After the cool spring, summer hit with a vengeance on July 1. The Corvette and crew left for the North Shore shortly after 9 Saturday morning for a pleasant and uneventful journey. Fortunately, we didn't need a break along the way, because all rest stops were closed due to the Minnesota state government shutdown. Highway 23 out of Askov was as beautiful as ever, only a little more traveled than usual on this double holiday weekend, including both Canada Day and the Fourth of July.
We stopped at Grandma's for lunch and split a walleye sandwich. Canal Park was already sweltering and for the first time in many visits I didn't need a jacket by the water. We glided through Gitch-Gammi Park outside Duluth, packed with holiday picnickers and visitors. I was surprised to check into our room shortly after 2 -- we usually have to wait at least an hour when we arrive so early. Although I was somewhat deflated to see our rather barebones room (122-1) on the first floor, with only the slightest view of the lake a few hundred yard away, the location was, in fact ideal.
We headed to the outdoor pool almost immediately and spent the rest of the afternoon in the water. By the time we got back to our room, a bride and groom were walking across the little bridge from the beach to their reception. Nathan and Lindsey had 60-70 guests who were fun to watch throughout the afternoon and evening. At around 7, the bridal couple left their reception for photographs on the beach. Lindsey was a very determined bride. systematically staging every possible pose. At one point I thought she would wade into the lake in her dress, but she seemed satisfied with a couple of photos seated on the beach with her new husband, who seemed somewhat less enthusiastic than she with the multitude of photo ops. The newlyweds even stopped to pet a beautiful little puppy walking on the beach, a truly spontaneous and exuberant encounter.
Our dinner at the hotel's Kamloops restaurant was, at best, mediocre. Unfortunately, a quick drive into Two Harbors led us to the town's great Dairy Queen where we succumbed to the temptation of a blizzard (Bob) and cone (me). We both had an early bedtime: "a good thing" because Bob was like a little kid in the morning, ready for an early start.
I felt as though I was on a bus tour when I returned from the beach, where I took a few pictures shortly after dawn. I had hoped for a morning swim but daylight was already burning in Bob's mind and there was no time for my own ablutions, as Bob was already showered and packed. We were the first to check out at about 8 AM.
We drove up the shore to Gooseberry Falls where we had to park on the side of the road, because all state parks are closed until the shutdown ends. The visit was fortuitous, though, because we walked to the upper falls which we haven't visited for many years, since we usually walk down the hill to the lower falls. The wildflowers were in full bloom and the chilly spray from the falls blew lightly over us. Only a few people were in the park and the quiet was majestic and almost spiritual.
Our trip home was easy, with little traffic. This was one of our most enjoyable visits to the beautiful North Shore.
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