VMOKOiJNg2u17F05EpH0Q_4qDLGNX7QvpsehKGCoFA5na6nCcBzjLHGaY/s320/IMG_6472.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of repaired pivot casting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqTXBsFBW2aDd_CaIbcBzab9VuCUL8paMm7tZQRyPerbzHgmUbH6sGvKuvIlOlaC6O275_04LlkfU-y4lc51KNiJqYqkcmNzCUfK9tAA9CbdrLgM1ctEn2YXFI7VwQOK-5nvYELnm7Tw/s1600/IMG_6473.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqTXBsFBW2aDd_CaIbcBzab9VuCUL8paMm7tZQRyPerbzHgmUbH6sGvKuvIlOlaC6O275_04LlkfU-y4lc51KNiJqYqkcmNzCUfK9tAA9CbdrLgM1ctEn2YXFI7VwQOK-5nvYELnm7Tw/s320/IMG_6473.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side of the repaired casting.</td></tr>
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</p><p> </p><p><span style="color: #ffa400;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Edit for new extended tow bar (edited 9/5/22):</span></span></p><p>One of the advantages of the new coupler set up is the ability to switch out different couplers and tow bars. For instance, I have considered making a pintle hitch set-up for off-road towing. </p><p>I had always intended to make an extended tow bar to enable carrying longer canoes on the trailer. I had some tubing left over from the spare tire bracket project which was perfect for my needs. I attached a new coupler to the tubing, drilled hole for the retaining pin and attached some chains. I had to make an extension for the wiring harness. I painted the finished tow bar to match the trailer. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdEHUY-AYvlukJB_M1tMd1_XfZTVp7iaBYog2Sv8Z6d0h5GCeE2qWBL2T8qNeC9OMc-gsqr90hJeR4QWCwFv4mipUMb6lsROzrfVCJvV4mLXlf1R38ao-jJIQ6JKONW2UN4q5nuLM0ZxGmNPoQUFr9VcRY41HX0SqSKz1TlOqeJQxgk-lK9PXlB9f/s4032/IMG_8594.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdEHUY-AYvlukJB_M1tMd1_XfZTVp7iaBYog2Sv8Z6d0h5GCeE2qWBL2T8qNeC9OMc-gsqr90hJeR4QWCwFv4mipUMb6lsROzrfVCJvV4mLXlf1R38ao-jJIQ6JKONW2UN4q5nuLM0ZxGmNPoQUFr9VcRY41HX0SqSKz1TlOqeJQxgk-lK9PXlB9f/s320/IMG_8594.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New longer tow bar<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJinBBNixl7YMgbnPudM-ne_w6oucF4WJVASdOJW4lacjOmTqaNqz9i6BM5a-_PaR0Ja0newNTnZ8DGU8cCCsTj5mBBR0nydixeZA6R-nJmAPHqx7pzzH4_-6OBB7v5XK0JmWNwkSqsJqdjbIggQA795OWQzqN6lWGSFgtb_-grMfpkJ2Oju5ynww/s4032/IMG_7961.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJinBBNixl7YMgbnPudM-ne_w6oucF4WJVASdOJW4lacjOmTqaNqz9i6BM5a-_PaR0Ja0newNTnZ8DGU8cCCsTj5mBBR0nydixeZA6R-nJmAPHqx7pzzH4_-6OBB7v5XK0JmWNwkSqsJqdjbIggQA795OWQzqN6lWGSFgtb_-grMfpkJ2Oju5ynww/s320/IMG_7961.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailer with canoe and longer tow bar<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBav-9B8TimERjRCjxiDNIrzlQ0GXIOlK17nQxnZGnZV2IgqVf8CDzPduamMnkhkhUVsfCzbq89r70IaTuB5KYCIHDWY_CFlRJGBHFNwah1XXgxb6nl1GTY9EOyku1OXVV1rRRsi_mKIah8iRTfR5XTHTDQYgKGyTKztoo_oK5EOWTk7ZF2WD51A9S/s320/IMG_8360.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short tow bar with coupler removed. I also added an ammo box to store chocks and straps.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Now I have a choice for which tow bar to use. I like the short tow bar for most towing but the longer one works better for carrying canoes. It is also slightly easier to back the trailer up with the longer bar, but I have learned to back up with either set-up. Backing up is made much easier with a capable spotter since, with the camper on the truck, I can't see the trailer with either bar until it has turned significantly. Finally, I can easily remove either tow bar with the chains when I leave the trailer parked, making it somewhat more difficult for someone to tow in away in my absence.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-36634968432203063142019-07-06T09:32:00.001-05:002019-07-08T09:48:07.215-05:00Trip to Denver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our son and his spouse bought a house in Denver, their first house. They are relocating to Denver from the Bay Area where they have been for the past dozen or so years. We decided to visit them and help out on some pre-move painting and fix-ups. It would be a good trial run for the trailer, which had yet to see the road, and a chance to see Rocky Mountain National Park on the way back.<br />
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For a report on the trailer project click here: <a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2019/05/bantam-trailer.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2019/05/bantam-trailer.html</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3rqo5pI8Ss8c_89oQuWNdrxdz8srpQ7XoireEYiptOsIoQr-knWlGEj-DLGAJss8WKBA_ztrGGTgnKpuIWNuBBcsyAFobLZdt2B2bnARztRCR5AeEODt0aSTAtB5ixDElImRzMg91Kw/s1600/IMG_6212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3rqo5pI8Ss8c_89oQuWNdrxdz8srpQ7XoireEYiptOsIoQr-knWlGEj-DLGAJss8WKBA_ztrGGTgnKpuIWNuBBcsyAFobLZdt2B2bnARztRCR5AeEODt0aSTAtB5ixDElImRzMg91Kw/s320/IMG_6212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trailer ready for a road trip</td></tr>
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We loaded up the trailer with lots of tools and our camping stuff. The trailer allows all the gear to be organized and out of the camper and truck. We left on a Monday and drove to the Nebraska National Forest at Halsey, Nebraska. We encountered some torrential rains along the way- couldn't see the road for the rain. Sticking mostly to back roads as we like to do, we passed through a mix of flooded and newly planted Minnesota farm fields and the prairies of South Dakota and Nebraska.<br />
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The trailer pulled like a dream- could hardly tell it was back there until we reached the national forest. The narrow entrance road went sharply up and down over some railroad tracks with a couple of hard bumps. As we cleared the tracks I heard and felt a thump and stopped the truck to investigate. The 75-year-old hitch coupler had popped off the hitch ball. The safety chains did their job keeping the trailer with the truck. Fortunately we were not going fast and no harm was done but for some metal scraped off the landing leg casting as it dragged on the pavement for a short distance. That can be repaired. The coupler is tightened using a handwheel on top of the coupler. I had tested the coupler before we left and thought it was secure. Hindsight is 20/20. I reattached the trailer, using a wrench to tighten the nut from the underside this time. Bumps in the road were a source of trepidation until the next day we spied an Ace Hardware Store along the highway. A quick stop and I replaced the handwheel with a 1/2 inch bolt, lock
washer and stop nut and tightened it well with a wrench. Good to go and
checked it regularly the rest of the trip. We had no further issues.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8GRNY_-687K8mraLoQg0FgQ62CoNZWVaJLlZC3Cix1rV8qpA9TlA5qXUUxLhDldJlyP7ojuv7DmE3r_NdJ5cGGiXSb_aV1YFgXxV7mGPcTg-xYn7Nps5vHk7094TWHMbV4HHlu2J2tc/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8GRNY_-687K8mraLoQg0FgQ62CoNZWVaJLlZC3Cix1rV8qpA9TlA5qXUUxLhDldJlyP7ojuv7DmE3r_NdJ5cGGiXSb_aV1YFgXxV7mGPcTg-xYn7Nps5vHk7094TWHMbV4HHlu2J2tc/s320/IMG_6334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at the Nebraska National Forest</td></tr>
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We found a nice campsite at the National Forest campground, paid our $2.50 fee (half-price thanks to our National Parks pass) and settled in for the evening.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Loup River at camp</td></tr>
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Tuesday we drove the rest of the way to Denver.<br />
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Wednesday through Sunday were spent working on the house, along with trips to Home Depot, the hardware store and some neighborhood restaurants. We walked around the neighborhood and found it to our liking. Saturday evening was the annual block party for their block, which has been going on for over 20 years. Although the weather was cold and rainy, enthusiasm was high. Two bands played good music from the porch of a house. It was a great opportunity to meet many of the neighbors and enjoy some great potluck food. Barbecued chicken and pork were prepared under tents in a large smoker, and tables were filled with contributions from neighbors. It was an altogether wonderful welcome to the neighborhood.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good music from the porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly neighbors enjoying a party</td></tr>
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On Monday, we packed up to return home. We had originally planned to leave on Sunday but stayed an extra day in Denver. This shortened our time for the return trip home but we will likely be back soon to see some of the sights we had to skip this time. We stopped for some grocery shopping and had a nice picnic lunch alongside Sloans Lake in Denver. The setting felt a lot like sitting by the lakes at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qRP3fqnBHVged9neirZ6v5iImIPhWdAdcY2KT2WPh4eFyHUtFmG9IVjDph0SFhQcNnjkqE2iG33q0az81yZzW7ZgtG09JMpeQrWE2Ws05CXvm9MhXG2dFLVLOgb2WMzEYnbGaPB87qs/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qRP3fqnBHVged9neirZ6v5iImIPhWdAdcY2KT2WPh4eFyHUtFmG9IVjDph0SFhQcNnjkqE2iG33q0az81yZzW7ZgtG09JMpeQrWE2Ws05CXvm9MhXG2dFLVLOgb2WMzEYnbGaPB87qs/s320/IMG_6349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picnic at Sloans Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our first stop was Rocky Mountain National Park. We had checked and all the campgrounds on the Estes Park side were full but first come first served sites were available on the west side at the Timber Creek campground. We arrived there in late afternoon. There were plenty of open campsites. We picked one and set up camp. On the way we had seen numerous elk and 4 moose in the meadows along the road. On two separate occasions we saw foxes foraging in parking lots in close proximity to people. Elk turned out to be our neighbors in camp as well. As Kathy returned from the registration kiosk, she was surprised to look up and see a large bull elk directly in front of her. She wisely took a detour on her route back to the campsite. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_LAgBATyzFk0fm06i_kFV7cUhA0cyRCM8IqcVCRGMRhD6FS2-f5S0tMk-Iuob8mVC2jquWyRVKMYVyMwJU8R5ym-bwx36cQytsJEMhg0FqGagkYywnH8D5VjGGEIyBpzFuHSbBgkh5k/s1600/IMG_6352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_LAgBATyzFk0fm06i_kFV7cUhA0cyRCM8IqcVCRGMRhD6FS2-f5S0tMk-Iuob8mVC2jquWyRVKMYVyMwJU8R5ym-bwx36cQytsJEMhg0FqGagkYywnH8D5VjGGEIyBpzFuHSbBgkh5k/s320/IMG_6352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Continental Divide</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ35aDnr2p7oAdUbKMM-wxnn4Bt5gGIpqLNLIbtptrlZJljv7IQOp-ONfHMIFxxPFr_uT3jrkB6pfxfAFrsazeHruXoA6nzJklkskNLLeU9aX3Ph6v767AaGwAF-M0Cnzlw_JbXADHt8/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ35aDnr2p7oAdUbKMM-wxnn4Bt5gGIpqLNLIbtptrlZJljv7IQOp-ONfHMIFxxPFr_uT3jrkB6pfxfAFrsazeHruXoA6nzJklkskNLLeU9aX3Ph6v767AaGwAF-M0Cnzlw_JbXADHt8/s320/IMG_6353.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Highest elevation for the truck and trailer until Trail Ridge Road</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnw9Xf6e_R8LX8O3zqK72E8MhrWLY-NZ0L6LPSg-KVPaeXtB6KeDaWTTl35a9g3qazRvwau4B8_pdff8zaX78iFbR0A3oqZ3x0azdjVvx5Oavw2klAaGVqG0VoKxvJRhnPpL2YV-5uN4/s1600/IMG_6357.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXnw9Xf6e_R8LX8O3zqK72E8MhrWLY-NZ0L6LPSg-KVPaeXtB6KeDaWTTl35a9g3qazRvwau4B8_pdff8zaX78iFbR0A3oqZ3x0azdjVvx5Oavw2klAaGVqG0VoKxvJRhnPpL2YV-5uN4/s320/IMG_6357.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj662BuD2YpORAiZD2BeBkM0EWccXWob8YGZ1qXdsbMolWE65XVlBjP9wKf710ThBkuoJJFyfKPRgeIUfaI-mDvhYm9lRBKChdlEUE3oBrdNUeU5oaf0vKNZVR_2XOwNote2Sfi1y-rNpQ/s1600/IMG_6359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj662BuD2YpORAiZD2BeBkM0EWccXWob8YGZ1qXdsbMolWE65XVlBjP9wKf710ThBkuoJJFyfKPRgeIUfaI-mDvhYm9lRBKChdlEUE3oBrdNUeU5oaf0vKNZVR_2XOwNote2Sfi1y-rNpQ/s320/IMG_6359.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timber Creek Campground- small trees, big views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUq6lAT3qW2AY-Dz2k-d56lCEZ_kKLRKDBsmI8zNsyLGWY7x7qekZ3tJLBqUkI6urwSDYbPXSCDGOK-qo3JE04UpCmAmwvkKj2cn-8dwZeo1fvXboWE1pYmxZQ3QodKI-PF_8vz4KYitM/s1600/IMG_6360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUq6lAT3qW2AY-Dz2k-d56lCEZ_kKLRKDBsmI8zNsyLGWY7x7qekZ3tJLBqUkI6urwSDYbPXSCDGOK-qo3JE04UpCmAmwvkKj2cn-8dwZeo1fvXboWE1pYmxZQ3QodKI-PF_8vz4KYitM/s320/IMG_6360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trailer in camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This was my second trip to RMNP. On a previous trip by myself, I had planned to drive the Trail Ridge Road through the mountains. Unfortunately, the road was closed by snow the day I arrived (report here: <a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-3.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-3.html</a> )<br />
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This time I hoped to make the trip. Checking in at the visitor center, we were informed that the road was closed by snow over the weekend. Bummer!<br />
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We decided to stay in camp an extra day in hopes the road would open. It poured rain at night, likely meaning more snow in the mountains. In the morning we woke to 38°F in the camper. I turned on the furnace and discovered I hadn't turned on the propane the night before. It turned out that I had evidently cooked an entire dinner the night before from propane left in the stove hose.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFft115YaE6s1e5uecZjxzw_3oqhfMxeLcrGygnNC2sZ8p2IgLTg-boCxLLECWwVRQoa9hkexlWLnfQv1mvjxk_NGuK40tIlXSf0QKQ2hPuxYQInLdO0JugIAR1og0uiaHazoEKGNdQo/s1600/IMG_6362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFft115YaE6s1e5uecZjxzw_3oqhfMxeLcrGygnNC2sZ8p2IgLTg-boCxLLECWwVRQoa9hkexlWLnfQv1mvjxk_NGuK40tIlXSf0QKQ2hPuxYQInLdO0JugIAR1og0uiaHazoEKGNdQo/s320/IMG_6362.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adams Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uPUboukvypqaHjjec51JqpUBX5vo1c4Z4a4EZfKouoI1LwO8a9wgYhGwELNnBVvkKE8LOnIml9J6UzvDn1JRAscuCTGXn0mn2Ay9IYoPxg2cbpuvfTEZ9EJB4Ei88qB2x94oW98Y2sg/s1600/IMG_6363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uPUboukvypqaHjjec51JqpUBX5vo1c4Z4a4EZfKouoI1LwO8a9wgYhGwELNnBVvkKE8LOnIml9J6UzvDn1JRAscuCTGXn0mn2Ay9IYoPxg2cbpuvfTEZ9EJB4Ei88qB2x94oW98Y2sg/s320/IMG_6363.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adams Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj2dtc_vNjcPozK_D_lrb4z8i761K1flGMrvSv9sRI3WDO1tTR-Sna0YEUd1BC0ClizKQUvtkiE_ZMARl2eDFVsh3ACByU1KPD9COV0JTWz7hyOoJuOVNkWq0RUhSPdqI7zuujIfIxLo/s1600/IMG_6364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsj2dtc_vNjcPozK_D_lrb4z8i761K1flGMrvSv9sRI3WDO1tTR-Sna0YEUd1BC0ClizKQUvtkiE_ZMARl2eDFVsh3ACByU1KPD9COV0JTWz7hyOoJuOVNkWq0RUhSPdqI7zuujIfIxLo/s320/IMG_6364.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVyFpFQw5VXOb-6U3VffDWPWNdnQ6bYcwCbswhSP1JIM2WoTqymRSWs4wa48IXi4XD28Z5bkBjCEa3i6KErZt1jHbupR3n50suI7RMOOV77zgMTET4YNSIKSBdbQ2WRi0lTqH7uRkBow/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVyFpFQw5VXOb-6U3VffDWPWNdnQ6bYcwCbswhSP1JIM2WoTqymRSWs4wa48IXi4XD28Z5bkBjCEa3i6KErZt1jHbupR3n50suI7RMOOV77zgMTET4YNSIKSBdbQ2WRi0lTqH7uRkBow/s320/IMG_6365.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain meadow</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFHLVyxez0YqALCBPAd0gB1QZzwZXBFtAbpiKGlZvyl0EyaQ5BTSnQBKApMle4eNCHelSfp1IJDXYuhuGG7yVGOV8sgq4Qhw7PE58rCsEigUGiQrSyAdlYPg2VQWRNk-pDlg6TBABod8/s1600/IMG_6367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFHLVyxez0YqALCBPAd0gB1QZzwZXBFtAbpiKGlZvyl0EyaQ5BTSnQBKApMle4eNCHelSfp1IJDXYuhuGG7yVGOV8sgq4Qhw7PE58rCsEigUGiQrSyAdlYPg2VQWRNk-pDlg6TBABod8/s320/IMG_6367.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain view- Grand Lake in the distance</td></tr>
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Tuesday morning with the road still closed and our hopes dimmed for its opening, we explored the west side of the park, hiked to Adams Falls and returned to camp. We stopped at the visitor center again and learned to our surprise and delight, that the road had just reopened. We decided to drive it right then and return to camp that afternoon rather than risk having it close again that evening. Snow was threatening. We drove the road past some good-sized snow drifts and enjoyed the high tundra scenery quite a lot. We passed 12,000 feet in elevation- the highest altitude we have been in the truck. We did a short driving tour of the east side of the park and then drove Trail Ridge Road again back to our camp through some light snow showers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAaO-pHorrQ5mP8q8vMjq_KzXYZDa9ROAEo8PqpGbTdOyO_RtFUVvyDfebufpZLJ35H871BC0HZeSwu-9w-5hFvhCy8Fbp-CIfszCMxtdnPXg4y_N3jnYsqrsUpfYz951XZDMelMTXFo/s1600/IMG_6376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1600" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAaO-pHorrQ5mP8q8vMjq_KzXYZDa9ROAEo8PqpGbTdOyO_RtFUVvyDfebufpZLJ35H871BC0HZeSwu-9w-5hFvhCy8Fbp-CIfszCMxtdnPXg4y_N3jnYsqrsUpfYz951XZDMelMTXFo/s320/IMG_6376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh snow on Trail Ridge Road</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3kw6X6yuj_2p9JJbi8WMa50X7uFdFi6s5O5GTAAhIoJ_nJYryCcK4hDIZPN-UlLeJXL1SqUj3myEN7AsLdYIVX8uPRdZqpR9qKx4VfzY-Mvm-e7oDX54E3bVQnl1Q7WAu6ML9JzvZ54/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3kw6X6yuj_2p9JJbi8WMa50X7uFdFi6s5O5GTAAhIoJ_nJYryCcK4hDIZPN-UlLeJXL1SqUj3myEN7AsLdYIVX8uPRdZqpR9qKx4VfzY-Mvm-e7oDX54E3bVQnl1Q7WAu6ML9JzvZ54/s320/IMG_6385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Ridge Road- mountain view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWvfjALgqbjbna0MLof2ZCVFtU1ArVQBW_OavNGJ7fo9whPQcfAwKcI7MvBLUMY_8PPFlJj-9_9RDlRg-hl-4tGboS_ri8zJLFAf-UkZQGKY58s9wXlZtNBZ9jY6ZjauTCTlTBwuY9Dw/s1600/IMG_6383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWvfjALgqbjbna0MLof2ZCVFtU1ArVQBW_OavNGJ7fo9whPQcfAwKcI7MvBLUMY_8PPFlJj-9_9RDlRg-hl-4tGboS_ri8zJLFAf-UkZQGKY58s9wXlZtNBZ9jY6ZjauTCTlTBwuY9Dw/s320/IMG_6383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Ridge Road- disorienting mountainside view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES_VATzLvSKixzfr6P4wBi92MgLXRnUIhut05rPPPkqhO5OoF-U90jLB_Nct4Qs6IWsLO1pd4JcvhHN1iydnLsZ4KmgTBwAeQpkqsGMDCpoHt6ZL7fyMuYgWkp8CLR15Ylzp9JcroUSs/s1600/IMG_6423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES_VATzLvSKixzfr6P4wBi92MgLXRnUIhut05rPPPkqhO5OoF-U90jLB_Nct4Qs6IWsLO1pd4JcvhHN1iydnLsZ4KmgTBwAeQpkqsGMDCpoHt6ZL7fyMuYgWkp8CLR15Ylzp9JcroUSs/s320/IMG_6423.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail Ridge Road rocks</td></tr>
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The next morning we packed up and headed for home. We will have to return to the RMNP again to explore more of its sights and trails. We drove the back roads of Colorado from RMNP to the Nebraska National Forest near Chadron NE. We saw a cow moose along the way with a very young calf who made a very cute scramble into the woods while the mom watched us carefully. On another occasion we nearly struck a deer that jumped out into the roadway requiring a full-on panic stop. The brakes performed well and stopped the truck and trailer in time to avoid a collision. We both got a good shot of adrenalin though.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ0AOD9ag3ujLCIR0RwE5O5S-Y38PHTT0g0qy4qwsIjjXcS55Z6fQ7EVDP7HZouRASo9V3B496pzzk4bpnFPUlKMSnWOrd843YVg49b8eZTTlZ9y0UQnWRP0reY9c_00I7v1bbKB9HtM/s1600/IMG_6437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJ0AOD9ag3ujLCIR0RwE5O5S-Y38PHTT0g0qy4qwsIjjXcS55Z6fQ7EVDP7HZouRASo9V3B496pzzk4bpnFPUlKMSnWOrd843YVg49b8eZTTlZ9y0UQnWRP0reY9c_00I7v1bbKB9HtM/s320/IMG_6437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious elk in the road</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim91VnrwWfnoyLP8FC_HXv-L0RmzNFfevDwRLgiTeuc506m939XFhv0_LppQbtrGLR8FDkCxEH9QzW3F-2AaDmHl7UcY4fV3olFdTL1XuZfCN1JuRYU2DVl4aZPlcZZid2xUS-GgH_JDA/s1600/IMG_6438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim91VnrwWfnoyLP8FC_HXv-L0RmzNFfevDwRLgiTeuc506m939XFhv0_LppQbtrGLR8FDkCxEH9QzW3F-2AaDmHl7UcY4fV3olFdTL1XuZfCN1JuRYU2DVl4aZPlcZZid2xUS-GgH_JDA/s320/IMG_6438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More elk along the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
The drive along the Poudre River (Highway 14) in Colorado was very scenic. We ate lunch on a boulder at a rest stop along side the river. We watched river rafts go by- two collided, sending the occupants of one into the river- a bit of excitement as a rescue was made with a spot-on rope toss by one of the rafting crew.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHszkjADrK49yHYsr9tF1eLuOLRd1VAUZwTa4Hsa52XHK5a3nVcXHQC_XEyvNZi18azgBbvEPOYVTDWmSKPC8bpI0tiui_ZsRcLihMB6qYoEIM027fQNz9LF-rEtUaCxIulTWOQ81ENyM/s1600/IMG_1325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHszkjADrK49yHYsr9tF1eLuOLRd1VAUZwTa4Hsa52XHK5a3nVcXHQC_XEyvNZi18azgBbvEPOYVTDWmSKPC8bpI0tiui_ZsRcLihMB6qYoEIM027fQNz9LF-rEtUaCxIulTWOQ81ENyM/s320/IMG_1325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild and scenic Poudre River</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_Kwog80JWDk3FnTB8_voOtFy_XoEAiNSSt0-3Dtgcw-GzRzqUm_KKFwmiEsIgNYvjoJFru-6Pg859YJ3lZK3F94bAqQybUu-hAgx2d29Q46l5f2ML3anwruBu_mWgW5pVlgjd5GVu0E/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4_Kwog80JWDk3FnTB8_voOtFy_XoEAiNSSt0-3Dtgcw-GzRzqUm_KKFwmiEsIgNYvjoJFru-6Pg859YJ3lZK3F94bAqQybUu-hAgx2d29Q46l5f2ML3anwruBu_mWgW5pVlgjd5GVu0E/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Poudre River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXACaFJ6I6bVlsqmYttIBleK8OXECbC6jbIsfDexMVY-nLsYklsUTDmCmibKuW0HAjTMP9g9LpBC5curSwiQdANv13v4s3OIetXLbihobEmhq-YFwDHCUjHd802sQzfsTLoErXvla28Aw/s1600/IMG_1337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXACaFJ6I6bVlsqmYttIBleK8OXECbC6jbIsfDexMVY-nLsYklsUTDmCmibKuW0HAjTMP9g9LpBC5curSwiQdANv13v4s3OIetXLbihobEmhq-YFwDHCUjHd802sQzfsTLoErXvla28Aw/s320/IMG_1337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Poudre River</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A long driving day ended with a nice campsite at the rustic USFS Red Cloud Campground. Temps for the day ranged from the 30s at RMNP to the mid-90s in Nebraska. What a change! A cool front with threat of rain brought some fresh air to our camp and made a good ending to the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZH3HDzRMUumh9_76LFxQAbEu6a85nASHHgjUTqh5V-aKAd4Yj1mprEDqvvM2bedFtbmsNJrJKSi9YWxX5r3lcz6hsxIkTlYKFMheCxmTfM8yoLZeWryuO0tXM_c0tdyJvJvVtO-ppzM/s1600/IMG_6440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZH3HDzRMUumh9_76LFxQAbEu6a85nASHHgjUTqh5V-aKAd4Yj1mprEDqvvM2bedFtbmsNJrJKSi9YWxX5r3lcz6hsxIkTlYKFMheCxmTfM8yoLZeWryuO0tXM_c0tdyJvJvVtO-ppzM/s320/IMG_6440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Red Cloud campground</td></tr>
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On Thursday we drove from the Red Cloud campground to Blue Mounds State Park in Minnesota. It was a very scenic drive through the rolling prairie landscape and sand hills blooming with beautiful colors. We saw antelope and lots of cattle. We had a nice lunch at a state park overlooking the Missouri River. We bothered some nesting swallows with our presence in the picnic shelter there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGqpaxPIqfUjzsavW2auc0EHu_gV_looRbL4Wgo2qygbTBSoGsgcAUYAZ2BzlL_S_RH0Jmjxg_zHBONCDqz4zgLd3oUGrON7kB-gIZGi9SmzVh2EyOiTQAnKZv0OJpNqbUdZ4lvX3Gvc/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGqpaxPIqfUjzsavW2auc0EHu_gV_looRbL4Wgo2qygbTBSoGsgcAUYAZ2BzlL_S_RH0Jmjxg_zHBONCDqz4zgLd3oUGrON7kB-gIZGi9SmzVh2EyOiTQAnKZv0OJpNqbUdZ4lvX3Gvc/s320/IMG_1343.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of blooming prairie hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVb5dmA5bLihw4SJu-IEvHTp2kU1_0ETjFh7Df_o_80f_qXRmGZcek8oToG4c_uzjhz8BLJHaRKuat8syemZf27FZJIENxLP9yTZjJoaaI6DBoJWDBcrVBeJcmWmF1zCBFfgvHY3Pabo/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVb5dmA5bLihw4SJu-IEvHTp2kU1_0ETjFh7Df_o_80f_qXRmGZcek8oToG4c_uzjhz8BLJHaRKuat8syemZf27FZJIENxLP9yTZjJoaaI6DBoJWDBcrVBeJcmWmF1zCBFfgvHY3Pabo/s320/IMG_1348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzrgOpeaAHp1XWgT9KYLHHKxGx2ncwgq1igd8UG8Hx2omSvUZ68aXPjAtobUeU4TPIpUcBQ6SEE5eGeCFYY-oOcYU8O23dVRkDV0Oc5QBnzv4LNJkyrP1xQJkhg9lvp2hTcpjJpqm9CI/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzrgOpeaAHp1XWgT9KYLHHKxGx2ncwgq1igd8UG8Hx2omSvUZ68aXPjAtobUeU4TPIpUcBQ6SEE5eGeCFYY-oOcYU8O23dVRkDV0Oc5QBnzv4LNJkyrP1xQJkhg9lvp2hTcpjJpqm9CI/s320/IMG_1352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrO2-j-AZlfJmEXCmTt1DqvNHk3eavtt5tsP8kF7HwON6D9RneW2t81gVZjOE2nMZ0ONtdC_AnfZLJJdpXWJ6lviPRdDJpRkHf3uJPxwSWG0aGRfCybClTC0RbiY9BjZoPteTtSx6Zqg/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrO2-j-AZlfJmEXCmTt1DqvNHk3eavtt5tsP8kF7HwON6D9RneW2t81gVZjOE2nMZ0ONtdC_AnfZLJJdpXWJ6lviPRdDJpRkHf3uJPxwSWG0aGRfCybClTC0RbiY9BjZoPteTtSx6Zqg/s320/IMG_1356.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA7KDWGd5kaGdPm2-wy8AjeqaTqKYwobs0ZOJUusUtxpKr57qgi6ni4YKQrEFPZG0TkbN97WwDc0pN_uoLSS9d2xTT-dSSvD056yy5aULddElVMtutI7mO1eW5yn2CX6uziLF9kaF8ac/s1600/IMG_1358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1600" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA7KDWGd5kaGdPm2-wy8AjeqaTqKYwobs0ZOJUusUtxpKr57qgi6ni4YKQrEFPZG0TkbN97WwDc0pN_uoLSS9d2xTT-dSSvD056yy5aULddElVMtutI7mO1eW5yn2CX6uziLF9kaF8ac/s320/IMG_1358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missouri River Valley</td></tr>
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After a long driving day, we found a nice campsite at Blue Mounds close to showers. The
weather was very warm and humid. We were feeling sticky and hot and the showers
were very much appreciated. We sat outside on the picnic table and enjoyed an amazing night time display by the abundant fireflies before retiring for a good night's sleep.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha33Ux2uiUT4nHm4MdQ6kaU9d_chtfi4Wc2y3xWgFqOfnctOC8XlqChDKML_YQKFkJfX-Stc8NZ21xdMsKVKIC25gcxujT-pPPA_ejyrWEeMJTnaTKZHjHDn3CGCRVHltzpoh9WdSsHaU/s1600/IMG_6444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha33Ux2uiUT4nHm4MdQ6kaU9d_chtfi4Wc2y3xWgFqOfnctOC8XlqChDKML_YQKFkJfX-Stc8NZ21xdMsKVKIC25gcxujT-pPPA_ejyrWEeMJTnaTKZHjHDn3CGCRVHltzpoh9WdSsHaU/s320/IMG_6444.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Blue Mounds State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3GtDcCPOGl2lKoxwS_8m9Wej3r5IZBU_J0R7MdECBS7ZnogXYrCYYub1Cn0dAj3BCCTYdif6OQHyp-tSV8XXQGGV0F9BAmLBn23B1Mvh9-TUdptX2cHT6blvGoyIoIQVK03j2xF3HqM/s1600/IMG_6455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3GtDcCPOGl2lKoxwS_8m9Wej3r5IZBU_J0R7MdECBS7ZnogXYrCYYub1Cn0dAj3BCCTYdif6OQHyp-tSV8XXQGGV0F9BAmLBn23B1Mvh9-TUdptX2cHT6blvGoyIoIQVK03j2xF3HqM/s320/IMG_6455.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Blue Mounds State Park</td></tr>
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Friday we stopped for breakfast at Lange's Cafe in Pipestone, site of the National Monument of the same name. We had been there before. <a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2013/06/ancient-sites-and-symbols.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2013/06/ancient-sites-and-symbols.html</a> We drove home through the rich farm land of southern Minnesota, bedeviled by detours for washed out bridges and flooded roads and summertime road construction. It was notable how delayed the crops were due to the wet spring- hard times for many farmers.<br />
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At last we finished our trip in early afternoon, glad to be home again. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-76575522351234220332019-05-25T15:01:00.000-05:002019-07-23T23:23:29.658-05:00Bantam Trailer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpNu1w6Z6nnreG9xoqnZv9reHzvN_ijRFwQHfQynVS7pUuhlC-dsSOv_0zSpA8imZu70OiwN5eTdCIvcY7X32RBDlPT9RpbGcAbp0Si8ODXcVQICo0zWN8z0pO9Chtxk4IbF2yn-m5yM/s1600/IMG_6212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpNu1w6Z6nnreG9xoqnZv9reHzvN_ijRFwQHfQynVS7pUuhlC-dsSOv_0zSpA8imZu70OiwN5eTdCIvcY7X32RBDlPT9RpbGcAbp0Si8ODXcVQICo0zWN8z0pO9Chtxk4IbF2yn-m5yM/s320/IMG_6212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bantam T3-C Serial number 24011</td></tr>
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One day I was browsing Craigslist for no particular reason and came across an ad for a free trailer. I had been off and on looking for a small utility trailer to use when the camper was on the truck, for camping and general hauling purposes. I had seen many examples along the way of people re-purposing old military trailers. Compact size, rugged construction and high clearance designed for off road use makes these trailers ideal for camping.<br />
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The ad said: WWII Bantam Army trailer- Free<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMmgNB5zpySHEPdVsFJYy2F35LWShIFZMe-ix8txJDdzkMU2_0hyVvK3H1X1DWQpGDvhpXyYSTo33Wsp_Tzb095nwUU8RcH63ar0YOUy0ak6OKIzuh9G4J5DJRtd0XfdQ579a48OwsSg/s320/pass.+side.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craigslist ad photo</td></tr>
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This ad caught my eye both for the trailer and for the price: FREE.<br />
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I have learned over the years that many free gifts are too expensive to accept- but more about that later. Why was it free? The owner said the wheels were rusted on so severely that the badly deteriorated tires could not be replaced. There were also a few rusted holes in the floor, which was badly dented. The tailgate was bolted shut. The coupler was bent from the owner's son jack-knifing the trailer trying to back up.<br />
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The trailer had been in the owner's family since almost new. His father had acquired it in the early 1950s and had used it for fishing and hunting trips. When he died it passed to his son, the current owner. He hoped it would go to someone who would appreciate it and fix it up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pIL4k8QeJwv58A8J0ubk6sQ14jWjDcQoYBfwZbVgaJCHwkjWx3FW9W7Gu6D2CLzZO7e_7attHVLoxLp8zsVNT1VCiMI3R4OGEz8EDBEou1h19fTMHOhnZMlTFjYHe1xCDmWkr_TYf4A/s1600/tub+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pIL4k8QeJwv58A8J0ubk6sQ14jWjDcQoYBfwZbVgaJCHwkjWx3FW9W7Gu6D2CLzZO7e_7attHVLoxLp8zsVNT1VCiMI3R4OGEz8EDBEou1h19fTMHOhnZMlTFjYHe1xCDmWkr_TYf4A/s320/tub+floor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craigslist ad photo</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7qp6PcUm5oaIozQLDK654g0DXXtuHvNBWnJu2DLn5wlCAkPcM9-HlZDpQ_Ny_Ob6G3svY-5o35d0Mz5yYRRKymWDfIJkuGsy_AqWd_2BeFIf-6oWNgCqVdS6-Qt8SWGDdM78YhrDZq4/s1600/rear+driver+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7qp6PcUm5oaIozQLDK654g0DXXtuHvNBWnJu2DLn5wlCAkPcM9-HlZDpQ_Ny_Ob6G3svY-5o35d0Mz5yYRRKymWDfIJkuGsy_AqWd_2BeFIf-6oWNgCqVdS6-Qt8SWGDdM78YhrDZq4/s320/rear+driver+side.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craigslist ad photo</td></tr>
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It was perfect for what I was looking for and the price was right. I ignored all the red flags that argued for passing it by and told the man I would haul it away. He was not sure I would make it home. I promised to call him to let him know when I arrived safely at home. I took the back roads and side streets and made it home without incident.<br />
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Once home I dove into the internet to figure out what I had. I discovered an interesting story behind this trailer.<br />
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It was built by the American Bantam Car Company of Butler, PA in 1947. The American Bantam Car Company is best known as the winner of a competition with Willys Overland and Ford Motor Company for the design of what became the ubiquitous Jeep for the US Army in 1940. Although credited with the best original design, Bantam was deemed too small to produce the quantity of Jeeps required by the army. After some further development by all three companies, the Army awarded production contracts to Willys Overland and Ford. American Bantam Car Company was tasked with designing and producing various trailers for the war effort. Bantam built over 75,000 of its quarter-ton trailers, known as the T3, for the Army. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gIWdTvzN2Qpm_ikUiXcKecBZr3XtKrP4E5UcBqT-cYdAUytcS6iN7LcAqDaWuDQrUUtk0wT42Gd86BJ8qXZ0sSpeBGfhmAOD0UumQfPOfUrEwUfrQi4pDhJ2NfEtWcCCsmulS82EFlY/s1600/800px-Civilian_Photo_Technicians_%2528in_back_of_jeep%2529_working_for_Counter_Intelligence_Corps%252C_are_accounted_for_by_Captain..._-_NARA_-_198977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="800" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6gIWdTvzN2Qpm_ikUiXcKecBZr3XtKrP4E5UcBqT-cYdAUytcS6iN7LcAqDaWuDQrUUtk0wT42Gd86BJ8qXZ0sSpeBGfhmAOD0UumQfPOfUrEwUfrQi4pDhJ2NfEtWcCCsmulS82EFlY/s320/800px-Civilian_Photo_Technicians_%2528in_back_of_jeep%2529_working_for_Counter_Intelligence_Corps%252C_are_accounted_for_by_Captain..._-_NARA_-_198977.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WWII Army Jeep and trailer (Wikipedia)</td></tr>
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After the war and the end of the Army contracts, the American Bantam Car Company tried to stay in business by selling its T3 trailers to the civilian market. These trailers were modified to appeal to the civilian market with the addition of a tailgate and ball-style coupler. A few cost-saving modifications were made, such as reducing the number of tarp hooks and eliminating shock absorbers and the parking brake. These trailers were designated as the Bantam T3-C. Thousands of trailers were sold but ultimately the company declared bankruptcy in 1950 and ceased operations. It was acquired by Armco Steel Company in 1956 and the Bantam name disappeared.<br />
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More information about the development of the Jeep and trailer can be found at these links: <br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willys_MB" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willys_MB</a><br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Austin_Car_Company#American_Bantam" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Austin_Car_Company#American_Bantam</a><br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_trailer" target="_blank">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_trailer</a><br />
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More information about Bantam T3-C trailers can be found at the Bantam T3-C website:<br />
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<a href="http://bantamt3c.com/" target="_blank">http://bantamt3c.com/</a><br />
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My little trailer turned out to be a T3-C. It still had the original data tag riveted to the front. After some careful cleaning and detective work, the tag revealed the original serial number of the trailer to be 24011, placing its production date around 1947. These trailers are highly sought by early Jeep collectors as a piece of history and a required accessory for their Jeeps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab8uj8A04aKk1u9O4TkF3GCDKVhkAkj1mzPL_mQaSBaxPjD7vebHOPEKdoUIJcfGYPTUho6nuVEEt-D0SPRtK6j8xpnPfkIj-xaSUNvcVF2DU847brUQoNR4qEljTnrZZwVL8LQ-LXvk/s1600/IMG_5656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhab8uj8A04aKk1u9O4TkF3GCDKVhkAkj1mzPL_mQaSBaxPjD7vebHOPEKdoUIJcfGYPTUho6nuVEEt-D0SPRtK6j8xpnPfkIj-xaSUNvcVF2DU847brUQoNR4qEljTnrZZwVL8LQ-LXvk/s320/IMG_5656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original data tag showing serial number 24011</td></tr>
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With all of this background information the trailer took on a new meaning for me. It was no longer just a free utility trailer. It was a piece of history. I was hooked. I set about to bring it back to life.<br />
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The first task was to get some new tires on the trailer. I had learned through my research that these trailers had reverse threaded lug nuts on the driver's side. That explained why the previous owner had been unable to loosen the lug nuts - he was tightening them instead! One of the lug nuts was stripped as a result and I had to cut it off. The rest came loose relatively easily with liberal application of some PB Blaster rust solvent. Once off, I removed the hubs to check the bearings. Amazingly, they looked good so I repacked them with grease and put them back together. I got new lugs from <a href="https://www.midwestmilitary.com/" target="_blank">Midwest Military</a>- a great resource for parts and advice I discovered in my internet research. I had the wheels sandblasted and bought some new tires. Although the Bantams originally had Firestone street tires on them, I opted for the old military style as more suitable for off-road use. I also removed the coupler and straightened it out and made a new locking tab which had been broken off at some point in the past.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpBqckESdJenPAGctPZs9FahRk_fcPWwulcO1rwuHSn3tfPI7Q6XUr-2rsWbwICl1xdd7SaP9roEuMV_1OND7Wqx8oiln0mRWvxE_9VAFERGa6dn-ARa0dvTTYE9ZNIXXSCXOLrEpIqI/s1600/IMG_4927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimpBqckESdJenPAGctPZs9FahRk_fcPWwulcO1rwuHSn3tfPI7Q6XUr-2rsWbwICl1xdd7SaP9roEuMV_1OND7Wqx8oiln0mRWvxE_9VAFERGa6dn-ARa0dvTTYE9ZNIXXSCXOLrEpIqI/s320/IMG_4927.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New tires</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXQ916GnAn8_eRThW-P5O3647MPtlvKYnrJd1zNf7FsfDa_H33b_4fGHOjsuCIFIp7m7F12s0JRytTF_bymlsqQGlAOl7eqWgqn6AG57YwjZ1N6YABVG0VywQBj94dwhj9NschmPXkw8/s1600/IMG_4934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXQ916GnAn8_eRThW-P5O3647MPtlvKYnrJd1zNf7FsfDa_H33b_4fGHOjsuCIFIp7m7F12s0JRytTF_bymlsqQGlAOl7eqWgqn6AG57YwjZ1N6YABVG0VywQBj94dwhj9NschmPXkw8/s320/IMG_4934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Fulton 06 hitch coupler prized by collectors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYZ6YYnh1dXafimb-19vEZEanf-qKlKo2OclpwMLUXiFUOFDktmOi5oFXBAkhpTygD_wa3SK7XQrQkvxbWaB9Y7wNtlVZ_1-kc_l-2G-3VZnVARYADxyiDIMnASghdbFPgDE4DZXk2GI/s1600/IMG_5698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYZ6YYnh1dXafimb-19vEZEanf-qKlKo2OclpwMLUXiFUOFDktmOi5oFXBAkhpTygD_wa3SK7XQrQkvxbWaB9Y7wNtlVZ_1-kc_l-2G-3VZnVARYADxyiDIMnASghdbFPgDE4DZXk2GI/s320/IMG_5698.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a replacement hitch coupler locking tab</td></tr>
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Once the trailer was road worthy, I took it over to a friend of a friend's place to get some advice. Wayne is an accomplished car restorer. He and I had met while helping a mutual friend build a cabin the woods of northern Minnesota. I thought maybe Wayne could help me out with some of the tasks that I couldn't do- such as welding and metal repair. Wayne was in the midst of a project to restore and customize a 1959 Chevrolet pickup truck. He really didn't need another project. But he kindly took pity on me and offered his help and his shop space to take on what we both thought was a simple project to make a few repairs. It quickly blew up into a much bigger undertaking.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctKDqcLMpNwwYdtNbZ6-XwNqPXL6c3Fc2abuUP0uXGmg_6nvfVa838els93LTg53e0WuG8XOVpKW9grNWtxikDXUHoh0WSqdQWaJCx7tLUnIj25DKgiNuO_h-KsUZCHr2gsS2dr2Cri8/s1600/IMG_4943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctKDqcLMpNwwYdtNbZ6-XwNqPXL6c3Fc2abuUP0uXGmg_6nvfVa838els93LTg53e0WuG8XOVpKW9grNWtxikDXUHoh0WSqdQWaJCx7tLUnIj25DKgiNuO_h-KsUZCHr2gsS2dr2Cri8/s320/IMG_4943.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of rusted underside</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWKJESyVyy_PkEYwwBugCAX3Em7d3Eb9BBtjSyDfjGSeXg9iyAoqw2Vfhi5wlWk9PRVpjsp6nxxQzHwLkN7soVOf6Jx0Y4OpzBXyYsEBO4Z08J_m0wuOsVgYxWNFqQW3so4VpFzMelrg/s1600/IMG_4936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFWKJESyVyy_PkEYwwBugCAX3Em7d3Eb9BBtjSyDfjGSeXg9iyAoqw2Vfhi5wlWk9PRVpjsp6nxxQzHwLkN7soVOf6Jx0Y4OpzBXyYsEBO4Z08J_m0wuOsVgYxWNFqQW3so4VpFzMelrg/s320/IMG_4936.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fender brackets</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxCbWp2D7eS9ZwFtY8fjys-abe3ky0n2keVGa6a5-RA8ICcn7W_8sL8PgLdTub5vj6b55kBVIw6KDjxpzNIm-Y-N8bQVKAVl7mb6-AvNhGHCz9439gOP0S-QYgTPr6np_Fr5flou-Tpk/s1600/IMG_4941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxCbWp2D7eS9ZwFtY8fjys-abe3ky0n2keVGa6a5-RA8ICcn7W_8sL8PgLdTub5vj6b55kBVIw6KDjxpzNIm-Y-N8bQVKAVl7mb6-AvNhGHCz9439gOP0S-QYgTPr6np_Fr5flou-Tpk/s320/IMG_4941.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning disassembly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiWKkz4CgW6pJwSHgorsdvhHLg0SiSKJCs6PYzeoz0NO5gv0nZdVKgb_lXYkr4_jpvNusAX1Z4kjxtQT1CQ1JhtMcPMxshdontbctwVwKdrPqBhaHSNMqynjaPAhxVG-hvhN5jQHJKvE/s1600/IMG_4935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCiWKkz4CgW6pJwSHgorsdvhHLg0SiSKJCs6PYzeoz0NO5gv0nZdVKgb_lXYkr4_jpvNusAX1Z4kjxtQT1CQ1JhtMcPMxshdontbctwVwKdrPqBhaHSNMqynjaPAhxVG-hvhN5jQHJKvE/s320/IMG_4935.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springs and hub</td></tr>
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We started by disassembling the trailer so we could treat a few rust spots. It quickly became apparent there was more damage than first appeared. The floor was badly dented and more rusted than thought. A few rusty spots in the frame became full-fledged holes when we poked at them. The brackets holding the fenders on were rusting through the trailer sides. Many of the bolts holding the trailer together were rusted and broke during disassembly. Each problem was relatively minor but they added up to a lot of work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Y1VRdhXN9smt_2IhcNe7CBst3mhH1v2u6BZJf05iQduRwzyj-ATQn9dkvxaV5gFQFMBwjeCJGaZhhV_Q7r9Bjx5V8bNmx909aK9jAGTxhcJwfe5P3byLepLYkYA9Eh3cs3QJFdmSt8/s1600/IMG_4931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1Y1VRdhXN9smt_2IhcNe7CBst3mhH1v2u6BZJf05iQduRwzyj-ATQn9dkvxaV5gFQFMBwjeCJGaZhhV_Q7r9Bjx5V8bNmx909aK9jAGTxhcJwfe5P3byLepLYkYA9Eh3cs3QJFdmSt8/s320/IMG_4931.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rusted trailer top rail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtpyH0cGIrBR8SHYiiZIrjOKZTaZU-Dn1o1IhAJXItZtqDnAzj1VDBaXI_S2ycMfo6kVUtCxX5jE4fTpk6BKTM63QnLzy0xVYZnHChUXqLWvYdA2PRGBXnvOsi45eT0pCnONTW7GFJcg/s1600/IMG_4932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtpyH0cGIrBR8SHYiiZIrjOKZTaZU-Dn1o1IhAJXItZtqDnAzj1VDBaXI_S2ycMfo6kVUtCxX5jE4fTpk6BKTM63QnLzy0xVYZnHChUXqLWvYdA2PRGBXnvOsi45eT0pCnONTW7GFJcg/s320/IMG_4932.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rust hole in frame</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH1lacOHg1D7vl6KeYECPpSg9vVGV8G9Lx7FsryG8Kbwyyw3a6e9Lc1pWcCUGMbr4NsFYPyfxUQP8n-xJyZ72r6Pq6PynTuC0iChjYcCwv43oDgPdFvnrH51QXZu6yEIGcXfCqGJnHss/s1600/IMG_4937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH1lacOHg1D7vl6KeYECPpSg9vVGV8G9Lx7FsryG8Kbwyyw3a6e9Lc1pWcCUGMbr4NsFYPyfxUQP8n-xJyZ72r6Pq6PynTuC0iChjYcCwv43oDgPdFvnrH51QXZu6yEIGcXfCqGJnHss/s320/IMG_4937.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rust damage at front wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjromZ4oKSDN8M-fkyKePoeJkBDwWXxUqqEL9a29eoFAJ94jGKz_oOUw9XwL7og1JKfX1-DqZ1deAncn4mGpRQPbkty_2CZllZzXMcuCq_3kmVlVWY36MgxWI5_gSnTRmlHvsRJgkmaas0/s1600/55785304934__8F4FE4FA-777C-4450-87E1-FC81FDFAC03A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjromZ4oKSDN8M-fkyKePoeJkBDwWXxUqqEL9a29eoFAJ94jGKz_oOUw9XwL7og1JKfX1-DqZ1deAncn4mGpRQPbkty_2CZllZzXMcuCq_3kmVlVWY36MgxWI5_gSnTRmlHvsRJgkmaas0/s320/55785304934__8F4FE4FA-777C-4450-87E1-FC81FDFAC03A.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor removal in process</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2TVX-I4G8wEOq1XxLS7InUlhE27BDK_wtA0siQE3PM-IgMcScq9YXQ7bETd1C3HNF2-QnVI2ceyeHWqUU4W_ui0ihYnvnE05h_1u71o_hBi5HLIa-GbKi2qhV-NxN8VPk72Gq3pXwyc/s1600/55785302995__4E4108CC-0857-4830-B6E2-5F4B59B73161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2TVX-I4G8wEOq1XxLS7InUlhE27BDK_wtA0siQE3PM-IgMcScq9YXQ7bETd1C3HNF2-QnVI2ceyeHWqUU4W_ui0ihYnvnE05h_1u71o_hBi5HLIa-GbKi2qhV-NxN8VPk72Gq3pXwyc/s320/55785302995__4E4108CC-0857-4830-B6E2-5F4B59B73161.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls freed from floor</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUfqtSLY-qzxX_2dytz8vB7n6N_va1DEKCX5ZtuZGHk83MxHmoYtQuUImOoq3TqLacDiSVv2vazZyweL3UzoigkMtmWOzahfYEDIlvMgjoV4F2TIavHrirnCLxcXSlQdOrcVBpasZ9cc/s1600/IMG_4954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUfqtSLY-qzxX_2dytz8vB7n6N_va1DEKCX5ZtuZGHk83MxHmoYtQuUImOoq3TqLacDiSVv2vazZyweL3UzoigkMtmWOzahfYEDIlvMgjoV4F2TIavHrirnCLxcXSlQdOrcVBpasZ9cc/s320/IMG_4954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor showing dents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oUJzV4VtKcOd232RYRFzFpI5fR7GgXTdSw9TKGmXXBjAq2mBaZ875S2K4d9U4m06pEmdyplRswXC38O53W5uJy4fvL56awUw9E1zU3DGzWz45XYDsKldVR4JvJasW8P1m5bUdu0UFZM/s1600/IMG_4956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oUJzV4VtKcOd232RYRFzFpI5fR7GgXTdSw9TKGmXXBjAq2mBaZ875S2K4d9U4m06pEmdyplRswXC38O53W5uJy4fvL56awUw9E1zU3DGzWz45XYDsKldVR4JvJasW8P1m5bUdu0UFZM/s320/IMG_4956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underside of floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF5dBidW29y7Oc-OYV3VRRMORWcs8KuWbGiyHI8RE3lwnQVDbtWTf8TNwJ7Q6GVZA7wkNEctd7MdVfg8kReXOiVftykdnlUC4YOFnGDh56WeKq-gKtSV6Mmp6nP4h634KgdtHLoFoWm8/s1600/IMG_4957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCF5dBidW29y7Oc-OYV3VRRMORWcs8KuWbGiyHI8RE3lwnQVDbtWTf8TNwJ7Q6GVZA7wkNEctd7MdVfg8kReXOiVftykdnlUC4YOFnGDh56WeKq-gKtSV6Mmp6nP4h634KgdtHLoFoWm8/s320/IMG_4957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underside of floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
A major decision was what to do about the floor. On close inspection, it was in bad shape, rusting from the bottom up. It turned out that I could get an exact replacement floor from Midwest Military. We decided to cut the old floor out. This allowed us to get at the whole frame of the trailer, cut out all the rusted areas and weld new metal in place. This decision, while creating a lot of extra work, really made the finished product so much better. There is no longer any rust anywhere on the trailer.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStX07l2nkK2kiDMpdLeP62nUHNnVPN7HjdRZTLfX7eAUI1_7XPKz8eqy24ziE1RicYPu557nAyh424LI9vH2XEfmLRBns07Jk3naUtOGOyRyniPFsduu6lzr_qOqVGyq7RM8phtGreSE/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStX07l2nkK2kiDMpdLeP62nUHNnVPN7HjdRZTLfX7eAUI1_7XPKz8eqy24ziE1RicYPu557nAyh424LI9vH2XEfmLRBns07Jk3naUtOGOyRyniPFsduu6lzr_qOqVGyq7RM8phtGreSE/s320/IMG_5080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walls after sandblasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr1W9ofD99UtgDspzaQYnAl4uXeg0cpeYLKOPqsHpxWBklqnOr0_8p9_8pgRDO1OTzhFftmKUNZnFIGaX0e0aMlW0rEPBdqkhOcggcE0EL4L24mjvauppI3gZQ0yuIuKiajhBbdmGaP0/s1600/IMG_5079.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWr1W9ofD99UtgDspzaQYnAl4uXeg0cpeYLKOPqsHpxWBklqnOr0_8p9_8pgRDO1OTzhFftmKUNZnFIGaX0e0aMlW0rEPBdqkhOcggcE0EL4L24mjvauppI3gZQ0yuIuKiajhBbdmGaP0/s320/IMG_5079.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test fit of new floor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4-2EF7ypjj2JizvbzYWpC_T5-JgnZXq9CK5nJioA0DrupXeC0DPakJnqivlmW0ypPTVZFfmiqXLtSP9DudyBl-v9NDi8LVLAUVSrsZxgCbvEySnH4qm1AJkKLUjjRtw20pwcBn8JsDE/s1600/IMG_5078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4-2EF7ypjj2JizvbzYWpC_T5-JgnZXq9CK5nJioA0DrupXeC0DPakJnqivlmW0ypPTVZFfmiqXLtSP9DudyBl-v9NDi8LVLAUVSrsZxgCbvEySnH4qm1AJkKLUjjRtw20pwcBn8JsDE/s320/IMG_5078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New floor detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEafq6gYvXOONw2zPy0gqTg2NyGWtRvqJOiBILm79hdfeuAM8cnEUMEdmtEEaeUQlQ8v9YY93mb3vaR7XrVga_AbMGCeG-f8QUBPiEx92MaSd0VVEflgv2bOHlSHsdAf_MFHXe2jZtGB8/s1600/IMG_5061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEafq6gYvXOONw2zPy0gqTg2NyGWtRvqJOiBILm79hdfeuAM8cnEUMEdmtEEaeUQlQ8v9YY93mb3vaR7XrVga_AbMGCeG-f8QUBPiEx92MaSd0VVEflgv2bOHlSHsdAf_MFHXe2jZtGB8/s320/IMG_5061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frame detail showing new metal for rust repair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTD-vYNT_IP686LaCDN781Gg5btIrdwhDDrMP07ATzkG34AXLxzJ1J01JuQJ6qVL0KDbrx6DDSdf4DqcRyMOfwBpzF7TBrF84Vsji4n4iFvaxAto0saHVFCwVp370gFdO14JEFMA1JsU/s1600/IMG_5071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTD-vYNT_IP686LaCDN781Gg5btIrdwhDDrMP07ATzkG34AXLxzJ1J01JuQJ6qVL0KDbrx6DDSdf4DqcRyMOfwBpzF7TBrF84Vsji4n4iFvaxAto0saHVFCwVp370gFdO14JEFMA1JsU/s320/IMG_5071.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welding repairs to frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjGE34erKXmRjShCJMBvoSHItyWHmyCDGT8ajsm6SWvWHpVXQTh8dtwor0Lg-WVwWt1GqVVzLoIUfS-OXU3yHbAgm34HHjNcMLRF-7FCT491ztayitQAGcjrqudUgnPw5G1M7nLLPoBc/s1600/IMG_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjGE34erKXmRjShCJMBvoSHItyWHmyCDGT8ajsm6SWvWHpVXQTh8dtwor0Lg-WVwWt1GqVVzLoIUfS-OXU3yHbAgm34HHjNcMLRF-7FCT491ztayitQAGcjrqudUgnPw5G1M7nLLPoBc/s320/IMG_5060.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fully repaired frame- no remaining rust damage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Once disassembled, we took all the parts to a sandblaster to have them cleaned up of rust and old paint. After sandblasting, we were able to see that one of the leaf spring packs had a broken leaf. Sandblasting also revealed that the two spring packs were not a matched set so one had been replaced already. I decided to buy new matching springs. I also bought new bushings and bearings and seals for the hubs. At this point I also decided to add shocks back on the trailer to improve its handling characteristics. The trailers were originally designed to share suspension parts with the Jeeps that pulled them for redundancy. Jeeps are still popular and all these parts were readily available from Jeep parts suppliers. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXm94V_hCMQICm7sHSeY7Cc1m7hT0P3uHOk0w7a0PYZ-1T23TVL3btFUIeBzKKjIHWL09dLfCGFIcV4R-2cS2EwwvJqm9WjOkGg-m2WYdZZWfczDRzrqRRmMYOgDdloY7hssQ2clew08/s1600/IMG_5059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXm94V_hCMQICm7sHSeY7Cc1m7hT0P3uHOk0w7a0PYZ-1T23TVL3btFUIeBzKKjIHWL09dLfCGFIcV4R-2cS2EwwvJqm9WjOkGg-m2WYdZZWfczDRzrqRRmMYOgDdloY7hssQ2clew08/s320/IMG_5059.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parts after sandblasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzD600ST5CNPEQF-_y3bC8xE9HDl6Of7AWXVXDbjDFfo0b4D6UJsAT7DwqKc17Q5e0t8IryfRAKDDsfVQ_ayakjG31ib1MTGe3InCPO_QoVVAT3bJLfoRJsErr9GGpYyUGmX_-mHn8eAI/s1600/IMG_5062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzD600ST5CNPEQF-_y3bC8xE9HDl6Of7AWXVXDbjDFfo0b4D6UJsAT7DwqKc17Q5e0t8IryfRAKDDsfVQ_ayakjG31ib1MTGe3InCPO_QoVVAT3bJLfoRJsErr9GGpYyUGmX_-mHn8eAI/s320/IMG_5062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cracked top spring leaf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd7HbDDDNiT4tf42FpAXbQ5vQfhzReEObqRdqsu85DRkSK3JydmXJ5gohZN8Ut4oKntkbfB9goB09yC340D9jKuYuOh9-TO5_mk0myOfWWkoLNg1xTDtFdEFuO__vmP1MzhGxJW6rAa0/s1600/IMG_5083.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd7HbDDDNiT4tf42FpAXbQ5vQfhzReEObqRdqsu85DRkSK3JydmXJ5gohZN8Ut4oKntkbfB9goB09yC340D9jKuYuOh9-TO5_mk0myOfWWkoLNg1xTDtFdEFuO__vmP1MzhGxJW6rAa0/s320/IMG_5083.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5qGjr2mCDheCEnoigDN1PUdRGHfkFo3D_8cI_kez-ldTsuvdRi2UH2usmQmqDCMqUt8QiIKnB1Pw1tsRMWYnRarlmIQqoze7mnCUZvf8kqufb0Mx18333bkngrhutvFA_TEHQxifAjI/s1600/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5qGjr2mCDheCEnoigDN1PUdRGHfkFo3D_8cI_kez-ldTsuvdRi2UH2usmQmqDCMqUt8QiIKnB1Pw1tsRMWYnRarlmIQqoze7mnCUZvf8kqufb0Mx18333bkngrhutvFA_TEHQxifAjI/s320/IMG_5103.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pressing new bearing races into the hub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0n6h9350FgPCyza3nso8kC8EwZXhGNVZ4xoaFaFx1lppCTTqizFHhyB6Oc7wo9pVQt5EqxGoPPP63zA9KK1gd1Xw2i5P0PqWhXNSrARSQR0jTbQ4P_thC8FAcG2YZDlnA8rLFd5tOSs/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0n6h9350FgPCyza3nso8kC8EwZXhGNVZ4xoaFaFx1lppCTTqizFHhyB6Oc7wo9pVQt5EqxGoPPP63zA9KK1gd1Xw2i5P0PqWhXNSrARSQR0jTbQ4P_thC8FAcG2YZDlnA8rLFd5tOSs/s320/IMG_5098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assembling the suspension</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1VDNTJk6jwjTGbfq1xVDR-sA-Nlz3r4jEDUhF1VJi8NCsUVtOHvzXtB_DwOFF7qkY-SGtvWeIp2K6OseFOiBDz7iteVPLQgZCNqiEtZlKNxj0VXnpgLnNVFne99QvXQL71C6BDJmsCQ/s1600/56029191353__4C9EEDA6-2BCA-4141-99C8-5893F15CAACE.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1VDNTJk6jwjTGbfq1xVDR-sA-Nlz3r4jEDUhF1VJi8NCsUVtOHvzXtB_DwOFF7qkY-SGtvWeIp2K6OseFOiBDz7iteVPLQgZCNqiEtZlKNxj0VXnpgLnNVFne99QvXQL71C6BDJmsCQ/s320/56029191353__4C9EEDA6-2BCA-4141-99C8-5893F15CAACE.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New floor primed and ready for installation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk5IlVGsSnaj-8DosiZeXHiHQz82nHFo21FIImbRvOq2N7wQ4p_tY6vaIkkSJrm5HbwSEYMWor2zf-anTiZX-Jix_UToxdEB4IhBD-DPvLcpXo1lP3m_ALFRxXgAYY61l9wSEsfgNn_Y/s1600/IMG_5102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk5IlVGsSnaj-8DosiZeXHiHQz82nHFo21FIImbRvOq2N7wQ4p_tY6vaIkkSJrm5HbwSEYMWor2zf-anTiZX-Jix_UToxdEB4IhBD-DPvLcpXo1lP3m_ALFRxXgAYY61l9wSEsfgNn_Y/s320/IMG_5102.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shock absorber bracket bolted into the frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0MrKLAAC78TGwdTb6yqOdXzwDaOHaGITV1aueVlqof1sMpH1jjauvWSAUpASNXfW2dZa0bXwL56kz5ikChEmKkFKb5Hh2yXirUHCvphNSacXtGpsU8h1ESZr0zzOZ340539whhJPhVA/s1600/IMG_5099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0MrKLAAC78TGwdTb6yqOdXzwDaOHaGITV1aueVlqof1sMpH1jjauvWSAUpASNXfW2dZa0bXwL56kz5ikChEmKkFKb5Hh2yXirUHCvphNSacXtGpsU8h1ESZr0zzOZ340539whhJPhVA/s320/IMG_5099.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reassembly of drawbars, landing leg and coupler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Eventually, all the repairs were made, parts were painted and we reassembled the trailer using all new grade 8 hardware.<br />
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Deciding on a paint color was a difficult decision. T3-C trailers were originally available in either red or green. During disassembly of the trailer I discovered several different layers of paint- red, green, olive drab, all shaded by liberal amounts of rust color also. Based on the evidence, originally the trailer was green. There was no way to exactly match the historical color. I did not want a glossy red or green trailer, although that would have been historically correct. I didn't want to have to maintain a shiny paint finish in a working trailer. In the end, I chose to go with the military lustreless olive drab. This color would pay homage to the origin of the trailer while being less obtrusive while camping. The flat finish would help to hide the remaining dents and use marks in the sheet metal. It is also available in spray cans making periodic touch-up easy.<br />
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Now like new and far removed from its origin as a "free" trailer, what a transformation we made! I will be eternally grateful for all the help and generosity of Wayne. I could not have accomplished the project without his help. We started the project at the beginning of September and finished it in the middle of October.<br />
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Views of the finished trailer: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7OLDZ9myH2782aEHFTqLV6NzQNNuTiYzyRJh19DwZgBqimTsHSSm1O2-2OGFBzpWflMVQPYLcYQMD4wmbkE7JBct_skw39NdHEvVFXDjUIAcpqlbXD7YmQrw-bIPl2XtwHmJ-pLvWhA/s1600/IMG_5118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ7OLDZ9myH2782aEHFTqLV6NzQNNuTiYzyRJh19DwZgBqimTsHSSm1O2-2OGFBzpWflMVQPYLcYQMD4wmbkE7JBct_skw39NdHEvVFXDjUIAcpqlbXD7YmQrw-bIPl2XtwHmJ-pLvWhA/s320/IMG_5118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-QqEmvhF0K_HxLvPFbjazBCT8_y-ldKnWr1ADxJd7nrtQc9VvTWyU1wEiyPVTbSxwCS_farVaOHWKYGjCqrzT_RqlFT3URWp5W8DFc9rVXdAzr6I8866c04we3vxnvV8ygN0x8E1KIU/s1600/IMG_5120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-QqEmvhF0K_HxLvPFbjazBCT8_y-ldKnWr1ADxJd7nrtQc9VvTWyU1wEiyPVTbSxwCS_farVaOHWKYGjCqrzT_RqlFT3URWp5W8DFc9rVXdAzr6I8866c04we3vxnvV8ygN0x8E1KIU/s320/IMG_5120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the back end</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu9MQoDVOdb7iOFN37wzrxkvetIH_Z-8hU1KrC9xHPiOG3c_JPqoRKB3EZ4x5aEYsxreQQc7i6YrdC7SIKjHt6UVvGUKU07pAxZdKlvgyPKwWuaJthhajOLERe2sqfRN966Rkh3kAfQI/s1600/IMG_5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu9MQoDVOdb7iOFN37wzrxkvetIH_Z-8hU1KrC9xHPiOG3c_JPqoRKB3EZ4x5aEYsxreQQc7i6YrdC7SIKjHt6UVvGUKU07pAxZdKlvgyPKwWuaJthhajOLERe2sqfRN966Rkh3kAfQI/s320/IMG_5123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new floor looks great</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-qzL22CEj_g7wm4LmEpiCW_3nMM38xUqwq4SiU0mQgnym3nMsYsjAygaKdLLRFAPCcIzLKrXQK9OYFRH6-lDobqOvLxVkFls1YD2rxFFdFm-anLFtnjSGbyo8Omn-KYZhMyoNIiGpcI/s1600/IMG_5124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-qzL22CEj_g7wm4LmEpiCW_3nMM38xUqwq4SiU0mQgnym3nMsYsjAygaKdLLRFAPCcIzLKrXQK9OYFRH6-lDobqOvLxVkFls1YD2rxFFdFm-anLFtnjSGbyo8Omn-KYZhMyoNIiGpcI/s320/IMG_5124.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tailgate works</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZzQenUisiOnKOqUatwstzN2deHH1AFGFvDO6Cargr-jhxkjznrMEZQQe6q5PbTlXskE2ekU4BM5EB_bj6znxR_rXE_rWd676esCNpNmAOCBVHIggu6fP88UoLxKJaK8Ygn76y-4CYpk/s1600/IMG_5128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWZzQenUisiOnKOqUatwstzN2deHH1AFGFvDO6Cargr-jhxkjznrMEZQQe6q5PbTlXskE2ekU4BM5EB_bj6znxR_rXE_rWd676esCNpNmAOCBVHIggu6fP88UoLxKJaK8Ygn76y-4CYpk/s320/IMG_5128.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the new springs and shocks underneath</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8KOVvuSGnrhJcdkAES2opnNCOfG043a1c9hZluOWv8zItQfwGFCw_0KdvoEplR17YrvMo2jhbaFO6Qa0enNWt_bdNhHPX22G9Ry0AJKanCGQ47kDcpbmPN7waOe5g2JTn7hKcs-iq6k/s1600/IMG_5132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8KOVvuSGnrhJcdkAES2opnNCOfG043a1c9hZluOWv8zItQfwGFCw_0KdvoEplR17YrvMo2jhbaFO6Qa0enNWt_bdNhHPX22G9Ry0AJKanCGQ47kDcpbmPN7waOe5g2JTn7hKcs-iq6k/s320/IMG_5132.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All new wiring for the new tail lights</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzL22-FuWqM14HC9_QGi5pDc-f_9jJOgOaH6LpcHNjzCvYMSO1BP29X_t4-IQ4MCfU5JSAxZI2HocFwTJhzmcA4voJHU3JBNO4UwAqDb6esYTvpo9jVJ_p-FuhrCfxUSj1EOwqpZB9x8/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzL22-FuWqM14HC9_QGi5pDc-f_9jJOgOaH6LpcHNjzCvYMSO1BP29X_t4-IQ4MCfU5JSAxZI2HocFwTJhzmcA4voJHU3JBNO4UwAqDb6esYTvpo9jVJ_p-FuhrCfxUSj1EOwqpZB9x8/s320/IMG_5133.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail light</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigW6gQCvMYFizBhjsrpvkFGtT4pdDBa7rKqne41Dlj0q8rSkxAH5A_325G8GWMpHoKb3At9HarKizEcH8iTdYq4z0leFfVBgYjek95zQy3np35QE1-jtmy3EgRhYulG4WpzSmoEMWo3M/s1600/IMG_5134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigW6gQCvMYFizBhjsrpvkFGtT4pdDBa7rKqne41Dlj0q8rSkxAH5A_325G8GWMpHoKb3At9HarKizEcH8iTdYq4z0leFfVBgYjek95zQy3np35QE1-jtmy3EgRhYulG4WpzSmoEMWo3M/s320/IMG_5134.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail gate chain hook</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMkclPRjW3tGGWh8qLCoR0S4OjZqA1MsRcy9x1dRSYIDfzV6qR1YaluVLWfh9sKdcpSn4hUuzyMP4o4w3JAPKvC2fcFAQ1iMcZMIAR9rsX3a8q50N9uzBBDk5X0KUtxhB9V5r71OJsX8/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMkclPRjW3tGGWh8qLCoR0S4OjZqA1MsRcy9x1dRSYIDfzV6qR1YaluVLWfh9sKdcpSn4hUuzyMP4o4w3JAPKvC2fcFAQ1iMcZMIAR9rsX3a8q50N9uzBBDk5X0KUtxhB9V5r71OJsX8/s320/IMG_5135.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hooks hold the tail gate securely</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcnw_HAl_oem7cI17vO1Ci2PUCzRKf-JqyNVMN2bGCW7x5se3dPdWa7XJWWzA6cLoua8xWhi3iteUUDEF-FpJorzVSUVoyOtY_Jr2GufnobDyr447hd6X_0BpvQLn24z6YtpF7KdfSOE/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1542" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkcnw_HAl_oem7cI17vO1Ci2PUCzRKf-JqyNVMN2bGCW7x5se3dPdWa7XJWWzA6cLoua8xWhi3iteUUDEF-FpJorzVSUVoyOtY_Jr2GufnobDyr447hd6X_0BpvQLn24z6YtpF7KdfSOE/s320/IMG_5159.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing the new but true to original data tag</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CoakmiDNwvDXIJB8PQzBR5CPuexatVkn0NN1bFZfEK1HP6jEuaGpB5fB1sZiVHyJVxdM1JaI4yqV-mIyRbANGRRAZpZyO-5OV1Zsvf7W_OlMjghZ0ITDVat-17fEkNt5vOnartdqJXY/s1600/IMG_5158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CoakmiDNwvDXIJB8PQzBR5CPuexatVkn0NN1bFZfEK1HP6jEuaGpB5fB1sZiVHyJVxdM1JaI4yqV-mIyRbANGRRAZpZyO-5OV1Zsvf7W_OlMjghZ0ITDVat-17fEkNt5vOnartdqJXY/s320/IMG_5158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of new data tag made by a company in the Netherlands</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEX38v6P0o75arlYi_Ulv2f0rJxNVBHxZO5vqbtanKf5-NXZAO22ZlSmTptUxx_E6FSih-9FHqPNvkuze3pOs3peY5-F7zAqx8XXYqirmBxbCPc0Daruv0KQ9E-NqinjB2qwEccTGd4Y/s1600/IMG_5140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEX38v6P0o75arlYi_Ulv2f0rJxNVBHxZO5vqbtanKf5-NXZAO22ZlSmTptUxx_E6FSih-9FHqPNvkuze3pOs3peY5-F7zAqx8XXYqirmBxbCPc0Daruv0KQ9E-NqinjB2qwEccTGd4Y/s320/IMG_5140.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne- a true gentleman and skilled craftsman</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPbdFLnE8hCwn1b7Uj41g_xS0bvxeZ4HvkIrgfe4bONYQGYumsg4vI2PWf0o4Prima4O4DvKGLOe1UUj3RevM2282Bs6iO_wHXlU1kVhsGWoAPgFLitY2Y8h7EkzGi1ow_cDfJ9JF7dM/s1600/IMG_5137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPbdFLnE8hCwn1b7Uj41g_xS0bvxeZ4HvkIrgfe4bONYQGYumsg4vI2PWf0o4Prima4O4DvKGLOe1UUj3RevM2282Bs6iO_wHXlU1kVhsGWoAPgFLitY2Y8h7EkzGi1ow_cDfJ9JF7dM/s320/IMG_5137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out for inaugural tow</td></tr>
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A couple of items remained to be done. The trailer did not originally come with a way to carry a spare tire. The spares were carried on the Jeeps that pulled them. And the trailer needed a lid to be useful to us for carrying camping gear securely. I decided to continue on with these projects over the winter.<br />
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Working with Wayne had whetted my appetite to learn welding. So I designed a spare tire bracket as a welding project for myself. I took an introductory welding class at <a href="http://www.tcmaker.org/blog/" target="_blank">Twin Cities Maker</a> and was planning on joining the organization to do the project. After the class I realized I had a lot to learn about welding before taking on a project. I decided to get a bid from the instructor to make the bracket. Unfortunately the bid was more than I wanted to spend.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcTTVflfaAG50ubl81tGUXO6Xcv5OOrtu3v-OWOhWtj62h-7Hy0OJgBz5_cWrJoeyoM_ht_i6ojn7Ghewr_QFqRFcsOcYJzZofAtXSyzUnR93ywj1365pNcvTxPX-ee3jblBGHqA1TDs/s1600/Spare+Tire+Bracket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcTTVflfaAG50ubl81tGUXO6Xcv5OOrtu3v-OWOhWtj62h-7Hy0OJgBz5_cWrJoeyoM_ht_i6ojn7Ghewr_QFqRFcsOcYJzZofAtXSyzUnR93ywj1365pNcvTxPX-ee3jblBGHqA1TDs/s320/Spare+Tire+Bracket.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design drawing for spare tire bracket. I revised the design as I built it.</td></tr>
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I was kind of stuck on the bracket project. Then one day my friend Bob asked me if I wanted
his Dad's old oxy/acetylene torch set-up. It had been sitting in his
basement for 20 years or so. I said sure, why not. A new path had opened up. I embarked on learning how to
cut steel and weld using a torch.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhTbjtKm_XWqUdOv-ymkTsj-2eeZOTnPFNUD3MNjmlZN5ev8VEkOpB-L0ttTfPHqD6jg-5cllTO6DPqiUSpeafktoKZssH_BK4kbWeYh_837MpdTwJKMyt84cK7Y0nM3oss2XuTSKCqg/s1600/IMG_6197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhTbjtKm_XWqUdOv-ymkTsj-2eeZOTnPFNUD3MNjmlZN5ev8VEkOpB-L0ttTfPHqD6jg-5cllTO6DPqiUSpeafktoKZssH_BK4kbWeYh_837MpdTwJKMyt84cK7Y0nM3oss2XuTSKCqg/s320/IMG_6197.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oxy/acetylene torch set-up donated by Bob</td></tr>
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I watched some instructional YouTube videos and scrounged some scrap steel to practice with. I had to track down some welding rod which was hard to find. It seems torch welding is fast becoming a rare endeavor. Along the way I had to replace both the oxygen and acetylene tanks, as
well as the hoses, which cracked from age as soon as I started using
them. I also bought an angle grinder (another lesson in free things
becoming expensive). I experimented with different torch tips and learned to reliably get a neutral flame. My first attempts were pretty ugly but I eventually figured out how to make a decent weld. My attempts at cutting steel with the torch were effective but crude. I ended up using a cut-off saw and angle grinder for cutting duties. <br />
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The process of welding with a torch happens more slowly than with a wire feed welder. I was able to see what was happening and adjust what I was doing to get a better result. I realized that in class with the wire feed machine, I couldn't see what I was doing. The dark helmet lens and my glasses did not allow my eyes to focus where they needed to focus. I had better luck seeing what was going on with the torch. Eventually, I was able to make a pretty decent weld.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0DmSMHxVBXqaVaIknmtMMhEEXuVYAGyDEP8JlKSx4wB6RvgfBat722fDZEiTlysvC2iJ_Lx-k1T1DC7prJDfaCODnxe7hfwYnUlLiyBnNe9iwTcGhOBzV2TZd8B2jl5DjX41x7DvVMA/s1600/IMG_6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0DmSMHxVBXqaVaIknmtMMhEEXuVYAGyDEP8JlKSx4wB6RvgfBat722fDZEiTlysvC2iJ_Lx-k1T1DC7prJDfaCODnxe7hfwYnUlLiyBnNe9iwTcGhOBzV2TZd8B2jl5DjX41x7DvVMA/s320/IMG_6009.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early cutting and welding practice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS374u5OxBfkvGK8fRUNqum_FmvHzk5Axd7rnK8xZ5O-18GxyxxLTH-Zb6OAncyFSnJH2UumkiaNFAIm729YitBt2IP9G_lH93fNWWEvua32QW_J2V_JKjcPQ-LM1ae6yivSs57DvurI/s1600/IMG_6010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS374u5OxBfkvGK8fRUNqum_FmvHzk5Axd7rnK8xZ5O-18GxyxxLTH-Zb6OAncyFSnJH2UumkiaNFAIm729YitBt2IP9G_lH93fNWWEvua32QW_J2V_JKjcPQ-LM1ae6yivSs57DvurI/s320/IMG_6010.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugly weld- more practice needed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgq2UMMRhIVEIHiwvHN6mKHn7BMhqMf56K6qwKqw6XbJUfaGpCmhzZtuhiiU3CK7TluTZ5F4lXiUjbzAA0UD355hKl2ZwvtsYKWuGnplpbYKDxFDrNoN2t4WpSUgAH6c9mW96BGxQBmo/s1600/IMG_6011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgq2UMMRhIVEIHiwvHN6mKHn7BMhqMf56K6qwKqw6XbJUfaGpCmhzZtuhiiU3CK7TluTZ5F4lXiUjbzAA0UD355hKl2ZwvtsYKWuGnplpbYKDxFDrNoN2t4WpSUgAH6c9mW96BGxQBmo/s320/IMG_6011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting better but more practice needed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmlHT5lBYo3YXVxioqe9IPqnA0o5PaJCA7ypimW7N7b9WPOiYxz-sNB5QLHwbeHYJJWmPDfp7GpXgOG4ZiIrlWDRYHhad0ZavTPU_eSCv_A7r-hjPJAO23jRZkc_kjss_gn9h9tRM68w/s1600/IMG_6037+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmlHT5lBYo3YXVxioqe9IPqnA0o5PaJCA7ypimW7N7b9WPOiYxz-sNB5QLHwbeHYJJWmPDfp7GpXgOG4ZiIrlWDRYHhad0ZavTPU_eSCv_A7r-hjPJAO23jRZkc_kjss_gn9h9tRM68w/s320/IMG_6037+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now welding for real- not bad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB_NvqqaCLltessqB7PHGG65B25yml1XF_BOVpIkdb_DhYKFu19O0Lnf_2o6Y4ZVZDZj-5mLOkJwQo5VgjjvxB0V40GMH9IUyNPvtCJQnk45_ZxGGtjUeC2z-JAVmp0DHQqgooq45MxU/s1600/IMG_6039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgB_NvqqaCLltessqB7PHGG65B25yml1XF_BOVpIkdb_DhYKFu19O0Lnf_2o6Y4ZVZDZj-5mLOkJwQo5VgjjvxB0V40GMH9IUyNPvtCJQnk45_ZxGGtjUeC2z-JAVmp0DHQqgooq45MxU/s320/IMG_6039.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I got this welding thing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtA9PIACJSyOiE2npbYicp-Z4UXpgaLgIJCUh1VgCQkNERgllzYUB7aBzuo4iKOzJ0qrV154nQVWLgtCiUft9uJBU6zKFwtaQvnJBzCuZYrmRhm2EhDBLG3P5Xuux6GuxsZhYBFCWybY/s1600/IMG_6042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtA9PIACJSyOiE2npbYicp-Z4UXpgaLgIJCUh1VgCQkNERgllzYUB7aBzuo4iKOzJ0qrV154nQVWLgtCiUft9uJBU6zKFwtaQvnJBzCuZYrmRhm2EhDBLG3P5Xuux6GuxsZhYBFCWybY/s320/IMG_6042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can live with that</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SLQtwUhstTsnc99H-lsp0UOqJ-8CvC4uRP0GqhuujlkpRd7CR8Z1NfJKNIideHAmxb5R2Gi5DYgtj-NNq10ULmvsO8hqx7HzqtH89tGDzL_El0ccXDlpzgN7PDdusbeHKGSc12sdZ54/s1600/IMG_6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4SLQtwUhstTsnc99H-lsp0UOqJ-8CvC4uRP0GqhuujlkpRd7CR8Z1NfJKNIideHAmxb5R2Gi5DYgtj-NNq10ULmvsO8hqx7HzqtH89tGDzL_El0ccXDlpzgN7PDdusbeHKGSc12sdZ54/s320/IMG_6048.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bracket taking shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZpqFNn8cM0MVTSFlqjJD3YI4l3XOmpSmtmviG1-0RL-x7-Ry5hgTKwsb9dcwC-HNkiBDN5bSBCOVQ0YyCCioboxR_HR-ng3wBIesgmR-nV5nvChVT8OPeV8LBYMD1FHC-MKNXXPOQ30/s1600/IMG_6054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZpqFNn8cM0MVTSFlqjJD3YI4l3XOmpSmtmviG1-0RL-x7-Ry5hgTKwsb9dcwC-HNkiBDN5bSBCOVQ0YyCCioboxR_HR-ng3wBIesgmR-nV5nvChVT8OPeV8LBYMD1FHC-MKNXXPOQ30/s320/IMG_6054.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5xYKP_5L2ilNXfMueJshnjldQ8Lrugr6fzikHaIiRAzhydUuhh1FDOQFDCmBQqN8gnlHk75dFRORp-UWKZtUTEFtFn1rETnQTy2yAHlmpSpZaRUd6boMlqpamtHkNB4PwmgRyQrwyjY/s1600/IMG_6060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5xYKP_5L2ilNXfMueJshnjldQ8Lrugr6fzikHaIiRAzhydUuhh1FDOQFDCmBQqN8gnlHk75dFRORp-UWKZtUTEFtFn1rETnQTy2yAHlmpSpZaRUd6boMlqpamtHkNB4PwmgRyQrwyjY/s320/IMG_6060.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test fit. I cut u-bolts to attach to the drawbars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-hLsxht2yl52McvUMjeq1EfUB1358HwViooCPN8a_Iu0pPw6DnW2ZSDVTPx2sOFec2plPf2MgqYFJuCWBqmnTFUiBlNAp8WJMT9uLjft_KPvPL6nhAvcNC0JsF-O8OfKONTvDy3RYlk/s1600/IMG_6058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-hLsxht2yl52McvUMjeq1EfUB1358HwViooCPN8a_Iu0pPw6DnW2ZSDVTPx2sOFec2plPf2MgqYFJuCWBqmnTFUiBlNAp8WJMT9uLjft_KPvPL6nhAvcNC0JsF-O8OfKONTvDy3RYlk/s320/IMG_6058.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It fits. To prevent tipping, there is a plate on the bottom<br />
(not visible in this view) that extends under and bolts to the<br />
trailer front cross member.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIiHeMCjMxaFM_-XQYx0o0pPq0Ayb_ODALFIPkW491NE5tbsbiaBcm47KITZQpp0wK2Y76K4gvE_d5oAwfWt_ZYNMzZBJZRJ5N6mOJC8cekrVgNge0Y38SRyM7eoQ_3Dwsu_t92tM8ws/s1600/IMG_6064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIiHeMCjMxaFM_-XQYx0o0pPq0Ayb_ODALFIPkW491NE5tbsbiaBcm47KITZQpp0wK2Y76K4gvE_d5oAwfWt_ZYNMzZBJZRJ5N6mOJC8cekrVgNge0Y38SRyM7eoQ_3Dwsu_t92tM8ws/s320/IMG_6064.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished and installed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99JvQtYXkfpl5J0uv_DTlU0__GKvBipl9Su_Kd1dD2s33W3PlUCt6gN0rRs3Ji9ne5wqxXlOmampXJz3Wb-vlFTHp_UmJzcRzZ7l8Sk4WLsm4gMVIru672A0uRb0j76snKBTMKzgLvkM/s1600/IMG_6063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99JvQtYXkfpl5J0uv_DTlU0__GKvBipl9Su_Kd1dD2s33W3PlUCt6gN0rRs3Ji9ne5wqxXlOmampXJz3Wb-vlFTHp_UmJzcRzZ7l8Sk4WLsm4gMVIru672A0uRb0j76snKBTMKzgLvkM/s320/IMG_6063.jpg" width="320" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the finished bracket</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0K-P4LWbOazh7c60NJdX2VarEktAOpDCTryl89k55zw93aT_zKgnrGPm2UciUbplegXgSLNgN4yaho0-IKmMX7KD9aYKiqKWzJ-VqdQEVrxtagBnlji31iL3lkMMArF7rF5hJkkyUyg/s1600/IMG_6067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0K-P4LWbOazh7c60NJdX2VarEktAOpDCTryl89k55zw93aT_zKgnrGPm2UciUbplegXgSLNgN4yaho0-IKmMX7KD9aYKiqKWzJ-VqdQEVrxtagBnlji31iL3lkMMArF7rF5hJkkyUyg/s320/IMG_6067.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spare tire mounted to new bracket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The spare tire bracket turned out surprisingly well, considering the novice factor. It is very sturdy and looks good too.<br />
<br />
Next up was making a lid. I chose to make the lid out of wood rather than steel for weight, cost and ease of construction. I wanted to make a secure lid that would not require any modifications to the trailer, and could be easily removed if I wanted to use the trailer for hauling mulch or whatnot.<br />
<br />
I worked during off hours at the boat shop where I volunteer- lots of space and lots of clamps. The lid needed to be wider than a full sheet of plywood. I canted the sides to narrow the top so I could use a single sheet of plywood with no seam. I used biscuit joinery and epoxy to make strong joints. My friend Ed loaned me his biscuit joiner which was a big help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNUPIHl5Oy75VdqNIQsiqr30RiGjpzFiRmsvgoI7E-1jGb05AC48yDOVKx2n0gytBjJa4m9-PduCA5kXTnmo17ET9p8HGutNRHlgAb46gNB1hQzxP9MOjU8Veu0gzjJ42lNW3lCbrSgY/s1600/IMG_6143.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNUPIHl5Oy75VdqNIQsiqr30RiGjpzFiRmsvgoI7E-1jGb05AC48yDOVKx2n0gytBjJa4m9-PduCA5kXTnmo17ET9p8HGutNRHlgAb46gNB1hQzxP9MOjU8Veu0gzjJ42lNW3lCbrSgY/s320/IMG_6143.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lid during construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHHtKjieO1SmN83w8ay_UJMJFPyvcMybCvBeRRBGI9QgH9B4FPAtYUHB39RbOTLVyTkD_7kfwdajQ5cxilBmXzVYyCyfbCCloenPw5CA7UdLwxr2h0s8nleWFPAzuBqss-J-TM_ZPjuM/s1600/IMG_6142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHHtKjieO1SmN83w8ay_UJMJFPyvcMybCvBeRRBGI9QgH9B4FPAtYUHB39RbOTLVyTkD_7kfwdajQ5cxilBmXzVYyCyfbCCloenPw5CA7UdLwxr2h0s8nleWFPAzuBqss-J-TM_ZPjuM/s320/IMG_6142.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail showing biscuit joinery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduddIA1LjTRsEeWFP3N3KHagL79mNIV9ylmaELCOZYL2lajuuJBrnHjyRx7UrblXb30dMHZbjTs4lawDM6_GdFf2Cxk1k3w5gXeZVdO0gmye8V120V62X7-61JgjWW6Gkk9Xx0GW0IuA/s1600/IMG_6145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduddIA1LjTRsEeWFP3N3KHagL79mNIV9ylmaELCOZYL2lajuuJBrnHjyRx7UrblXb30dMHZbjTs4lawDM6_GdFf2Cxk1k3w5gXeZVdO0gmye8V120V62X7-61JgjWW6Gkk9Xx0GW0IuA/s320/IMG_6145.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of clamps needed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxd73vw9Amsjfs1tlO2aWPqUUPV4Py0I_2pwaNMq5YTiyU45A-UnXSKDdBpGQzHeT4uQzAzzJ4X4rsGa-BVWlymp_jPgOjF-XyiMv2XPUV45dl6Q7f5bOfSR6W0TqPHGeSmfbjNjjufY/s1600/IMG_6173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxd73vw9Amsjfs1tlO2aWPqUUPV4Py0I_2pwaNMq5YTiyU45A-UnXSKDdBpGQzHeT4uQzAzzJ4X4rsGa-BVWlymp_jPgOjF-XyiMv2XPUV45dl6Q7f5bOfSR6W0TqPHGeSmfbjNjjufY/s320/IMG_6173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Test fit and primer coat. You can see a little dolly I made under the<br />
landing leg. Makes moving the trailer around easier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1LqxR7Gspz1CKe-D9R8Ny7zbYH8SaBRlVRtCLfVt203Xn0U0yh9zUu-vQbAn5YegzcNInhJgoXQcwmFPlH-VRWJ2q6y_dmDV5HzrzpSD41j0dfWSX1dfVDl-T-gL581duJytfcYbGqk/s1600/IMG_6180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1LqxR7Gspz1CKe-D9R8Ny7zbYH8SaBRlVRtCLfVt203Xn0U0yh9zUu-vQbAn5YegzcNInhJgoXQcwmFPlH-VRWJ2q6y_dmDV5HzrzpSD41j0dfWSX1dfVDl-T-gL581duJytfcYbGqk/s320/IMG_6180.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished lid in place. Testing locking strategies.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndl7C-059dVerZYURL1J5XnXamT954YgdZcHnDxdmjjWlweDFWWAey_Wr5SilcSJMFj5IolmJhUpj8xuJCwftx_aO0qt8BkYw488lcc0REa2pcJHCOBDht4HfmdBhBfHsqKTysgiHS0o/s1600/IMG_6190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndl7C-059dVerZYURL1J5XnXamT954YgdZcHnDxdmjjWlweDFWWAey_Wr5SilcSJMFj5IolmJhUpj8xuJCwftx_aO0qt8BkYw488lcc0REa2pcJHCOBDht4HfmdBhBfHsqKTysgiHS0o/s320/IMG_6190.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added a roof rack for kayaks and bikes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJDmsaa4IELh_o0Hj50D_uS75AZsUc5sQWuIo8ak2dKiBiwkw4BQGoK7zRWELSYXUmJiWfDXLq7CngZnidh51cP8W1XC-uE3nIpSsKWCZGovUm-26qevqov_zK5WByFl5-IIzlumSrSI/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJDmsaa4IELh_o0Hj50D_uS75AZsUc5sQWuIo8ak2dKiBiwkw4BQGoK7zRWELSYXUmJiWfDXLq7CngZnidh51cP8W1XC-uE3nIpSsKWCZGovUm-26qevqov_zK5WByFl5-IIzlumSrSI/s320/IMG_6191.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of rack and handles. I added metal wear strips on<br />
the sides of the lid to protect the wood from the tie-down straps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs-mqjBHXqNgB0AUb5Hjadx4AfrIsT-XD86Dp9yl3AbE7vcNBbyBzaXzWXl_1-rft_33NvYs6UWiXmhdX9BHGy3tErTiLKmNXMWxC_tKbH0w5ef_kgCJ0rK99kGa7UtA-DXeTGbEvDLU/s1600/IMG_6192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEs-mqjBHXqNgB0AUb5Hjadx4AfrIsT-XD86Dp9yl3AbE7vcNBbyBzaXzWXl_1-rft_33NvYs6UWiXmhdX9BHGy3tErTiLKmNXMWxC_tKbH0w5ef_kgCJ0rK99kGa7UtA-DXeTGbEvDLU/s320/IMG_6192.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail showing handles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4G4ZRv8PNKE_XptCD8oZ3rpeNuMYrLqdZZ3mPHO-2EThQ9ayS8160pF-uNcMNndKH6CvyPSdCMlf7VdlDV0YJqCJ5iUtXFGWHqjk6DwPRJsb-wwwH22lWkYg5ziDe6eGU-9PH3NqrxI/s1600/IMG_6195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4G4ZRv8PNKE_XptCD8oZ3rpeNuMYrLqdZZ3mPHO-2EThQ9ayS8160pF-uNcMNndKH6CvyPSdCMlf7VdlDV0YJqCJ5iUtXFGWHqjk6DwPRJsb-wwwH22lWkYg5ziDe6eGU-9PH3NqrxI/s320/IMG_6195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing open lid and brace. A strap secures it against wind gusts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Along the way I made a little dolly out of wood scraps and some old casters- makes moving the trailer around a breeze.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF6qu37GTxluzxUNFyyngZ5Gzc8QfBJoG2MUHHUgAFM_vEW_x06ISOgVixahOUzdJLE1Td80XewoLkzFkGgaMkRbbKuRZYI4OoIwPCc6b2wHjLRkpnRH4aXNJFv5OWpyazszkqSqnR4s/s1600/IMG_6166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF6qu37GTxluzxUNFyyngZ5Gzc8QfBJoG2MUHHUgAFM_vEW_x06ISOgVixahOUzdJLE1Td80XewoLkzFkGgaMkRbbKuRZYI4OoIwPCc6b2wHjLRkpnRH4aXNJFv5OWpyazszkqSqnR4s/s320/IMG_6166.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheeled dolly for landing leg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The lid turned out great. It sits on top of the trailer, overlapping the sides for a water/dust seal and rotating around the top rail on one side to open. The tailgate is locked by the lid but can be opened by lifting the lid slightly. A simple stick and restraining strap holds the lid fully open. Ratchet straps hold it down for transport and a cable locks it closed. I mounted a roof rack to the lid for transporting kayaks or our bicycles. The whole thing easily lifts off to use the trailer for hauling mulch and other bulk items.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2bT6qtirgkoi4hf6BTtpUjrm8bfzb5VM3885FFIewAkkcpU625d4aJdEkOH7buLPZBw9-GAUwchKzQ6rMi-vuSPiqmn92rpz4w7MX9Jdu8eymrvgmsIaSkTCc5ijjwGQ7QjgYKnZty0/s1600/IMG_6212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC2bT6qtirgkoi4hf6BTtpUjrm8bfzb5VM3885FFIewAkkcpU625d4aJdEkOH7buLPZBw9-GAUwchKzQ6rMi-vuSPiqmn92rpz4w7MX9Jdu8eymrvgmsIaSkTCc5ijjwGQ7QjgYKnZty0/s320/IMG_6212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaDVFmSRfrxRnuRW0Yr81JTcZPrCnEHkIPhPq0HCEHa6028-HCVc5LErO8IuaTinaIHr-EqcvvaOTfUgqWdvVTQQNtQarGFTTRekjs7YYokTnZ5dYbIxXmWp6TAQvIxJwQ8BtRAsw0k0/s1600/IMG_6208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaDVFmSRfrxRnuRW0Yr81JTcZPrCnEHkIPhPq0HCEHa6028-HCVc5LErO8IuaTinaIHr-EqcvvaOTfUgqWdvVTQQNtQarGFTTRekjs7YYokTnZ5dYbIxXmWp6TAQvIxJwQ8BtRAsw0k0/s320/IMG_6208.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The finished trailer will make a great addition to our camping set-up, getting weight out of the truck and making a secure place to store gear in camp while we go exploring. It was a fun project to do and turned out great.<br />
<br />
Note: I made a new coupler since this post was written. You can read about it here:<br />
<a href="https://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2019/07/trailer-update.html" target="_blank">https://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2019/07/trailer-update.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Epilogue<br />
<br />
After finishing the trailer, I shared some photos of it with the person I got it from. He was very excited to see them. In return, he shared some photos of the trailer being used by his father for a fishing trip to Lake Nipigon in Ontario in the early 1950s, when the trailer was still relatively new. That was a fun exchange and adds to the joy of having brought the trailer back to useful life for years to come.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vFGZHBBhn-biCcAWNyhqdIpDITO0NhNFm5tWJOv5GK41kfQY0jUk-Ao6PLEZ3zg7X3BL93RPQbSn5ZWShwJ7yqYX_vgUrXYu4cAhtntutJonHrPdod_-lCDE-58qPAlodGsW58hpK6E/s1600/CanadianFishg1953-112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vFGZHBBhn-biCcAWNyhqdIpDITO0NhNFm5tWJOv5GK41kfQY0jUk-Ao6PLEZ3zg7X3BL93RPQbSn5ZWShwJ7yqYX_vgUrXYu4cAhtntutJonHrPdod_-lCDE-58qPAlodGsW58hpK6E/s320/CanadianFishg1953-112.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Lake Nipigon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT67-_wXq1LHOrhH_BvbraXfdb3_5zMF_IqsUiRgE2BNlGlRQcHpUNRA3oJCN3X-AjN1z7d04haKQu0L3c6v0p1YT0JtFFKXfDnXj7_JKmsjCeh1gUp2YIim3J-YSu4h6wXkrNEZ3AaBM/s1600/CanadianFishg1953-109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT67-_wXq1LHOrhH_BvbraXfdb3_5zMF_IqsUiRgE2BNlGlRQcHpUNRA3oJCN3X-AjN1z7d04haKQu0L3c6v0p1YT0JtFFKXfDnXj7_JKmsjCeh1gUp2YIim3J-YSu4h6wXkrNEZ3AaBM/s320/CanadianFishg1953-109.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the dock at Lake Nipigon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGd0qO7wqYsJms9LZjEYDVKS6l5WorDORYsxhPZsnPI9NRfQvTFUANQXtou2dSD0bH9MnSJLpfa5Q2spPtnePuOd69TP1oExlFonS-4yfkt1dHCYIdoLYy10thQZ1Fbt1IYJgc8cLzj3A/s1600/CanadianFishg1953-107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGd0qO7wqYsJms9LZjEYDVKS6l5WorDORYsxhPZsnPI9NRfQvTFUANQXtou2dSD0bH9MnSJLpfa5Q2spPtnePuOd69TP1oExlFonS-4yfkt1dHCYIdoLYy10thQZ1Fbt1IYJgc8cLzj3A/s320/CanadianFishg1953-107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unloading gear and supplies from the trailer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPijGS-X8VvvyWualhR2I-jC5tPk8HyxWH7jhQ8_uwlDaK4GPVzNThjlHcO9vJXXzsZ9cQDEmfa1L7vEIgQVVyMHuguzUK8ceLIwQfa_6wQzF9cc12jBpYxje7Hf8IX90aOVQFzxoeL4/s1600/CanadianFishg1953-106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPijGS-X8VvvyWualhR2I-jC5tPk8HyxWH7jhQ8_uwlDaK4GPVzNThjlHcO9vJXXzsZ9cQDEmfa1L7vEIgQVVyMHuguzUK8ceLIwQfa_6wQzF9cc12jBpYxje7Hf8IX90aOVQFzxoeL4/s320/CanadianFishg1953-106.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the boat on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYCOQPg8fyUf5cXQgs5etTP1qYvH4iSfMCOr9JzV7ggtA9aUev-ZCaaMw8qlZayRO53zDFgBx_4Uo7uygs7CpoKbBhkqqIGTtoM9meW9BLEh-iwjAlC1lCAUN3kxHbGH3BnVY9cAD884/s1600/CanadianFishg1955-100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYCOQPg8fyUf5cXQgs5etTP1qYvH4iSfMCOr9JzV7ggtA9aUev-ZCaaMw8qlZayRO53zDFgBx_4Uo7uygs7CpoKbBhkqqIGTtoM9meW9BLEh-iwjAlC1lCAUN3kxHbGH3BnVY9cAD884/s320/CanadianFishg1955-100.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trailer is in the garage. Quite a few fish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-41716517713029755362018-08-19T11:30:00.000-05:002018-08-19T13:36:38.330-05:00A Trip to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepGNjhR1JV2b4Jau1gHNyTd9X3AcXY54642heqnDn6Wgxt36Qe6bSgisIr8uNP3HR7_LR9UTod4FaN6n19KsBDr4HNnEHOkBhIrFxJBFoSkr_cjKKGlaB6vlWlx97s5EBSx_cB9L3TlE/s1600/IMG_5964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepGNjhR1JV2b4Jau1gHNyTd9X3AcXY54642heqnDn6Wgxt36Qe6bSgisIr8uNP3HR7_LR9UTod4FaN6n19KsBDr4HNnEHOkBhIrFxJBFoSkr_cjKKGlaB6vlWlx97s5EBSx_cB9L3TlE/s320/IMG_5964.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kintla Lake, Glacier National Park</td></tr>
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<br />
A trip to visit the northern Rocky Mountains has long been on my
bucket list. Many years ago we had taken the train across the country
through the mountains. We did not realize when we booked the trip that
the train traversed the mountains during the dead of night. We spent two
days looking at the flat land of North Dakota and eastern Montana
before reaching the foothills at dusk. We resolved one day to return
during daylight hours. It took a long time but we finally made it back.<br />
<br />
Given our choice, we would have timed the trip for early summer or later in the fall when
fewer people would be visiting the parks. But with other comitments, we had to go in peak time- mid-July. We knew there would be crowds.
We planned to disperse camp to the extent we could and otherwise just
surrender to the experience. As it turned out, dispersed camping opportunities were hard to find near sights we wanted to see and we ended up in campgrounds most of the time.<br />
<br />
Our original plan was to head
to Canada first and then drop down into Glacier. As it turned out, the
weather was so hot through the plains that we decided to head to Glacier
first in hopes of escaping the heat.<br />
<br />
As is our style,
we stayed off the freeways and took the backroads. We like passing
through the small towns and getting a sense of the country we are
passing through. It takes longer, but we are not in a hurry.<br />
<br />
I kept a diary of sorts and downloaded photos from the phone to the computer each night (except for one night when I forgot). This proved to be a very good thing as my phone died along the way and we lost two full days of photos.<br />
<br />
You can click on the thumbnails for a larger version of the photos.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7-ykeyKV9DXVU8ewC1NRlT5A0GohnYIM687M4J-y2VODSjTjk5zh5nXYPaiD2slcNENVe40UGFrgoxuPqx5SO3DyCvarRmiNFHQejXT4_cUUa_MO5G45QlL6lrggOhhHSXFtVoirfms/s1600/IMG_5720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7-ykeyKV9DXVU8ewC1NRlT5A0GohnYIM687M4J-y2VODSjTjk5zh5nXYPaiD2slcNENVe40UGFrgoxuPqx5SO3DyCvarRmiNFHQejXT4_cUUa_MO5G45QlL6lrggOhhHSXFtVoirfms/s320/IMG_5720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheyenne National Grassland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 1 Sunday<br />
Minneapolis to Sheyenne National Grassland<br />
<br />
Our first camp target was in the Sheyenne National Grasslands just across
the border into North Dakota. We knew we could disperse camp there, but
we did not have maps or a particular destination. As it turned out, we
had to hunt a bit for a good campsite. We eventually found a trailhead
for the North Country Trail which passes through the area. The trailhead
had a good map that allowed us to get our bearings and find a nice
shady spot for the evening.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIq3rCNW2uij6pJCar2XEOInefeXhZ6UNi9IOIG0Ip8GcFXvusp1T5Y5150HUffQzi8Blv_SJ__X6gzRP5Lsz0s1Hdq_JuK63ZJ2a6PYq54W5N7EV0VyT3D2Vf4pMG0JCn6Zik8YpqFc/s1600/IMG_5713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIq3rCNW2uij6pJCar2XEOInefeXhZ6UNi9IOIG0Ip8GcFXvusp1T5Y5150HUffQzi8Blv_SJ__X6gzRP5Lsz0s1Hdq_JuK63ZJ2a6PYq54W5N7EV0VyT3D2Vf4pMG0JCn6Zik8YpqFc/s320/IMG_5713.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp at Sheyenne National Grassland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 2 Monday<br />
Sheyenne National Grassland to Teddy Roosevelt National Park<br />
<br />
Day two took us to Teddy
Roosevelt National Park. We stopped at a visitor center to inquire about
camping. A theme that would hold for the rest of the trip first emerged
here- all the campgrounds were full. We asked about dispersed camping
but the people at the visitor center gave us few ideas. We were able to
secure a good map and after a bit of driving around, eventually found a
nice site in the Little Missouri National Grasslands that surround the park. The evening was hot- 95°F at dinner time. We ate dinner,
enjoyed the view and a nice sunset.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w-PszgUULP0JyDSH3CVIRWedUC0CTVHe1E-zjrC5f38Vto-Ajw-_pxClP0dvtz7OO91SVQ4yf0STw7IZwe7iZB0l5km6aK8ySA3prgDW9OX5_xaUPEzanyjJMESbZ0tOXRIN0HJr6Lw/s1600/IMG_5729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8w-PszgUULP0JyDSH3CVIRWedUC0CTVHe1E-zjrC5f38Vto-Ajw-_pxClP0dvtz7OO91SVQ4yf0STw7IZwe7iZB0l5km6aK8ySA3prgDW9OX5_xaUPEzanyjJMESbZ0tOXRIN0HJr6Lw/s320/IMG_5729.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Teddy Roosevelt National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf334L1nFMyj4lvBWDT3Jl2U2hpG_lnDQUUhDIEDWdWHOnIixuUry2gmv0qeUbYfMzYXqi2aib5fnM-SpTK8a45uhed_5AQDLykmfXoUb8iKsmw8f2V6g5g659UwqPhQHdGEhBolhCIA/s1600/IMG_5734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIf334L1nFMyj4lvBWDT3Jl2U2hpG_lnDQUUhDIEDWdWHOnIixuUry2gmv0qeUbYfMzYXqi2aib5fnM-SpTK8a45uhed_5AQDLykmfXoUb8iKsmw8f2V6g5g659UwqPhQHdGEhBolhCIA/s320/IMG_5734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp in the Little Missouri National Grassland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g0IEV8_onGt5Fb-KuEho4sPtPd89WeYlF8DY6PrmlO1vvmFVVQKG21F7sI1n_-PfRuGl3BgHxyry7wcuM_l86QI29sWvuwgNbOfQ7D7c8ggO4QgIwjwmWLKJWNk3LvOLj98L_s1s2xY/s1600/IMG_5736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1600" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g0IEV8_onGt5Fb-KuEho4sPtPd89WeYlF8DY6PrmlO1vvmFVVQKG21F7sI1n_-PfRuGl3BgHxyry7wcuM_l86QI29sWvuwgNbOfQ7D7c8ggO4QgIwjwmWLKJWNk3LvOLj98L_s1s2xY/s320/IMG_5736.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxDathEbzLDSDm0IpQ4nMafgyXPTDiNm4AClcNi1wDoiRb0HYZmPDVO2AEqroZ3hRNWfnno2camUOHrWpJNf-H1CimmuIf2fRPTSMRQaT9ns1XPBGdLhEvTTnRrClBQo05TrFUa2YMmA/s1600/IMG_5746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxDathEbzLDSDm0IpQ4nMafgyXPTDiNm4AClcNi1wDoiRb0HYZmPDVO2AEqroZ3hRNWfnno2camUOHrWpJNf-H1CimmuIf2fRPTSMRQaT9ns1XPBGdLhEvTTnRrClBQo05TrFUa2YMmA/s320/IMG_5746.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice sunset with crescent moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 3 Tuesday<br />
Teddy Roosevelt National Park<br />
<br />
The next day we
planned to do a driving tour of the park including visiting the site of
Teddy Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"My home ranch-house stands on the river brink. From the low, long
veranda, shaded by leafy cotton-woods, one looks across sand bars and
shallows to a strip of meadowland, behind which rises a line of sheer
cliffs and grassy plateaus. This veranda is a pleasant place in the
summer evenings when a cool breeze stirs along the river and blows in
the faces of the tired men, who loll back in their rocking-chairs (what
true American does not enjoy a rocking-chair?), book in hand--though
they do not often read the books, but rock gently to and for, gazing
sleepily out at the weird-looking buttes opposite, until their sharp
outlines grow indistinct and purple in the after-glow of the sunset."
From <i>Hunting Trips of a Ranchman</i> by Theodore Roosevelt</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="https://www.nps.gov/thro/learn/historyculture/elkhorn-ranch.htm" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/thro/learn/historyculture/elkhorn-ranch.htm</a></blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl855entpaupLbAH4mLHnpx2Uqv1ANTNVYE-Iqhk_IpIvBZ_iXfYLmBRToKi1HUa1qwDL_LJRbeqGryRWpw7qNJQQRiyDG_h2_Nfu3Cb47-a5TLqy84ObymwAngYCoPm56-HosqJdJY4U/s1600/IMG_5776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl855entpaupLbAH4mLHnpx2Uqv1ANTNVYE-Iqhk_IpIvBZ_iXfYLmBRToKi1HUa1qwDL_LJRbeqGryRWpw7qNJQQRiyDG_h2_Nfu3Cb47-a5TLqy84ObymwAngYCoPm56-HosqJdJY4U/s320/IMG_5776.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit at Elkhorn Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
We got an early start and enjoyed a
leisurely tour of the park loop road before the tourist traffic. The landscape of badlands is beautiful and interesting. We drove out to the Elkhorn Ranch
site alongside the Missouri River. There was a short hike from a
trailhead to the actual ranch site.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTSJzdWR0yvYuKHdHsZ7MfOy1Wq-3qMNEcIdF6VMw1YdgLdTNEUgzoZsP4Xj8yF_MndwntUo4fVmTS6Rjc35OgQXfls3sP_JJwDnTGKNroXXbEb5sYgAnqG8URrooo7j7rLo-OSKFSFs/s1600/IMG_5763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTSJzdWR0yvYuKHdHsZ7MfOy1Wq-3qMNEcIdF6VMw1YdgLdTNEUgzoZsP4Xj8yF_MndwntUo4fVmTS6Rjc35OgQXfls3sP_JJwDnTGKNroXXbEb5sYgAnqG8URrooo7j7rLo-OSKFSFs/s320/IMG_5763.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning view over camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR_fhTCkj4tS11eJp-V-hJBG4sKox7XrQs23HfJYv7KJOcrzW4qOruYnlaxVElwIClg-hiwEAEElfACy_w8Me14uUbwct-dYO4B-HbaUNaHdA5zMasRiSQQ372WOvwzqHtGsVd04zAjY/s1600/IMG_5765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR_fhTCkj4tS11eJp-V-hJBG4sKox7XrQs23HfJYv7KJOcrzW4qOruYnlaxVElwIClg-hiwEAEElfACy_w8Me14uUbwct-dYO4B-HbaUNaHdA5zMasRiSQQ372WOvwzqHtGsVd04zAjY/s320/IMG_5765.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the park from the loop road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The Elkhorn Ranch buildings are long gone and their former locations simply marked by
iron fence posts. A few interpretive signs provided a bit of information. We enjoyed seeing the location and
imagining what it was like when Teddy Roosevelt was there. But overall the visit was a letdown. The site was overgrown and poorly interpreted.
Not even a bench to sit on. It's a shame we don't provide sufficient funds to maintain important sites like this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzHxynDS_GpSI9EaIZtM2v9gmfsBTduqAFUKnPM8gz6zfmUhiXzdbGazEFGrGRW9iXz029ekSNdvgVIpGG8jt7GThLIPz6DwTPB7b9sKUXODLvw86pVSylpMkBtrWNrAzJzvvD8MsevQ/s1600/IMG_5768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzHxynDS_GpSI9EaIZtM2v9gmfsBTduqAFUKnPM8gz6zfmUhiXzdbGazEFGrGRW9iXz029ekSNdvgVIpGG8jt7GThLIPz6DwTPB7b9sKUXODLvw86pVSylpMkBtrWNrAzJzvvD8MsevQ/s320/IMG_5768.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Path to Elkhorn Ranch site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlj1A3XpubGM5b8rUesZiiq5KZPO4JbHvh3wZxBVSpGBaMhP1NkcXMkpE5-JFSMnXaPCFaJzXMqOoJnlKB9NjxOzwanncaL64AISr9qkMXFbhqwJ6lkuA8EezDYnEdQ_nBGq8lwHpPwg/s1600/IMG_5769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlj1A3XpubGM5b8rUesZiiq5KZPO4JbHvh3wZxBVSpGBaMhP1NkcXMkpE5-JFSMnXaPCFaJzXMqOoJnlKB9NjxOzwanncaL64AISr9qkMXFbhqwJ6lkuA8EezDYnEdQ_nBGq8lwHpPwg/s320/IMG_5769.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elkhorn Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rxb-_MHVXVloZ6ww9XPyKd5Mnp8qUwWkseqQcBMpZUpPNrIhYr2bFync7P-dVfFasGeMUvpK-blwmvpvRno5yLnmKOXIICP7zLVCpevzbxdkREOxMAC_CuE_n1_xjMxys4n_YN6ed0Y/s1600/IMG_5774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rxb-_MHVXVloZ6ww9XPyKd5Mnp8qUwWkseqQcBMpZUpPNrIhYr2bFync7P-dVfFasGeMUvpK-blwmvpvRno5yLnmKOXIICP7zLVCpevzbxdkREOxMAC_CuE_n1_xjMxys4n_YN6ed0Y/s320/IMG_5774.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missouri River from Elkhorn Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We
had intended to camp at the Elkhorn Ranch campground, but found it
occupied by a large group of horse people, with their horses and horse
trailers. It was very hot and horse flies were abundant. We anticipated a
rowdy group and decided to move on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pH5_OAjc6Eni3veV9ObDSV7d42Cw9WzQH73FKa8AI0SNN4nT0xrCVEGwuMKUhnejBbl2GmbYy6ranwNZKcb1bGhN31rEAmREAKT_2lOQRkHtVDH92LZ9H1RSvc-vxNBA5qLSm7SfqdM/s1600/IMG_5777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pH5_OAjc6Eni3veV9ObDSV7d42Cw9WzQH73FKa8AI0SNN4nT0xrCVEGwuMKUhnejBbl2GmbYy6ranwNZKcb1bGhN31rEAmREAKT_2lOQRkHtVDH92LZ9H1RSvc-vxNBA5qLSm7SfqdM/s320/IMG_5777.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grassland at Elkhorn Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9761W0PTWEMGYup_KscgKIARao27LFgwpAT_nUIO7JMF7JiA5zkkvyfwM1EkksRZE6ILwtbh9dSHaUeSutYC4Z_ZPKo4B_iPxSJTa5uAz3o7pKd4eQwr4PlI6IWK0_1cFk7CN4hQsq8/s1600/IMG_5779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9761W0PTWEMGYup_KscgKIARao27LFgwpAT_nUIO7JMF7JiA5zkkvyfwM1EkksRZE6ILwtbh9dSHaUeSutYC4Z_ZPKo4B_iPxSJTa5uAz3o7pKd4eQwr4PlI6IWK0_1cFk7CN4hQsq8/s320/IMG_5779.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Little Missouri National Grasslands near Elkhorn Ranch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Looking at our maps, we found a campground on the other side of the river and the map indicated a river crossing (not a bridge) a bit north from where we were. We followed the gravel roads through cattle country and past a prosperous looking ranch. At the anticipated spot, a narrow road turned off toward the river and we were greeted with a large "Private Road- No Trespassing" sign. Although narrow, the road was clearly regularly used but I was reluctant to pass the sign. We traveled on the main road for a bit to where we could see back to the river crossing. It was definitely a well-used crossing. With a campsite tantalizingly close, we were tempted to cross in spite of the sign. But we didn't. We backtracked the way we came and headed out to the highway to continue our journey towards the mountains. I second-guessed my decision the rest of the day.<br />
<br />
Now we faced a dilemma with no identified campsite and a waning day. We found a campground marked on the map but when we got there found it unsuitable- very hot, alongside stagnant water and trash-filled fire rings. We headed for Hwy 2 and aimed for the Downstream Campground at Fort Peck Dam in Montana. We called ahead and found out there would be a site for us, even with a late arrival.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the very large Downstream Campground at dusk- found the gate manned by a very pleasant young man from Wisconsin. He set us up with a nice shady campsite in the primitive section which turned out to be next to a very noisy family enjoying themselves with boombox music, loud conversation, a smoky campfire and crying kids. A textbook case of why we usually try to avoid campgrounds.<br />
<br />
It was still really hot and we were tired. Being late in the day, we just moved ourselves to a campsite away from the noise with more space and privacy. After a quick dinner, we took our customary walk around the campground and discovered a nice shower building. A shower would be just the ticket after a long hot day and we took advantage.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_Cey8yzWXjiR3vfrSEAMl9tFVlxroWsyGiezoEe-mFLKBuqNiZeLJHTAEDhLkSsZGpN_d0HBVh2vy2XkwIEcUDrLgjd0cA0xHokFJB0unmfp4R8p2hJFzwlaeh0wys5xoZuCIPvN094/s1600/IMG_5780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_Cey8yzWXjiR3vfrSEAMl9tFVlxroWsyGiezoEe-mFLKBuqNiZeLJHTAEDhLkSsZGpN_d0HBVh2vy2XkwIEcUDrLgjd0cA0xHokFJB0unmfp4R8p2hJFzwlaeh0wys5xoZuCIPvN094/s320/IMG_5780.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Downstream Campground, Fort Peck Dam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 4 Wednesday<br />
Fort Peck to Summit Campground, Marias Pass, East Glacier.<br />
<br />
We left camp early the next day. I had discovered on the internet what sounded like a good coffee shop in the next town of Glasgow so we resolved to stop there for breakfast, get gas for the truck and figure out our next steps. The shop lived up to its billing with good coffee and baked goods. We settled at a table to take advantage of the free wifi and do some trip research. The relentless heat was getting to us. Days in the 90°s and not much relief at night. We had originally planned to cross into Canada at this point and camp at the Grasslands National Park just across the border. Checking the weather forecast showed the heat would be there to greet us with no shade as it is a true grassland. We decided to change our plans and head to Glacier National Park first in hopes of finding some cooler weather.<br />
<br />
We knew that the campgrounds in Glacier would be full. Our plan was to find dispersed camping in the Flathead National Forest. From the road I called the Forest and got connected to a District Ranger. He was very helpful with suggestions. There was a small forest service campground right off Hwy 2 midway between East and West Glacier at Marias Pass Summit. If that was full, we could follow a nearby forest road and find good dispersed camping. As we left East Glacier and headed for the campground, we passed a small lake off to the left. To our amazement, there was a huge moose swimming and feeding in the lake. What a great welcome to Glacier National Park. We found the campground and there were a few open sites yet to choose from. We picked a nice one and set up camp. I like the rustic forest service campgrounds. They are usually small with nice sites. They don't have services for the big RVs so you usually mostly have tent campers for neighbors. This campground turned out to be a great home base for exploring Glacier National Park and we stayed 3 nights.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6zjB3bvpnrdF_UL4QGUgCV_OhubSBL_cSgcw7KTQjRz8Qgr2rJ3lEtjEgh23OyasFDfAbtZy5pjoR5HjA1fqLerQXrDQkOlkmccn6lFcWd4xi3EDuXRjF5Ck0tutHJv3XwDkfd9fOIo/s1600/IMG_5783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ6zjB3bvpnrdF_UL4QGUgCV_OhubSBL_cSgcw7KTQjRz8Qgr2rJ3lEtjEgh23OyasFDfAbtZy5pjoR5HjA1fqLerQXrDQkOlkmccn6lFcWd4xi3EDuXRjF5Ck0tutHJv3XwDkfd9fOIo/s320/IMG_5783.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Summit Campground, Flathead National Forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 5 Thursday<br />
Glacier National Park<br />
<br />
In the morning, we decided to drive to the St. Mary visitor center to get oriented to the park. We encountered major road construction with miles of rough road and long waits at one-lane sections. We saw another moose cow and calf along the way- that was fun.<br />
<br />
St. Mary was our first encounter with crowds. The line of cars to enter
the park was long. The visitor center parking lot was full. We waited
for a spot to open and went inside. We confirmed that all the
campgrounds were full, checked the weather reports and looked at some
exhibits. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6qsVAuw5wwzSRHuOAxSS9cxR6ge-SzJmr0edFMnsI-jFno_lee5znhoPMH5Sd8nPPguYuEWyMCu5zRz2KjuBcbBrRzjo5GGm-rz4Rrn_y3JMWm81_rieuxyFqMiMnW4gmfy80kmPcHM/s1600/IMG_5787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6qsVAuw5wwzSRHuOAxSS9cxR6ge-SzJmr0edFMnsI-jFno_lee5znhoPMH5Sd8nPPguYuEWyMCu5zRz2KjuBcbBrRzjo5GGm-rz4Rrn_y3JMWm81_rieuxyFqMiMnW4gmfy80kmPcHM/s320/IMG_5787.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Mary Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8zRUJU3CJA5VuH3UB-XTQgyo0IEbKhCIuJAlx33mQAFJLI3_hzcEt46_WtJ8GcICe8zHbk-3co0VEmx1AtRwP81tmmR-MCoymTcDw8JToq8ZlTcaylU0eqO_GCQhyWFC0rHxEI-baYc/s1600/IMG_5790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8zRUJU3CJA5VuH3UB-XTQgyo0IEbKhCIuJAlx33mQAFJLI3_hzcEt46_WtJ8GcICe8zHbk-3co0VEmx1AtRwP81tmmR-MCoymTcDw8JToq8ZlTcaylU0eqO_GCQhyWFC0rHxEI-baYc/s320/IMG_5790.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of St Mary Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to drive up the road to Many Glacier and visit the historic
Many Glacier Hotel. The roadside scenes were indescribably beautiful
with wildflowers and the mountain backdrop. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczHvZg17v_RGa1jd1tT4exlnPEWFzbQn8MECFUjAJSyjNCiNFmMhQ0py7pnEkd8Z_CxA0dXhFbS6bXZZM0ZJrauqb8PqR0-ZhdfMPlNrZpMt4IkvRvsAOxh9o54jHi4IzI-9Bqjy6cH0/s1600/IMG_5797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczHvZg17v_RGa1jd1tT4exlnPEWFzbQn8MECFUjAJSyjNCiNFmMhQ0py7pnEkd8Z_CxA0dXhFbS6bXZZM0ZJrauqb8PqR0-ZhdfMPlNrZpMt4IkvRvsAOxh9o54jHi4IzI-9Bqjy6cH0/s320/IMG_5797.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild flowers near Many Glacier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6-pHSYohCwUukyj9iKEUNzhTX-yMmmYSi0EZlf3vlhIOQcUiJsICUyBUa24ZUlBJrfl9evRGA-Win_MiO4l5Pt0wOgFru4PQF6B-7ZtHeZwQlKdYlccHMFnnRnxyrXWiuIw02AHMQyE/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6-pHSYohCwUukyj9iKEUNzhTX-yMmmYSi0EZlf3vlhIOQcUiJsICUyBUa24ZUlBJrfl9evRGA-Win_MiO4l5Pt0wOgFru4PQF6B-7ZtHeZwQlKdYlccHMFnnRnxyrXWiuIw02AHMQyE/s320/IMG_1034.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Many Glacier wildflowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We drove to Swiftcurrent and had lunch at the end of the road. Everywhere was choked with cars and people. We knew there would be crowds but it was still mildly traumatic to be dealing with such congestion at every place. The hotel was worth the visit- quite a picturesque setting and impressive main lobby space.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHPTMd2q500lzMYNt12RGiEM-PNtoZ5pcV6bKihTyrrL9av6i57Tb3_wN2-o2-iV4t6lbFgKH1K51ripuYH-8Ct5iy7dbxk_99I-KEz46COD8-3kDmqkJUUiSillb_YTJyIV4eXPjZao/s1600/IMG_5798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZHPTMd2q500lzMYNt12RGiEM-PNtoZ5pcV6bKihTyrrL9av6i57Tb3_wN2-o2-iV4t6lbFgKH1K51ripuYH-8Ct5iy7dbxk_99I-KEz46COD8-3kDmqkJUUiSillb_YTJyIV4eXPjZao/s320/IMG_5798.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many Glacier Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8wUPk1sn_sYtGLk8x9O3y3gq-XjblpRyPURWDrePvwCAim0zyDFtrgLge_r5KDyAIZAS6k8dI8j-2MYwg0mkS91ci0I8vJfbfqovmDjBr7bz_0xh5yOIdsfss0jwxNOYT8NbbZkd7zs/s1600/IMG_5803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8wUPk1sn_sYtGLk8x9O3y3gq-XjblpRyPURWDrePvwCAim0zyDFtrgLge_r5KDyAIZAS6k8dI8j-2MYwg0mkS91ci0I8vJfbfqovmDjBr7bz_0xh5yOIdsfss0jwxNOYT8NbbZkd7zs/s320/IMG_5803.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby at Many Glacier Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VDk1-laZKUsFgpxQz2X_BuMpXF6YUt4GEjQi7oS8bcn7xRq6-L-7LiQ7EOkLVqLt_3YYuSzOOyoymmjieU7DgBAnzkOz4ORZMyASWRCqNuSdDTl0uMnfUaq6r37zh6AkLwWO5TnVos/s1600/IMG_5810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3VDk1-laZKUsFgpxQz2X_BuMpXF6YUt4GEjQi7oS8bcn7xRq6-L-7LiQ7EOkLVqLt_3YYuSzOOyoymmjieU7DgBAnzkOz4ORZMyASWRCqNuSdDTl0uMnfUaq6r37zh6AkLwWO5TnVos/s320/IMG_5810.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobby Staircase at Many Glacier Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW8PKVVJV9y42pYg6l4ApXP1Rs1IkVT_hoBH9yT1hQt2iXGE-0qAbu6Z2ycND7-SC2rFDWHyEA-6Cvu_l2KRMZ5wFLMwkhylwfiR10NyBDcLKoXJTcJ8HN-Vk8VuA21Q4SWMkM-SGnv8/s1600/IMG_5807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW8PKVVJV9y42pYg6l4ApXP1Rs1IkVT_hoBH9yT1hQt2iXGE-0qAbu6Z2ycND7-SC2rFDWHyEA-6Cvu_l2KRMZ5wFLMwkhylwfiR10NyBDcLKoXJTcJ8HN-Vk8VuA21Q4SWMkM-SGnv8/s320/IMG_5807.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Swiftcurrent Lake from Many Glacier Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV5QxJUD23n1kWrGukP22yXbJwpot6z_BFIQFIRzKvRNKP7NRXvuVoIAfGATBERnXo1E0qEbYn5hQzFm2Pz7pWCltIdcykD_4QTok0nwm-alYpCBwVgJzq_4baTJ7sYbdBjcG9Iqv2NY/s1600/IMG_5808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV5QxJUD23n1kWrGukP22yXbJwpot6z_BFIQFIRzKvRNKP7NRXvuVoIAfGATBERnXo1E0qEbYn5hQzFm2Pz7pWCltIdcykD_4QTok0nwm-alYpCBwVgJzq_4baTJ7sYbdBjcG9Iqv2NY/s320/IMG_5808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiftcurrent Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We decided to drive the famous Going to the Sun road as our route back to camp. This was maybe not the best decision. By driving the road east to west (in the reverse direction as most people go), it put us on the wrong side of the road for most pullouts. Since the pullouts were mostly full anyway, and with the number of cars on the road, we couldn't really stop to take pictures. We did enjoy the mountain scenery quite a bit. At one point, traffic stopped totally. We wondered what was going on. Others told us someone about 5 cars ahead of us saw a grizzly bear and simply had to get pictures. So they stopped their car and left it in the roadway to go off in search of a bear picture. The road being narrow with no shoulders, no one could pass. We were stopped for probably 15 minutes. Cars were backed up for a very long way before the people returned to their car and drove on, laughing about the consternation of others they had caused. Of course by then the bear had wandered off and we did not get to see it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsu3DghS66rD2GTkRjtYS_dZIsJQC_yJ_aqPHTJgQmL5zHYqQM_xqR8SdTkMy7JV0GAx24VNfhpO20H_5q5TdZdjTBVhyphenhyphenmqX4b1u7vTZYx_XDRVlAH80xB6O2N_EzxoKDu5hfwtGJkh4/s1600/IMG_5814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsu3DghS66rD2GTkRjtYS_dZIsJQC_yJ_aqPHTJgQmL5zHYqQM_xqR8SdTkMy7JV0GAx24VNfhpO20H_5q5TdZdjTBVhyphenhyphenmqX4b1u7vTZYx_XDRVlAH80xB6O2N_EzxoKDu5hfwtGJkh4/s320/IMG_5814.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic view from a Many Glacier road pullout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 6 Friday<br />
Glacier National Park<br />
<br />
The next day we resolved to get into the backcountry a bit to escape the crowds. Before heading out we stopped at the Rock and Roll Bakery and Gear shop in East Glacier. Awesome baked goods and a surprisingly well stocked, very small camping and climbing gear store. We drove to Two Medicine Lake to see the historic Camp Store, site of one of FDR's fireside chats. We stopped along the way for a short hike to visit Running Eagle Falls. Also known as Trick Falls as the river flows out of a cave in the rock which makes a falls that is obscured in times of high water flow. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEDMiN3omrUa36j18LFjs9Sh4sLh4cqfXDvLabGCOeIhEKorfh1WHR7SSGYyf3t8RjKf6S8fE-j6bGhLcbeFLnBIqQLTeJzlALsbSt57lPuguCEuyaqjtIV1fdnhiDeQEbbK18CA_GDo/s1600/IMG_5817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeEDMiN3omrUa36j18LFjs9Sh4sLh4cqfXDvLabGCOeIhEKorfh1WHR7SSGYyf3t8RjKf6S8fE-j6bGhLcbeFLnBIqQLTeJzlALsbSt57lPuguCEuyaqjtIV1fdnhiDeQEbbK18CA_GDo/s320/IMG_5817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful gravel and clear water in Two Medicine Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij00o1X1KBSz8dI-SCwCND7d3ve3rCcj-Wt68w8DAf_T91PGswpIuTfI3iK1l5AQHWenRyjCSRSvhWLrYoSk3k_6iZMWEtDNa0luFhLOKo4zsVNtmXnjlNvZUjqj4AXjSJ-sIXZVfGBns/s1600/IMG_5818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij00o1X1KBSz8dI-SCwCND7d3ve3rCcj-Wt68w8DAf_T91PGswpIuTfI3iK1l5AQHWenRyjCSRSvhWLrYoSk3k_6iZMWEtDNa0luFhLOKo4zsVNtmXnjlNvZUjqj4AXjSJ-sIXZVfGBns/s320/IMG_5818.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Medicine Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEjsnRxuY9rZUPG-Bc8RLBquEktirUmTMpmDkITyYOhciShSI2V07XUfTZCeiVPxNTOe1yjq25ReHWiIZFih3w3pvf1kyDeqhv89DFbvYXrTKFYomm6zT1IHzdfJ9E7d1mIXiHhjLQEE/s1600/IMG_5819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEjsnRxuY9rZUPG-Bc8RLBquEktirUmTMpmDkITyYOhciShSI2V07XUfTZCeiVPxNTOe1yjq25ReHWiIZFih3w3pvf1kyDeqhv89DFbvYXrTKFYomm6zT1IHzdfJ9E7d1mIXiHhjLQEE/s320/IMG_5819.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running Eagle Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgundcGeNUOyOsIGgqAKFrj4diXJgTz8s1q3CCtpPfkZJ4ZUOh4fb7wmi8wqHnEUaZRbL1HgdIR-wr4Qq9JP5bVUavWYNVlbZl3cCVv1AnVUco9q6qbVAfAhgxU2uEW2WeLyXussE5rg5U/s1600/IMG_5820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgundcGeNUOyOsIGgqAKFrj4diXJgTz8s1q3CCtpPfkZJ4ZUOh4fb7wmi8wqHnEUaZRbL1HgdIR-wr4Qq9JP5bVUavWYNVlbZl3cCVv1AnVUco9q6qbVAfAhgxU2uEW2WeLyXussE5rg5U/s320/IMG_5820.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Medicine Creek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9q6faWRR2q8KdaJK5wDndD3dqTYA9CjcPri33kYjv0FnN1blRB2vYl-TqdqUg5yD3hN9hiS2DR-SYUNy9kaOztm1P0yjaM7_us-2SJF6CVoi531YUjdBiTszIIZKyKb21wtPD53_u7M/s1600/IMG_5822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9q6faWRR2q8KdaJK5wDndD3dqTYA9CjcPri33kYjv0FnN1blRB2vYl-TqdqUg5yD3hN9hiS2DR-SYUNy9kaOztm1P0yjaM7_us-2SJF6CVoi531YUjdBiTszIIZKyKb21wtPD53_u7M/s320/IMG_5822.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Paintbrush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLZ06jWlZTuDU6zBQ5vs7nJ08CjMkYocFE0ONYGZjp1a7FPwiVBn_jMUsTYO7Ix8o7TqbXr-BhzGxNJMh1XvC2mJ2fVKpOPd0fQ8yzMjxf0NFqMMANE5wmNSPtrKXEBe5FrHrdRELJfQ/s1600/IMG_5825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLZ06jWlZTuDU6zBQ5vs7nJ08CjMkYocFE0ONYGZjp1a7FPwiVBn_jMUsTYO7Ix8o7TqbXr-BhzGxNJMh1XvC2mJ2fVKpOPd0fQ8yzMjxf0NFqMMANE5wmNSPtrKXEBe5FrHrdRELJfQ/s320/IMG_5825.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Asters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn79QX5f8WWXXUQUljmvOk613TUon3_CPh5eE636_a27mOERw2flqp3IV4yAG7Paw8hIY_1Xcf4m9-iplAW4IQ4rZ2_WoXeVQfUhWF8xC8UdECWfZXQiMDcQroaXWPeKvDYJZFy1-GEvM/s1600/IMG_5826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn79QX5f8WWXXUQUljmvOk613TUon3_CPh5eE636_a27mOERw2flqp3IV4yAG7Paw8hIY_1Xcf4m9-iplAW4IQ4rZ2_WoXeVQfUhWF8xC8UdECWfZXQiMDcQroaXWPeKvDYJZFy1-GEvM/s320/IMG_5826.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticky Geranium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After seeing the camp store and looking at a map, we settled on a hike
on the Scenic Point trail and had lunch beside Appistoki Falls. We
enjoyed the hike quite a lot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ys1P_fDqwtEJrKiJwAQuvkNDQiyUT2-pkNs1tH3m7DCL7eiIuETdLxu2bfIo150voxTExsxkRjjdSpMxLLn82s141An4USU8JpP-oH-fGBkCunO-C0qrpSc45C3GvkVR4D0vR2UcOaQ/s1600/IMG_5829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ys1P_fDqwtEJrKiJwAQuvkNDQiyUT2-pkNs1tH3m7DCL7eiIuETdLxu2bfIo150voxTExsxkRjjdSpMxLLn82s141An4USU8JpP-oH-fGBkCunO-C0qrpSc45C3GvkVR4D0vR2UcOaQ/s320/IMG_5829.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Medicine Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUS74NtatZzQWuNuEkFAt9cniHv3w-bXCDu-_DC8NjaGaQydH97toh2QUMl915DanuncBnKlBzffY9aRqJ_26QjYN3i7ABwggJjE5V3V-nZ_EEWTiRuFlFzX1KAGSJu5MRrPjtHHtC34/s1600/IMG_5831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUS74NtatZzQWuNuEkFAt9cniHv3w-bXCDu-_DC8NjaGaQydH97toh2QUMl915DanuncBnKlBzffY9aRqJ_26QjYN3i7ABwggJjE5V3V-nZ_EEWTiRuFlFzX1KAGSJu5MRrPjtHHtC34/s320/IMG_5831.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Point trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf6YYCiTqBWnx-OZwHZEILO84da9SV9qdmAsJs8qpc7kRq9pXefQVpQe2PrLAvY8-9X786ScBz9xOGBJLfx41gYPpzJsl04SOjJClhdxjFGNFYO20d-RIcUJoTBQikcW1YIBVO1Jw1O8/s1600/IMG_5835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEf6YYCiTqBWnx-OZwHZEILO84da9SV9qdmAsJs8qpc7kRq9pXefQVpQe2PrLAvY8-9X786ScBz9xOGBJLfx41gYPpzJsl04SOjJClhdxjFGNFYO20d-RIcUJoTBQikcW1YIBVO1Jw1O8/s320/IMG_5835.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appistoki Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85uUZIlcXSWDJHTaXakYL9il0ckCFKzyBLFr0UgiTKSFn5zH2rKS8GDm064erIBMxNM8TFiW9t9I23u836ic4hH3Lkbm7FzEX-7Qq0_wQE3OJpflosyKzmbN8EPkPRQuEffnrFFTdrjQ/s1600/IMG_5836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85uUZIlcXSWDJHTaXakYL9il0ckCFKzyBLFr0UgiTKSFn5zH2rKS8GDm064erIBMxNM8TFiW9t9I23u836ic4hH3Lkbm7FzEX-7Qq0_wQE3OJpflosyKzmbN8EPkPRQuEffnrFFTdrjQ/s320/IMG_5836.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Point trail view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Emwx6ScUt-nBByV1RoA8lo-hohsEZmN22XxljVjyXXOLomrTOSQgKEn3EfB2pnlBy55tg_Osxmr22Kw7Mqsx4lqhSmHn6QbBQYgXNvEOC9J2_GC687pOts4tWh-LUdJHS4A-xFaIcjs/s1600/IMG_5838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Emwx6ScUt-nBByV1RoA8lo-hohsEZmN22XxljVjyXXOLomrTOSQgKEn3EfB2pnlBy55tg_Osxmr22Kw7Mqsx4lqhSmHn6QbBQYgXNvEOC9J2_GC687pOts4tWh-LUdJHS4A-xFaIcjs/s320/IMG_5838.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scenic Point trail view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXOGOPFz4pO53IKtEP13q6yUNh0xnoSByrhAJQ1IJfKXcCeytWaYsq-fhBoRR6xrWxNq_rLtlF0iFbvKmr8YiM9BBUZrzmaSj6ooe6_7VyhXOstkw3qfizuZeL1AJAry5AgHATN5khvM/s1600/IMG_5839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDXOGOPFz4pO53IKtEP13q6yUNh0xnoSByrhAJQ1IJfKXcCeytWaYsq-fhBoRR6xrWxNq_rLtlF0iFbvKmr8YiM9BBUZrzmaSj6ooe6_7VyhXOstkw3qfizuZeL1AJAry5AgHATN5khvM/s320/IMG_5839.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appistoki Falls lunch spot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh1Cl6chQZ_JNcOhrIdjbzP6Gz0PJFXCuB7KgveH4VTnyz4V_mZkM_2sZ0uyTKzzVkfKfs86SI630e4gwTNPRcfB-G4I0uDO6mhO2c0z7YxU0jNxozS_Ccil2_oJuWKL_eq4N_vZQmrc/s1600/IMG_5842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmh1Cl6chQZ_JNcOhrIdjbzP6Gz0PJFXCuB7KgveH4VTnyz4V_mZkM_2sZ0uyTKzzVkfKfs86SI630e4gwTNPRcfB-G4I0uDO6mhO2c0z7YxU0jNxozS_Ccil2_oJuWKL_eq4N_vZQmrc/s320/IMG_5842.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail to Scenic Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
On our way back to camp we stopped to tour the historic Glacier Park Hotel. It was another grand building to see. What fun it must have been in the early days to ride the train to East Glacier and stay in that hotel. We also took the opportunity to do laundry in East Glacier and treated ourselves to a good dinner at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant. The wait for dinner passed quickly while we sipped a beer on the porch- a fine way to end a good day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrdvf-wtwMnZrGNg6RatZsVjp2n_axd0vp7urY7CXazDpkEkKPzlHP6j4G8RgvMD5NuEF1sFRUb_SilF50SZ2LHpYYaZwhobuWBA7dg2QZrGI7smZVzhhZhbzukrvmFUW2xt7l3DElYw/s1600/IMG_5853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrdvf-wtwMnZrGNg6RatZsVjp2n_axd0vp7urY7CXazDpkEkKPzlHP6j4G8RgvMD5NuEF1sFRUb_SilF50SZ2LHpYYaZwhobuWBA7dg2QZrGI7smZVzhhZhbzukrvmFUW2xt7l3DElYw/s320/IMG_5853.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier Park Hotel- huge Cedar Tree columns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eXyYXoyGyJVlw8kCfH5-0vNO4p4U9K71DkUna5XHO8AfSnduN40tzZKLVSXBbr3LD1HPX7Dql1y_bMBUnO4k1rSZu4VCelSzyMAwRkQ3ICLbwJjba1O3-oEMd6upDnKULKm2D4829WA/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eXyYXoyGyJVlw8kCfH5-0vNO4p4U9K71DkUna5XHO8AfSnduN40tzZKLVSXBbr3LD1HPX7Dql1y_bMBUnO4k1rSZu4VCelSzyMAwRkQ3ICLbwJjba1O3-oEMd6upDnKULKm2D4829WA/s320/IMG_5851.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier Park Hotel- huge Douglas Fir tree columns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LJfWhY-Snp8GTqeVXaLN8jKqljGGKXEigpt7Tk3cVW4PzkT6Hm_opJSdcE3oeX3iDYggQjUgQOFjQCMrZmxp7frL4mi4LS0EorOtuBwnlq-xP2IvfxlOhDdHmyfeWGuHYgc1gsJRo-8/s1600/IMG_5850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2LJfWhY-Snp8GTqeVXaLN8jKqljGGKXEigpt7Tk3cVW4PzkT6Hm_opJSdcE3oeX3iDYggQjUgQOFjQCMrZmxp7frL4mi4LS0EorOtuBwnlq-xP2IvfxlOhDdHmyfeWGuHYgc1gsJRo-8/s320/IMG_5850.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glacier Park Hotel- Douglas Fir tree columns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 7 Saturday<br />
Glacier National Park<br />
<br />
In the morning we decided to do some backroad exploring in the Flathead National Forest. We drove a forest road for a few miles south of Hwy 2 until we were turned back by a deep washout. There had been a fire in the area some time in the past and we enjoyed seeing the forest recovering from that.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDEX3R74Sdp9t6kLKcgMpm5JNuH-kNYlVGi4ILPLAYuDFMurFyHdcvp0uV2_8w4GgF1eF92UFibV12GcdsGzVWqb6NSmoZgveISK2vd9SJNqOK3y8OHUvyzYoPdy6Avd92f_4UxjTfPw/s1600/IMG_5858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1159" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDEX3R74Sdp9t6kLKcgMpm5JNuH-kNYlVGi4ILPLAYuDFMurFyHdcvp0uV2_8w4GgF1eF92UFibV12GcdsGzVWqb6NSmoZgveISK2vd9SJNqOK3y8OHUvyzYoPdy6Avd92f_4UxjTfPw/s320/IMG_5858.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flathead National Forest view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG_id6ZIe9_FNkINB1QbBHqLFUbXL0czMLk0xuHH_n36nckiu6wLs2UqBa4Z8PTafQrFXOAVg6_oBiFAfGHfYfv1PBak97okzsHihQCT0OPWbPlrJbFI8tSkY32UsfnUMAV1XP0gmykQ/s1600/IMG_5859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiG_id6ZIe9_FNkINB1QbBHqLFUbXL0czMLk0xuHH_n36nckiu6wLs2UqBa4Z8PTafQrFXOAVg6_oBiFAfGHfYfv1PBak97okzsHihQCT0OPWbPlrJbFI8tSkY32UsfnUMAV1XP0gmykQ/s320/IMG_5859.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flathead National Forest view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzned49N6Dq_wI5nodz1NstrJYhXUvnDRq-QgLxY1rfWxVr6l_ru-mHTAbYiIRg1aEEtrRgJ6T-Ad5Ir0u_tcCSYjOvAsNHg6RpbM9qCwBYsHmsgd3w7J9DMu1pQ_N8yBghlfa5PWdgYo/s1600/IMG_5862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzned49N6Dq_wI5nodz1NstrJYhXUvnDRq-QgLxY1rfWxVr6l_ru-mHTAbYiIRg1aEEtrRgJ6T-Ad5Ir0u_tcCSYjOvAsNHg6RpbM9qCwBYsHmsgd3w7J9DMu1pQ_N8yBghlfa5PWdgYo/s320/IMG_5862.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New growth after fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURdCo5XxzC2pNGZ0Vw9HPkuGUQ5JEIITtTjU4PBHWOvMpkscLxTzDRd_1nUcbsmk69loGwL_gC3eMwfr9Xm1Ccq3rZMAOeBIXgkFDuVj_UgvjzwN870chPnSQqVQxdlVRxhA-lGV-Ufo/s1600/IMG_5864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjURdCo5XxzC2pNGZ0Vw9HPkuGUQ5JEIITtTjU4PBHWOvMpkscLxTzDRd_1nUcbsmk69loGwL_gC3eMwfr9Xm1Ccq3rZMAOeBIXgkFDuVj_UgvjzwN870chPnSQqVQxdlVRxhA-lGV-Ufo/s320/IMG_5864.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New growth after fire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We decided to head back to Two Medicine Lake for another hike. Again we hit the Rock and Roll Bakery- those ladies really know how to bake. This time the parking lot at the trailhead was full. We decided to drive through the campground to check it out while we waited for a parking spot to open up. We met a very friendly young man in the campground who flagged us down thinking we were looking for a campsite. When we explained we were just looking for a parking spot he invited us to park at his campsite. We had a nice conversation and he gave us a tour of his home-built Dodge Ram van camper which he was very proud of. We left our truck at his camp and headed to the trailhead. The young fellow's hospitality made our day.<br />
<br />
We had a nice hike on the Dawson Pass trail which goes alongside Two Medicine Lake before heading up to Dawson Pass. We walked for a couple of hours and stopped for lunch in the shade of some big trees along the trail. Our lunch entertainment was provided by the antics of a chipmunk trying to cajole a snack from us. Dinner and showers in camp ended another nice day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRL8q51LAJbUtmI8WA1hQSFIbNwgm2JDj1ar_OyiGSpDDMgRpH8QKB_GiX9mMap4CNgbapUwAsUepcAxCvUPFoaVUn49Iih7UC6e1VwsuqzgdFgQmy-kUnoAXjBBQB8CHGu7-t3xm9_c/s1600/IMG_5872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRL8q51LAJbUtmI8WA1hQSFIbNwgm2JDj1ar_OyiGSpDDMgRpH8QKB_GiX9mMap4CNgbapUwAsUepcAxCvUPFoaVUn49Iih7UC6e1VwsuqzgdFgQmy-kUnoAXjBBQB8CHGu7-t3xm9_c/s320/IMG_5872.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Dawson Pass trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGsmh55Nxl5UDSZX4zolySPvCK593EbWa_Fc9TEmf99ESFofxWPZl62jh5Om_JW5yp8sN4o8lGJAA3i4Z1aYZr-yATpoKl-TJTdgNP66390ZlOLWahkZVGDEAOtcnu8rvWP5k0n_yAbQ/s1600/IMG_5873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGsmh55Nxl5UDSZX4zolySPvCK593EbWa_Fc9TEmf99ESFofxWPZl62jh5Om_JW5yp8sN4o8lGJAA3i4Z1aYZr-yATpoKl-TJTdgNP66390ZlOLWahkZVGDEAOtcnu8rvWP5k0n_yAbQ/s320/IMG_5873.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Dawson Pass trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5o46gJETs21b3SL39sfQx0ypoYq2ud5qU-JemK1KIv37WlyKG4TtFecHsUUcuUmzFe4Hccj9MrF39DSwITGfYhuZxRtRx2PIMdnlU17FOKhXQC2GITu91s_xPahRFF5FGdCe9ZRXKgw/s1600/IMG_5874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5o46gJETs21b3SL39sfQx0ypoYq2ud5qU-JemK1KIv37WlyKG4TtFecHsUUcuUmzFe4Hccj9MrF39DSwITGfYhuZxRtRx2PIMdnlU17FOKhXQC2GITu91s_xPahRFF5FGdCe9ZRXKgw/s320/IMG_5874.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Dawson Pass trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_sgrGBBjbqfpBWQcm89MVu2e1199DD5Ep4sLR4iJ8tcVX-oz_BmH-LADQeZBu59MmLy84zZL_NpklDQALqkGTJ91DiAL6yLpDpKjf1YIn8LTJ-jY9qX7vuchYhXloI-1JYEGqgj8cU8/s1600/IMG_5875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_sgrGBBjbqfpBWQcm89MVu2e1199DD5Ep4sLR4iJ8tcVX-oz_BmH-LADQeZBu59MmLy84zZL_NpklDQALqkGTJ91DiAL6yLpDpKjf1YIn8LTJ-jY9qX7vuchYhXloI-1JYEGqgj8cU8/s320/IMG_5875.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Medicine Lake from the Dawson Pass trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj72oZmQy0ZABIKujWMC5k4xt2EsVvahN9H-vvsYImNjoNdkqo_u0meVGVXMCgnQGhgZaQ5a9euOTpiM2ImxvxSmpZT_AyBNxGSdy2cnrg7z6W8sR-_X6THDGMU7jF3fwR32P13oujdE/s1600/IMG_5877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfj72oZmQy0ZABIKujWMC5k4xt2EsVvahN9H-vvsYImNjoNdkqo_u0meVGVXMCgnQGhgZaQ5a9euOTpiM2ImxvxSmpZT_AyBNxGSdy2cnrg7z6W8sR-_X6THDGMU7jF3fwR32P13oujdE/s320/IMG_5877.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Dawson Pass trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Day 8 Sunday<br />
Summit CG to Kintla Lake Campground<br />
<br />
We decided to pack up and head to West Glacier. We wanted to see the historic lodge at Lake McDonald. After our tour, we stopped at the West Glacier visitor center to inquire about the status of campgrounds at Bowman and Kintla Lake. Both are rustic, remote campgrounds in the northwest part of the park. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we had a good chance of getting a spot if we got there early in the day. We also stopped at the Alberta Travel Information Center to get maps and information for the Canadian portion of our trip. We headed for Kintla Lake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuyLm-BO8Ep3Oc-oTTH9gnu6qLt3aOF_rLqK-T67Nua7xKKgOoQ0mc7Qf0lfiBaIXG5ep-hI01U-Fymt6yK4OoM4cvqlwX3-QkoAuON0Y-er6aepuLUG7muBucZVnWSomMoo0yTS4c-w/s1600/IMG_5900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuyLm-BO8Ep3Oc-oTTH9gnu6qLt3aOF_rLqK-T67Nua7xKKgOoQ0mc7Qf0lfiBaIXG5ep-hI01U-Fymt6yK4OoM4cvqlwX3-QkoAuON0Y-er6aepuLUG7muBucZVnWSomMoo0yTS4c-w/s320/IMG_5900.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake McDonald Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwTIaEVyTGndOIyjtOAh3oekKMFSb6onZW7w1ExPYpQVFEjhQ_4Uxm6rBHoG4Q3iXCopmAUta3ODEDloqWtrQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Video of interior of Lake McDonald Lodge</span></div>
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<br />
We arrived at the Park Gate and the Ranger informed us there were sites
available at both Bowman and Kintla Lake. We opted for Kintla.<br />
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The road to Kintla Lake was a narrow, rough gravel road. The drive took about two hours. Partway there we passed the small town of Polebridge, site of the famous Polebridge Mercantile general store. We were wanting to secure our campsite so we passed by but resolved to stop on our way out.<br />
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The drive took us through woods and meadows, past remote cabins and homesteads- a great drive. Finally we came to the Kintla Lake Campground. We picked a site and set up camp. The small campground is situated at the narrow end of the lake with a nice gravel shoreline and a beautiful vista of the lake and mountains beyond. The sites were small and close together but the people there were pleasant and respectful of their neighbors. There is also a day-use parking area which filled each day we were there. The campground serves as a trailhead for several trails that head off into the backcountry. The location was so pleasant we decided to stay an extra day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLlIFwgplES4VgwVF9AhkQjHvpxsajG4AEIa4FqG8rFVrjzuyjKg4s5Z0pzqUZ9MTPk8h_5WCOZxLTJbyHK4BS7G3MuTOtmJsgwqLP44Y5auAIJkhdZmTbm7g6b-FNd6xmgKU5pF31p4/s1600/IMG_5905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLlIFwgplES4VgwVF9AhkQjHvpxsajG4AEIa4FqG8rFVrjzuyjKg4s5Z0pzqUZ9MTPk8h_5WCOZxLTJbyHK4BS7G3MuTOtmJsgwqLP44Y5auAIJkhdZmTbm7g6b-FNd6xmgKU5pF31p4/s320/IMG_5905.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Kintla Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmVoimEpi2ScledojZPgQij_Zg8xLjLYpTKQOKsNRSnx5AG1QLQ5oXdgpaTCMK4om5kqvHuudQder9ilvbmhIeVjiZ0Qn2FPaxiP3YlJKVyBzkIGTYzm7rfD0WcxdRvOjr8uo86ZFzmM/s1600/IMG_5920.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmVoimEpi2ScledojZPgQij_Zg8xLjLYpTKQOKsNRSnx5AG1QLQ5oXdgpaTCMK4om5kqvHuudQder9ilvbmhIeVjiZ0Qn2FPaxiP3YlJKVyBzkIGTYzm7rfD0WcxdRvOjr8uo86ZFzmM/s320/IMG_5920.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Kintla Lake Campground</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScTegxiXwC2vdhKq4OlbyKBblIyA9_ZBf5o1mXAu4G5rj57BQ3HyViumrYT3gd-bsoFtnvNT_V0vIsxF_zlwPnLvEWpzJ0hTGLd0jwQOR2G-HBjo1s0GKiH6QKL3rzwrQxai2KV8O57k/s1600/IMG_5913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScTegxiXwC2vdhKq4OlbyKBblIyA9_ZBf5o1mXAu4G5rj57BQ3HyViumrYT3gd-bsoFtnvNT_V0vIsxF_zlwPnLvEWpzJ0hTGLd0jwQOR2G-HBjo1s0GKiH6QKL3rzwrQxai2KV8O57k/s320/IMG_5913.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kintla Lake view from campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqowmj68XwnsY8Xu7DWnR_qzFlwlczq3lGCmwuMnMjWOQ5Y1DAUya3fIkz1P_NsOhMoPLjQJ7kvcLZ-lJdJ8aZJC3reChI71vAylFtw8VrAXtPrwfgE4EE_tz6lPnTZTGAh0NskMP9Tfc/s1600/IMG_5912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqowmj68XwnsY8Xu7DWnR_qzFlwlczq3lGCmwuMnMjWOQ5Y1DAUya3fIkz1P_NsOhMoPLjQJ7kvcLZ-lJdJ8aZJC3reChI71vAylFtw8VrAXtPrwfgE4EE_tz6lPnTZTGAh0NskMP9Tfc/s320/IMG_5912.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outlet of Kintla Lake- flows to North Branch of the Flathead River</td></tr>
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<br />
Day 9 Monday<br />
Kintla Campground<br />
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Started our layover day in the Kintla Campground with a big breakfast of sausage, eggs and hash browns. Cleaned up and walked along the lake path to the Ranger cabin- a simple log house- pretty nice digs. We sat on a log bench by the lake for quite a while then walked along the road to collect some windfall firewood for our evening campfire. We had lunch in camp and took a leisurely hike on the Boulder Pass trail. We saw a western tanager, woodpeckers with brown crest, a merganser. Came face to face with a deer- it was curious not fearful. It was a pretty fun hike. We spent a lazy late afternoon in camp, made dinner, watched the sunset and had a campfire. Tomorrow- Canada.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-fgf6Op478DKKGGGQhk1PKdTM0di0sIoTO2wiWRZ0Fq8r7MMvOQ6H-BaJVx5I-CuLvQxVvO1Cu08g73f05CtmibwjQpZcRyeqfEKKxVOolqagXgCH_Y7JlUyfw0fHuM-sCWBSRZaFL4/s1600/IMG_5932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-fgf6Op478DKKGGGQhk1PKdTM0di0sIoTO2wiWRZ0Fq8r7MMvOQ6H-BaJVx5I-CuLvQxVvO1Cu08g73f05CtmibwjQpZcRyeqfEKKxVOolqagXgCH_Y7JlUyfw0fHuM-sCWBSRZaFL4/s320/IMG_5932.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers along the Boulder Pass trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4NyWHjuFIldDMgHzXzWE2YyZ0jM1TmA9HJU_BlMwboCmdO7sFnFB3evNBDi7qxMAAUp1k-OnhMlBS4XAgMjDeOUT53-HwCU3Ybi345fvTz79IHseGA2B9azj7P9zE4zstYVrI8w7G7g/s1600/IMG_5934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4NyWHjuFIldDMgHzXzWE2YyZ0jM1TmA9HJU_BlMwboCmdO7sFnFB3evNBDi7qxMAAUp1k-OnhMlBS4XAgMjDeOUT53-HwCU3Ybi345fvTz79IHseGA2B9azj7P9zE4zstYVrI8w7G7g/s320/IMG_5934.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kintla Lake from Boulder Pass trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw3gpl3cGKKacpCWuQDyDbzBhkhH90HCSByxx1stAke55YcfXPdDbZRRghPhlMIJ-jK8AjxiVYpmtiVh74E6MiZiH7AbxaiyA1rmBGkKqfr1PShwgFEKO7OLnXrVS2Kb2dfvgqbpUtHY/s1600/IMG_5937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCw3gpl3cGKKacpCWuQDyDbzBhkhH90HCSByxx1stAke55YcfXPdDbZRRghPhlMIJ-jK8AjxiVYpmtiVh74E6MiZiH7AbxaiyA1rmBGkKqfr1PShwgFEKO7OLnXrVS2Kb2dfvgqbpUtHY/s320/IMG_5937.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree having a bad hair day</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XDY6YnOonxhJDXSO6pdW1xAvRc1kRy-Us5hTFxFZdxCQUG0MzfuAF2GOrRI-PGuJuB8Di1JUYzvBhqQahsR9tDB0W3vB4xGtYq7gL9DsrOdIYSBJfBhSQgD1pEQKj6QP36zx7cuZaOg/s1600/IMG_5938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XDY6YnOonxhJDXSO6pdW1xAvRc1kRy-Us5hTFxFZdxCQUG0MzfuAF2GOrRI-PGuJuB8Di1JUYzvBhqQahsR9tDB0W3vB4xGtYq7gL9DsrOdIYSBJfBhSQgD1pEQKj6QP36zx7cuZaOg/s320/IMG_5938.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder Pass trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHldKR19zyAXxzy7otuqpemXRiIa_c8V83VxcwYHOeUd4YSAmqaZh6FUO-apFwCdUIOubbma82wMhnvb3bRt8-hslxrW_x_h1od1BNESuiOV48Wq2_Lp-GEGJw8bxp7aDSWAuGTqC28Ps/s1600/IMG_5942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHldKR19zyAXxzy7otuqpemXRiIa_c8V83VxcwYHOeUd4YSAmqaZh6FUO-apFwCdUIOubbma82wMhnvb3bRt8-hslxrW_x_h1od1BNESuiOV48Wq2_Lp-GEGJw8bxp7aDSWAuGTqC28Ps/s320/IMG_5942.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green glacier water- Kintla Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqRsOS5LPAlztztO1BwtPm5a6qTIex3CCXPEUan3dMHrEH3c0af-mlR1KZkkO1l1hXj1dWrOETN01A1E-uvIHezXA5itJx4FrZTQxG7FuA_pzkUBlQIvkKn5bxuFHnbbhetFeuS7wmJ4/s1600/IMG_5944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqRsOS5LPAlztztO1BwtPm5a6qTIex3CCXPEUan3dMHrEH3c0af-mlR1KZkkO1l1hXj1dWrOETN01A1E-uvIHezXA5itJx4FrZTQxG7FuA_pzkUBlQIvkKn5bxuFHnbbhetFeuS7wmJ4/s320/IMG_5944.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What bird is that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgv-s33qc_jnUSaijMsNGAqP7KXAE7XmVx45zhyPE9GuR1YKPR5CZqk9fZ76YMo5wPoylj6DLobNrcV5tiSixSPZ6wN0E_qWbVzzoc1C7geMmPZa3ROeHHmfNZVD22w9f0WJDY3z_wog/s1600/IMG_5947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1112" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgv-s33qc_jnUSaijMsNGAqP7KXAE7XmVx45zhyPE9GuR1YKPR5CZqk9fZ76YMo5wPoylj6DLobNrcV5tiSixSPZ6wN0E_qWbVzzoc1C7geMmPZa3ROeHHmfNZVD22w9f0WJDY3z_wog/s320/IMG_5947.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious deer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dnY88CgS_qJEiRUsuGZ_K4Dw5wPu5yL6Q3fng_p-vkBOwAnEGIOvg7oxU6b2TwNEuLIzDh109rFiMWDpDpEZsdlsUJyoBuBrbOyP4sszl4C3gO0bphkUpwfm6DXWNdQiaSPmRACKoXQ/s1600/IMG_5958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dnY88CgS_qJEiRUsuGZ_K4Dw5wPu5yL6Q3fng_p-vkBOwAnEGIOvg7oxU6b2TwNEuLIzDh109rFiMWDpDpEZsdlsUJyoBuBrbOyP4sszl4C3gO0bphkUpwfm6DXWNdQiaSPmRACKoXQ/s320/IMG_5958.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder Pass trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPcpw_2saZprlSqpyJwSS76wu245N1Sy2AYgEGwLxKzdd7D8WBaWn6Kg_8icFsdTMsh1afadi6yHxxarj3D1p0EV2OR4kIZDxhGHH7uCsoF8-7lxu9GVsJ2HV2Fto1elllD6hFA61nDs/s1600/IMG_5962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPcpw_2saZprlSqpyJwSS76wu245N1Sy2AYgEGwLxKzdd7D8WBaWn6Kg_8icFsdTMsh1afadi6yHxxarj3D1p0EV2OR4kIZDxhGHH7uCsoF8-7lxu9GVsJ2HV2Fto1elllD6hFA61nDs/s320/IMG_5962.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boulder Pass trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMt4dm4ZESkiF4Mmaof3Ybh_1_-3qAwgoJuuohLPXHJ0Aqc84GHScvQQplKnP-BG4RuPrgwtuH7s83K6s1lGcySxqP8bJ-Gg0ZetLEi6eT4hOZaHkq0CYXNVbP5za52qko22cacjjmn0/s1600/IMG_5956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMt4dm4ZESkiF4Mmaof3Ybh_1_-3qAwgoJuuohLPXHJ0Aqc84GHScvQQplKnP-BG4RuPrgwtuH7s83K6s1lGcySxqP8bJ-Gg0ZetLEi6eT4hOZaHkq0CYXNVbP5za52qko22cacjjmn0/s320/IMG_5956.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another deer pic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcveEL77rcO-2wpET3Si3jRiE0kpKuDBvKvzr_zxrSfu15u4MSCmIeZBRphz_No3d8f88m-NFaSjZ0MKqqGDccQc5z7lRFEn3pTdMgrgDUx0soJbjW8u-4rSmhXrW2muMoillNP-yDZmc/s1600/IMG_5964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcveEL77rcO-2wpET3Si3jRiE0kpKuDBvKvzr_zxrSfu15u4MSCmIeZBRphz_No3d8f88m-NFaSjZ0MKqqGDccQc5z7lRFEn3pTdMgrgDUx0soJbjW8u-4rSmhXrW2muMoillNP-yDZmc/s320/IMG_5964.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kintla Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Day 10 Tuesday<br />
Kintla Campground to Kootenay NP BC Canada<br />
<br />
We got an early start from Kintla Campground. Stopped for breakfast at Polebridge Mercantile- a throwback to the days of general stores. It is a fun creative business in the middle of nowhere known for its huckleberry bear claw pastries (which lived up to their advance billing). The store contained an interesting assortment of staples, necessities and tourist goods. The business also has a few cabins, a vegetable and fruit stand, lemonade stand, hot showers for purchase, a true general store. We shared a "hot sammy" breakfast sandwich similar to an Upper Peninsula pasty- stuffed with bacon, eggs, hash browns and cheese and we each had a bear claw. I had a great latte with an extra shot- who would think you could get that in the middle of nowhere! We saw several deer along the drive. We drove to Columbia Falls where we stocked up on food and propane before heading to the Canadian border on Hwy 93. The border crossing was uneventful and we got to Kootenay National Park by 3:30 PM. We lucked out with the last campsite at Redstreak Campground. Mountain goats supervised our entrance to the park. The camp site was substandard but came with hot showers which we enjoyed. During dinner, a young mountain goat trotted through camp- a first for us both.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YD-w-cBWhAHoNw2nurAKH-dWr-6T20hl4-QjpgSaGOiv__Xgm2WwgmhsbYCvGzHq2atBeRlXjRbxepVPXS9mQZuC0g1jobQLQrJOANXaugIWstN75YRdiRyCqDZdlei4ckfHtWqkhfY/s1600/IMG_5967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YD-w-cBWhAHoNw2nurAKH-dWr-6T20hl4-QjpgSaGOiv__Xgm2WwgmhsbYCvGzHq2atBeRlXjRbxepVPXS9mQZuC0g1jobQLQrJOANXaugIWstN75YRdiRyCqDZdlei4ckfHtWqkhfY/s320/IMG_5967.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polebridge Mercantile- bakery open!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9JyjKBtTaW4IpiDEOixusw8mXHW0q2Nt9nH7bg_PSn_GG76iuipo6V4wTAL2DdaYBivHT3-9-zDINXr1N_ZwsYqPSpaySVHWYhMKrOa5O7HHP2dagIT3IM4eKmzjLFC5bcpSABL05LY/s1600/IMG_5968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9JyjKBtTaW4IpiDEOixusw8mXHW0q2Nt9nH7bg_PSn_GG76iuipo6V4wTAL2DdaYBivHT3-9-zDINXr1N_ZwsYqPSpaySVHWYhMKrOa5O7HHP2dagIT3IM4eKmzjLFC5bcpSABL05LY/s320/IMG_5968.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polebridge Mercantile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Day 11 Wednesday<br />
Kootenay NP to Monarch Campground, Banff NP<br />
<br />
We got an early start from camp and drove to Banff. We saw Bighorn sheep alongside the road on the way out. We drove straight into town and the worst traffic jam ever. Stop and go through the downtown to the famous Fairmont Springs Hotel. Couldn’t get in to see the hotel unless a you were a registered guest and there was no parking available anyway. We quickly decided to leave Banff and drive the Bow Valley Parkway. By sheer luck, we found a very busy gas station and waited to fill up then left town for the parkway and some breathing space. The parkway was a pleasant drive but several campgrounds we passed were full. With the crowded situation, we decided to look for a campsite first and then visit Lake Louise. We found a nice site at Monarch Campground in Yoho National Park after being turned away at the full Kicking Horse Campground. We returned to Lake Louise late in the afternoon and found another traffic jam. The parking lot was closed but I cajoled the attendant to let us in, seeing a car pulling out. We lucked out with a parking spot. Walked to Lake Louise- it was unbelievably crowded. We took our picture and left. We wanted to visit Moraine Lake but the road to the lake was closed due to the lake parking lot being full. We left the scene and returned to our camp. The crowds were a bit overwhelming. We went early to bed and resolved to beat the crowds the next day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QX89aO8JC1YFn5F5r5mMwl9R_70M_YtB3v_iBG5Id4Qo1t-sIeXVin-MWmsPTKVFbd8adyxpRhnA9Re4JrN6IR27xYf2UkLnpA4GcUhdC-qi0fQ_sw8PeocSHwG0eOMhLFvFNSx1BS4/s1600/IMG_5975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QX89aO8JC1YFn5F5r5mMwl9R_70M_YtB3v_iBG5Id4Qo1t-sIeXVin-MWmsPTKVFbd8adyxpRhnA9Re4JrN6IR27xYf2UkLnpA4GcUhdC-qi0fQ_sw8PeocSHwG0eOMhLFvFNSx1BS4/s320/IMG_5975.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Monarch Campground</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDQe1VJxctk9dwJr-mEZZnMvYXExyTUyVorJktRLIiaZ2g2QgClYEOm4n8fchpKSNdzHVVgsYHcGeYzjUoo6UuAyssiXve7UwYNKfTB1xsNOI4XtqJkrVRxgBKN1wBM9fi9G2VLYMziI/s1600/IMG_5970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDQe1VJxctk9dwJr-mEZZnMvYXExyTUyVorJktRLIiaZ2g2QgClYEOm4n8fchpKSNdzHVVgsYHcGeYzjUoo6UuAyssiXve7UwYNKfTB1xsNOI4XtqJkrVRxgBKN1wBM9fi9G2VLYMziI/s320/IMG_5970.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Louise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjs6H3i8gJr8DynK_PLLK_OFUGnfgI9mGCAHFISxstBPMSQDoJgN_DDGu3BmgmJ5I40sIMPvRqrfZAgtVxiCySxU9JYejAmzUMgL-u6gZfL6I8QV014AaQeppASHBqe_qhC0CGdBrd9c/s1600/IMG_5971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjs6H3i8gJr8DynK_PLLK_OFUGnfgI9mGCAHFISxstBPMSQDoJgN_DDGu3BmgmJ5I40sIMPvRqrfZAgtVxiCySxU9JYejAmzUMgL-u6gZfL6I8QV014AaQeppASHBqe_qhC0CGdBrd9c/s320/IMG_5971.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More representative of Lake Louise experience</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Day 12 Thursday<br />
Monarch Campground to Rampart Creek Campground<br />
<br />
Granola for breakfast- on the road by 7:30. We backtracked to Lake Louise to catch the Icefield Parkway to Jasper. Our plan again was to find a camp early and then explore. We stopped at Peyto Lake for a short hike to an overlook showing off the beautiful green color of the lake. Stopped at a few more scenic overlooks before turning into Rampart Creek Campground around 9 AM, which was recommended by one of our guidebooks. We found a site readily and self-registered. We then continued on our way to the Columbia Ice Field. We toured the visitor center which had some interesting exhibits. Tours to the glacier were on sale, including rides in special buses that drive out onto the ice- seemed crazy touristy to me. We hiked out to the glacier and took lots of pictures. Signs were stuck in the ground showing the limits of the ice in past years- quite impressive at showing the amount of melting that is happening. The landscape was severe- just ice, gravel, rocks and water. It was interesting to observe the scrapes left in the bedrock by the glacier as it had advanced over the years. We continued on the Ice Field Parkway for a while and took some more pictures. We visited Athabasca Falls- quite impressive. The drive lived up to its billing as one of the great drives in the world. <br />
<br />
My phone stopped working on the way back to camp after trying to charge
it on a USB charger in the truck. I realized later that all my photos
taken that day and the day before might be lost. Very sad, as this had
been one of the most scenic days of the trip. We took some replacement photos with Kathy's phone the next day on our drive to Jasper, but our best photos were gone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_fWc_yW-0AlHztX3Td20GfpEhHdMkWtSldpfrL9SuQ-Q1utIw8k8-6wr-7a8_WeiKGiRKuIrPslsTT-L-pf_J0WIkoQxZlAzFUxsV3MbmUHJ1g8nythmqngoQ4r8cQae_MbPMdf459w/s1600/IMG_1037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_fWc_yW-0AlHztX3Td20GfpEhHdMkWtSldpfrL9SuQ-Q1utIw8k8-6wr-7a8_WeiKGiRKuIrPslsTT-L-pf_J0WIkoQxZlAzFUxsV3MbmUHJ1g8nythmqngoQ4r8cQae_MbPMdf459w/s320/IMG_1037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Field Parkway view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7guz3bKHUSQ7pZY_1QeoW5EMhLTbN5vxQJF2pDUj48R60kEb88PnyppByEAuMhwywuwVwp-KeSc84js5uWdP-ZGHEbBF2hgfFxHwAsEa7cZpbpvfCBUc61oxPT0MDStjfgmngPXZVDk/s1600/IMG_1038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7guz3bKHUSQ7pZY_1QeoW5EMhLTbN5vxQJF2pDUj48R60kEb88PnyppByEAuMhwywuwVwp-KeSc84js5uWdP-ZGHEbBF2hgfFxHwAsEa7cZpbpvfCBUc61oxPT0MDStjfgmngPXZVDk/s320/IMG_1038.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Field Parkway view<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvBbfueOcVdpHV0KOMnc3TFoOQ8xRqBj4Emz9pV4JzsBeqigNykSUb4fjRU1k1NfUae6q7ztgeLKKm3mSa51_NrtLk5kA0VZAKT3wGPVznedWKNNYTw5CuwRgwDsEL7AAjnLsNwmTRbA/s1600/IMG_1043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvBbfueOcVdpHV0KOMnc3TFoOQ8xRqBj4Emz9pV4JzsBeqigNykSUb4fjRU1k1NfUae6q7ztgeLKKm3mSa51_NrtLk5kA0VZAKT3wGPVznedWKNNYTw5CuwRgwDsEL7AAjnLsNwmTRbA/s320/IMG_1043.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Field Parkway view<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtbM4_InduGVfryWvo0eY4yCIp2XWpwhRld0wH_i2-W8UglMBtxBVTIZLe0902-N7rr_SDA2YzcUepTfaoi0vjEvYRxofVXHez6LHxtnjuHn9BhAMMLE9Ix9LWSCcfnJiKqDMQPeK93w/s1600/IMG_1045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtbM4_InduGVfryWvo0eY4yCIp2XWpwhRld0wH_i2-W8UglMBtxBVTIZLe0902-N7rr_SDA2YzcUepTfaoi0vjEvYRxofVXHez6LHxtnjuHn9BhAMMLE9Ix9LWSCcfnJiKqDMQPeK93w/s320/IMG_1045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Field Parkway view<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI80qy8vipKO-Oz1uZ0cx08HWSkoROAfrxqzJUvdaOn1ceSMLIsOruvUAoLnfeiHKtCnpiRi3MetGoY7QeIeKseNG2OxtgmY8oc8hoD17nKnoeZ5APZBEwUO69Lmj0aRYhDpfDvge_U_8/s1600/IMG_1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI80qy8vipKO-Oz1uZ0cx08HWSkoROAfrxqzJUvdaOn1ceSMLIsOruvUAoLnfeiHKtCnpiRi3MetGoY7QeIeKseNG2OxtgmY8oc8hoD17nKnoeZ5APZBEwUO69Lmj0aRYhDpfDvge_U_8/s320/IMG_1050.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Field Parkway view<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzniumY0YqsbPKtsO10ohdQcvJ25Md0cLMb6MndU8UHwd0quONhzAz7xDpkbqvLHcdPhCd3nQN96Yg4COd86w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Video of glacial outflow</span></div>
<br />
We got back to camp, set up, made dinner and had a campfire. After dinner, a small black bear wandered through the campground- it took notice of us but was not concerned. As requested on the campground bulletin board, during our customary after dinner walk around the campground we duly reported the sighting on the provided chalk board.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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Day 13 Friday<br />
Rampart Creek to Jasper to Watson Creek Provincial Park<br />
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We had oatmeal to start the day, packed up and were on the road by 8 AM. We drove straight to Jasper with intent to deal with the phone issues, do laundry and grocery shopping. We stopped at the Wilcox Campground which was full but got good information from the Ranger about Jasper. We tried the Snaring Campground but it was also full. Jasper has an overflow camping area with no services- basically a dirt parking lot full of RVs and we decided we would not stay there. We returned to Jasper and found a tech store where the owner eased my mind about the phone- even if the phone did not come back to life the data should be safe. We called Verizon and got our Canada plan switched to Kathy’s phone.<br />
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We found a Laundromat and were surprised to find it packed full of Amish people doing their laundry- an entire tour bus full. We waited for a machine to open up. While waiting I found an ATM and got Canadian currency which we hadn’t needed up to this point. With laundry done (total cost for 1 load- $10 Canadian, came with 30 minutes free internet), we found a grocery store and stocked up on fresh food stuffs- vegetables, fruit and bread. We filled the gas tank and the extra can and hit the road. $80 for gas in a Tacoma truck is a shocker even if it is Canadian money!<br />
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On the way out of town we stopped at Maligne Canyon to marvel at the narrow deep chasm carved by the river. We headed for Hwy 40 to begin a less traveled route toward home. We found a nice campsite at Watson Creek Provincial Park along the Mcleod River. We made dinner, walked around the campground and I bushwacked over to the river for some pictures while Kathy returned to camp. Early to bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDq0EGKuJPq-NzmcpnjPKwS3iBSwFBfWMxgVDz_8_af5HoroLOz1_l7INzw55My0NXRP6q9tutzkxPkmjAEML6uPurGwVn3O4U2wVZ4drL9afGnB3dQWgqEpsDFOtKPqzSnXPjqBeu64/s1600/IMG_1065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDq0EGKuJPq-NzmcpnjPKwS3iBSwFBfWMxgVDz_8_af5HoroLOz1_l7INzw55My0NXRP6q9tutzkxPkmjAEML6uPurGwVn3O4U2wVZ4drL9afGnB3dQWgqEpsDFOtKPqzSnXPjqBeu64/s320/IMG_1065.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maligne Canyon</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrAC9uEF6_A1Ue3IzW37v16cM5w0XkiIdddHYhpiN46OiWJ8ctsEBLy5Md5zSpaC8H9THFnj5a6tP5zCms04jl4buBXP9FQkcZFUJyR0AOBwW09H6CaxgE23Dn6lvJNq27pSzvh-WX88/s1600/IMG_1066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrAC9uEF6_A1Ue3IzW37v16cM5w0XkiIdddHYhpiN46OiWJ8ctsEBLy5Md5zSpaC8H9THFnj5a6tP5zCms04jl4buBXP9FQkcZFUJyR0AOBwW09H6CaxgE23Dn6lvJNq27pSzvh-WX88/s320/IMG_1066.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maligne Canyon showing kettle carved by water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_O46jALFv4c0Y4SNNAfgpmnz9yW1WIX-kwCbXh6-alMmBsSy4YJ0tj7nkiKyoe0Fug-lISRD0MSUIdCRFi-jBipD1l-Aa0IFD8rsNPTdRaCVy12KLSu3wd5MST8aqDLJmY2QE7J8s7o/s1600/IMG_1069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_O46jALFv4c0Y4SNNAfgpmnz9yW1WIX-kwCbXh6-alMmBsSy4YJ0tj7nkiKyoe0Fug-lISRD0MSUIdCRFi-jBipD1l-Aa0IFD8rsNPTdRaCVy12KLSu3wd5MST8aqDLJmY2QE7J8s7o/s320/IMG_1069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McLeod River at Watson Creek campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLNf8-O_vr8iUVKAwGUvnLEUIwSjJLBhyBmY882JSwDvB7fLwMmWEE2wi5hXhp_VOT_wPWL23r2Dg6wUH1rCF7qRlrErmdfI1Z-gUDY7HVNyFT6fNdrNESopUeKrRZMLezOyRiR9JJOI/s1600/IMG_1071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLNf8-O_vr8iUVKAwGUvnLEUIwSjJLBhyBmY882JSwDvB7fLwMmWEE2wi5hXhp_VOT_wPWL23r2Dg6wUH1rCF7qRlrErmdfI1Z-gUDY7HVNyFT6fNdrNESopUeKrRZMLezOyRiR9JJOI/s320/IMG_1071.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers at McLeod River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-x0FK-L3hG3yS7od7L0JVdcr2Hqlx97y347V5AeudRSUWd32M_DXI26vxmV205q9Ei40cdcq9eos8hN6kVrITHfFVwcnQIEqYp0DuPtFCQtfLroHo04qKdii6guKr0tw-0jFsUH4m0U/s1600/IMG_1076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-x0FK-L3hG3yS7od7L0JVdcr2Hqlx97y347V5AeudRSUWd32M_DXI26vxmV205q9Ei40cdcq9eos8hN6kVrITHfFVwcnQIEqYp0DuPtFCQtfLroHo04qKdii6guKr0tw-0jFsUH4m0U/s320/IMG_1076.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Watson Creek</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoTwOlbmcRKlRpYafgVPsSnwK8FrdUOrpD4509v8LQC-KCh4bY5lEoNAxkIEYTxz0OCAP4OgIm9eKRTCQRnchp1miJdlazaqCLgxesLmeX_YWoOxeE5ZYhasfBSs-L8L7OZqT3jyR3ZI/s1600/IMG_1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoTwOlbmcRKlRpYafgVPsSnwK8FrdUOrpD4509v8LQC-KCh4bY5lEoNAxkIEYTxz0OCAP4OgIm9eKRTCQRnchp1miJdlazaqCLgxesLmeX_YWoOxeE5ZYhasfBSs-L8L7OZqT3jyR3ZI/s320/IMG_1077.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowers at McLeod River</td></tr>
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Day 14 Saturday<br />
Watson Creek Campground to Little Fish Lake Provincial Park<br />
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We made a quick start with no breakfast- intending to find it along the way. We continued driving on forest road 40. We dueled with giant logging and mining trucks in a choking cloud of dust on the dry gravel road. The road was in poor condition and dust made it difficult to see ruts and holes. After a time, the trucks vanished into their various destinations and we were left to drive in peace. The road conditions eventually improved as the road narrowed- signs the industrial users were elsewhere. The landscape was beautiful with forested hills blanketed in haze and mist, twisting rivers interspersed with the hills. It was a most enjoyable drive. We emerged from the forest at Nordegg- a small town with a coal mining past. We stopped at the Miner’s Café for a fine breakfast and a tour of the small mining history museum there. We bought a piece of homemade bumbleberry pie to save for later.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTTZtXnacTJRKsmj1kqF8HX2XjBM7Ykq9R57z47Kz01-bMz6_DpfoLlq9aFfMAjNVznaxgZkbuW-Nu1GAs1SME-TIQnFXNNzKPhDoMGQmvN38mdHescqjy6JXKlWGojdqgtleBTMpiU8/s1600/IMG_1078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTTZtXnacTJRKsmj1kqF8HX2XjBM7Ykq9R57z47Kz01-bMz6_DpfoLlq9aFfMAjNVznaxgZkbuW-Nu1GAs1SME-TIQnFXNNzKPhDoMGQmvN38mdHescqjy6JXKlWGojdqgtleBTMpiU8/s320/IMG_1078.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hwy 40 view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNTOXmim2xnQVfhv5Y6IEi2n3D0eaiEIzsudwKYCZt4ZWLU7Rc6doHJVwch4T6bjhznvT2ElH59_sTodAyoEhnNroie7tygh-M5R5VNdv4S5GICFmhRvnwqr66IOsu8lZka1qWRuk6C8/s1600/IMG_1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="1600" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfNTOXmim2xnQVfhv5Y6IEi2n3D0eaiEIzsudwKYCZt4ZWLU7Rc6doHJVwch4T6bjhznvT2ElH59_sTodAyoEhnNroie7tygh-M5R5VNdv4S5GICFmhRvnwqr66IOsu8lZka1qWRuk6C8/s320/IMG_1080.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hwy 40 view</td></tr>
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We drove on to the town of Drumheller, site of the world famous Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology which we had only discovered by reading a quidebook. An easy drive from Calgary, the place was mobbed on a Saturday afternoon. We decided to go find a campsite and return on Sunday when hopefully the crowds would be diminished. We managed to find a nice camp at Little Fish Provincial Park- tucked away in the midst of an agricultural landscape and underused. Eight campsites- two other parties were already camped- well spaced. We found a nice site at the end. The little lake was picturesque but unfortunately the victim of a fierce blue-green algae bloom so swimming was not advised. The water from the provided hand pump was also marked unsafe. Nevertheless, it provided a peaceful quiet backdrop to our very relaxing evening. I took a camp shower warmed by the afternoon sun. We had dinner, polished off with pie, and took a short walk on a path above the lake for some nice views. We watched the sun set over the lake and went to bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXYkiTKEMHQwJq25UOQ7Fmw8KMVR8eeBQYrS6bCPgmtJdWsEVqPXyTFpopx-O8jYWZ4ld7qrPkL2F-_MlQIu8z-DuoBlurpoIAW_DthFtDPrW-Dj5Y9llityyphE5UTf2ToInoDMqDuc/s1600/IMG_1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXYkiTKEMHQwJq25UOQ7Fmw8KMVR8eeBQYrS6bCPgmtJdWsEVqPXyTFpopx-O8jYWZ4ld7qrPkL2F-_MlQIu8z-DuoBlurpoIAW_DthFtDPrW-Dj5Y9llityyphE5UTf2ToInoDMqDuc/s320/IMG_1083.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Little Fish Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepJ0KkRFvs_DZETiclll2vBN7dfDQl5BllJsMrwhHYXZNU476XeArFuPFg_F1G2onU0JDIXMrR3fgLFfzgKKHhKncZg2k5kC4GOuS_7ZZWQTY3DoL55taVRgTHlu8EdQAYlQ0CVT38hE/s1600/IMG_1089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepJ0KkRFvs_DZETiclll2vBN7dfDQl5BllJsMrwhHYXZNU476XeArFuPFg_F1G2onU0JDIXMrR3fgLFfzgKKHhKncZg2k5kC4GOuS_7ZZWQTY3DoL55taVRgTHlu8EdQAYlQ0CVT38hE/s320/IMG_1089.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Fish Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_A-O5pfCxZndmUDj4kSQYGbmUL9jfQ7iQmFGFKNY9MKi3eE13XMf2utjUDUHAon6njNmxi-4rII28UcMOn7jwy0fFlRCrk9By_2As1HB8ILnt_-8e2i_nXGKZWib7zdTZU3vU1KVohY/s1600/IMG_1091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_A-O5pfCxZndmUDj4kSQYGbmUL9jfQ7iQmFGFKNY9MKi3eE13XMf2utjUDUHAon6njNmxi-4rII28UcMOn7jwy0fFlRCrk9By_2As1HB8ILnt_-8e2i_nXGKZWib7zdTZU3vU1KVohY/s320/IMG_1091.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie at Little Fish Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBLTr2H2Dftd4TRD-cPahQicYolnSOQDGUspCQkhyphenhyphen6q4tv2EWZLC_7pUmcXGIKT-42bJ26GsQkjiYlDkbgXXbjIYbYSxddErHJjj8Um12SktNiTwi4Kau3H9rtYulQtOXaL4Y0TAY-LU/s1600/IMG_1101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBLTr2H2Dftd4TRD-cPahQicYolnSOQDGUspCQkhyphenhyphen6q4tv2EWZLC_7pUmcXGIKT-42bJ26GsQkjiYlDkbgXXbjIYbYSxddErHJjj8Um12SktNiTwi4Kau3H9rtYulQtOXaL4Y0TAY-LU/s320/IMG_1101.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice sunset at Little Fish Lake</td></tr>
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Day 15 Sunday<br />
Little Fish Campground to Dinosaur Provincial Park<br />
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We had a good breakfast of eggs and Spanish rice leftovers. Drove to the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology. Easy parking and entrance in contrast to day before. This is a fantastic museum with creative interesting and informative exhibits about Earth’s history, the scientific method and paleontology. We spent 3 hours and could have spent much more time. Following our museum tour, we drove to Dinosaur Provincial Park to camp, thinking we would complete our immersion in all things Jurassic. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and after the museum we expected great things. We were underwhelmed- probably as much due to the oppressive heat as anything else. We drove the scenic tour through the badlands and saw some dinosaur fossils in place where they were found- that was interesting. The campground was hot with lots of biting gnats. The park facilities were ok. Best was the air-conditioned service center with free wi-fi. We took the opportunity to figure out the next leg of our trip home. With the exception of the Fort Peck Dam, site of a less than great experience on the way out, campsites and public land were scarce on the map in the areas we could reach in a day’s drive. Feeling the effects of two weeks on the road, we decided to stay in a hotel and booked a reservation in Glasgow MT. We returned to our camp, had a light dinner and retired to the camper for the evening to escape the bugs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fossil fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turned to stone</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tyrannosaurus Rex</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8lHDgwpMrybJzWxFTGhkEaZUAtTZdajcfzn-6IEY49uEVuMrnc5tIDQB9gu4_NLrIOPPD86xAJpm2latTYu1KlQ90RbY4r3o1gB_MJ-GOmfzP2x_WVc67fKEo_d-ENjAqjnz3elcr7E/s1600/IMG_1127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8lHDgwpMrybJzWxFTGhkEaZUAtTZdajcfzn-6IEY49uEVuMrnc5tIDQB9gu4_NLrIOPPD86xAJpm2latTYu1KlQ90RbY4r3o1gB_MJ-GOmfzP2x_WVc67fKEo_d-ENjAqjnz3elcr7E/s320/IMG_1127.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinosaur Provincial Park</td></tr>
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Day 16 Monday<br />
Dinosaur Park to Glasgow Montana<br />
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An early start from Dinosaur Campground- I made coffee but no breakfast. We stopped at a Tim Horton’s in Brooks, Alberta to complete our Canadian experience- the food was surprisingly good. We drove to the border crossing at Wild Horse, Montana- it was not busy- I think we woke the guard from a nap. We had to surrender an apple. An uneventful day of driving followed. We stopped for lunch in Havre, Montana at the same city park we stopped at on the way out. The hotel in Glasgow, MT was nice. It was fortunate that we had reserved ahead- the County fair started the next day and rooms were scarce. We missed seeing a real Montana rodeo by one day- bummer. We ate dinner at Flips and Treats- quite a treat. I had a hot fudge malt- so thick I had to eat it with a spoon.<br />
<br />
Since I had forgotten my CPAP 120v power source at home, I had to sleep without the CPAP- first time in several years.<br />
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Day 17 Tuesday<br />
Glasgow Montana to Grahams Island State Park North Dakota<br />
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Another early start. I did not sleep well without the CPAP- I appreciated having it the rest of the way. The 120v power supply will now always be added to the kit. Stopped at the Loaded Toad coffee shop- a find from our way out- for a good latte with an extra shot. They were sold out of baked goods this visit- bummer. We picked up some muffins from Albertsons and were on our way. This leg of the trip was boring! Hwy 2 is straight across mostly featureless terrain- lots of cows, oil wells and burning natural gas plumes. Poverty was apparent as we passed through three Indian Reservations. There are few amenities for road travelers beyond the typical occasional franchise restaurants. No rest areas or picnic areas and few parks and campgrounds. We did pass the geographical center of North America, as determined by the USGS. A modest monument along the highway in Rugby, North Dakota marks it, appropriately located in the parking lot for a Mexican Restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyEohAxB8b7GhD8HQdlyyKPfilTpQvA4fguEDAVvmAqjUnbd2UUxgglvPaVDfbIu91rNv577dUZ6vVW-SErnMM04fTXXzs4b92foJrdzD3jIN9DwTz8PH4YskLmMeJmBfpx-zy5cEElQ/s1600/IMG_1138.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyEohAxB8b7GhD8HQdlyyKPfilTpQvA4fguEDAVvmAqjUnbd2UUxgglvPaVDfbIu91rNv577dUZ6vVW-SErnMM04fTXXzs4b92foJrdzD3jIN9DwTz8PH4YskLmMeJmBfpx-zy5cEElQ/s320/IMG_1138.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at geographical center of North America</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrTxsdrc1pel0GyLKwqzrylKMsykISQS_kysDF0Yp-2iL-Jr66cYgOrBBM361fh63FAaAggxPaCS1G0v1d2NzGd-mceVPQQ09YrU4Erv3c-EBFUp0hCSAS7H_kt5PkJWU2ufmc8-Rg38/s1600/IMG_1139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrTxsdrc1pel0GyLKwqzrylKMsykISQS_kysDF0Yp-2iL-Jr66cYgOrBBM361fh63FAaAggxPaCS1G0v1d2NzGd-mceVPQQ09YrU4Erv3c-EBFUp0hCSAS7H_kt5PkJWU2ufmc8-Rg38/s320/IMG_1139.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monument at the center of North America</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_gXjwrphKSdhm-cMjQnryT4iFlMyLrCzXX5mQ4VSaqyBsr2c1gOklpjljtl6WQ9jSoBRvJz5i86bZsKohu6wR_vk5OmFZNaszZd20lY9QruRI4K6oFD5OIETw3Qjp5fG0Z9Qmgg9gvo/s1600/IMG_1141.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_gXjwrphKSdhm-cMjQnryT4iFlMyLrCzXX5mQ4VSaqyBsr2c1gOklpjljtl6WQ9jSoBRvJz5i86bZsKohu6wR_vk5OmFZNaszZd20lY9QruRI4K6oFD5OIETw3Qjp5fG0Z9Qmgg9gvo/s320/IMG_1141.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long way from everywhere</td></tr>
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<br />
We identified Grahams Island State Park as our next destination. It is situated on an island in Devils Lake North Dakota. We arrived about 4 PM, selected a campsite, paid our fees and set up camp. Rain was threatening so we made a quick dinner and cleaned up. Still awaiting rain, we took a walk around the campground which is large and very nice. Most campers were in big RVs with full hookups. We were in the separate primitive section with no services but many more shade large trees and a view to the lake. Three other campers were in our section. We stopped to chat with them and meet the dogs- a national obedience champion black lab at one camp and a friendly golden retriever at the other. It started to spit rain so we retired to the camper to hang out.<br />
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Day 18 Wednesday<br />
Grahams Island Campground to Home<br />
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After a good nights sleep, had a good breakfast of eggs with sausage, peppers, onions and broccoli. Packed up and on the road about 8:30. Uneventful drive home on the back roads through rural farm country. Crops looked healthy and most of the towns did too. Ran into traffic when we hit the Minneapolis suburbs- rush hour. Took some well known alternative routes and got home around 6 PM. Unloaded the truck, made a light dinner and crashed into bed.<br />
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Even with the crowds of people, we managed to enjoy ourselves and see some beautiful country. We remain thankful for the freedom to travel and the opportunity to see the wonders of the natural world. <br />
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The statistics: 4427 miles, $898 for 273 gallons of gas. Low- $2.73/gal in Ada, MN. High- $5.89/gal in Lake Louise, AB. Wildlife sightings- moose, antelope, black bear, elk, coyote, deer, eagles, mountain goats, big horn sheep, prairie dogs, wild horses and various birds. Alas, no grizzlies.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-11926068717448227702017-08-24T21:51:00.000-05:002017-08-26T12:48:17.695-05:00Solar Eclipse 2017How many times in your life do you get the chance to see a total solar eclipse? The path of totality passed directly over one of my favorite landscapes- the sand hills of central Nebraska. We decided to drive to Nebraska. <br />
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We packed up the truck and hit the road on Saturday.<br />
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I had arranged to meet up with Jenny, a relation who lives in Gothenburg, Nebraska on Monday after the eclipse.<br />
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I sent Jenny a text when we were on the way. Her reply got our attention. She sent news that they were expecting "10,000 people in the hills and you might want to bring gas cans" as, according to the news reports, gas and food shortages were possible. Then our daughter texted stories of traffic jams and gas shortages in Oregon, where my 2 brothers' families were gathering to watch. We wondered what we might be getting into with this adventure. <br />
<br />
In spite of the fact that we have nice military issue gas cans and carriers for them on our camper, we had left our gas cans at home, never considering the possibility of shortages. It must be said that before we left, Kathy asked "wasn't I bringing the gas cans?" I replied that we would never be more than 50 miles from a gas station- "it's Nebraska!" <br />
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We replied to Jenny with a question of whether her driveway could be a backup campsite for us (the answer was yes) and decided to stop and pick up a gas can on the way.<br />
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The first day's drive took us through the southern Minnesota prairie into South Dakota and the Missouri River Valley. Along the way we stopped several times to look for gas cans but never found one that would fit
the carriers on our camper. Funny, the military cans at home fit just
fine. Why didn't I bring those! We decided to surrender to the adventure and pressed on.<br />
<br />
After crossing the wide Missouri, we entered the beginning of sand hills country- a taste of what was to come in Nebraska. On the map we found a state scenic recreation area campground that looked like a good place to spend the night. Adjacent to a small lake, the campground was sparsely occupied- only two other campsites were taken. We picked a nice one away from the others and settled in for the evening.<br />
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After dinner we took a walk around the lake and enjoyed a nice sunset with interesting clouds. Storms were brewing in the distance. We returned to camp for a campfire before bed. Our fire was enhanced by a wild lightning show in the east. With no thunder accompanying the lightning, we went to bed trusting no storms were coming our way.<br />
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(note: you can click the photos for a larger view or, on a mac, 2 finger click and open the image in a new tab) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZyLE7FBk2dOfmvrKGgDFwQD0HD51hULvn0Bj50SBFwu8Xx380BwJvqfK1Kw0gJBzu8NnJcf77OZExqyPYhdJU3RhhsTHoJjH4H34N4HvnayWPS3tpxWd8Mz8y7brDsucvzAdI2IEYow/s1600/IMG_4708+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="1600" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZyLE7FBk2dOfmvrKGgDFwQD0HD51hULvn0Bj50SBFwu8Xx380BwJvqfK1Kw0gJBzu8NnJcf77OZExqyPYhdJU3RhhsTHoJjH4H34N4HvnayWPS3tpxWd8Mz8y7brDsucvzAdI2IEYow/s320/IMG_4708+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the sand hills in SE South Dakota</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwD4ywVKfntxoaHU3lCK4QQDEvjOKO0AMrlx1RBJC14NOO1ntPntxNsewCJxZGUFrubjI8M5SGGZwHEFO5r3ESIrAJ50TcgH5KlKdr449mPEXZe30oByF5eBbAavAfP-muB6bA6UR6k0/s1600/IMG_4709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwD4ywVKfntxoaHU3lCK4QQDEvjOKO0AMrlx1RBJC14NOO1ntPntxNsewCJxZGUFrubjI8M5SGGZwHEFO5r3ESIrAJ50TcgH5KlKdr449mPEXZe30oByF5eBbAavAfP-muB6bA6UR6k0/s320/IMG_4709.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Missouri River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgq8yIiL3GYUH1gMFCP5gYhYJapuDl7kEnQ1FMXyD5Y3-mN-0Go070gB_vQFEgl1rI0BsuZ47-nw0a03FI_8Ai8_w1iMh-slwGNXslauWss1TRAY77aoO6Fwnx4Wg-Y_r_kI3BhDT2Mc/s1600/IMG_4710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgq8yIiL3GYUH1gMFCP5gYhYJapuDl7kEnQ1FMXyD5Y3-mN-0Go070gB_vQFEgl1rI0BsuZ47-nw0a03FI_8Ai8_w1iMh-slwGNXslauWss1TRAY77aoO6Fwnx4Wg-Y_r_kI3BhDT2Mc/s320/IMG_4710.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading into the Missouri River valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pleasant campsite for a night's stopover</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We walked around the lake at sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interesting clouds in the distance- lots of lightning later</td></tr>
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We woke to a beautiful sunrise and ate our breakfast under the watchful eyes of several whitetail deer browsing nearby. Today would take us to our eclipse destination- near Halsey, Nebraska. <br />
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Many people don't associate Nebraska with national forests, probably for good reason.<br />
<br />
The Nebraska National Forest is unique in the national forest system. It began with no trees:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The Nebraska National Forest began in 1902 as an experiment. University
of Nebraska botany professor Dr. Charles E. Bessey, with the assistance
of Gifford Pinchot, first Forest Service Chief, convinced President
Theodore Roosevelt to set aside two treeless tracts of Nebraska
sandhills as “forest reserves." Dr. Bessey’s intent was to eventually
produce wood products, which would help to offset what some thought
would be a national timber shortage due to large fires, unregulated
harvest, and the country’s growing appetite for wood products. Thus,
began a pioneering effort to produce trees and plant them in what is now
the largest human-made forest in the United States. <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nebraska/learning/history-culture" target="_blank">https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/nebraska/learning/history-culture</a> </blockquote>
We stopped at the Bessey Ranger District office to see what was happening. They were ready for the eclipse. Forest staff had a display set up with information on the eclipse, eclipse glasses for sale (we had ours), weather forecasts and other information. They were very friendly and we had a nice conversation. They informed us that, contrary to reports, there were not thousands of people roaming about and, although the main campground was full, there were still openings in the rustic Natick campground.<br />
<br />
We like the national forests because they allow dispersed camping. That was our plan for this trip to avoid the expected crowds. We said our goodbyes to the forest staff and set off to explore the forest. We had been here last fall on our trip to Utah, and had a site in mind to camp (see this report: <a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-1.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-1.html)</a><br />
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We filled our gas tank without issue. We had time to explore so we drove the forest roads, enjoying the scenery. Road signs cautioned that four wheel drive was required and rough roads and deep sand would be encountered. We did find some rough patches and deep sand and were happy our truck took us through with no problems. At one point we met a guy driving a Lexus sedan going the opposite way. Luckily there was a spot we could pull off the single track to let him pass. I considered suggesting he turn around, knowing what he was going to find just over the hill, and wondered what was he thinking driving that car out here? But I didn't. We hoped he had sense to turn around before he got stuck.<br />
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As we explored the forest, we noticed the rustic Natick campground on the map. We decided to check it out. When we arrived, rather than a crowd, we found a nice open campsite with a view of horse corrals and windmill. One horse was present. His owner came by later to feed and water him.<br />
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Only one other site was nearby, occupied by a tent but no people or vehicle. The availability of a picnic table, fire ring and somewhat distant toilet won us over. We paid our $4 fee (half-price thanks to our National Parks Geezer card) and set up camp.<br />
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We spent the remainder of the afternoon being lazy. I set up the hammock, collected some kindling and took some photos. Kathy read a book and took a nap. A very nice day indeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsRnHm1JvO_DMBE-Y9zTTxGm08QPKd5jvPyLAELNf62setGJpYaabYKZDX6tR1yYc45JnMp-9MuuFrs3t2DdYdi4y3QIX8EDZOqHFdvu2nSduxU5_7NHFy2BAFnG9CBuOI8j-dkqNmmI/s1600/IMG_4725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtsRnHm1JvO_DMBE-Y9zTTxGm08QPKd5jvPyLAELNf62setGJpYaabYKZDX6tR1yYc45JnMp-9MuuFrs3t2DdYdi4y3QIX8EDZOqHFdvu2nSduxU5_7NHFy2BAFnG9CBuOI8j-dkqNmmI/s320/IMG_4725.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice spot at Natick Campground</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5CJtC4DQzt6H9taverVkmWk6z_7TXOt_c27VV3uy27bfx7N8T6wUOK24TByT0Nvc_mu1ofTMjA7dVyX4ofteFY5Cu8T76ZcBRUqAxM9Xb8oMMXb1CVYGquYnoEVrhL-s5TTAjzD3rYU/s1600/IMG_4730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy5CJtC4DQzt6H9taverVkmWk6z_7TXOt_c27VV3uy27bfx7N8T6wUOK24TByT0Nvc_mu1ofTMjA7dVyX4ofteFY5Cu8T76ZcBRUqAxM9Xb8oMMXb1CVYGquYnoEVrhL-s5TTAjzD3rYU/s320/IMG_4730.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iconic Nebraska windmill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2gYioxRHYgEhPwdF8RtO8cfUc0cfGZCx1Kg_HRuMgg3K95cv82eKzEwHd8tlkyvTPvW7RY5rLbuZNntNIVsQzamZEh_fwKN3zqTBzSzRw7q2qRT4mQD_MLt2Ig944QMM42DyW9EtFMU/s1600/IMG_4732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2gYioxRHYgEhPwdF8RtO8cfUc0cfGZCx1Kg_HRuMgg3K95cv82eKzEwHd8tlkyvTPvW7RY5rLbuZNntNIVsQzamZEh_fwKN3zqTBzSzRw7q2qRT4mQD_MLt2Ig944QMM42DyW9EtFMU/s320/IMG_4732.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked this tree...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g8lAvD-Zw9OI3TLZcuRVZINreJheD0gbfPOnSuU4FeHn1rW6LZHQqcGfLoDpquuK1BUNWfKuumJG6CYS51JYZfK023W-n0hefoHvqcV76ZpKkd8jt3A6-4WPaDYh130a1HlWbiQzPMM/s1600/IMG_4734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g8lAvD-Zw9OI3TLZcuRVZINreJheD0gbfPOnSuU4FeHn1rW6LZHQqcGfLoDpquuK1BUNWfKuumJG6CYS51JYZfK023W-n0hefoHvqcV76ZpKkd8jt3A6-4WPaDYh130a1HlWbiQzPMM/s320/IMG_4734.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of camp</td></tr>
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We cooked dinner, which consisted of a stir fry of vegetables and pork- very tasty! Our campground neighbors returned to their site and we chatted a bit. They were from Omaha and were also here for the eclipse. They had many questions about our camper (they were sleeping in a tent).<br />
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During dinner, another couple walking by stopped to inquire about the camper. Turns out they were from Wisconsin and had just bought a very similar Four Wheel Camper. They were curious to check out ours, made by All Terrain Campers, a rival company. We shared our love of our campers.<br />
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After dinner, Kathy went over to feed the horse an apple core and some carrots. He was appreciative. We had a nice campfire and went to bed. Tomorrow would bring the eclipse. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrY6KThES_iGsYpsxReWEhZLdhawkckWr34RxZwENi36axuQE6qGktT7SRH3Mf42ZamFpFpNdVX4qr1nF5-BIXWsv44bc9MbHGhlYRnd2J3m7BdUjIxchP_PJNt-60VxvtJszO5OkYoE/s1600/IMG_4737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrY6KThES_iGsYpsxReWEhZLdhawkckWr34RxZwENi36axuQE6qGktT7SRH3Mf42ZamFpFpNdVX4qr1nF5-BIXWsv44bc9MbHGhlYRnd2J3m7BdUjIxchP_PJNt-60VxvtJszO5OkYoE/s320/IMG_4737.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking dinner</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WN2pJ5H1-nzKdSobyFsi7QIMchAYIoJP43Pp7rTMTFPF7It8RvXOQ3rRzJ7MfxRsH7Pe6A3zcs91Rz1tyaiguznjGDoBdCvAiftq9MBzokI3FlpQkyiYD7rlwrob2HdW7rJFfFa2B_I/s1600/IMG_4739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WN2pJ5H1-nzKdSobyFsi7QIMchAYIoJP43Pp7rTMTFPF7It8RvXOQ3rRzJ7MfxRsH7Pe6A3zcs91Rz1tyaiguznjGDoBdCvAiftq9MBzokI3FlpQkyiYD7rlwrob2HdW7rJFfFa2B_I/s320/IMG_4739.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's cooking? Lots of veggies and a bit of pork. Tasty!</td></tr>
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The Nebraska sand hills region is a unique place. The gentle rolling hills covered with grass are soothing and peaceful. The region sits atop the huge Ogallala aquifer, one of the world's largest, which stretches from South Dakota to Texas. The high water table creates shallow ponds and lakes scattered amidst the sand hills. The aquifer also feeds the Loup river system with a steady flow of water year-round, boiling up out of the ground through the sand.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXNuwqyHZu9pMdMriZuQTD0tgiHoS764UcM9AT1EBRzzTqi1xb35K1P_GPdqP_f12D15AOZGOy781Xgdcou43OUZ9a96qRYE6xDJKc7s3AIv0PuhD-e37YZpiLfRqqO8gntCKK_-MQyE/s1600/IMG_4742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXNuwqyHZu9pMdMriZuQTD0tgiHoS764UcM9AT1EBRzzTqi1xb35K1P_GPdqP_f12D15AOZGOy781Xgdcou43OUZ9a96qRYE6xDJKc7s3AIv0PuhD-e37YZpiLfRqqO8gntCKK_-MQyE/s320/IMG_4742.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign at bridge over Middle Loup River- Nebraska National Forest</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuiBfLiyjQulwZF4GwhxIYviBHWEh0pqS_jQKie2DSdZQKlfMj9ee6-_wn5rlh-25qvhteODoOFnyQl1Vi_KAbeuyhboyvvtAuFfRWcdOhiEChFd5sR2XVq-p5mdY_HZpcw-7l_7SzxI/s1600/IMG_4744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXuiBfLiyjQulwZF4GwhxIYviBHWEh0pqS_jQKie2DSdZQKlfMj9ee6-_wn5rlh-25qvhteODoOFnyQl1Vi_KAbeuyhboyvvtAuFfRWcdOhiEChFd5sR2XVq-p5mdY_HZpcw-7l_7SzxI/s320/IMG_4744.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Loup River</td></tr>
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But things have not always been this way. It turns out that only for the past 1000 years or so has there been enough moisture for the grass to survive. Rainfall in the semi-arid region drains quickly away through the sand. Prior, the region was roving sand dunes. And it likely will be again. In fact, the sands hill region is the largest area of sand dunes in the western hemisphere. With a bit less moisture, it would look like the Sahara.<br />
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You can read more about the sand hills here: <a href="http://thenebraskasandhills.com/Home.html" target="_blank">http://thenebraskasandhills.com/Home.html</a><br />
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Monday morning we woke with anticipation of the coming eclipse. Morning light was coming through the windows but it was not tinged with the yellow of the sun. I looked out into thick fog- could hardly see 100 yards. I dressed and went outside. The fog was so thick I could feel it on my skin. My rain jacket was quickly wet. I looked at the sky- deep, dark grey, featureless clouds. Oh my, I was not hopeful of seeing the sun anytime soon.<br />
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I set about making breakfast. Nature would take its course. The one thing I knew for certain: about 1 PM it was going to get dark, whether we could see the sun or not.<br />
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While we were eating breakfast, I kept looking at the sky, couldn't help it. At several points, I swear I saw a bit of blue through the grey, then it would quickly vanish. Wishful thinking, I thought. We decided to break camp and drive to the east and south, towards a lighter sky and closer to the center of the path of totality.<br />
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To our delight, as we drove, the imagined blue openings in the sky turned real. After driving about an hour, there was more blue than clouds. The sky was beautiful! The sun was bright, occasionally obscured by clouds. We had turned on a minor road, headed toward Arnold, Nebraska, near the center of totality. The road was narrow without good shoulders. We were watching the clock. Kathy had her solar glasses out, checking the sun for the eclipse. At about 11 AM we started looking for a good place to pull over.<br />
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At last we found a field access point and backed in. We pulled out our chairs and got ready to watch the show. The sunflowers were watching with us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3BQB0oSr7uJTu83DZoxysYUwP_rUJK_qMV9y_FePZx9Ot5x12hCEYUqIg6Aqd9dfZjLuqBIekpufGeilfy7CyzM2C1_zznG8XB7vCV_q90Mg-aJc6KgXg1phcewMlkAbw3c2eLjcE_g/s1600/IMG_4746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3BQB0oSr7uJTu83DZoxysYUwP_rUJK_qMV9y_FePZx9Ot5x12hCEYUqIg6Aqd9dfZjLuqBIekpufGeilfy7CyzM2C1_zznG8XB7vCV_q90Mg-aJc6KgXg1phcewMlkAbw3c2eLjcE_g/s320/IMG_4746.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at the sun with anticipation (and special glasses)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aIq87IzVd8fJL4lfMJhHN8qD5uDmSatBfYvHCz4_THpPDzi7W40A0KH5nl842mwM8YwpTt0GUDv-ZH0jdfdHfOQNCJ3GSwM7hvivWaWKs_pLfBYrnYjJq-sdZ8eZF5X0ivJxSrlm1xI/s1600/IMG_4747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aIq87IzVd8fJL4lfMJhHN8qD5uDmSatBfYvHCz4_THpPDzi7W40A0KH5nl842mwM8YwpTt0GUDv-ZH0jdfdHfOQNCJ3GSwM7hvivWaWKs_pLfBYrnYjJq-sdZ8eZF5X0ivJxSrlm1xI/s320/IMG_4747.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun behind a cloud- nothing happening yet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yFBOsBkgjZAdefbZIR0uvCMVK0_LxQsAHTbo4f-751GeNEfSVk53BQbC3eWdvJ20GNjyCbzpdVAcqHdx4uvT7ZimwZM9HAN6Kx5m62IjrQocOxwr5qQ_KdT1YnR43JnahAwJvF4tZl0/s1600/IMG_4751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5yFBOsBkgjZAdefbZIR0uvCMVK0_LxQsAHTbo4f-751GeNEfSVk53BQbC3eWdvJ20GNjyCbzpdVAcqHdx4uvT7ZimwZM9HAN6Kx5m62IjrQocOxwr5qQ_KdT1YnR43JnahAwJvF4tZl0/s320/IMG_4751.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie Sunflowers were waiting too</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzCZia2RnzzvNzs0kLZ8Za9gkMgOMKQeIgA24OJ3sNSu_wDFSY3-LWnCcRTP-jUxgt-1A4EPrf_v6k4f-_gFH7uMGcdfOgB24oJY3sp_qkCvAMS9tBKio_GR-0OJ7dcUyA8PEGN6LCRo/s1600/IMG_4755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzCZia2RnzzvNzs0kLZ8Za9gkMgOMKQeIgA24OJ3sNSu_wDFSY3-LWnCcRTP-jUxgt-1A4EPrf_v6k4f-_gFH7uMGcdfOgB24oJY3sp_qkCvAMS9tBKio_GR-0OJ7dcUyA8PEGN6LCRo/s320/IMG_4755.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fence posts are part of Nebraska scenes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJpxLWHWctizmTLrlTThE_ItY3JdT7pb3ORIHpUlB1Gc9xgzeKArawP2froPxW1T7PR4ppU5t8x5gC2uRBafKtTkEGnKGdaL0tOFDd4y1Dn1sUiK-QlOvXh_5laEVuyQijsPLBWRwY_4/s1600/IMG_4757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJpxLWHWctizmTLrlTThE_ItY3JdT7pb3ORIHpUlB1Gc9xgzeKArawP2froPxW1T7PR4ppU5t8x5gC2uRBafKtTkEGnKGdaL0tOFDd4y1Dn1sUiK-QlOvXh_5laEVuyQijsPLBWRwY_4/s320/IMG_4757.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our vantage point- not bad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzQ4npYxAUj4OebInw_P0IUrlLtTrGDXbYp09oNHiGitHD6UIZqkK5-3F-IFVpELGpDE9bEe6K4HGc8aY-jSblz5K24DHra-oyr-zob5BnqoKVyJjLlzb0e0gNouJBJwvB_JbOFEQjes/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzQ4npYxAUj4OebInw_P0IUrlLtTrGDXbYp09oNHiGitHD6UIZqkK5-3F-IFVpELGpDE9bEe6K4HGc8aY-jSblz5K24DHra-oyr-zob5BnqoKVyJjLlzb0e0gNouJBJwvB_JbOFEQjes/s320/IMG_4758.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many photos like this are now on the internet?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaUfobxGVeZc9M7HXK8jJtdwGy9kYc8cucgnSSD23WLDIPhpNf8WXUMn0qvW1dPsiZ2G1m8la0m5Mgf2f4HDGlUgH2kgo9Jeugw1bWG1ZNwog0M5anU-uZyJhcXbP5yEM3w7L2ay8jIE/s1600/IMG_4770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaUfobxGVeZc9M7HXK8jJtdwGy9kYc8cucgnSSD23WLDIPhpNf8WXUMn0qvW1dPsiZ2G1m8la0m5Mgf2f4HDGlUgH2kgo9Jeugw1bWG1ZNwog0M5anU-uZyJhcXbP5yEM3w7L2ay8jIE/s320/IMG_4770.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This windmill kept us entertained while we waited for the eclipse</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkZpq-1f_jpJq2H-9NrFeXPRwjTOM4wvSoiPCuqFFzc6oEAOzxSWmI7u20b0dZ93ehI01OhfxwcDJGWHeLatBzUX_kBJfSM-B3yGXxap6-fhi_t0VoG_3_vYAsU7T7P0rZLlhveJRNH8/s1600/IMG_4774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkZpq-1f_jpJq2H-9NrFeXPRwjTOM4wvSoiPCuqFFzc6oEAOzxSWmI7u20b0dZ93ehI01OhfxwcDJGWHeLatBzUX_kBJfSM-B3yGXxap6-fhi_t0VoG_3_vYAsU7T7P0rZLlhveJRNH8/s320/IMG_4774.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wandering around, I found some prickly poppies</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGzOsUr2r5AYifx3Tsiy_gfvY1eob1zKM5EIl67NWEdQ18WRAb-5yO-thXGAnfs1svo5-txIoYTdMuSl11EsI8RTE_WnAorNyr8fuJeF5HWX0qCFYdAre9TrqHFHBEpJ0bz8_8z3UF_s/s1600/IMG_4776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGzOsUr2r5AYifx3Tsiy_gfvY1eob1zKM5EIl67NWEdQ18WRAb-5yO-thXGAnfs1svo5-txIoYTdMuSl11EsI8RTE_WnAorNyr8fuJeF5HWX0qCFYdAre9TrqHFHBEpJ0bz8_8z3UF_s/s320/IMG_4776.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very pretty, but prickly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjhvf2dZ6fUelUi3gbosBc533LvUE6_jCXsePA8pNGVILucWD3M9JvnC6uqUbaVgK6es2EHvG98GV4M8gZGiqLPKUiyWeG6GWB-ksZMkqCnT-hyoSYxaVAxe7upulOfVGdITHV73pWno/s1600/IMG_5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjhvf2dZ6fUelUi3gbosBc533LvUE6_jCXsePA8pNGVILucWD3M9JvnC6uqUbaVgK6es2EHvG98GV4M8gZGiqLPKUiyWeG6GWB-ksZMkqCnT-hyoSYxaVAxe7upulOfVGdITHV73pWno/s320/IMG_5225.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sky and flowers (and a fence post)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRWdkqWAQIYh05BvIKBTgCh8dkRS6BMajTs9E8tTS8KqPfW8bfgZf8KA7yg4KwufvLrrkraPllmfU3sgg-JF9Q07OqxocP9mVhggr-6QOzT_i3pBnyvrmry62EOZig9yhbYy8hrMGxjg/s1600/IMG_4782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRWdkqWAQIYh05BvIKBTgCh8dkRS6BMajTs9E8tTS8KqPfW8bfgZf8KA7yg4KwufvLrrkraPllmfU3sgg-JF9Q07OqxocP9mVhggr-6QOzT_i3pBnyvrmry62EOZig9yhbYy8hrMGxjg/s320/IMG_4782.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our kind of place...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6eEgIZoRFwoTIORcwXvCM2RBiH65WIB8u9pMi1F2IYjxeMRdRCuJty4rFUVC3wHG07CySCt1eWH0eqEr5RFqU5ppnjPvQawfxcW4KmIiyRfLQkF9ymVtjeVDGdbu1Iq7pDdrohHziwI/s1600/IMG_4791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6eEgIZoRFwoTIORcwXvCM2RBiH65WIB8u9pMi1F2IYjxeMRdRCuJty4rFUVC3wHG07CySCt1eWH0eqEr5RFqU5ppnjPvQawfxcW4KmIiyRfLQkF9ymVtjeVDGdbu1Iq7pDdrohHziwI/s320/IMG_4791.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world is beginning to get dark</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixET43gZ7cyBWD5AilQEcVqgb08KH20rCNuE__xUrV0j1kAgyI2ZKwSWaFiqN_cgPG4tUofgOqelWH2Qe2rDalF24y86eI3ivZsGoC5LqhYZyb6TszQXNM4tZArlHvFie_ge2t4muFqh4/s1600/IMG_4793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixET43gZ7cyBWD5AilQEcVqgb08KH20rCNuE__xUrV0j1kAgyI2ZKwSWaFiqN_cgPG4tUofgOqelWH2Qe2rDalF24y86eI3ivZsGoC5LqhYZyb6TszQXNM4tZArlHvFie_ge2t4muFqh4/s320/IMG_4793.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a beautiful landscape</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghBYwVLXvkQBBhyMOUGcoQBTQOnW6mRjY49bHjoxGpGeAEXM1nKFJ5a3atr68Wh5B6ZdCzbdKuoop7nqy9_gk6DOSuYs0RI4bht1vGTXibySgPJExv1pDZVxHU3iPICqFs1VBmSpSqRE/s1600/IMG_4794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghBYwVLXvkQBBhyMOUGcoQBTQOnW6mRjY49bHjoxGpGeAEXM1nKFJ5a3atr68Wh5B6ZdCzbdKuoop7nqy9_gk6DOSuYs0RI4bht1vGTXibySgPJExv1pDZVxHU3iPICqFs1VBmSpSqRE/s320/IMG_4794.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">360° sunset</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOVjXRGTaH3gUct7B09QoFRaZmd4M9vVLQSQrZc0fpHEcMp_0tJMxO60_kkBDo4VnpNwEjQFxiTXhoR8AiBrREKtyDHXCZbPF3b3r1caGJvn2YfiG2Jfhkm2qy4XurZa0tXfke8BJwVY/s1600/IMG_4795.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOVjXRGTaH3gUct7B09QoFRaZmd4M9vVLQSQrZc0fpHEcMp_0tJMxO60_kkBDo4VnpNwEjQFxiTXhoR8AiBrREKtyDHXCZbPF3b3r1caGJvn2YfiG2Jfhkm2qy4XurZa0tXfke8BJwVY/s320/IMG_4795.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearing totality</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdweyQ8ChdTeKSbfyT01b8pKz_FSfQu-C_N9FiNPqbGMnt1AO7ZKy2xD2HLFuIbVsYayaGY7b6SAZNoB8aJ1PYnIq5pyuFjmayRPW_t6tJAKBFGUjFYlWJFnwGdSOeZZgja64WkH5Yev0/s1600/IMG_4799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdweyQ8ChdTeKSbfyT01b8pKz_FSfQu-C_N9FiNPqbGMnt1AO7ZKy2xD2HLFuIbVsYayaGY7b6SAZNoB8aJ1PYnIq5pyuFjmayRPW_t6tJAKBFGUjFYlWJFnwGdSOeZZgja64WkH5Yev0/s320/IMG_4799.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is it!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E6w1mGZHd_XAR7VTpfnDZEoZ4-SLlpJ4mdU55LtVJ7G5PY-CsASIMXFnmFk6dKDJHmnRi6pbyfWJFhY5e5Lb10wNZn2sGDyq9SuT_MFuRmeZH0hAJ55dtdgyWcKehr800QPvWHHlto8/s1600/IMG_4796.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5E6w1mGZHd_XAR7VTpfnDZEoZ4-SLlpJ4mdU55LtVJ7G5PY-CsASIMXFnmFk6dKDJHmnRi6pbyfWJFhY5e5Lb10wNZn2sGDyq9SuT_MFuRmeZH0hAJ55dtdgyWcKehr800QPvWHHlto8/s320/IMG_4796.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totality by iPhone- see the dot in the center?</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7IVZuptloZpS2Nh-gPyQ-GlFJlU4xvSr7cbM0sWZ6JOQ1IV6YQy7Jd6Q7NsgVIrhqAcWhD6E83qe8WPGU1reH0UYgs5LtnnZaV88FK-Vb6px0dzZe63WAgbEo4x4s3Dip-SSD6CeHew/s1600/Totality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="803" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7IVZuptloZpS2Nh-gPyQ-GlFJlU4xvSr7cbM0sWZ6JOQ1IV6YQy7Jd6Q7NsgVIrhqAcWhD6E83qe8WPGU1reH0UYgs5LtnnZaV88FK-Vb6px0dzZe63WAgbEo4x4s3Dip-SSD6CeHew/s320/Totality.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best I could do without fancy photographic equipment</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j0TGFf69APHI1XmXmFFo7HINO9mG8dZarUKuFl3DtK2Q6H8PZ2PQKQ47y3g-1qOjKzMURHKX69vHafd6mOnDtI1OHs55uGtYJkAFMzcl5KITT6XBj1jDPiK_qC6WAdZ7U8cPYpwsam0/s1600/IMG_4801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="1600" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3j0TGFf69APHI1XmXmFFo7HINO9mG8dZarUKuFl3DtK2Q6H8PZ2PQKQ47y3g-1qOjKzMURHKX69vHafd6mOnDtI1OHs55uGtYJkAFMzcl5KITT6XBj1jDPiK_qC6WAdZ7U8cPYpwsam0/s320/IMG_4801.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-totality panorama</td></tr>
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The eclipse was over. We reflected on what we had witnessed. The whole world participated. The bees stopped flying. The temperature dropped. The crickets started chirping. It seemed as if the sunflowers got confused- they turned this way and that, trying to find the sun. Ok, in truth, maybe that was our imagination, or the effect of a breeze. During totality, it was as if a 360° sunset was occurring, with golden clouds surrounding us at the horizon. We imagined the earth, the moon, the sun, floating through space, doing their celestial dance for the ages, and we were exhilarated to be observers of it all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXTEl0fobKs-sO5738FDG00yEJ7AamXumXopRUDR3s9BeHM2agGEVF8gpwbLM0NHKhxgoxcx2GjyCFzdeGq3dxesGzq8OF774XR9zNLHLhQpskqJbdTWjqdtYgkhjUgUNZyY-Lr1yQRs/s1600/IMG_4806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXTEl0fobKs-sO5738FDG00yEJ7AamXumXopRUDR3s9BeHM2agGEVF8gpwbLM0NHKhxgoxcx2GjyCFzdeGq3dxesGzq8OF774XR9zNLHLhQpskqJbdTWjqdtYgkhjUgUNZyY-Lr1yQRs/s320/IMG_4806.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arnold, Nebraska</td></tr>
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We drove on through Arnold to Gothenburg, where we camped in Jenny's driveway and had a lovely visit, capping off a fun and rewarding adventure. The next day, we packed up and headed home.<br />
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We made it to Kilen Woods State Park in Minnesota before driving fatigue forced us to stop. Kilen Woods sits aside the Des Moines River valley with nice sites and a new shower building. This trip we would only sleep there. We might come back another time to explore it.<br />
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The next day we stopped in St. James for breakfast and drove the last leg home. The trip was a lot of driving but an unforgettable experience. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-85957733074927049712017-08-12T23:02:00.000-05:002017-08-13T22:30:35.615-05:00Kawishiwi LakeWith the heart of the summer spent preparing for and attending our son's wedding, which was held near Yosemite National Park at the end of July, we haven't done much camping. With that joyous event accomplished, we decided to head north for a bit of camping and kayaking on the edge of the famous Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.<br />
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Much of our camping with the kids was done in the BWCA. The wilderness was designated in 1978 by an act of Congress after years of controversy. It is now a cherished icon of the north country and one of the most visited wilderness areas in the entire country. Nearly 20% of the wilderness is water- over 1100 lakes, rivers and streams. There are no roads. Motorized travel is prohibited. Canoes are the transport of choice, although kayaks and paddle boards are becoming more common as well. Our experience of canoe camping greatly informed the choice and design of our truck camper- traveling light, living outdoors and going where most people don't go.<br />
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These days, we are less inclined to sleep on the ground in a tent and carry our gear and canoe over portages. But we still crave the call of the loon, the peace of paddling on still water and the serenity of being in the forest. The memories of past trips are strong.<br />
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The Superior National Forest has quite a few rustic campgrounds with no services (and no camping fee!). We settled on the Kawishiwi Lake rustic campground. It has 5 sites on the shore of Kawishiwi Lake, which is an entry point for the BWCA. We could camp in our camper and travel in the BWCA steps from our door.<br />
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Instead of our canoe, we borrowed some skin-on-frame kayaks made by the apprentices at Urban Boatbuilders, where I volunteer a couple days a week. We were both curious to try them out. The boats are very light (25 lbs.) and fun to paddle. Easy to lift, I tied two on the roof of the camper and we were off.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaDxJ_FfPF6fvv6eRCt7l6YBbuus-IzQmXjVQi2Td63Bk5cyZ7pnPowJYZXxWrj0T-dRUhhf_nrWzuouFXEMY_GrS-o-bQCpIQZLacnzBJecpWG2Rsw_MMGd8jGdFRMybtsbpOsQXn7I/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-11+at+8.15.41+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="981" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaDxJ_FfPF6fvv6eRCt7l6YBbuus-IzQmXjVQi2Td63Bk5cyZ7pnPowJYZXxWrj0T-dRUhhf_nrWzuouFXEMY_GrS-o-bQCpIQZLacnzBJecpWG2Rsw_MMGd8jGdFRMybtsbpOsQXn7I/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-08-11+at+8.15.41+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location map for Kawishiwi Lake</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBAysAGPr9z8EShECz4ZGjUa9wy18w26ajpDaSnWydwRFS5yy4u0_Kwf39ZAqRnjZNi1_tXWODMf7NfwO0GFTcvgTy0C1pgGbJ-CrGn1iOUVWToMN0UeBWopimHGA3Oi9ZOCIYsUX3LA/s1600/Kawishiwi+campground+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBAysAGPr9z8EShECz4ZGjUa9wy18w26ajpDaSnWydwRFS5yy4u0_Kwf39ZAqRnjZNi1_tXWODMf7NfwO0GFTcvgTy0C1pgGbJ-CrGn1iOUVWToMN0UeBWopimHGA3Oi9ZOCIYsUX3LA/s320/Kawishiwi+campground+sign.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the campground (photo credit: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjkwKz-49XVAhUJr1QKHWdwAwEQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnationalforestcamper.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fkawishiwi-lake-campground.html&psig=AFQjCNHdkV-rPMxF5Pq2ngtXSb9e7_q0OA&ust=1502767673474780" target="_blank">here</a>)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_paFNwzBixrvNUxXEoe8qsCth7pvTc2c3o9HmliASW3DkjolKw9IE8VqQXZ0D4Qkma8roTx6fOvYibsMt2v3N68xFyoLRBZNWhLvGCrBt-bYvcSlcx6gUnjlqZ1_0kiVLwISMHaeHtOk/s1600/IMG_4610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_paFNwzBixrvNUxXEoe8qsCth7pvTc2c3o9HmliASW3DkjolKw9IE8VqQXZ0D4Qkma8roTx6fOvYibsMt2v3N68xFyoLRBZNWhLvGCrBt-bYvcSlcx6gUnjlqZ1_0kiVLwISMHaeHtOk/s320/IMG_4610.jpg" width="240" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A signpost at the canoe landing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTYFA_0_-XajSs0ypNcqOTlR4yVCq7g8_81xXuH1Z57iDKzodk0oCMjn4Y27tSlP09ruemZN88IZlcm9Q4DG_F-bTlUszYCVTs3fXn7dbOoWnPzjOneFhkIwHc4HRIEoAAgCFEkTk3vI/s1600/IMG_4633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTYFA_0_-XajSs0ypNcqOTlR4yVCq7g8_81xXuH1Z57iDKzodk0oCMjn4Y27tSlP09ruemZN88IZlcm9Q4DG_F-bTlUszYCVTs3fXn7dbOoWnPzjOneFhkIwHc4HRIEoAAgCFEkTk3vI/s320/IMG_4633.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite- #2 of 5</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo926p3E7oqz3GJWREudkE1M6ybVO6XAH-ish-O8K9ujPsvY_4ipBWedfEkt-o747HDs5fl9jlqruFT4ITrJbiY9sX5c6C7eRbFkI4riM85FYRPemVv9jMHr0IjNt0hdqQSRIcDdQrGE/s1600/IMG_4634.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKo926p3E7oqz3GJWREudkE1M6ybVO6XAH-ish-O8K9ujPsvY_4ipBWedfEkt-o747HDs5fl9jlqruFT4ITrJbiY9sX5c6C7eRbFkI4riM85FYRPemVv9jMHr0IjNt0hdqQSRIcDdQrGE/s320/IMG_4634.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking toward the lake past our screen house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04NV-T-sommAoJ-ZPDIONqXP7y4dY5JsdciEKOXWdFULrup9pxFYsJAw7KqmzHfH7B9Xv5fMeq_LO8Pi_6qb-a46DNRpl6ls8O0BMHifWZQLU-VvB505rgIoC6KC33DazQsD-7TUQQwA/s1600/IMG_4640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04NV-T-sommAoJ-ZPDIONqXP7y4dY5JsdciEKOXWdFULrup9pxFYsJAw7KqmzHfH7B9Xv5fMeq_LO8Pi_6qb-a46DNRpl6ls8O0BMHifWZQLU-VvB505rgIoC6KC33DazQsD-7TUQQwA/s320/IMG_4640.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from camp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dc5C5Q9vkl_iv7eMGi5_EWNRpcE6G_dkvBsmvRtkcrQmwd_4Itx-n3Fc5Pcj8a0lCdli-7ZipfuVew_h3b2zNtUB6E-Ca3qExLtqD1GA0q7MGNKX3NrpFPz2UM4pwMIhCxgwYXI6crQ/s1600/IMG_4647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dc5C5Q9vkl_iv7eMGi5_EWNRpcE6G_dkvBsmvRtkcrQmwd_4Itx-n3Fc5Pcj8a0lCdli-7ZipfuVew_h3b2zNtUB6E-Ca3qExLtqD1GA0q7MGNKX3NrpFPz2UM4pwMIhCxgwYXI6crQ/s320/IMG_4647.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afternoon sun on the shoreline</td></tr>
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After 4 hours of driving, with a stop along the way for lunch packed at home, we arrived at the campground. Sites are first come, first served with no reservations. We were delighted to find a nice site available and went about setting up camp. This trip required the screen house addition we have made for our camper- bugs and rain were likely companions. As it turned out, we had no idea how much we would appreciate the shelter. Mosquitoes and flies were abundant. The rain would prove to be abundant as well.<br />
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A nice breeze kept the bugs at bay into the evening. We made camp, cooked dinner, cleaned up and started our usual campfire. We had bought a couple of nice bundles of dry split birch, certified by the DNR, from the back of an old pickup alongside the highway- just put the money through the open window, thank you. Then we took time to watch the sunset. It started slow but turned spectacular at the end. We drifted off to sleep listening to the haunting calls of loons sounding across the quiet lake- a fitting end to a great day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn1yWJZhUZMEZWWrQvo7sxYsDNQmhsFHkN7E50JG55ZzdCjhQhyphenhyphenLOiREF2LXkgFvZa6OoX38whFo7cnG38XNE00HcyGB78jpNb_xzdsdhHKBuJChrhnRqxMgpUbjlSoo_W8y6U0CGpa8/s1600/IMG_4649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvn1yWJZhUZMEZWWrQvo7sxYsDNQmhsFHkN7E50JG55ZzdCjhQhyphenhyphenLOiREF2LXkgFvZa6OoX38whFo7cnG38XNE00HcyGB78jpNb_xzdsdhHKBuJChrhnRqxMgpUbjlSoo_W8y6U0CGpa8/s320/IMG_4649.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawishiwi Lake Panorama from camp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94N4DaGddv36AvOQLK5D_bOdxUpuornfADlFz76UI7w4_5ti2G0z9GxUHCBJbqj3uAfUdhVTIY84E_xs2VBq3jFMVgoOqupT5250M8nXkRadaiF1-Q3WYDHdMFi69WWKouvyXyBNFajE/s1600/IMG_4597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg94N4DaGddv36AvOQLK5D_bOdxUpuornfADlFz76UI7w4_5ti2G0z9GxUHCBJbqj3uAfUdhVTIY84E_xs2VBq3jFMVgoOqupT5250M8nXkRadaiF1-Q3WYDHdMFi69WWKouvyXyBNFajE/s320/IMG_4597.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up for cooking dinner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_c8gcQBTFe2WOzzcLeeh5i6zwfGGUGR0K0RZOHQlHY3sZz7-XFs5onLpnCq_x_pI8cxGkWupEcXnjkcKUygoSScKQSmNVJ1qDAWnQozBN02fuH2ngvGOULJRUL3UIN5bPkp1VfO6l7c/s1600/IMG_4657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_c8gcQBTFe2WOzzcLeeh5i6zwfGGUGR0K0RZOHQlHY3sZz7-XFs5onLpnCq_x_pI8cxGkWupEcXnjkcKUygoSScKQSmNVJ1qDAWnQozBN02fuH2ngvGOULJRUL3UIN5bPkp1VfO6l7c/s320/IMG_4657.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post dinner campfire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOP6aVnWZOEEv27YIQsZi49S63GFYmMh3hEeT9eYRVyNf_WGQL1F7NNe-Q6Fr9V7FXiDSHhRLZdx6z8neWEZjy8bmxsSQibyACGQqA1tRQrcj72whD5xMT9NQPKqE5Pi06T-yjqo0yvI/s1600/IMG_4604.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOP6aVnWZOEEv27YIQsZi49S63GFYmMh3hEeT9eYRVyNf_WGQL1F7NNe-Q6Fr9V7FXiDSHhRLZdx6z8neWEZjy8bmxsSQibyACGQqA1tRQrcj72whD5xMT9NQPKqE5Pi06T-yjqo0yvI/s320/IMG_4604.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This did not portend what was to come.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFn8EoNq1vc-eTbLZ9YL7IwpZGWXOHV34icvy5hwXKXHCFf-idnlJen10yWYQyGxYvEbjW5s6TaPf1ZiruI1sqMcQxOaQafz-3JfQ8NrP3iAOJ4gDRskiRD_hKAkM3AlJqrZeiCzegKg/s1600/IMG_0962.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFn8EoNq1vc-eTbLZ9YL7IwpZGWXOHV34icvy5hwXKXHCFf-idnlJen10yWYQyGxYvEbjW5s6TaPf1ZiruI1sqMcQxOaQafz-3JfQ8NrP3iAOJ4gDRskiRD_hKAkM3AlJqrZeiCzegKg/s320/IMG_0962.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the sunset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPXUqzwp7n_ijwinp5s4BTDWuDLnulBTLkTdMEBJV84sL-D9y7RZkeVdbh5McOUfHwPQDrrulgV40mEtbnRjSozLroWf8k2mxXBQ0koqeckfbPS6WYrKuJEcZk9M7MZllUfLvEkvesOI/s1600/IMG_4615.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPXUqzwp7n_ijwinp5s4BTDWuDLnulBTLkTdMEBJV84sL-D9y7RZkeVdbh5McOUfHwPQDrrulgV40mEtbnRjSozLroWf8k2mxXBQ0koqeckfbPS6WYrKuJEcZk9M7MZllUfLvEkvesOI/s320/IMG_4615.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a spectacular light show.</td></tr>
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The next day we took the boats out for a nice paddle. Kawishiwi Lake is in the BWCA and requires a daily day-use permit which is self-issued at the boat landing. Longer, overnight trips into the BWCA require permits to be obtained in advance due to a quota system to keep the wilderness from being over-used.<br />
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The wind was light but sufficient to keep us comfortable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great day for a paddle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing some rocks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQUc03J2C46PMMpN-swoN2bTujKpL7tromzT7yuLheCrhdUaf6-XicIK8ubFaAz_9SqkbJcwNZsDbVB9c-ar_Gi61GCxpFlHYyDBhyjGtbFni0hB5jV8Sqt-Fhg1OeXDTb9_tZOVRj5s/s1600/IMG_4631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQUc03J2C46PMMpN-swoN2bTujKpL7tromzT7yuLheCrhdUaf6-XicIK8ubFaAz_9SqkbJcwNZsDbVB9c-ar_Gi61GCxpFlHYyDBhyjGtbFni0hB5jV8Sqt-Fhg1OeXDTb9_tZOVRj5s/s320/IMG_4631.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skin-on-frame kayaks</td></tr>
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Weather was threatening on day three but we had a nice paddle on calm waters in the morning before the storm. We had lunch and had time to straighten up camp before the rain hit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBT_TzZpSMUH2JvkTJL8Es7kCGGEnqPTuJp9ngGHzr_Bn83-p2TpIykBDpU7fuIGVGjEx8HmuY74Q_MxXmIU2Per5xGcExMMoz6p_0aATUZOpK94EdUZcPJbAddAR0XT1YpggOzQSXzw/s1600/IMG_4663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSBT_TzZpSMUH2JvkTJL8Es7kCGGEnqPTuJp9ngGHzr_Bn83-p2TpIykBDpU7fuIGVGjEx8HmuY74Q_MxXmIU2Per5xGcExMMoz6p_0aATUZOpK94EdUZcPJbAddAR0XT1YpggOzQSXzw/s320/IMG_4663.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day two of paddling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenland-style hand-carved paddles- light and efficient</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A taste of paddling.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical BWCA scene- rocks and water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1vfT5pzchJynBpWdRhqHShO6uXaFfYuh5V-4beYljHT-g9juJ03A-CxlELit1ntZ-pZjQmk19tohtp7CIIMPe0chwJBVngqVM73v8KdmzoDA_qgwjY72dTw4xyLhLzBzthdow-uOqrU/s1600/IMG_4675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1vfT5pzchJynBpWdRhqHShO6uXaFfYuh5V-4beYljHT-g9juJ03A-CxlELit1ntZ-pZjQmk19tohtp7CIIMPe0chwJBVngqVM73v8KdmzoDA_qgwjY72dTw4xyLhLzBzthdow-uOqrU/s320/IMG_4675.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Lily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjA6pUcOMAdBaAzrWQ_uxt701rdjBjwBmcuvzUUCINQzVJnTpqWqAkvJr_3xYnc4wkz9RLcwSH-u9ioWV_is_yOevRk6FxAE-1KMr2X0aKhOTz6wGQDlpwwmwW17DIaksG2u6zuKHbxU/s1600/IMG_4676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjA6pUcOMAdBaAzrWQ_uxt701rdjBjwBmcuvzUUCINQzVJnTpqWqAkvJr_3xYnc4wkz9RLcwSH-u9ioWV_is_yOevRk6FxAE-1KMr2X0aKhOTz6wGQDlpwwmwW17DIaksG2u6zuKHbxU/s320/IMG_4676.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient Lichen</td></tr>
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We retreated to the shelter to watch the storm. Little did we know it would not stop raining for more than 24 hours, with the included lightning and thunder. We cooked dinner and took a walk in the rain after to avert boredom and stretch our legs.<br />
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We were thankful for our shelter, and a warm, dry place to hang out after dark. We played some cribbage, read our books and relaxed. A good nights sleep was only slightly interrupted by bolts of lightning and cracks of thunder. The camper kept us dry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6sINqPewvl93W3wia0RC8weqwEIOOLlVEc1Iy7OK1r2jVugGjPuxpc2STfiTs0BZDoQqXMVYCcWaggsvfUyFYbZKPZPhKi0pcXK5rVyR9mf-7Xj_nfd0UENIIAoaz_Rn6StQ9CI60cM/s1600/IMG_4687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6sINqPewvl93W3wia0RC8weqwEIOOLlVEc1Iy7OK1r2jVugGjPuxpc2STfiTs0BZDoQqXMVYCcWaggsvfUyFYbZKPZPhKi0pcXK5rVyR9mf-7Xj_nfd0UENIIAoaz_Rn6StQ9CI60cM/s320/IMG_4687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all days can be sunny- rained for 24 hours straight.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJsjP5uq_Zvn6qy5mQedM7ztDDowaSi0CDKt2gaFsEDwtEeXuST7I6Q-iNAjJTXQmabbTtN5x8BcYxAGms1yb8K_kAqOc_FQkkIOMB5dlMBqGiVDSz64u3uy1WxJezsON15AXJC173ss/s1600/IMG_4683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJsjP5uq_Zvn6qy5mQedM7ztDDowaSi0CDKt2gaFsEDwtEeXuST7I6Q-iNAjJTXQmabbTtN5x8BcYxAGms1yb8K_kAqOc_FQkkIOMB5dlMBqGiVDSz64u3uy1WxJezsON15AXJC173ss/s320/IMG_4683.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to have shelter from the rain and bugs.</td></tr>
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Morning dawned with it still raining. The awning was beginning to protest the continued onslaught- drips began falling on our heads. Puddles were everywhere, and no sign of good weather was in the offing. We cooked and ate a nice breakfast and sat under the tarp for a while. Chickadees, nuthatches and cedar waxwings kept us entertained, as did the chipmunks and squirrels dashing about; even a snowshoe hare. Rain did not seem to be a problem for them.<br />
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We pulled out the weather radio to see if we could get a report. We had planned to head home Friday and it was now Thursday noon. Would it make sense to stay the day and hope for another chance to get out on the lake before we had to leave? Alas, the weather report was not good: clearing expected after midnight. Friday, of course, looked to be a very nice day.<br />
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We decided to call it a day and head home. We had accomplished our goal of relaxing, paddling in the BWCA and communing with the forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUle-IxXDtxUYqUMQA5Omp0Z1MsrQl3FCLT0MtiekTJTg9ZnvuhRQLqNZPuSRqdKh1r79g1CtOi0TH_tMOE-h3UXFjeovGh0bKiCDWxIx2OwwpNj2hJQ0R7t4Y79wJupwaHYqqHEkUY3Y/s1600/IMG_4688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUle-IxXDtxUYqUMQA5Omp0Z1MsrQl3FCLT0MtiekTJTg9ZnvuhRQLqNZPuSRqdKh1r79g1CtOi0TH_tMOE-h3UXFjeovGh0bKiCDWxIx2OwwpNj2hJQ0R7t4Y79wJupwaHYqqHEkUY3Y/s320/IMG_4688.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed up and headed home.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOyLOvRgnJyL7yyMUIHsLc0ETcQNDaPW9YuYFrzOZSTmmLKe5JT1aGokrbVAoLgpKvYmhopHmbVbVb9eaTY7nhyphenhyphenQjLB6Lq3WT90hEoY-PCiM-CCUGk4fhCWz23p_1Stg4dUsUd8ZORJM/s1600/IMG_4692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOyLOvRgnJyL7yyMUIHsLc0ETcQNDaPW9YuYFrzOZSTmmLKe5JT1aGokrbVAoLgpKvYmhopHmbVbVb9eaTY7nhyphenhyphenQjLB6Lq3WT90hEoY-PCiM-CCUGk4fhCWz23p_1Stg4dUsUd8ZORJM/s320/IMG_4692.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love forest roads.This one is headed toward Lake Superior.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWBZUNsPuTzUP467qy2aZz8gv0lVHWyPk8Fkf94xmngPvRtBgPmCj63O7o9v2U4-ZbOSsl1xsKHIPeHBy-HcrrCM0kaGHhzQG3LWpY-_qtEUzo5cmMOeEgFIY_httPNmRQoV5UB8eiL4/s1600/IMG_4700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="1600" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWBZUNsPuTzUP467qy2aZz8gv0lVHWyPk8Fkf94xmngPvRtBgPmCj63O7o9v2U4-ZbOSsl1xsKHIPeHBy-HcrrCM0kaGHhzQG3LWpY-_qtEUzo5cmMOeEgFIY_httPNmRQoV5UB8eiL4/s320/IMG_4700.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed an unfortunate clearcut in progress- no buffer to the road and the land badly torn up.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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On our way home, we passed an unfortunate clearcut in progress- no buffer to the road in a scenic area- and the land badly torn up. It is a reminder of the economic forces that threaten the wild places always, but also a reminder of the variety of livelihoods provided by the forest. Later, a young timber wolf crossed the road, right in front of us. Unperturbed, he looked both ways and sauntered across, disappearing into the woods. The north country is alive and well and we will be back to enjoy our time there.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-89661835381027672182017-08-12T22:12:00.000-05:002017-08-12T22:35:49.260-05:00Itasca State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Note: this is my first post-Rocky trip report. We decided to keep the blog going with the same name for continuity. Although Rocky no longer travels with us, he is along in spirit.<br />
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Our first trip of the year was a quick visit to Itasca State Park. Itasca is the largest and oldest state park in Minnesota. Established in 1891, it is known as the source of the Mississippi River and protects old growth white pine saved from logging when the park was created. The park contains 32,000 acres of land and a diverse landscape of forests, bogs, hills and over 100 lakes.<br />
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We accompanied my brother Ric and his wife Jeanne, who were visiting from their home in Oregon. Although he grew up in Minnesota, Ric had never been to Itasca and it was on his bucket list. They decided to see the park on their way back to Oregon and we decided to go along. We made reservations to camp on Monday night- they in their home-crafted teardrop trailer and us in our truck camper.<br />
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We met up at the park in mid-afternoon. First order of business was a boat ride on Lake Itasca with Coburn's Boat Tours. The tour was relaxing and informative. The boat has an interesting history you can read here: <a href="http://lakeitascatours.com/history/" target="_blank">http://lakeitascatours.com/history/</a><br />
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After the tour, we explored the park a bit and then set up camp. A short hike took us to the Old Timer's Cabin- built by the CCC in 1934 from enormous windfall logs.<br />
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We decided to splurge by having dinner at the historic Douglas Lodge. It was built in 1904 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the rustic style, it has a nice northwoods ambiance. It is the oldest surviving structure in the state park system. You can read more about it and other Itasca buildings here: <a href="http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/stateparks/ItascaRes.php" target="_blank">http://www.mnhs.org/places/nationalregister/stateparks/ItascaRes.php</a><br />
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After dinner, we enjoyed a nice sunset over the lake and retired to bed. Ric and Jeanne left early the following morning on the next leg of their trek back to Oregon. Kathy and I decided to explore the park a bit more before heading home. We took a couple of short forest hikes to see big old trees and some nice landscape views.<br />
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Heading home, we camped along the Crow Wing River in Huntersville State Forest in a state forest campground that we had all to ourselves- pretty nice. All in all, it was a good first trip for the year.<br />
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Click on the photos for a larger version.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL5gPeGXsaW7VBhtZ2CO3muhoJMSpWXe7K7OvAWoCPzUHTN0b6Us51dOMUNDO3Mz9ulU3waUgjiouhMCgtqi8k47a9v1DpdeG91n4nef-lJwax6H02cTWhLeQblFFoRabZl5uA5JK7y4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-11+at+10.01.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="702" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipL5gPeGXsaW7VBhtZ2CO3muhoJMSpWXe7K7OvAWoCPzUHTN0b6Us51dOMUNDO3Mz9ulU3waUgjiouhMCgtqi8k47a9v1DpdeG91n4nef-lJwax6H02cTWhLeQblFFoRabZl5uA5JK7y4/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-08-11+at+10.01.23+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Location map for Itasca State Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKV1tqkkq3Tscl44F5raZEgdvDucIDjy70V_hj42WPllIx5AS-XONSgQ-j1Z6iZ6iW7CbJ467CZIF3Uf3j8uSnPcj7Cib6t9milRwWpwWZhAxxLbslV4-kgez6kfcZR7zazykWRJz8fQ/s1600/IMG_4502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKV1tqkkq3Tscl44F5raZEgdvDucIDjy70V_hj42WPllIx5AS-XONSgQ-j1Z6iZ6iW7CbJ467CZIF3Uf3j8uSnPcj7Cib6t9milRwWpwWZhAxxLbslV4-kgez6kfcZR7zazykWRJz8fQ/s320/IMG_4502.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headwaters of the great Mississippi River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EmFL3HaYKhtZK_sOIQ0nfAgrGpCf2Kba4roaqy_ZjqT7XFZwIOZHuX4PD7yfGOkXoAWn82whYYWbZaZA9e4dg0PU7UoS0DMzQIMlFzvVN4OOgbQvuekMKm-7ug2_YWXn6YJazwaBAJ8/s1600/IMG_4510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EmFL3HaYKhtZK_sOIQ0nfAgrGpCf2Kba4roaqy_ZjqT7XFZwIOZHuX4PD7yfGOkXoAWn82whYYWbZaZA9e4dg0PU7UoS0DMzQIMlFzvVN4OOgbQvuekMKm-7ug2_YWXn6YJazwaBAJ8/s320/IMG_4510.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signpost at the headwaters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LuOR28viEkVZFtPko2FGwq5M2TTwEUr1HxMLCKjvIOYVLRhs50F9nvpE-VupVh627zud0SOYbGjGNwYJki5UmBFEn4TtGh4_oQkzlWsiOE8__-WGYeg021Us_DyHxLEhbWOWYNwtQeI/s1600/IMG_4486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LuOR28viEkVZFtPko2FGwq5M2TTwEUr1HxMLCKjvIOYVLRhs50F9nvpE-VupVh627zud0SOYbGjGNwYJki5UmBFEn4TtGh4_oQkzlWsiOE8__-WGYeg021Us_DyHxLEhbWOWYNwtQeI/s320/IMG_4486.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapid logging of the old trees provided the impetus for creating Itasca State Park in 1891.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOuJeDBUsCfnBNji6H2G3tPLkHDY1olrppqKFbEKGx7602wirQe88lQ5MfQSzFInmJeXVGzWn8Eij-vHwlOv3VgYv-RjzvBbeKfUDkO9WDiqfWc02YsEaDSfveJSPvZKKpQJQYjSdw-8/s1600/IMG_4537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOuJeDBUsCfnBNji6H2G3tPLkHDY1olrppqKFbEKGx7602wirQe88lQ5MfQSzFInmJeXVGzWn8Eij-vHwlOv3VgYv-RjzvBbeKfUDkO9WDiqfWc02YsEaDSfveJSPvZKKpQJQYjSdw-8/s320/IMG_4537.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CCC building the "old timer's cabin" in 1934.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRpp8jnbR6pqDlT9BuLSJvwss5y1wamET6DPq9hOP0QCRhTZArH3tqF_A4vqRJkOWFQQ4Bg3xQuqJp3S6WzCMTqC8sRmLJi6YPq_nefGNASx73-2FK3JBdpZv8HNLMmVMgkfj0eJwyY8/s1600/IMG_4538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRpp8jnbR6pqDlT9BuLSJvwss5y1wamET6DPq9hOP0QCRhTZArH3tqF_A4vqRJkOWFQQ4Bg3xQuqJp3S6WzCMTqC8sRmLJi6YPq_nefGNASx73-2FK3JBdpZv8HNLMmVMgkfj0eJwyY8/s320/IMG_4538.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built entirely from old growth windfall, only 4 logs were needed to make a wall.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXJ4usLpvDlwZqmsWPR1TkO2uDHQsA2d2m9og0cqntbq28yjD6XCxjVZGBduh6Nkh2rNRSP7EZYv4eiKWLlp7MuR4HogyYIK9pnDZL5hx9a1bFmmClBD7iYXDQpcfd7ekSlIJnUD3cCY/s1600/IMG_4484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMXJ4usLpvDlwZqmsWPR1TkO2uDHQsA2d2m9og0cqntbq28yjD6XCxjVZGBduh6Nkh2rNRSP7EZYv4eiKWLlp7MuR4HogyYIK9pnDZL5hx9a1bFmmClBD7iYXDQpcfd7ekSlIJnUD3cCY/s320/IMG_4484.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As it stands today.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyH32LsejqCzmnrIK5ITEefj79Wm2uBuSl2Ao7f8shVi7MhJjr0BuFlxvDzqwPeG-v5IBlWeY4rhQunIpXZ2pFs2axnS1u6HO8nbVt_4DzmLYRuioVo3j8fQCEnGwaZu2kK7OlCxeMS4/s1600/IMG_4475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyH32LsejqCzmnrIK5ITEefj79Wm2uBuSl2Ao7f8shVi7MhJjr0BuFlxvDzqwPeG-v5IBlWeY4rhQunIpXZ2pFs2axnS1u6HO8nbVt_4DzmLYRuioVo3j8fQCEnGwaZu2kK7OlCxeMS4/s320/IMG_4475.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the size of those logs!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBLf7Eh0cqTLnrT7YqG6nfd-ATnkOozJogBIY8cgXZPqFD6xeYMDu4w_vFaaLS88eAu4QcT_LeQxt_WkDDTXETU8vWZBtvpFZ9znnhdetIlKhtMKbHtJdxS4XwM72vTURHxzAz_WCyXg/s1600/IMG_4524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBLf7Eh0cqTLnrT7YqG6nfd-ATnkOozJogBIY8cgXZPqFD6xeYMDu4w_vFaaLS88eAu4QcT_LeQxt_WkDDTXETU8vWZBtvpFZ9znnhdetIlKhtMKbHtJdxS4XwM72vTURHxzAz_WCyXg/s320/IMG_4524.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park contains the oldest white pine in the state.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3Tl4OucMLQ4L5hwFrs_kabl_TeTgBOABrgxPzrLCL104THuSzeFkb12ubZTix0aJ5rF8Vca6ppuwu29zqMmopxiMymhiglCg4qdR0F3keW0cvTOoHSQQ3icBbgg7A9pWCg5DoqkMiNQ/s1600/IMG_4527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3Tl4OucMLQ4L5hwFrs_kabl_TeTgBOABrgxPzrLCL104THuSzeFkb12ubZTix0aJ5rF8Vca6ppuwu29zqMmopxiMymhiglCg4qdR0F3keW0cvTOoHSQQ3icBbgg7A9pWCg5DoqkMiNQ/s320/IMG_4527.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a big tree!</td></tr>
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Here is a video to give a sense of scale for the big tree:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9J6Zx8Mm0x0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9J6Zx8Mm0x0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-AFG21eXq2CPnpIfaliywvAWdvZnKS48nV620RxnIaaDTot6HTZV3bwkx2EBVIuv8qzwZMGODRqhWjDDCpS3uStFJNxLMW6fVDhyphenhyphen8HO5vMDBq7WlWM6c31FbTssu6AhBpQgpRhMetB8/s1600/IMG_4521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3-AFG21eXq2CPnpIfaliywvAWdvZnKS48nV620RxnIaaDTot6HTZV3bwkx2EBVIuv8qzwZMGODRqhWjDDCpS3uStFJNxLMW6fVDhyphenhyphen8HO5vMDBq7WlWM6c31FbTssu6AhBpQgpRhMetB8/s320/IMG_4521.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view on one of our hikes</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZUTVA3YDt2EJ7EKC6q7XCGQWlYxHaMXzgllKvgSJjptKfjlLlW7MCLgkKvwsHAqY13T-d4KfBn2OsQfERK6g2wJnW4yotrsSP0VSMzLYQaSERo-lQozN_Fcfbg0A-Ptbo30_gU5PMtI/s1600/IMG_4514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZUTVA3YDt2EJ7EKC6q7XCGQWlYxHaMXzgllKvgSJjptKfjlLlW7MCLgkKvwsHAqY13T-d4KfBn2OsQfERK6g2wJnW4yotrsSP0VSMzLYQaSERo-lQozN_Fcfbg0A-Ptbo30_gU5PMtI/s320/IMG_4514.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two young campers enjoy the sunset.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJR5XXsRxdsSIbZWty47LQUWt8pTwdeItxCiGGjxmYyWPg0orw9y9WtIUMn6WdIMtJ1vKpzURLAjolXYb40ucZ4HRPeTqprKCxQJx58ayN1agDZHzB2SgEFO4JB_WrxHsAjMZ360nWxo/s1600/IMG_4543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1257" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJR5XXsRxdsSIbZWty47LQUWt8pTwdeItxCiGGjxmYyWPg0orw9y9WtIUMn6WdIMtJ1vKpzURLAjolXYb40ucZ4HRPeTqprKCxQJx58ayN1agDZHzB2SgEFO4JB_WrxHsAjMZ360nWxo/s320/IMG_4543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp at Huntersville State Forest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-56379474388039226692017-01-28T13:25:00.001-06:002017-01-30T14:06:02.952-06:00Rocky's Last JourneyOur dear friend Rocky's life ended on January 20th, 2017. It was just a few months shy of 12 years from the day we adopted him from the Humane Society at 9 months of age. Kidney and liver failure had made life tough and he let us know it was time. He's gone to the great camper in the sky.<br />
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Rocky was a friend to all, whether two-legged or four. We will fondly remember his early morning greetings, his happy walks and his love of all things edible. He was our faithful companion on many trips with our camper and canoe. It was rare I could open the door of the truck without him jumping in. He was always up for a new exploration.<br />
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We have had three dogs, all golden retrievers. It is always a shock to feel the pain and sadness when they pass from our lives. But they are always with us in the memories of good times and the unconditional love they gave to us. We're not sure if we will get another dog. We may become part-time dog-sitters instead. But we will always remember Rocky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2l3aOVb0n1w/WIztv2IMdGI/AAAAAAAAOp4/yRpwnTwgXmUuJtwnCsSZlKcmy9EwOcSeQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2l3aOVb0n1w/WIztv2IMdGI/AAAAAAAAOp4/yRpwnTwgXmUuJtwnCsSZlKcmy9EwOcSeQCPcB/s320/IMG_0230.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R.I.P. Rocky 2004-2017</td></tr>
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Here's a few photos to remember the good times:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First night in his new home</td></tr>
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Postscript: I'm not sure what Rocky's passing means for the future of this blog. I know we will continue camping and I will probably keep writing about our trips. But I may leave this blog as it stands in remembrance of Rocky.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-84162890264151079462016-10-20T20:55:00.000-05:002016-10-21T12:23:23.182-05:00North Rim and Southern Utah- Part 3Kathy and I had the free breakfast at the hotel and said our goodbyes. I was a bit sad she was not coming with me. It is more fun traveling together. She had a tournament to play and was looking forward to it. She really enjoys playing competitive volleyball. As it turned out, her team took the silver medal in the gold division, going 3 games in the final before losing the tie-breaker. Not bad.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy's Huntsman team. Kathy is 3rd from right in the back row.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note:
I took many photos and have posted some of them here. You can click the
photos to see a larger version. If you would like to see more photos,
they are available here: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/MZFmQadpRWjFdtxF7" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/photos/MZFmQadpRWjFdtxF7)</a></span><br />
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I headed out on I-15 to I-70 after stopping at a Starbucks for some good coffee. The hotel stuff just didn't measure up. My plan was to drive to Canyonlands and find a boondock site for the night. The drive across Utah on I-15 and I-70 is very scenic. I enjoyed it quite a bit although I did not stop to take any photos.<br />
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I arrived at Canyonlands in the afternoon and stopped at the visitor center for advice about camping. All the campgrounds were full- continuing the trend of the trip. However, BLM lands just outside the park boundary were free game for boondocking. I decided to do some sightseeing first and then head out to find a campsite. I drove to the end of the road and enjoyed the overlook. There is a white rim of sandstone around the canyon, called- interestingly enough- the White Rim. There is a jeep trail that follows this edge which is a popular overnight drive with remote camping. The trail was apparent and I resolved to come back to drive that someday. I toured a couple of other overlooks on my way out with similar distant views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2MpSw098Fc/WAX-Ske4XqI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/FTAqZx1IlQ8HS3zBOitK2vO7pb58mtshQCPcB/s1600/IMG_4016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s2MpSw098Fc/WAX-Ske4XqI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/FTAqZx1IlQ8HS3zBOitK2vO7pb58mtshQCPcB/s320/IMG_4016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyonlands overlook. The White Rim is apparent.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gan7nDC5_oE/WAX-Snage1I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/w4cDacuMzGQdYNb4fTIZ_jkEzVyi-yQBACPcB/s1600/IMG_4041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gan7nDC5_oE/WAX-Snage1I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/w4cDacuMzGQdYNb4fTIZ_jkEzVyi-yQBACPcB/s320/IMG_4041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Canyonlands view</td></tr>
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It was getting late in the day and I needed to find a campsite. I left the park and took the first dirt road to the left after crossing the park boundary. I followed it for a bit, took a left fork and ended up at a very nice campsite with a view across the mesa to some canyons and a recognizable eroded rock called Cleopatra's Chair.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc69gbUXbiE/WAX-StJ8mxI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/dqN0KF4YUv8BTzxKmhQ63W1oeTJy7lCIgCPcB/s1600/IMG_4019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cc69gbUXbiE/WAX-StJ8mxI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/dqN0KF4YUv8BTzxKmhQ63W1oeTJy7lCIgCPcB/s320/IMG_4019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from camp with Cleopatra's Chair in the distance.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4Vq2VQubtY/WAX-ShDJQoI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/vDD_fFi4PzYWQm8yoUYVrNEuOWYtrNN2gCPcB/s1600/IMG_4021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4Vq2VQubtY/WAX-ShDJQoI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/vDD_fFi4PzYWQm8yoUYVrNEuOWYtrNN2gCPcB/s320/IMG_4021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice, protected boondock site</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cckb8s-WKWM/WAYFLZZUilI/AAAAAAAAOIA/SF_wUdtA9bY5N9XlPKwacgG2ZOowSJTCgCPcB/s1600/IMG_4028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cckb8s-WKWM/WAYFLZZUilI/AAAAAAAAOIA/SF_wUdtA9bY5N9XlPKwacgG2ZOowSJTCgCPcB/s320/IMG_4028.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning panorama</td></tr>
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I enjoyed the evening, cooked dinner and sat in my chair for a while admiring the sunset. I had a good night's sleep and woke early to get back on the road. I had decided to make Rocky Mountain National Park my next destination. I planned to drive up the west side, boondock before I got to the park and then drive across the Trail Ridge Road and exit on the east side. I stopped for lunch at a rest stop in Glenwood Canyon, a beautiful stretch of I-70 along the Colorado River. The weather was warm and sunny and I had a nice restful stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8s-hKH-ePf0/WAX-Soco2II/AAAAAAAAOGQ/e5cyN8HhyDUfroi-Y_pK7irYDDZrvAHugCPcB/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8s-hKH-ePf0/WAX-Soco2II/AAAAAAAAOGQ/e5cyN8HhyDUfroi-Y_pK7irYDDZrvAHugCPcB/s320/IMG_3625.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glenwood Canyon (photo from earlier in our trip)</td></tr>
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I exited the freeway at Dillon and stopped at the USFS office for advice on dispersed camping near Rocky Mountain National Park. The ranger on duty informed me that the Trail Ridge Road had been closed that day due to snow and possibly would stay closed for the season. I needed to change my plan and head to the west side. I got back on the freeway and drove to Idaho Springs to catch the road to Estes Park. Again it was late in the day and I needed a campsite. I decided to head for Golden Gate Canyon State Park which was on the way. Kathy and I had camped there on an earlier trip and found it to be a nice park. I arrived after the visitor's center had closed for the day. I self-registered and drove to the campground which was about 12 miles up a winding mountain road. I arrived and picked out a site. The campground was mostly empty but a few hardy folks were camped there. The site was nice and level and I quickly set up and made dinner as it was getting dark. The park has hot showers and laundry facilities. I took advantage of the shower.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VE4MyeV3mpM/WAX-Sq9gSrI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/9QOC38rH57MIgFwSRkn3vU51TSDfk5E1gCPcB/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VE4MyeV3mpM/WAX-Sq9gSrI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/9QOC38rH57MIgFwSRkn3vU51TSDfk5E1gCPcB/s320/IMG_4045.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at Golden Gate Canyon State Park</td></tr>
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I drove to Rocky Mountain National Park, arriving in the morning. Again stopping at the visitor's center for advice. I was informed that the Morraine Park campground had space available so I drove there and claimed a space for the night. Then I went on a driving tour of the park. I decided to do a hike to Bear Lake and Alberta Falls, which sounded like scenic places. I drove to the trailhead for Bear Lake but never got there. True to form, there were so many cars trying to get into the trailhead parking lot that was already full, that the road backed up nearly a quarter mile. I turned around and drove back to another trailhead where the parking was also full but the traffic was not so bad. I waited a bit, a parking spot eventually opened up and I grabbed it. I loaded lunch in my pack and set off for a nice walk. I eventually made it to Bear Lake. I ate lunch on a bench along the trail with a nice view of Bear Lake. After lunch, I enjoyed a nice hike through the woods to Alberta Falls.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBxN--KTRuQ/WAX-SpVmDfI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/TTG4EaZW8rAUAgAhTg4ZYEpZlz9TQD8AwCPcB/s1600/IMG_4049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RBxN--KTRuQ/WAX-SpVmDfI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/TTG4EaZW8rAUAgAhTg4ZYEpZlz9TQD8AwCPcB/s320/IMG_4049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky Mountain view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBSvn7sHRwQ/WAX-SmAGZYI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Fz32zAQQb6M0h_HUtsp1A1_n-Xn3Zb6JgCPcB/s1600/IMG_4054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBSvn7sHRwQ/WAX-SmAGZYI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Fz32zAQQb6M0h_HUtsp1A1_n-Xn3Zb6JgCPcB/s320/IMG_4054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZAuWPqiVXA/WAX-SsmD43I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/uVRVpk4u1Ak-uohxM6i6Mu7sKfI8PMfzgCPcB/s1600/IMG_4071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WZAuWPqiVXA/WAX-SsmD43I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/uVRVpk4u1Ak-uohxM6i6Mu7sKfI8PMfzgCPcB/s320/IMG_4071.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Lake lunch spot</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alberta Falls</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkOk3Pqubk/WAX-Ss9E2pI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/ALPS8-o0_qEn41c2jrt1WymEub48dAaVwCPcB/s1600/IMG_4090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkOk3Pqubk/WAX-Ss9E2pI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/ALPS8-o0_qEn41c2jrt1WymEub48dAaVwCPcB/s320/IMG_4090.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view along Bear Lake Road</td></tr>
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After my hikes, I did some more driving around the park and enjoying the scenery. The sun was setting and I decided to head back my campsite to set up and make dinner. After dinner, I had my customary campfire.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Fall River Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyZ-SQwWg-8/WAX-SvfHRLI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/apvpL0OgQyUtgds81EQ68DKmAHOjANNKQCPcB/s1600/IMG_4103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyZ-SQwWg-8/WAX-SvfHRLI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/apvpL0OgQyUtgds81EQ68DKmAHOjANNKQCPcB/s320/IMG_4103.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elk grazing in the meadow</td></tr>
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I got up early, before dawn, to pack up and head to my next destination. As I was driving out, a large bull elk crossed the road in front of me. I stopped and took a few photos before continuing on my way. The sun was rising and the sunlight on the mountains was beautiful.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice bull elk posing</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise as I left the park</td></tr>
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Two long boring days of featureless freeway driving awaited me to get home. I struggled at times to keep my energy up. I reached the north central part of Nebraska late in the day. I decided to camp at Smith Falls State Park on the Niobrara River, one of the original National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Smith Falls, at 63 feet high, is the highest waterfall in Nebraska. On arriving, the park seemed to be more like a county park than a state park, with few amenities. The campground consisted of maybe 20 sites laid out in a straight line across a treeless field adjacent to the Niobrara River. The Niobrara, was placid but made a nice boundary to the campground, with a high stone bank on the far side. I paid the small fee and set up camp. It suited me fine for a place to sleep. It was getting dark so I didn't make the short hike to the falls. I made dinner and cleaned up. A nice sunset colored cloud kept me company as I did the dishes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faLunfTWC4g/WAX-Sl_ky9I/AAAAAAAAOK8/_oFWAOy9uoE9LkivaOE6jsZAD43DuwfygCPcB/s1600/IMG_4119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-faLunfTWC4g/WAX-Sl_ky9I/AAAAAAAAOK8/_oFWAOy9uoE9LkivaOE6jsZAD43DuwfygCPcB/s320/IMG_4119.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset cloud over the Niobrara River</td></tr>
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Another early start found me on the road at dawn. The sky was beautiful and I drove across South Dakota. I saw many deer and pheasants along the road. By late afternoon, the trip odometer had reached 4,270 miles and the end of another great camping adventure.<br />
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<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-1.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-1.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-2.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-2.html</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-1483836013684310722016-10-20T20:46:00.001-05:002016-10-21T12:22:17.764-05:00North Rim and Southern Utah- Part 2In the morning, we ate breakfast, packed up and said our goodbyes at the North Rim campground. Ric and Jeanne were heading to the South Rim. Dave and Marty were heading home. We were heading to Tuweep.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Tuweep area</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note:
I took many photos and have posted some of them here. You can click the
photos to see a larger version. If you would like to see more photos,
they are available here: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/MZFmQadpRWjFdtxF7" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/photos/MZFmQadpRWjFdtxF7)</a></span><br />
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Tuweep is a remote area in the northwest corner of Grand Canyon National Park. Tuweep means "earth" in the Paiute language and came to describe the area of white settlement and now Grand Canyon National Park surrounding Toroweap Overlook. Toroweap means "dry or barren valley." This broad, flat valley was formed by lava flowing from the Toroweap fault underlying the valley beginning about a million years ago.<br />
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Tuweep sits at about 4500 feet above sea level, about halfway between the North Rim and the Colorado River below. The area is reachable only by a rough, rocky road requiring a high clearance vehicle after driving about 70 miles on gravel. We had an overnight permit from the Park Service which allowed us to camp for two nights in the small campground near the end of the road. There is no water but there are composting toilets at the campground. We had been warned to bring tire patching equipment and not to expect service in the event of a breakdown. There is no cell service.<br />
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The rewards for braving the trip are stunning views of the canyon, volcanic desert scenery and very few people. We were looking forward to it after our time in the more populated North Rim area.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuweep Road</td></tr>
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We reached the campground about 3 PM after negotiating the notorious rocky road without incident. It was not as bad as I was expecting from our research but it was probably the worst short stretch of road we have driven. Kathy did get out of the truck a few times to spot me over some particularly rough spots. We didn't even lose a mud flap, although I was expecting that to happen at several points.<br />
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We picked a spot in the campground and set up camp. There was time before dinner for a short hike so we decided to walk about a mile to the end of the road and see Toroweap Overlook. We were not disappointed.<br />
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The plateau ends abruptly in a precipitous cliff that drops straight to the river below. We climbed around a bit before just sitting down to absorb the beauty and drama of the place. I enjoyed sitting on the edge of the cliff and watching the river thousands of feet below. I noticed some rafts on the river- tiny dots moving along. We could see rapids that looked like ripples on the surface of the muddy river. It was fun to watch the rafts move through the rapids, one by one.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the view at Toroweap Overlook</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching rafts in the river 3000 feet below</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of rapids and rafts in the river below</td></tr>
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After spending some time at the overlook, we walked back to camp for dinner and the sunset. There were a few other people camped there but not nearby and we appreciated the solitude and quiet.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campsite at Tuweep Campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burning bush at sundown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Toroweap Bluff</td></tr>
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The next day I was up in time to watch the sunrise. I love the warm first light of the sun on the landscape. I took lots of photos and got a few good ones.<br />
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We made breakfast and discussed our plan for the day. We decided to hike the Tuckup Trail out to Tuckup Point, another overlook about 6 miles round trip across the desert, according to the park guide. We packed our water, some lunch and headed out, following the rock cairns marking the trail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our hike to Tuckup Point</td></tr>
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The trail wound through the desert, providing interesting views of rocks and desert plants with which we were totally unfamiliar. I was surprised by the number of flowering plants and enjoyed taking photos of them.<br />
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We stopped to have lunch. The day was cool by desert standards but the October sun was intense. Finding shade was a challenge. The trail wound out and back around washes and smaller canyons. We were not certain how far it was to the overlook. I was motivated to reach the end, Kathy less so. She had recently had knee surgery. Although well healed, she was beginning to have some pain in her knee and was developing a blister on one toe. We came upon a rock outcropping that afforded shade and a place to sit.<br />
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Kathy opted to sit while I continued to the end of the trail. It only took me about an hour total, out and back, but it was too long for Kathy, who started to worry when I didn't return as soon as she thought I should have. To her credit, she stayed put. It turns out we had a misunderstanding about how long I would be gone. In hindsight, we should have established more clear time frames for my return. On my end, knowing Kathy was waiting, I pushed the pace of my walk and couldn't really enjoy the overlook as I might have if Kathy had been there too. It was a dumb decision to continue there by myself. In any event, I made it to the end, took a few photos and returned to Kathy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large cairn at Tuckup Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2tHtwNgMxY/WAX-SgLexhI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Rr4pA0VhEf4HybVlz6_fYidhmhhYd7EoACPcB/s1600/IMG_3878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2tHtwNgMxY/WAX-SgLexhI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Rr4pA0VhEf4HybVlz6_fYidhmhhYd7EoACPcB/s320/IMG_3878.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View to the Colorado at Tuckup Point</td></tr>
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I needed to rest a bit after my return, having pushed my pace. We discussed Kathy's discomfort with my absence and identified our lessons learned. Then we began our return hike to camp. We were both tired from the day's exertion and by the end of our hike we were rationing our water. It is clear we were not adapted to the desert and the altitude and were fortunate we did not have any mishaps. But all is well that ends well. It was an interesting hike and a good day with lessons learned.<br />
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We had dinner and enjoyed the evening light, watching the stars come out and the moon rise. The moon was only half full but amazingly bright. The next morning we would pack up and head for our next stop in this amazing landscape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZEhpOjcrA0/WAX-SiG436I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/_krBAJi7ceYTvXaqm2gBOeMM8b7tCwBNACPcB/s1600/IMG_3838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZEhpOjcrA0/WAX-SiG436I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/_krBAJi7ceYTvXaqm2gBOeMM8b7tCwBNACPcB/s320/IMG_3838.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon rise over camp</td></tr>
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<br />
We broke camp early and began our day's journey. After escaping the Tuweep road, we would travel back country roads through the Buckskin Mountains to the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, passing the Vermillion Cliffs and the Cockscomb on our way to Kodachrome Basin State Park. It would prove to be a long day but a scenic one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwbk9CxW8gI/WAYFLSR_KaI/AAAAAAAAOIA/xkdmdcTOY6scwE4vLtj7dbiAu6whp1UVACPcB/s1600/IMG_3890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwbk9CxW8gI/WAYFLSR_KaI/AAAAAAAAOIA/xkdmdcTOY6scwE4vLtj7dbiAu6whp1UVACPcB/s320/IMG_3890.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise at Tuweep</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFg8x7EiTKc/WAX-SksUdpI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/awvNG8VcXsIQrj7_hAyknZ3bwhH77fOFgCPcB/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hFg8x7EiTKc/WAX-SksUdpI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/awvNG8VcXsIQrj7_hAyknZ3bwhH77fOFgCPcB/s320/IMG_3894.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimson Weed along the road- flower made famous by Georgia O'keefe</td></tr>
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We turned off the highway near Fredonia and headed cross country into the Kaibab National Forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Nz9PYkKrGY/WAX-SvVwvDI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/uCMCDi4AC1EnAWOY_phK9etOYfqI21iGACPcB/s1600/IMG_3897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Nz9PYkKrGY/WAX-SvVwvDI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/uCMCDi4AC1EnAWOY_phK9etOYfqI21iGACPcB/s320/IMG_3897.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long road to nowhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUq3a8HLLhs/WAX-SoXir9I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/05oTlofbj5AREDwGESqcJlBXNF1BcprlACPcB/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUq3a8HLLhs/WAX-SoXir9I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/05oTlofbj5AREDwGESqcJlBXNF1BcprlACPcB/s320/IMG_3898.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vermillion Cliffs in the distance</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GozI2N0Xi4/WAX-Srp4oaI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/6T55zcSFuPwl9K61jklaxIjsyvfEJ4IqwCPcB/s1600/IMG_3899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GozI2N0Xi4/WAX-Srp4oaI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/6T55zcSFuPwl9K61jklaxIjsyvfEJ4IqwCPcB/s320/IMG_3899.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vermillion Cliffs. Photos do not convey the amazing colors</td></tr>
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We climbed quickly up into the forest and had some nice long views to the Vermillion Cliffs. The roads were constantly crossed by small washes requiring us to slow our speed to bump over them. The road soon left the forest and returned down to the Coyote Valley. We came to a trailhead for a hike to Wire Pass and the Buckskin Gulch. Buckskin Gulch is a photogenic narrow slot canyon in red sandstone. The large parking lot was full of cars and people. This was obviously a popular hike.<br />
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We were concerned with our time frame to reach Kodachrome Basin since we had a camping reservation. It seems always that every time we set a destination and a certain time to be somewhere, we are sorry we did, having to pass up places we wanted to explore. Maybe that's just the nature of life- there is never time to do everything. At any rate, we passed up the Wire Pass hike and continued on. In a short way, we came to another trailhead that was not crowded and we decided to stop for lunch. It turned out to be the outlet of Buckskin Gulch. We hiked up a short way and found a spot to eat our lunch. We got a sense of the Gulch and what we were missing on the Wire Pass hike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNF1T1CEGPA/WAX-SifgM-I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/E7tRE0js0zwJqiPjkMfpBpWSe_UmSkaRgCPcB/s1600/IMG_3902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNF1T1CEGPA/WAX-SifgM-I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/E7tRE0js0zwJqiPjkMfpBpWSe_UmSkaRgCPcB/s320/IMG_3902.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckskin Gulch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ81dTOWHNU/WAX-SrdEyJI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/9i2STdznixo_QToma2kYGWqWtHD-DaezACPcB/s1600/IMG_3904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yQ81dTOWHNU/WAX-SrdEyJI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/9i2STdznixo_QToma2kYGWqWtHD-DaezACPcB/s320/IMG_3904.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandstone</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MivbrWta-SQ/WAYFLQA3dkI/AAAAAAAAOIA/es5QEApKMr8zcY73BizlNIyC36j0MbrjACPcB/s1600/IMG_3913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MivbrWta-SQ/WAYFLQA3dkI/AAAAAAAAOIA/es5QEApKMr8zcY73BizlNIyC36j0MbrjACPcB/s320/IMG_3913.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More sandstone texture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d94ObRvVdnY/WAX-SlRJhiI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/j5-kOMG6KHMy8jaCD4KUEbF5PxrtGJtbwCPcB/s1600/IMG_3920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d94ObRvVdnY/WAX-SlRJhiI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/j5-kOMG6KHMy8jaCD4KUEbF5PxrtGJtbwCPcB/s320/IMG_3920.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried mud patterns in the canyon wash</td></tr>
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Back in the truck, we continued on to the Cottonwood Canyon Road along the Cockscomb, a 20-mile long, multi-colored, jagged ridge of sandstone reminiscent of its namesake. Cottonwood Creek runs along the base of the Cockscomb to its confluence with the Paria River and we saw many people camping in the river bottoms. The scenery was fantastic. The road continued the pattern of crossing frequent washes requiring slow speed. It is apparent that after a rain the road becomes a muddy mess. Sections had deep ruts from people trying to get through when it was wet. There were clouds threatening rain and we were concerned for a time that we might get caught in a sea of mud. But the rain threat passed to the south and we enjoyed the trip through Cottonwood Canyon immensely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-besSEIZE6rA/WAX-Su7HEvI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/DU8_WuK8c1g4y0zt_kaAVUWhNBKbM7CwgCPcB/s1600/IMG_3928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-besSEIZE6rA/WAX-Su7HEvI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/DU8_WuK8c1g4y0zt_kaAVUWhNBKbM7CwgCPcB/s320/IMG_3928.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottonwood Canyon Road views...</td></tr>
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Eventually we came to Kodachrome Basin State Park. We checked in and went to find our campsite. It turned out to be less than ideal, but we made it work. It took all our leveling blocks to get the truck level on the driveway we were required to park on. On the plus side, there was a picnic table under a nice tree and the campground had nice views of the adjacent Bryce Canyon National Park. Also, the park had free showers with nice hot water- worth the price of admission. We had dinner, a nice campfire and went to bed.<br />
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The next day we explored Bryce Canyon National Park. Like all the other National Parks we had visited this trip it was crowded with people and tour buses. We decided to hike down into the canyon. This turned out to be a good decision as there were far fewer people and the views were great. We took about a 3 hour hike and enjoyed it very much.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXKB_I-gH-A/WAX-SrxPd5I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/cUqQwJMfWhM_QjsctDBihV2h2YQkxHkQACPcB/s1600/IMG_3939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RXKB_I-gH-A/WAX-SrxPd5I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/cUqQwJMfWhM_QjsctDBihV2h2YQkxHkQACPcB/s320/IMG_3939.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bryce Canyon views...</td></tr>
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After Bryce we ventured out into the Dixie National Forest to find a place to camp. We saw the Pine Lake Campground on our map and headed there. We arrived late in the day to find one other party camped there. We found a nice secluded site in the stand of mature pines, paid the small fee and set up camp. After dinner we took a short walk to Pine Lake and enjoyed the sunset. There was a nice steel pedestrian bridge crossing a wash to get to the lake. I noticed a plaque on the bridge that said it was built in Alexandria, Minnesota. Go figure! Returning to camp we had another nice campfire and went to bed. As we were lying in bed, we both thought we heard wolves howling but shrugged it off, guessing they must be coyotes. But they sounded more like wolves. Are there wolves in the Dixie National Forest? Someone can let me know.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp at Pine Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pine Lake views...</td></tr>
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The Pine Lake camp brought to a close our shared camping for this trip. The next day we had reserved a room in a hotel in St. George and the following day I would start my journey home, leaving Kathy in St. George for her tournament.<br />
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On the way to St. George, we passed through Zion National Park from the east, going through the tunnels. The road was very scenic but the traffic gave us a glimpse of what we would find when we reached the visitor center and park entrance. We had to wait at the tunnels. All the pull-outs and trailheads were filled with cars. As at all the other National Parks on this trip, Zion was packed with people. We circled the visitor center parking lot for a time before scoring a parking space. We decided to eat lunch at a picnic table and check out the visitor center displays. The photos and descriptions of hikes whetted my appetite. We discovered that the waiting time for a shuttle bus, which is the only way to enter the park, was exceeding 1 1/2 hours! We decided, as at the other parks, to leave a visit to Zion for a later trip.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the road entering Zion National Park...</td></tr>
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We pressed on to St. George and checked in at our hotel. Kathy got registered for the tournament and we went out to dinner. Back at the hotel, we did laundry and Kathy got herself organized for her stay in St. George. I pondered maps and possible routes back home.<br />
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My solo trip home will be the subject of the final part of this trip report.<br />
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<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-1.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-1.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-3.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-3.html</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-80682790161185003662016-10-20T20:36:00.000-05:002016-10-23T09:52:31.798-05:00North Rim and Southern Utah- Part 1Our story begins 4 or 5 billion years ago...<br />
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Southern Utah contains the history of the earth's crust exposed: remnants of ancient seas, deserts, sand dunes, lakes, swamps, volcanic plains; turned into rock by time and uplifted and twisted together. Layers of rocks of every color and composition, cut by water and shaped by wind form a world of visual marvels. The scale of time and event is way beyond human experience. At night, the dark sky shows an endless stretch of stars into the center of the Milky Way and beyond, unfiltered by the light of man. The landscape compels contemplation of the cosmos and our place in it...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zion National Park</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1798393449"></span><span id="goog_1798393450"></span><span id="goog_1798393451"></span><span id="goog_1798393452"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Note: I took many photos and have posted some of them here. You can click the photos to see a larger version. If you would like to see more photos, they are available here: <a href="https://goo.gl/photos/MZFmQadpRWjFdtxF7" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/photos/MZFmQadpRWjFdtxF7)</a></span><br />
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A couple of years ago, my older brother built a teardrop camper. This event generated a conversation about camping and the idea to meet somewhere midway between us (Oregon on one side and Minnesota on the other). It turns out Ric had never been to the Grand Canyon and lo and behold, it was nearly exactly equidistant from us both. Kathy plays volleyball in the Hunstman Senior Games, held in St. George, Utah every year. The Games
occur in October. The timing would work well for a trip to combine exploring southern Utah and the Grand Canyon with the Games.<br />
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We hatched a plan to meet with our spouses at the North Rim for a mini- camping reunion. On hearing of the plan, my younger brother Dave and his wife Marty joined in as well. The National Parks for the most part do not allow dogs and Rocky, at 12 years, is starting to have trouble jumping into the truck. As much as we love taking Rocky along, this trip he would stay home, cared for by friends and family.<br />
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We each planned independent routes to the North Rim. Our route would take us through the sand hills of Nebraska to a friend's house in Denver. From there to Arches National Park and a scenic route through southern Utah and the Arizona strip to the North Rim. After our reunion at the North Rim, Kathy and I planned to visit Tuweep overlook, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks and scenic points in between. I would drop Kathy in St. George for the tournament and then drive home. Kathy would fly home after the tournament.<br />
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Dave and Marty traveled by way of Yellowstone National Park. Ric and Jeanne by way of Great Basin National Park.<br />
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Our first camp was in the sand hills of Nebraska. We found a nice, isolated boondock site in the Nebraska National Forest (somewhat misnamed since trees are few and far between). We cooked dinner and enjoyed a nice walk and sunset.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp in the Sand Hills of Nebraska</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Hills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGU7XAuV84eFqRmCquAKCZDA4bXbjU2LBph7xT0h0AhcpkW-YF8tQAwrqoQOWApMbaky9VXZYRjfCrMyiRTHlppZ6aTe7etoRQ9J4jQlcEYDkYUPmZprk34wuu0NO5dD8QqCr9Rdh_8c/s1600/IMG_5205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGU7XAuV84eFqRmCquAKCZDA4bXbjU2LBph7xT0h0AhcpkW-YF8tQAwrqoQOWApMbaky9VXZYRjfCrMyiRTHlppZ6aTe7etoRQ9J4jQlcEYDkYUPmZprk34wuu0NO5dD8QqCr9Rdh_8c/s320/IMG_5205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Hills sunset</td></tr>
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The next day we drove to Denver for a visit with Kathy's volleyball friend Donna and her husband Doug. We had a great dinner of pizza and beer and good conversation. Kathy and Donna jumped in the hot tub. I cooked some chicken in preparation for providing a group dinner at the North Rim. Doug, an accomplished photographer, gave some good tips for places to check out on our way. Nice to have pleasant people to stay with on the road. After a good night's sleep and home-cooked breakfast, we said our goodbyes and hit the road again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy, Donna and Doug</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado aspen in their glory</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River at a rest stop along I-70</td></tr>
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Our destination was the BLM campground at Dewey Bridge along the Colorado River near Arches National Park. We arrived in late afternoon and were pleased to get the last open campsite. We set up camp, cooked dinner and watched a storm approach. While waiting for the storm to arrive, we chatted with a couple traveling on bicycles. They had started in Anchorage, AK and had been on the road for 5 months. They were headed to Baja for Christmas and points south after that. Quite an ambitions journey! They had broken their water filter so we gave them a gallon of water to tide them over until they could replace it in Moab. The storm provided a bit of rain and a spectacular rainbow and sunset. Utah gave us a warm welcome!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dewey Bridge Campground</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is good</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwdp2mJ13H8/WAX-Sm7rgTI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/XelvE6XM5PUzIklSmUOlRd1Mff_bxZITwCPcB/s1600/IMG_3652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwdp2mJ13H8/WAX-Sm7rgTI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/XelvE6XM5PUzIklSmUOlRd1Mff_bxZITwCPcB/s320/IMG_3652.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset after the storm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful rainbow</td></tr>
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Our next shop was Arches National Park. We were looking forward to our visit and were dismayed on arriving at the park at 9 AM to find a long lineup of cars creeping toward the entrance gate. We eventually reached the gate, showed our Geezer pass and entered the park. We drove along the park road, looking at the map to see where the attractions were. The eroded red rock landforms were very cool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udOf0TLXGkI/WAYFLRGZxDI/AAAAAAAAOIA/z3QaO6m0Rpw0ZoKxUOi1XygIPEmoLUfPgCPcB/s1600/IMG_3653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udOf0TLXGkI/WAYFLRGZxDI/AAAAAAAAOIA/z3QaO6m0Rpw0ZoKxUOi1XygIPEmoLUfPgCPcB/s320/IMG_3653.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to Arches National Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj6ypTT2NXY/WAX-SprRq8I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Rb7BPD6RLxMTWLovmeeXWkbyPMkUNwuNQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sj6ypTT2NXY/WAX-SprRq8I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Rb7BPD6RLxMTWLovmeeXWkbyPMkUNwuNQCPcB/s320/IMG_0560.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Arches National Park</td></tr>
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It soon became apparent that the park was crammed with people. Cars and buses packed every parking lot to capacity and beyond. Of note were the large numbers of Chinese tourists traveling by huge tour buses. We stopped at a couple of trailheads and walked to viewpoints which were overwhelmed with people. We couldn't stand it- too many people and too much inconsiderate behavior, both toward the park and other people. We took a few pictures and decided to push on to our next destination, resolving to return someday when fewer people were present.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Double Arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4mutOqhkFI/WAX-SooTLxI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/1W1_QQ_EdMMwDB_FgiQKEouBIe98kObNQCPcB/s1600/IMG_3666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4mutOqhkFI/WAX-SooTLxI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/1W1_QQ_EdMMwDB_FgiQKEouBIe98kObNQCPcB/s320/IMG_3666.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate Arch Panorama (zoom to see the arch to the right of center)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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At this point we had two days to reach the North Rim where we had camping reservations. After spending a few hours at Arches, Muley Point was our next destination. Muley Point is at the edge of Cedar Mesa, overlooking the twists and turns of the San Juan River as it flows toward its confluence with the Colorado. Monument Valley is visible in the distance. We reached Muley point in the afternoon and marveled at the views.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8LJBaW6kAY/WAX-Sr0OyYI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/r-NxXCaDMks_TlxkYMrc4m77SMWmCQ2nACPcB/s1600/IMG_3672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F8LJBaW6kAY/WAX-Sr0OyYI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/r-NxXCaDMks_TlxkYMrc4m77SMWmCQ2nACPcB/s320/IMG_3672.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from Muley Point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNc3GAbBjDg/WAX-SggvnlI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/52MxS1MY6X4eKx7stirDP8VjRAWD_BrfACPcB/s1600/IMG_5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNc3GAbBjDg/WAX-SggvnlI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/52MxS1MY6X4eKx7stirDP8VjRAWD_BrfACPcB/s320/IMG_5220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking in the view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IOAq_DFhZE/WAX-SlwJZaI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Lcphyx3HfD4RVpDF-3-_30jTBoVTqlFpwCPcB/s1600/IMG_3669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5IOAq_DFhZE/WAX-SlwJZaI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Lcphyx3HfD4RVpDF-3-_30jTBoVTqlFpwCPcB/s320/IMG_3669.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Muley Point view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEF_fBo-ENk/WAX-SuB8KBI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/vpUj7_IOIKwifXnuNoamCFNMJUW1PDBmACPcB/s1600/IMG_3683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEF_fBo-ENk/WAX-SuB8KBI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/vpUj7_IOIKwifXnuNoamCFNMJUW1PDBmACPcB/s320/IMG_3683.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking over the edge I spotted a rock with petroglyphs (left side of photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Around 5 PM a large group of Jeeps pulled in with plans to camp at the point. We decided to withdraw to a more protected and secluded location away from the point and the crowd. As it turned out, it was a good decision. We cooked dinner, had a nice campfire and went to bed. Early that night a storm hit with strong wind gusts, spectacular lightning and thunder, and rain. At points I was wondering if our camper was going to get blown over. I was very happy we were not camped on the exposed point and wondered about the Jeep folks. We survived the storm with no issues and slept well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjYQTDrf1Dk/WAX-ShOmloI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/LaCk8BPecRgxVdrO5OhbnAFjANfeYWjxACPcB/s1600/IMG_3687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjYQTDrf1Dk/WAX-ShOmloI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/LaCk8BPecRgxVdrO5OhbnAFjANfeYWjxACPcB/s320/IMG_3687.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our camp at Muley Point</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4eiqpFd4E/WAX-Sm555DI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/cdOaO25Cz589jg88vphbDzOJqpCl2K_pwCPcB/s1600/IMG_3699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ4eiqpFd4E/WAX-Sm555DI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/cdOaO25Cz589jg88vphbDzOJqpCl2K_pwCPcB/s320/IMG_3699.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning view from camp</td></tr>
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The next day's drive would take us down the Moki Dugway, a steep cliff-side road with narrow switchbacks descending 1100 feet to the valley below. The road was built in the 50's to allow trucks to bring uranium ore down the cliff from the mine on top of Cedar Mesa. I was a bit apprehensive as the road is hyped as being narrow and dangerous. Large cautionary signs as you approach the road warn of steep grades and tight turns. As it turned out, we had no problems, with nice views as we descended.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4W5MnTsgJ0/WAX-StNPEfI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/JfWpYZwSlHIwCe6P6-n6Ru1b0BO_DGO3QCPcB/s1600/IMG_3701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4W5MnTsgJ0/WAX-StNPEfI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/JfWpYZwSlHIwCe6P6-n6Ru1b0BO_DGO3QCPcB/s320/IMG_3701.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign at the start of Moki Dugway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi8pQBEn1YQ/WAX-Sgev_cI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/o3Tpzqvhbn8r7IvS-mN-c4iW8op3Xm-vQCPcB/s1600/IMG_3703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi8pQBEn1YQ/WAX-Sgev_cI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/o3Tpzqvhbn8r7IvS-mN-c4iW8op3Xm-vQCPcB/s320/IMG_3703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Moki Dugway</td></tr>
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The Moki Dugway sent us out into Valley of the Gods, a level plain with striking rock formations towering over the valley floor. From there, we turned west and proceeded to the North Rim. We were not aware that we would gain an hour due to the Arizona Strip not observing daylight savings time. Thinking we needed to hurry, we passed up some places that were probably worthy of checking out. We ended up being the first of our group to get to the campground, arriving at mid-afternoon. We registered for both campsites and proceeded to setup camp. Dave and Marty soon arrived and then we heard from Ric and Jeanne that they would be delayed. Their car's alternator had died and needed to be replaced. That had been accomplished the day before and they were on their way expecting to arrive by dark.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbUar0v2ats/WAX-Sq1pH8I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Eol1MBr7ouo4QWr8xJ46lIshYrE_nFu6QCPcB/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbUar0v2ats/WAX-Sq1pH8I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Eol1MBr7ouo4QWr8xJ46lIshYrE_nFu6QCPcB/s320/IMG_3707.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Moki Dugway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXRjfBddyAI/WAX-SvGf54I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/uoQd3xJsiPoRyXuLUGlj_u8RIZPRmFXqACPcB/s1600/IMG_3712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXRjfBddyAI/WAX-SvGf54I/AAAAAAAAOGQ/uoQd3xJsiPoRyXuLUGlj_u8RIZPRmFXqACPcB/s320/IMG_3712.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valley of the Gods</td></tr>
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We prepared our happy hour and group dinner and waited for them. In due course they arrived. We had fun greeting each other, hearing stories over dinner and a campfire and retired to bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYMQItArp28/WAX-SoqnRoI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/gkS1ihpqOeESdemiGNIOkYGab-77sNecACPcB/s1600/IMG_3718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GYMQItArp28/WAX-SoqnRoI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/gkS1ihpqOeESdemiGNIOkYGab-77sNecACPcB/s320/IMG_3718.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the Grand Canyon North Rim</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7N04A2hCkC0/WAX-SlUKKRI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/MPaaBowW-2kHrymRqNSqc-54nUQ5ZWFrgCPcB/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7N04A2hCkC0/WAX-SlUKKRI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/MPaaBowW-2kHrymRqNSqc-54nUQ5ZWFrgCPcB/s320/IMG_3743.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNAA9S3Apw/WAX-SqFK0uI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/JaASO7zsc4cyEBpi0Lg6XhND9cbfNfv-gCPcB/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XNAA9S3Apw/WAX-SqFK0uI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/JaASO7zsc4cyEBpi0Lg6XhND9cbfNfv-gCPcB/s320/IMG_3739.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another view</td></tr>
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We spent two days seeing the sights around the North Rim. We attended an informative talk on Condors at the lodge. We had nightly campfires and the evenings were cool around the fire. Nighttime temps were in the 30's and we appreciated our furnace to warm things up before bed and in the mornings. Kathy and I had showers and did laundry. Our stay was capped off with a group dinner at the Grand Canyon Lodge, hosted by Dave and Marty. We all agreed it had been a fun reunion and resolved to do it again next year at a new destination.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWGaUooQwRk/WAX-Shyj5vI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/UqHyCPDIIqwDlsque6Lfz4N_LJjY4EkngCPcB/s1600/IMG_3759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wWGaUooQwRk/WAX-Shyj5vI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/UqHyCPDIIqwDlsque6Lfz4N_LJjY4EkngCPcB/s320/IMG_3759.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along the Transept Trail from the campground to the lodge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9wazOq-ztI/WAX-St0oDrI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/xjFmiKQ44AwgAt1rJTq5lN5DWjFbFwiJQCPcB/s1600/IMG_3772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9wazOq-ztI/WAX-St0oDrI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/xjFmiKQ44AwgAt1rJTq5lN5DWjFbFwiJQCPcB/s320/IMG_3772.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view along the Transept Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3nYGVTVcZw/WAX-So_d0mI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Hteutd4uBKgBXIcbBxJnCtuW65StucSvgCPcB/s1600/IMG_3775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3nYGVTVcZw/WAX-So_d0mI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/Hteutd4uBKgBXIcbBxJnCtuW65StucSvgCPcB/s320/IMG_3775.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset dinner at the Grand Canyon Lodge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzry7oxP-sM/WAX-SgTI2gI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/S7RwBSHFdykqV_ZkzTCx5aEcO0PiycTFQCPcB/s1600/IMG_3777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzry7oxP-sM/WAX-SgTI2gI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/S7RwBSHFdykqV_ZkzTCx5aEcO0PiycTFQCPcB/s320/IMG_3777.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Canyon Lodge entry at night</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQJk3JpgV_k/WAX-StCb3GI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/KGaaxOz6GycONG23VPd5IfDPxa6qSv0nACPcB/s1600/IMG_3779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQJk3JpgV_k/WAX-StCb3GI/AAAAAAAAOGQ/KGaaxOz6GycONG23VPd5IfDPxa6qSv0nACPcB/s320/IMG_3779.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nightly campfire</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Kathy and I retired to bed with anticipation of our next adventure- a visit to the Tuweep area of Grand Canyon National Park. That, and more is covered in Part Two of this report.<br />
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<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-2.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-2.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-3.html" target="_blank">http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2016/10/north-rim-and-southern-utah-part-3.html</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-73236181794899508472016-09-18T07:51:00.001-05:002016-09-18T08:02:34.545-05:00Solar Power!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our upcoming trip to Utah and the Grand Canyon was the excuse. We hope to do some extended back country camping. One concern with extended stays in the back country is running out of battery power. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been watching for sales on solar panels for some time. I finally found a deal and bought a panel. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I bought one of the 160 watt panels on sale at Solar Boulevard and a Morningstar 10 amp PMW controller. I shopped around the internet to assemble the various parts necessary for the installation. The solar will charge a Trojan sealed true deep-cycle battery with 110 amp-hour capacity. We expect to run the fridge and a CPAP machine off this battery. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Our setup also includes an auxiliary battery in the truck engine bay which is charged by the truck and is wired to the camper. After the solar addition, I think we will use that battery only for lights, charging electronics and to occasionally run the furnace. It will be a nice backup. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since the two batteries are different, I didn't try to hook both of them up to the solar panel. It is a long wire run and I don't know if I will get sufficient voltage to the battery. The wire from the roof into the camper is only 14 AWG and about 15 feet long- not the best. At the time I ordered the camper, I didn't know enough to ask for larger wire. Even so, I might try to connect the truck battery in the future with larger wire and an additional controller. For now, I think we have enough capacity as it sits. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When all the pieces finally arrived, I set to work. The day was threatening rain but I decided to blast ahead anyway. I finished just as the rain came. I was rushing to finish so I didn't take pictures along the way. I mounted the battery in the only space I had- under the bench by the door. It's a good out-of the-way place. I mounted the controller directly above the battery. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Here are a few photos of how it turned out. It was fun to see the controller charging the battery even in a rain storm. </span></span><br />
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</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZpX9_Jmfpc/V9ytu2wjliI/AAAAAAAAN28/bPwcs22KwSg4Ckk4jPKbFrO-H9YArp46wCPcB/s1600/IMG_3558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ZpX9_Jmfpc/V9ytu2wjliI/AAAAAAAAN28/bPwcs22KwSg4Ckk4jPKbFrO-H9YArp46wCPcB/s320/IMG_3558.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain on the new panel.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZIIlKxf8X8/V9ytu3GG4aI/AAAAAAAAN28/a6oZqXj11I0iGKKUpF-yKZNtiD48-ptzACPcB/s1600/IMG_3557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZIIlKxf8X8/V9ytu3GG4aI/AAAAAAAAN28/a6oZqXj11I0iGKKUpF-yKZNtiD48-ptzACPcB/s320/IMG_3557.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view underneath the panel.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTen7cHaSCA/V9ytuxNzmII/AAAAAAAAN28/fwXr8dC8gKgocadNwNU6zg7Xpb_jw4f4QCPcB/s1600/IMG_3569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DTen7cHaSCA/V9ytuxNzmII/AAAAAAAAN28/fwXr8dC8gKgocadNwNU6zg7Xpb_jw4f4QCPcB/s320/IMG_3569.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I attached the panel using z-clips to the Yakima tracks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRGXphzQB08/V9ytu4CUaNI/AAAAAAAAN28/SHU8rHK02vMR-AMZg08EC5IyIxgyAHENQCPcB/s1600/IMG_3565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRGXphzQB08/V9ytu4CUaNI/AAAAAAAAN28/SHU8rHK02vMR-AMZg08EC5IyIxgyAHENQCPcB/s320/IMG_3565.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The controller and battery box.</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-79745676771819272152016-07-06T21:21:00.000-05:002020-06-25T22:14:40.532-05:002016 North House Wooden Boat Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once again we traveled to Grand Marais, Minnesota on the shore of Lake Superior for the North House Wooden Boat Show. This is an annual celebration of the summer solstice, wooden boats and north country craft.<br />
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Reports from previous years are here:<br />
<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2013/06/north-house-folk-school.html" target="_blank">2013 North House Wooden Boat Show</a><br />
<a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2014_06_01_archive.html" target="_blank">2014 North House Wooden Boat Show</a><br />
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More information about North House Folk School is here: <a href="http://www.northhouse.org/index.htm" target="_blank">http://www.northhouse.org/index.htm</a><br />
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We attend as volunteers with Urban Boatbuilders, a non-profit youth development organization.<br />
<a href="http://urbanboatbuilders.org/" target="_blank">http://urbanboatbuilders.org/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/UrbanBoatbuilders" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/UrbanBoatbuilders</a><br />
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UBB shows a few boats each year constructed by youth in the program working with professional boat builder/ instructors and volunteers. This year the offerings included a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, canoe and Norwegian pram. All the boats are skin-on-frame style construction using traditional boat-building techniques- very light and beautiful. It was a fun year for me as I participated in prototyping 3 of the boats- new designs for UBB- including the SUP, kayak and canoe.<br />
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In addition to displays of northwoods craft, the celebration includes a community chowder feed, music and folk dancing and a solstice pageant. Lots of fun. Here are a few pictures from the trip (click on the thumbnails for a larger version):<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The UBB boats on display</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 foot SOF kayak- 23 pounds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Norwegian pram- new this year</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More boats</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats staged for on-water trials</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interested attendee trying out the SUP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaXiAalB853niEv3mVOweqAvrp7aCLJ8JB65o_4_7QUkiy9IXHOSVyICJy_AIcgJG4vHeIYrqKQfgIrVpiO_G7tqyWS6hWHqj8LpglhIgEbnrP2Fqkb7CdVvYQFYXWEZ8RM4lrNA6zP8/s1600/2016-06-18_049_North+House+Wooden+Boat+Show.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaXiAalB853niEv3mVOweqAvrp7aCLJ8JB65o_4_7QUkiy9IXHOSVyICJy_AIcgJG4vHeIYrqKQfgIrVpiO_G7tqyWS6hWHqj8LpglhIgEbnrP2Fqkb7CdVvYQFYXWEZ8RM4lrNA6zP8/s320/2016-06-18_049_North+House+Wooden+Boat+Show.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela trying a headstand on the SUP- that water is cold!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Success!</td></tr>
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We did some exploring in the Superior National Forest on the way home...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ns_JSx8qWg/V2gibzxarVI/AAAAAAAANtw/24rn9jv6Hkk6ALpZCgRv7cf02geP2sS8QCKgB/s1600/IMG_3485.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ns_JSx8qWg/V2gibzxarVI/AAAAAAAANtw/24rn9jv6Hkk6ALpZCgRv7cf02geP2sS8QCKgB/s320/IMG_3485.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere north of Pancore Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ9VjXMZspo/V2giovqsopI/AAAAAAAANtw/xn_IXu1FlT4ki5v3aZz1OTWvMb3VeWyqgCKgB/s1600/IMG_3486.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CQ9VjXMZspo/V2giovqsopI/AAAAAAAANtw/xn_IXu1FlT4ki5v3aZz1OTWvMb3VeWyqgCKgB/s320/IMG_3486.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pancore Lake trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring in the Superior National Forest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poplar River was running stong</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poplar river</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wRKvORf5pM/V2gjFtGbQ_I/AAAAAAAANtw/8ZIG4Kqv1rgAViJROvWJC9MGEyt9SPk5QCKgB/s1600/IMG_3490.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wRKvORf5pM/V2gjFtGbQ_I/AAAAAAAANtw/8ZIG4Kqv1rgAViJROvWJC9MGEyt9SPk5QCKgB/s320/IMG_3490.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lupines were in bloom- invasive to Minnesota but pretty</td></tr>
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It was a short trip but enjoyable none-the-less.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wRKvORf5pM/V2gjFtGbQ_I/AAAAAAAANtw/8ZIG4Kqv1rgAViJROvWJC9MGEyt9SPk5QCKgB/s1600/IMG_3490.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-77423770912082973592015-11-08T20:03:00.001-06:002015-11-08T20:04:49.289-06:00Whitewater ValleyThe forecast was for two days of sun with temperatures in the 70s. For the first week of November, this was reason to jump in the truck for an impromptu trip- probably the last for the season. The fall leaves were in their final fading glory around the homestead and we had hopes of extending the fall color season a bit by heading south.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(You may click on photos for a larger version). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tObkrZkhBFw/Vj6sD5iGb0I/AAAAAAAANO4/v0wiAzBkyWY/s1600/IMG_3138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tObkrZkhBFw/Vj6sD5iGb0I/AAAAAAAANO4/v0wiAzBkyWY/s320/IMG_3138.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serviceberry in our front yard.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42Z12I_eWm4/Vj6sSpHYUVI/AAAAAAAANPA/owCvKvrPFA4/s1600/IMG_3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42Z12I_eWm4/Vj6sSpHYUVI/AAAAAAAANPA/owCvKvrPFA4/s320/IMG_3142.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is over when more leaves are on the ground than on trees.</td></tr>
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After completing some errands on Tuesday morning, we packed up the
camper and followed the Mississippi River south, stopping for lunch at
Frontenac State Park. The park was largely deserted on this beautiful
fall day. One of the perks of retirement is traveling during the week
when most people are hard at work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKLkQTOhQBAB37ZM7SWN3cDc3TnwOuxzBMuEnqhgljqEEYQuU5qMSwe-8M-Z_kK4DTf4Y55leSEQBPdMRBnU58fnEnUOHcSWZMHiObwpA7qkbHpdDstL4g8wmbfQKlA1X77DzLgEenV0/s1600/IMG_3147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbKLkQTOhQBAB37ZM7SWN3cDc3TnwOuxzBMuEnqhgljqEEYQuU5qMSwe-8M-Z_kK4DTf4Y55leSEQBPdMRBnU58fnEnUOHcSWZMHiObwpA7qkbHpdDstL4g8wmbfQKlA1X77DzLgEenV0/s320/IMG_3147.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PB&J for lunch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTCZXpB62PU/Vj6s0t8GY-I/AAAAAAAANPM/jdQsnmsJ9kM/s1600/IMG_3148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTCZXpB62PU/Vj6s0t8GY-I/AAAAAAAANPM/jdQsnmsJ9kM/s320/IMG_3148.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Mississippi from our lunch spot.</td></tr>
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We had selected the Whitewater River Valley as our destination. The
Whitewater River Valley runs through the driftless area of southeastern
Minnesota toward the Mississippi River- the same landscape as across the
Mississippi in Wisconsin, the scene of several recent trips. It is a
landscape of limestone bluffs, cold water streams and hardwood forests.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN1fNjDwhQs/Vj7GvjqLaHI/AAAAAAAANTU/ayqbhkYzUng/s1600/whatewater%2Bwatershed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yN1fNjDwhQs/Vj7GvjqLaHI/AAAAAAAANTU/ayqbhkYzUng/s320/whatewater%2Bwatershed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The valley is an object lesson in land use practices and conservation.
Native people had lived for thousands of years in the valley carved by
glacial runoff. They named the river for the color it turned as high
water in the spring eroded the light clay banks.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"When settlers arrived, they found a great diversity of plant life in the
Blufflands Landscape Region. In the valleys, they discovered a rich,
bottomland forest with clean, spring-fed streams teeming with native
brook trout. Oaks grew on some slopes with maple and basswood trees on
other slopes. South facing hillsides were covered with prairie. Much of
the uplands contained oak savanna, gently rolling prairie with scattered
oaks." -MN DNR</i> </blockquote>
Following a treaty with the Dakota people in 1851, European settlers began to arrive and quickly set about clearing land for grazing and farming. Small towns quickly sprang up along the river- Beaver, Whitewater Falls, Elba. Farmers cleared forested hillsides and extended their fields and pastures up the steep slopes. Heavy rains, which in earlier times had been soaked up by the forests, now washed soil from the slopes and into the river. By the early 1900s, flooding became a major problem. The exposed sandstone eroded and covered the land with sand (more info and pictures <a href="http://www.whitewaterwatershed.org/history/chapter3/chapter3.htm" target="_blank">here</a>). Eventually by the 1930s, repeated flooding had devastated the area and many farms and towns were abandoned. You can read about one such town <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaver,_Minnesota" target="_blank">here</a>. In less than a hundred years, an idyllic valley thousands of years in the making was decimated.<br />
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Beginning in the 1940s, conservation practices were put in place to stop erosion. The 28,000 acre Whitewater Wildlife Management area was established and erosion-prone land was purchased by the state. Today the <a href="http://www.whitewaterwatershed.org/" target="_blank">Whitewater Watershed Project</a> works to promote good land use practices. As a result, the valley is again beautiful and productive. The Whitewater River is a designated trout stream. But the challenge continues to keep it that way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitewater Valley</td></tr>
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We reached the valley in the afternoon and discovered to our surprise and disappointment that recent strong winds and rain had stripped the fall leaves from the trees. The landscape was ready for winter- the dominant colors were greys and browns. Our hoped for fall color was nowhere to be seen and far less than at home. But no matter, the weather was beautiful and we would enjoy ourselves.<br />
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We checked in at Whitewater State Park. We selected a site in the so-called primitive lower campground, which we had all to ourselves. Our site was alongside the Whitewater River, and the sound of the river provided a nice background song for our camp. With the end of daylight savings time, the sun sets early- around 5 PM. We made dinner and ate in the dark. After dinner chores, we took Rocky for a walk and enjoyed the stars. We finished the evening with a nice campfire.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our campsite at Whitewater State Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0q6IqHlKy4/Vj6wJgrFwxI/AAAAAAAANQ8/SG1BmJNtkrQ/s1600/IMG_3205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I0q6IqHlKy4/Vj6wJgrFwxI/AAAAAAAANQ8/SG1BmJNtkrQ/s320/IMG_3205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The campground was not busy.</td></tr>
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Morning promised a beautiful warm fall day. We ate breakfast and planned to explore the valley. We had seen an intriguing landmark on the map and decided to make the 1.5 mile hike in to see it. The trail followed the route of an old stage coach road through the woods. I unfortunately forgot the phone in the truck so I took no pictures. We did not know what we would find at the end but it was a nice day for a walk in the woods. After a final bend in the trail, we arrived at the Marnach House. Hidden from view until the very end, it was a pleasant surprise. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has an interesting story. You can read more <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Marnach_House" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEhf_UpkXqo/Vj7BTBSJmrI/AAAAAAAANS8/R9z5ZC3WD5Y/s1600/Marnach%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEhf_UpkXqo/Vj7BTBSJmrI/AAAAAAAANS8/R9z5ZC3WD5Y/s320/Marnach%2BHouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marnach House (photo from the internet <a href="https://geolocation.ws/v/W/File%3AMarnachHouse.JPG/-/en" target="_blank">here</a>)</td></tr>
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We spent some time sitting in the sun at the house before heading back to the truck. Our next hike was to try to find an old cemetery from the 1850s marked on the map. There were two trails marked on the map that were longer than we wanted to do. We selected another route that looked shorter but would require crossing the river. We gambled that we would find a way across. When we reached the river, we scouted for a crossing. There was a downed tree that could be a bridge. I found a tree branch that could work as a walking stick and tested out walking on the tree. It was solid. About 2/3 way across, the surprisingly strong current of the river had cut a channel under the tree that was too deep for my stick support. Not being willing to try to advance on the narrow tree without support, I carefully turned around. We ultimately opted not to risk a dunk in the cold water. We were stopped by the river but had an enjoyable walk anyway.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfH0CioqV7A/Vj6tERtRO2I/AAAAAAAANPc/_xrqF5wtLlY/s1600/IMG_3162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BfH0CioqV7A/Vj6tERtRO2I/AAAAAAAANPc/_xrqF5wtLlY/s320/IMG_3162.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A last bit of fall color.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Whitewater River.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice walk.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama of the valley floor.</td></tr>
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We decided to visit another nearby state park to have a picnic lunch. <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/carley/narrative.html" target="_blank">Carley State Park</a>
was donated to the state in 1948 by state senator James Carley in hopes
of preserving an impressive stand of native white pines. It is a small
park with some rustic camping (closed for the season) and a nice picnic
ground along the river. We had a nice lunch, again having a park all to
ourselves but for some deer taking refuge from the fall hunt. We
realized later that we took no pictures.<br />
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After lunch we returned to Whitewater State Park, enjoying the drive
through the agricultural landscape surrounding the valley. We stopped at
the visitor center and registered for another night in the campground.
While there we toured a small but nicely done exhibit with a wealth of
information on the Whitewater Valley.<br />
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With our campsite secured and the afternoon sun still warm, we opted
for another hike to nearby Chimney Rock. The trail took us steeply up a
limestone cliff to a nice overlook. The namesake Chimney Rock was bathed
in late afternoon sun. We took a different route down with a long,
winding, wooden staircase making the descent easy. The soft sandstone at
the bottom was evidently too much to pass up by modern-day
petroglyph/graffiti makers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chimney Rock</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting sun through a hole in the rock.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBJ0hkG6tR0/Vj6uUjTfTQI/AAAAAAAANP4/rG6uPThJhQk/s1600/IMG_3181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xBJ0hkG6tR0/Vj6uUjTfTQI/AAAAAAAANP4/rG6uPThJhQk/s320/IMG_3181.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the river below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3-PP4yOUWg/Vj6y7yA-gyI/AAAAAAAANR4/2kKbGY9M4i4/s1600/IMG_3186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3-PP4yOUWg/Vj6y7yA-gyI/AAAAAAAANR4/2kKbGY9M4i4/s320/IMG_3186.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Chimney Rock and the valley below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkhGkAG8uds/Vj6up3i6hfI/AAAAAAAANQY/VQ-gPFTP1nw/s1600/IMG_3194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JkhGkAG8uds/Vj6up3i6hfI/AAAAAAAANQY/VQ-gPFTP1nw/s320/IMG_3194.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modern day petroglyphs (or vandalism, depending on your viewpoint).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pufXUeHIAjM/Vj6u8_p0hYI/AAAAAAAANQg/DSS0wcij-zg/s1600/IMG_3195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pufXUeHIAjM/Vj6u8_p0hYI/AAAAAAAANQg/DSS0wcij-zg/s320/IMG_3195.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stating the obvious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyH_Hta8ALM/Vj6vOyd_DuI/AAAAAAAANQU/YsaRYgCyOg4/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OyH_Hta8ALM/Vj6vOyd_DuI/AAAAAAAANQU/YsaRYgCyOg4/s320/IMG_3197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pleasant picnic grounds built by the CCC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XzFAq9fASc/Vj6vYY0HyjI/AAAAAAAANQk/3TB1rpsK4Qg/s1600/IMG_3200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6XzFAq9fASc/Vj6vYY0HyjI/AAAAAAAANQk/3TB1rpsK4Qg/s320/IMG_3200.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling in the parking lot after the hike up to Chimney Rock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Back at camp we made an early dinner while daylight waned. Another campfire held the darkness at bay until, pleasantly tired from all the days walking, we retired to our snug bed. The weather report promised rain and colder temps for the coming day and we would return home with one stop on the way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vO6RbM7BS0U/Vj6vjjQ_noI/AAAAAAAANQ4/FYH53PD5I38/s1600/IMG_3201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_-6SIya_fI/Vj6v-r8_O1I/AAAAAAAANQw/uI2bc2bXso4/s1600/IMG_3202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_-6SIya_fI/Vj6v-r8_O1I/AAAAAAAANQw/uI2bc2bXso4/s320/IMG_3202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last of the season's tomatoes went in dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vO6RbM7BS0U/Vj6vjjQ_noI/AAAAAAAANQ4/FYH53PD5I38/s1600/IMG_3201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vO6RbM7BS0U/Vj6vjjQ_noI/AAAAAAAANQ4/FYH53PD5I38/s320/IMG_3201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption">Camp cooking.</td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As promised, the day dawned cloudy and threatening rain. We packed up and headed for our next stop in Wabasha, Minnesota. We enjoyed a tour through the valley back to the Mississippi River and our trip north.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPke0p2Vwjw/Vj6wZjJI_VI/AAAAAAAANRE/1GaF6Q6DmTs/s1600/IMG_3210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DPke0p2Vwjw/Vj6wZjJI_VI/AAAAAAAANRE/1GaF6Q6DmTs/s320/IMG_3210.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama of the Whitewater marshes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovPFvG4fa2U/Vj6yxfCFA8I/AAAAAAAANRw/FB9BG5qwdfg/s1600/IMG_3208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovPFvG4fa2U/Vj6yxfCFA8I/AAAAAAAANRw/FB9BG5qwdfg/s320/IMG_3208.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the marshes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Wabasha, Minnesota is the site of the <a href="http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/" target="_blank">National Eagle Center</a>, our planned stop. We arrived in time to have a nice breakfast at Stacey's Kitchen before heading over to the Eagle Center. The Center is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Wabasha. Wabasha is a favorite wintering site for eagles. The current from the confluence of two rivers, the Mississippi and the Chippewa River from Wisconsin, keeps the water open all winter, providing a food source for the eagles. When we arrived, the resident eagles were enjoying their outdoor weathering perches adjacent to the building and overlooking the riverwalk trail that passes by the building.<br />
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The Center is filled with interesting exhibits about eagles, eagle art and beautiful wall murals, one of which was being painted by the artist while we were there. There are live, captive eagles in residence, found injured in the wild and rehabilitated by the <a href="http://www.raptor.umn.edu/" target="_blank">Raptor Center </a>at the University of Minnesota. These birds have injuries that preclude them from being released back to the wild, so they live on at the center as ambassadors for their species. During our visit there were three bald eagles and one golden eagle present.<br />
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The live eagle display area includes generous windows to the outside overlooking the river. While we were there, a wild eagle flew past the window, sending the resident eagles into a frenzy of vocalizing, flapping their wings and hopping up and down. The naturalists explained the behavior as territorial displays, expressing their displeasure at the incursion of another eagle into their space. Cool to see.<br />
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Our visit included a talk about eagles by one of the staff experts, including a visit from one of the eagles. They are majestic birds and we enjoyed our visit very much. After a couple of hours at the Center, we headed for home, another trip completed. With winter on the way, it will be some months before we head out in the camper again.<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTAP4xM_-7I/Vj9tE5a-DZI/AAAAAAAANUM/ojW8QP2eObc/s1600/national-eagle-center-wabasha-entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xTAP4xM_-7I/Vj9tE5a-DZI/AAAAAAAANUM/ojW8QP2eObc/s320/national-eagle-center-wabasha-entry.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Eagle Center.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_dIy1Wzk34/Vj6wf2m0UBI/AAAAAAAANRg/AMFE_UPVvfM/s1600/IMG_3213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_dIy1Wzk34/Vj6wf2m0UBI/AAAAAAAANRg/AMFE_UPVvfM/s320/IMG_3213.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle ambassador.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpUtSyfdsaE/Vj6wn_LRz9I/AAAAAAAANRQ/DMSqXCYWrlc/s1600/IMG_3219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpUtSyfdsaE/Vj6wn_LRz9I/AAAAAAAANRQ/DMSqXCYWrlc/s320/IMG_3219.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An interesting presentation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-65259054196925652402015-10-22T20:55:00.000-05:002015-10-22T20:56:13.943-05:00Fall Colors and Conservation Giants<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFnYaitWmg/VigEVKq4RHI/AAAAAAAANIQ/RxhzWRFx1fw/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcFnYaitWmg/VigEVKq4RHI/AAAAAAAANIQ/RxhzWRFx1fw/s320/IMG_3086.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rural panorama (please click on photos for a larger version)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Earlier in the summer we had made a trip to Taliesen through the driftless area of Wisconsin (trip report <a href="http://travelswithrockythedog.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-trip-to-taliesin.html" target="_blank">here</a>). At the time, I resolved to return to the area in the fall, imagining it to be beautiful in fall color. I also wanted to visit a couple of sites celebrating two giants in the land conservation movement that we had not had time to visit on our last trip. October arrived and with it Kathy's annual trip to St. George, Utah for the Huntsman Senior Games volleyball tournament. Rocky and I decided to take a road trip.<br />
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I left early on a Tuesday morning to beat the rush hour and headed for the Mississippi River valley. The weather was cloudy, cold and threatening rain. Not the best for photos or sightseeing. Last trip we followed the river on the Wisconsin side. This trip I stayed on the Minnesota side, crossing the river at LeCrescent. Once past LaCrosse, I chose the back roads, hoping to see some pleasant scenery. The driftless area is full of small, picturesque farms surrounded by limestone bluffs and hardwood forests. Small cold water streams flow from the limestone toward the Mississippi. Twisty, small roads follow the terrain, connecting small towns and make for an interesting drive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYS4m95pfU8/Vif8dKmP-0I/AAAAAAAAM-k/K4bGsX81NSA/s1600/IMG_2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IYS4m95pfU8/Vif8dKmP-0I/AAAAAAAAM-k/K4bGsX81NSA/s320/IMG_2808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mississippi River Bluffs.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyPen_9Gb7w/Vif8f3E57tI/AAAAAAAAM-0/dViPFuQ7kBI/s1600/IMG_2823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MyPen_9Gb7w/Vif8f3E57tI/AAAAAAAAM-0/dViPFuQ7kBI/s320/IMG_2823.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wisconsin back roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My destination this day was Mirror Lake State Park. I arrived in time for a short walk around the park before dinner. The clouds were breaking up, allowing moments of late afternoon sun. I had planned to put a kayak in the park's namesake lake but the weather was a bit too chilly and damp for me in the waning day. I settled for a walk in the woods.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77U1KUcvgn8/Vif8imWRQZI/AAAAAAAAM-8/LuQeOQvUMiA/s1600/IMG_2844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77U1KUcvgn8/Vif8imWRQZI/AAAAAAAAM-8/LuQeOQvUMiA/s320/IMG_2844.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror Lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIUQnj22RC0/Vif8jTYMngI/AAAAAAAAM_E/IMUkSVVYbMQ/s1600/IMG_2846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PIUQnj22RC0/Vif8jTYMngI/AAAAAAAAM_E/IMUkSVVYbMQ/s320/IMG_2846.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror Lake woods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I picked a nice spot to camp in the mostly empty campground and made dinner.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5fy7YFUpUU/Vif8lAGgZ7I/AAAAAAAAM_Q/JjUSIIrAreg/s1600/IMG_2848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a5fy7YFUpUU/Vif8lAGgZ7I/AAAAAAAAM_Q/JjUSIIrAreg/s320/IMG_2848.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror Lake camp at sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I had noticed the TPMS warning light as I backed into the campsite but didn't think much of it as I had recently reset the pressures and figured one of the tires needed some more air. After dinner as I was putting things away in the truck, I noticed the passenger side rear was flat! It was already getting dark. I decided to tackle the tire change in spite of the dark as I didn't want to be delayed getting going in the morning. This would be interesting because I hadn't ever changed a tire on this truck. I had always meant to do a practice run at home in the driveway to make sure everything worked but had never got around to it. My owner's manual had been taken in a summer burglary of the truck so I had no guidance. I used my phone to consult the all-knowing internet. The hardest part was getting the spare out from under the truck. In the dark I couldn't see the mechanism and had to figure it out by touch. I had bought a heavy-duty hydraulic jack when we got the camper but hadn't used it yet. Long story short, I got the tire changed without too much trouble. The issue was quite apparent- a very large torx-head screw was nicely lodged in the center of the tread. Not having a plug set with me, I decided to travel the rest of my trip without a spare rather than lose half a day getting it repaired. Risky, but we do have roadside insurance and it worked out ok.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ux-UP0NYrA/VigBmgp1wcI/AAAAAAAANHg/0SZoti3ilDU/s1600/IMG_2870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Ux-UP0NYrA/VigBmgp1wcI/AAAAAAAANHg/0SZoti3ilDU/s320/IMG_2870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Culprit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR7tmh6iXw0/Vif8lxzk42I/AAAAAAAAM_U/bDzDVuNQDhc/s1600/IMG_2873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TR7tmh6iXw0/Vif8lxzk42I/AAAAAAAAM_U/bDzDVuNQDhc/s320/IMG_2873.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new spare mounted in place.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next morning after a breakfast of oatmeal and a hot cup of chai tea, I was off to visit the Aldo Leopold Foundation and pay my respects to Aldo Leopold's shack on the Wisconsin River.<br />
<br />
From the Foundation <a href="http://www.aldoleopold.org/" target="_blank">website</a>:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Considered by many as the father of wildlife management
and of the United States’ wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was
a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor
enthusiast. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> In 1935,
he and his family initiated their <a href="http://www.aldoleopold.org/Programs/shack.shtml">own ecological restoration experiment</a> on a worn-out farm along the Wisconsin River outside of Baraboo,
Wisconsin. Planting thousands of pine trees, restoring prairies,
and documenting the ensuing changes in the flora and fauna further
informed and inspired Leopold.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><a href="http://www.aldoleopold.org/AldoLeopold/leopoldpubs.shtml">A prolific writer</a>, authoring articles
for professional journals and popular magazines, Leopold conceived
of a book geared for general audiences examining humanity’s
relationship to the natural world. </i><br />
<br />
<i>A little more than a year after his death Leopold’s
collection of essays<a href="http://www.aldoleopold.org/AldoLeopold/almanac.shtml"> <i>A Sand County Almanac</i></a> was published. With
over two million copies sold, it is one of the most respected
books about the environment ever published, and Leopold has come
to be regarded by many as the most influential conservation thinker
of the twentieth century.</i></blockquote>
<u>A Sand County Almanac</u> was instrumental and affirming in my mid-life career choice of land conservation and a visit to the shack is a time-honored pilgrimage for any person concerned with ecology, land conservation and living in harmony with the natural world.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When
we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it
with love and respect.</i></blockquote>
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability,
and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends
otherwise.”</i> </div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> “The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant,
“What good is it?” If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every
part is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota, in the
course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then
who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog
and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” </i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>-Aldo Leopold</i></blockquote>
</div>
<br />
The Foundation is located in a beautiful, environmentally advanced building on the site where Aldo Leopold died fighting a fire on a neighbor's property. There is an exhibit covering Leopold's life and information on his children who created the Foundation. The land where the shack is located is a couple of miles down the road. The shack is not open to the public except by tour. Tours are held on
Saturday afternoons. I decided I didn't want to share my visit with a
crowd of people in order to see inside. On Wednesday I was mostly by myself.<br />
<br />
I spent some time in the exhibit, learning about the 5 Leopold siblings, all esteemed scientists in their own right, enjoyed seeing artifacts from Leopold's life and then drove to visit the shack.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl_Yw0V9cpA/Vif8n7H1fII/AAAAAAAAM_c/_2RZlxkCmMw/s1600/IMG_2878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl_Yw0V9cpA/Vif8n7H1fII/AAAAAAAAM_c/_2RZlxkCmMw/s320/IMG_2878.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levee Road- to the shack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAp26Dk8YOI/VigBcZ2WibI/AAAAAAAANHY/xOJPmx-JALY/s1600/IMG_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yAp26Dk8YOI/VigBcZ2WibI/AAAAAAAANHY/xOJPmx-JALY/s320/IMG_2881.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aldo Leopold Foundation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuJc_WZjQ4U/Vif8poX25GI/AAAAAAAAM_k/bcwjTLuC6LM/s1600/IMG_2883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iuJc_WZjQ4U/Vif8poX25GI/AAAAAAAAM_k/bcwjTLuC6LM/s320/IMG_2883.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance. The building has the highest LEED certification.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The farm with the shack (a former chicken coop) was the second home and experimental laboratory for the Leopold family. They planted over 30,000 seedlings and documented the natural processes of the land and river. While the site is not pristine, or even "correct" in terms of the original vegetation that would have existed absent the hand of man, it's transformation from the ruined, barren farm is a lovely testament to Leopold's philosophy.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"On this sand farm in Wisconsin, first
worn out and then abandoned by our bigger-and-better society, we try to
rebuild, with shovel and axe, what we are losing elsewhere. It is here
that we seek- and still find- our meat from God." -Aldo Leopold</i></blockquote>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pmkrb-yOR8/Vif8rmpIyaI/AAAAAAAAM_s/F1KjrGD9dY8/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2pmkrb-yOR8/Vif8rmpIyaI/AAAAAAAAM_s/F1KjrGD9dY8/s320/IMG_2884.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking path to the shack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnU13AhZ2eY/Vif8t5CZeyI/AAAAAAAAM_4/DVzz54DDLTs/s1600/IMG_2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnU13AhZ2eY/Vif8t5CZeyI/AAAAAAAAM_4/DVzz54DDLTs/s320/IMG_2885.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pines were all planted by the Leopold family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJavjkxRdys/Vif8wgRW6iI/AAAAAAAANAA/-krnLxSk2RY/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJavjkxRdys/Vif8wgRW6iI/AAAAAAAANAA/-krnLxSk2RY/s320/IMG_2886.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse of the shack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-s3YXxQ67o/Vif8zjb15ZI/AAAAAAAANAI/zArAMI6H1gU/s1600/IMG_2888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-s3YXxQ67o/Vif8zjb15ZI/AAAAAAAANAI/zArAMI6H1gU/s320/IMG_2888.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The shack in all its glory.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjvBf-YDhLE/Vif84YQ09_I/AAAAAAAANAQ/47ZoH-r1e70/s1600/IMG_2890%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjvBf-YDhLE/Vif84YQ09_I/AAAAAAAANAQ/47ZoH-r1e70/s320/IMG_2890%2Bedited.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovered on a walk in the woods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4GYS5w_nsI/Vif861dn2zI/AAAAAAAANAY/eECVztiTOZI/s1600/IMG_2892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4GYS5w_nsI/Vif861dn2zI/AAAAAAAANAY/eECVztiTOZI/s320/IMG_2892.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Parthenon."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYdb6VVHmFY/Vif88vtL7VI/AAAAAAAANAg/7WeVM7H7Bns/s1600/IMG_2894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYdb6VVHmFY/Vif88vtL7VI/AAAAAAAANAg/7WeVM7H7Bns/s320/IMG_2894.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand blowout persisting since the 30s.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYGtx5EWbdc/Vif8-Ben66I/AAAAAAAANAo/rBS7BJ9rDmQ/s1600/IMG_2897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYGtx5EWbdc/Vif8-Ben66I/AAAAAAAANAo/rBS7BJ9rDmQ/s320/IMG_2897.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wisconsin River adjoining the shack property.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv9Njpb2SB0/Vif9Ab8PmMI/AAAAAAAANAw/DUfDM7GgIr8/s1600/IMG_2904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fv9Njpb2SB0/Vif9Ab8PmMI/AAAAAAAANAw/DUfDM7GgIr8/s320/IMG_2904.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River floodplain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02_PrcHfsZ0/Vif9GtUcoJI/AAAAAAAANBA/_NiJPgeAPjQ/s1600/IMG_2908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-02_PrcHfsZ0/Vif9GtUcoJI/AAAAAAAANBA/_NiJPgeAPjQ/s320/IMG_2908.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the shack.<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcPD1raJaL_zfoqhAM_jx2roVPuQ9QVHcoGGflImTZOU_xwU3rWgSiNUnFjF4_JOlN_hHVBWHHXposPfVc5oGJ-2o1y3fim5KOQ7lCwJfnAHhG7FzEoH7FV6YxvffhmYoNMPqEcMNS0E/s1600/IMG_2914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcPD1raJaL_zfoqhAM_jx2roVPuQ9QVHcoGGflImTZOU_xwU3rWgSiNUnFjF4_JOlN_hHVBWHHXposPfVc5oGJ-2o1y3fim5KOQ7lCwJfnAHhG7FzEoH7FV6YxvffhmYoNMPqEcMNS0E/s320/IMG_2914.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting on Aldo's bench.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6X_RogYYwM/Vif9N5bgOwI/AAAAAAAANBY/Ikln7DW-dNY/s1600/IMG_2915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6X_RogYYwM/Vif9N5bgOwI/AAAAAAAANBY/Ikln7DW-dNY/s320/IMG_2915.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic bench.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6ySoiywgvU/Vif9Qdt8ozI/AAAAAAAANBk/GBXSup6o5hc/s1600/IMG_2916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e6ySoiywgvU/Vif9Qdt8ozI/AAAAAAAANBk/GBXSup6o5hc/s320/IMG_2916.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
~~~</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div data-mh="-1">
<div class="_pUf">
<div class="_Fsf kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0CCAQhFsoADABahUKEwizwOHSq9bIAhVBHB4KHTzpAy0">
<div class="_Tsf">
<i>"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."</i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will
flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their
own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will
drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="32" data-mhc="1" style="max-height: 32px;">
<div class="_HTf">
<div class="_Fsf kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0CCQQhFsoBDABahUKEwizwOHSq9bIAhVBHB4KHTzpAy0">
<div class="_Tsf">
<i>"When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world."</i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="47" data-mhc="1" style="max-height: 47px;">
<div class="_HTf">
<div class="_Fsf kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0CCgQhFsoCDABahUKEwizwOHSq9bIAhVBHB4KHTzpAy0">
<div class="_Tsf">
<i>"Keep
close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in awhile, and
climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="xpdxpnd" data-mh="47" data-mhc="1" style="max-height: 47px;">
<div class="_HTf">
<div class="_Fsf kno-fb-ctx" data-ved="0CCgQhFsoCDABahUKEwizwOHSq9bIAhVBHB4KHTzpAy0">
<div class="_Tsf">
<i>-John Muir</i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
My next stop was a small county park established on the site of John Muir's boyhood home. John Muir is another giant of the land conservation movement. Called by some as the patron saint of wilderness, his writings helped save Yosemite among other great natural places. He was a founder of the Sierra Club in 1892. Born in Scotland, his family moved to Wisconsin in 1849, settling on 80 acres adjoining a small lake. Muir attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison and became known for ingenious clocks and inventions carved from wood. Some are still on display in the student union there.<br />
<br />
Muir eventually landed in California and traveled the West, becoming passionate about saving the wilderness. John Muir attributed his interest in the environment to his time growing up on the farm. The Fountain Lake Farm, as it has come to be known is a National Historic Landmark. The second farmhouse built by the family, known as Hickory Hill, still stands and is in private ownership not open to the public. I visited the John Muir Memorial County Park and enjoyed a nice walk with Rocky, imagining Muir as a young man spending time in the same place.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sW76s3vKuKQ/Vif9SFPyHPI/AAAAAAAANBs/icook_kshyI/s1600/IMG_2922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sW76s3vKuKQ/Vif9SFPyHPI/AAAAAAAANBs/icook_kshyI/s320/IMG_2922.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to John Muir.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sio654eREqQ/Vif9VtGwJkI/AAAAAAAANB0/wrmky47I_c8/s1600/IMG_2924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sio654eREqQ/Vif9VtGwJkI/AAAAAAAANB0/wrmky47I_c8/s320/IMG_2924.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sign erected by the Sierra Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9w5E_4oIJI/Vif9XIXtZXI/AAAAAAAANB8/SEW_yXukE-o/s1600/IMG_2925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G9w5E_4oIJI/Vif9XIXtZXI/AAAAAAAANB8/SEW_yXukE-o/s320/IMG_2925.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An informative display at the trail head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXffd6Z7ccU/Vif9Z70oo_I/AAAAAAAANCE/83R_UI9weWY/s1600/IMG_2928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QXffd6Z7ccU/Vif9Z70oo_I/AAAAAAAANCE/83R_UI9weWY/s320/IMG_2928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama of Fountain Lake Farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zudeUtkdsNo/Vif9blTjsgI/AAAAAAAANCM/opXs53TlP68/s1600/IMG_2931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zudeUtkdsNo/Vif9blTjsgI/AAAAAAAANCM/opXs53TlP68/s320/IMG_2931.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fountain Lake, now called Ennis Lake.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goULUHfBYio/Vif9d_g1mEI/AAAAAAAANCU/QAHAK_wxxSI/s1600/IMG_2937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-goULUHfBYio/Vif9d_g1mEI/AAAAAAAANCU/QAHAK_wxxSI/s320/IMG_2937.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall color.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irPomCz5fwg/Vif9iQaNGII/AAAAAAAANCk/P6eEHUqeDy0/s1600/IMG_2964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-irPomCz5fwg/Vif9iQaNGII/AAAAAAAANCk/P6eEHUqeDy0/s320/IMG_2964.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky enjoying the walk with me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtlgp25zZNQ/Vif9kV7nL1I/AAAAAAAANCw/PeflU7Yq86Q/s1600/IMG_2966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtlgp25zZNQ/Vif9kV7nL1I/AAAAAAAANCw/PeflU7Yq86Q/s320/IMG_2966.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the side of the homestead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk4vNHntXLE/Vif9ms5EHxI/AAAAAAAANC4/LkGQzd6-y3U/s1600/IMG_2970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rk4vNHntXLE/Vif9ms5EHxI/AAAAAAAANC4/LkGQzd6-y3U/s320/IMG_2970.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After spending a nice afternoon at the park and having some lunch, I drove to my next camp at Devil's Lake State Park. Devil's Lake State Park is the largest and most visited state park in Wisconsin. Established in 1911, the park surrounds a 350 acre lake which sits in a 1.7 billion-year-old gorge carved through purple quartzite by an ancient river. Tall cliffs and vast talus slopes border the lake on three sides. Two glacial moraines deposited 15,000 years ago plug each end of the gorge, making the lake. The park also includes several ancient effigy earth mounds dating from 800-1100 AD. The park offers spectacular hikes up and atop the cliffs, as well as through the interesting landscapes surrounding the gorge.<br />
<br />
I spent two nights here and enjoyed some challenging and beautiful hikes and pleasant evenings by the campfire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29wKlQPPJ0k/Vif9qUtpZ6I/AAAAAAAANDI/2SUFhDfvkXw/s1600/IMG_2972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-29wKlQPPJ0k/Vif9qUtpZ6I/AAAAAAAANDI/2SUFhDfvkXw/s320/IMG_2972.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Devil's Lake State Park.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVSB22yhkBg/Vif9rTG1OBI/AAAAAAAANDQ/G-Yf95s-v0g/s1600/IMG_2975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iVSB22yhkBg/Vif9rTG1OBI/AAAAAAAANDQ/G-Yf95s-v0g/s320/IMG_2975.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening campfire: where there's fire, there's smoke.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MffWu3vlg2g/Vif9uIuF1hI/AAAAAAAANDY/cg8GTosjxjs/s1600/IMG_2977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MffWu3vlg2g/Vif9uIuF1hI/AAAAAAAANDY/cg8GTosjxjs/s320/IMG_2977.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back roads around Devil's Lake.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2PPf4GM6gY/Vif9w2dJ8II/AAAAAAAANDk/OY0Fg6zG5lY/s1600/IMG_2986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2PPf4GM6gY/Vif9w2dJ8II/AAAAAAAANDk/OY0Fg6zG5lY/s320/IMG_2986.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another road...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWOoeBkLWzc/Vif9zGfWBsI/AAAAAAAANDs/yO4F2ymcKd0/s1600/IMG_2987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uWOoeBkLWzc/Vif9zGfWBsI/AAAAAAAANDs/yO4F2ymcKd0/s320/IMG_2987.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1nACFacmdU/Vif90vcfKcI/AAAAAAAAND0/JpEM6ad_vKA/s1600/IMG_2990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1nACFacmdU/Vif90vcfKcI/AAAAAAAAND0/JpEM6ad_vKA/s320/IMG_2990.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking up the talus slope.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwKvx2HXlt4/Vif92WhKUnI/AAAAAAAAND8/V13Hti2Y9eY/s1600/IMG_2994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jwKvx2HXlt4/Vif92WhKUnI/AAAAAAAAND8/V13Hti2Y9eY/s320/IMG_2994.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky surveys the scene.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xqDiIUTKSY/Vif94dgEZ1I/AAAAAAAANEE/qb5gsxydlRs/s1600/IMG_3001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0xqDiIUTKSY/Vif94dgEZ1I/AAAAAAAANEE/qb5gsxydlRs/s320/IMG_3001.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from on top- we started at the beach below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb-mad7iwuo/Vif978d99BI/AAAAAAAANEU/OL-z_JOvVwo/s1600/IMG_3008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mb-mad7iwuo/Vif978d99BI/AAAAAAAANEU/OL-z_JOvVwo/s320/IMG_3008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail scene.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzCjs22vDxiOxBBpOVTPQFFIFatUFzscUD7uiQzW4qRDjbPvkjcAgVKi421Xd-mqJCPQRzq6OddKttpfrmXyuGz0msfxDjzBfFagK4DTZCKyoNZzsib6GqvZrm-lE2viKZQQTg7qdS9M/s1600/IMG_3003+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzCjs22vDxiOxBBpOVTPQFFIFatUFzscUD7uiQzW4qRDjbPvkjcAgVKi421Xd-mqJCPQRzq6OddKttpfrmXyuGz0msfxDjzBfFagK4DTZCKyoNZzsib6GqvZrm-lE2viKZQQTg7qdS9M/s320/IMG_3003+edited.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balanced rock.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ltaHFjqIjM/Vif99iS41HI/AAAAAAAANEc/ueeMI0c9qfA/s1600/IMG_3011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ltaHFjqIjM/Vif99iS41HI/AAAAAAAANEc/ueeMI0c9qfA/s320/IMG_3011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcANdY02zZ8/Vif9_KV4weI/AAAAAAAANEk/GuIqwf9ntbI/s1600/IMG_3016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcANdY02zZ8/Vif9_KV4weI/AAAAAAAANEk/GuIqwf9ntbI/s320/IMG_3016.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another overlook.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btGiNhsBaqE/Vif-BNFq-8I/AAAAAAAANEw/j1p4fDfXEbQ/s1600/IMG_3017%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btGiNhsBaqE/Vif-BNFq-8I/AAAAAAAANEw/j1p4fDfXEbQ/s320/IMG_3017%2Bedited.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky poses at Devil's Doorway.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CryYyViMTrs/Vif-CazaBgI/AAAAAAAANE4/UrEe2YUCfX4/s1600/IMG_3020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CryYyViMTrs/Vif-CazaBgI/AAAAAAAANE4/UrEe2YUCfX4/s320/IMG_3020.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful quartzite.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WR78xexzeXc/VigB9ByeM8I/AAAAAAAANHw/2pv6CGpSx3o/s1600/IMG_3028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WR78xexzeXc/VigB9ByeM8I/AAAAAAAANHw/2pv6CGpSx3o/s320/IMG_3028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another overlook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UDx3eU8zlxQ/Vif-FyRCF_I/AAAAAAAANFM/F4Rdkla7z2w/s1600/IMG_3029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UDx3eU8zlxQ/Vif-FyRCF_I/AAAAAAAANFM/F4Rdkla7z2w/s320/IMG_3029.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful fall foliage.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqnkEh3JHA/Vif-HbfNDVI/AAAAAAAANFU/Ejw14ZM9p7Y/s1600/IMG_3030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqnkEh3JHA/Vif-HbfNDVI/AAAAAAAANFU/Ejw14ZM9p7Y/s320/IMG_3030.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow path through the quartzite.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3oYFp3FtXk/Vif-JU5ekTI/AAAAAAAANFc/e4Ia48MlK2k/s1600/IMG_3036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i3oYFp3FtXk/Vif-JU5ekTI/AAAAAAAANFc/e4Ia48MlK2k/s320/IMG_3036.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps up through a crack in the rock.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COKLf4r3zJg/Vif-LV99-_I/AAAAAAAANFo/KwEfQ6bk6zk/s1600/IMG_3039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COKLf4r3zJg/Vif-LV99-_I/AAAAAAAANFo/KwEfQ6bk6zk/s320/IMG_3039.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long view to Devil's Lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IDuV2WUaUQ/Vif-NMnL2kI/AAAAAAAANFw/hN9frnQEZis/s1600/IMG_3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IDuV2WUaUQ/Vif-NMnL2kI/AAAAAAAANFw/hN9frnQEZis/s320/IMG_3055.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful leaf on a log.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz262ehkJk0/Vif-PZ8W8vI/AAAAAAAANF4/yc147UObdbs/s1600/IMG_3057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz262ehkJk0/Vif-PZ8W8vI/AAAAAAAANF4/yc147UObdbs/s320/IMG_3057.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up at the Talus slope.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj3Aa57DNfs/Vif-RNIeJ8I/AAAAAAAANGA/bO5a2NBpu8I/s1600/IMG_3058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj3Aa57DNfs/Vif-RNIeJ8I/AAAAAAAANGA/bO5a2NBpu8I/s320/IMG_3058.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque at one of the effigy mounds in the park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ggJNYw7xs4/Vif-T-Y2beI/AAAAAAAANGI/CL_UAeeTPxE/s1600/IMG_3060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ggJNYw7xs4/Vif-T-Y2beI/AAAAAAAANGI/CL_UAeeTPxE/s320/IMG_3060.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earlier plaque at the same mound.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I visited another interesting site near Devil's Lake- <a href="http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=1" target="_blank">Parfrey's Glen</a>. Eroded by water flows through ancient sandstone, the glen is the first natural area designated in the state of Wisconsin (1952) and a fascinating place. Embedded in the sandstone layers are pebbles of quartzite making an unusual geological layer cake. The glen was stripped by a massive flash flood in 2008, washing away all the improvements made over the years, including a boardwalk, and carving a new channel for the stream that still flows there. My walk was quiet and serene, accompanied by the sound of the wind in the trees and a blizzard of falling leaves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvNzzp8k_CQ/Vif-29JCPOI/AAAAAAAANGU/fKEEv6K8sJY/s1600/IMG_3065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvNzzp8k_CQ/Vif-29JCPOI/AAAAAAAANGU/fKEEv6K8sJY/s320/IMG_3065.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful fall woods scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PX4zTyg31ns/Vif-5GW83wI/AAAAAAAANGc/PdjeeAQyB2U/s1600/IMG_3067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PX4zTyg31ns/Vif-5GW83wI/AAAAAAAANGc/PdjeeAQyB2U/s320/IMG_3067.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek flowing through Parfrey's Glen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F2mrH1MdGE/Vif-7ZjMejI/AAAAAAAANGk/fD2b1edTGIQ/s1600/IMG_3072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F2mrH1MdGE/Vif-7ZjMejI/AAAAAAAANGk/fD2b1edTGIQ/s320/IMG_3072.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parfrey's Glen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPwJ51XKF1I/Vif-9IbG7vI/AAAAAAAANGs/ZPFBLtSXllI/s1600/IMG_3073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPwJ51XKF1I/Vif-9IbG7vI/AAAAAAAANGs/ZPFBLtSXllI/s320/IMG_3073.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock layer cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EWgLhpXGAg/Vif--s-QIQI/AAAAAAAANG0/eG6tG_WYYb8/s1600/IMG_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9EWgLhpXGAg/Vif--s-QIQI/AAAAAAAANG0/eG6tG_WYYb8/s320/IMG_3074.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quartzite pebbles encased in sandstone covered by limestone from ancient sea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YO7M8SSeDmA/Vif_ANJjPxI/AAAAAAAANG8/vb-gUUWunSk/s1600/IMG_3079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YO7M8SSeDmA/Vif_ANJjPxI/AAAAAAAANG8/vb-gUUWunSk/s320/IMG_3079.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More interesting rock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9b1a_prinaY/VigCfgmnEwI/AAAAAAAANH8/SxI-joZA5oY/s1600/IMG_3083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9b1a_prinaY/VigCfgmnEwI/AAAAAAAANH8/SxI-joZA5oY/s320/IMG_3083.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serene stream view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On Friday, the weekend crowds started to build in the park and I headed for home. I retraced my path to some extent and found new back roads to follow. Having the GPS-linked computer with detailed maps helped me find some scenic routes without getting lost. I enjoyed the pastoral landscapes and discovered some interesting sites.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dz0rLObnGBg/VigFao53Y-I/AAAAAAAANIw/j5Dwb7mfKmg/s1600/IMG_3085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dz0rLObnGBg/VigFao53Y-I/AAAAAAAANIw/j5Dwb7mfKmg/s320/IMG_3085.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall farm scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkcHxzqbQ6U/VigEgfzxZnI/AAAAAAAANIY/yQnNXnPzC0U/s1600/IMG_3087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkcHxzqbQ6U/VigEgfzxZnI/AAAAAAAANIY/yQnNXnPzC0U/s320/IMG_3087.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fall scene.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsanSs_OKsg/VigEp4r1WVI/AAAAAAAANIg/bt7Imz-57uQ/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LsanSs_OKsg/VigEp4r1WVI/AAAAAAAANIg/bt7Imz-57uQ/s320/IMG_3094.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young buck makes a break for it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8MG-Rg3NS4/VigLQNoCRZI/AAAAAAAANKs/Lw41NfCvl6g/s1600/IMG_3096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i8MG-Rg3NS4/VigLQNoCRZI/AAAAAAAANKs/Lw41NfCvl6g/s320/IMG_3096.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall color along the back roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaiZFdHUwj8/VigHWWHv3SI/AAAAAAAANJQ/Qcu8QJKwdqY/s1600/IMG_3098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kaiZFdHUwj8/VigHWWHv3SI/AAAAAAAANJQ/Qcu8QJKwdqY/s320/IMG_3098.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall scene with old farm building.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfO-IZDgcuY/VigHanOCQWI/AAAAAAAANJg/BKw_uvWyrdo/s1600/IMG_3101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfO-IZDgcuY/VigHanOCQWI/AAAAAAAANJg/BKw_uvWyrdo/s320/IMG_3101.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More beauty on the back roads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYJrf83cqko/VigHGmR79RI/AAAAAAAANJA/PtIIi7RiqRM/s1600/IMG_3105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HYJrf83cqko/VigHGmR79RI/AAAAAAAANJA/PtIIi7RiqRM/s320/IMG_3105.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall "color" unexpected on this back road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgsthn3eS2M/VigHXdp453I/AAAAAAAANJY/WxKF4nSFQiA/s1600/IMG_3107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgsthn3eS2M/VigHXdp453I/AAAAAAAANJY/WxKF4nSFQiA/s320/IMG_3107.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlook from Wildcat State Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkEjIZ1L5FE/VigHsoDHK5I/AAAAAAAANJo/yUoNPOF5WOk/s1600/IMG_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UkEjIZ1L5FE/VigHsoDHK5I/AAAAAAAANJo/yUoNPOF5WOk/s320/IMG_3118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildcat panorama.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRKW6FZ3J-o/VigHyGE-NEI/AAAAAAAANJw/So3jju3bccU/s1600/IMG_3120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRKW6FZ3J-o/VigHyGE-NEI/AAAAAAAANJw/So3jju3bccU/s320/IMG_3120.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to have GPS when exploring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I came across this <a href="http://www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/" target="_blank">conservancy</a> traveling the back roads. This particular site is called the Tunnelville Cliffs State Natural Area- 2278 acres along the Kickapoo river. It is great to see this private conservation work going on in rural places like this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZaFpQl2pR4/VigLBVcxZxI/AAAAAAAANKk/wXfeASOm-g8/s1600/IMG_3124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5ZaFpQl2pR4/VigLBVcxZxI/AAAAAAAANKk/wXfeASOm-g8/s320/IMG_3124.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunnelville Cliffs Preserve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEUMFF7y3W8/VigH6FnTQmI/AAAAAAAANJ4/5weehBWKvys/s1600/IMG_5185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dEUMFF7y3W8/VigH6FnTQmI/AAAAAAAANJ4/5weehBWKvys/s320/IMG_5185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Tunnelville Cliffs preserve.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I had planned to camp one more night at Great River Bluffs State Park in Minnesota, overslooking the MIssissippi River. Unfortunately the campground was already full by the time I got there. Since I was only a couple hours away, I decided to head home. I got home after dark, having enjoyed a fine fall color trip and feeling inspired by the examples of leadership, stewardship and forward thinking I had seen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-88772713777194546902015-09-11T11:29:00.007-05:002015-09-11T11:29:53.039-05:00Lake Superior Circle (Part 7)<br />
9/4/15<br />
We woke to another blue sky morning and the sound of
prospective campers prowling the full campground looking for an open site in
advance of the Labor Day weekend. The cards on the campsite posts alerted them to which campsites were being vacated that day. We were approached almost immediately
on exiting the camper by a young woman looking to secure our site once
we left. Others from her group found a site more to their liking and they left. That group was quickly
replaced by another group wanting our site. We ate breakfast and packed up
under their watchful eyes. Our site was immediately occupied upon our exit.<br />
<br />
We drove
to Marquette hoping to stay at the Tourist campground. It was nice but it was full.
The manager looked at us like we were crazy asking if he had a vacancy on the Labor Day weekend.<br />
<br />
We fueled up and drove on to our next objective- the mouth of the Huron
River where it meets Lake Superior. Tips from Tom and the UP Overland forum took
us over some back roads to a great sand beach and informal camping area
where we explored a bit and set up camp. The wind was quite strong off the lake but we
found a nice protected spot. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGGwsb5HG0A/Ve5nLVQb6cI/AAAAAAAAMZ8/hT_dLO1Lq6s/s1600/IMG_2671.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGGwsb5HG0A/Ve5nLVQb6cI/AAAAAAAAMZ8/hT_dLO1Lq6s/s320/IMG_2671.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parked near the mouth of the Huron River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQuK6UBEIm0/Ve5nY2G039I/AAAAAAAAMaE/pj-l-NZLvjQ/s1600/IMG_2673.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQuK6UBEIm0/Ve5nY2G039I/AAAAAAAAMaE/pj-l-NZLvjQ/s320/IMG_2673.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mouth of the Huron River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m45QghUTtBE/Ve5niU0O0hI/AAAAAAAAMaM/FTDZcLtqOIE/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m45QghUTtBE/Ve5niU0O0hI/AAAAAAAAMaM/FTDZcLtqOIE/s320/IMG_2677.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on the nice sand beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-samBfi1oo/Ve7jU7M_j_I/AAAAAAAAMlY/2wrdeOqkBcg/s1600/IMG_2679.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-samBfi1oo/Ve7jU7M_j_I/AAAAAAAAMlY/2wrdeOqkBcg/s320/IMG_2679.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found a sheltered campsite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR6cAKMCvgw/Ve5nv-GU1nI/AAAAAAAAMaU/OaaPN2KpASg/s1600/IMG_2682.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR6cAKMCvgw/Ve5nv-GU1nI/AAAAAAAAMaU/OaaPN2KpASg/s320/IMG_2682.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicest campsite of the trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We noticed a fair bit of trash strewn about
and decided to do a bit of campground cleanup. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvo-Xu9oTSE/Ve5t60eZyeI/AAAAAAAAMfM/CCMRAkyjRi4/s1600/IMG_5160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvo-Xu9oTSE/Ve5t60eZyeI/AAAAAAAAMfM/CCMRAkyjRi4/s320/IMG_5160.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We picked up some trash around the area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After our good deed, we
had a relaxing happy hour and a good dinner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57hIaOzydQU/Ve5uHWmKnTI/AAAAAAAAMfU/6BRqpUq-jZw/s1600/IMG_5166.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57hIaOzydQU/Ve5uHWmKnTI/AAAAAAAAMfU/6BRqpUq-jZw/s320/IMG_5166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another campsite pic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We took a walk after dinner
down the beach, sat for a while, enjoyed another stellar sunset and went to bed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbREnB87b2I/Ve5uLYN_7JI/AAAAAAAAMfc/mxWeYEPTGLE/s1600/IMG_5168.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbREnB87b2I/Ve5uLYN_7JI/AAAAAAAAMfc/mxWeYEPTGLE/s320/IMG_5168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking on the beach after dinner.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RnPvUp9dqY/Ve5oDTzjPmI/AAAAAAAAMak/8oKADaoqt5I/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RnPvUp9dqY/Ve5oDTzjPmI/AAAAAAAAMak/8oKADaoqt5I/s320/IMG_2685.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset silouette.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ul5Wz61EtaU/Ve5oI3iNzWI/AAAAAAAAMas/mxjNCulLyYk/s1600/IMG_2691.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ul5Wz61EtaU/Ve5oI3iNzWI/AAAAAAAAMas/mxjNCulLyYk/s320/IMG_2691.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
9/5/15<br />
I
woke up before dawn and got up to watch the sun rise. I took some
photos while Kathy caught up on sleep. I decided to take a shower. I
heated water, filled up the shower sprayer, found a handy tree on which to hang my dopp kit and towel, pumped
up the sprayer and had a nice hot shower. It was a bit brisk at 60° air
temp but it felt great to be clean. I made burritos again for
breakfast- hash browns, eggs, sausage and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.
Remember, it is the plate you can eat! A liberal dash of hot sauce on
mine. The consensus was this had been our best campsite of the trip.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJtTPx4alMg/Ve5oOM6Y8mI/AAAAAAAAMa0/0rklSxApjAI/s1600/IMG_2700.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJtTPx4alMg/Ve5oOM6Y8mI/AAAAAAAAMa0/0rklSxApjAI/s320/IMG_2700.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dawn at the mouth of the Huron River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa8CHVBFeN8/Ve5oSqowuVI/AAAAAAAAMa8/zi2QpGTKTGg/s1600/IMG_2703.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa8CHVBFeN8/Ve5oSqowuVI/AAAAAAAAMa8/zi2QpGTKTGg/s320/IMG_2703.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun also rises.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We
packed up to head to the <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=426" target="_blank">Porcupine Mountains State Park</a>. We cut across from Baraga to Ontonagon, skipping the famed Keweenaw Peninsula. We had a memorable vacation with our kids there years ago and decided not to repeat that area this trip. We arrived at Porcupine and found hot,
humid weather, biting flies and a woefully poor camping situation at the
Union Bay campground- crowded, small sites with no privacy, no trees,
big RVs packed in, people everywhere. The Labor Day holiday crowd was in full swing. The draw of hot showers could not overcome the
camping conditions. We talked to the ranger and reserved a much better sounding rustic site at the
Presque Isle unit on the other end of the park 25 miles away.<br />
<br />
We
decided to sight-see on our way to the campground so we would not have
to back track. We drove to the trailhead at Lake of the Clouds- the main
draw of the park and very scenic. The landscape is knock-your-socks-off
beautiful. There are many hiking trails to follow in the park but we
didn't do any hiking on this visit. We will return someday that is not a
holiday weekend- this Labor Day holiday visit was too crowded for our taste.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VlCjhhtagnE/Ve5oboH5joI/AAAAAAAAMbE/ze4td4708XA/s1600/IMG_2713.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VlCjhhtagnE/Ve5oboH5joI/AAAAAAAAMbE/ze4td4708XA/s320/IMG_2713.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake of the Clouds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THDbf28PG4U/Ve8gQhrnLfI/AAAAAAAAMrA/xBYAe5xorzg/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-THDbf28PG4U/Ve8gQhrnLfI/AAAAAAAAMrA/xBYAe5xorzg/s320/IMG_2719.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We drove to
the Presque Isle unit, presented our earlier purchased campsite permit
at the gate house and discovered they had given our nice, wooded
campsite away due to park staff miscommunication. Other sites were
available but not attractive- small, open and close to neighbors, lots
of people. After
some deliberation, we got a refund and decided to push on to the nearby
Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin and look for a forest service
campground. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlTInTNQSRlCrVVmp-CoY-4Pr0U-EpLgF5ErbkiS4FKOPqkJg6agWfOd4W3AilYBxn80FS8HBgD6bDrcgBrzrJoAytKuQrvaWHNZZiP51q2aCk0BN3FrU68FsfTV4USNRDUSIm6g-cJA/s1600/IMG_5182.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlTInTNQSRlCrVVmp-CoY-4Pr0U-EpLgF5ErbkiS4FKOPqkJg6agWfOd4W3AilYBxn80FS8HBgD6bDrcgBrzrJoAytKuQrvaWHNZZiP51q2aCk0BN3FrU68FsfTV4USNRDUSIm6g-cJA/s320/IMG_5182.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading for Wisconsin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We found one on the map- followed a few signs but never
found the campground. Back to the highway- soon saw another USFS
campgound sign. Followed more signs and ended up on in a nice USFS
campground on Lake Namekagon. Unfortunately, campers with a big
trailer showed up, set up next door and promptly turned on their generator and let their
dog loose. I returned the dog to them and confirmed that they would turn
the generator off at 10 PM. They were pleasant about it.<br />
<br />
It was a very
hot and humid night. We took a walk to the lake, let Rocky wade in the
water and enjoyed the cool breeze off the lake. We decided to get up
early and head home, stopping for breakfast on the way. It rained
overnight- we were glad we had packed up before heading to bed. We had a
great breakfast at the<a href="http://www.thebrickhousecafe.net/" target="_blank"> Brick House Café </a>in Cable, Wisconsin while it
poured rain. More rain during the ride home cleaned the dirt and bugs
off the truck nicely. We arrived home about 1 pm- tired, glad to be home,
appreciative of another completed adventure, our understanding and respect of Lake Superior and its landscapes and its people deepened. And I have finally been all around the big lake.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRZ5_3zDL-I/Ve7a0usDj-I/AAAAAAAAMi4/wdLWXkadEao/s1600/IMG_2720.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRZ5_3zDL-I/Ve7a0usDj-I/AAAAAAAAMi4/wdLWXkadEao/s320/IMG_2720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camp at Lake Namekagon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Impressions:
You could spend a lifetime exploring around Lake Superior. The variety
of landscapes is endlessly entertaining. We will return to Canada and
Michigan. Lake Nipigon has been added to the list of places to visit.
Ontario Provincial Parks are some of the nicest we have stayed in
anywhere. With the exception of a couple of challenging days (and what
adventure doesn't have challenges?), the trip was everything I hoped it
would be.<br />
<br />
Statistics:<br />
2173 miles. 135 gallons of gas- ave. price $2.91/gal. $386 total fuel cost.<br />
Ave mileage- 16 mpg. Range between fills 15-18 mpg.<br />
14 days, 2 countries, 10 different campsites.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-24995645160432760272015-09-11T11:29:00.006-05:002015-09-12T12:26:57.652-05:00Lake Superior Circle (Part 6)<br />
9/2/15<br />
We woke early broke camp and left in the dark and
thick fog. We had planned to drive through <a href="http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm" target="_blank">Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore</a> and see the sights as we went. The fog had other plans. We
stopped along the way but could see virtually nothing in the fog. We missed the big dunes. We
enjoyed the walks we took through fog-misted woods- we were the only
people in the areas we were visiting. I had fun trying to take
interesting photos in the fog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7DdumT4OlAg/Ve5kq4y56KI/AAAAAAAAMXs/j4JvQYCE81o/s1600/IMG_2560.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7DdumT4OlAg/Ve5kq4y56KI/AAAAAAAAMXs/j4JvQYCE81o/s320/IMG_2560.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj2dkmz4fBU/Ve5rZaF1NaI/AAAAAAAAMdU/VubZ2aOwlBk/s1600/IMG_5110.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj2dkmz4fBU/Ve5rZaF1NaI/AAAAAAAAMdU/VubZ2aOwlBk/s320/IMG_5110.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj2dkmz4fBU/Ve5rZaF1NaI/AAAAAAAAMdU/VubZ2aOwlBk/s1600/IMG_5110.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKtIJF3sW0M/Ve5kbN3vuMI/AAAAAAAAMXc/FFZvIot20aQ/s1600/IMG_2557.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FKtIJF3sW0M/Ve5kbN3vuMI/AAAAAAAAMXc/FFZvIot20aQ/s320/IMG_2557.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sable Falls</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuwdjVrAsc0/Ve5kjkk2CfI/AAAAAAAAMXk/JaDoldcrS0k/s1600/IMG_2558.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuwdjVrAsc0/Ve5kjkk2CfI/AAAAAAAAMXk/JaDoldcrS0k/s320/IMG_2558.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sable Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuwdjVrAsc0/Ve5kjkk2CfI/AAAAAAAAMXk/JaDoldcrS0k/s1600/IMG_2558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Az8wPEBEls/Ve7aGZCsM2I/AAAAAAAAMiY/CuCTHgIRhXA/s1600/IMG_2565.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Az8wPEBEls/Ve7aGZCsM2I/AAAAAAAAMiY/CuCTHgIRhXA/s320/IMG_2565.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Grand Sable Dunes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dytfXs6tqUw/Ve5kwAX8dJI/AAAAAAAAMX0/kNb0pE-Rbak/s1600/IMG_2576.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dytfXs6tqUw/Ve5kwAX8dJI/AAAAAAAAMX0/kNb0pE-Rbak/s320/IMG_2576.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool spider web in the fog.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We read the interpretive signs and saw exhibits of old logging equipment. This was at the site of an old log slide, used to get logs down the dunes to the lake where they could be rafted up and towed to the mill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R__JiRwpjZY/Ve7izLKEz7I/AAAAAAAAMlA/Mdydck9h798/s1600/IMG_2569.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R__JiRwpjZY/Ve7izLKEz7I/AAAAAAAAMlA/Mdydck9h798/s320/IMG_2569.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some big wheels used to move logs with horses.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyIk7B1wpJA/Ve5k_2eYvMI/AAAAAAAAMYE/4r_EHpnkIK0/s1600/IMG_2580.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VyIk7B1wpJA/Ve5k_2eYvMI/AAAAAAAAMYE/4r_EHpnkIK0/s320/IMG_2580.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of a big wheel.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J2Zie8tdl4/Ve5k6emVAkI/AAAAAAAAMX8/o5m3GMtyjcc/s1600/IMG_2578.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5J2Zie8tdl4/Ve5k6emVAkI/AAAAAAAAMX8/o5m3GMtyjcc/s320/IMG_2578.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fog picture and the Grand Sable Dunes.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We
decided we would tour the campgrounds along the way and if we saw a nice
site we would take it. We were early and most campsites were still
occupied. But we noticed that as sites were vacated, they were taken by
new campers almost immediately. Prime sites were snapped up before the
current occupants even left. We realized we would have to choose quickly
if we saw an open site. At the time, we didn't know we would be on the other end of this system in a couple of days. We ended up at Twelvemile Campground on the
shore of Lake Superior in a pleasant interior site with a view to
the lake.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctyVqOI1vBU/Ve5lZzAPZ_I/AAAAAAAAMYc/ZJP3AoUvgiw/s1600/IMG_2590.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ctyVqOI1vBU/Ve5lZzAPZ_I/AAAAAAAAMYc/ZJP3AoUvgiw/s320/IMG_2590.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another nice campsite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fp0pIxWQxo/Ve5lhQSK-JI/AAAAAAAAMYk/SBPP-iL9Pvk/s1600/IMG_2591.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fp0pIxWQxo/Ve5lhQSK-JI/AAAAAAAAMYk/SBPP-iL9Pvk/s320/IMG_2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view to the lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqtKOiDlJNk/Ve5lRNGZSWI/AAAAAAAAMYU/tzYe4KXz7y8/s1600/IMG_2586.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqtKOiDlJNk/Ve5lRNGZSWI/AAAAAAAAMYU/tzYe4KXz7y8/s320/IMG_2586.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky showing admirable restraint (or possibly indifference).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We made a late breakfast/early lunch and set up camp. Soon
after it started to rain. We took a short walk through the campground with Rocky in the rain. It is always fun to see other people's setups- we saw an interesting homemade camper.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-paMLHm8KO48/Ve5lzvxl5PI/AAAAAAAAMY0/epgW6mUaj6Q/s1600/IMG_2601.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-paMLHm8KO48/Ve5lzvxl5PI/AAAAAAAAMY0/epgW6mUaj6Q/s320/IMG_2601.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The owner of this camper was a wood carver.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We returned to the camper for naps and to wait out the rain. After the
rain, I collected some firewood and sawed it up for the night’s
campfire. We made dinner of leftovers, I cleaned up the dishes while
Kathy walked Rocky around the campground.<br />
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The evening stayed foggy and
chilly. We attended a talk on Ravens and Crows at the campground
amphitheater given by an earnest young park ranger. The talk was
engaging and interesting although we already knew most of the
information. The summary: crows and ravens are very smart.<br />
<br />
After the
talk we had a campfire, discussed the plans for the next few days and
retired to bed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3nrAtyccsU/Ve5lmHoc84I/AAAAAAAAMYs/NVPhI_X7qAY/s1600/IMG_2597.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3nrAtyccsU/Ve5lmHoc84I/AAAAAAAAMYs/NVPhI_X7qAY/s320/IMG_2597.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice campfire on a chilly evening.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
9/3/15<br />
It
rained overnight. We woke to a wet camp but blue skies and sunshine. We
could see the water of Lake Superior without fog for the first time in
Michigan. We decided to extend our stay at Twelve Mile Beach campground.
We made oatmeal for breakfast. We cleaned up and headed to the Chapel
Rock hike. The road to the trailhead was unexpectedly primitive- narrow, rough and muddy. We figured it would keep the riff-raff out but the parking lot at the trailhead contained a few cars as well as trucks. The road is undergoing improvement for obvious reasons. The hike turned out to be a serene and quiet walk mostly by ourselves,
through the woods to a beautiful beach. 6.5 miles round-trip, it took us
just under 3 hours with stops for photos and some time on the beach with a few other people. We
saw the Chapel Falls on the way in and Chapel Lake on the way back. It
was a great hike. There is a 4-mile extension around Mosquito Lake that we did not do but sounds very nice too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aA688p8jcUc/Ve7jDxjDQKI/AAAAAAAAMlI/36bbhdIxWkM/s1600/IMG_2619.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aA688p8jcUc/Ve7jDxjDQKI/AAAAAAAAMlI/36bbhdIxWkM/s320/IMG_2619.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A walk in the woods.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z86nvPkhPQs/Ve5mQivZqBI/AAAAAAAAMZM/lfNuI97lIRA/s1600/IMG_2613.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z86nvPkhPQs/Ve5mQivZqBI/AAAAAAAAMZM/lfNuI97lIRA/s320/IMG_2613.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferns covered the ground in the openings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dEmo7VXQwE/Ve5mBmdReTI/AAAAAAAAMY8/P5rbD_klWE0/s1600/IMG_2612.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dEmo7VXQwE/Ve5mBmdReTI/AAAAAAAAMY8/P5rbD_klWE0/s320/IMG_2612.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The soil was pure sand near the beach.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUCDavWZSk0/Ve5tXIMI0wI/AAAAAAAAMe0/MP2JWt0tLfA/s1600/IMG_5154.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUCDavWZSk0/Ve5tXIMI0wI/AAAAAAAAMe0/MP2JWt0tLfA/s320/IMG_5154.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream meets lake.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ybmSDBvDM/Ve5tfRtCy4I/AAAAAAAAMe8/IsGZrPxuE8M/s1600/IMG_5155.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ybmSDBvDM/Ve5tfRtCy4I/AAAAAAAAMe8/IsGZrPxuE8M/s320/IMG_5155.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stream flowing over rock to the lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDbEq82MimA/Ve7kEjiMK9I/AAAAAAAAMmA/B9QmcPoGYWA/s1600/IMG_5157.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gDbEq82MimA/Ve7kEjiMK9I/AAAAAAAAMmA/B9QmcPoGYWA/s320/IMG_5157.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Rock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmIHK_5wKi0/Ve5tL1TlNlI/AAAAAAAAMes/iI208MNURpE/s1600/IMG_5153.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmIHK_5wKi0/Ve5tL1TlNlI/AAAAAAAAMes/iI208MNURpE/s320/IMG_5153.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Chapel Rock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmIHK_5wKi0/Ve5tL1TlNlI/AAAAAAAAMes/iI208MNURpE/s1600/IMG_5153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtGsZ6uFE2U/Ve5twfHqlyI/AAAAAAAAMfE/UXg_9KDLCjQ/s1600/IMG_5158.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LtGsZ6uFE2U/Ve5twfHqlyI/AAAAAAAAMfE/UXg_9KDLCjQ/s320/IMG_5158.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chapel Lake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Since pets are not allowed on National Park trails,
Rocky had to wait in the truck. This was a source of some concern which overlayed our hike. We
were able to park in the shade, the camper further shades the cab and
with a foil cover over the open windows, it stayed comfortable for him.
I think there is a business opportunity for someone to dog-sit for National Park visitors.<br />
<br />
We drove to Munising to get some groceries and camping advice for the
trip west. We looked up Tom from <a href="http://roamauto.com/" target="_blank">Roam Auto</a> to meet him and get more camping advice. Tom is a successful entrepeneur and a founder of the <a href="http://www.upoverland.org/index.php?sid=b5c550fc895f1838a56fb5e92b0dd9d9" target="_blank">UP Overland Forum</a>,
where I had joined and solicited advice before we left. A very nice
guy- interrupted a busy day to chat and look at maps. After meeting Tom,
we went to Muldoon's for some pasties to have for dinner back at camp- best in the U.P. according to the
sign. We wouldn't argue.<br />
<br />
On the way back to camp, we stopped at Miners Rock overlook and
took some photos. Then back to camp for an excellent <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/27/yoopers-upper-peninsula-new-word_n_5042423.html" target="_blank">Yooper</a>
dinner of pasties and beer. A walk on the beach with Rocky, a beautiful
sunset and a nice campfire wound up the day. A top 10 day overall.
Tomorrow we head for Marquette.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ8X1M-tanM/Ve5maAH_KWI/AAAAAAAAMZU/erWcBEQ_Qqw/s1600/IMG_2637.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ8X1M-tanM/Ve5maAH_KWI/AAAAAAAAMZU/erWcBEQ_Qqw/s320/IMG_2637.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miner's Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypPZVFCUUvY/Ve5mh0n5MVI/AAAAAAAAMZc/nk3lCka8kbQ/s1600/IMG_2648.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ypPZVFCUUvY/Ve5mh0n5MVI/AAAAAAAAMZc/nk3lCka8kbQ/s320/IMG_2648.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yooper dinner- yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXwHOdBGQis/Ve5msG34D8I/AAAAAAAAMZk/9Qu2rNtf7Rc/s1600/IMG_2653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXwHOdBGQis/Ve5msG34D8I/AAAAAAAAMZk/9Qu2rNtf7Rc/s320/IMG_2653.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another fine sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkMnkKly-JY/Ve7jLIlggTI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/zULew5R8Dmk/s1600/IMG_2657.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HkMnkKly-JY/Ve7jLIlggTI/AAAAAAAAMlQ/zULew5R8Dmk/s320/IMG_2657.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twelvemile beach at sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAsP445eNrM/Ve5m5fWz-PI/AAAAAAAAMZs/RdUumpdU1-c/s1600/IMG_2666.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vAsP445eNrM/Ve5m5fWz-PI/AAAAAAAAMZs/RdUumpdU1-c/s320/IMG_2666.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The woods at sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88N5Jc8p8gc/Ve5reTdwKWI/AAAAAAAAMdc/eqfbnLxbAbM/s1600/IMG_5114.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-88N5Jc8p8gc/Ve5reTdwKWI/AAAAAAAAMdc/eqfbnLxbAbM/s320/IMG_5114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twelvemile beach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_MVxVjyJTQ/Ve5rjPN2X0I/AAAAAAAAMdk/IaEBzZ1Tjo4/s1600/IMG_5116.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_MVxVjyJTQ/Ve5rjPN2X0I/AAAAAAAAMdk/IaEBzZ1Tjo4/s320/IMG_5116.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canoe and folks watching the sunset.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2VVOYsrEFo/Ve5m_2li-YI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/2hgbfJgSakg/s1600/IMG_2667.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2VVOYsrEFo/Ve5m_2li-YI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/2hgbfJgSakg/s320/IMG_2667.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tranquility.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5792978002875737846.post-5122774512546565172015-09-11T11:29:00.005-05:002015-09-12T12:21:19.708-05:00Lake Superior Circle (Part 5)<br />
8/31/15<br />
We packed up and said our goodbyes. We left the beautiful cabin in the woods and drove to Sault Ste. Marie. It
was a cloudy, foggy drive. We had breakfast at Frank’s Family Restaurant
in Sault Ste Marie- recommended by Yelp. Lots of food- blueberry
pancakes for Kathy and a sausage scramble for me. We drove to the border
crossing and crossed with no problems but a bit of a backup due to
construction. The crossing took about a half hour. The morning was foggy
so I didn't take pics of the bridge or locks. We stopped for gas. We
also stopped at a Verizon shop we passed to cancel the international
phone service we had added for Canada. This was after failing to
navigate an impenetrable interface on the phone. We drove to <a href="http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=428" target="_blank">Tahquamenon Falls State Park </a>with a couple of stops for scenery. It was a nice drive
through the Hiawatha National Forest along the shore of Lake Superior.
We picked a nice campsite, registered and then went to visit the High
Falls before making camp. Tahquamenon Falls State Park has a <a href="http://www.tahquamenonfallsbrewery.com/" target="_blank">private brewery and pub</a> inside the park due to the existence of a private land
inholding and an enterprising owner. The brewery development was well done and made for a unique situation- hike to the falls and have a beer after. We set up camp
and made a dinner of leftovers. We hiked to the lower falls after dinner.
The next day we would head for Whitefish Point and then west along the
lake shore.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Py_yruF3HIw/Ve5itDGz5DI/AAAAAAAAMVs/9r-PlHN6_J8/s1600/IMG_2513.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Py_yruF3HIw/Ve5itDGz5DI/AAAAAAAAMVs/9r-PlHN6_J8/s320/IMG_2513.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tahquamenon Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4ZmLNHqv4U/Ve7iqXvbXjI/AAAAAAAAMkw/QoHU-qf3So8/s1600/IMG_2515.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i4ZmLNHqv4U/Ve7iqXvbXjI/AAAAAAAAMkw/QoHU-qf3So8/s320/IMG_2515.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcBC_UXB-Bw/Ve5i1JaVvEI/AAAAAAAAMV0/emls4D8W0CU/s1600/IMG_2518.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DcBC_UXB-Bw/Ve5i1JaVvEI/AAAAAAAAMV0/emls4D8W0CU/s320/IMG_2518.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign at the brewery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwSuls90mo/Ve5i8rY4TfI/AAAAAAAAMV8/5WpzYzuiLQ4/s1600/IMG_2534.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPwSuls90mo/Ve5i8rY4TfI/AAAAAAAAMV8/5WpzYzuiLQ4/s320/IMG_2534.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIMW739lsgA/Ve5jEguQVFI/AAAAAAAAMWE/IfI0crlko6s/s1600/IMG_2535.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIMW739lsgA/Ve5jEguQVFI/AAAAAAAAMWE/IfI0crlko6s/s320/IMG_2535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillin in camp.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
9/1/15<br />
It
was a nice morning. We had a cold breakfast with hot tea and broke
camp- on the road by 9 AM. We drove to Whitefish Point to the <a href="http://www.shipwreckmuseum.com/whitefishpoint" target="_blank">Lighthouse and Shipwreck Museum</a>
and arrived just as the museum opened.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD3sRWQa8D0/Ve5jqnhAXjI/AAAAAAAAMWs/s-JVI_bFf8E/s1600/IMG_2543.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UD3sRWQa8D0/Ve5jqnhAXjI/AAAAAAAAMWs/s-JVI_bFf8E/s320/IMG_2543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whitefish Point Light</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We had a very interesting visit
with knowledgeable and passionate tour guides. We learned about
shipwrecks on Lake Superior- over 550 known, surprisingly many from
collisions with other ships. We saw relics of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the
last significant wreck made famous by Gordon Lightfoot, and many
others. An early diving suit on display required two men to crank an air pump for the guy in the water and pull him out when he wanted out. Not sure I would jump in the lake with a big lead weight around my neck. The pump machine came with operating directions printed in the box cover.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFKE4-8sW78/Ve7itVJAG4I/AAAAAAAAMk4/Hh_zmIvok7E/s1600/IMG_2536.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFKE4-8sW78/Ve7itVJAG4I/AAAAAAAAMk4/Hh_zmIvok7E/s320/IMG_2536.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first diving suits.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZDYQ9xyM4U/Ve5jQxTSepI/AAAAAAAAMWM/7slVWufgnkw/s1600/IMG_2537.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZDYQ9xyM4U/Ve5jQxTSepI/AAAAAAAAMWM/7slVWufgnkw/s320/IMG_2537.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A modern diving suit used to recover artifacts from the Edmund Fitzgerald wreck.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mI5VFDURAs/Ve5jWZAmAxI/AAAAAAAAMWU/NFKuNMDfPbw/s1600/IMG_2538.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9mI5VFDURAs/Ve5jWZAmAxI/AAAAAAAAMWU/NFKuNMDfPbw/s320/IMG_2538.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Edmund Fitzgerald bell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Whitefish light was the first light on the lake and marked
the narrow entrance to Sault Ste. Marie. Whitefish Point is called the
"Graveyard of the Great Lakes," being where many ships collided in the
congestion. An impressive system was developed to watch for shipwrecks and rescue victims, which eventually became the U.S. Coast Guard. Extraordinary and dangerous rescues were routinely made. Over 55,000 lives were
saved and only 98 lost over
the life of the Whitefish facility. At one point, there were over 3000 ships
operating daily on the lake. Now the number is closer to 200. According
to Robert Carlson, a keeper who served at the light from 1903 to 1939,
it was lonely but honorable work- perhaps an understatement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAAKi20ylC8/Ve5jd8v3W4I/AAAAAAAAMWc/DxafYFKVuzY/s1600/IMG_2541.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAAKi20ylC8/Ve5jd8v3W4I/AAAAAAAAMWc/DxafYFKVuzY/s320/IMG_2541.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego model of the Edmund Fitzgerald- 12,000 lego pieces.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzzuiHcOW0E/Ve5jjhJpKkI/AAAAAAAAMWk/mORAhqDSBYg/s1600/IMG_2542.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QzzuiHcOW0E/Ve5jjhJpKkI/AAAAAAAAMWk/mORAhqDSBYg/s320/IMG_2542.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the lego model.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After
the Museum, our next stop was to be the campground at the mouth of the
Two-hearted River. The Two-hearted was made famous by an Ernest
Hemmingway short story (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Two-Hearted_River" target="_blank">The Big Two-hearted River</a>)
and is revered along with the Au Sable, another Michigan stream,
considered the holy water by the founders of Trout Unlimited.<br />
<br />
The day
was warming up fast and it was very muggy. We wanted to explore and get
off the highway. Looking at our maps, we devised a route through the
undeveloped woods and plain west of Whitefish Point. We
expected to encounter sand and backwoods trails. We did not anticipate the depth of the sand
or the profusion of ATV and snowmobile routes that were not located on
our maps. We were turned back from the coast road by deep sand- being alone and not yet confident of our trucks capability in sand. We headed inland. We did have GPS so we always knew where we were but the maps
were relatively useless. The maze of roads went in every direction and
did not match our maps. We quickly got lost, even though the GPS kept us
located on the ground and we knew where we were. With the help of the
GPS and compass, we selected trails that led generally the direction we
wanted to go. Eventually we were able to figure out a way out of the
maze, after driving some very narrow and challenging trails. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tH-1zhrCdc/Ve5j0mmD6dI/AAAAAAAAMW0/wWDoo96tO5o/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tH-1zhrCdc/Ve5j0mmD6dI/AAAAAAAAMW0/wWDoo96tO5o/s320/IMG_2545.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out for adventure from Whitefish Point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Tacoma performed well in the deep
sand and we did not get stuck. We had to cross some deep washouts
and shallow water pockets, bouncing off the skid
plate at least once. Kathy was a champion navigator and didn’t yell
at me too much. I didn’t yell at her too much either. We worked as a
team. At one point we flushed a small flock of sandhill cranes right in front of us- that was
cool. Unfortunately, once we got lost, I was so focused on the driving and map-reading
that I didn't take any photos. And at one point after a big bump, the computer crashed, wiping out our GPS track of where we had been. There was a moment of panic until we got the computer booted up again and found the GPS still worked. So I can't go back over the maps to see where we went. I know we made some circles but I don't have to admit to them now. Old lesson learned again- always have tested and trusted maps. You can't rely on technology.<br />
<br />
The challenging day was not over yet.<br />
<br />
Eventually
we emerged from the woods into a flat landscape that had burned some
years earlier, had been clearcut and now was mostly ferns with the odd dead
tree left standing (<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153--279543--,00.html" target="_blank">2012 Duck Lake fire- 21,000 acres, 3rd largest in Michigan history</a>). We had never seen a landscape like it. There was very little regeneration after 3 years but there might be good news for the endangered <a href="http://www.huronpines.org/editors.asp?pjt=nv&nid=121&gid=6" target="_blank">Kirtland's Warbler</a>.
You can follow the link if you are interested to know more.<br />
<br />
We found the Two-hearted River and the campground. Unfortunately, the campground was full- very disheartening after our challenging morning. It
was hot and humid and after the mornings adventure we were tired and running short of patience. We located some alternate campgrounds on our map and
went in search of a place to spend the night. We rejected several
campgrounds (including Muskelunge State Park) as not meeting our
standards, eventually settling on the pleasant Lake Superior State Forest Campground on
the shore of Lake Superior.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpwR6tjamJw/Ve5j8qYehJI/AAAAAAAAMW8/L2_-UDHNjII/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpwR6tjamJw/Ve5j8qYehJI/AAAAAAAAMW8/L2_-UDHNjII/s320/IMG_2547.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Lake fire landscape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgzvN6t9pNI/Ve5kCoavIwI/AAAAAAAAMXE/hYp79Dp6ojQ/s1600/IMG_2548.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgzvN6t9pNI/Ve5kCoavIwI/AAAAAAAAMXE/hYp79Dp6ojQ/s320/IMG_2548.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of a barren wasteland. But that might end up being good for the Kirtland's warbler (see the link above).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLDoy4UyAjo/Ve5kOcsQrKI/AAAAAAAAMXM/oKOoiVdpoQ4/s1600/IMG_2550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GLDoy4UyAjo/Ve5kOcsQrKI/AAAAAAAAMXM/oKOoiVdpoQ4/s320/IMG_2550.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-hearted River.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FcHb_QY8g4/Ve5kTd6gCGI/AAAAAAAAMXU/VQf5ItCNR30/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3FcHb_QY8g4/Ve5kTd6gCGI/AAAAAAAAMXU/VQf5ItCNR30/s320/IMG_2553.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the big lake from the state forest campground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The
campground was mostly full but we found a nice site on the shore with
one neighbor- a lady who looked like she was just stopping for a short
while- no tent or camping equipment was visible. Biting flies were
buzzing about but we thought they would likely leave as the sun set. We
settled in and prepared to make dinner- a chicken and vegetable stir
fry. In short order the lady came over to inform me that she had stopped
briefly on a road trip, had lost a cat out of her car and was waiting
for it to return so she could continue her journey. It turns out she had
been waiting for 4 days so far!<br />
<br />
The cat lady, as she came to be known, also explained that she would be
calling the cats name periodically day and night. We commiserated with
her and went about making our dinner, suspecting the cat would not
likely be returning. We were startled a couple of times, with the cat
lady loudly shouting her cat's name. “HERE SUNNY! HERE
SUNNY!” I HEAR YOU SUNNY! COME SUNNY!” We ate dinner and Kathy offered
our neighbor some leftovers, not knowing if she had food. She turned down the food but latched on to Kathy in
a one-sided conversation. Kathy eventually extricated herself and
returned to our campsite. Soon the lady came over, sat down at our
picnic table and started to tell stories. She talked non-stop and the
stories did not follow a course. It didn't seem to matter if we were listening or not- something about being a federal agent
in Washington D.C. and other tales. We began to suspect the missing cat
might be imaginary. Then she excused herself to take an imaginary call
on her cell phone. We figured we had better make plans to pack up. Sleep
in this camp was not likely.<br />
<br />
While the cat lady was engrossed in
her imaginary cell phone call, another camper stopped by and told us she had bothered
several campers and the authorities had been called and had spoken to
the woman but had not done anything more. Other campers had simply left
the campground. It was beginning to be clear why our site had been open.<br />
<br />
The cell phone call was done. Again, loudly, “HERE SUNNY! HERE
SUNNY!” I HEAR YOU SUNNY! COME SUNNY!” There were no other vacant sites in the campground so we made a
difficult decision to pack up and leave at 7:30 PM. Some other pleasant
campers- local people- advised us of a town campground in Grand
Marais that usually had space, so we resolved to drive there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSkqrUU8o5E/Ve5lE9T-5II/AAAAAAAAMYM/ja5IgCG8IoI/s1600/IMG_2585.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSkqrUU8o5E/Ve5lE9T-5II/AAAAAAAAMYM/ja5IgCG8IoI/s320/IMG_2585.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky: "Are we there yet?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We arrived
at Woodland Park as it was getting dark. There was no one in the office
but a sign with a supply of maps of the campground explained the usual
self-registration process. We could take any vacant site. Fees were $40
per night for full hookups, $30 for electricity only and $20 for
“primitive sites” (no water, no sewer and no electricity- basically a
parking spot). The campground was full of large RVs and trailers, most
looked like long term residents. We couldn’t find any primitive sites.<br />
<br />
Some friendly campers making s’mores with the biggest marshmallows I had
ever seen- like baseballs- pointed us to a small area alongside the road under a
streetlight. No site numbers were visible but it was late and we
proceeded to set up. A fellow parked down the way a bit came over and
pointed out a sign we had not seen saying all the primitive sites were
closed because the road adjacent was going to be paved in the morning.
He was from Iowa on his way to Petosky, MI. He said he was in the same
boat as us and was going to stay put and leave early. We decided to do
the same.<br />
<br />
We discovered that showers were not included in the $20 fee-
$2 extra- quarters required. The showers were not particularly clean- we
passed. Besides, we didn't have any quarters. The night cooled off nicely and we had a good but short sleep.
Once again- no photos. Just as well- the next day promised to be better. We would reach Pictured Rocks National Park.<br />
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